Congratulations Karri and Chris!

Photo Credit: Steve DePino

We are brimming with excitement on this bright and beautiful day for our deserving couple Karri and Chris! Today they will marry at Wesleyan Memorial Chapel, following by a reception at Sarah Porter Memorial. They are kind, considerate, down to earth, have triumphed over hardships and yet contintue to make everyone around them smile. Today is going to be a wonderful celebration of them and their love.

Thanks again to the long list of vendors who have not only donated their talents and services, but also opened their hearts to our couple, including Jessica's Country Flowers (who spearheads this project), Emily's Catering, Ryan Designs, Steve Depino, Elegant Occasions, The Plumed Serpent Bridal, Lovely Cakes, Paper Olive, Dancing Pen Calligraphy, Sandra Downie Beauty and Cookie Creatives by Jennifer. Without them, today couldn't be possible.

Can’t wait to show off all the details! It will certainly knock your socks off.

xoxo,

Lindsay

Katie and Alan's Winter Wonderland Wedding!

Last February we collaborated with Jessica’s Country Flowers on a winter wonderland inspired wedding that was also a photo shoot specifically for Style Me Pretty. Jessica pulled together a pretty mean all star cast of contributing vendors and the wedding was an incredible execution of intermingled talents. Imaginations ran wild as we all thought of ways to make our couple’s wedding beautiful, unique and most definitely a winter wonderland.

Katie and her maids began their morning getting ready at The Society Room, which has the most beautiful and welcoming bridal suite. Katie wore Watters gown that was so detailed and fluttery, just exquisite. Katie’s dress inspired her incredible sweet pea and garden rose bouquet that Jessica totally knocked out of the park, accented by a fabulous Regina B. broach. The girls in metallic eggplant cocktail dresses and champaign bejeweled shoes looked absolutely gorgeous. Katie and Alan had their first sighting at the Old State House, and then shots were taken around Hartford, including the majestic City Hall. How glamorous are our couple walking in the snow lined street???? Love it!

Katie and Alan were married on the first floor of Society Room flanked by two of Jessica’s signature branchy arrangements with orchid garland and tiny votives. Sixpence For Your Shoe provided all the stationery and we hung all the ceremony programs from chairs for symmetry. The mood was exceptionally romantic as they pledged their love to one another forever.

The reception was a glorious mix of rustic wood, white flower and crystal admist the old world grandeur of the two storied ballroom. Tables were dressed with an ivory shimmer linen, while napkins were adorned with an eggplant ribbon and broach accent. Table numbers were mismatched silver vintage frames, inspired by designs on the couple’s stationery. Centerpieces were a combination of all white fluttery blooms overflowing low fleur des lis containers and atop more rustic tall wooden "trees" made of recycled wood. Simple yet beautiful sweet pea, calla and hydrangea arrangements were in every nook and cranny you could possibly put them; our favorite being stacked on the lit mirrored backed bar that seemed to glow. Escort cards were hung on a crystal draped Manzanita branch arrangement that dazzled like a chandelier. A fondant cake with snowflake and crystal detail stood on top of a silver custom stand, accented by ribbon and broach. Guests feasted via a formal sit down dinner and following, a New York DJ kept the dance floor packed with modern beats. Late night guests treated themselves to an extensive all white candy bar and white chocolate dipped candy apples. Vintage inspired custom linen napkins were a sweet accompaniment to the evening’s goodies.

Katie and Alan, you are among the kindest and most in love couples we have ever encountered. Being a party of your day, from design to execution was a pure privilege. We also thank all of the vendors involved for inspiring us both on this project and many others going forward. It was a pleasure to work with you! Last but not least, if you haven’t already, please see our end result here on Style Me Pretty!

Flowers and Event Design: Jessica’s Country Flowers

Event Planning, Coordination & Stationery: Sixpence For Your Shoe

Photography: Yun Gen Yang Photography

Photography: Jamie Collins Photography

Cinematography: Chris Walsh Productions

Ceremony & Reception Site: The Society Room

Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Straight Ahead Jazz

Reception Music: DJ Khan for DJ Gaza

Bride’s Dress: Watters

Bridesmaids Gowns: Jim Hjelm

Tuxes: rentals from Men’s Wearhouse

Make-up Artist: Sandra Downie

Bride’s Jewelry (bracelet and earrings) Haute Bride

Broach for bouquet: Regina B

Linens: Cloth Connections

Cake: Cakes by Donna

Cake Stand: Raise The Cake

Candy: A Candy Store.com

Card Box: The Wedding Main Street

Cocktail Napkins: Butterfly & Company

Brian and Helen marry with history and tradition!

On a gorgeous June day on the Connecticut Shoreline, Brian and Helen wed in front of family and friends, many who had traveled near and far to witness their nuptials. The jaw-dropping Branford House Mansion served as the backdrop for the ceremony and as the reception location. Working with Brian and Helen to stylize, design, and plan their wedding was pure joy. Brian, a professional wedding photographer himself was referred to us by his friend and mentor, Becker - thank you Becker!

And speaking of photographers - Brian selected Jonathan Canlas to capture his wedding to Helen. He loved that Jonathan shoots in film, and we will thrilled with his work. Thanks to Jonathan for all of these incredible images in this post.

The bridal party too Essex by storm, all getting ready at the suites in the Griswold Inn. Helen and the ladies readied with the lovely ladies of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library. Honoring Helen’s Chinese heritage, the formalities began with a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony at the Griswold Inn before heading to the Branford House. During this ceremony, it is tradition, that Helen is formally introduced to Brian’s family, and tea is exchanged as a symbol of respect. Helen wore a stunning plum colored, peacock inspired Chinese Wedding Dress, known as a Chi Pao, designed by Brocade Apparel, Brian was quite dapper in a Teal and Gold Chinese 2 button jacket, custom made based on the modern cut from J. Crew by Brocade Apparel as well!

For the western ceremony, Helen wore a Maggie Sottero and Brian donned J. Crew with ties from Brooks Brothers and Burberry (yes, hes that cool to have ties to swap!). The maids turned heads in chiffon from the Limited, and the guys stylized in J Crew as well, not to be outdone, they donned argyle socks!



Brian and Helen arrived at the Branford House in a vintage Porsche Roadster, and gathered for pictures with their bridal party. As guests arrived, they were greets to refreshments and made their way to the lawn, where walnut chairs with brightly colored ribbons marked the ceremony location. Helen, always the thinker and the style maven, planned ahead, with stained tree stump slices for the ladies in her party to stand on, so that no heels would sink and no shoe go harmed - genius!

Two large ceremony arrangements flanked the front of the ceremony space, provided by Carey from Stems Flower Design. In addition to the ceremony arrangements, Carey nailed the florals all around, with stunning bouquets, lively bouts, and centerpieces inside! In a personalized ceremony, led by Justice of the Peace Sara Carson they married, and the celebration of their union unfolded!



Inside the mansion, the incredible details continued. Pulling commentary from our Style Me Pretty feature on this wedding, we described the following:

"The color palette was selected early on. A vibrant mix of aqua and teal, lilac and plum, with accents of silver and cream, all feminine and sweet, set the stage for a gorgeous contrast off the rich masculinity of the interior of the Branford House Mansion, in Groton, Connecticut. A bit of preppy and a bit of whimsy, balanced with vintage nods to create a sophisticated and polished event that was down right current and fun."

"The cocktail hour was fun and festive, casual and cool. Guests enjoyed American favorites both stationary and passed, while they mingled the grounds, gathered around the photobooth, and selected their escort cards, strung amidst images from Brian and Helen’s engagement session."

"Inside the mansion, round tables donned rich aqua linens, topped with scalloped china, amethyst goblets, Victorian lilac lamour napkins, and modern styled silverware and chopsticks greeted guests. Two styles of centerpieces, incorporating lilacs, roses, peonies and greens, added height and variety to the grand space. Individual menus detailed the traditional eight course Chinese meal, guests were about to receive. Warm uplighting and a purple ceiling wash finished the look. As the evening progressed, guests danced away, delighted in assorted Tazo Teas, and snacked on delectable treats from a fabulous dessert buffet. Brian and Helen bid farewell to a sparkler send-off and rode off in a vintage Roadster Porsche. A spectacular end to a spectacular wedding!"

Cocktail hour and dessert cuisine was provided by the ever amazing team at A Thyme To Cook and the Chinese cuisine for dinner was provided by Victor Huynh from NYC. We amassed the beautiful decor through a variety of rental companies, including our favorites, Party Rental, BBJ Linen and Linen Hero. Our go to guy Rob Waldron at Standing Ovations kept the crowd grooving under the warm lighting of Dan from ShinDig Lighting. The invitations and stationery were provided by Papeterie and epitomized the style that Brian and Helen ooze!



It wouldn't be appropriate to conclude without one additional nod to Drew at Shade Tree Films. His work is emotional, tear jerking, and real, I can't help but love this preview clip he provided!

Is that J Crew? from Shade Tree Films on Vimeo.

Brian and Helen, thank you for selecting us to guide you through your long distance planning and design of your style savvy gorgeous wedding. We are so thrilled with how everything came together, and wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Cheers,
Talia

Congratulations Alissa and John

Today, we are so excited to celebrate Alissa and John's wedding at the Old State House in Hartford. Alissa is the super talent behind Alissa Dinneen Photography, and we have been delighted to get to know her better throughout her wedding planning journey.

We first began working with Alissa, when she approached us to design her wedding stationery. She photographed the wedding of a past stationery and design client of ours, and loved what we were able to create for them. The relationship grew, and together with Alissa, Lindsay and I helped to design Alissa and John's wedding as an intimate winter dinner party with a bit of rustic charm and a bit of old world glamor.

I can't think of a more appropriate florist than Jessica at Jessica's Country Flowers to bring the floral vision to life, and was thrilled to hear that she was also working with Alissa and John! Undoubtedly delectable fare will be served by Rick and his team at Emily's Catering.

The gorgeous image above as well as all of the wedding images to follow, courtesy of Alternate Angles, a long time mentor of Alissa's, and someone she could not imagine her wedding being complete without!

The list of impressive vendors continues and the wedding is certainly going to knock your socks off, so come back soon to hear all about it when we give the full recap!

Cheers,
Talia

The Knot - Best of Weddings 2011

Receiving this email was music to our ears!

Brides Voted, YOU WON!

Congratulations! Thousands of brides reviewed their wedding vendors and you were voted a Best of Weddings Pick!

Thank you all so much for choosing Sixpence For Your Shoe, as a knot, best of weddings winner for the second year in a row! We are thrilled and honored.

We have an incredible lineup of clients, with beautiful venues and wonderful vendors, and we can not wait to see 2011 unfold. Stay tuned to our blog to follow along.

Style I DO on Rue La La!

Mark your calendars for this coming Thursday, at 11 am sharp! Style I Do returns to Rue La La with loads of must have beautiful things all related to a fabulous wedding! Be sure to check it out!

Style Me Pretty Features Client's Brian and Helen's Wedding!

So excited to pop on to Style Me Pretty today and see our client's Brian and Helen's wedding featured. It was a pleasure to work with them both, their wedding was down right stunning, and now even more people can enjoy its glorious details!

Run over and check it out!

2011 La Bella Bride Magazine

Today, we were thrilled at the arrival of a box full of the 2011 La Bella Bride Magazines! Over the summer we collaborated with Jane from Just for You Weddings to recreate and expand on two client tablescapes for inclusion in this year's issue. With our designs, the gorgeous flowers from Jane, rentals from Party Rental, LTD and Wildflower Linens and picture perfect photography by Sara Zarrella, we couldn't be more pleased to see it in print!




Multiple heightened abundant blooms of hydrangea, orchids, and garden roses sitting on a variety of shapely tall and low mercury glass containers admidst jewel-accented candle holders grace a layering of aloe-colored runners and an ivory Irish Linen. Softly draped champagne chair covers, green patterned china, tinted stemware, and a hemp napkin ring, adorned with a broach detail add a natural yet glamourous accent to the overall table design.



Nautically inspired with a touch of whimpy: royal blue and white striped linen, golden yellow chargers, cranberry-splashed champagne and polka dotted accents. Varied height arrangements in rich colors atop banana-leaf-lined glass cylinders surround a large arrangement of soft sand, driftwood, and wind blown sea grasses.

2010 - An Incredible Year in Review!

2010 was an incredible year - starting with our first client's wedding the first weekend in January, and ending the year in mid-November. We had a wonderul time working with all of our clients to design their dream weddings. It was a year of growth, challenges, reflection and new friendships.

2010 was a milestone year for Sixpence For Your Shoe, representing our fifth year in the wedding business, working with some of the same amazing vendors this year, as we had when we first began. We feel honored to be among such an incredibly talented pool of wedding professionals in Southern New England.

In 2010, we were delighted to see our work featured in print at La Bella Bride Magazine and Connecticut Bride and online at Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, Prepare to Wed, and Brides.com. Sixpence For Your Shoe was also recognized as a "The Knot, Best of Weddings 2010 Winner"

We are looking forward to 2011 with another year's worth of fantastic clients, beautiful weddings, and creative challenges. We hope you follow along with us in our journey! But before we celebrate 2011, we would like to toast to our 2010 clients on their marriages. See below for a recap of all of our 2010 weddings!

January


photography credit - Sixpence For Your Shoe


photography credit - Eileen Broderick Photography


February


photography credit - Yang Photo and Jamie Collins Photo


May


photography credit - Iris Photography


photography credit - Orchard Cove Photography


photography credit - Erik Maziarz for Carla Ten Eyck Photography


June


photography credit - Iris Photography


photography credit - Jonathan Canlas Photography


photography credit - Brian Khang


photography credit - Studio 1923


July


photography credit - Val McCormick Photography


photography credit - Bruce Plotkin Photography

August


Maya and Paul - The Waterview (Coming Soon)
photography by Studio Foto


September


photography credit - Stacey Ilyse Photography


photography credit - Studio 1923


October


photography credit - Amanda Tedeschi Photography


photography credit - Carla Ten Eyck, Grazier Photography, JAG Studios


November


photography credit - Dolce Photography

Julie and Chris wed at Jonathan Edwards Winery

“When you were a little girl and asked what you wanted to be when you grew up, you said a doctor and Julie, you are a doctor,” were the opening words of Julie’s father as he proudly welcomed family and friends to his daughter and new son in law’s wedding. There was not a dry eye after this sentence and I think his words sums up Julie perfectly. Beauty, brains and ambition. And Chris, with his easy smile and fun demeanor is an amazing compliment to her in every way. So it was no surprise that from the moment we met with Julie and her parents in the spring of 2009, her vision was clear: a tented vineyard wedding with a modern vibe, a lux feel and air of formality. With the collaboration of a superstar team of vendors, incredible blue sky and later starry night, their wedding was a dream come true.

All gorgeous photos courtesy of the dynamic duo Jerome and Jen Braga of Studio 1923.

On Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, Julie and her ladies sipped mimosas and got their beauty on at the Bellisimo Grande Hotel with the assistance of Janice and Angela of Naomi's Studio & Salon. Julie wore a San Patrick gown from Camille Bridal Boutique, with her hair in sultry waves loosely pulled back she looked so happy and relaxed, just glowing with excitement! The girls wore long black Bill Levkoff gowns with champagne sashes and looked exquisite, perfectly accessorized with their Marc Jacobs clutches, gifts from Julie. Bakes & Baldwin Floral Company was the perfect florist for this event, and just killed it with all the arrangements. Julie's calla bouquet in particular, was a dead on match to her stationery suite, designed by Sixpence For Your Shoe.
Late in the afternoon, guests arrived at Jonathan Edwards Winery and were treated to refreshing hydration station prior to being escorted to their seats, while Millennium Music’s string trio played in the background. The music for the ceremony was exceptional. The bridesmaids processed to "Clocks" by Coldplay, followed by Julie being escorted by both her parents to the "Theme Song from Romeo and Juliet (A Time for Us)” by Nino Rota. We were all captivated by the beauty of the music, surrounding views and intimacy of the ceremony, which was performed by Chris' father. Julie and Chris were married under a stunning draped and floral structure deep within the vines. Pews were adorned with roses and dahlias and we effortlessly scattered petals in the aisle. With a kiss and a cheer, the couple was finally wed and recessed with huge smiles!

Cocktail hour followed inside the tasting room, as well as the adjoining stone patio and deck, where the wine and the specialty blackberry martinis were flowing and everyone got their eat on to fabulous comfort food fare provided by Coastal Gourmet. The mini mac n cheese, sliders and mashed potato bar were the perfect foods for this young and fun loving crowd.

The reception took place in the soaring and softly draped tent. We did a fabulous champagne galaxy linen on each table with black lacquer chairs, place settings and stemware. Champagne galaxy napkins were folded with a menu and donation card tucked within, further accented by a mokara orchid. A combination of high and low arrangements containing orchids, dahlias and gerbera in a range of reds provided interest within the tent and brought the eye up to the French iron chandeliers. Dan Gombos of ShinDig Lighting pin spotted the tables and washed the ceiling with the most perfect *champagne with a touch of Bordeaux* glow, which reflected fabulously on the black and white dance floor. Ana Parzych provided the seriously beautiful confection, the orchid detail was extraordinary, as well as a fun groom's cake. Boston's Downtown Fever played modern hits such as Lady Gaga and kept this crowd dancing and laughing till the end. Julie and Chris, it was a privelage for us to plan this day with you and your parents. We wish you all the happiness in the world and best of luck in your new careers.

xoxo,

Lindsay