issue 6 Summer 2012
Fun in the Sun
issue
in this ... features
Let Them Eat Cake
22
Amazing designs, delicious flavors, and a room full of talent!
Lenox Weddings
88
A wedding tour of the Bershires
Follow the Bride!
98
follow our real bride on her wedding planning journey
in every issue letter from the editor........................6 wedding day countdown...................8 Q & A.............................................10 the hotlist.......................................10 date night.......................................12 d.i.y. spotlight...............................210 professional spotlight....................212 seven things to love.......................226
more
contents...
15
Style & Beauty
destination wedding gown facing summer
100 Stationery & Favors sea breeze invitations keep your guests cool
105 Forgotten Details welcome baskets
107 Venues
joe’s fish co. - north wildwood, nj
115 Behind the Scenes
details that make the shoot
119 Reception & Ceremony boardwalk/beach wedding pops of love & color
137 Planning
10 summer wedding tips
141 Destination & Honeymoon brides share their story maya marriage of many fun in st. lucia
156 Real Weddings & Engagements lauren & Carl - engage christina & frank - wed rosie & michael - wed celeste & justin - wed
editor’s note Dear Readers,
ISSUE 6 Fun in the SUN!
It’s summer time and the living is easy. There is nothing that we love more than the summer. The beautiful weather, the longer days, beautiful nights by the fire pit, and so much more make summer one of our favorite times of the year. Sometimes there is nothing better than relaxing after a long day by the open fire and making yourself a yummy s’more. In this issue we wanted to capture all the things that make summer great, the vacations, the snacks, the sun, and all the fun that comes with it. We took all those things, and added a “bridal” twist to them, so that you can make them a part of your big day. Our goal was to show you how to take those summer memories you have always had and make them a part of the greatest memory of your life, your wedding day. Also in this issue, we show you all of the great events and places that we had the privilege of being a part of over the last months. Whether it was tasting cakes at Let Them Eat cake in Philadelphia or exploring the numerous amazing venues in Lenox, Massachusetts; we’ve got you covered. So get out your beach chair, lay back, sip some iced tea and enjoy all that this summer issue has to offer. Enjoy!
xoxo,
Jason and Heather
Editor-in-Chief Jason Kimble
Executive Editor/Creative Director Heather Kimble
Photography Contributors Jim Cottingham Carrie Gromis
Style Contributor Jeannine Comito
Beauty Contributor Kim Alicea
Music Contributor Nick Doak
Honeymoon Contributor Carlie Finch
Advertising
advertise@itsaboutdetails.com
To Contribute
contributors@itsaboutdetails.com
Real Wedding & Engagement Submissions realweddings@itsaboutdetails.com
Job Inquiries
jobs@itsaboutdetails.com
Media, Press, & Events hkimble@itsaboutdetails.com
wedding day countdown
{see this nautical inspired wedding on page 197}
12 Months
4-3 Months
-Decide on your wedding budget and who’s contributing. -Appraise and insure your engagement ring. -Decide your wedding style and colors. -Choose your wedding date and time. -Interview and hire a wedding planner. -Start envisioning your wedding dress.
-Choose and order groomsmen attire. -Choose and order grooms attire. -Research and choose a rehearsal dinner site. -Choose and reserve all tables, chairs, and any other wedding rentals. -Make all your honeymoon reservations-airfare, hotel for your wedding night. -Put together hotel and city information for out- of-town guests.
9 Months -Choose your bridal party, ring bearer, flower girl, ceremony reader, etc. -Interview and hire a caterer. Begin planning your reception menu. -Finalize guest list. -Decide on your wedding officiant. -Look into any family customs or cultural traditions. -Research centerpieces, flowers, décor, etc. -Start your gift registry.
2-3 Months
-Purchase your accessories-jewelry, tiara, garter etc. -Purchase wedding bands. -Decide on your favors. -Purchase all your under the dress essentials and take them to your dress fittings. -Decide on special ceremony songs & readings. -Book wedding day transportation.
6-8 Months
6 Weeks
-Choose and order bridesmaids’ dresses. -Choose and order your wedding dress and veil. -Research and book vendors, eg. florist, baker, DJ, photographer etc. -Set aside blocks of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. -Order and send out save-the-dates. -Research and buy wedding insurance. -Order your wedding invitations and wedding announcements.
-Send out wedding invitations -Order ceremony programs and decide on your wedding vows. -Submit your newspaper wedding announcement. -Research local marriage license requirements. -Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments. -Purchase entire bridal party, parent gifts etc. -Purchase and send out rehearsal dinner invitations.
3-4 Weeks -Purchase ceremony accessories. -Confirm honeymoon reservations. -Pick up marriage license and your wedding dress. -Meet with your officiant & musicians and/or DJ to go over details. -Create a wedding day schedule. -Have your bridal potraits and/or boudoir photog- raphy session. -Schedule wedding day hair and makeup appointments.
1-2 Weeks -Call guests who have not RSVP’d and make seating arrangements. -Confirm all details with your reception site. -Give guest count & confirm all details with your caterer and baker -Determine your receiving line. -Confirm all details with vendors etc. -Pack for your wedding night and honeymoon. -Put final payments and tips for vendors in marked envelopes.
Day Before -Designate someone to mail out your wedding announcements on the wedding day. -Pull together your wedding dress, all accessories, and emergency kit. -Designate someone to drop off items to ceremony and reception sites -Get manicure and pedicure. -Enjoy your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner! -Set your alarm!
Wedding Day -Tell your parents how much you love them and thank them. -Set aside time after your ceremony to have a private moment together. -Enjoy your Wedding Day!
Made u Look Photography
Q&A Q- Our wedding is in August and it’s outside. What are some things we can do to help keep guests cool and comfortable? A- Prior to the ceremony starting you can supply fans to each of your guests to help keep them comfortable. Also, make sure you have lots of cold water available for your guests throughout your wedding. Consider serving popsicles or water ice during your cocktail hour or after dinner at your reception.
Q- Our wedding date has changed, but we already mailed out our invitations. How do we let our guests know the date has changed? A- You can simply mail your guests a printed card or handwritten note telling them the date has changed. It should say something like this, “The wedding date has been changed from June seventh to August fourth.” If there is not enough time to mail a note, call and tell them the information.
If you would like to have your questions answered, please send them to info@itsaboutdetails.com.
Under the Sun! “Let the warm summer sun inspire you. Bright yellows, light causual dresses, and simple jewelry make a polished look and comfortable summer style!”
-Heather Kimble Executive Editor/Creative Director
1
Crisp White Corset Dress American Eagle
2
Wavy-Print Beach Tote Victoria’s Secret
3
Dainty Chain Necklace Cream/Yellow Forever 21
4
Beach Bride and Groom Weddingstar
5
typeZ Charlie Sunshine Wedges Zappos
the hotlist 2 1
3
4 5
date night
A Day at theWater Park! S
ummer time is full of great opportunities to have fun with your future spouse. One way to beat the heat and have a great time is to take a trip to a water park. Water parks are great because they generally offer a variety of activities. Whether it’s splashing around in the wave pool, getting an adrenaline rush on the crazy water slides, or just kicking back and rolling down the lazy river; you are sure to have a great time together. Many water parks have started adding some adult style entertainment with swim up bars and live bands. Here are a few tips to make your water park date a roaring success:
1. Try to schedule your trip on a week day or towards the beginning of the season.
This often means fewer crowds to compete with.
2. Keep an eye out for discount tickets.
There are a lot of places you can find discounts for your local water park. Many fast food places and convenience stores have coupons at the counters. Keep an eye out for special promotions as well.
3. Keep an eye out for “adult only” areas of the water park.
This can help give you a little bit more private time and these areas are usually less crowded since there are no children in these areas.
4. Make sure to bring some sunscreen and apply often.
Also, make sure you bring extra towels. Some parks provide towels, but it is still a good idea to have a few of your own. So get out there and have some fun in the sun and the water with the one you love!
style & beauty
Destination
Wedding Gown
by Jeannine Comito
There are many dress options, as with a formal wedding. The first thing the bride will have to decide is if she wants a formal or informal gown for the destination. Some brides make this decision based on the type of reception they will have. Since many women have dreamed of their wedding gown since they were little girls, they do not want to change the image in their head due to the location, and that is perfectly OK. David’s Bridal offers a great assortment of gowns whether you choose formal or not. According to Catalina Maddox, fashion director at David’s Bridal, the salon offers an array of different styles for the destination of your choice: Short dresses, soft and flowing gowns, all over lace gowns, low/sexy back gowns and if embellishment is not your thing we offer several romantic prints this season including our new burnout floral pattern, perfect for the beach or any location. And for those having a bridal party at your destination wedding, David’s Bridal offers a great selection of soft and breezy styles as well as great tropical bright shades such as "coral reef,” which is new.
Facing Summer by Kim Alicea
T
he heat of the summer months means a change in your makeup wardrobe. Let’s face it we’re fighting high temperatures, perspiration and for some of us more oil than usual. When it comes to these conditions we need to be prepared.
So let’s get started! A beautiful summer face will take some extra work. Always begin with skin! A routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing is a must. Find skincare products specifically designed for your skin type. Your skin will fall into one of four categories: normal, dry, oily or combination. Taking care of your skin is essential to the results of your makeup application and its durability. Now let’s talk makeup! Although you may feel you don’t want to wear a lot of makeup through the summer months, it is necessary to wear a few extras if you want your makeup to survive the day. Anyone wanting a flawless face that will last all day or night (Brides in particular), these tips are for you!
• Primer – A primer is essential to long wearing makeup. Its’ function is to act as a layer between skin and foundation. It will enhance less than perfect skin minimizing fine lines and large pores. It adheres to your foundation creating a bond. The end result is smoother looking skin and a foundation that lasts longer and doesn’t streak or melt. • Foundation – Choosing a foundation based on your skin type is the key. Long wearing foundations are very popular these days, but don’t get caught up in the advertising. Everyone’s skin is different and it’s important to find what’s right for you. Dry skin needs hydration which typically comes with an oil based foundation, while oily skin needs a mattifying formula typically found in oil free formulas that incorporate powders. • Setting powder – Translucent powder will set your foundation providing longer wear. Translucent powders do not change the color of your foundation nor do they provide coverage. They are very finely milled powders meant specifically for setting. • Setting spray – Pure genius!! A spray that sets your makeup for the entire day. An absolute must have for brides! That takes care of your base, now onto color! • • • •
Avoid cream blushes and shadows, they will separate and require maintenance. Use an eye shadow base (primer). Waterproof eyeliner and mascara will get you through a smudge proof day. Lip stains are perfect for 8 hr wear and when combined with a water resistant lip liner, you have the ultimate summer lip.
Kim’s Pick’s Primer: 1. Smashbox Photo Finish $36 2. Laura Geller Spackle $25 3. L’Oreal Professional Magic Perfecting Base $13
Waterproof eye liner: 1. CHANEL Stylo Yeux $29 2. Urban Decay 24/7 $19 3. Prestige Waterproof $4
Foundation: 1. CHANEL Perfection Lumiere $57 2. Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover $40 3. L’Oreal Infallible Never Fail Makeup $14
Lip Stain: 1. Vincent Longo Gel Stain $22 2. Tarte Lip Stain $24 3. CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lipcolor $9
Translucent Powder: 1. Laura Mercier Pressed Setting Powder $30 2. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Powder $10
Lip Liner: 1. Givenchy $25 2. Stila $18 3. Mac $14
Setting Spray: 1. Urban Decay All Nighter $30 2. Model In A Bottle $20
events
features
&competitions
If you would like it’s about details to attend or cover your event email Heather at hkimble@itsaboutdetails.com.
Let Them Eat Cake
S
-UNDER THE BIGTOP-
tep right up folks! See the magic and the wonder, the thrill and the excitement all contained “Under the Big Top.” That’s right the circus is in town. Not just any circus, but the tastiest circus you have ever seen. This is the 7th annual Let Them Eat Cake Bake off for 2012. Taking place again in the Loews Hotel located on Market Street in the city of Philadelphia. Let Them Eat Cake is a culinary competition where experienced bakers and student bakers. They Compete to see who can make the tastiest and most amazing cakes. It’s a great place where brides-to-be and lovers of sweets alike can converge to sample some of the most delicious as well as be astonished by the visual artistry these bakers put on display.
The Let Them Eat Cake competition is put on by Philadelphia’s chapter of City of Hope. City of Hope is a national non-profit organization that focuses on the care of numerous patients and provides vital research to help conquer diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and many other life threatening diseases. It is a refuge for those in need and is one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. All proceeds from the event help City of Hope carry out their important work. Each entrant is judged by a panel of judges in a blind taste test and cakes are viewed with no branding near them to keep the competition fair. After the judges walkthrough, the participants are allowed to place their placards and branding around their area. The participants are judged in 9 separate categories from Most Artistic to Best Tasting to Best Overall. In addition, competing for the coveted People’s Choice Award that is decided by a vote of the attendees of the competition. This year’s competition was graced with a particularly special treat, celebrity baker Sylvia Weinstock. She was in attendance tasting, viewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with the vendors. For those unaware of her prowess, Sylvia is known as the Leonardo Da’Vinci of cakes. She has been decorating celebratory cakes for 30 years and is known for using the finest ingredients. Her work has been seen all over the word and she is the premiere baker of many well known weddings. She is known for her impeccable details and amazing creations without the use of fondant. We had a chance to sit down and chat with her before the event. She was a great person to talk to and had a lot of wisdom to share. You can find our full interview with Sylvia here.
The Art Institute Kessi & Adrienne
The Art Institute David Reimund & Franco Avisi
The Art Institute Emily & Christina
The Restaurant School of Walnut Hill Tynesha & Anthony
The Art Institute Briana
The Art Institute Corinne & Shayla
The Restaurant School of Walnut Hill Chelsea & Shayna
Piece ‘a Cake www.pieceacakellc.com
Piece ‘a Cake www.pieceacakellc.com
The Yellow Box Bakery www.theyellowboxbakery.com
& Kathy’s Just Desserts, inc www.kathysjustdesserts.com
Divine Cakes www.divine-cakes.com
Harry’s Savoy Ballroom www.harrysweddings.com
Artisserie
www.artisseriebakery.com
R2L
www.R2Lrestaurant.com
The Rittenhouse www.rittenhousehotel.com
Classic Cake www.classiccake.com
Brooklyn Girl Bakery www.brooklyngirlbakery.com
Cakes by Kharis www.cakesbykharis.com
Cake Art Studio www.cakeartstudio.com
Cake Couture, LLC www.cakecouturellc.com
Truly Custom Cakery www.trulycustomcakery.com
The Merion www.themerion.com
Eat Me
www.eat-me-desserts.com
Granny Schmidt’s Bake Shop www.grannyschmidts.com
Loews Philadelphia Hotel www.loewshotels.com
The Master’s Baker www.themastersbaker.com
Adelaide’s Cakes www.adelaidescakes.com
Sweet T’s Bakeshop www.sweettbakes.com
The Union League www.unionleague.org
Bredenbeck’s Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor www.bredenbecks.com
Bredenbeck’s Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor www.bredenbecks.com
Tour of Lenox
Photography by: Tony Israel Photography Tricia McCormack Photography John Dolan Photography John Seakwood Photography Sabine Vollmer Von Falken Photography Scott Barrow Photography
T
rying to find a beautiful countryside full of rolling hills, gorgeous scenery, and hospitable people for an amazing destination wedding? Welcome to Lenox, Massachusetts. Lenox is a beautiful place to have a destination wedding. There are numerous hotels, venues, and great vendors available to make your special day perfect. We had an opportunity to explore the town of Lenox and meet the great people. We were invited, along with a group of wedding planners and bridal media to come up and spend a few days touring the town of Lenox and experience all the things that the town has to offer. It was a great experience and really opened our eyes to so many amazing and beautiful things. What makes Lenox such a great place for a destination wedding can in no way be summed up in just an article. It is truly a site to see. There are a variety of reasons why one might want to consider Lenox for your destination wedding. For starters, Lenox has something for everyone. Whether you want a luxurious 5-star caliber wedding or a backyard barbeque, Lenox has the facilities to accommodate you. Another reason that makes Lenox so great is the fact that it is a one stop shop. Every item and/or service is readily available and at your beckon call to make your big day complaete. And of course there is always the town itself. The beautiful scenery and the fantastic venues can take your breath away. We had the distinct opportunity of staying at the Wintrop Estate, a beautiful mansion nestled on a hillside. The views were magnificent and the building was phenomenal. It was built in 1875 as a summer home by the Ambassador of Denmark. Now it is a great place for family vacations as well as weddings. When using the facility you not only get to use the whole building with its 14,000 square feet. You also have access to the entire grounds, over 40 acres!
Our first hand experience entailed the following:
Spa Day
Upon our arrival and getting situated in our rooms, we were whisked off to Cranwell Hotel to take advantage of their full service spa. We were greeted by our gracious hosts, given a small welcome gift and then treated to complimentary manicures, pedicures, and massages. The Cranwell facilities offer a variety of services, including a pool, exercise room with a great view, sauna’s, and lounges for both male and female guests. It is a tranquil and relaxing place that brides and grooms can take advantage of not only for preparing for the big day, but to relax before the big day.
Hotels/town tour/table competition
The other two days in Lenox were spent taking a ride in party buses around the town to take in 7 of their choice venues, as well as to take a walking tour of the town. We were able to see a variety of venue types. Some of the highlights included a former farm with a full barn, a bed and breakfast, a museum, a play house, and a few retired summer homes. All the venues were gorgeous and each unique in their own way. The word of the day seemed to be “unique�, as each venue was so distinct, some like nothing else we had ever seen. Another theme that really seemed to make the venues and the town great was the accommodating nature of the place. Everywhere we went and every person we talked to were more than willing to bend over backwards to fulfill every request, no matter how big or small. The walking tour of the town of Lenox had us taking in the vibe of a quaint New England small town. The people we passed on the street greeted us with a smile. We were taken to two potential venue sites, the town hall and the town’s public library. Both are national registered historic buildings and are a very unique place to hold a wedding. The library was particularly intriguing. The book shelves were all on wheels and could all be moved around to make the space accommodate what any bride or groom could possibly desire. We were also treated to a table competition featuring some of the wedding planners that were on the tour. Each participant was given an invitation created by Crane Paper Company to use as inspiration. Each table had the distinct personality of its designer while incorporating their inspiration. Each table was set up in the respective venue where the designer was staying, and the designer used elements from their venue.
Amazing Food Throughout our entire trip we were treated to numerous amazing meals. We enjoyed three nights of 5 star dinners. The first was at a beautiful chateau called Blantyre. The service here was impeccable. The second took place at the beautiful Cranwell Hotel. This was a little bit more of a traditional venue with a large ballroom. The final dinner was at the beautiful mansion, Wheatleigh. This French country house was built as a wedding present from a father to his daughter. Each meal was deliciously different. Each venue also featured its own cocktail hour with butlered hors d’ oeuvres. In addition, we were treated to numerous local wines, teas, chocolates, and other delectable treats throughout our stay. There were local vodkas, beers, cocktails and so many more, almost impossible to enjoy them all. One thing you can say is there was no chance to going away hungry. If you are a wedding planner and would like to take part in this year’s Lenox Wedding Tour go to their website at: www.lenoxweddingplannertour.com
Follow the Bride! Meet our Real Bride Josephine! Follow along as she plans her upcoming wedding. Engagement Date - August 8th, 2010
H
Wedding Date - August 31st, 2012
ere is our quarterly check in on how we are making out in our planning process. We still have a couple of months to go, but we are making a ton of progress.
Here are a few highlights of what we have accomplished so far. • The centerpieces, we chose to go with a vintage inspiration with a twist of glitz and romance. • Our invitations will draw inspiration from my bridal gown. A vintage style invitation with an incorporation of the lace that is prominent in the dress. The invites were purchased from simplychicinvites.com from Manahawken, NJ. • In regards to the cake, the direction we are planning on going is to again draw inspiration from the my bridal gown using lace and bows and other dress like elements. • As an alternative to a guest book, we will be filling apothecary jars only slightly with roses. There will be note cards titled “Wishes for the Mr. and Mrs.” for guests to leave their wishes and drop them in the jar. The jars will then be used as decorative pieces in our living room! • For shoes, I have chosen an elegant heal designed by Jimmy Choo. • Since the church won’t allow confetti of any kind to be used, we chose to go with bubbles. The bubbles we found are in the shape of champagne bottles. Planning a wedding has been keeping us very busy, but still fun! We can’t wait for our wedding day!
stationery & favors
Sea Breeze Invitation Set from www.memorablecelebrations.weddingstar.com
COOL Keep Your Guests
O
ne of the hardest parts of having a summer time wedding can be the heat. Summer heat can inhibit guests from enjoying what should be a fun and exciting event. One option that can fix the heat issue is to offeryour guests hand fans. This will not only keep them cool, but double as a great favor. Fans can be purchased in almost any color or style that compliment your big day. You can go one step further and turn them into a keepsake by customizing with your names and wedding date.
The fans can be given out at a variety of times and in a variety of ways, depending on what is appropriate for your big day. They can be handed out with the programs before the ceremony or placed in a basket to be picked up at the guests’ leisure. You can also have them at the guests’ seats or along side the place cards. We recommend making sure that whatever you do, you do what makes the most sense for your big day. For example, if you are having a religious ceremony in a church, it may not be appropriate to hand them out for the ceremony. On the other hand, if you are having an outdoor ceremony it might make sense to have them handed out prior. No matter what you choose, fans can be a great choice as a wedding favor. They are a cute idea, but are still functional on your big day. This way you will know that the money spent on them has gone to good use.
Find these fans and more at Memorable Celebrations.
forgotten details
Welcome Baskets: What to include
W
hether you are having a destination wedding or just some out-of-town guests, welcome baskets are a nice gesture and touch. You can theme them based on your wedding location. There are endless possibilities on what you can include. Here is a basic guide and examples to help you create the perfect welcome baskets. Your guests will LOVE them and be very thankful!
Choose a container/holder: • • • •
Tote Bag Storage Container Sand Bucket Basket
Items they can eat, drink, and snack on: • • • •
Bottled Water Tea Cookies Chocolate
Local Souvenirs: • • •
Cape May Diamond (Cape May, NJ) Postcards Herr’s Chips (Northeast Pennsylvania)
Pampering Products: • • • • •
Lotions Lip Balm Slippers Sunscreen Beach Towels
Small Entertainment: • • •
Books Travel Checkers & Chess Deck of Cards
Tour Guides: • • •
Maps Official Tourism Booklets Local “About” Books
Make it Personal: • • • •
List of your favorite local restaurants, entertainment, and activities Hand written note Schedule of events Custom water bottle labels
venue spotlight
Joe’s Fish Co. “We take boardwalk dining to the next level ...” www.moreyspiers.com 609-675-5468 25th St. & The Boardwalk, NJ 08260
W
hen having a wedding near the beach or on the boardwalk, mingled with the games and rides that have made the Jersey shore famous, finding the right venue is key. When we met with Stephanie Berge, the wedding and event specialist for Memoreys by Morey’s Piers, we found just the right place. Memoreys is located in Wildwood, New Jersey and features multiple locations that can be used for your big day. The venue that we chose to focus on however was the intimate rooftop venue known as Joe’s Fish Co. Founded in June of 2010, Joe’s Fish Co. is a full service restaurant with a rooftop area capable of holding 80 – 100 guests for anything from a small intimate wedding to rehearsal dinners or engagement parties. The restaurant is named after Joe Marchiano, the founder of Curly Fries, and offers a truly versatile space that can even be used for a ceremony space. Because it is located on Morey’s Surfside Pier, not only do you have the breathtaking views of the beach and boardwalk, you also have the rides to make an amazing backdrop. In addition, every Friday throughout the summer, the city of Wildwood hosts a fantastic display of fireworks. The rooftop at Joe’s is a perfect place to enjoy the view. If you ever priced out fireworks, you know that having them as a free added benefit is well worth the investment.
Even though Joe’s Fish Co. is a full service restaurant, one thing that makes it stand out from other restaurant venues is the area used for the parties. Many restaurants that offer a space for weddings usually have a semi-private room, where restaurant patrons may be a little too close for comfort. With Joe’s Fish Co., not only do you get a private room, you get a whole floor to yourself. You are truly separated from the rest of the world while still being able to be a part of the frenzy and excitement of the Jersey shore boardwalk. One of the surprising things about Joe’s Fish Co. is the menu. They offer a variety of menu options from their in-house caterer. The spectrum of menu choices ranges from Gourmet Pizzas and Curly fries to Filet Mignon and seafood. What’s even better is that Joe’s Fish Co. purchases locally grown produce and serves locally caught fish. Also, bar service is available to serve beer, wine and margaritas. Joe’s Fish Co. can accomodate almost any budget, big or small. Another added benefit there is no site fee for using the venue. The cost is per person based on the menu selection. After talking with Stephanie, the willingness to accommodate make this venue stand out. Joe’s Fish Co. along with Morey’s Piers are up for almost any challenge and seem more than willing to do whatever it takes to make your day great. All requests are considered and Stephanie goes out of her way to make sure that she does everything within reason to make her brides and grooms get everything they want to make their big day a dream come true. Stephanie mentioned that there are so many requests that she has received and so many things she can make happen if you are using Joe’s as your wedding venue. Interested in having a wedding picture on the ferris wheel? Not a problem. Want to use the Tram car as transportation? All you have to do is ask. Also included with reserving Joe’s as your venue is the opportunity to get discount passes for the parks included at Morey’s Piers. Visit Joe’s Fish Co. you’ll discover its a great venue for someone looking to have a small intimate gathering on their big day. So, if you or someone you know is looking for a venue to have a beach wedding with great views, numerous menu options, and flexibility make sure you check out Joe’s. See page 156 to see a real couples photo session at Morey’s Piers!
behind the scenes
ceremony & reception
Boardwalk all in the details Hair & Makeup: A Bridal Beauty Cupcakes: Sugar High Location: Wildwood, NJ Models: Julie Kauffman Nick Doak
& Beach Wedding
POPS of
COLOR & LOVE M
ost people have numerous summer time memories. Many of us remember swimming in the pool or playing in the sprinkler or chasing the ice cream truck as children. One of the best things about summer is after a hot day in the sun reaching in the freezer and pulling out a popsicle and enjoying a delicious fruity treat. But how about taking that childhood treat and including it in your summer wedding? Here are a few ideas how you can. One of the most basic ways you can include popsicles in your big day is to use them as part of a dessert buffet. This is a great idea for wedding parties that include children because everyone can enjoy the frozen treats. You can also pick your flavors based on the colors of your wedding so that you can seamlessly incorporate the fun. Another idea is to use popsicles as a part of a cocktail. Place the pop into a tall flute glass and pour champagne over it. As the pop melts, its flavor fuses with the champagne making a delicious treat. You can also try this with a variety of other cocktails. Feel free to experiment before the big day and see what you like. One more way that you can infuse pops with your wedding is to use them as part of your bar set up. While these are harder to find, there are a variety of vendors that make pops using alcohol. These little pleasures taste great and add a fun flare to your bar set up. The pops we used for this shoot were an exceptionally special pop. These pops are all natural and allergen free. That means no gluten, no dairy and no peanut products. They are made with all fresh ingredients. To learn more about Mompops check out their website here.
planning
10 Summer wedding tips 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Eat Local! Not only will you be supporting local businesses in your area, but it may actually save you money too.
If you plan to have your wedding ceremony or reception (or both!) outside make sure you have a “rainy day” backup plan.
Remember to apply SPF!
When choosing attire for your wedding (for groomsmen, bridesmaids, your gown, and grooms suit) consider choosing lightweight materials like cotton, silk, and linen.
Consider wearing flats or wedges instead of pumps and stilettos.
Have your wedding in the late afternoon or early evening to avoid the sun when it is at its strongest.
Summer is a popular time for vacations and weekend getaways. Give your guests enough notice by sending out save-the-dates.
Embrace your hairs natural texture. Whether it’s straight, curly, or wavy embrace it in the summer heat!
Be sure to provide lots of water to your guests (and vendors!). Have water stations (bottles of water and ice) setup during your cocktail hour and reception.
10.
Offer “cool” fare like popsicles, ice cream, and water ice.
destination & honeymoon
Destination
Bride by Jeannine Comito
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ack your bags and get ready to go. Where is the destination? It’s your wedding day! Today, 16% of weddings are held in destination locations. The number one location (with about 125,000 weddings performed annually) is Las Vegas, Nevada followed by Hawaii, U.S Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Bahamas, then Mexico and Florida. In the past, destination weddings were a fancy way of eloping. Couples would sneak off into the night and get married at far off locations to avoid any local drama. That is not the case anymore. These weddings are planned for and coordinated down to every last detail.
Most couples already have an idea that they want a destination wedding before they are even engaged. To some a destination may be getting married at the local beach, to others it’s flying to a far off land and saying your “I Do’s” in a different language. Before Stacey Ventrone, of Bellmawr, NJ was engaged she knew her wedding was not going to be in her local church, but with her feet in the sand somewhere. After beginning the preparation process, she realized that flying to a destination was not going to work within her budget, as well as the budget of all the friends and family she wanted to attend. Then, after looking into the local beaches of South Jersey, she and her fiancée decided to marry with the sand between their toes (literally, she did not wear any shoes) on the Ocean City shore. This gave the guests the opportunity to come to the beach for the afternoon and then attend the reception, which was held about 35 minutes outside of the wedding destination. The couple then flew to Mexico for a week’s honeymoon! Lauren Brady of Mississauga, Canada decided to get married on Block Island, RI. She choose this location because it was her hometown for many years and her parents still lived there. It was also a great destination for her guests (many of which were out-of-towners) to visit. Lauren wore a formal wedding gown, her groom did wear a tux; but it was not too formal. The guest list consisted of about 80 people and they (the couple) gave about nine months notice of the nuptials; about 50 showed up for the special day. The bride arrived on the island two weeks before the big day to prepare (the groom came 3 days before) and then the couple left from there to Mexico for a week’s honeymoon….popular honeymoon location! When bride, Renee Harding of Williamstown, NJ chose to get married and honeymoon on Trunk Bay in St. John, she and her fiancé decided to do something different than all the weddings they had been attending, and set out to find the most beautiful beach they could. The bride wore a lace, sheath gown from David’s Bridal and the groom was more relaxed in white linen pants and a light blue linen shirt. Sending out over 100 invitations, the couple was prepared to be the only two on the island if no one could make it…and that was OK. To their happiness, about 30 guests made the trip. A piece of advice from Renee, “Do your research” and “Don’t stress about everyone else, they are adults”. The details of the wedding can be both stressful and fun. Many destination locations have coordinators to help you prepare for your visit and wedding day. Many couples plan small get aways to the destination location so they can have (and create) some ideas about the big day. There are some locations that are just too expensive to have a trial run. Michael and Michelle Mastro were married in Positano, Italy. The wedding was completely planned over the internet! The couple had to file for certain licenses, find a church and arrange all transportations. They did spend two weeks in the country staying in a villa, so that everything could be perfect…and it was! Michelle wore a formal gown, bought here in the US and Michael rented a tux in Italy. The ceremony was spoken in Latin and even though they did not understand what was exactly being said, it was more romantic than they could have imagined. “One of the most amazing things,” said Michelle “was the walk from the street to the church.” The cars could not drive to the church’s location; So Michelle along with her parents were dropped off on the cobblestone path to the church. During this walk, the locals were clapping and cheering as the bride made her way to meet her groom at the church. Even at the church, many locals filled in the pews to witness the romance. No matter how your story unfolds, it will be your story. According to all the brides, the most important element, aside from being happy, is to do what you want.
Maya Marriage of Many 12-12-12
12-12-12
; a date that only happens once every century. For many it is an event that can happen once in a lifetime, much like a wedding. Where will you be on this historic date, and whom will you spend it with? For 12 couples the answer to that question is the Mayan ruins in the country of Belize, celebrating their union.
According to the Mayan calendar, December marks the end of an era over 5,000 years in the making. This time according to the Mayan traditions marks a time of rebirth and renewal as life starts again with the beginning of an all new cycle. Many people also view a wedding as just that, the start of a new life. A time when the couple ceases to lead their lives as individuals and begin their lives anew as one, the rebirth as one body and one soul. More importantly, the date was chosen not only because of its once in a century availability, but also because the significance of the number 12 in Mayan culture. The number 12 is believed to be the number of strength, conviction, absoluteness and finality. What can be more symbolic of absolute conviction than dedicating the rest of your life to the one you love? 12 very lucky couples will get an opportunity to start a new life together. For the first and only time 12 couples will be married en masse on the historic grounds of the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech. This will be the first and last ceremony of this kind at the ruins, so this event will truly be once in a lifetime. The ceremony will be led by an authentic Mayan Shaman and will be beautifully symbolic of the starting of a life as a couple. Not only will the couples get to experience a once in a lifetime wedding, they will be treated to some of the most beautiful tropical scenery imaginable. This event will take place in the beautiful country of Belize, nestled in South America just off of Honduras. This country is a tropical paradise. Full of lush jungles, crystal clear water, and many amazing sites. It is a fantastic place to visit, and an even better place for a destination wedding. The couples and 6 of their closest friends or relatives will have 4 days prior to the big day to take in all that the countryside has to offer. They will be able to do all sorts of excursions or just relax and enjoy the days before their big day. After the wedding, the couples will get to enjoy a 5 day honeymoon in a tropical paradise on the exotic San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. I find it hard to imagine a better way to start the rest of your life together.
Fun in St. Lucia by Carlie Finch
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honeymoon is more than just a vacation; it is about spending those first days together as a newly-wed couple away from your everyday life and responsibilities. Celebrating your new marriage should be one of the most unforgettable trips of your life. The destination for that honeymoon is one of the most important factors in making it unforgettable. The destination is important because, let’s face it, how many honeymoons are we going to get in a lifetime? This is why deciding on where to go for that special honeymoon can be so overwhelming. Of course, everyone wants their honeymoon to be the most memorable trip of their life. But with so many places to go, all over the world, how do you begin to go about picking the best honeymoon spot for the two of you? Are you thinking about a beach, lots of activities, and a destination where you will be treated like royalty? The magnificent island of St. Lucia is a wonderful romantic spot to visit in the Caribbean. It is one of the most requested honeymoon locations in the world. With its lush, green, rolling hills, its waterfalls, its volcanic peaks and blue ocean; it’s no wonder it is one of the top Caribbean Islands to visit for your dream honeymoon. There are dramatic mountains cloaked in lush rainforest, as well as wonderful, white sand beaches. You can hike through the jungle, visit the famous town of Soufriere or the beautiful Anse des Pitons beach, see stunning waterfalls and soak in volcanic hot springs. The island offers so much to do for outdoor enthusiasts, and yet it’s perfect for those with romance in their hearts. With so many resort options on St Lucia, where you stay will literally depend on your likes and what will be best for the two of you. You can stay at a rainforest spa that offers tree house treatment rooms, to restore your body and mind. You can go on an adventure into the rainforest, traveling by river, jumping off waterfalls and climbing down cliffs. If relaxing is your preference, you can just sit by the pool, or lay on the beach with your feet in the sand, and do absolutely nothing while the tropical breeze cools you while you sunbathe. The magnificent island of St. Lucia invites you to come splash your feet in the crystal blue Caribbean, while strolling the white and black volcanic sand beaches. Come sit in chairs with your feet in the ocean, and think of nothing but celebrating the life you are about to spend with the person you love. Get pampered, together, while a butler brings you your choice of food and drinks – without ever leaving your beach chair. Come experience the beauty of St. Lucia with your own eyes, and it is guaranteed to leave you speechless. Come spend your most important vacation together, your honeymoon, on this wonderful, beautiful island. You will not be disappointed.
real weddings & engagements
Lauren & Carl Morey’s Piers RHM Photography
Christina & Frank April 1st, 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards
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o you believe in second chances? That is what happened for Christina Davidson and Frank Tucci of Washington Township, NJ. They were given a second chance at life and love after their spouses suddenly passed away in 2009.
After Paul Davidson, Christina’s husband, passed away in September 2009 she began to attend widow groups to help her cope. She had to be strong not only for herself but for her toddler son, Stephen and her unborn son, Paul. After attending these meetings, she felt they were not right. The people here were discussing the loss of their spouses of 40+ years; her husband did not even live to be 40. She decided to take action and start her own support group for younger widows dealing with the same curveball she was thrown. Frank’s wife, Danielle Tucci, passed away in July of 2009 and he was just trying to figure out his life in raising his son, Frankie. Christina knew of Frank and was given his phone number by her mother-in-law and mutual friend in town. She called him and he agreed to be a part of her meetings. There were four members, including them at the time; but it helped. The two became the best of friends, doing many “family” functions together such as going to carnivals and dying Easter eggs together with their boys. After two years, they realized something else was there. They decided to hang out one on one, without the kids and watched the Flyers game…but they didn’t watch! They chatted about what THIS was they were doing and then kissed. The Flyers lost that game, but they (as a couple) won. Being together as a couple seemed easy now, the grief they went through brought them close, they had the same view points on life and their children, they loved to bounce things off each other and they come from the same South Philly background. It worked. As soon as they became a couple, Frank knew he wanted to marry Christina. He wanted to include the boys in the proposal, he felt this was truly two families joining and the boys were as much a part of this as they were. He opted not to tell the boys of his plans until the night it was happening. Getting ready for a Holiday party, he waited until Christina turned the shower on before he told the kids (he did not want to risk them running and telling her). At first, the boys acted, well, like boys saying things like “Ew, you’re gonna kiss and making kissing sounds. After he calmed them down and asked for their help, they were ready. Lined up in white tee shirts (Paul, Frankie, Stephen and then Frank) they spelled out the phrase “Will You Marry Me?” As Christina was dressing, in they walked single file to surprise her. Stunned she was looking at Frank with happiness and Stephen ripped the ring out of the box and put it on her finger. She said YES and the kids ran around the house chanting “She said Yes,” “She said Yes”. ** This story was not bought.
The original wedding date for the couple was October 6, 2012. After seeing a FaceBook contest for unique engagement stories, Christina decided to submit theirs. Although they did not win the contest, Charly Rok, VP of Public Relations for David’s Bridal read and fell in love with the story. From there the local newspaper did a story on the couple and their journey. The story was then turned over to Martina McBride who was singing “Marry Me” alongside Pat Monahan from Train at the ACM’s. Martina McBride was in search of the perfect couple to get married live on stage while they sang this hit song. In March 2012, Charly Rok called Christina asking if she would like to get married sooner than they planned, live on TV while being serenaded by McBride and Monahan. After coming back down to reality, she accepted! What most people did not know, was Frank originally planned to propose to Christina singing this hit song, while playing the guitar; when that did not work they decided they would use the song in their vows. How about one step better! The 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were scheduled for April 1, 2012 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. A little worried about leaving the kids for the first time, they packed their bags and were off. Being involved in all of this felt surreal to them. They were in sound checks or to them their rehearsal with top stars, who in turn were treating them like part of the crew. Frank was high fiving celebrities, Taylor Swift was using Christina’s dressing room, many things that just doesn’t happen to a couple from NJ. On the wedding day, they dressed very early for the show and remained that way for about 24 hours! Christina said while standing there in front of 12,000 guests (it was their wedding) and millions of viewers she felt that Paul and Danielle were working some magic for them. She (Christina) did not look at the audience, she just thought this whole experience was crazy and wondered how did it happen. After the awards show, they were married at the end of the live broadcast; there was a VIP All Star Jam they were invited to. There they got to watch Keith Urban jam out to an open mic session. Staying dressed in wedding attire they were then ushered to go live on local and national television talk / news shows. So what happens now? The couple still plans to marry on October 6, 2012 at the Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, NJ. Although this site is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs, it is the area’s newest wedding establishment. Christina still plans to have her 2 boys give her away. The couple still plan to recite their vows to one another. This wedding will be on the smaller scale, about 100 guests; the two wanted something simple – ironic compared to what they just endured! One thing I did ask…”Will you wear the same dress?” the reply, “YES”. One thing I found amazing about this couple that has been through so much, is the love they have not only for each other and the boys, but the love that is still there for Paul and Danielle. Those two will never be forgotten with in this family. Listening to them (Christina & Frank) speak of these two, I felt as if those boys don’t just have two parents, they have four. Christina and Frank are planning to include Paul and Danielle symbolically on their October wedding day with small details from the invitations, to the center pieces to the seating charts. The group that Christina started almost three years ago still lives on. There are about 30 people who come and share their stories. Today Christina works as an Academic Advisor (College of Education & HPFM) for Rowan University. Utilizing her connections there alongside the Early Childhood Demonstration Center and the students in the Master in Counseling Program, a new support group was formed for children or adolescents who have lost a parent or loved one. Continuing to grow and help others, Christina and Frank wanted to make something good out of the tragedies they suffered and survived through.
Click here to see the video!
Rosie & Michael May 5th, 2012 Blue Len Caribe
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eet Roseanne (Rosie) Seger. Born and raised as a Jersey girl, Rosie studied Fashion Merchandising at Philadelphia University and is currently working as a Jewelry Buyer for a national chain retailer. She enjoys traveling, dining out with friends and she loves all the Philadelphia sports teams. Meet Michael Klein. Also born and raised in New Jersey, Michael studied Business Management at Wesley College where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. He now works in sales for a Philadelphia based home remodeling company. He too is passionate about sports, loves cars and enjoys hanging out with friends. This brings us to how they met. Rosie and Michael met through mutual friends four years ago. Neither one of them were looking for love, but after being at a house warming party friends thought they would be great together. After just one date, both Rosie and Michael agreed and knew they were meant to be together. Michael proposed to Rosie in New York City on July 9, 2011 at Robert De Niro’s restaurant Loconda Verde. Rosie was not expecting a ring that night as they were out to dinner with one of her co-workers; “He would never do it in a restaurant with all these people and a couple {meaning her co-worker & boyfriend} he doesn’t even know.” Boy was she wrong! Since the couple decided to have a destination wedding, they wanted to go all out on their engagement party for the family and friends who would not be able to make the trip. They had their party at Tendeza in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia and claim it was amazing. Rosie found this place over a year ago while helping her friend plan a wedding reception. She (Rosie) fell in love with the entire venue. From the mirror ceilings to the crystal chandeliers with the courteous staff, the event could not have been more perfect. The wedding was to take place on Cinco de Mayo at Paradisus La Perla in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This resort is brand new and has amazing décor. According to Rosie, the pictures do not do justice to what the place has to offer. Rosie and Michael chose a destination wedding because they wanted to create a memorable experience for and with their friends and family. 82 of their close friends and family joined them for this event.
Click here to see the video!
As the couple enjoyed Mexico for a week (Tuesday to Tuesday), their guests mostly came in on Wednesday / Thursday AM and left on Sunday morning giving the couple a little bit of alone time before heading back home. Rosie and Michael had all the details well planned out before the guests arrived. Using a planning company from Canada (she found on the internet), Rosie had all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed. Thursday, May 3rd was the welcome party held at South Ave Bar. The entertainment included a DJ and Tequila tasting. Friday, May 4th was their Rehearsal white party at Royal Service Pool with a DJ, Fire Dancers and cigar rolling. Wedding Day – Cinco de Mayo! The wedding began at 6pm at The Gabi Club. The entertainment included a Mariachi band and a DJ. There was also an after party held at the Red Lounge. All of these locations were within the walls of the all-inclusive hotel. When mentioning a budget to Rosie, she laughed. Did I want to know her budget or what she spent? Let’s just say they doubled their (generous) budget and do not have a single regret about it.
all in the details Dress: Lazaro (Fall 2011 Collection)
from Bridal Garden Shoes: Jimmy Choo Wedding Planner: Luxe Destination Weddings Resort: Paradisus La Perla Playa del Carmen Mexico Cinematography: Art Varga Productions Photography: Blue Len Caribe Makeup Artist: Styling Trio Hair Stylist: Justin Moya
Ten Favorite Moments 1. Turning the corner to walk the aisle and seeing Mike for the time 2. Getting ready with our bridal party 3. Saying “I Do: in front of our family and friends 4. Dancing our First Dance to Uncle Kracker Smile 5. Our White Party Rehearsal 6. Hanging out with our guests for 3 days 7. Watching our guests have the time of their life 8. Watching the same day edit video at the reception 9. Taking a trip to Playa del Carmen with our bridal party. 10. Making our dream and vision come to reality
Celeste & Justin July 9th, 2011 Made U Look Photography
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ou would think people that attended the same college, were at the same orientation, lived in the same dorm, shared some of the same friends and went to the same hang outs would have met well before their second year of school. There is a time and place for everything and everyone and it was not until Spring Break of their sophomore year when the time was right for Celeste to officially meet Justin. Their journey is a funny one, after meeting and falling in love, they realized what a small world it is and how many times they should have or could have met over the past year and a half. Celeste and Justin both decided to attend The Ohio State University to pursue their talents; Celeste to dance and Justin to play lacrosse. While there for the first year they shared many of the same interests and even friends, in fact Celeste became best friends with one of Justin’s girlfriends, but never got to know who he was. It was not until a spur of the moment Spring Break trip to Panama City Beach, Florida in 2002 that they really were introduced to each other; and the last night none the less! Celeste approached Justin and asked him “Do you go to Ohio State?” His reply was “Yes, you’re the dancer…” From that point on, they were inseparable.
Fast forward eight years (almost to the day), on April 18, 2010… While on vacation in Las Vegas, Justin and Celeste planned to go to a Jazz brunch at The Country Club in the Wynn Resorts. They both loved the spectacular views, warm weather and the live outdoor music; Justin knew this was the place to propose. Knowing how much Celeste is obsessed with capturing moments in photography, Justin hired a photographer to document this. The story was the photographer “worked” for the Wynn and was supposed to be taking pictures for The Country Club’s web site. Unfortunately it did not go as planned. The photographer was not in the exact spot that Justin requested, so he had to find him without Celeste catching on. Since she wasn’t really paying attention, it worked out perfectly when she was asked if she wanted a professional picture outside with the scenery. Out they walked, and after taking a couple shots, Justin got down on one knee, took out the ring (with a little struggle) and popped the question. According to the couple, it was a perfect spot! They have amazing pictures of this moment and were able to spend the rest of their vacation celebrating as an engaged couple. Before they were engaged, in February 2010, the couple took a Valentine’s trip to Mystic, Connecticut. While touring around the city and neighboring town of Stonington they imagined themselves getting married there. They even hiked through the snow to find a quaint Lighthouse Museum that overlooked the open ocean. As the plans started to unfold, Mystic was the destination for their amazing wedding day. One of the first things they did was return to the lighthouse museum to start planning their day.
The rehearsal dinner night was nothing compared to what the wedding day had in store in regards to weather. It was gloomy, rainy and well mystic. But on July 9, 2011 as they prepared to be Mr. & Mrs. The weather was beautiful. It was a perfect moment as Celeste walked down the path to Justin as he was standing at the entrance of the Lighthouse. The couple had a large bridal party and decided to rent a trolley for their transportation. They went all over the town they fell in love with to take fun pictures. One of their favorite moments was being held up at the famous drawbridge for an opening. They stopped traffic! The decided to have a mini photo shoot downtown, together with the crowds and store owners of the town everyone was laughing and clapping for the bride and groom. After pictures, the ceremony and reception was held at the Mystic Yachting Center. Dylan, Celeste’s younger brother, sang and played the guitar which created a romantic and special feeling to the wedding. He also wrote an original song that was played in the middle of the ceremony. Celeste loved how everyone raved about him and his talent. They had the multiple readings by family members, a rose ceremony for their mothers and did a traditional handfasting (binding of the hands with a cord or ribbon) ceremony with Justin’s aunt (which was another favorite moment of the wedding). They said their traditional vows while bound together with the ribbon. Both Celeste and Justin commented on how relaxed they were for their wedding, and how they truly enjoyed every bit of it. There were even people on their boats in the marina watching. The reception started with a two hour cocktail hour. Since the views of the place were amazing, they wanted everyone to have some time to enjoy. Since pictures were done and they did not have the traditional receiving line, Justin and Celeste were able to enjoy everyone’s company as well before moving upstairs for dinner, dancing and cocktails. Using a local famous Italian Restaurant as their caterer, Tony D’s “blew it out of the water”. People are still talking about how great the food was. The wedding started at 3:30pm and lasted until 11pm…people danced all night long.
Click here to see the video!
all in the details Photography: Made U Look Photography Video: Fairytale Studio Flowers: Mystic Florist
Ceremony/Reception Location: Mystic Yachting Center
Invitations: etsy: Shawdowboxercrafts Programs: etsy: idoityourself Dress: Jim Heljm 8002 Jewelry: Miriam Haskell Grooms Suit: Jos. A. Bank DJ: Ryan Kristafer Entertainment Hair: Hair Unique/Maureen Catering: Tony D’s Cake: Mystic Market Bridesmaid Dresses: J Crew Justice of the Peace: Chaz Zezulka
Ten Favorite Moments 1. Seeing each other for the first time. His reaction was priceless and such a rush of emotion. 2. Putting on my wedding gown with my mom and walking down the aisle with my Papa. Those are moments everyone always dreams of. So very special. 3. Taking photos in front of the Mystic Drawbridge with our whole wedding party and having everyone in the town of Mystic come out of stores and on the streets to watch us. 4. Having so many people at our wedding that traveled near and far to support us during our day. It felt so incredible to have so much love with us on that day. 5. Our ceremony was so fun and romantic. We really enjoyed and took it all in. We made sure to listen, to look around at everyone, and to be in the moment with each other. We loved every moment of it. 6. Celeste’s brother’s original song to them during their ceremony. Everyone was amazed by him. 7. That things went wrong, and we didn’t care! 8. The moment when we knew we could just DANCE! And we DANCED all night long! 9. That we KNEW everyone was having the best time at OUR wedding. 10. That it was even better then we expected and are so happy we enjoyed every moment of it.
d.i.y spotlight
Chai Iced Tea
Betty Crocker
www.bettycrocker.com Serves: 6 Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients 8 chai tea bags
1/2 cup orange-flavored cream soda
4 cups hot water
1/2 cup vanilla-flavored cream soda
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk
1/4 to 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Cinnamon sticks, if desired
Directions 1 Chill glasses in freezer several hours before serving. 2 Steep tea bags in hot water 3 to 5 minutes. Remove bags. Stir vanilla and brown sugar into tea until sugar is dissolved. Stir in all remaining ingredients except cinnamon sticks. Refrigerate at least 1 to 2 hours to blend flavors. 3 Serve over ice. Garnish with cinnamon stick.
Expert Tips You may want to do a little taste testing when you add the brown sugar. Depending on the brand of tea used, you might need more or less sugar. Pour this spicy iced tea into clear bottles, cover with plastic wrap and tie with raffia. Keep chilled in a large clean planter or bucket filled with ice.
Nutrition Information 1 Serving (1 Serving) Calories 70 (Calories from Fat 0), Total Fat 0g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g), Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 25mg; Total Carbohydrate 15g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 15g), Protein 0g; Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0.00%; Vitamin C 0.00%; Calcium 4.00%; Iron 0.00%; Exchanges: 0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 0 Fat; Carbohydrate Choices: 1; *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Our Review Very simple to make. We tried it with a 1/2 cup of brown sugar, but it was a little too sweet. Start with the 1/4 cup and slowly add more as needed. Overall it was really good, something different, the flavors tend to be on the richer side. So, for your summertime try it out and enjoy!
professional spotlight
Wedding Planner
Daughter of Design Cava Weddings
Owner: Annie Lee E-Mail: info@daughterofdesign.com Website: www.daughterofdesign.com Phone: (646) 595-9009
Our Interview with......
We had the pleasure of meeting Annie on the Lenox wedding tour we attended in November 2011. She is such a nice, honest, and down to earth person. So, we were very excited about the chance to interview her to learn more about her company, Daughter of Design, and learning even more about her as a person. Her work is simply amazing and flawless. After you read the interview take time to visit her website and contact her for your upcoming wedding! ENJOY!
Q. Tell us about yourself. Personality, likes, dislikes: I’m the most open-minded, square person you’ll meet. I think that’s why clients feel comfortable opening up to me and yet parents still feel like they can trust and rely on me as well. Loyalty, respect, and integrity are the three most important things to me, whether it be with friends, family, strangers... I like donuts, opera, and the etymology of sayings. I dislike litterbugs tremendously.
How long have you been a wedding planner? I first started working in events with the San Francisco Opera in 2000. From there I worked with a Bay Area wedding planner which was my first taste of weddings but then moved to NYC and worked with the Tribeca Film Festival before starting my own company.
What made you choose this profession? I’m the daughter of an interior designer so design is the family trade. It’s funny, when I was thinking of going to law school, I probably had the only mother, especially Korean mother, who discouraged me because she felt it was “not creative enough.” What separates me from me from my family though is that I’m incredibly organized and reliable hahah! I am, what my friends call, painfully punctual and love researching, budgeting, but most of all I genuinely love helping people. So with my background and personality, wedding planning was a perfect fit.
Why did you start your own business? I’m an entrepreneur before I’m an event planner. I always wanted my own business and so when I discovered what a natural fit wedding planning was it was a no-brainer to start Daughter of Design. At first I moonlighted while working another full-time job, but it was in no time that business swelled and I was working full-time for myself.
What do you love most about being a wedding planner? I love how enveloped in each family or couple we become. At meetings with clients I often say “our” wedding like it’s mine too :). I don’t know what is a more personal event than your wedding and we are so heavily immersed in the production and details that you really become part of the family.
Cava Weddings
What services do you offer brides and grooms? We have packages that range from month-of, partial, full and in some select cases hourly consultation. I try to make a wedding planner as accessible as possible since I feel like it’s something everyone should have. As part of our services, we help with vendors, budgeting, design, contracts, time lines,...mediation. People always chuckle when they see that in our list of services but honestly I think we spend 25% to at times 65% of our time just helping to quell tension between couples, mothers, in-laws, sisters, bridesmaids, etc. When the planner says that an idea doesn’t quite fit with the decor it is always taken less offensively than if it comes from someone he/she has an intimate close relationship with.
What style best describes your work? We aren’t afraid to be different, actually we strive to be different. We are the designer boutique hotel of wedding planners. I don’t like anything to feel commercial or mass produced. Banquet is a dirty word. We often draw design inspiration from interior design and fashion trends. We caterer to a downtown, fashionable clientele who want the coolest nonwedding wedding their guests have been to. No cheese factor.
What are some of your favorite wedding memories? When I worked at the SF Opera I would always think how beautiful it would be to have a wedding there. So it was a great honor to be one of the select few weddings permitted to be held there a few years ago. What made this full-circle moment even greater was that it was for the wedding of a dear childhood friend of mine. Surprises are always fun at weddings but this one was very heartwarming and wrenching all at once. Unfortunately the bride’s father knew he was going to pass on before her wedding so he filmed a video to be played at her reception as a surprise. The vision of the bride’s reaction can make me tear on the spot. Her father’s video was lighthearted and humorous however which really lifted the sadness and void that his absence had created. It was really beautiful.
What advice do you have for brides and grooms? Videography is a must. I have clients regret not having one DURING their wedding! It’s different than photography because it records the ceremony vows, speeches, and captures the mood in a way photography cannot. And there is such a huge misconception about what videography is these days. It is not the 1980’s giant box with crazy lights and DEFINITELY no guest interviews. It is so artistic and tasteful today and the camera they use is the same exact one photographers use. They are very unobtrusive. Wedding videos make even strangers cry. It’s a total different experience than photography.
What else to know our readers to know about Daughter of Design? The best part of Daughter of Design is our team. Everyone is genuine, eager to help, and friendly. There is a zero attitude policy and we have a King Arthur’s round table structure - everyone’s opinion counts. I’m blessed to have each and every one of them!
Trent Bailey Photography
Shawn Connell
Weddings by Two Photography
Belathee Photography
Stacey Kane Photographer
Stacey Kane Photographer
Belathee Photography
Belathee Photography
Enlightened Styles - AR No need to rush around on your Wedding Day. On location Hairstylist and Makeup Artist comes to your home or hotel. We come to you to help make your Wedding Day Hair and Make up as relaxing as possible. You can sit back look and feel beautiful and enjoy your special Wedding Day.
Jim Cottingham Photography - NJ, PA Jim Cottingham Photography is one of Philadelphia and surrounding areas premiere photographers. Providing excellent quality and exceptional service from New York to DC. Fashion. Lifestyle. Commercial. Portrait. Event. Weddings Print. And so much more.
* Phone: 609-320-2146 * www.jimcottingham.com
* Phone: 540-560-2957 * www.enlightenedstyles.com
Bridal Brooch Bouquets - LA The memories of your wedding will last a lifetime, so can your bouquet! Let us create your something old, new, borrowed & blue brooch bouquet!
* Phone: 225-266-6575 * www.bridalbroochbouquets.com
JTD Productions - MA JTD Professional DJ Services has over 20 years experience creating just the right atmosphere for everything from elegant country weddings to all night dance fests. We have the experience, the insurance, the backup systems, everything. We free your mind, so you can have maximum fun on your big day or night.
* Phone: 845-853-8912 * www.jtdproductions.com
NY Artistry - NY
As a professional makeup artist with a lifetime of style and artistic vision, Dede, brings cutting-edge techniques and creative application in turning our undressed faces into beautiful ones. Whether you are looking for a subtle, natural look or a more dramatic one, she uses HD friendly products to create a perfect photo finish.
* Phone: 212-542-0414 * www.nyartistry.com
Maria Ramagli Beauty - NY, NJ, PA Providing full spectrum makeup artistry application and techniques for print, video, television, film, and freelance for bridal and all special event needs. Servicing NY, NJ and PA. Proficient in producing creative and technically perfect visual representations
* Phone: 856-425-6632 * www.mariaramagli.com
Love the Way You Wed - NJ, PA Love The Way You Wed offers Day of the Wedding coordination services. I am here to carry out those last minute details or hiccups that may arrise on your wedding day. With this, the bride and groom can feel like a guest at their own wedding.
* Phone: 856-404-4848 * www.lovethewayyouwed.com
Andrew Reiner Photography - NJ, PA Andrew Reiner Photography specializes in creative photojournalism style wedding photography. He takes pride in capturing all the unique colors, details, and emotions of your special day. Available in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area and for Destination weddings. Now booking for 2012-2013. Free e-session with booking.
* Phone: 609-332-6171 * www.andrewreiner.com
Kim Alicea Makeup Artistry - NJ, PA, DE I was born with a brush in my hand! Painting faces is my passion. I have been a Makeup Artist for 25 years. It’s my passion. It’s in my heart, my mind and my soul. I am the daughter of an artist/painter and the grandaughter of the same. Working regionally in NJ, PA and DE
* Phone: 856-979-2781 * www.facebook.com/kimalicea1
Dlux - NJ, NY, PA Dlux is a professional hair and makeup company located in New York and New Jersey and serving New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. We provide services for all occasions and cater to, both, private and production events, specializing in editorials and couture with.
* Phone: 609-387-4367 * www.dluxmakeup.com
Interested in being listed in our vendor listing? E-mail us at advertise@itsaboutdetails.com
Carrie Lorraine Photography - PA Capture moments that last a lifetime, customize your wedding photography package with Carrie Lorraine! Offering photo booths, stylized and journalistic photography, videography, multiple photographer coverage, and engagement sittings for your traditional or non-traditional wedding.
* Phone: 717-368-9672 *
www.carrielorrainephotography.wordpress.com
Priscilla Costa Brazil - PA Great quality is put into each piece, only the richest natural fabrics are used, and personal attention is paid to the smallest details. Her pieces range from made-to-order wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and evening wear to accessories such as veils and necklaces, all fine garments with exquisite finishes.
* Phone: 215-938-1009 * www.priscillacosta.com
The Master’s Baker - PA We are a family bakery that has been creating custom wedding and party cakes for every occasion over 40 years now. We stand out by baking from our scratch recipe, using a real butter cream icing while throwing in some ideas of our detailed fondant work. We LOVE what we do!
Be sure to check out these vendors! They are just one click away!
* Phone: 610-436-9888 * www.themastersbaker.com
Calligraphy & Illustration - VT The elegance of your event begins when your invitations arrive at your guests’ homes with hand calligraphed addresses by Ann Kremers. Ann can provide all your social calligraphy needs including seating charts, menus and invitation design as well as illustrated marriage certificates and vows.
* Phone: 802-442-7108 * www.annkremers.com
Visit us at www.itsaboutdetails.com You’ll find more inspiration, planning tools, checklists, and so much more!
It’s your day, plan it your way.
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7 things to love
Flip FLop note pads from Weddingstar
ICE CREAM!
Soy renewal beach spray from sexy hair
Lacquered bangle set from FOREVER 21
Waterproof Mascara from wet n wild
“Just Married” sunglasses from Weddingstar
For more inspiration and planning help visit our website.
www.itsaboutdetails.com