Super in Salem!

What a great place to kick off my 2011 season during the Supermoon in Salem, MA! I met Juliet and Atlee last year at Coffee Talk in Salem (who was also their master cake baker). They had been so looking forward to this day but they had a look of sheer fright because of all that needed to be done and the "guard at the gate" at the Nathaniel Silsbee House on Salem Common. But, in the end, it all turned out just perfectly. I arrived on Saturday at A Little Style salon where my bride was already having her beautiful red hair braided and curled. Juliet was radient and remarkably calm. We finished early and was able to catch lunch at her home where she greeted out of town guests bearing gifts - how nice! Once lunch was complete, we seperated. Juliet proceeded to Rouge for make-up and I was off to the venue to make sure that I was first in line to get my hands on decor. Shelby (my assistant and the right side of my brain) arrived and we went over some fun parts of the night to come. Upon arrival we met with Juliets friend Patty who made the ladies beautiful bouquets with Callas and Lilac. So sweet! Her friends really came through for her! Between bouquets, candle favors & pretty centerpieces - she is loved! We set out the gift, memorial table & cake accoutrements and made sure the tables were in line. All had fantastic Salem and memory names like "Mandrake" (where they were engaged) and "Boardman Street" (which was a craft paper wrapped kids table), not to forget "Salem Commons"! Our bride arrives and, oops, forgot the grooms florals at her house - which luckily was two blocks away! I am so jealous that she gets to live in such a fantastic area. Right off Salem Commons which has the BEST hotel ever - The Hawthorne - which is haunted and I love that. I must stay there some night - with a flashlight. The large granite gazebo on the common was where they really wanted to have their ceremony but brrr! It was a chilly day! So, we stayed inside and made it all work. After we scurried our bride into the bathroom (the only hiding place upstairs) we had the entire wedding cast set and lined them up. Shelby was able to coordinate the ceremony music from a laptop and faded it out perfectly! Once our couple jumped the broom we popped the champagne and lots of hugs all around! They headed off to the commons for their formal shots with photographer Christopher Padgett of Little Monkeys Photography. Even though it was a bit chilly, I am sure they couldn't get the smiles off their faces! Back inside the venue, the front room was packed with people trying out the fun St. Patricks Day hats, ties & silly headbands while making faces in the Shutterbooth photo booth. Of course, Shelby and I had our "test" shots done earlier in the day to make sure it was working properly. I guess I am an idiot who cannot pay attention to countdowns but it was throwing me off by suspending a picture on the screen so I thought it was done and then BAM, it takes the picture. I will have to walk in posing for the next booth event! Once cocktails had wrapped up, we lined everyone up in the hall for introductions. This is the best part for me. It's like greyhounds at the gate waiting for the rabbit to run! DJ Greg Capozi of C-Zone Music introduced our group and played the night away - the dancefloor didn't clear until the end! Even throwing in some fun wrestling theme music as a nod to our groom, an ameteur wrestler known as The Greene Machine! They were super fun, and, I found out we graduated together from the same high school! What a small world! I learned that while dining on delicious food prepared by Miziock-Witham caterers. That staff was like a machine! Super fun and incredibly on task - I love that! At 8:00 PM Juliet & Atlee were fortunate enough to spare a few minutes to head back out to the commons to take advantage of the Supermoon. Last night I heard on the news that it won't be back again for another 18 years. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary than by hiring their photographer again to take some more photos on the common! This time with their children! I had such a blast at this wedding. It went off perfectly the entire day and so laid back! A super moon, super venue, super night, super couple!

Amrita & Izi - A Worlds Worth Of Love

I really don't know where to start with this wedding. It was only the other night on August 22nd. So fresh in my mind. It is difficult to put into words how meaningful this wedding was for me. Not only is every wedding meaningful to me. These past brides I write about will never be forgotten. I guess because this was my first Indian/Jewish wedding. My husband is Jewish and we had a Jewish ceremony. We had the same elements during our ceremony. Could that be it. Not sure. But, something about this one really had me crying the entire weekend. Everyone knows that I am an easy crier. But, when I tell you the front of my dress had big bloppy tears all over it - trust me, this one struck a nerve. Kind of like when the Grinches heart grew three sizes too big and it burst at the end. Yeah, I was there. So, let's start at the beginning. Such a sweet, soft spoken couple. He from Turkey and she from India. There was a bit of an accent barrier and she spoke so quickly, I did have them repeat themselves - often. But, something about them. They would look at each other and giggle. Not flirty eyes, just shy eyes almost. It was very endearing. We met on several occasions to go over the details and every time I did, I could envision their wedding and it would be more and more clear that it was about just the two of them. Nothing showboat, just special. We always assist the bride & groom with their rehearsal and that is where I met their bridal party. People from the other side of the world. Here for Izi and Amrita. It was fantastic to learn about their cultures and hear all about where they met each other. I happened to look down and noticed Amritas beautiful Mendhi designs on her arms. I have never seen real Mendhi on a person, only photos or on TV. When she turned her hands over - I cried. It was so special. Obviously, she was treated like a princess because the amount that was on her hands, she would have had to sit there for hours. Who fed her, who helped her in the little girls room, etc. Just the fact that she was treated like a princess told me a lot about how this culture treats their brides - with absolute respect and adoration. What's more, Izi invited me to their Seder that night. I never go to the rehearsal dinner but something made me feel like part of the family. His family sang the blessings and we enjoyed a delicious meal melting both cultures in that small moment. The next night, I was invited to be a guest at Amritas Sangeet celebration. This was where I was a blubbering idiot. So, there is a stage with an oppulant bench for two. It had a lush backdrop of two indian towers in pink and gold. Before our bride made her entrance, groups of women would come in performing dances - announcing the brides arrival. Then, surrounded by her bridal party (who were holding a red cloth high above her head) they walked her to the stage. Yeah, like royalty - I was overcome and could barely see through the tears. I was so happy for her. Something about the amazing music being played and the way they walked - overtook me. It's those moments when I just get it. I understand why I do this. My husband even got it. I tried to show him a piece of what I do by asking him to accompany me to the Sangeet and he really understood that what I experience with every wedding is special. So, then later, after a delicious Indian meal, our groom arrives in his stoic turban! The crowd was cheering him and surrounding him - dancing for him. A true celebration of the couple. the next morning, I am exhausted, but, I have a big day ahead. And, it's raining. I keep thinking positively - it's New England and anything can happen, right? So, off to the brides home for hair and make-up. I expect Amrita to be lounging after a night of celebration but she's on the floor working on a slideshow. I think she had 5 hours of sleep but still looked fantastic. I, on the other hand, needed another large regular. Hair and make-up are going well and Amrita sits to start her beauty treatment and I am off to the hotel to check in with vendors. The Cambridge Marriott was working fantastically getting evrything done in time. Jen & Salem were my contact there and anything I needed to be handled, was handled already - love that! Unfortunately, it was still raining. My bride arrived a bit behind schedule (but arrived) and we began the Ketubah signing. Our groom was in one room and our bride in the other. Five signatures and photos later - we are walking to the ceremony. Working carefully to obscure the bride, we lined everyone into position and reminded them where to stand. Piano (played by Yuval - fantastic) starts and they process. Thirty minutes later - I swear it was a gunshot outside but no - it was the glass being stomped by my really proud groom! It was so loud!! A smiling couple headed to the rooftop garden for photos with the bridal party - yes, it stopped raining for just that amount of time to get them done - another miracle. The hitch here was that they were supposed too head over to the Charles River Bridge but timing was against us so we switched to plan B. Once photos were done, Amrita came to change into her Lehenga gown. Can I just say - way better than a wedding gown. So many details and a long time to put on. After dressing, she had her make-up touched up (even though she still looked beyond fab) and we head back down for introductions. Her pink and gold reception was dressed with pomander ball centerpiece highs and lows from Dogwood floral (which looked incredible). The gold chiavari chairs with pink sashes made the look complete while the walls were splashed with incredible colors and designs by CJC Event Lighting. The entrees were salmon or vegetarian to satisfy their multicultural guest list and lots of clean plates were made. A delicious cake, adorned with photos the bride provided of their travels (Montillios) was enjoyed by all! It was a tower of travel and decadence! But the best was watching them, on a large screen. Photos of their childhood and and family then photos of the two of them during their travels together. I was actually jealous of their travel, the love from their family, the way they were celebrated. I wished that our culture, celebrated and adored my brides & grooms the way these two were. We have a lot to learn about other cultures and how they treat each other and strangers like me. I was blessed to be a part of this wedding weekend. A stranger to the culture, a family member made, an evening never to be forgotten.

Michelle, My Belle

OK, so it is Michelle & Chris but my mind goes right back to that special father/daughter dance every time I see her name! This great party was held on August 14th at the historic Commanders Mansion in Watertown. Beautiful on location ceremony in the "orchard" at a perfect 78 degrees with sunshine! My bride was a stunner in her grecian style wedding gown - breathtaking. Might I just say now, that I always cry when I see my brides. There is something to say about a bride just about to walk down the aisle. They are quiet, nervously smiling and awkwardly walking with their escort. Michelle was laughing and soaking in the surprise of it all. We had decorated all of the white chiavari chairs in a plum colored sash so the entire scene was incredible! She and Chris spoke their own vows to each other - very special - then loud cheers and clapping! I was fortunate to be in the back orchard peering through the grapleaves to watch their first married kiss. An honor. A delicious glass of champagne and decadent HD's were served up by Eat Your Heart Out Catering which kept the crowd munching and laughing. Out to the tent where Orchids n Blooms worked their magic again with high and low arrangements accented by peacock feather plumes. We dressed five square tables in the plum with white chair sashes while the rest were dressed with white linen and plum chair sashes. The entire room beamed with excitement! Off to intros and the toasts! Our Best Man realized he forgot to ask all to raise a glass to our shining couple - just another reason to pour fresh champagne! After a delicious, nut free dinner, the guests were enchanted by a 9 foot table filled with delicious chocolate desserts and a fountain for dipping jars of cookies and treats. Outside, the crowd danced continuously to the incredible sounds of The Scooby Snax Band. Then came that special song. Michelle, My Belle. Proud Daddy, Mom looking on, holding her hands to her chest and beaming. Their little belle, now married woman. Always a cherished daughter. Where's my crying towel...

Jessica & Rui!! Like Boston Royalty!

What can I say about this couple? From the moment I met them back in 2008, I knew they would be fun. They bantered back and forth like a couple already married and had fantastic ideas for their wedding. Their wedding was held back on August 6th at the beautiful Boston Harbor Hotel. All was in place for a spectacular event complete with rich navy linens with lime green accents from the floating white orchids, walls splashed with lush color and a really fun photo booth. The night before, I had a bad feeling that something was going to be up with the hairdresser as she was a bit salty to me both times I spoke to her. But then on the day of - I was optimistic and planned to kill her with kindness. About a half hour after I arrived at the hotel, I just wanted to kill her. She called Jess, 30 minutes before she was to start 7 heads of hair and cancelled. She did have a good reason but not sure if it was true. I will give her the benefit of the doubt but she could have at least tried to get a replacement. What ev. So now it's on. I am now supposed to get hair started in 20 minutes without a stylist. I went to the concierge - please tell me you have a salon on site. Nope. So, where is the closest salon - three blocks away. I am walking and talking to the salon on the phone begging for help. Nope - booked. OK, I am still walking and calling the one person I know can help me. Cheryl Greene. She does a lot of my weddings and on this day, I knew she was working at her home salon but had clients coming - grrrrrr. But! She says, call my friend Jimmy at Delaria Salon over on Commonwealth. I do, but get the other Boston location from 411 and tell the DM my tale of woe. She tells me she will call me right back. I start walking back to the hotel. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. I reach the front door. Ring - "We can do it but they need to come to the salon" - NO PROBLEM!!! But wait, we have make-up coming too! Can we use a couple of chairs for the make-up girls - "SURE"! Oh, my god Becky. Saved. So I make it up to the bridal suite and call the front desk to set up cabs to bring the girls over for 12:30. My bride walks into the suite - so calm (I heard later she sets quiet when she is freaking out - justified). I tell her all the good news and she sighs and says - ok. I knew she was bummed. It's not the way it should be - but, sometimes these things happen and it all gets worked out. And, within 15 minutes of the brides call - situation averted and we are back on schedule. Now, for the record, this miracle would not have happened if we were in the boondocks on a Saturday. This was a Friday in Boston and they pulled in girls from other Delaria salons that were available to come to Summer Street. Pure luck on my part but incredible service on Delarias end. OK, so forget about the bad stuff - the rest of the day went awesome! Hair and make-up done with 30 minutes extra on the clock! The room is gorgeous, they have a beautiful ceremony - only glich was the ring bearer didn't want to hold the pillow - he only wanted the goldfish crackers. Buy, hey, I bet that picture will make them laugh later on and there wasn't a screaming ring bearer whipping a pillow around. Post ceremony they enjoyed photos in the courtyard where I think the entire guest list was watching instead of up in the rotunda eating unbelieveable HD's and having cocktails. That's ok too! On the ocean - beautiful couple - way better idea. After cocktails, the guests got caught up in the awesome photo booth (NH Photo Fun Booth). This was so much fun - but, since I photograph terribly I just had to keep trying it (mmm hmmm). The dancey dance in the reception was awesome, plus a great song sung by the DJ Corey (MCO Productions)! My gorgeous bride changed into her Chinese dress - a red stunner - and went back out to dance some more. My groom walked around like royalty and he really deserved it! They worked so hard to be sure this wedding was everything they'd dreamed of - and they achieved it. From back in 2008, when it was just a dream until 2010, a beautiful reality.

The Ames & The Woodward

So, some of you may know that I am a full time Mom and Event Planner in one. The Mom part can be a tad boring so it's always fun to escape to Boston and check out awesome places. When Amanda Barbuto from The Morgan Hotel Group asked me to come out to The Ames Hotel, I thought, excellent - trot, trot to Boston! So, Garmin gets me to the State House but, I missed the front door of The Ames because they do not have a neon sign shouting "THIS IS THE AMES!!!". Hmmm, a bit mysterious. While circling City Hall, I call in to the front desk for direction and when I got back around front - a spot out was cleared for me to pull right in. I walk through the fantastic front entry into the contemporary vista of a lobby. Hanging artwork and bright colors - so different than the typical hotel lobbys I have grown accustomed to. I check in at the desk to annouce my arrival and head over to the Woodward Bar when I am greeted by the hostess - by name. Ok, a bit creepy but really, really cool. I was feeling that this place was only for me and they were my staff. Unusual and me likey. So, I pass straight through the Woodward because I see this incredible garden patio in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Fanuel Hall tourist crowd - awesome, people watching - my favorite!!! Amanda greets me and we start out in the lobby where I find out that the original owner is from my home town of Easton - where he had his summer home and a shovel factory. A neat historic connection! We tour the lobby and I find a cool mix of original mosaic tile and an electric foil mobile style artwork hovering above us. Inside the Woodward Tavern we pass a great display of artifacts and modern art as we walk to the second floor. With its dark banquettes and white accents - the room is perfect for intimate events - rehearsal dinners, private parties and small wedding receptions for those who think outside the box. Every window has a Boston view with a mix of history and modern architecture. We head over to the check out the rooms and that's when I had to break out my cell for photos. The rooms are WAY different from the hotel rooms I am used to seeing. No poly bed linens here. Platform beds, minimalist but practical and totally cool accents. I have never seen such a mini bar stocked with Red Bull, jelly beans and even a sensual kit! I can't even say enough about the penthouse - full living room, dining area and bedroom with peek-a-boo shower! I can't even tell you everything - cool lighting tricks in the walls, leather padded elevator, awesome things to just look at (which I love to do). This place was defintely too much! My thought is, The Ames & The Woodward are absolutely perfect for: a small wedding (under 60) with out-of-town guests who are looking for a ceremony within walking distance of everything and in the middle of it all. On top of that - the food and beverage minimum is AFFORDABLE - yup. Once again, I wish I were getting married but alas, been there, done that. So, Please, love, come find me! I have the perfect place for you!! Check it out!

Jersey Girls Do It Better

Singing Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" was always a fun ritual my girlfriends and I had. At the top of our lungs, windows down, hair like Sunday popovers - high and crisp. We'd drive around in one of our "beatahs" with jury-rigged speaker systems cut into the back dash. Our mixed tapes clicking along in the stereo dangling by our knees up front. The smell of Aqua-Net and cigarettes and maybe even a couple fringe leather jackets to match our boots. Ahhhh, memories of my teen years. Cut to June 25th 2010 - I snap out of my flashback, now watching my bride Kristy, surrounded by her nine New Jersey besties, screaming out

"Cuz, it doesn't make a difference
if we make it or not.
We've got each other
and that's a lot
for love, we'll give it a shot! WOA-OHHH."

You know the rest. I missed it and loved it all at once. But, for this wedding, the dancefloor was the spotlight of Kristy and Adams wedding. From the very beginning, I was told that this was a dancing crowd. Yes, we did chat about all kinds of other things: colors, numbers, locations and timelines but it always came back to family, friends and dancing. My day started at the 4 Points Sheraton in Norwood at 8:30 a.m. I don't know how we managed to get 11 heads of hair and 6 faces of makeup done, but, Marc and Sarah worked to beauty perfection. Once gowned & dapper, my bridal party headed out for the reveal and photos (which added precious time). Kristy and I walked together to the secret waterfall at the hotel. She was speaking quickly and full of thought. I remember telling her to take a deep breath, that her best friend is just over the hill. That everything will be ok. We got Kristy into position with Adams back to her. Photographers, Val McCormick, and her assistant Alicia captured all of the perfect angles and more importantly, when Adam turned to see his bride - we had a blushing groom! He looked adorable while blushing and, of course, I tear up. It couldn't be helped! Kristy was absolutely glam perfect! I cannot wait to hear the compliments Videog David Bettencourt and his assistant Jeff were able to capture on the mic! After a lux trip on their limo bus from Boston Limo we arrived at Borderland State Park for a brief photo shoot and then over to The Saphire Estate in Sharon MA. Our Bride wanted to keep some magic, so, they separated for a bit and drank Champagne and giggled while the groom and his boys remained cool in the A/C. We greeted Father Lenny Nelson and got ready to start the line up while the Saphire Event Manager, Noelle Schiller and owner, John Saphire set the scene to perfection. An elegant beach theme (a nod to the Jersey Shore) was set by florists, Erica & Scott Jones of Orchids 'n Blooms. Lush hydrangea, tiny sea shells and rich sea glass twinkling along with the glowing candles dazzled the reception room. Their DJ, Eric Poss, set the ceremony and reception locations for music and was ready to begin the processional. We were all ready. Over the bridge they went and a half hour later, they came back again - this time with tear tracks and smiles! Married!! More photos, cigars, Sangria, first dance, Mother & Father dances, photos by the water, Champagne, delicious dinner, hugs, kisses, a few more photos and Woa-OH! Livin' on a Prayer!!! This is where they always wanted to be - right here - in this moment. Family, Friends & Dancing. Perfect.

Brittany & Joe's Wedding!!

I am so excited to chat about Britt & Joe's wedding finally!! It all started with a weather watch as usual! But, I was especially worried with a tent involved. It was supposed to be sunny & 77 (perfect in my book) but overnight it turned south and thunderstorms were to plague the day. I packed three golf umbrellas and my rubber boots for set up and headed out to Boston. Upon arrival, I was thrilled that there were "clear" skies but, it was 8:30 a.m. and we had a long way to go. I met the hair (Maura Keppel) and make-up (Jillian Harwich) team in the lobby and made our way up to the girls. All so excited but, still thinking about the weather. After coordinating the swapping of girls in the salon chair, I headed over to The Green Turtle (a floating B & B) to drop off their honeymoon bags and do a walk through with the groom. I was so excited for them because this place was cool. I have to admit with the movement of the boat, I didn't think it would be so great after a night of drinking, but, the next morning I heard how soothing it was, "so relaxing". At 1 PM, I headed over to The Commandants house to meet Docent, Kirsten (Lianna to arrive later) to get my day "started". Shelby & Linsday (my trusty assistants) were already there - ready to go set up. We were quickly followed over by the Bride & her maids. There was some photography going on but honestly, I couldn't wait for the planned reveal on the front steps. This was the first reveal I had ever witnessed and I must say, this was probably the best idea because I always thought cocktail photos take away from your wedding experience. Joe arrived to the front steps with his groomsmen and after a very special reveal, the entire party headed out to the Charlestown Navy Yard for photos with photog's Michael Keegan, Chrissy Dahlstrom & Brian Malloy (can't wait to see those!). Fast forward to ceremony time, all is set & ready and for a minute - I can't find Dad! He was located under the ceremony tent chatting up guests! I love that at weddings, you just haven't seen some people in years and it is the best time to say Hi & catch up! But, it was "time" and I hated to break him away. Ok, so Dad's in line - cue the music. Now, let me back up a bit. Shelby had received a call that there was a tornado watch in effect. The groomsmen were getting calls as well - and we were watching the skies. I went out to give the thumbs up to the JP (Justice Tom Welch) and there were big bloppy raindrops - not enough to ruin photos with a big dopey golf umbrella - but drops none the less. I still said nothing about rain (or a tornado for that matter) to Britt. Imagine thinking of a twister all through your ceremony!! So, the entire bridal party heads down and it's a bit dark - I am worried - but, it is still NOT raining. I look up at the DJ's stationed above the ceremony on the verandah to cue Britts processional. Now here is where it all turns into a slow motion dream-like moment. I cue the music and "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones starts to play. I look over at the ceremony tent to my left to be sure all are looking our way - I look to my right to be sure Britt is ready to go. I look up at the sky to the right of the DJ and no kidding - the clouds instantly parted (think Simpsons) and the sun blared on the front of the ceremony tent!! I grabbed my chest, my jaw dropped and I twisted my head to Britt and was mouthing "THE SUN JUST CAME OUT!!!". I could not believe it and still get chills when I tell others about it. So, I'm all choked up, starting to get teary and she walks, looking stunning and just thrilled!! After the winebox and a loud WOOOOOOOOOH!! - they sealed their vows with a kiss! What a great ceremony - but it doesn't end there! All headed into the cocktail reception inside the beautiful Commandants House enjoying great HD's & Prosecco - YUM! Oh, this is the point where Shelby finally found my missing camera and shot off a few pics of the reception -which looked fantastic!! Britt chose her colors carefully and it all came together beautifully! The flowers (designed by Orchid's n Blooms) were so soft and plush - perfect for a hot spring night. The bouquets matching the blue & red flowers on the front walkway - so vibrant! We got the BP lined up and it was then we let Britt know about the tornados and she had to laugh! It's always better to tell the bad news once you have corrected it - or after "it" doesn't happen!! DJ Michael O'Neil & his assistant Steve Coveney from MCO Productions introduced the excited bridal party (lot's of WOOOOO-ing going on!) and they took their seats for toasts. Dad, stole the show and probably thanked each and every guest by name until Britt's Mom started chanting "Britt & Joe!, Britt & Joe!, Britt & Joe!" The rest of the evening was spent dining on delicious morsels from Tastings Catering. Sue, of course, directing the staff to timed perfection. Dancy, dancy, dancy dance! We ALL danced that night - super fun!! We don't normally dance with the guests at weddings, but, let's just say we had a fan club and lots of prodding. At the end of the evening, Britt & Joe treated their guests to a harbor cruise around Boston Harbor and I was so thankful it wasn't the stormy three hour Gilligan's tour that I had imagined! A wonderful evening for two wonderful people. An absolutely great start to my 2010 wedding season! Can't wait to do it again in two weeks for Kristy and Adam. And, yes, I am watching the weather reports as we speak hahaaha!