Joie de Vie Weddings & Events
Windermere, FL 34786
(map) Phone: (407)296-4008 Hours: Monday - Thursday 10AM - 6PM
Friday 10AM - 3PM
Making Your Event An Unforgettable One!
Meaning "joy of life," Joie de Vie celebrates the richness of your culture, authentically honors your spiritual traditions, and embraces you as an individual. Our refreshing approach reacquaints couples to the delight, anticipation and joy of planning an unforgettable event.
Reviews for Joie de Vie Weddings & Events
STAY AWAY!!! Unless you want to have to call this woman into court to get your money back, please find someone else.
Kerline Docteur has a reputation for being professional, so we didn’t think we would’ve had a problem with her. But, she was way too busy to return my calls when I needed her; although we paid close to $200 extra just for the convenience of contacting her. And she still had the nerve to remind us that we were not her only client when she finally did call back! To top it off she never really had an answer for my questions, she would just redirect me to the internet to find the answers (which I shouldn’t have had to pay someone $200 bucks just for that).
The 2 hour consulting section, as listed in her contract, lasted one hour and 30 minutes, per my calculation. She had nothing prepared for our meeting, and the whole meeting was about her teaching me how to surf wedding websites to get ideas, (which again, I had already done a thousand times on my own) and she kept insisting that I need to opt for her more expensive planner packages. Nothing productive was accomplished, to say the least. At this point I had less than six months to go for my wedding and had no idea exactly what we hired this woman for.
We also paid Miss Kerline close to $300 for a vendors list which she handwrote while we sat there at the meeting, (the list ended up being useless since we couldn’t fit any of those vendors into our budget, which she knew about. We were paying her while having to surf the net for affordable vendors.
When we told her that we weren’t going to continue with her services or lack there of, she refused to give us back any of the moneys or installment payments we had made for months in. It wasn’t until we got to the Courthouse that she admitted not to having earned any of the money, but only agreed to pay us some of it back with court costs.
Overall she is not a nice person to work with. She rolls her eyes and twitches her lips, making every conversation an uncomfortable one. I don’t think she’s in the right business to begin with. She doesn’t seem to understand the sentimental value associated with planning someone’s wedding.
Vendor response to review
We thank you for taking the time to post a review. Despite our legal right to enforce our contract, we've opted to not entertain your failed attempt slander our company and our brand.
With over seventy satisfied brides, our professionalism and excellent service speaks for itself.
Wishing you nothing but the best in your marriage.
My husband and I are overjoyed at how beautiful our wedding day went. Our coordinator did an outstanding job. She was very involved and hands on and was always had our best interest at heart. She truly made our event an unforgettable one as her mission statement commands. She was very thorough organized timely professional and precise. We would recommend her to anyone. We pray that her business is blessed beyond belief.
Kerline is AMAZING!! We didn't have much to work with but she was able to get us a wedding that looked like we spent a fortune- it was the most classiest event we could ever imagine and all of our guests kept asking how we were able to throw such an elegant wedding (complete with filet mignon and lobster on a revolving rooftop, by the way). Kerline was there every step of the way and the one thing we valued so much was having NOTHING to worry about the day of our wedding. We were able to enjoy ourselves the way we were supposed to without wondering if something was going to go wrong. We love that woman!
Kerline is sent from above. I was stressed out about our large Caribbean wedding, then I saw the Joie De Vie light! Professionalism is truly an under statement when one describes Kerline's work. I look at the pictures and want to do it all over again; our one year anniversary is right around the corner, and it is due to this wonderful person. Kerline's price is very reasonable, actually a little low in my opinion for the 150% that she gives. Her vendor list, creativity and eye for detail is hard to find; her time and work is worth so much more. I have told all my family and friends that Kerline's wedding planning will be my wedding gift; I just know a wedding is not the best if its not done by her. I will be calling her for baby showers and all of life's special moments; she is more than a planner, she is now a good friend. I truly know Kerline's work is hard to find. I am a very picky person and I can not say one bad thing about Kerline's work. I am speechless, she is truly the best of the best. I know one day her work will be in upscale magazines and her planning will be done for the elite; she makes you feel like royalty.
About Joie de Vie Weddings & Events
Meaning "joy of life," Joie de Vie celebrates the richness of your culture, authentically honors your spiritual traditions, and embraces you as an individual. Our refreshing approach reacquaints couples to the delight, anticipation and joy of planning an unforgettable event.
Blog: Joie de Vie Weddings & Events
Wedding Professional Wednesday: Carrie Wildes Photography
Name: Carrie WildesName of your Company: Carrie Wildes Photography
Location: Tampa, FL
Number of Years in Business: technically almost 2:-)
Website: www.carriewildes.com
Blog Address: http://www.carriewildesphoto.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Tampa-FL/Carrie-Wildes-Photography/9138998010?ref=ts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/carriewildes
Tell us a little about your business and the services you offer:
Our style is always evolving, and can be described as a mix of fashion and photojournalism. Our 2 main objectives are equal: 1. Creating amazing images and 2. Giving each client the best experience and custom service possible. We offer custom wedding packages that can include 2 photographers, albums, canvas prints etc, as well as intimate boutique coverage to allow for the same creative work for a smaller setting.
How did you get started in the Wedding Industry?
6 years ago I went on a mission trip to the Philippines and became kind of the "group photographer" after that I feel in love with capturing the beauty and heart of people. Some of my friends really encouraged me to do it more so I started working with a photography company in Chicago and got into doing weddings and loved it. When we moved to Tampa about 2 years ago I decided to put it out there and see where it went and it totally took off! I'm so blessed to have found what I love and be able to use the talent that God gave me.
What professional/industry organizations are you a member of?
National Association of Catering Executives, Professional Photographers of America, Tampa Chamber of Commerce
Any industry awards or recognition? Wedding Wire Top Rated Vendor. We also have two weddings airing on two networks next year on MTV (airing on January 18, 2010) and WE TV (airing in April of 2010)!
Furthest place and/or interesting place you’ve travelled to while working on a wedding assignment?
So far Jamaica which was amazing!!! Next year Playa Del Carmen for a wedding and Trash the Dress session in the caves on the ocean.
The craziest thing you’ve ever done to get “THE SHOT”?
Two places come to mind, wading in a alligator infested pond, and climbing on top of a van.
What is your signature shot?
In other words if someone saw a particular shot they would immediately relate it to your company: Well there isn't really one shot I do the same at each wedding. The best way I can describe it is that my goal is to capture amazing images that are beautiful on their own but also ones that can tell a story when they are laid out side by side or in an album.
What are a few suggestions you would make to couples as they are selecting a photographer/photojournalist for their wedding?
I always tell brides the most important thing is that they really connect with their photographer and love their work. The photographer is going to be there from before the bride has her dress on until the party is winding down and it's so important for the couple to feel comfortable with that person and trust that their guests will as well.
Your thoughts on ‘first look’ photos or bride and groom photos prior to the ceremony?
I really enjoy doing "first look" photos because you capture the first time a bride and groom sees each other in private and they actually have a few minutes to react and live in that moment. It's most likely the only time they will have by themselves until they leave for the honeymoon:-)
Your thoughts on the importance of a coordinator in the vendor team dynamic?
Having a good coordinator is a crucial part of the success of a couple's wedding day. If a couple doesn't have one I always explain the importance of having a professional coordinator for at minimum, day of. The coordinator is the one who works with all the vendors and details so the bride and groom can enjoy their special day. I have my own business, but at each wedding I work with the other vendors as a team and the coordinator is the point person that makes it happen and brings everything together so make it a success.
Something you would like to see couples do more of with their wedding photography?
Allow for more time between the ceremony and reception for pictures of them because this is the happiest point and my favorite part to photograph, right after the wedding they just got married and are so happy!
What are a few trends and innovations you have seen in the industry?
Lighting and draping has really started to get more popular and it really creates an ambiance and unique feel to the reception. I see brides now really want to create something that is unique and are adding things like expresso bar or photobooth as well.
Are you a blog reader? If so, what are your three favorite blogs besides the Joie de Vie blog?
Of course Joie de Vie:-) I blog a lot myself and also try to keep up with others, especially photographers because that is where I get inspiration from when I need some creativity! Here's the 3 I have been watching lately: Kiss The Groom, Skog As In Vogue and the Ben Chrisman Blog.
If you weren't a working in this industry, what field would you be in instead? Why?
I would probably still be in the corporate world traveling and consulting like I was doing before getting into photography. Although, if I could choose any job I would love to host "World's Best" on the travel channel.
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
I have an engineering degree from Purdue University and prior to photography I was an Industrial Engineer for 6 years doing different things from logistics to internal consulting. It's funny because people usually do a double take when I tell them that:-)
Any hobbies or pastimes?
My favorite things to do are outside, so I'm so glad we moved from Chicago to Tampa! Water Skiing, wakeboarding, running - and my latest thing is training for the Disney Marathon coming up Jan 10th!
Describe yourself or your services in four (4 words or less): Passionate, Creative, Calm, Detailed
As an Orlando based wedding and event planner, we love having the opportunity to refer the Joie de Vie Weddings & Events clients to photographers like Carrie. Carrie is definitely passionate, creative, amazingly calm and always paying attention to the details. Details are what make coordinators like myself happy when Carrie is working on a wedding. As a bride you've taken months to have the details that make your day stand out be certain to interview photographers like Carrie Wildes Photography for your wedding day.
Until next time,
© 2005 - 2009 Joie de Vie Weddings & Events, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Engagement Shoot: Valerie & Casey
I am looking forward to our wedding this weekend with this lively couple. Valerie and Casey are fun, loving and hilariously funny. Their families are the sweetest people in the world and I'm looking forward to this weekend. Tommy Murphy (Greenery Productions) recommended our services to this lovely couple as they finalized the fabulous details for their wedding day. Valerie & her future Mother-In-Law (Mama Aris as Valerie affectionately calls her) planned many of the beautiful details.
I was privileged to get a sneak peek of Valerie's gown yesterday and all I can say is BREATHTAKING!
All of the engagement photos that were captured by Erica D'Antona of Erica D Photography.
These are their babies! And believe me when I say they are spoiled rotten. If you have pets, this is a great way to incorporate them into your wedding day. Make them a part of your engagement photos or have them brought over on wedding day for a formal photo if your venue permits it.
Until next time,
© 2005 - 2009 Joie de Vie Weddings & Events, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. All Images used with permission from Erica D Photography©
Wedding Professional Wednesday: Cheryl Andrews - Cheryl's Distinctive Creations
I am happy to introduce you to Cheryl Andrews, our featured vendor for our Wedding Professional Wednesday series. I've know Cheryl for a few years and I she is one of our great florists in the Central Florida area. Cheryl is well respected in the Wedding Professional Community and is always lending her designs and talents to many of our great events in the area. Whether its traditional, contemporary, 'Green' or bohemian chic, Cheryl and her team can always give you florals that will stand out and become part of the lasting memories of your wedding day. We are happy to share with you our Q&A with Cheryl.
Name: Cheryl Andrews
Name of your Company: Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations, Inc.
Location: 1001 S. Division Avenue, Orlando, FL 32805 (Mailing: P.O. Box 568907, Orlando, FL 32856-8907)
Number of Years in Business: 16 years, I’ve been in the industry for 25 years
Website: www.cherylsdistinctivecreations.com
Blog Address: haven’t started blogging yet, but it’s under consideration
Twitter and/or facebook fan page: Facebook fan page
Tell us a little about your business and the services you offer:
We are a full service floral design company, specializing in events and weddings. Attention to detail and service, service, service are the number one priority of our certified floral designers and staff. Established in 1995 Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations provides peace of mind, giving our clients confidence that the job will be done right. We have been a part of many award winning productions throughout the country and constantly strive to stay ahead of the curve in design trends through education, networking, and providing a broad range of services.
How did you get started in the Wedding Industry?
I left a job after nine (9) years having developed the floral design department of this company single handedly to strike out on my own and began wedding floral design at my in-home studio. Through word of mouth the business has grown steadily to the thriving sought after company that we are today.
What professional organizations or networking groups are you a member of?
ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants), NACE (National Association of Catering Executives), charter member of ISES Orlando (International Special Events Society), Central Florida Florists Association (CFFA – sit on the Board of Directors) and Florida State Florists Association (FSFA)
Any industry awards or recognition?
CFFA Designer of the Year 2008, 3rd Place in FSFA Designer of the Year competition for 2009
Winner of FSFA Master Designer Tabletop Design Competition for 2008 and 2009
FSMD (Florida State Master Designer) certification 2004
ISES Esprit Award 2004 for Best Event Team Effort.
Furthest place and/or interesting place you’ve travelled to while working on a wedding assignment?
This summer we travelled to Hammock Dune (Palm Coast) for a wedding at this exclusive resort community. In 2006 we travelled to Paradise Island for a 6 day event at Atlantis Resort for a corporate event. We travel to Tampa on a regular basis for weddings and corporate events as well as Jacksonville, Palm Coast and South Florida.
What are a few suggestions you would make to couples as they are selecting a florist/floral designer for their wedding?
While price is always a high priority sometimes a low price on wedding quotations can come with a high price for the end result. I suggest that couples look for a certified designer who has longevity in the industry and can provide a consistent level of service to ensure there are no worries on your wedding day. Deal with a vendor that has been recommended by friends and/or colleagues that have provided good service and quality product.
What are a few trends and innovations you have seen in the industry?
“Traditional” weddings don’t really exist anymore, each couple should be able to get what reflects their desires and style for both ceremony and reception. There are so many new elemental products on the market these days to accomplish the trend of minimalist design for the hip, young and sophisticated couples of today such as rhinestones, crystals, diamantes, and wire just to name a few.
What are some of your favorite "reads" for all things floral?
I am an avid subscriber to industry magazines like Brides and Blooms, Flowers &, Fusion Flowers, Florists Review, and various bridal magazines.
If you weren't a working in this industry, what field would you be in instead? Why?
I think I would work as an interior designer. The creativity of putting together designs whether for the home or office through the use of colors, texture and other elements to marry a space with the client’s vision is a wide open door. Your success is directly measurable by the client’s satisfaction with the end product.
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
When I have a quiet moment and nothing else to do I love to draw and I’m a bit of a dare devil; i.e., sky diving.
When not working on a wedding, what are your favorite pastimes?
Rest and relaxation on the beach or a remote island, music and design.
As you are planning your wedding, remember the importance of florals and decor. A great florist will make suggestions that will help to make your day a wonderful and memorable moment. Consider Cheryl's Distinctive Creations for your florals.
Until next time,
© 2005 - 2009 Joie de Vie Weddings & Events, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Real Wedding: Leslie & Joe August 23, 2009
This is going to sound rather cliché but we truly love our brides and grooms. It is always an honor to work with the couples as they plan the details for their wedding day. In the 7 months of planning with this couple, it was truly a great time of learning about both of them, their love for one another and the close & wonderful relationship they have with their families. They wanted to ensure that the day reflected that love and hope they shared. From the onset the couple set a few rules for their engagement experience:
1. Their faith was very important. They are active in their church and wanted to make sure they had time to participate in premarital counseling, church activities and deepening their faith.
2. No wedding planning during the weekend. They wanted to keep their weekends to do 'couple' activities that would continue to build onto the foundation they were building for their marriage. I loved it! Joe is an avid jet skier, so there were many times I would hear of them heading off to the beach or the lake.
3. They wanted a wedding coordinator to help them focus on the important details and take care of the planning so that their day to day activities would be minimally effected by the wedding planning...in comes Joie de Vie!
Both Joe and Leslie are very busy professionals. Joe is a local attorney with his own firm and Leslie works for a leading engineering firm. They wanted us to help them focus on the details that would become a fun, memorable and romantic day. The ceremony and reception were held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. Although heavy rain did not allow the opportunity to have any formal photos outside, the day was beautiful and everyone enjoyed themeselves. Here are a few photos from their photographer, Frank Figueroa of Franks Photography. The couple looked fabulous and the day was truly spectacular.
The bridal bouquet.
Details, details, details! I loved her shoes, and the Swarovski crystal jewelry. These lovely shoes have a 3.5" heel that the bride graciously wore the entire evening!
The couple exchanged vows under a simple yet beautiful chuppah. The beautiful florals, from Greenery Productions, was a great anchor for the ceremony altar. They incorporated a beautiful Hispanic tradition into their ceremony. Joe's aunts (who came in from Puerto Rico) presented the couple with a beautiful crystal and gold lasso from Puerto Rico. The lasso looked like a rosary and had two loops that could be placed over the couple. The lasso was placed over them as a sign of their true love and it also symbolized their uniting forever in a permanent and loving marriage.
I loved the fact that Leslie had each girl select a dress that fit their personality and style.
This cake! OH MY!! The bride's aunt gave her this cake as a wedding gift. Leslie's aunt is a cake baker that caters to the Hispanic community. She makes authentic Dominican Wedding cakes. Leslie and I visited her one evening design this beautiful cake. When we arrived at her home she was making sugar flowers, I was a fan instantly.
Leslie's stylist had her hair half up and down for the ceremony. For the reception with the removal of a few pins and moving her feather hairpiece up, Leslie had a new style.
First dance.
The wedding day is always a success because of the fabulous event team of professionals. I have to give a special thank you to all of them for their commitment to making this event a success. Our event team:
Planning & Coordination Joie De Vie Weddings & Events (Kerline Docteur) 407-206-4008. A special thank you to my assistants for the day, Arlene & Evelyn. The two of them ensured that all of our details were executed flawlessly.
Officiant Bill Mcintosh (Church in The Sun) 407-284-9456
Ceremony & Reception: Rosen Plaza Hotel - Robin Simmons 407-996-0254. Robin and her staff were fabulous. The Rosen Plaza provides so many options for couples planning their weddings. The uplighting was done in-house by PSAV.
FloristGreenery Productions (Tommy Murphy) 407-363-9151 X308. Tommy and his team at Greenery always give the client far more than they expected. Leslie's wedding was no exception.
Linens: BBJ Linen (Mike Cruz) 857-6566.
Cake Margarita's Cakes 407-350-3054. If you are looking for traditional Dominican cakes, Margarita's is your best contact. Fabulous designs with traditional recipes.
Entertainment Select Style Entertainment (Shawn Fernandes) 786-271-9017
Ceremony Keyboardist Edward Zapata 407-433-8994
Photography/Videography: Franks Photography (Frank Figueroa) 407-592-9217
Make-Up Leandra Montes (M.A.C. Cosmetics) 407-591-2145
Hair Ramona 407-301-7880
We wish Leslie and Joe nothing but the best in the future. There wedding was fabulous and all had a good time!
Until next time,
© 2005 - 2009 Joie de Vie Weddings & Events, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. All photos used with permssion from Franks Photography© .
Find More Orlando Honeymoon Vendors Like This
