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From the Bride…We wanted to get married in New York City so our family and friends could have a peek into our town and our lives, but the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple can be overwhelming. So we chose a wedding at the iconic Central Park Boathouse, the most serene and relaxing venue in all of Manhattan. This is our happy place. We were obsessed with the idea of being surrounded by the lake, the trees, the rowboats – nature at its finest – while also being in the center of skyscrapers, taxi cabs and the best city in the world. This romantic setting naturally inspired our wedding vision of casual elegance. We used a beautiful earth tone color palette with hues of blue and touches of green and brown that would enhance and complement Central Park in all of its glory.

Chris and I knew early on that we didn’t want a stuffy ballroom reception. We wanted a giant party, full of celebrating the best way we know how – with great music, delicious food, plentiful drinks, and all of our friends and family! We borrowed a key phrase from one of our happily wedded friends that stuck as our wedding theme: “casual elegance”. It spoke to everything we wanted to convey – the classic taste and traditional values we hold combined with a down-home, rustic vintage look that we adore.

Our gorgeous wedding invitation suite was designed by very talented Ceci New York but our wedding programs, escort cards, dinner menus and table signs were DIY labors of love. Our wine cork escort card holders were a favorite detail. Chris and I took a trip up the Pacific Coast Highway and through the Carmel wine country a year before we got engaged. We started saving corks from our favorite bottles of wine. Once the wedding planning began, Erin decided these would make cost effective and super cute escort card holders. But she quickly realized they’d have to call in favors from other wine lovers in the family to finish off 175 bottles before August. Luckily, we have a big and thirsty family! The whole gang began mailing their corks to New York and it was fun to later match favorite wines with favorite people.

The gorgeous flower arrangements by Lenox Hill combined hydrangeas, delphiniums, calla lilies, roses and celosia to create stunning centerpieces and timeless bouquets.

Guests were greeted at the gates of the Central Park Boathouse with sparkling wine and water. As they enjoyed the tranquil lakeside view and found their seats for the ceremony, a string trio added atmosphere with classic and contemporary music. The bride and her father walked down the aisle strewn with rose petals and floating candles to Canon in D. The bride and groom shared 3 kisses to seal their marriage and exited to All You Need Is Love by The Beatles, a favorite band and timeless song.

Cocktail hour began in the adjacent lakeside room with butler passed hors d’oeuvres, a top shelf bar and acoustic music provided by Next Faze Band. The signature summertime drink was refreshing mojitos and personal touches were added with monogrammed stir stocks, blue and white vintage milk straws, and “Eat, Drink, Be Married” cocktail napkins. Guests snacked on ceviche of scallop in cucumber cups, seared beer carpaccio bruschetta, chilled yellow fin tuna tartar, crab cakes, lime marinated shrimp flautas, prosciutto wrapped figs, and eggplant parmesan.

As the reception doors opened and guests took their seats at tables labeled with favorite neighborhoods of New York, the wedding party showcased their dancing skills with Bust a Move by Young MC as their entrance song. The bride and groom were introduced with the biggest smiles, a standing ovation and Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones. Their first dance was to You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne.

Guests dined on a savory four course meal from the very talented chefs at The Central Park Boathouse. For dessert, guests were served cupcakes from the adorable Chikalicious bakery in the East Village. Erin had no problem doing cupcake research with a city-wide taste test and these cupcakes were hands-down winners. Not only are they the ideal size to carry onto the dance floor, they look picture perfect and taste even better. In addition to the classic vanilla, chocolate and red velvet, guests also sampled the phenomenal s’mores cupcake. Mmm!

Next Faze Band wowed the party and packed the dance floor all night with their musical talents. Wedding Coordinator, Stephanie, said she’d never seen a party dance this much in all her years at The Boathouse. Jillian Bisinger Modern Photography assembled a zany photobooth that was a clear crowd favorite with a steady line of guests modeling mustaches, lips, sunglasses, beards, fangs and pirate patches until 1am!

When the night concluded, the bride and groom sent guests home with a favorite snack – popcorn favors straight from world-famous Garrett’s Popcorn. It’s made in Illinois, just like the bride! The sweet and savory combo of their caramel and cheddar popcorn is to die for.

Wedding Photography: Jillian Modern Photography / Caterer + Event Coordinator: Stephanie Tighe of The Central Park Boathouse / Floral Design: Lenox Hill Florist / Cake Artist: Chikalicious Cupcakes / Wedding Gown: Pronovias / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Hair Stylist: Samantha Landis of StylesOnB / Make-up Artist: Marlena Sing of Sally Duvall Makeup / String Trio: Faze 4 Orchestras / DJ: Next Faze Band / Officiant: St. Paul The Apostle / Wedding Videography: Kiss The Bride Films / Invitations: Ceci New York / Favors: Garrett’s Popcorn / Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung via The Wedding Library / Cufflinks: Tiffany & Co.

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Post tags: Alfred Sung, Ceci New York, Chikalicious Cupcakes, Faze 4 Orchestras, Garrett's Popcorn, Jillian Modern Photography, Jimmy Choo, Kiss the Bride Films, Lenox Hill Florist, New York Weddings, Next Faze Band, Pronovias, Sally Duvall Makeup, St. Paul The Apostle, StylesOnB, The Central Park Boathouse, The Wedding Library, Tiffany & Co.
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From the Bride…Eric Laurtis took the most beautiful pictures of our wedding July 24th, 2011 at the Wequassett Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts.  

Buzzie and I met six years ago, and fell in love during our first summer spent together in Cape Cod.  Our families both have homes in Cape Cod, so when we got engaged it was a no-brainer that we would want to be getting married in the Cape.  My wedding was planned by me in New York city, with the help of my family with all the details. The Wequassett Inn was the most beautiful colorful, and perfect backdrop for our wedding, so I wanted to keep the flowers and the rest of the wedding all shades of white.  

My Aunt, Diane Valle had owned a flower store in Boston growing up, and though she retired from that she so generously offered to do my wedding flowers.  We spent countless hours looking at magazines for inspiration, and also wanted to celebrate the natural beauty and flowers that are at the Cape.  

I am a buyer at Saks Fifth Avenue, so I was obsessed with finding the perfect dress and bridesmaid dresses. My dress was Oscar de la Renta, I tried on the runway sample, 1 week after the spring 2011 collections walked, and ordered that dress immediately.  I scoured the marketplace for the perfect bridesmaid dresses, and finally picked those amazing Notte by Marchesa bridesmaid dresses off the rack. I then searched for the perfect mother of the bride dress for my mother and found the most amazing green Monique Lhuillier dress. 

My grandmother painted small paintings of flowers to give away as wedding gifts as people left.   My wedding couldn’t have come out more perfectly, and we had the most amazingly beautiful evening of celebrating love and family!

Wedding Photography: :e: - Eric Laurits / Floral Design: Diane Valle / Ceremony + Reception Location: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club / Invitations: Ceci New York / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta / Bridesmaid Dresses: Notte by Marchesa / Mother of the Bride: Monique Lhuillier / Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister /Makeup: Dani Wagener

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Post tags: Cape Cod, Ceci New York, Daine Valle, Eric Laurits, Jimmy Choo, Konditor Meister, Massachusetts Weddings, Monique Lhuillier, Notte by Marchesa, Oscar De La Renta, Wequassett Inn and Resort
Post categories: Cape Cod Weddings, Casual Elegance, Massachusetts Weddings

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From Shannon Wilson of Table 6 Productions: Melissa and Andrew wanted an elegant beachside affair.  We worked together to come up with a modern pallet of cornflower blue, mango, and white.  We wanted the event to boast a Florida flair without appearing beach casual.  So in other terms this wedding was beach-chic!!  With long feasting tables that ran down the Beach club at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, FL, to the amazing ceremony arch – they wanted their guests to feel like they were attending a formal ballroom wedding but on the beautiful white sandy beaches of the west coast of Florida.  We decided on mixing small elements and tall elements of florals that ran down each feasting table with custom menu cards, place cards, and white glove 4 course plated dinner.  The guests danced the night away to the amazing Clint Wiley band while they watched the sunset over the ocean with the gorgeous view of the gulf of Mexico.  The night didn’t end there, they continued the celebration downstairs inside the beach club for a spectacular late night “after glow” party!  Cheers and Kudos to Melissa and Andrew!!

Event Planner:  Shannon Wilson of Table 6 Productions / Photographer: Ryan Joseph Photographs / Videographer: Voila Cinematic / Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota / Cake: Cakes by Ron / Catering: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota / Florist: Redman Steele / Invitations: CECI New York / Rentals: US Tent Rentals / Hair: Salon West / Makeup: Brush Savvy / Music: Clint Wiley Band

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Post tags: Beach, Brush Savvy, Cakes by Ron, Casual Elegance, Ceci New York, Clint Wiley Band, Florida, Redman Steele, Ryan Joseph Photographs, Salon West, Sarasota, Table 6 Productions, The Ritz-Carlton Sarastota, US Tent Rentals, Voila Cinematic
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Florida Weddings

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Growing up in New York, I always knew I wanted to be married in New York City – plus Jared and I met in NYC so it seemed perfect!  It was really important to us to create a fun and memorable evening for our guests that included various special touches representing our relationship and sense of humor.   We really wanted our ceremony to be simple but meaningful and for the reception to be elegant but an all out party!

Our wedding design inspiration was the history, grandeur and romanticism of New York City –  and we were drawn to The Roosevelt Hotel because of the Grand Ballroom’s gold-gilded 27-foot-tall ceilings, amazing Tiffany chandeliers, huge arched windows and overall classic New York experience.

Design elements included: the glow of candlelight, lush florals in large urns, heirloom-inspired flatware, gold-rimmed water goblets, “feast-like” tables, bleached peacock feathers, heirloom-style compotes and mint julep cups packed with lush roses, large candelabra flowing with lush white florals, candlelight hanging from floral designs and crystal strewn throughout.  Each reception table was designed to be bespoke, special and romantic.

Welcome bags featured “I Love NY” t-shirts, cocktail napkins included funny quotes about marriage (“Marriage lets you annoy one special person for the rest of your life”, “The woman cries before the wedding, the man afterward”), the string quartet played hip-hop songs, baskets of silver & gold flip-flops were placed on the dance floor with signs that said “Kick off Your Heels”, a hot dog and pretzel cart sat next to the valet stand so that people could snack on authentic NYC snacks while they waited for their cars.

In the end, our wedding night was everything we had dreamed of and we will remember every moment for the rest of our lives.

Photography: Meredith Davenport, Christian Oth Studio / Invitation & Printed Materials: Ceci New York / Cake: Sylvia Weinstock / Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Wedding Planning & Design: Karen Bussen Simple Stunning / Band: The Soul All-Stars featuring Roy Bennett / DJ: Jason Fioto / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Lighting: Circa Pro / Videographer: Milk & Honey / Venue: The Roosevelt Hotel/ Hair: Courtney Benedetti of Brides By Benedetti /  Makeup by: Jacqueline Phillips of Jacqueline Pasquale Spa

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 15 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Ceci New York, Christian Oth Studio, Circa Pro, Classic Party Rentals, Jason Fioto, Jewish Wedding, Karen Bussen Simple Stunning, Manhattan, milk & honey, Monique Lhuillier, Neutral Color Palette, New York City, New York Weddings, Sylvia Weinstock, The Roosevelt Hotel, The Soul All-Stars featuring Roy Bennett, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Photographers, Wedding Stationery, Winter Wedding
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From the Bride…Nantucket has so much history so I wanted the wedding to feel elegant and antique/vintage while still having a preppy, nautical edge.  I wanted it to be softer though.  Navy Blue is my favorite color and the color of the Ocean off of steps beach is always this amazing green so I knew I needed to have those colors throughout the day.  I truly wanted to use flowers that were in season too, as Nantucket has so many beautiful ones, but I really also wanted the anemones because of their soft petals and navy blue/purple centers, what we achieved was the perfect balance.  The use of candlelight and silver through out really softened the tent and the entire look.

It all started with the dress.  It was Vera Wang, the “Diedre” dress.  It was layers of ivory organza all cut on the bais.  It was so light, and airy.  It had a great beach feel to it while still remaining very classic and formal. Shoes: Manolo Blahnik, D’Orsay, in Navy Blue (my something blue).  My something borrowed was my sister’s Nantucket basket, my something old was my Great Grandmother’s handkerchief and my something new were a pair of Harry Winston diamond earrings that my parents gave me.

Floral Design + Decor: Soiree Floral / Wedding Photography: The Jason Groupp / Wedding Cake: Jodi’s Cakes / Event Planner: Nantucket Island Events, Maureen Sullivan / Band: Sultans of Swing / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Location: Nantucket Golf Club / Rental Company: Placesetters / Antique Car: Highland Drivers / Invitations: Ceci New York / Calligraphy: Abigail T. Calligraphy

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Abigail T. Calligraphy, Amsale, Ceci New York, Highland Drivers, Jodie's Cakes, Massachusetts Weddings, Nantucket, Nantucket Golf Club, Nantucket Island Events, Placesetters, Soiree Floral, Sultans of Swing, The Jason Groupp
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Massachusetts Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From Wendy Laurel Photography…A beautiful Maui wedding – a blend of traditional, Korean, and Island styles.  The bride and groom are both Korean. The bride wore a beautiful traditional dress by Alma Novia at the ceremony, but both mother’s wore colorful and bright Korean traditional dresses.  The couple was married at Gannon’s Restaurant in Wailea.  The next day, the bride donned her Korean dress as well as her wedding gown and the couple did photos in the funky town of Paia, on nearby cliffs and sugarcane fields.

From the Bride…I chose Maui because we both wanted an intimate wedding far away from home.  Also, both of our parents have never been to Hawaii so we wanted them to experience it.  Of course it was everyone else’s first time too! We chose Maui because it is the most romantic Hawaiian island in my opinion.  The most important thing for me was that everyone had a memorable experience, a wedding in paradise! A wedding that you think about for a long long time.

Wedding Planning + Design: LaFleur Weddings + Events / Flowers: Anny Heid Flowers / Venue + Wedding Cake: Gannon’s / Hair + Make-up: Rachel with Team Hair & Makeup / Wedding Stationery: Ceci New York / Linens: La Tavola Linens / Wedding Dress: Alma Novia / Bride’s Shoes: Gucci / Groom’s Suit: Ralph Lauren Black Label / Bridesmaid Dress: Lulus / Wedding Photography: Wendy Laurel Photography seconded by Dmitri Photography

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 22 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alma Novia, Anny Heid Flowers, Beachside Wedding, Ceci New York, Dmitri Photography, Gannon's, Gucci, Hawaii, La Tavola Linens, LaFleur Weddings + Events, Lulu's, Maui, Ralph Lauren Black Label, TEAM Hair & Makeup, Wendy Laurel Photography
Post categories: Destination, The Blog

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From R Wagner Photography…Meghan and Todd’s W Hotel Hoboken wedding on the banks of the Hudson River with Mid-Town and downtown Manhattan views was both classic and modern.  While dressing in Monique Lhuillier the couples Yorkshire Terrier, Liv, looked on.   Black and white accents ran through and Meghan carried an orchid bouquet.  They added a touch to their progressive Jewish ceremony by hanging a glass chandelier inside the chuppah.

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Veil: Paris Inc. / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss + Kleinfeld Bridal / Floral Design: Gardens Bloom / Location: W Hoboken / Save the Dates: Ceci New York / Wedding Invitations: Spark by Kate’s Paperie / Menus: Checkerboard by Papyrus / Wedding Cake: Carlo’s Bakery (The Cake Boss) / Bracelet: Vintage / Bride’s Make-up + Hair: Magda Designs / Wedding Photography: R Wagner Photography

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Post tags: Amsale, Carlos Bakery, Ceci New York, Gardens Bloom, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Kate's Paperie, Kleinfeld Bridal, Magda Designs, Monique Lhuillier, Papyrus, Paris Inc., R Wagner Photography, W Hoboken
Post categories: New York Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From Ceci New York…I couldn’t be more proud to feature Candace’s wedding. Not only is she an integral part of the company, but my creative team and I had a blast designing her invitations. We wanted them to be a reflection of her love of bling, flourishes, and flowers – but pulled together in an elegant way. So we went above and beyond by featuring some of our favorite details, including letterpress printing, decorative bellybands, and die-cut envelopes that we lined in a gorgeous floral pattern.

When you work in the wedding business and live in New York like Candace does, you have the distinct advantage of being able to make your event the best it can be. Candace and Chris held their dazzling party at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, with its fantastic views of the Hudson River. But probably my favorite detail was the photo booth that guests used to document the night. I love that the photo booth company was able to incorporate the brand I made for the couple on the photo strips. Best of all, guests were instructed to keep half of the pictures and put the rest in the couples’ guest book with a message. Such a fun keepsake for everyone!

Wedding Invitation Design: Ceci New York / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Hair: DM Celebrity Hair / Bride’s Make-up: Sally Duvall / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Jewelry: Adriana Orsini at Saks / Venue: The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers / Music: Pete Saunders Band / Wedding Photographer: Duet Wedding / Florist: Bardin Palomo / Photobooth: NYC Photobooth

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 15 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Adriana Orsini, Amsale, Bardin Palomo, Ceci New York, DM Celebrity Hair, Duet Wedding, Feminine, Jimmy Choo, New York Weddings, NYC Photobooth, Pete Saunders Band, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sally Duvall, The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, Traditional Elegance
Post categories: New York Weddings, Traditional Elegance