Blog – Jax Mustang – Vintage 1966 Ford Mustang in North Florida

Vendor Feature: Sweets By Staci

I’ve worked with Staci Glover of Sweets by Staci FOREVER, like since before she became an official cake baker. I don’t even know how we became friends but we’ve always just BEEN in each other’s DMs and she’s the kind of person that every time you see her you’re going to have a good laugh and it’s like time means nothing.

When did you open? Officially in 2015

What made you decide to do cakes? I tried to order a cake for my son’s first birthday from a local grocery store. I hated that I couldn’t customize it, so I decided to do it myself. From that first birthday to now, I’ve made all of his birthday cakes and all my other kiddos too. I come from a family of bakers so I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.

What is your favorite cake flavor combination? Lemon everything! The cake, filling and icing!

What is one of your favorite venues for couples on a budget? San Marco Preservation Hall and Five Points Chapel

What is one of your favorite venues for couples when money isn’t an issue? Chandler Oaks Barn or Cottonwood Ranch

If you were going to elope or do a vow renewal in Jax where would you do it? I honestly have no idea. My husband and I have very different tastes so it would have to be a blend of romantic/laid back and industrial.

What is your favorite part of a wedding? The music and the food

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever seen happen at a wedding? I love seeing vintage cars put into the mix for unique arrivals and send-offs. I also saw Santa deliver Chick-Fil-A sandwiches during a Christmas wedding which was pretty cool.

Where do you love to go for lunch around town? I’m always down for Hovan or European Street.

For those of us with kids, where’s your favorite place to go to hang out? Any nature trails or parks are a plus!

When you have family in town where do you take them/what do you do? We always go to St. Augustine and do a fun picnic at the fort or we go to Talbot Island or Peter’s Point. I also like to take them to any of the small businesses around town for lunch or dinner. My newest favorite is Mariana’s Grinds.

How to get ahold of Sweets By Staci:

Website: www.Sweetsbystaci.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetsbyStaci/

IG: @sweetsbystaci

Headshots by Christy Whitehead Photography

LGBTQ+ Friendly Weddings — Jacksonville, Fl Vendor Spotlight

I’m always amazed and heartbroken that couples have to ask their vendors whether they are gay/same sex friendly. But there’s a new company in Jacksonville that is all about putting LGBTQ+ couples together with vendors who not only do same sex weddings, but actually care.

Meet Jenn an Randi Green, of Safe Spaces Weddings, which opened in March of this year. I recently got them to open about their business, what they do and some other stuff.

Jenn & Randi Green, owners of Safe Spaces Weddings

Tell me a little bit about your business:

Jenn is an ordained minister and officiates weddings. Additionally we coach & certify businesses to be Safe Spaces and add them to our portfolio to help couples plan their dream wedding without discrimination.

How did you get interested in this line of work?

Happenstance! Jenn needed a new ministry after leaving church work in January.

What is something about your business that sets you apart?

We are a non profit looking to make peoples dreams come true and make our community a Safer Space for all people. Additionally, Jenn offers premarital meetings so your wedding is personalized and unique to each couple and their love story.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Randi would say “don’t eat yellow snow” lol, but in relation to our wedding it was: “do what makes you happy- it’s your day, no one else’s.” and we pass that on to our couples.

Speaking of things that make you happy, let’s talk fun stuff!

What’s the best place to get a…

Burger: Our house! Randi makes the burgers perfectly medium rare with blue cheese and Jenn makes balsamic onions to put on them. They’re the bomb! But if you don’t want to come to a stranger’s house: Randi likes BurgerFi and unfortunately Jenn only orders burgers out at McDonald’s!

Pizza: We like Al’s and V Pizza- they both have a crust isn’t too thick or too thin, & they have just right level of chewiness.

Chinese: Our house! We haven’t found a consistently good place near us to order from so we bought a wok and have been perfecting our favorites. Seriously though we love Ramen from Crane & Hangar Bay!

Sushi: Sake House on 3^rd St hands down!

Italian: Catullo’s hands down!

Mexican: Not to be obnoxious, but again our house! Jenn grew up in Tucson, which is close to Mexico so she learned how to make authentic Mexican food which is hard to find here. However, Pepe’s Hacienda is a hole in the wall Mexican store/restaurant that is delicious- just be prepared you’ll be drinking out of red plastic coke cups at dinner tables. For a fancier texmex experience we love Taco Lu, Cantina Laredo, and Flying Iguana.

A drink: There are so many places for that! We love Royal Palm, The Chop House Rooftop, Bibi’s, Riverside Liquors, The Local…really any place that has champagne for Jenn & Vodka soda for Randi!

Ice Cream/dessert: We’re not huge ice cream/dessert people, but we used to love O’Hana shaved ice when it was open & the desserts at Biscotti’s are to die for!

When family is in town, where do you take them to entertain them? The beach & the shops in Neptune Beach (We love Bali & The Red Daisy & the book store that’s right there) or to St. Augustine.

Now tell me some fun stuff about yourself, what is your favorite:

Color: Jenn’s favorite is purple. Randi’s is blue.

Drink: Jenn: champagne. Randi: vodka with fizzy water and lots of lime juice.

Meal: Randi: Mexican. Jenn: either crab or Fettucine Alfredo.

Dessert: We both love bread pudding!

Movie treat: Randi: popcorn. Jenn: gummy bears.

Movie: Randi: Shawshank Redemption. Jenn: The Holiday.

Song: Jenn: My Eyes. Randi: Fancy.

Dream car: Jenn: MG Midget. Randi: 2021 Bronco.

Theme park: DISNEY!!!!!

Holiday: Christmas!

Candy: Jenn: chocolate truffles. Randi: Bit-O-Honey

Cake flavor: Randi: Funfetti. Jenn: chocolate.

And what about your first…

Job: Randi: Ace Hardware. Jenn: A print shop.

Car: Jenn: Honda CRX. Randi: Geo Prism.

Where were you born? Randi: Jacksonville. Jenn: Rochester New York.

How did you end up in Jacksonville? Jenn accepted her first called position in ministry & moved here from Colorado.

Where do you want to travel to next? Italy & France, but we’re actually headed to Greece because our son wants us to go with him on his graduation trip.

What are your hobbies? When we’re not at Disney, we love to cook & we watch A LOT of reality TV!

Do you have any pets? 3 dogs! Peanut, Buddy, and Louis 😊

How to get ahold of Safe Spaces:

Website: www.safespacesweddings.com

Facebook: @safespacesweddings

IG: @safespacesweddings

Headshots by Christy Whitehead Photography

Eloping Just Got a Whole Lot Cooler

It’s been a rough year, for those looking to tie the know it has been especially stressful. You’ve planned out this awesome wedding with all kinds of cool details that will look fabulous in pictures and now everything is in limbo.

While we would love to escort you off property at your dream wedding venue, we realize this may not happen for awhile. If you still want to get married, we have an option for you to give you that one of a kind experience you won’t soon forget, while keeping safe at the same time.

If you are in the Jacksonville area, let us pick you up in a 1966 Ford Mustang convertible and whisk you to a nearby park or location of your choice where a wedding officiant will be waiting to marry you.

You can use the park or the car as the backdrop to your ceremony. Heck we’ll even do the wedding in your driveway if you choose!

That’s not all, you’ll also get professional wedding photographs to remember the day. After your creative portraits at the park and with the car, we’ll take you for a ride to get a treat–doughnuts, coffee, ice cream, whatever you want–for the sweet ride home.

Prefer to bypass the ice cream run and want to do the traditional cake cutting ceremony instead, no problem! We can arrange a small cake for you.

Would you like a bouquet? A local florist or our officiant can arrange that for you as well.

Need a dress? We can recommend someone who rents them.

Don’t want to stress about the details, but want an awesome wedding day you’ll never forget? Let us take care of that for you.

(Have your own photographer and officiant and just want the car? We can do that too!)

You can email Christy at Mustang@jaxphotographer.com for package information.

We will be wearing a mask when social distancing is not possible and taking all possible safety measures to ensure your special day goes off safely and smoothly.

Photo information:

Photographer: Christy Whitehead Photography

Planner: @glamourgrindevents

Hair: Curl.Wink.Blush

Makeup: Monica Hayes Makeup

Dress: @glamourgrindrentals

Couple: @_amcclearn97 and @gym_dude160

VENDOR FEATURED: Old St. Andrew’s Church

This week’s featured vendor is located across the street from the Vystar Arena and the home to the Jacksonville Historical Society–Old St. Andrew’s Church and the Merrill House.

The History.

Built in 1888, the church is the only surviving building after the Great Fire of 1901. By the 50s, the once quiet neighborhood had become undesirable, and residents began to move elsewhere. Residential development in the suburbs increased dramatically, and membership at St. Andrews fell to the point that it could no longer support itself.

Old St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church was deconsecrated, closed and boarded up. The once thriving area around the church declined, and by the late 1970s the building had fallen into disuse and disrepair. Vacant for almost three decades, the building was a tremendous challenge for historic preservation.

The situation changed with the arrival of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, as the City of Jacksonville purchased most of the land around Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, including the Old St. Andrew’s site.

The City of Jacksonville gave the Jacksonville Historical Society the rights to the building to restore it. Many people thought that the condition of the structure was beyond repair. However, a million dollars was raised and in 1998 the restoration was complete.

Since restoration the building is seen as one of the finest specimens of nineteenth-century architecture in Duval County, and it is a popular spot for meetings, weddings and other civic events. It was the site of the ESPN Super Bowl XXXIX party in January 2005.

Next door to the church is the Merrill House. Which is a neat old building with lots of historical relics and photos. It is used as a location for the bride to get ready and a tour spot during cocktail hour.

Fun Stuff.

And now to an interview with Jackson from Old. St. Andrew’s!

When we get out of quarantine, what is the first thing you are going to do? WORK! I know it sounds cliché, but since I love what I do, it doesn’t feel like work and I am ready to get back to my normal routine.

What places do you like to visit in your downtime within an hour from Jacksonville? I like the beach area, really love to run out there in the morning when I have time

What is your favorite car of all time? I’m not really into classic cars…I’m a guy of simple taste, give me a 2020 Alfa Romeo 4c Spider in black, interior black also with red stitching.

What is your favorite car color? Silver

What songs do you like to blast when you are driving around? honestly you can hear everything in my car, from Hillsong Worship to Young Jeezy. But my favorite is 90s R&B…you know TLC, Maxwell, Mary J Blige and Usher

What do you see as a new wedding trend? More couples are focusing on Signature Cocktails instead of a full bar. As a bartender for Old St Andrew’s, we love creating unique menus for clients.

What trends are you ready to go away? The shoe game. It slows down the party for a couple of laughs, however I think it kills the dance floor time.

What is your favorite wedding color combo? White, Black, and Gold

What is your favorite local restaurant? Fogo de Chao – I love eating there!

Favorite mom & pop shop? Sweet Mama’s is delicious! They just opened this year and they cater! Highly recommend this southern home cooked food!!

Favorite place to get dessert? Two words: French Pantry

Which restaurant are you most likely to see someone propose at? River & Post or Black Sheep – Rooftops are the way to go!

Where is your favorite place to people watch? On the Riverwalk, you see a nice diverse mix of people there.

What is your favorite movie and why? Coming to America – it is so funny!

Book the venue:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/oldstandrewsjax

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldstandrewsjax

Website: http://oldstandrewsjax.org/

Email: Events@jaxhistory.org

Phone: 904-479-5445

Set Up Your Ride:

If you’re looking for a fun getaway car, prop or focal point for your wedding, event, video or film, look no further than Sally. She’s a 1966 Ford Mustang convertible with a black Pony interior and power roof.

Find us on FB & IG at @Jax66Mustang

Email us for more info Mustang@jaxphotographer.com Or visit our website at http://www.JaxMustang.com

Jade, venue coordinator for St. Andrews, on left.

VENDOR FEATURE: Susan Dixon Photography

On today’s blog, we’re featuring Susan of Susan Dixon Photography. She’s been photographing families and weddings since 2008.

How did you get into that industry? I had an amazing family photography session with my own family. I wanted to be able to offer that same thing for others!

What is the best part about your job? creativity and flexibility

When we get out of quarantine, what is the first thing you are going to do? go thrifting and antiquing!!!

What is your favorite local restaurant? There are so many! I love Biscotti’s. But there are so many more!

Favorite mom & pop shop? Southern Crossing Antique Mall

Favorite place to get dessert? Biscotti’s and Sivada’s Cupcakery

Favorite thing to do/place to go on a date night? exploring and then eating at some place new

What places do you like to visit in your downtime within an hour from Jacksonville? St Augustine; local trails

How about a day’s drive? Savannah; the mountains; Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia; Charleston

What is your favorite car of all time: I really want a Mini Cooper! (I currently drive an old soccer-mom mini van.)

What is your favorite car color? blue Every single car I’ve ever owned has been blue. Not necessarily on purpose, though.

What songs do you like to blast when you are driving around? I like variety….so whatever’s on the radio.

Anything else you want to add about anything? I love all things vintage. I’ve really gotten more into photographing details lately

Where can people find you:
Instagram: @susandixonphotography
Facebook: @susandixonphotography
Website: http://susandixonphotography.com
Email: Susan@SusanDixonPhotography.com
Phone: 904-635-0680

Let’s ride!

Find us on FB & IG at @Jax66Mustang

Email us for more info Mustang@jaxphotographer.com Or visit our website at www.JaxMustang.com

VENDOR FEATURE: Dish It Out

If you’ve ever hosted an event, you’ve probably come across the question of what to do about plates and dishes. This week, I’m featuring Mara Reaves over at Dish it Out. She’s based out of Amelia Island and has been in business since 2017.

Dish it Out rents vintage china for weddings, showers, tea parties and other special events.

“People refer to me as ‘The Dish Lady’ now and sometimes think my name is Amelia. I tagged Amelia onto my social media, website, and email because Dish It Out was taken and Amelia is from Amelia Island.”

What is the best part of your job? Designing the perfect table settings for my clients. I also love doing styled shoots with other creatives.

What is the first thing I’m doing when getting out of quarantine? I ate at a restaurant for the first time in awhile for Mother’s Day. I’m also going to hit my favorite bar once it reopens and return to CrossFit!

Favorite place to visit within an hour drive of Jacksonville? I could visit downtown Amelia Island (where I live and was raised) almost every day and never get tired of it.

Favorite place to visit for a day drive? Savannah, Ga.

Favorite car of all time: VW convertible circa 1970’s

Favorite car color: Red or black, but if I had a VW it would be baby blue with a white top.

What’s blasting on my radio when cruising around? 1980’s music (I’m an 80’s girl)

Other “fun facts”: I’m an avid Survivor fan! I’ve watched every season since it first started.

Where can people find me?

Instagram: dish_it_out_amelia

Facebook: @dishitoutamelia

Website: dishitoutamelia.com

Email: dishitoutamelia@yahoo.com

Phone: 904-206-0415

Let’s cruise!

Find us on FB & IG at @Jax66Mustang

Email us for more info Mustang@jaxphotographer.com Or visit our website at www.JaxMustang.com

VENDOR FEATURE: Ann Eastwick

On today’s blog, we are featuring Ann Eastwick, a wedding officiant. She has been marrying couples since 2012.

How did you get into that industry? Lost my job as a paralegal during the housing recession and began using my notary to become a wedding officiant

What is the best part about your job? Seeing love, commitment and joy in my clients. Preparing customized ceremonies for my couples.

What do you see as a new wedding trend? Smaller, more intimate weddings

What trends are you ready for to go away? Huge bridal bouquets that look like table centerpieces

Any crazy stories you want to share? I had a bride that insisted on getting married even though her wedding had to be cancelled due to a hurricane. Although most businesses and offices had closed down, the wedding planner and I met the bride and her fiancé at a local hotel (that was taking in stranded travelers) so I could perform the ceremony for her. (A few weeks later we did the postponed wedding with her family and guests).

When we get out of quarantine, what is the first thing you are going to do? Meet up with my friends for a glass of wine at a favorite bar.

What is your favorite local restaurant? Sushi Palace, Gusto

Favorite mom & pop shop? Sushi Palace

Favorite place to get dessert? Trader Joes

What places do you like to visit in your downtime within an hour from Jacksonville? St. Simon’s

How about a day’s drive? Small towns outside of Orlando – Winter Garden, Winter Park, Clermont, Sanford

What is your favorite car of all time? The old Thunderbirds with the porthole windows

What is your favorite car color? Silver

What songs do you like to blast when you are driving around? Running on Empty, Motown Oldies

Anything else you want to add about anything? Just wishing everyone love, health and sanity in our “new world”.

Where can people find you:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ann.eastwick/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnEastwickWeddingOfficiant/

Website: https://anneastwick.com/

Email: ann.eastwick@gmail.com

Phone: 904-629-8010

Getting married?

Find us on FB & IG at @Jax66Mustang

Email us for more info Mustang@jaxphotographer.com Or visit our website at http://www.JaxMustang.com

VENDOR FEATURE: Glamour & Grind Events

Today we are featuring Becca Carrigan, of Glamour and Grind Events. She does a lot of photo shoot stylized events and also plans weddings. She has been in business about two years

We recently worked with her on a photo shoot at The Legacy Museum and we have some more scheduled with her for the future.

One of the images from our Legacy Museum shoot.

What do you do? I am a wedding stylist.

How did you get into that industry? I studied design in high school and college and felt that I would be able to help brides. I started with videography then photography and very briefly dabbled in graphic design.

What is the best part about your job? I love being able to create beautiful weddings! I love helping a bride create their dream wedding.

When we get out of quarantine, what is the first thing you are going to do? When out of quarantine I want to travel and meet more creatives.

What is your favorite local restaurant? I live for Taco Lu. Their Carne Royale is my favorite! Paired with their mojito with tequila is even better.

Favorite place to get dessert? Sweet by Holly is my go to dessert spot! I grew up in Orlando not far from their location there so its a name I was so excited to see when I moved to Jacksonville (in May 2018).

Favorite thing to do/place to go on a date night? We really aren’t very creative with date nights. If we’re going out it’s for tacos. We also celebrate accomplishments with tacos.

What is the most underrated shop or company in North Florida that everyone
should know about? I fun local place I love is Eco Relics. They have things with so much character. They even rent for weddings!

What places do you like to visit in your downtime within an hour from
Jacksonville? Within an hour of Jacksonville I like to go to Lake city with my boyfriend to watch him play softball.

How about a day’s drive? Within a days drive I love visiting Saint Petersburg. I went to college over there and it still feels like home but also a vacation.

What is your favorite car of all time? What did your parents drive? My dream car is a jeep! I feel like it would fit my adventurous personality. My parents drove a Honda odyssey.

What is your favorite car color? My favorite color color is blue.

What songs do you like to blast when you are driving around? I like to listen to country songs when Im driving by myself. I love Dan and shay, Florida Georgia and Thomas Rhett.

Where can people find you:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/glamourgrindevents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glamourandgrindevents/

Website: www.glamourandgrind.com

Email: glamourandgrindevents@gmail.com
Phone 4074032535

Sweet!

Find us on FB & IG at @Jax66Mustang

Email us for more info Mustang@jaxphotographer.com Or visit our website at http://www.JaxMustang.com

VENDOR FEATURE: Eternal Crown Photography

Today’s feature, is Jacksonville based wedding photographer Eternal Crown. She specializes in products and helping you bring your photography session to your wall.

What do you do? I own a photography studio in San Marco, where I partner with my clients to capture once in a lifetime memories. We plan “fun days” that are unique to each client.

How long have you been in business? Almost 13 years.

What is the best part about your job? Watching my clients view their images for the first time! The smiles and tears will never get old.

When we get out of quarantine, what is the first thing you are going to do? I’m going to a local small restaurant on the water, sit outside, and I’m going to enjoy oysters and Blue Moon beer, and the warm sun and cool breeze!

Places do you like to visit in your downtime within an hour from Jacksonville? If I’m with my family, any of the springs – it’s our new favorite. A little further than 1 hour is our ultimate family destination – Disney. We’re huge fans.

When it’s just my husband and I, we like to take trips around and just outside the city to walk and take pictures. Or go to Epcot lol.

How about a day’s drive? Destin. That’s where my dad lives and it’s my favorite beach. So beautiful. My favorite time to go is in October. You can’t beat the weather, white sand, and clear water.

What is your favorite car of all time? 1969(ish) challenger or Camaro and/or Challenger

What is your favorite car color? Red

What songs do you like to blast when you are driving around? My tastes are pretty eclectic. It’s a wide mix of 70s, 80s, country, and alternative. But if I have to pick one genre – definitely 80s. I’m so old.

Anything else you want to add about anything? I love my job and my studio. I can’t imagine doing anything else. My clients become my friends and I love capturing special moments as their lives progress to each new milestone.

Where can people find you at:

Instagram: @eternalcrownphotography

Facebook: @eternalcrown

Website: www.eternalcrown.com

Email: photography@eternalcrown.com

Phone: 904.537.7062

Let’s cruise!

Find us on FB & IG at @Jax66Mustang

Email us for more info Mustang@jaxphotographer.com Or visit our website at http://www.JaxMustang.com

FEATURED VENDOR: Crème de la Cocoa

We are a small business and we love featuring other small businesses in our community. Crème de la Cocoa is a dessert company that would be perfect for any event in North Florida. Check out our interview to learn about their business and also some of their fun favorites around town!

Today we’re talking to owner, Bailey Rowland. She has been in business for almost 4 years now.

What is Crème de la Cocoa – dessert, chocolate, cake, ice cream. We have retail store, provide wedding and events desserts and wholesale desserts to local restaurants, private clubs and resorts.

What do you do? I co-own the business with my husband. I focus on the front of house and event clients and my husband, Nils, is our head chef.

What is the best part about your job? Working with people and being a part of their most special life occasions.

Any funny or crazy stories you want to share? Hmmm, there are lots of funny stories but this photo of myself toasting a marshmallow brings back a funny memory with a (now) regular customer. Occasionally, we sell marshmallows and clients can request that they are toasted for them. We had recently opened up and the toasting was a bit new to me. This particular client wanted theirs toasted and it caught on fire with big flames. I didn’t know what to do so I started juggling the flaming marshmallow to put out the fire. The customer thought I was doing a trick for them. When I finally got the fire out, the customer and her group of friends started clapping! hahah We joke about it every time they visit us.

When we get out of quarantine, what is the first thing you are going to do? Gosh, I’ve been in the house with my two toddler boys so maybe ill be lucky enough to get a spa day!

Let’s talk cars, because, well, you know… I love antique cars. My dad and grandfather always loved cars. If I ever become rich and famous, I’ll buy an old Corvette that has been refurbished. It used to be a real treat to get all dressed up (giant bow in my hair, white gloves and all!) and ride around town with my grandfather in his hot red convertible Corvette.

What places do you like to visit in your downtime within an hour from Jacksonville? We love to visit Amelia Island. It feels like we have gone far but without the hassle.

How about a day’s drive? Charleston is so much fun and their food is the best.

What is your favorite car of all time? I kinda love my current car which is a Volvo SUV but I’m really into the refurbished Broncos right now.

What is your favorite car color? I tend to always have black or a dark color but one day I’ll get something red and sporty.

What songs do you like to blast when you are driving around? I have an appreciation for the arts and there really isn’t a genre of music I don’t like. I’d blast anything that made me feel happy.

Where can people find you at:

Instagram: @cremedelacocoa

Facebook:Creme de la Cocoa

Website: www.cremedelacocoa.com

Email: hello@cremedelacocoa.com

Phone (904)466-9499

Sweet ride!

Find us on FB & IG at @Jax66Mustang

Email us for more info Mustang@jaxphotographer.com Or visit our website at http://www.JaxMustang.com