"One of these days...

...you're gonna get hurt". I swear, that's my mantra living with two very active children. I think I probably say it in my sleep. Low and behold it happened. While pretending to be his favorite character, Captain Jack Sparrow, and jumping off his "ship" and into the "water" Gavin broke his arm. Actually he was jumping off the couch and onto a pillow on the floor. As soon as I heard the scream/cry I knew this wasn't going to be good. I ran down the stairs to see my son's arm a bit twisted. Give me blood any day I can handle it. Show me an extremity pointing in the opposite direction and watch out. Just thinking about it my head gets all tingly. Never having been in this situation before but having watched lots of 'Trauma in the ER' on the Health Channel I quickly sprung into action or as I like to call it sheer panic. I had visions of me fashioning a splint out of my husband's scrap wood in the basement wrapped in paper towels of course.

After a failed attempt at reaching my next door neighbor I called my good friend, Lunell, up the street. I think told her "Gavin broke his arm and I'm kinda freak'n out here". She came right down. As soon as Mira knew she'd be spending time with her best friend Ciara, the sweet sister who, prior to this, was so concerned for her big brother actually pushed Gavin aside and ran for Lunell's car. I think her parting words to him were "Adios muchacho, I'm going to McDonalds" (I kid of course).

Anyway, I took Gavin to the hospital a mere 5 minutes from my house, parked in the wrong parking lot, proceeded to carry him up two flights of stairs (note to self: get to the gym) and brought him into the ER. Thankfully the ER was empty and we were taken care of immediately. After four nurses plus me holding him down and 2 failed attempts at putting in an IV, Gavin finally got the relief he needed with pain meds. I have to say I was a little jealous. He looked so calm and happy. Thankfully the x-rays revealed only one broken bone in his forearm rather than both. The doctor gave him his cast, did some more x-rays and then we were on our way home.

So, the G man will be docking his ship for at least 6 weeks. At least he's got a cool story to tell his friends at school.

9/6/08 - Mary Grace and Roi - Tunxis Plantation

Well, they say that rain on your wedding is good luck. So, I predict that Mary Grace and Roi will be married forever. Narrowly avoiding the torrential downpour, Mary Grace arrived at Tunxis Plantation for her 5:00 ceremony under the Pavilion. I have to say that the space looked amazingly beautiful. The huppa served at the room's centerpiece while the floral centerpices of pinks, white and greens and specialty linens in hot pink lamour on guest's tables really made the space come alive. Incorporating both Christian and Jewish traditions a Rabbi and Minister co-officiated the touching ceremony.

Mary Grace wore an amazing lace fitted gown with crystal detail. While bridesmaids wore sage tea length dresses and ivory sash. The guys chose a classic black tie tuxedo.

Having to get creative with the post ceremony photo shoot, husband and wife team of Generations Photography managed to capture some gorgeous shots of the couple and their bridal party against the wooded background while remaining dry under the Pavilion. After cocktail hour Mary Grace and Roi opted out of traditional introductions and went right into their first dance as husband and wife. The weather certainly didn't dampen the mood of partying guests as they danced to the tradtional Jewish horah and Italian Tartantella provided by Dave of Mike Connolly Productions.

As they celebrate their honeymoon on the beaches of Hawaii I want to wish them a lifetime of happiness. It was a great pleasure working with you these past months. As you settle back in at home in Zurich be sure to drop me a line I'm sure I'll be up at 3 am to receive it.

8/30/08 - Taylor and Jared - Norwich Inn & Spa

So the weather wasn't perfect, one of the jr. Bridesmaids tossed her cookies during the ceremony and my computer's mother board was fried upon returning home from the wedding (well, that had nothing to do with the wedding but it delayed me putting pictures on my blog) but I have to say despite everything the wedding was beautiful. Taylor looked radiant in her strapless gown with crystal detail. Taylor and Jared said their "I do's" in on of the Inn's ballrooms. Decorated by Jane at Just for You Florals, she took a blank space and made it shine. Music for the ceremony was provided by guitarist Chris Jarvis of Bare Bones Band. Even the couple's dog Bear had a part in the ceremony as ring bearer.

Following the ceremony Taylor and Jared headed outdoors for a photo session with their bridal party while guests enjoyed cocktails in the foyer and outdoor patio. Photographers, Shari and Jay of Dreamscape Studios captured some really great shots of the couple.

Taylor's color scheme included navy, green, white and a touch of coral. Perfect for the grand ballroom. Centerpieces were done with white flowers and a touch of coral to compliment the coral in the ballroom's decor. Following dinner guests danced to music provided by Powerstation DJ and right before the end of the evening a candy buffet was open for the guests (and vendors) to enjoy.

I had such a great time getting to know Taylor these past few months. I hope the happy couple enjoy their life together in North Carolina.

8/23/08 - Meredith and Ross - Mystic River Yacht Club

Wow! What a perfect day for a wedding. And what a perfect setting, right in the heart of downtown Mystic, full of tourists taking in the amazing sites of the quaint downtown. Who wouldn't want a wedding in this little village? Meredith and Ross celebrated their nuptials at St. Mark's Episcopal Church which is walking distance from the downtown area. Officiating was Ross' good friend from his college days, Rev. Stewart Lucas who drove in from PA to perform the ceremony. Afterwards guests gathered on the wrap around porch of the Mystic River Yacht Club which overlooks the beautiful Mystic River. A four course meal which included boiled lobster awaited each guest and was provided by McGrath's Catering of RI. Meredith's color scheme of navy, green and white was perfect for the Yacht Club wedding. A particular favorite of mine was the adorable ribbon boards which held the guest's escort cards. Photographer Maggie Conoly captured the day's photographs including a sunset photo of the couple on the boat docks (see photo above). The end of the evening culminated with a sparkler send off as an awaiting boat wisked the happy off to their hotel. A perfect ending to a perfect wedding.

It was a great wedding and all the little details assembled by Meredith really pulled the look together. The families of both Ross and Meredith were so great to work with. I wish Meredith and Ross a wonderful life together in the beautiful state of Georgia.

(image above courtesy of Maggie Conoly)

8/8/08 - Corrin and Mike - Plaza Athenee - NYC

I met Corrin when she came to my house back in March. You know when you just click with someone? She and I were on the same page at that first initial meeting and remained that way throughout all the planning. Back then we decided that a large tented wedding at their home would be the way to go since they had just restored a historic home in New Hartford and had plenty of space. Well, jump to the end of June and Corrin decided to pull the plug on the large wedding and instead decided to get married in NYC with just very close friends and family in attendance (20 guests total). So, with just over 5 weeks to the wedding we managed to pull off a small but beautiful and elegant wedding - exactly as she had hoped for.
The weather held out (even though it rained on and off throughout the day) and Corrin and Mike were married in Central Park at the Ladies Pavilion. Harpist Kristi Shade provided the music for the ceremony and cocktail hour - so beautiful! While I played defense and kept park goers away from the ceremony site they said their "i do's". Shortly after the ceremony Corrin and Mike gathered all their guests for group photos before heading over to Plaza Athenee for the cocktail hour and dinner in the private dining room. the space was dimly lit with lots of candle light. Flowers were provided by City Blossoms in NYC and consisted of green hydrangea, cymbidium orchids and burgundy calla lilies which ran the length of the table. The cake, not necessarily the design Corrin was hoping for, still tasted amazing with a coconut almond flavor. Yum!

I'm so glad that Corrin and Mike finally had the wedding they really wanted and I'm sincerely flattered that I was part of that day. Congrats to both of you.

I didn't take any photos on the day of the wedding since I was running around so much. I also knew, having worked with Kiva from Annandale Photography, that his photos would be way better than mine anyway. All of these photos were taken by him. Thanks Kiva!

8/2/08 - Danielle and Brian - Water's Edge

We pulled it off! That should be the motto specific to this wedding. I drove to Water's Edge yesterday in a downpour of rain and called Danielle to see how she was doing. In true Danielle fashion she answered the phone as if nothing was happening outside and threatening her dream of an outdoor ceremony. During the time Danielle and her bridesmaids were getting ready the sun started to shine but lurking thunderstorms in the distance had all of the vendors wondering if they should set up outside or in. After several meetings (yes, meetings), and constant checking of weather reports that called for a 75% chance of thunderstorms, Danielle decided to pull forward and have the ceremony outside. Right before Danielle walked down the aisle at 7:00 pm the threatening cloud cover was overhead but thankfully nothing happened. As guests took their seats they were each presented with a pair of custom designed sunglasses incorporating the bride and groom's monogram, designed by the bride herself. The ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt. And afterwards guests convened on the patio for cocktail hour while the finishing touches were being attended to in the ballroom. The transformation was spectacular!

In the beginning of the planning stages Danielle had a vision for her wedding - neutral tones, dim lighting, and dramatic focal points. We worked with Michelle at Innovative Event Design and once again she "pulled it off". Centerpieces were tall branches of curly willow and dendrobium orchids, gold chivari chairs with ivory organza sashes replaced the ballroom's existing chairs. Linens in champagne and ivory organza covered each table and uplighting (provided by Advanced Lighting and Sound Solutions) in tones of amber gave the room a soft glow. No detail was overlooked as Danielle also envisioned an all white dance floor to replace the existing smaller wood parkay dance floor. That was brought in by Big Top Rental and the transformation was stunning. Photos were taken by the talented Lawrence Frank and his team and videography was provided by the guys at Equilibrio Films of MA. But John Saville brought the house down and had all guests on the dance floor throughout dinner and the rest of the night with an eclectic mix of music the bride and groom requested.

Danielle and Brian were such a fun couple to work with. I'll truly miss her energy. I wish them all the best. Always remember to cherish every moment.

The following are photos that I took.