Best wedding vendors based in Polk County

It is so rewarding to be recognized for doing what you love to do, and working hard at it! This article in The Ledger newspaper was such a nice surprise. We are extremely flattered to be one of the five companies listed!

Today's brides agree: five Polk County wedding vendors are among the best to use if you're getting married on Florida's west coast.

The Knot, a one-stop online resource for wedding planning, http://www.theknot.com/, asked thousands of recent Florida brides to rate their vendors for its Best of Weddings 2010.
Lake Ashton, a gated community spanning Lake Wales and Winter Haven, ranked as one of the top wedding reception sites, alongside Don Cesar Beach Resort in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Marriott Waterside.

Robyn Lynne, the Lakeland bridal and formalwear shop, was listed for bridal salons; and Flowers by Edith, also in Lakeland, was listed for wedding florists. Entertaining Designers and Olivier Events, both also based in Lakeland, were mentioned for wedding planners.

Tricia Adams, director of activities and community relations for Lake Ashton, said being recognized by The Knot is a huge honor and does a lot to boost reputation.
"The Knot is the ultimate resource that brides are looking at for everything about their weddings," Adams said. "It enhances our image."

Frannie Ambrose, Lake Ashton's banquet manager, works closely with bridal parties. She said they are attracted to the setting, customized menus and the Grand Ballroom. "When I meet with the bride, I give my word that everything is going to be perfect," Ambrose said. "I treat it as if it were my own daughter's wedding and I attend each and every wedding." Despite its lack of advertising, Lake Ashton hosts an average of 20 weddings each year, Ambrose said.

Vicki Waymyre, owner of Flowers by Edith, said she was blown away by the honor of being included on The Knot's list. "We just felt very honored to be listed because we've worked very hard to build our business," Waymyre said. She added that it was even more special because the business was the only florist listed from Lakeland. "A bride wants that," Waymyre said. "She wants to know she can have confidence in the person providing the flowers for her wedding."

No one from the other Polk businesses named on the site was available for comment Thursday.

The Knot's Best of Weddings 2010 list was published in the July edition of its monthly magazine and is also available on its website,. The complete poll results cover bridal salons, wedding cake bakers, caterers, DJs, bands, florists, photographers, videographers and transportation companies.

Read full article HERE.