INTIMATE WEDDING DETAILS

First 8 images: Jared Slater

Last image: Denise Fasanello via Flickr

Today I am happy to share with you some images of Emmie and Michael's beautifully intimate wedding at Alger House...remember them? The couple enlisted my services barely a couple months before their wedding day, when they decided to reevaluate the scope of their event, when they realized it was becoming more about the "wedding" and less about the two of them. We quickly got together and sat down so that I could learn more about the couple in order to infuse their personalities into the big day. Learning about my couples is really one of the highlights of my job and is paramount to getting the job done. Ultimately we decided to redesign the entire event to make it more personal and intimate, which was exactly what they had really wanted all along.

The morning started off with hair and makeup at The New Yorker Hotel. I was really excited to be working with makeup artist Anni Bruno of NYC Faces for the first time, such a sweetheart! The only other vendor that the couple had on board was their photographer Jared Slater, it was my first time working with him and it was a pleasure.

After we had a clear vision in mind for the event I knew the first person I had to call was Denise Fasanello to run with the floral design of the evening. I love working with Denise because she treats flowers as another medium of art and never ceases to amaze me. Everything seamlessly fell into place and Gail at Broadway Party Rentals finished off the decor with all of her lovely rentals for the evening.

Emmie and Michael communicated to me that they were avid readers and wanted to somehow incorporate that into their day. We decided to name each table after a NYC themed New Yorker Magazine cover. One of my favorite design aspects of the evening were the hand engraved bookmarks that served not only as the escort cards, but also the guests favors. Diane Russell at A Plus Engraving engraved each guests name onto the front and engraved the back with the table name.

Lastly...cake...yum cake. For something whimsical we went with Betsy at Nine Cakes. I'm such a huge fan of her cakes because they always look so darn pretty...but taste even better! If I ever personally have an event I want Betsy to make me a cake like this. Okay, now I need cake!

DAYDREAMING OF JERSEY SHORE DAYS & NIGHTS

Images: Danny Weiss Photo

I can't possibly mention another outstanding NJ wedding venue without mentioning Bonnet Island Estate...plus it gives me an excuse to post some of Danny Weiss' (a preferred photographer of Bespoke Affairs) amazing images! Click here to see more images from the above pictured wedding. Bonnet Island Estate is a masterpiece of the Jersey Shore located on LBI. I particularly love their quaint timber framed Boathouse Chapel. My husband isn't one for weddings (AT ALL), but even his interest in Bonnet Island Estate was peaked when he heard about this wedding, saying, "we should have looked at that venue". Although I wouldn't change a thing about our Manhattan nuptials.

The creators of Bonnet Island Estate are also responsible for many other standout NJ venues: Mallard Island Yacht Club, The Stateroom and the highly anticipated Ashford Estate. The Ashford Estate doesn't have a proper website yet (I think?) but with a quick google search I came across so many amazing posts on the Estate. Check out these images and these too. Seriously?? Whoa!

GIANDO ON THE WATER

Photos: Courtney Davidson Photography

The day before Thanksgiving I find myself reflecting on the past year. I have accomplished so much and I have so much to be thankful for. I really have to pinch myself sometimes when I realize how lucky I am to be making my dreams come true and making so many couples happy along the way.

Every wedding I work on holds a special place in my mind and every so often a couple truly captures my heart. I can not even begin to describe what a pleasure it was to work with Ron and Zena (pictured above).

Zena and I scouted a lot of venues for her and Ron's wedding day and we were pleasantly surprised when we stumbled upon Giando on the Water. It's one of those places you imagine only exists in the movies...with breathtaking views and a staff that treats you like family. Heading the staff at Giando is Joe Leone, what a fantastic guy!

I was also excited to be working with Courtney Davidson for the first time and her mentor Kenny Pang. Her images of the day did not disappoint. I can't remember the last time a couple of mine had so many amazing portraits of their wedding day to choose from.

One of the best parts of my job are all fabulous people that make the wedding day come to life! A big thank you is in order to Denise Fasanello Floral Design. Denise is a true artist and she always amazes me with her designs and creations, such a rare talent! This was my first time working with Ajalon Printing & Design, famous for their amazing letterpress special. I worked with them to create a custom letterpress invitation for my couple. We were all so pleased with the final result (which included Hebrew as well), that we immediately hired them to design ALL of the paper products for the wedding day, which we offset print. I can't forget to mention East Coast Band, who had the dance floor packed all night!

Wishing everyone reading this a wonderful Thanksgiving and congrats again to Ron and Zena!

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

LOVE THESE TWO

Jonathan | Francine from Couture Motion on Vimeo

I mean, where does one even begin when describing this couple? If I had to use one word it would be FUN. This couple instantly became a vendor favorite across the board. Just take a look at this awesome video by Couture Motion and you will wish you were at this crazy fun wedding. Couture Motion is now based out of CA, but they will travel. If they lived in the NYC area still I would seriously hire them for every event. Every stinky one. They truly capture the essence of each couple. No two videos are the same. Remember this couple of mine? See how different their video is?

I can't wait to share the professional images of this wedding with all of you! Until then, check out their highlight video above...I cry every time!

NJ WEDDING: THE MANOR

Photos: Turn Loose the Art

I'm always a little disappointed right before I do a blog post of a wedding I worked on. Why??? Because the images on my blog are so darn tiny and you won't be able to appreciate them. Luckily you can see bigger images on Turn Loose the Art's Blog! If you are not familiar with Britney and Joe from Turn Loose the Art you must check them out! I'll be blogging another wedding soon that I worked on with them that is the complete opposite of this one...which is always fun!

I loved this wedding. Everything was inspired by Bertini's Italian Plume print. The print was carried through in all of the paper products and were designed by Bespoke Affairs. The print also inspired the color palette which was very natural and organic. Remember this post? Well, I was so thrilled to see the use of cabbage at this wedding. Fresh Art in Millburn, NJ did a wonderful job designing the florals and made the bride (and groom) very happy.

Are you a fan of Bespoke Affairs on Facebook? If so you can see more images here from this event.

NJ VENUES: PART ONE

Image Credit: Laffler Photography at Crossed Keys Inn

Today will be my first blog post highlighting venues I love in New Jersey (in honor of my move to Westfield, NJ). When I sat down at my computer this morning, I was really at a loss on what venue to feature first because there are so many fabulous ones to choose from. First I thought I'd highlight one of my favorites on the Jersey Shore. Then I thought I'd show you a spectacular new venue that is only a 6 minute ferry ride from Manhattan.

To be honest, too many choices and so many different styles were coming to mind...and then I said to myself, let's answer some emails and then revisit blogging later today. I'm so glad I did because a photographer friend mentioned in an email that she lives in Andover and I said to myself, Crossed Keys Inn...that's it!

So today I bring to you Crossed Keys Inn, an updated farmhouse on 12 acres of stunning property and possibly one of the most magical venues our great state has to offer. When you first arrive at the venue you are greeted with a tree-lined drive to a 19th century country estate. The charming grounds are filled with everything from lush meadows to cornfields. Your guests can even stay the night and wake to homemade breads, fresh local fruits and farm fresh dairy products.

After the reception is over, you can even wind down with close friends and family inside their playhouse where the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Groucho Marx once hung out. If that's not enough to win you over, their honeymoon suite is a secluded stone cottage with a jacuzzi for two.

AHHHH. I could talk and type for hours about this amazing venue. You really need to visit there and see for yourself! If that's not possible, check out their website which has tons of pictures and information on it...and they even have a blog!

The images in my blog post are by Laffler Photography, one of NJ's premiere wedding photographers (and NY for that matter!). Just take a look at these weddings he shot there and I dare you to tell me his images don't make you cry they are so beautiful. What a talent! My obsession with his photography began when he shot Kim's wedding, you might remember her from her day after session I worked on.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Image found here

As many of my brides know (and now you do too), my husband, Winston and I have moved to idyllic Westfield, New Jersey...hence my blog-cation of sorts as I move and begin remolding our vintage colonial. Best part...my brides that live in NJ will now be able to meet with me at my NJ location!

NJ gets a bad rap with all of these reality shows on television. The reality is that there are so many sensational event venues that make crossing the Hudson well worth the trip. In honor of my move...starting next week, I am going to *try* and blog once a week about fun and exciting venues all over NJ.

I am really looking forward to Halloween this weekend and seeing all of the neighborhood kiddie's decked out in their costumes. Have a safe and fun Halloween everyone!

E & M SNEAK PEAK

Images: J and J Photography

The last few weeks have been bonkers. Lots of weddings and on top of that I've been in the process of moving. WHEW!

I was so excited when Jared of J and J Photography sent me a few images from last Saturday's wedding at Alger House. This was my first time working with Jared, he is such a talented and nice guy to spend the day with. Comic Con was also in full effect that weekend, such fun!

I can't even begin to tell you how much I fell in love with this couple, such a generous, kind and fun loving duo. So much more on this wedding (including all the fabulous vendors) when I have more images to share...without further ado, here are some of my favorites from Jared's sneak peak!

SNEAK PEAK: R+N

Images: Weddings by Two

GRRRRR. I know I say this about all my couples...but...I REALLY love these two. I miss speaking with the bride daily about her wedding, a lot! I'm also counting the days until I work with Laura of Weddings by Two who took these killer images. Wow, she uber sweet and talented. I'm also ultra obsessed with her vintage cameras!

This was a very fun wedding to coordinate and I was stoked to bring some quirky details into play like school buses and a vintage ride courtesy of Merci New York. OHHH, and wait until you see the floral and event design that the ladies at Poppies and Posies whipped up. More to come.

INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE

Cover of the current issue of Elle Decor

Interior design is one of my strongest influences when designing an event. I am forever inspired by the pages of Elle Decor. Don't get me wrong, bridal magazines and blogs are great resources to see ideas pulled together right before your eyes...but as a designer, I truly get excited when I flip trough the pages of my Elle Decor each month when it's delivered to my doorstep.

Wedding magazines are vastly (sad face) disappearing and my heart would just about stop beating if interior design magazines followed suit. To me, blogs can never compare to the feeling of a magazine in your hands...flipping through the pages, tearing out selects, drooling over the luxury and pining over the flea market finds.

Ladies (and gents) you will find inspiration on every page. It can be as simple as falling in love with the colors on the wall, the texture and lines of a painting, or a fantastic print on a settee...endless possibilities! For example, you can even design an entire event around a single piece of china. If it's hard for you to visualize something like that, Elle Decor has made it easier for you in their current issue, just check out page 164. Also, don't miss page 182 & 183 for some sensational tablescapes.

So when thinking about the design of your wedding or next event, take my advice, try picking up an interior design magazine and see what inspires you. Happy planning!

ADORE...

Pics: Letterbox Ink

I have an absolutely lovely couple getting married this weekend at the Brooklyn Historical Society in the Othmer Library...because of that, I have literary and library styled weddings on my mind. I adore these invitations by Letterbox Ink. I'm really starting to think I have an Etsy addiction- HELP!

TURN LOOSE THE ART

Pics: Turn Loose the Art

Last Friday was the beautiful wedding of the two VERY special people pictured above (nothing is more fun than helping out family and friends, that's for sure). I was excited for their wedding for too many reasons to mention...so I'll just name a couple: 1. Venue, same place my sister got married at over ten years ago and was looking forward to seeing the space in a new way. 2. Britney and Joe from Turn Loose the Art photographing the day. I'm not quite sure when or where I first came across their work, but ever since the first time I saw one of their images I've been addicted. I was so excited to get them on board for this wedding AND a wedding on 10.10.10! Britney and Joe are so talented and I'm endlessly inspired by their images. Click here to see their post on the pictures above, that way you can see the images in their full glory. The fourth picture down is one of my favorites and it turns out one of their wedding guests thought so too and had it framed as a wedding gift...good job! You can also click here to see a sneak peak of the wedding day.

This post would be incomplete if I didn't tell everyone looking for a home in NJ (She's located in Summit, NJ) to check out Christina's agency!

GENIUS IDEA

Pics: Chelsea Nicole Photography

What a friggin genius idea...CHALK! I swear, every time (EVERY TIME) I visit Chelsea Nicole's blog I find something so adorable I basically squeal. This tops the cake so I had to share...click here to see the rest.

HAPPY LONG WEEKEND

Photo: Stephanie Reinish Photography

I am beyond amped for this long Holiday weekend. You see, I've been working on a wedding with my favorite florist in the entire world. I can't wait to see all the pieces of the puzzle come together. We have really designed a beautiful fete. I think I have outdid myself. HAHA.

I'm equally excited to share this news with you...

For the first time ever, Stephanie Reinish Photography is offering a 10% discount on ALL COLLECTIONS (not valid on a la carte coverage) for all you go getting 2011 brides (and grooms). That's correct, 10% off ALL collections (oh yea, and it's still 2010 pricing), that's a savings of up to $780. I love Stephanie and all of her images, especially this recent wedding. If you haven't booked a photographer yet you must check her out!