Lovely Virginia Wedding

I know I promised to post more photos last month but between planning clients' weddings, and my own last weekend, time got away from me.  I do want to catch up with a lovely Virginia wedding I planned and designed over the Summer in Old Town Alexandria.  

I must say I fell in love with Alexandria.  The old town is absolutely charming and the food was spectacular.  In that regard I have to give a special shout out to Virtue Feed & Grain, the site of the rehearsal dinner.  They were spot on with the food and service for the rehearsal and definitely became a favorite of mine in Alexandria.  I will say that they will be my first dinner stop when I am back in the area.

The wedding itself was set at the Lorien Hotel and Spa, a beautiful hotel with a variety of settings that proved to be perfect for this wedding.  

We were fortunate to have a beautiful day for this outdoor wedding on the rooftop terrace of the Lorien.  Since the Bride and Groom were engaged in Tuscany, they wanted to used this setting as the theme for their wedding.  True to the Tuscan theme of the wedding the Bride carried a bouquet of roses, scabiosa, lavender and rosemary.  

Given that we were on the rooftop, guests were provided with simple paper parasols to help shield them from the sun.  I must also say that if you are looking for photos, the hotel and the area offer countless charming locations as you can see from the photos I am sharing here.

Following a simple, touching ceremony guests were escorted to the other side of the rooftop for a cocktail reception.  I used roses, lavender, rosemary and olive branches in cut glass containers to create cocktail arrangements continuing the theme.  As you will see in later photos, I used linens that matched the invitations, menus and escort cards.  The design is the Schylar pattern from my stationery collection.

The views over old town Alexandria were stunning.  It was perfect for this reception.

Following cocktails guests were welcomed to the lower level ballroom which continued the elegant Tuscan theme.  As guests arrived to the ballroom they first saw the escort card table.  As you can see, the escort cards themselves had the same pattern as the cocktail linens so as to carry the look through the entire wedding.

As the centerpiece for the table I created a beautiful arrangement using the same combination of roses, scabiosa, rosemary and lavender but added hydrangea to create a lush centerpiece and accented it with lemons keeping with the theme.  I then added silver mercury glass pillar candle holders and votives to add a romantic glow.  

Once guests entered the room I continued the look using the same flower combinations on the dinner tables.  Each in a rustic stone urn, and accented by a table number that again utilized the design from all of the collateral materials, I created a truly romantic look in the room.

And I love it when everything coordinates as you can see with the menus that again, carry through the theme.

Once dinner was complete it was time to move on to the next room for dancing and dessert. 

The dance floor was perfectly located next to a wonderful terrace so guests could have a blast dancing to DJ Ben and then relax in the courtyard where I added a variety of lanterns and candles to give a romantic glow.  It was a perfect end to a wonderful evening.

I would like to give a special shout out to East Coast Entertainment and DJ Ben Felton for providing great music and dancing, Somerset cakes for a beautiful cake and sweet treats, and Stevie T Photography for all of the great images I have shared here on the blog.

Finally, a special congratulations to a wonderful couple, Susan and Jack.  Here's to a lifetime of happiness!

Cheers!

Wedding Registry Tips

As some of you may know I am planning a wedding of my own and my fiancé and I are now at the point where we are considering our wedding registry.  It's very interesting because we're both pretty established; however, there's something to be said about registering for things you might not otherwise buy for yourself.

So to make your registry life a little easier I thought I'd give you eight of my top registry tips!

Shawn’s Eight Registry Tips:

Where to Register

Once you’ve made your registry list, then you can determine where to register.  Choosing five or six stores might seem like the way to cover all of your bases, but in reality it will be confusing for your guests and too much work for you.  I recommend registering for no more than three stores.  This will help you manage your time and make shopping easier for your guests. 

Don’t Rush

Don’t try to register at all your stores in one day.  I recommend picking a store he likes, a store you like, and possibly a third.  Then plan on spending a total of two to three hours (yes it can take that long) at a store registering.  Whether it’s during the weekend or a night after work, make a date of it.  Set aside time for lunch, dinner, or catch a movie after…something that doesn’t involve weddings.  It will break up the registry process and make it fun for both of you.

Nothing’s Set In Stone

Always remember registries can be changed.  They aren’t hard and fast so if your groom likes the strange olive dish and wants to register for it, let him.  Marriage is about compromise and so is your registry.  Besides, you can always go in and delete it later.  Arguments in the store aren’t worth it! 

Three’s A Crowd

Do not shop with anyone but your fiancé.  Unless you intend for your parents and family to live with you, you shouldn’t bring them along for the ride. It’s best to leave them at home so they don’t influence your registry choices. This is about you and what you want as a couple.

I once had a mother and father of the bride go with the happy couple to do their registry: they registered for everything the mother wanted and nothing they wanted.  In the end they had a house full of presents they didn’t want and had to go back to the stores and return everything so they could shop on their own.  It was the biggest mistake of their wedding. 

Price Point

Register for varying price ranges.  I knew a bride who registered for only the most expensive items: high-end flatware, glass, and dinnerware.  This can be fine if all of your guests can afford it.  The problem with that bride was that her taste was far more expensive than what her guests’ wallets could afford.  In the end she received little of what she was registered for and was left to purchase most of the registry on her own.

You should be polite about what your guests can afford.  Register for a wide range of items so your guests aren’t left feeling like they need to take out a mortgage to get you a gift.

Seasonal Items

When registering ask a sales associate what is seasonal, what is new, and if anything on your list might become discontinued.  This is particularly important with anything table top because at any given time the store can discontinue your pattern or style leaving you without your favorite item.  If you want to include seasonal items on your registry make sure they are included one to three months prior to your wedding date because most seasonal items have a short shelf life in the store.

Register For More Than You Think

If you’re considering registering for a set of twelve, why not opt for a set of fourteen?  Glasses and plates may scratch and break and down the road children might hide the silverware.  You never know if you need to replace damaged items and your family can end up grow quickly.  It’s smart to register for more towels, sheets and blankets. These items tend to be expensive and wear out quickly.

Second Time Around?

I recently had a client where both the bride and groom were heading into their second marriage.  They felt funny setting up a wedding registry because they were established enough and had everything they needed.  I suggested they choose three to four of their favorite charities and ask their guests to anonymously donate to those.  This was a great way for them and their guests to help causes that were near and dear to their hearts.  

In the end the registry is about you and your new life together.  Like all things wedding make this experience about you and take your time together.  Shopping is meant to be fun and registering for your wedding is no different!

Happy planning and...

Cheers!

Wedding Questionnaire

Having just come through the holidays, which we know is a huge time for engagements, I will be sharing some valuable wedding planning information in the next few blog posts.  I know the wedding planning process can be daunting so I would like to offer some advice and tools to help ease the stress.  

I am starting with a questionnaire that I find helpful to organize all pertinent wedding details in one place.  I find it useful when I meet with a Bride and Groom to start organizing all the details of their wedding.

Rabido: If you and your fiancé are getting bogged down or overwhelmed by the questions, table wedding talk for at least 24 hours. This will allow you to pick up again with a fresh perspective.

Best of luck to all of the newly engaged couples!

Wedding Date :_____________________________
Wedding Time :_____________________________
Wedding Location:___________________________
Reception Location:__________________________

Preferred Ceremony Venue____________________

Church / Synagogue / Hotel / Outdoor /
Preferred Reception Venue____________________

Beach / Country Club / Hotel / Tent / Etc

Reception Time:_______________________________
Total number of guests attending reception:__________
Number of guests attending, by age group:
5-18 ______ 19-25 ______ 26-55 ______Over 55 ____

Point of Contact the Week Of Wedding______________

Wedding Theme / Look___________________________

Color Scheme___________________________________
Semi-Casual / Semi-Formal / Formal / Other__________­__­­­

All Inclusive Wedding Budget Range________________

Members of the Wedding party:

Grandparents of bride____________________________
Grandparents of groom___________________________
Mother of the bride______________________________
Father of the bride_______________________________
Mother of the groom_____________________________
Father of the groom______________________________
Any divorces or step parents?______________________

Sisters / Brothers of Bride_________________________

Sisters / Brothers of Groom________________________

Will children be invited? Nieces / Nephews?__________

Bridesmaids & Ushers / Groomsmen
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Flowergirl & Ringbearer
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Matron or Maid of Honor & Best Man
______________________________________________
______________________________________________

How you would like to be introduced

Mr. And Mrs. John Hunter,
John and Paige Hunter, etc.

Will there be a toast? __Yes __No

If so, by whom? ________________________________

Will there be a blessing? __Yes __No

If so, by whom?_________________________________

Background music style for dinner and cocktails:
__ Classical __ Jazz __ Love Songs
__ Piano (George Winston) __ New Age
Cake Cutting __Yes __No
Dollar Dance __Yes __No
Garter and Bouquet __Yes __No

Any other special dances___________________________

DANCES:
First dance (Bride & Groom) __Yes __No
Song, Title and Artist____________________________

Bride and Father __Yes __No
Song: Title and Artist_____________________________

Groom and Mother __Yes __No
Song: Title and Artist_____________________________

Wedding Party/Parents __Yes __No
Song: Title and Artist_____________________________

Dance music preference __ 1950s __ 1960s __1970s
__1980s __1990s __Top 40 __Dance (Techno, House, Hip-Hop)
__ Motown __ Country __ Big Band/ Swing __ Rock & Roll
__ Reggae __ Disco

Specific Music Requests__________________________

Photographer:___________________________________

Videographer:___________________________________

Will Bride & Groom see each

other before ceremony? ___________________________

Photos of the Bride getting ready____________________

Where_________________________________________

Photos of the Groom getting ready___________________

Where_________________________________________

Photos of the Wedding Party________________________

Where__________________________________________

Group Photos of Groomsmen________________________

Where___________________________________________

Group Photos of Bridesmaids_________________________

Where___________________________________________

When will the portraits be done________________________

Before or After Ceremony____________________________

Hotel rooms needed for guests_________________________

How many_________________________________________

Connecting rooms___________________________________
Hospitality Suite____________________________________
Room for Bride & Groom_____________________________
Rooms with Cribs or Double Beds______________________

Transportation needed for the guests__________________

How many______________________________________

Transportation for Bridal Party______________________

Who are you including in this count__________________

Cake / style and flavor________________________

Grooms Cake_______________________________

Cupcakes__________________________________

Signature Desserts___________________________

Cocktail style reception_______________________

Sitdown dinner______________________________

Food Stations_______________________________

Preferred food______________________________
Bar preference______________________________

Preferred libations___________________________

Cocktail food must haves_____________________

Signature Cocktail__________________________
Candy Bar________________________________
Other special ideas_________________________

After Party / Location_______________________

Save the date_______________________________

Invite Style________________________________
Escort Cards_______________________________

Menu Cards________________________________
Rehearsal Dinner Invites______________________

Thank you cards_____________________________

Rehearsal Dinner____________________________

Location___________________________________
Style / Look / Feel___________________________

How Many Guests___________________________

Who will organize___________________________

Budget____________________________________

Wedding Registry Locations___________________

Engagement Party___________________________

The Knot Fall / Winter 2012

I am so excited to be noted in The Knot's newest edition as an "Editor's Pick" for Wedding Planners in New York.  

Check out the new issue with great information for brides in the Tri-state area.

Until next time,

Cheers

Tammy and Val's Central Park Wedding

As 2011 comes to a close I was reviewing my blog posts and noticed that there are so many great weddings and events with wonderful clients that have not yet been shared on the blog.  It is time to fix this and I want to start with an amazing couple whose wedding took place last September.

I love planning weddings where the Bride and Groom come from very different backgrounds.  The challenge of combining cultures is one I happily accept because the result is always a beautiful and unique experience for the couple and their guests.  The wedding of Tammy and Val, that took place at the Boathouse in Central Park, was such a challenge with Tammy being from South Africa and Val being from Bulgaria.  I had so much fun planning the wedding with Tammy and her mother Patsy.

The wedding day got off to a great start with Tammy, her mother, sister and bridesmaids getting ready in their Suite at the Plaza Hotel.  As always, Stacey Lyn and her staff at Once Upon a Bride did an amazing job on Tammy's hair and make-up.

Of course, Central Park is the setting for many a fairytale New York Wedding and it certainly did not disappoint for Tammy and Val.  The beautiful weather and lush greenery created the perfect backdrop for their wedding.

Tammy was absolutely stunning in her Vera Wang gown.  The simple black sash and a bouquet of white ranunculus and anenomes with black centers added the perfect touch, maintaining the beautiful, classic look Tammy wanted.  A simple white orchid was used for Val's boutonniere to coordinate with the Bride's bouquet.

 

Simplicity and elegance were the key words in designing the ceremony and reception for Tammy and Val.  The ceremony took place in the main room of the Central Park Boathouse.  Glass vases filled with white Cymbidium Orchids and topped by a floating candle lined the aisle.  The Chuppa was also simple and elegant.  White satin fabric was tied in the corners with a black ribbon to coordinate with the Brides's dress.  The corners were then accented with simple white Phalaenopsis Orchids

Following the Ceremony guests were escorted to the outdoor patio for a lovely cocktail reception while my staff quickly worked to turn the main Ballroom into a fantasy setting for Tammy and Val's reception.  The room looked spectacular with each table having a glass cylinder bursting with Bamboo.  The centerpieces were then accented with white orchids, anenomes, antherium, roses and calla lilies.  We were fortunate to have everything captured on film by Lindsay Flanagan Photography and also to have the video services of Steve Young Productions.

 

Continuing with the simple elegance theme, Elizabeth Hodes designed a classic wedding cake with a black band around each layer and anenomes with black centers on the corners, all tying into the Bride's dress and bouquet.

 

Of course, no wedding is complete without great entertainment.  For their wedding, Tammy and Val chose to use "Synergy" from On the Move Entertainment.  By combining a DJ with live performers, Synergy really gets the crowd going and this wedding was no exception.   The happy couple and their guests danced the night away and everyone had an amazing time.  

Of course, the true measure of any events' success is the happiness of the couple and their guests.  Judging by the happiness on the face of Tammy's proud Father, I would say this was a job well done.

Best to Tammy and Val and to all of you for a great New Year!

Cheers,

Shawn