6/29/08 - Jessica and David - The Riverview

Anyone who knows me knows that I love just about anything vintage or antique - jewelry, vases, handbags, furniture, etc. I have several collections of those items and more in my house that are at least 60 years old. One of the reasons I really liked working with Jessica is that her love and appreciation of vintage items was as enthusiastic as mine. We incorporated this look in small touches throughout the wedding - from her cut glass vases (reminiscent of Depression glass) which held the hydrangea centerpieces, the antique brooch she wore on the sash of her wedding gown and even the vintage inspired paper suite (designed by Jen at Little Lady Studios) of invitations, menus, programs and labels for candy bags.

Jessica and Dave were married at Ethel Walker Chapel in Simsbury and despite the driving rain and strong winds prior the Jessica's arrival, the sun shone brightly as Jessica was escorted by her father down an aisle of rose petals while Dave waited at the other end. Jane at Just For You created the gorgeous English garden inspired floral arrangements in large urns (another vintage touch) and were placed on either side of the "altar" space. After photos, taken by Jerome Braga, Jessica and Dave joined their guests for the last few minutes of cocktail hour before dancing their first dance. Mike Connolly, of Mike Connolly Productions, had everyone on the dance floor before and after the large candy buffet was open for guests to enjoy.

I'm so happy to have been a part of this wedding. It's been a pleasure to work with Jessica (and her mom Linda) over the past 18 months. Best wishes to the happy couple. Remember always to live everyday like it was your last, laugh often and love always.

6/27/08 - Christina & Rob - Webb Barn, Wethersfield

So many great details. Where do I begin? Christina and Rob's wedding was a wedding planners dream come true because of all the little touches that tie everything together. Christina was going for the preppy look with her pink and green color scheme. From the paper lanterns that hung in the barn to the napkins tied with pink and green plaid to the green potted pink Gerber daisies, the look was done well without being overdone.

Christina and Rob were married at First Church of Christ in the historic district of Old Wethersfield conveniently located across the way from Webb Barn. After the ceremony, the couple was whisked off by horse and carriage and took some time to themselves. While they were off taking photos guests gathered at the barn for cocktail hour catered by Village Tavern. After dining under the tent, guests gathered in the barn for dancing where entertainment was provided by Music Makers. Closing the night Christina and Rob "exited" the reception through an aisle of sparklers (and rain) held by each guest.

Christina and Rob, I wish you the best as you begin your married life together. Remember what your Uncle Fred said - "always hold hands" even if it means just holding each other up.

Here are some of the beautiful details. I couldn't choose just a handful - there were too many great details.

Squeaky's 4th Birthday Party

So after getting home at 1:30 from the wedding the night before and getting only 4 hours of sleep I managed to organize my daughter Mira's (Squeaky, as she's known in these parts) 4th birthday party. The kids bounced around for hours in the bounce house and my dad served as grill master for the afternoon. As part of the kid's favors I put together a candy buffet (gotta love being a wedding planner sometimes) which was a huge hit with the young (and old) crowd. It was a long day but totally worth it seeing my daughter light up as she blew out the candles on her "Enchanted" cake and opened up all her gifts. Happy Birthday Squeaky! Mommy loves you.

Here's a photo of me and my BFF Rachel. We never get any photos of the two of us together so I had to add it.

6/20/08 - Theresa & Chris Aqua Turf

Theresa and Chris' ceremony took place at Sacred Heart Church in East Berlin, CT. Her bridemaids wore a beautiful light shade of blue (which, by the way, matched the linens perfectly). After a touching ceremony where Father Nadolny allowed Theresa's married guests to renew their vows, all 200 of Theresa's guests assended on The Aqua Turf for cocktails. During that time Theresa and Chris and their bridal party avoided the rain and thankfully being struck by lighting in the garden gazebo during their photo session. The reception space was decorated in colors chosen by the bride - light blue, silver and white. Centerpieces were blue hydrangeas and white roses that included sand and seashells at the bottom of each vase. Their cake, by Creative Cakes by Donna, was also done in light blue fondant and white accents that included shells and starfish. DJ, Jamie Showerda, had the dance floor packed the entire night and thus extending the party for an additional hour.

Congratulations to the happy couple. Here are some photos of the wedding. Some are dark but thankfully I'm not hired to take professional photos.

6/14/08 Rosalyn and Brandon - Candlewood Inn

So I just got back from the wedding of Roz and Brandon. What a beautiful day! Their wedding was outside in front of the property's gazebo and the weather could not have been more perfect. The flowers, designed by Datura, were vibrant mixes of blues, yellows, pinks and greens and were beautiful against the bridemaids teal blue dresses. After a heartfelft ceremony performed by Rev. David James, Roz and Brandon made their "exit" to the sound of steel drums playing "One Love". Some of the little details included blue take out boxes filled with candy which doubled as both escort markers and favors, blue fans for guests as they sat outside during the ceremony and paper lanterns which hung above the cocktail area.

Entertainment was provided by Mike Connolly and guests filled the dance floor and danced well into the afternoon. Roz danced to Over the Rainbow with her grandfather and 2 uncles, Dudley and Stanley, while Brandon and his Mom shared a touching moment while they danced to "Unforgettable".

As I write this I'm still smiling for Roz and Brandon and I'm so happy they had such a wonderful wedding. I wish them all the happiness life brings to them. Enjoy!

Peonies have bloomed

I'm not a great gardener but I do have at least one love in my flower garden - peonies. I planted these 3 years ago and each year I get giddy watching them grow. This year is no exception as I watched the nearly 40 buds on one plant blossom. Sadly they will all probably die in a week or two but I never tire of seeing these beauties bloom. Each year I photograph my daughter Mira as she peaks her head over and smells their sweet fragrance. Here are the photos of this year and year's past.

2008:

2007:

2006:

Asia & Ty - 5/31/08 Stamford Italian Center

Despite the threatening skys in the upper part of the state that forced outdoor weddings to find shelter, Asia and Ty's skys were glorious in Stamford. A quick 3 minute shower right before Asia arrived at the church was the most Stamford saw that afternoon.

To be married in the 200 year old St. Paul's on the Green church is truly spectacular. It's stone walls and floors were softened by white tulle hanging on the pews. Asia chose a soft pink color palette and her bridemaids all wore different style dresses in the same pink color. Her adorable 5 flower girls wore ivory dresses and carried baskets of pink roses. While the couple's newborn son Marcus, carried down the aisle by the doctor who delivered him, wore a white suit.

The couple's reception was held at The Stamford Italian Center. The room was a wash in pink floral centerpieces with bejewled table numbers made by the bride. In leau of favors Asia and Ty made a donation in each guest's honor to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital. Entertainment, provided by Dance to the Music, had every guest on the dancefloor until the end of the night. And while the couple each danced with their parents, including a touching dance with Asia and her mother, there wasn't a dry eye in the house - including my own.

I have to add a special note here since Asia has been a client of mine since 2006 (yes, were never thought the day woukd ever come). Asia has a gift of touching people's lives with her kind words even if it's just a "God Bless" at the end of an email and it's been an honor to know this woman and call her my friend. "God Bless" you and your family.