Lisa and Al Celebrate at The Mount!

All crazy beautiful photos courtesy of Erik Maziarz and Katie Slater for Carla Ten Eyck.

Sigh, I know. I got a massive lump in my throat too the first time I saw this incredibly touching shot of clients Lisa and Al as they sat for a quiet moment together and reflected on their wedding in the Berkshires. To me this photo communicates so much about Lisa and Al as a couple and about the wedding we planned words cannot describe. . .a genuine sweetness, true love, and an absolute splash of fun as noted in Al’s mischievous grin.

When we first met with Lisa and Al in the spring of 2009, they were in the process of selecting their exquisite venue, The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts, former private estate and gardens to author Edith Wharton. With a venue such as this, the literary themed wedding seemed to unfold right before our eyes - a bright and fun color palette perfect for late spring accented by eclectic and lighthearted bookish details. Beauty and buttoned up humor came together like ying and yang.

Saturday, May 29, 2010 started as an overcast day, but nothing could damper the spirits of Lisa and her maids as they had their hair and make-up done at Puffers Day Spa and Salon, owned by Lisa's maid of honor's family. Lisa was a vision in her Jim Hjelm lace gown and her girls were equally beautiful in their simple with a slight touch of vamp black cocktail dresses from White House Black Market. Marcy and Thom Green of Dragonfly Event provided all of the incredible flowers and did an extraordinary effort in bringing our cheeky vision to life in all facets. Lisa’s calla bouquet was accented by her wedding date with typewriter keys and the #1 key graced Albert’s calla bout.

The poignant ceremony took place at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Westfield. The pews were adorned by fun wreaths and we provided all the stationery.


It was raining when everyone left the church in anticipation of the grand celebration to follow, but by the time the guests arrived the skies had cleared and the most perfect evening remained. The Marketplace Catering greeted guests with many delicious bites, including lobster mac and cheese croquettes and definitely upped the party ante with salt rimmed margaritas!

The Mount, with its jaw dropping beautiful architecture and meticulous English gardens, evokes an incredible sense of history. Just walking within the spaces conjures up images of “The Age of Innocence.” The ballroom tables were dressed with a stunning champagne damask linen, gold rimmed china, rose napkins and tiny gold boxes filled with amazing truffles. They were further accented by old books, ink wells and other creative touches we all found on various antique shop treasure hunts. My favorite detail was the table numbers in which we adorned vintage books with old style house address numbers. The wedding featured a variety of centerpieces, although the glistening crystal candelabras really stole the show. All rentals were provided by Classical Tents and Party Goods.

We also incorporated vintage milk glass from both the bride the groom’s families in many nooks and crannies of the venue. The escort cards were in fact bookmarks with a typewriter font, placed around, none other than an antique typewriter and the sweetheart table was complimented with a vintage comptometer. And while I subsequently learned that our grand author famously wrote longhand and “let the pages gently drift to the floor” so that her secretary could pick them up and type them for her. . .I think she would have approved.

Following dinner, the couple and their guests danced the night away under a twinkle light lined awning. Our favorite DJ Rob Waldon of Standing Ovations provided the music and while the guest list was only 75, the party was huge success.

Lisa and Al, we enjoyed every minute of our collaboration together. The two of you are an inspiration to us all to stay young and in love forever. We wish you the best of luck in your new life here in Connecticut.

xoxo

Lindsay

P.S. If you haven't already, check out this wedding as featured on Style Me Pretty!

"I do" on Rue La La!

One of my favorite places to shop, Rue La La is having an awesome sale on all things "I do" from gowns, to tuxes, to jewels, guest attire, gift ideas and more, everything is offered at spectacular prices. Run over and have a look. This boutique only runs for 3 days, so don't wait!

Athena and John wed with nautical flair!

All photos courtesy of Jane and Mike Shauck at Iris Photography.

Athena and John - oh where to begin! When Athena called me at the end of June, 2009 and she said, "I don't live here anymore, I am only in town today and tomorrow, is there any chance I can meet you?" I kind of just knew. I happened to be available, and happened to be in her neck of the woods and we met, in an adorable little coffee shop, just across the street from where she and John would wed nearly one year later. Athena is all business, she trusts her instincts and follows the facts. She said - "I like you, I want you to help plan my wedding" and we were off!

Athena always knew she wanted to be married on the town green in Essex. Her hometown, and although shes gone on to become a city girl, her roots are on the Connecticut Shore, and in the quaint little town of Essex. With her waterfront ceremony location, and reception at the Essex Yacht Club, we began to pull together the makings of a spectacular nautical wedding. Bright, colorful, and chock full of personality was what we created.

When the day had finally arrived, it wasn't the sunny and 76 degree day that Athena and John had hoped for - the rain was off and on, we watched and waited, waited and watched, and Athena reaffirmed her desire to wed at the waterfront park. As guests began arriving, the rain slowed and the clouds tried their best to clear. We set the chairs and ceremony space quickly and the music played - a string ensemble from the Wildwood Groups.

Athena glowed in her 2be gown, purchased at the Bridal Mall in Niantic, and John was quite dapper himself, in a navy blazer and Nantucket Red pants - a color he dared Athena he would wear and well, it stuck! Not only did he wear them, as well as the rest of the men in the wedding party, but the specialty cocktail was named in their honor. The maids wore navy - J. Crew. Hair and Makeup were provided by the wonderful team at Dana Bartone Salon

Yumiko at Hana Floral Design could not have been more spectacular in her selections for the flowers. They were perfect, the colors were so vibrant, and they really brought everything together. We provided all of the day-of stationery items.



As the ceremony ended, guests made their way - walking through town to the Essex Yacht Club for the reception. The sun was peaking through the clouds, with warm and buttery light. The Sperry Tent beckoned and what guests would find inside was even more of a treat. We paired royal blue and white striped linens, with golden yellow chargers, navy polka doted plates, and a sea glass blue saucer. On top, menus tied in the color palette, and Nantucket Red Napkins were tied with blue and white bakers twine. All of the rentals came from Party Rental!

Music was always something that Athena and John wanted to incorporate into the wedding theme. By naming the tables of favorite songs, and wedding songs of their family and friends, they paid tribute to their loved ones and then throughout the night, played those songs for their family and friends to dance to.

Our favorite DJ, Rob Waldron from Standing Ovations played tunes all night and the dancing got pretty intense.



Athena and John, we had so much fun planning with you and your families were so wonderful! It felt like we were old friends, and in a groove together. I wish you both years of happiness in your marriage.

Cheers,
Talia

Mika and Brendan wed at Eolia Mansion!

All photos courtesy of the dynamic duo of Jane and Mike Shauck of Iris Photography.

Mika and Brendan were married in the pergola garden at Eolia Mansion on a bright and sunny spring day, this past May! Lindsay met with Mika and Brendan's mother nearly a year before the wedding and could tell immediately how in love they were - college sweethearts, living in Boston, planning a wedding on the Connecticut Shore.

Mika knew from the beginning that incorporating her Japanese heritage into the wedding was very important. For the ceremony, Mika choose to work directly with Callie at Modern Trousseau to custom create a gorgeous lace trumpet gown. It is true that Mike would look stunning in anything, but we can honestly say - this gown was truly made for her! She was a knockout. The maids wore blush pink from Vera Wang, and the guys in classic black with a twist - a plaid tie with green!

The ladies readied for the wedding at the Mystic Marriott, with the assistance of both Janice from Naomi Martinez Salon, and Katie from Dana Bartone Salon.



We selected a spring and cheery palette of mixed greens and pinks. We worked with Yumiko at Hana Floral Design who Mika had an instant connection with to play off the color scope with a light romantic feel. We pulled in elements of Japanese design by adding custom made fans at each place setting, which were inscribed with Mika and Brendan's name and wedding date. Additionally, paper cranes served to compliment the escort cards, both surrounding and hanging from an arrangement set in the foyer of the Mansion. Under the patio tent, we used Power Posse to hang a canopy of Japanese lanterns, not only in the white, which they provide, but also in green, which we special ordered.

For the reception, Mika and her sisters, who were in her bridal party changed into traditional Japanese dress, Kimonos. Yukiko Sato from NYC came in to ensure the ladies were dressed just so! Mika's aunt offered a ritual dance in honor of the newlyweds.

Michael at Coastal Gourmet and his team were wonderful with the caterering, they even created speciality Japanese passed hors d'oeuvres based on a recipe Mika and Brendan provided.

Guests then danced the night away to the live tunes from the boston based band, Shine!



Mika and Brendan, we loved working with you on your beautiful wedding. Thank you for choosing us to be such a special part of it! Lots of love.

Cheers,
Talia

Amanda and Kyle wed at Saltwater Farm!

All photos credited to the super-talent, Megan LaBarbera at Creative Image Collections.

Last September, Amanda and Kyle were married at Saltwater Farm Vineyard, in Stonington, Connecticut. It was undoubtebly one of the most gorgeous September days I can ever remember. The sun shined, light fluffy clouds sailed by and the smell of salt air coming off of Wequeteqouck Cove in Stonington, Connecticut was divine. When we first met Amanda, just six months before her desired wedding date, we could see a strong sense of vision, a yearning for a wedding which would reflect both her and Kyle’s unique styles, a desire for a warm, welcoming and inviting celebration, and incorporate the importance of bringing two families together.

Amanda and the girls all readied for the day at the Inn at Stonington in the center of the Stonington Borough. The sun filled room was a flurry of activity, as Noelle from Sugar Salon provided the hair styling and DD Nickel provided the make-up.

Amanda selected a lace slim a-line gown with a plunging neckline by Modern Trousseau, purchased at The White Dress by the Shore. The girls wore Jenny Yoo, also from the White Dress!




Upon visiting Saltwater Farm Vineyard for the first time, Amanda and Kyle’s decision was made – they loved everything about it – the mix of old and new, rustic and modern, natural and landscaped grounds and a striking reception space, once an airline hanger. Using the landscape of the vineyard and architectural details of winery, Amanda and Kyle’s wedding began to take shape.

We planned for the ceremony in the vines, a cocktail hour on the patio, the reception in the Barrel Room, and then a lounge space in the wine loft. A color palette of green, purple and cream was chosen to compliment the vineyard. We choose Jane at Just For You to create all of the floral components of the wedding. Organic, natural, airy and textured, no two arrangements were exactly the same. Accenting the floral arrangements, Amanda and her father selected live plants, grasses, and mosses in rustic terra cotta pots to compliment the grounds.

As guests gathered for the ceremony, a hydration station greeted them. They then made their way into the vines, listening to the background music of a duo from Wildwood Groups. When the ceremony started, Archie, the Norwich Terrier played an integral part - the ring bearer.

Following the ceremony, guests were greeting to a mix of passed and stationary hors d'oeuvres all provided by Coastal Gourmet Caterers. The selections were fun and festive, with a touch of fall flair.



As guests moved into the reception spaces, they were greeted to some serious eye candy! Long guest tables were selected to create the feeling of a dinner party at home and lend to more table-side discussions between guests. In addition to the floral centerpieces and moss accent pieces, the tables were accompanied by fruitwood chivari chairs with amethyst cushions, amethyst table runners, hand made by Amanda’s mother, and individual guest menus, which tied into the overall stationery suite. Warm ambiance was provided with tabletop candlelight and amber hued up-lighting. Rentals were provided by Party Rental and lighting was provided by Power Posse.

Complementing the main reception space, we decorated the cozy wine loft area with oversized leather ottomans, plush pillows in green and purple and rich wooden accent tables. We rented the lounge furniture from American Furniture Rental. Guests loved the ability to escape a bit to a quieter spot, while still feeling like they were included in the overall party.

Adding the personal touches, Amanda and Kyle included family pictures, cupcakes and a themed R2D2 cake for dessert, provided by Ally Cakes, as well as a s’mores bar and patio fire pit.

Guests danced the night away to tunes Amanda and Kyle had selected with DJ Rob Waldron of Standing Ovations.



We couldn't have been happier to work with Amanda and Kyle on their gorgeous vineyard wedding. It was everything we expected and then some, and I believe Amanda and Kyle would say the same. We were thrilled to see their wedding featured on Style Me Pretty. You can find it here!

Amanda and Kyle, we loved working with you and wish you all the best! Your first anniversary is around the corner and we hope this first year of marriage has been a wonderful one, filled with love and happiness.

Cheers!
Talia

Congratulations Julie and Chris!

Today Alicia, Rachel and I are heading down to North Stonington in anticipation of Julie and Chris' wedding. We have been planning their "classic vineyard with a twist of modern" soiree for over a year now and are so excited the day is here at last! Julie and Chris, along with friends and family, have been celebrating their Connecticut weekend wedding since Friday. They are a really fun and gregarious crowd, which will make for an awesome party tonight.

My car is bursting, the weather is *perfect,* and we are working with an all star cast of vendors, what could be better?

Please check back soon to see all the details. I promise they'll be amazing!

Thanks again Jerome, for the engagement pic above.

xoxo,

Lindsay

Congratulations Allyson and Mike!

Today, I am super excited to be heading to Fairfield for our clients Allyson and Mike's wedding! We have been working together to plan their fun and playful, bright and colorful, yellow, green and sunflower themed wedding for the last 9 months and the day has finally arrived. Allyson is the cutest and sweetest! She is every vendor's dream client - just SO nice, and today she is going to make one stunning bride. And Mike, he is so great too, he loved being involved in the planning and really took on responsibility and ran with it. You can just tell how excited he is to be marrying Ally today!

We are excited to finally be working with Stacey Ilyse who also provided the engagement picture above!

Check back later when we share the wedding in more detail!

xoxo,
Talia