Lauren + Shaun

I have had the good fortune that 90% of my business has been referral based - be it from a fellow colleague in the wedding industry or previous clients. This was the case with Lauren and Shaun for whom I had the pleasure of month of coordinating in September. They hosted the quintessential North Fork Wedding at the Peconic Bay Yacht Club.

The day felt very casual and very glamorous at the same time. Lauren and Shaun got ready together at the Yacht Club. Her style was unmatched with three dresses and various accessories throughout the wedding day (I specify ‘wedding day’ here because I was with them all weekend and her wardrobe throughout was incredible!)

Lauren and Shaun wanted to create a truly unique experience. One of the ways they accomplished this was by starting the afternoon with the cocktail hour and joining in on the merriment and their favorite “Summer in a Bottle” from Wolfer Estate Winery. By doing so, they were able to maximize time spent with their guests. While at the cocktail hour, guests found their escort “card” - a puzzle piece - that would later be put to use.

As the cocktail hour came to a close, guests were ushered out to the lawn for their ceremony in the round near the water. Lauren opted for a red balloon in lieu of flowers for her bouquet. The reason behind this was revealed during the ceremony. Succinct to say it is sort of a metaphor for the relationship. Bubbles filled the aisle as the couple recessed!

The guests made their way back to the yacht club for dinner. Remember the puzzle pieces? At each table, guests were to put their pieces together to discover a significant piece of Lauren and Shaun’s story. After dinner, the couple lead guests to the upstairs hall for dessert and dancing with music provided by The Barn Storm!

I am ever grateful for my clients and their lovely families that I get to meet along my wedding planner path. Best wishes and fun filled days to Lauren and Shaun!

Photography | Jacqueline Patton Photography
Venue & Catering | Peconic Bay Yacht Club
Floral Design | Hudson Botanica
Band | The Barnstorm
Hair & Make Up | Amanda Markoya

Elizabeth + Alex

I had the great privilege to month of coordinate for Elizabeth and Alex’s wedding at The Caramoor Center for Music & Arts. Both straight forward in nature with the added balance of Elizabeth’s artistic energy with Alex’s old soul is unmatched. The day was relaxed and fun and full of personal touches in every detail.

Both musicians and having met in band, Caramoor was a perfect setting. The chuppah design in the sunken garden - by Three Notch Florals - included a hand made quilt from Alex’s Mother. Ceremony Music was provided by a string quartet - friends of Elizabeth. Their fur-baby, Schuyler, also made an appearance in the procession and a dear friend of the couple officiated.

After the ceremony, guests joined at Tapestry Hedge for cocktail hour accompanied by an acoustic trio from members of the Right On Band. The reception followed in the Italian Pavilion. Guests found their table numbers on a map of destinations Elizabeth and Alex have visited. Dinner was catered by Great Performances and the cake was made by the Bride’s best friend, Antoinette of Baked by Ant.

A speech from the sisters of the bride was a highlight of the evening: insights were shared about the bride, the couples courtship, embellished by diary entries that were confiscated by the sisters (unbeknownst to Elizabeth!) It was all in good fun and will forever be in my memory as one of the the best speeches I have heard to date. The first dance was choreographed - no surprise there! - and accompanied by Right On Band.

Thank you, E+A for having me! What a great day captured by Ortica Weddings!

Photography | Ortica Weddings
Venue | Caramoor Center for Music & Arts
Floral Design | Three Notch Florals
Catering | Great Performances
Cake | Baked by Ant
Band | Right On Band
Videographer | Yours Truly Media
Hair and Makeup | Glam Squad

Ariel + Robert

I still remember the moment Ariel and Robert approached the table at my first Wedding Crashers fair. It was evident to me right from the beginning that they were thoughtful and intentional about their wedding planning - not surprising as I learned that these are character traits they both possess. They hired me for month-of services but I always loved getting a quick email from them throughout their planning to check in with timeline questions.

The wedding day itself was unforgettable for so many reasons - first and foremost the palatable love for this gorgeous couple that filled the air. The Green Building was dressed in florals designed by the lovely Cara of Three Notch Florals. During pre-ceremony photos, the VW Booth Bus arrived and was a delightful surprise for the groom’s family who has a great love for all things VW Bus. I also had the pleasure of working with Creative Foods Catering for the first time! Guests enjoyed the yummy cake by Ladybird Bakery and the dance floor stayed busy thanks to 74 Events.

At the end of the evening Ariel asked me “Can we hang out now that this is over?”

YES, we can!

Photography | Sasha Israel
Venue | The Green Building
Floral Design | Three Notch Florals
Catering | Creative Foods Catering
Cake | Luckybird Bakery
DJ | 74 Events
Photobooth | VW Booth Bus
Hair | Andria Tobey
Make Up | Alexa Gould

Caty + Dave

Meeting Caty and Dave was an unexpected intersection of not only my artistic and wedding-planner worlds, but also to the place I grew up. I was refereed to them by a theater friend of mine who had recently joined Gracious Thyme Catering as a Business Development Manager.

I met Caty and Dave on a rainy February Day. They were seeking assistance to plan their quintessential Christmastime wedding in NYC. While getting to know each other, it turned out that Caty grew up summering on Northern Michigans’s Lake Leelanau literally down the road from where I grew up. This made everything that followed seem all the more destined to be.

Their wedding took place at The Green Building in Brooklyn. Under twinkling lights, greenery, and a gorgeous baby’s breath installation by Park & Bloom imitating snow, the ceremony was officiated by a friend of the couple. During the ceremony, tea lights were passed amongst the guests while “Silent Night” was played. Guests were ushered to the outdoor heated tent while the inside was converted into various seating areas - cozy couches, high-top tables, biergarten-style seating, and the outdoor fire pit.

The reception, catered by Gracious Thyme, featured an Oyster Bar and Cheese & Charcuterie Station. Assorted butlered hors d'oeuvres and tasting plates replaced a traditional seated meal and reflected the fun cocktail-style feel of the evening. In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, Murray's Cheese provided a rustic chic tiered Cheese Wheel Cake in addition to sweet bites provided by Gracious Thyme.

The dance portion of the evening was led by the incomparable Sammy Miller and the Congregation - a group that plays “joyful jazz - music that feels good … a style that entertains, enriches, but most of all uplifts.’ They delivered on all counts. You won’t regret taking a moment to scroll through the photos from their beautiful day captured by Eager Hearts Photography!

Photography | Eager Hearts Photography
Venue | The Green Building
Floral Design | Park and Bloom
Catering | Gracious Thyme
Lighting | Storz Lighting
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Band | Dimi Ditrow Trio
Reception Band | Sammy Miller & the Congregation
Rentals | Patina
Videographer | Eric Mann
Hair and Makeup | Breanna Keiter
Dress | Haley Paige “Blush” Collection
Suit | Knot Standard at Bloomingdales

Janel + Luca

Janel and Luca’s wedding took place at The Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

Many of my clients are those in the arts or creative individuals who are seeking a planner/coordinator that can help support their vision. Bride Janel and I hit if off right from the beginning: Type A personalities with backgrounds in theater - hers specifically in scene and prop production. She was seeking someone who could help with general day of coordinating and also, more importantly, with the set up of her tablescape vision.

There are DIY brides and then there is THE DIY Bride: Janel really went above and beyond to take her vision to the next level. She filled 33 cloches - yes, 33 - with roses and calla lilies that she received from Luca throughout the year and dried. (Can we just take a moment here to talk about how many flowers that actually entails and how sweet that is?) She had one big hurdle: Who was going to handle these precious items and make her vision come to fruition?

Cue: Me.

In addition to the cloches were goblets, and bud vases with additional flowers provided by Three Notch Florals. The tables also included there “mini muffin” favors - in honor of their adorable pet name for each other!

Alas, her DIY list it does not end with the cloches. The entry table included a key frame she built where guests were asked to take a polaroid and swap out their labeled table number key with the pic. The photo booth frame was also built by her and she designed all of the Alphonse Mucha-inspired printed materials.

Photography | Maggie Margaurite Studio
Venue | The Palm House at Brooklyn Botanical
Catering | Patina Restaurant Group
Florals | Three Notch
DJ | Beat Train Productions
Photobooth | 321 Photobooth

Adrienne + Everett

Adrienne and Everett were my first truly organic Instagram clients! I was delighted the day I received an email from Adrienne and our follow-up call made me even more excited about their big day. They were booked for a fall wedding at the Garner Arts Center - an industrial complex that offers several locations on property for your event. A+E live in DC and needed local support - I was fortunate enough to be the partial planner they chose!

Getting ready took place nearby at Casa Hudson. Upon arrival at Garner Arts, the bride, groom, wedding party, and family members gathered at the Franke Welles Studio on site for photos and a pre-ceremony toast. After a beautiful ceremony, guests enjoyed Filipino fare from the Sisig City Food Truck accompanied by a live jazz trio. Dinner was catered by Pappis Mediterranean to the sound of Joelle and the Pinehurst Band. The stunning fall florals were designed by Rosewood Floral Co. and Soft Seating Rentals were provided by Hudson Valley Vintage Furniture. 

I hope you enjoy these gorgeous photos of the day captured by Karen Obrist!

Photographer | Karen Obrist
Florals | Rosewood Floral Co.
Venue | Garner Arts Center
Cocktail Hour Food Truck | Sisig City
Catering | Pappis NY 
Soft Seating | Hudson Valley Vintage Rentals
Rentals | Broadway Party Rentals
Getting ready location | Casa Hudson
Band | Joelle and the Pinehurst Trio
HMU | Ashley Lugashi 
Dress | Alexandra Grecco 
Veil | Wayfarer Bride 
Shoes | Bryr Clogs 
Bridesmaids | Jenny Yoo

Feat. Wayfarer Bride

I am ever grateful for the vendor relationships that I have developed as a wedding planner. In particular, I have had the pleasure getting to know and working with Angela of Wayfarer Bride. She is a dear friend who is always up for a co-working day or developing a project. This fall, I had the pleasure of assisting her on her ARRIVED lookbook shoot. Angela’s style is perfectly modern and she isn’t afraid of color (cue her gorgeous dip dyed veils and flower crowns) and includes a range of accessories for the bride looking for something out of the ordinary. Enjoy these photos captured by Lyndsey Belle and be sure to check out Wayfarer Bride’s full product line!

AMALFI silk dip dyed veil

LUCCA metallic tulle veil

BAVARIA Flower Crown

ASWAN Silk turban

CAPANIA Silk Crinkle Veil

GRÍMSEY rose quartz crown

DALVÍK rose quartz pins

PISA Dotted Tulle Veil

MADEIRA pleated veil

GRANADA pleated veil

LUCCA metallic tulle veil

SYROS pearl and crystal crown

ALONA orchid comb

ALONA orchid comb

ANNECY gold gypso crown

BAVARIA flower crown with silk ties

AVIGNON flower crown with lace ties

CAPANIA Silk Crinkle Veil

Feat. HMU Breanna Keiter

My wedding was nearly 5 years ago. There is little to nothing I would change about that day. That being said, I probably could have taken some pressure off myself by opting to have someone else style my hair (...hint hint, Brides!)  As a performer, I often had to do my own hair and felt pretty confident about my capabilities.  Also, my choice to not hire a professional was a result of a having had my hair done once as a bridesmaid and I just didn't feel myself. 

I realize now it's all about finding the right person to take care of hair and make up and scheduling a trial run.  When I learned that my personal hair stylist Breanna Keiter had launched her own business, I thought it would be fun to "make good" on my choice to do my own hair and have her use my locks for a bridal hair inspo shoot. (Breanna is also a make up artist -  featured here!)  We were joined by my friends Lauren, Lindsey, Ciara, and photographer Sarah Bode-Clark to bring you several different options to consider for your big day. 

1 | CLASSIC BEAUTY

Sculpted and sleek vintage style off the face.

 2 | THE UNDONE BRIDE

Soft and low to the neck with a DIY vibe 

3 | THE WILDLY CONTAINED  BRIDE

Emphasized natural curl texture, frizz free and piled high. Wild, but contained.

4 | BOHO BRIDE

Romantic soft curls brushed out with soft texture, braided.

Thank you, ladies, for such a fun day! I was so glad I had a date night planned to put the "up-do" to good use ;)

Hire Breanna and Sarah for your wedding! They will take great care of you!

Hair & Make Up | BREANNA KEITER

Photography | SARAH BODE-CLARK

Styling & Earring Design | Willow Weddings

Also a special thanks to our lovely models Lauren, Lindsey, and Ciara!

Winter Tea Inspo

"It's always tea time!" - The Mad Hatter

As we transition from winter and welcome spring, temperatures continue to fluctuate. On the particular cold, dreary days of spring what is better than the warmth of friends gathered around yummy bites and tea? Together with my friends at Gracious Thyme, we bring you this new twist on a traditional tea time tablescape! 

Beautifully crafted open face tea sandwiches, mini scones, lemon tarts, and tea biscuits that create the delectable centerpiece. The tea cups and saucers from my personal collection provide a lovely pop of color in the in contrast with the winter white tablecloth.

As a young girl, I enjoyed frequenting sales and antique markets with my parents. My love for glassware was evident even: This tea cup and saucer was was one of my first acquisitions...

We hope this will serve as inspiration for your next gathering whether a casual meeting of friends, bridal shower, baby shower, or perhaps Mother's Day! The possibilities are endless.

Rentals | Broadway Party Rentals

Tea Cups and Saucers | Willow Weddings Personal Collection

Galentines!

"Oh it's only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies." - Leslie Knope

Celebrate your Gal Pals with brunch and some ultra violet vibes!
I hope you enjoy this Galentine's brunch I had the pleasure of styling with Gracious Thyme Catering.

But first? Champagne....

Choose your favorite mixers and fruits to create a custom mimosa bar!

Be bold and opt for a bright pop of color with your tabletop blooms...

Enjoy a simple favorite like French Toast...

Raise a glass and revel in the beauty that is female friendships!

Cheers!

Conly + Daniel

Conly and Daniel. Where to even begin...

Conly and I met in the theater world. She is sweet and intelligent. A poet, writer, actor, singer....a dreamer. There was no question when I met Daniel that he was destined to be her life counterpart: an actor as well, a dancer - and completely devoted to Conly. They are creatives in the truest sense of the word. They infuse meaning into everything they say and do. 

The wedding was to take place in Little Rock, Arkansas. No big deal that they were in San Francisco for grad school and I was in NYC just 6 months a new mom. (Thank you FaceTime and Google Sheets)The 1930's styled wedding took place at Wildwood Park for the Arts: a perfect location to take guests through a full 1930's experience from the outdoor lakeside ceremony to the speakeasy indoor reception. 

The ladies were styled to 1930s perfection, starting with hair and make up...

...While the gentlemen enjoyed cigars and a beer.

The attendants gathered for these stunning pre-ceremony photos…

The ceremony took place at the Gazebo. Guests took at 5 minute walk along the lake to this beautiful site:

Conly carried with her the Bible carried be her paternal grandmother and many others in the family at their weddings. Conly's father looked so debonair in his 1930s attire! 

The reception was followed by Cocktail Hour at "The Pavilion Club" featuring drinks such as "We'll Take Manhattan" and "The Make 'Em Laugh Cosmo". Guests were encouraged to write a post card to the couple that they would read at their 1 year anniversary, craft an origami creature, or snap a pic while "Puttin' on the Ritz".  

After cocktail hour, with help of some way-finding, guests made their way to the "Daydream Ballroom", where they would welcome the newlyweds. The menu was designed by the couple and perfectly executed by Two Sisters Catering. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time I present to you.....Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Self!"

(yes, their first dance was incredible. yes, it was choreographed. They ARE the modern-day Fred and Ginger.)

Throughout the evening guests were serenaded by the musical stylings of Steve Ross and The Goat Band. 

...and they danced the night away!

Their Paper Moon cake was baked and designed by Hannah at Sweet Lavender Bakeshop. 

The evening came full circle as guests gathered once again at the Pavilion under the Little Rock moonlight. 

Daniel and Conly, thank you for delighting me with this courageous wedding venture! It is a day I will hold close not only as your coordinator but also as your friend. Wishing you the very best as you share this life together.

Photography by Cottonwood Studios 

Hair styling by The Vance Family

Bride's Bouquet by About Vase

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO Georgia Rogers who took care of my sweet daughter all week!

Also to the Groomsmen and Lauren Wainwright, my extra sets of hands. 

Michelle + Nate

Life works in mysterious ways. 

Michelle attended the wedding of a long-time friend in April of 2015. Little did she know she would meet her future husband at that same wedding. 

Enter Nate. 

He left quite the impression and they stayed in touch despite her living in New York City and he in San Diego. After several months of phone calls and some back and forth getaways to each others coasts,  Michelle decided she was up for something new (read: IN LOVE) and wanted to give San Diego its due. It was not long after her move that he popped the question and she said "YES!". 

Their wedding and reception took place at their private residence. It was the perfect SoCal Fiesta - complete with an all female mariachi band! - with a mid-century modern twist in the decor. I was delighted to consult with Michelle during her planning process and provide my coordination services the day of the wedding.  

Savanna from A Toast to Beauty arrived early for Hair and Make Up

The home was dressed in details here and there where guests would be gathered throughout the course of the evening. 

The ceremony took place in the back yard with a gorgeous DIY backdrop executed flawlessly by the couple. 

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the house while Michelle and Nate caught the sunset. While they were gone the backyard was converted for the reception.

Bar Service by Snake Oil Cocktail Co. 

Catering by A Miho Experience

Small succulent plants were the favors that came from Pigment - a favorite local shop of the couple!

When Michelle and Nate's returned, dinner was served while being serenaded by the musical stylings of The Mariachi Divinas!

Michelle and Nate had their cake and churros too!

Their day was the ultimate house party with the perfect amount of scene changes to keep the guests curious what was next! The unified feel between the outdoor and indoor space made the movement between them seamless. Michelle collaborated with a well balanced cocktail of vendors to realize her vision within her warm and inviting space.  It was my pleasure to be a part of their special day in such a beautiful and intimate setting! 

Photographer | Eager Hearts Photography

Florals | WildFlora

Cake | Eat Your Cake Too

Table Rentals | Rustic Events

Waiters | Common Sense Events

Printed Materials | JPStationary

Brides Dress | Sarah Seven

Brides Shoes | Christian Louboutin

Grooms Suit | Peter Millar

Grooms Tie | Ermenegildo Zegna 

Katherine + Caleb

I could get into the tear inducing story about how Katherine and Caleb met, but suffice to say it is storybook perfect.

He is a mathematician. She is a dancer. They met frequenting the New York City swing dancing scene. I was thrilled to be the planner on this wedding because it was so incredibly THEM. It was such a delight to synthesize what would seem like unlikely themes and ideas to create a unique event on many levels. One of the many things I especially loved about this wedding was Katherine's carefully curated vendor list. Many were personal friends or close acquaintances who were small businesses just starting out. 

The morning of the wedding, the ladies were treated to beauty and brunch by Alexa and Pauline of Lip Service NYC. Hair by Jess Hwang. 

Thedetails beautifully represented the blue, blush, and grey color palette with use of a modern celestial theme while still maintaining a very classic feel.  The gorgeous florals were designed by Maxine Derderian of Willow & Wine. I created a custom program that emulated the invitation. 

The ceremony took place at Central Presbyterian Church with Katherine's father presiding!

They enjoyed dinner at a classic NYC destination where they also signed the certificate of marriage...

 (...can we take another moment for the details in Katherine's hair??

Following dinner, guests gathered for a dessert and dancing reception (emphasis on dancing...) at Gibney Dance Studios downtown, featuring the Glenn Crytzer Band. A lesson was given for those who needed a brush up on their steps or a brief introduction to swing dance!

Thank you Katherine and Caleb for the opportunity to work with you to create your perfect day!

Getting Ready, Ceremony,  and Dinner photography by Cathy Lee 

Reception photography by Nina Galichava

Reception Lighting by Lauren Libretti

If you have a box of tissues handy and want to hear more the details surrounding their courtship, click over to John Leland's NY Times piece "Too Much In Love to Say Goodnight".