The couple’s playful photo shoot with Kris Palmer captured these great images and warmed them up for the ceremony in the indoor gardens. White lights lit the tulle draped gazebo against the stone wall and greenery while gentle waterfalls trickled in the background.

The bridesmaids were lovely in chocolate dresses with pink sashes tied at their waists and carrying rose bouquets in shades of pink. The Maid of Honor’s gown was pink with a chocolate sash.  The flower girls had pink roses woven into their hair and tossed petals, followed by the tiniest ring bearer carrying a cream frog pillow.

A hush fell over the guests as Jen arrived on her father’s arm, an adorable princess flashing that famous, unstoppable grin. Chris met her at the end of the aisle; she kissed her father and took Chris’ arm as he escorted her to the gazebo for the ceremony.

Jen and Chris leaned into each other, smiling, as retired Judge Michael Brown led them in their vows. It was obvious that this couple aren’t just in love; they are also best friends.

THE DETAILS: Pink floral arrangements on the tables were framed by votive candles.  Each table was named after a year with a photo of the couple from that time. Guests were given favors of measuring tape labeled, “Love Beyond Measure.” Too cute! The cake: cascading sugar daisies with pink ribbon tied around each tier.

This was our second wedding celebration with Chris’ fun-loving, tight knit family, and they did not disappoint! By the end of the night we were dancing to Ne-Yo, Rihanna (one of the mother of the groom, Connie’s favorites!) the Cupid Shuffle and a spirited Electric Slide the family had been practicing just for the occasion.

Guests could barely tear themselves away from the delight of double desserts: a chocolate fountain with fruits and cookies for dipping on one side and a pink-hued Candy Buffet on the other filled with Swedish fish, nonpareils and more. All that on top of the wedding cake!

Jen’s contagious enthusiasm drew the guests around her and truly won my heart.  Chris’ love of music and dance brought touches of jazz and blues to the night.

Jeff and I were so touched and honored to be there for this special day in the lives of Jen and Chris. Bravo and well done! Thanks so much for inviting us.

Anthony’s Pier 9

Photos by Kristine Palmer Photography *All photos in this blog courtesy of Kris

Bridal Party Flowers by David Anthony

Cake by The Pastry Garden

Written by Stephanie Padovani

The newly renovated ballroom at the Dutchess Manor was the perfect compliment for Jessica and Dean’s wedding.  The bridesmaids’ pale yellow dresses, yellow roses accented with purple (Jess’ favorite color) and the gorgeous multi-color bouquets really popped.

We met Jessica and Dean a few months ago and I knew they would have type of love fest wedding we like best.  They brought their baby daughter, Mya, who giggled and smiled at our goofy pitbull during the entire meeting.

Jessica and Dean were introduced to “Welcome To the Jungle” by Guns ‘N Roses, a head bangin’ start to the evening.  When they danced to “Heaven,” the piano version by DJ Sammy, they held each other’s gaze with that dreamy smile that says, “I can’t believe we’re here, and I am so happy it’s you.”

It’s true, the month before the wedding took the newlyweds on an emotional rollercoaster: illness, the passing of a loved one.  But at the wedding the couple’s bond with their guests was even stronger.  There was so much love in the room, so much genuine gratitude and appreciation for each other, that I was moved to tears more than once.

It was the Best Man’s speech that really got me.  He talked about how for years he’d taken it for granted that all families and friends were as close as theirs.  But now he knew how lucky he was to be there, in that moment, with his loved ones who weren’t afraid to let it show.  Brian also revealed other things he knew, such as, “I know that Jess gives high fives really hard…and I know that Dean yells at the guys on the video games, even though he’s the one controlling them…and I know that Mya is damn cute…”

If you’ve ever gotta propose a toast, remember this: heart felt words (and tears) combined with humor is a winning combination every time.

I was really in love with the flowers at this wedding.  The cake was decorated with fuschia roses and delicate orchids.  Jess even tossed a “fortune bouquet,” something I’d never seen before.  The bouquet was made up of small bunches of yellow daisies that burst apart when thrown so that each single lady could take home a flower, and attached to each mini-bouquet was a love fortune note.  A lovely twist on the traditional bouquet toss.

 

Dean has absolutely no excuse to ever forget his wedding day, since it also happens to fall on his birthday.  Jessica arranged for a groom’s cake decorated with Dean’s former sports car to celebrate the occasion.

The night ended in a circle as the guests swayed with arms around each other and sang, “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra.

I must have been heavily influenced by all the love and emotion flying around, because I recorded a reverie on our Flip Mino about why I love weddings that night.  If I can get Jeff to edit a few pieces together soon, I’ll post them up here.  (If you leave a comment bugging him about it, maybe he’ll jump on it faster…)

Dutchess Manor

Photos by Mark Greenstone of Majestic Studios

Cake by Pastry Garden

It was cloudy but warm for Jodi and Jim’s wedding reception at the Plum Bush Inn. The bridesmaids wore stardust gowns and carried lush bouquets of peach-orange roses, calla lilies and berries. Jodi’s bouquet was rich with my favorite fall colors, bunches of deep red roses accented with a few peach calla lilies.

FALL THEME IDEAS: Guests picked up their place cards set into small pumpkins. Their favors were mini bottles of champagne with a bag of candy corns attached to the neck.

The cake was gorgeous, a simple three layer cake with chocolate brown ribbon and a delicate branching design by Pastry Garden.

Guests mingled for a cocktail hour on the elegant wrap-around porch and within the front dark, romantic rooms of the Inn.

Jodi and Jim had asked their guests to return song requests along with their RSVPs, so the night was filled with couples’ wedding songs. It allowed us to help them relive their long ago wedding days, in some cases, long, long ago. Jodi’s grandmother danced to “Always” by Frank Sinatra. Another guest who had been married thirty-six years stole a few moments on the dance floor to “My Sweet Lady” by John Denver. And Jodi’s sister, a newlywed herself, enjoyed re-enacting her First Dance, “Modern Nature” by Sondre Lerche.

The turbulent weather only deepened the romantic Victorian atmosphere. That is, until Jeff and I had to load our van into the torrential rain!

PlumBush Inn

Photos by Irwin DiMauro Photography