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!