Monday, September 22, 2008

Erin & Matt - September 20, 2008

Both performers, Erin and Matt are quite accustomed to being in the spotlight. But, in my opinion, they both shine off the stage as well! We very much enjoyed our planning time with them! Their reception was as happy and delightful as they are, filled with family and friends and lots of smiles, hugs and dancing! It was such a pleasure for us to be a part of their wedding.

Rachel's Lakeside in Dartmouth, MA was the perfect setting. The room was beautiful, decorated with the colors of Fall - wine, champagne and rust. The walls there are a rich creamy ivory, almost yellow, that looks beautiful in the lighting from the chandelliers. The introductions were exciting, the toasts were funny and eloquent, the dinner was delicious, and of course the music was fantastic!

We had the chance to work with Dave Grenier from Hull Grenier Studios. His work is really great and already up on his website! We like this one of their grand entrance (used with permission - thanks David!)


We know these two will have terrific memories of their wedding day! Here are some of our pics, and their songs:





It's not a good picture of him, but in case you were wondering what Santa does in September, here he is (he's a great dancer, too!):


My husband doesn't understand my obsession with wedding cakes, but I know some of you do. I'm counting calories these days, so I had to skimp all day to have some cake, made byDiane's Delectables. I'd like to report that it was fabulous!! Another great cake experience.



Parent/Bridal Party Introduction: Good Lovin’ By The Rascals
Bride & Groom Intro: Do You Believe In Magic By Lovin’ Spoonful
First Dance: With Your Love by Journey
Father/Daughter Dance: Unforgettable (Duet) By Nat & Natalie Cole
Mother/Son Dance: I Hope You Dance By Leann Womack
Cake Cutting: How Sweet It Is By James Taylor
Anniversary Dance: After All These Years - Journey
Bouquet Toss: The Rain, The Park And Other Things By The Cowsills
Last Dance Of The Evening: God Only Knows By Beach Boys

Monday, September 15, 2008

Amelia & Chris - September 13, 2008

Amelia & Chris planned long-distance, she from Connecticut and he from Atlanta. They are a great couple - fun and interesting, and extremely low key! We planned a lot by email, but got an extra chance to meet with them about a month ago.

Since they were out of town, they hired Colleen from Classic Weddings to oversee things. She did a great job of orchestrating and coordinating, and so did Blackstone Catering. We were in good hands all around.

The reception was held at Easton's Beach Rotunda in Newport, a beautiful spot right on the beach! The carousel is also part of the package there, what fun to have your guests go for a ride during cocktail hour! Owned by the City of Newport, this venue was recently renovated, and it looks great! We have a few pics as usual.

A couple of fun musical things - their first dance was played live by a friend on the guitar (amazing), and the Father/daughter dance was a tribute to Amelia's upbringing in Missouri - the St. Louis Blues (and choreographed)! The crowd was from all over, they had guests (and Red Sox fans) from several states and other countries! Everyone danced to the oldies and the latest hits. And, the Bose sounded incredible in that round room! We loved it!

Here are their songs:
Parent’s Introduction: When I’m 64 By The Beatles
Bridal Party Introduction: Busta Move By Young MC
Bride & Groom Introduction: Dirty Water By Dropkick Murphys
Father/Daughter Dance: St. Louis Blues March By Glenn Miller
Mother/Son Dance: Somewhere Over The Rainbow By Iz
Anniversary Dance: The Luckiest By Ben Folds
Last Dance Of The Evening: by Ray Lamontagne






Thursday, September 11, 2008

Alzheimer's Walk is September 28th


This is posted on our website, but it is worth repeating here.

The Alzheimer's Walk is Sunday, September 28th at Roger Williams Park, starting at 9 AM.

It's really easy to sign up or donate on their website, at:
http://www.kintera.org/FAF/home/default.asp?ievent=268853

We'll be playing music at the Boat House to motivate you, so please come by and say hello!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Fiona & Eric - September 6, 2008

These two are such a great couple. Quiet, sincere - just plain nice! We met them over a year ago when they were getting all their vendors booked because Eric was going off to Afghanistan with the National Guard.

This post might be a little long - I have a lot to say about this wedding! First of all, Fiona is a DIY goddess! She is so quiet, and not about to "toot her own horn", but as a wedding professional, I was ga-ga over her handiwork! She showed us the invites she made at one of our meetings, and we were blown away! A graphic artist, she cut and printed everything in her colors of orange, brown, and red. Fiona is originally from Singapore, so her theme had an Asian feel.

At the reception, I was almost unprepared for the amount of work she had done. The centerpieces, the escort cards with the names on the front and their photo on the back, lined up in chopsticks! The table numbers, standing paper frames with quotes about Love, Faith, etc. The hanging rose pomander balls - oh my! - made from coffee filters! She told me she got the idea from Martha Stewart's website. The paper cards for guests to write a message, and then hang on a tree. She is just amazing. I'll post some photos, and and would highly recommend her work if she were to offer it to other brides.

Well, the big story of the day was Tropical Storm Hanna. We will never forget her. The caterers from Veritas Catering did an amazing job of keeping cool while running food down a grassy hill in the rain. I commend them for their professionalism! They are part of the Chow Fun Food Group in Providence, owners of XO Steakhouse, and one of our favorite places - Citron.

As for us, everyone knows that electricity and water don't mix, so we had lots of anxiety...I mean planning to do, to get ready for this wedding. That morning we packed the van as if we were going camping - towels and blankets, hats and umbrellas (which were useless, ha ha), extra clothing, lots of industrial trash bags, a cooler in case we got stranded. It seems funny now, but we were seriously packing for adventure!

Kudos to the guys as Newport Tent Company, who told us they had over 100 tents in the area that day, and still sent a guy to hook us up electrically, because our line had been forgotten at setup. I hope they have recovered! Kelli at Exquisite Events did the interior lighting, and we loved the orange lanterns.

Also, we can't say enough about the officiant, Victoria Burdick. The ceremony was late, it was moved indoors, then outdoors, then indoors again, it was raining, we were all stressing out. In walks Victoria, and I swear there was a light shining over her head! She is inspiring, funny, and the ceremony was wonderful (accompanied by terrific music, to be sure!) and we highly recommend her to anyone!

And could we have any more vendor reviews? Oh, yes, and I finally got to taste what all the fuss is about with Sin Desserts. Okay, I'm still thinking about the devil's food with raspberry filling cupcake I had. I may never have another. I think it's calling me...where in Providence is her shop again?

We wish Fiona & Eric the best, they both worked so hard to create their day, and they weathered the storm beautifully. Their guests had fun, and we hope they did too!

Here are a few pics:















Ceremony:
Processional: Canon In D (Piano Version)
Bridal Entrance: River Flows In You By Yiruma
Recessional: This Will Be An Everlasting Love By Natalie Cole

Reception:
Parents Introduction: L.O.V.E. By Natalie Cole
First Dance: The Way You Look Tonight By Michael Buble
Cake Cutting: I’m Yours By Jason Mraz
Mother/Son Dance: You Raise Me Up By Josh Groban
Last Dance Of The Evening: Everything By Michael Buble

PSA: Free Wedding Giveaway!

I just saw this on Turn to 10.com (while checking the weather). You can win a free wedding worth $54,000. You have to get married in February '09, though!

http://www.turnto10.com/northeast/jar/shopping/wedding_contest.html

Jennifer & Shaun - September 5, 2008

We don't usually gush over a couple, but these two are really special! Jenn & Shaun really won our hearts with their vision for their day. They are so much fun, and their personalities are so kind and warm. Plus, Shaun is a firefighter, and we are big suckers for people who put their lives on the line for others. So, they had us at hello!

This delightful evening started with an outdoor ceremony in the gorgeous gardens at Independence Harbor in Assonet, MA. We provided the music, and Rev. Cheryl Cavalconte officiated.

The guys wore navy blue suits, and the girls wore navy gowns. Lots of pink accents. Jenn looked so naturally beautiful, you'd think she wore a wedding gown every day! I don't think we got a good picture of them (I tried!) but maybe they'll send us one. Dinner was delightful and the cake by Paul at The Cake Gallery in Bristol was delish as always! I did get a picture of that, and who doesn't love to see pics of a great candy buffet! We hope friends and family had a good time - based on how they were chanting for "one more song" at the end of the night, we are pretty sure they did!

Here are their songs:
Ceremony:
Bridal Party Entrance: Trumpet Voluntary
Bride Entrance: Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Iz)
Recessional: Wonderful World (Iz)
Reception:
Parents Entrance: A Little Less Conversation By Elvis Presley
Bridal Party Entrance: Crazy In Love By Beyonce & Jayz
Bride & Groom Entrance: You’re The First, My Last, My Everything By Barry White Father/Daughter Dance: Just The Way You Are By Billy Joel
Mother/Son Dance: Song For Mama By Boyz Ii Men
Cutting The Cake: That’s Amore By Frank Sinatra
Last Song Of Night: In Your Eyes By Peter Gabriel







Monday, September 1, 2008

Martina & Ryan - August 31, 2008

Another Bristol wedding! Bristol is a popular alternative to Newport with lots of great venues and vendors. Martina & Ryan chose the Bristol Harbor Inn Tent and Fine Catering by Russell Morin for their reception. Martina's family is from California, and Ryan's from Boston. They met at Roger Williams University in Bristol.

We also were delighted to have the opportunity to work with our friends, Gabrielle & Matt from Gabrielle Marks Photography today. They photographed our wedding! Here are a few of my VERY non-professional shots:

Incredible view on a gorgeous day.


Isn't this a great shot? I'm so proud of myself!


They looked like movie stars!


Bridal Party gets down...


Things got a little funky toward the end, but look on the left at the sunset!


Their songs:
1. Introductions: The Good Life by Kanye West
2. First Dance: That’s How Strong My Love Is By Otis Reading
3. Cake Cutting: Candy Girl By New Edition
4. Father/Daughter Dance: Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
5. Mother/Son Dance: Wonderful World By Louis Armstrong
6. Bouquet Toss: I’m To Sexy by Right Said Fred
7. Last Song Of The Evening: Collide By Howie Day