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From the bride… Despite growing up in the same town practically down the street from each other, Austin and I had never met. Set up by his mother on a blind date, we had a cup of coffee at a little cafe in Boston, the city which has now become our home. There were butterflies right away and the rest is history! When it came time for the wedding, we found the perfect venue at the beautiful Fairmont Copley Plaza right in the center of the city. The historic hotel captivated us with its gilded and lavish European details. As soon as we stepped foot in the Grand Ballroom, we knew right away that a New Year’s Eve event would match perfectly with our vision and the elegance of the space. Both the ceremony and reception were held in the ballroom. The amber-toned uplighting from Boston Event Lighting gave the room an extra glow. Under the guidance of wedding planner Alice Fay, it was a magical weekend captured by our talented photographer, Kelly Lorenz.

Keeping with the air of romance and vintage details of the wedding venue, the Lazaro dress I wore matched the tone of understated glamor. It had a sweetheart neckline, satin bow ribbon belt, and a tiered Victorian lace appliqué pleated and tiered skirt. I didn’t want to take it off! Every detail of the night kept to the warmth and luxury we envisioned. Silver and gold accents on all the paper products from The Greeting Shoppe and Papermart brought in the New Year’s Eve theme in a fun, casual way. The ivory cake with gold scroll embellishment from Cakes to Remember was a rich chocolate framboise flavor. We made sure to have leftovers the next day. The ceremony was held in the round which created an intimate feel as we stood under the crystal embellished huppah with our loved ones surrounding us on all sides. Since words are very special to both of us, we added special touches by writing our own vows, having my grandmother read and our mothers share a poem. The songs were also specially picked to enhance the ceremony. I walked down the aisle with my father to “Songbird,” sung by Katherine Jipson. She also sang “Feels Like Home” and “You Raise Me Up.” After all of the emotion of the ceremony, of course there had to be some laughter, which I provided by missing the breaking of the glass three times in a row until Austin came to my rescue!

The reception had a warm feel set by votive candlelight accenting the gorgeous variety of soft ivory flowers in mercury urns. Secretly, we had taken a few dance lessons at Boston Ballroom Dance Center to learn how to sway and dip in a style to match the elegant feel of the high-ceilinged room and sparkling chandeliers. We danced to “Ache” by James Carrington and then had our DJ, Cory Harding of Murray Hill Talent, start the party early. The dancing continued in to the wee hours of the night. Confetti and champagne at midnight helped to ring in the New Year as a surprise for guests. Before leaving, guests had midnight munchies and were given a medley of torrone from Modern Pastry as a favor — the same yummy dessert the groom hid the ring in when he proposed!

Wedding Photography: Kelly Lorenz Imagery / Wedding Venue: The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts / Flowers: Tony Montano of Montano Grant / Event Planning: Alice Fay of The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel / Wedding Cake: Cakes to Remember / Lighting: Boston Event Lighting / Wedding Paper Goods: The Greeting Shoppe + Papermart / Wedding Dress: Lazaro via Allegria Bridal / DJ: Cory Harding of Murray Hill Talent / Torrone: Modern Pastry (617-523-3783) / Ceremony Music: Katherine Jipson

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Post tags: Alice Fay, Allegria Bridal, Black, Boston, Boston Event Lighting, Cakes to Remember, Cory Harding, Gold, Katherine Jipson, Kelly Lorenz Imagery, Lazaro, Massachusetts, Modern Pastry, Montano Grant, Murray Hill Talent, papermart, silver, The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, The Greeting Shoppe, Tony Montano, White
Post categories: Boston Weddings, Massachusetts Weddings

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Alice and Ben met on Martha’s Vineyard in August 2001, on the eve of Ben’s 21st birthday, at a concert performed by Alice’s college singing group. Both were undergraduates at Yale (he a senior, she a sophomore), and they began dating the following school year. Martha’s Vineyard carries additional meaning for both of them, as their families have spent time on the island over the years. Alice’s mother’s home is perched on a hill in Chilmark with splendid English gardens throughout, as well a 180-degree view of the lush New England greenery below and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. When Ben proposed almost nine years later, there was no question where the wedding would be held.

With the indispensable help of wedding coordinator Julie Hatt, the couple set about organizing a ceremony and reception that combined simple elegance with the natural beauty and intimacy of the property. The bride chose a color palette of vivid purples, magentas, and blues, which went beautifully with the lush greenery and bright colors of the gardens. Stone walls are ubiquitous in Chilmark, and the stone wall that runs parallel to the ocean in the backyard of the house became a motif of the exquisitely designed and elegantly produced paper goods by Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger. Alice and Ben recognized the risk they took in planning a summer wedding on an island in the Northeast, but as it turned out, the weather was absolutely perfect the entire weekend. The incredible team of photographers, led by Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio and supported by second photographer Glen Allsop, captured every detail and moment of the day to perfection.

As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted with lemonade in mason jars and were provided shade under parasols that had been used previously at the weddings of two of Alice’s close friends. The simple ceremony celebrated the warmth and familiarity of the occasion. After the ceremony, guests milled about the grounds for an extended cocktail period before heading to the dinner tent where they were served a delicious meal of summer gazpacho (Alice’s mom’s recipe), local striped bass with island vegetables and corn pudding, and individual servings of mixed berry shortcake. The escort card table displayed wedding photographs of the couple’s parents and grandparents. Instead of a guest book, guests were invited to write personal message on simple cards, which the couple plans to incorporate into a scrapbook. As the sun went down, many guests sat perched along the stone wall chatting and enjoying the striking Vineyard sunset over the Atlantic. Ben and Alice departed through a path lined by sparklers waved by all of their friends and family who were given little boxes of chocolate for the journey home. 

Wedding Photography: Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio / Second Photographer: Glen Allsop / Wedding Venue: Home of Bride’s Mother in Chilmark, Massachusetts / Wedding Coordination: Julie Hatt / Wedding Flowers: Lynda Dandeneau / Wedding Officiant: Cantor Theodore Aronson / Wedding Calligraphy, Save-the-Dates, Menus, “Guest Book” Cards, Escort Cards + Programs: Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger / Wedding Invitations: Dempsey & Carroll / Catering: V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons / Desserts: Val Cakes (508-274-0396) / Entertainment: The Sultans of Swing / Tents: Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals / Event Rentals: Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals + Be Our Guest / Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera / Wedding Dress Steaming: Elinor Corfield / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride’s Jewelry: Jamie Wolf / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Maysoon Faraj / Bridesmaids’ Hair + Makeup: Mary and Gretchen of Boucle / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Men’s Suits: J.Crew / Men’s Ties: Paul Stuart / Transportation: Stagecoach Taxi / Wedding Favors: Chilmark Chocolates (508-645-3013)

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Post tags: Backyard Wedding, Badgley Mischka, Be Our Guest, Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals, Blue, Boucle, Bryn Chernoff, Cantor Theodore Aronson, Carolina Herrera, Chilmark, Chilmark Chocolates, Christian Oth Studio, Dempsey & Carroll, Elinor Corfield, Glen Allsop, J. Crew, Jamie Wolf, Jenny Yoo, Julie Hatt, Lynda Dandeneau, Magenta, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Maysoon Faraj, Paperfinger, Paul Stuart, Purple, Shawn Connell, Stagecoach Taxi, The Sultans of Swing, V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons, Val Cakes
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From Lisa of Lisa Rigby Photography… These are some of my favorite photos from Courtney and Adam’s wedding at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts. Courtney wore her mother’s wedding dress from 1976, her grandmother’s wedding band, and carried her grandmother’s beaded purse. For their first dance, Adam’s brother played guitar and sang. Courtney’s brother made their cake topper.

Courtney and Adam did something at their wedding that I’m seeing more often. After their public ceremony, they took time just for themselves and, through hand-written letters, exchanged private vows. It was my favorite part of the day.

Wedding Photography: Lisa Rigby Photography / Wedding Venue: Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts / Flowers: Hamilton Gardens / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston, Circa 1976 / Wedding Dress Alterations: Ann Hamilton of Ann Hamilton Bridal / Bride’s Wedding Band + Purse: The Bride’s Grandmother / Bride’s Necklace: Family Heirloom / Bride’s Shoes: Sam Edelman / Bride’s Hair Piece: Lo Boheme / Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister / Cake Topper: The Bride’s Brother / DJ: Ari Rosenfield of Beat Train Productions

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Post tags: Ann Hamilton Bridal, Beat Train Productions, Green, Hamilton Gardens, Konditor Meister, Lisa Rigby Photography, Lo Boheme, Massachusetts, Priscilla of Boston, Sam Edelman, Topsfield, Willowdale Estate, Yellow
Post categories: Massachusetts Weddings, Vintage Chic

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From the bride… We met at a college party. He was my friend’s cousin and just visiting for the weekend. I thought he was cute, and he thought I was cute. We didn’t have our first kiss until the second time he visited. We fell for each other hard right away; he told me he loved me after just one month of dating. I knew pretty soon after I met Dan that he was “the one.” I had never had so much fun with someone. My favorite memories are so simple: making dinner, watching a movie and falling asleep to records together. When he asked me to marry him, he knew I was expecting it (we picked out the ring together) but he also knew I wanted to be surprised. One time, we went on a hike and we were sitting on this rock overlooking the Flatiron mountains and I was so sure he was going to propose to me then, and he didn’t! Instead he woke me up in the middle of the night and asked me to turn around.  The ring was on my pillow and he asked me then. I was so surprised! And we still laugh about that time in the mountains — he says my face looked so disappointed that day! Our wedding day was perfect, so reflective of us. It was low key, classic and just fun. We didn’t want to do a formal sit-down dinner, cake cutting ceremony or have a giant bridal party. We did simple vows in the church I grew up in, followed by a big cocktail party at our favorite restaurant back east with 60 of our closest friends. Good food, drinks and some motown! I do remember the day, despite getting only 4 hours of sleep the night before! My favorite moment is a tie … seeing Dan in his suit, and me in my dress … and dancing with my Dad. Dan and I danced to the Black Keys “You’re the One.” Planning the wedding was actually fairly smooth! I think I was a little too ambitious. At one point I was going to do my own invitations, but after doing the save-the-dates, I nixed that idea. Leave lots of extra time if you plan on doing your own! Remember to laugh together … no matter what kind of day we’re having that always brings me back to why I fell in love and married him. Wedding Photography: Spring Smith Studios / Officiant: Bob Luther, Groom’s Father / Wedding Ceremony: First Congregational Church in Milton, Massachusetts / Wedding Reception, Catering, Cake + Cupcakes: Ashmont Grill in Dorchester, Massachusetts / Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca / Shoes: Nina / Hair: Anne Kovacs, Bride’s Mother / Makeup: Lacy Toback / Jewelry: Ann Taylor Loft / Bridesmaids’ Dresses + Men’s Attire: J.Crew / Floral Design: Whole Foods Market / Wedding Stationery: The Envelope Please / Wedding Favors: Homemade Jam + Apple Butter

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Post tags: Ann Taylor Loft, Anne Kovacs, Apple Butter, Ashmont Grill, Bob Luther, Dorchester, First Congregational Church, J. Crew, jam, Lacy Toback, Massachusetts, Milton, Nina, Paloma Blanca, Purple, Spring Smith Studios, The Envelope Please, Whole Foods Market, Yellow
Post categories: Boston Western Suburbs, Massachusetts Weddings

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From the bride… We are lovers of the great outdoors and knew that we wanted to get married outside — somewhere beautiful and serene. We found our perfect spot at Spohr Gardens in Falmouth, Massachusetts, where I grew up. It holds a special place in my heart as my grandmother used to come down every spring when I was young to take a trip to these gardens to look at the thousands of daffodils that bloom there every year. She is long gone, but she was there with us on our wedding day. We got married on a dock overlooking the pond. It was warm, but there was a breeze and it was just perfect. Once everyone had left to go the reception, Stacey had Jim and I walk around the grounds, and snapped photos. These are some of my very favorites! It was all as magical and sweet as it looks, and we are so very lucky to have found each other. We are excited for all that lies ahead for our growing business and are enjoying time with each other before taking the next step to expand our family! Wedding Photography: Stacey Hedman / Ceremony: Spohr Gardens in Falmouth, Massachusetts / Reception: Osteria la Civetta in Falmouth, Massachusetts / Flowers: Astrid of Windfall Market / Wedding Cake: Windfall Market / Wedding Dress: BCBG / Hair: Angela at Belleza Day Spa / Makeup: Kimberly Richard / Pearls: A Gift from the Bride’s Aunt / Groom’s Suit: H&M / Groom’s Shirt: Brooks Brothers / Groom’s Tie: Barneys

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Post tags: Barneys, BCBG, Belleza Day Spa, Brooks Brothers, Cape Cod, Falmouth, Green, H&M, Kimberly Richard, Massachusetts, Osteria la Civetta, Spohr Gardens, Stacey Hedman, Tan, Taupe, Windfall Market
Post categories: Cape Cod Weddings, Massachusetts Weddings

Eliza and Anthony started dating in April, 2008 following an introduction by Eliza’s brother-in-law, Chip, who attended Princeton University and played lacrosse with Anthony. It seemed like just an introduction, but it was so much more. Eliza had just moved from Philadelphia to New York City in pursuit of her career as a nurse, but little did she know she would also find her future husband. Three years later, Anthony proposed under the Tree in Rockefeller Center following The Christmas Spectacular.

It was never a question where Eliza and Anthony wanted to have their wedding. Eliza’s Family has been going to Nantucket for over 40 years and Eliza has been there every year since her birth. To her, it is a family place, full of memories and tradition. When she was younger, she would put on rope bracelet the day she arrived on island and keep it on until it the end of summer. The bracelet always ended up worn with memories of her summer. She wanted to share these memories and create new ones with her family and friends, with her and Anthony’s special day as a centerpiece.

Fall has always been Eliza and Anthony’s favorite time on Nantucket; the colors of the island are still vivid from the summer sun and the ocean is still warm. Since they started dating they have visited the Island mid or late September, avoiding the summer crowds, having the beaches virtually to themselves, and lighting a fire when the sun went down. They were sure October was the perfect time for a wedding, and it turned out they were right. It was 65 degrees and sunny on their special day. It was simply magical.

It was important to Eliza and Anthony that their wedding not only represent them as a couple, but also the beauty and tradition of the island. From the moments guests arrived, they were greeted with bags filled with traditions of the Island; good luck pennies to throw off the departing ferry towards Brant Point and a small box of chocolate covered cranberries, a tribute to Nantucket’s October Cranberry Festival. And what better venue than the Great Harbor Yacht Club! A homage to the nautical traditions of the Island.

The bridesmaids looked beautiful, with their scallop shell necklaces, starfish earrings, and traditional Nantucket rope bracelets from Eliza’s Childhood. The colors of the bridesmaids dresses was pewter, a tribute to Nantucket, or the “The Gray Lady”, as it is known to those who visit her often. The maid of honor’s dress was dark red, representative of the cranberries that are a fall staple of the Island.

Guests were greeted with a ‘Sea Breeze’ upon arrival to the reception, a tribute to Eliza’s Granny Titi. It was her favorite drink.

Local artist, Jeanne van Etten, also known as the “Nantucket Mermaid,” created mermaid and pirate themed escort cards for each guest. The cards were of course used to direct guests to their table, but were also designed as postcards with personalized E & A postage attached. A detail thought of by the bride to enable each guest to write the newlyweds their best wishes and place them in the mail. Returning from their honeymoon, the couple was greeted with some spirited memories from a memorable night.

Floral Design: Soiree Floral / Venue: Great Harbor Yacht Club / Church: First Congregational Church / Photography: Cary Hazlegrove Photography / Day of Planner: Jimmy Jaskic / Bridal Car: Hyland Drivers / Caterer: Simply with Style / Paper Goods: Jeanne van Etten / Photobooth: Nantucket Photobooth / Dress: Matthew Christopher / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Hair: RJ Miller / Makeup: Elizabeth Wiggins, Beauty by the Sea / Tuxedos: Brooks Bothers, Golden Fleece Morning Coat / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Priscilla of Boston / Band: Sultans of Swing

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Post tags: Badgley Mischka, Beauty by the Sea, Bouquets, boutonnieres, Brooks Brothers, Cary Hazlegrove Photography, Casual Elegance, Centerpieces, Color Palette Grey, Cranberries, Cranberry, Fall Weddings, First Congregational Church, Flower girls, Great Harbor Yacht Club, Hyland Drivers, Jeanne can Etten, Jimmy Jaskic, Massachusetts, Massachusetts Weddings, Matthew Christopher, Nantucket, Nantucket Mermaid, Nantucket Photobooth, Priscilla of Boston, RJ Miller, Simply with Style, Soiree Floral, Sultans of Swing, Wedding Flowers
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

Floral Design by Soiree Floral & Photography by Cary Hazlegrove Photography

The week at a glance in case you missed any of the lovely:

a super cute couple tying the knot in style in this Florida highlight film
an oh-my-goodness Spanish affair that will definitely take your breath away
a Canadian wedding filled with the most fun energy we could imagine
a classic New Orleans fête made from dreams, for dreams
a double rainbow graced this perfect display of Vermont nuptials
a sweet DIY soiree on a beautiful Michigan lake
a whole lot of Southern Charm in this Tennessee Wedding
an Ontario Indian/Jewish/Christian fusion affair TO DIE FOR
an intimate St. Louis wedding small on details and huge on heart
a stunning California vineyard fête filled with amazing little deets & so much love

A few links we’re crushing on around the web:

a perfect color palette (honey & wheat) to warm up any day via Martha Stewart Weddings
a few tips we’re loving about planning the perfect menu via Green Wedding Shoes
a gorgeous Scottish lochside wedding via Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

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Post tags: Cary Hazlegrove Photography, Fall Weddings, Massachusetts, Nantucket, Soiree Floral, Wedding Inspiration, Weekly Wrap-Up, Winter Weddings, Wrap it up Pretty
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

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See this gorgeous wedding come to life thanks to the talents at Vantage Point Films:

From the bride… I know every wedding is unique. Too many details go into them to not be and too many wedding magazines told me so. But I loved the decision we made for our officiants – our dads! – and knew just how unique it was when not one person (town clerk, venue contact, wedding planner, all guests) had heard of a (non-clergy member) dual-dad ceremony. Aside from marrying Jeff (and wearing flats), it was the best decision made that day. Though Jeff and I are both Jewish, neither of us approaches the religion from anything more than a customary perspective. On this day of ‘us’ it didn’t make sense to bring in someone to forever bind us using Hebrew that we didn’t understand and quoting beliefs that simply didn’t mean anything to us. What did mean something to us: both of our parents were still successfully married and incredibly in love. They had nearly eight decades of combined marital experience under their belts. They were both married the second weekend of June. We wanted our ceremony to be about love, about finding soul mates, and about learning what makes this work. We also opted not to break a good tradition and get married ourselves the second weekend of June.

We asked my dad first. I think my mom may have tipped him off to this as I made the mistake of mentioning it to her first. He was humbled, honored, and accepted the role, while quickly adding “But if you realize that this is as crazy as it is and want to back out, I won’t take offense.” Typical advice from my dad, who’s always been keen on making sure I knew to never feel pigeonholed growing up – with his most famous line being (when I was too young to even think of marriage): “If we’re at your wedding and about to walk down the aisle, and you feel that any part of this is off — I don’t care what’s been paid for, I don’t care how many people came in to town for you — we will turn right around, no questions asked, and figure it all out. Don’t feel pressured.” As a side note, I was lucky enough to pull him aside right before I DID actually walk down the aisle to let him know I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Jeff’s parents had a slightly different response. After sitting them both down, we told them there was something important we wanted to talk to them about. This set off an endless round of guesses. “No, we’re not having a baby,” and “No, we didn’t run off and get married already.” So by the time we got around to asking, they were totally caught off guard and a bit dumbfounded. “But … is it legal?!” This is a question Gary asked us up until our wedding day. We assured him it was, and the two dads took to the internet to become ordained Universal Life Ministers. An official card and a bumper sticker stating his new title helped to abate Gary’s fears.

We opted not to hear it ahead of time as we wanted to be in the moment and LISTEN to what they were sharing with us, rather than go through the motions of a ceremony we were all too familiar with. All four parents had endless conference calls in which my mom read my lines, Jeff’s mom read Jeff’s lines, and the dads turned their emotions into a perfect script. They had one rule: they both had to agree to what was incorporated, and if one didn’t feel it was right, it was dropped, not brought to trial. The result was magical, memorable and something that the town clerk, our wedding planner, and our guests had never witnessed before … a marriage by the dads. After Jeff was walked down the aisle by both his parents, Gary stood under the chuppah (a nod to tradition and the one concession we made to my mom who jokingly – kind of — said “But you’re both Jewish, of course you need it!”). After the bridal party made their way to the front, both my parents walked my down the aisle. My dad joined Gary, the moms brought black choir robes to their respective husbands (a touch the dads insisted upon to clearly separate their roles of ‘officiant’ and ‘dad’) and it began. The whole ceremony, every page of which I loved, was timed to 28 minutes and was nearly 40 pages long. We have a signed copy by the dads in our living room, and leaf through it often to remind ourselves of the lessons learned and that moment the four of us shared.

Wedding Photography: Emily Dryden of Photo Pink / Second Photographer: Leigh Anna Thompson / Event Planning + Coordination: Lydia FitzGerald of Charmed Places / Event Design + Florals: Linda Baldwin Flowers and Decor / Wedding Venue + Catering: Gedney Farm in New Marlborough, Massachusetts / Cinematography: Vantage Point Films / Cupcakes: Barrington Bites / Music: Soulsystem Orchestras / Wedding Invitations: The Village Invites / Wedding Dress: Gustavo Cadile / After-Party Venue: Mepal Manor

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Post tags: Barrington Bites, Black, Charmed Places, Emily Dryden, Gedney Farm, Gustavo Cadile, Linda Baldwin Flowers and Decor, Lydia FitzGerald, Massachusetts, New Marlborough, Photo Pink, Soulsystem Orchestras, The Berkshires, The Village Invites, Vantage Point Films, White
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Massachusetts Weddings, The Berkshires Weddings