Ways to Share Your Wedding Story

Whether you want to share your wedding story with family who couldn’t make it, friends who weren’t invited, or future generations who weren’t even born yet, there are so many beautiful ways to go about it. So, before you toss some of your favorite photos up on Facebook and call it a day, read on to discover a few meaningful- and long-lasting- ideas that will make everyone feel like they were actually there. 

Use a unique wedding hashtag

Social media shouldn’t be the only place you share your wedding story, as there’s no guarantee a platform will still be around in ten, five or even one year from now. That said, it’s still a good place to start, especially if family and friends are anxiously awaiting a “highlights reel” from your big day. 

Make your photos easier to find by using the same unique wedding hashtag across every platform. It can be a combination of your first names, last names or even your nicknames. Just run a quick search on each platform to make sure that it’s not already in use. You definitely don’t want to discover too late that the hashtag has very negative or offense content tied to it. 

Create a wedding story website

While social media platforms can come and go, a personal website is yours for as long as you keep up with the domain name registration. Creating a wedding website on your own is actually a lot easier than you may think, even if you’re not all that techie. Of course, you can also hire a designer to do it for you. 

Just make sure to register your own domain and find your own host (for personal sites, they can cost as little as $3 a month). Otherwise, you’ll run into the same “lack of permanency problem” as social media platforms. If you do want to just go with a free option, keep regular backups. Hosts like Blogger and such can wipe out your entire wedding story website with one keystroke for any reason they want (or no reason at all), and you’ll have no recourse or way to get back the data. 

Turn your story into a hardcover book

If you choose just one way to share your wedding story, make it this one. Even if you do all of the others, a hardcover book is the only option practically guaranteed to last throughout generations. It’s also something that your grandkids and even great-great-grandchildren can enjoy, no matter how much technology changes. 

Don’t just go to any old “DIY photo book” site, throw your photos into a collage, and call it a day. Choose an option that lets you add as much text as you want, too. Then, use the left-hand page to write down all the memorable details about your big day and the right-hand page for photos that go with each story. For example, page one and two may contain the story of how you met along with pictures from your first date. Three and four can include your engagement story and photos, and so on. If you aren’t confident in your writing skills, you can always hire a biographer to help you out. 

Create a truly memorable video

Anyone can create a video record of their big day, but a truly memorable video goes well beyond a visual recap of your ceremony and reception. Create a film that showcases your story from the moment you met until that magical first dance together as newlyweds. 

You’ll likely need a professional for this, or at least a friend with pro-level videography and editing skills, but it’s definitely worth it. Along with the obvious such as your vows and cutting the cake, include video messages from family and friends sharing their favorite memories of the two of you. 

Make and bury a wedding time capsule

Consider this option if you’re looking for something a bit more unique than just creating a book or video to share your wedding story with future generations. Grab a super sturdy metal box that can withstand years (or longer) in the ground. Fill it with photos, a copy of your invitation, your favors and other mementos from your wedding.  Ask friends and family to share some of their favorite memories from the day. Print those out (or pop them in the box if handwritten) and seal it up. 

Make sure you bury the box deep enough to avoid getting dug up by erosion and animals. Bury it someplace that you know your family will have access to years from now. If you live in the city or move around a lot, keep your box tucked away in a safe place in your attic, or even in your closet. Then, on your 25th (or even better, 50th) anniversary, dig it up and relive all those memories with your children and grandchildren. 

Whichever method you choose, remember your wedding isn’t just the beginning of a new story. It’s the culmination of your “prequel.” Don’t skip ahead to the end. Weave every moment from your first meeting to your “I dos” into your wedding story. It will truly be memorable. 

For more resources like this, be sure to visit the Love You Wedding Blog

Hotcha! Whoopee! Wedding!

When I was first approached by Broadway actress Dani Spieler to plan her wedding to naval officer Cory Pihl, I literally had no idea what I was in for.  The notes I took from our initial conversation included:

• She wanted a getaway weekend that was still easily accessible from New York City

• She wanted her hair done in a style that wouldn’t move after being set 

• She wanted to be heavily involved in all of the planning and decision making

This came at a time when I was evaluating my slate of upcoming weddings and realizing I needed to take on some help as my business was growing rapidly. After I officially went to contract with Dani, she sent me a spreadsheet of possible venues. It was gorgeous and perfectly organized. This spreadsheet would make any type A person swoon. So after Dani hired me, I hired her! Not only does she possess exceptional attention to detail, but she brought incredible insight to the entire roster of wedding plans as she was going through the process herself. I could go on and on about the value she has brought to the company. She became both a beloved colleague and friend. One of the highlights of my career will forever be our collaboration in creating one of the most personal, detail-oriented events when she played the role of a lifetime and went on for Bride.

Dani and Cory come from different backgrounds and telling their story both as individuals and as a couple was on full display at their wedding.  After reviewing the aforementioned spreadsheet, we landed on the Red Maple Vineyard in Hudson Valley.  We were also excited to be planning for what would be their first season featuring the glass enclosure of the main space.  With a late October date, we knew gorgeous foliage would be on full display for the mountaintop ceremony.

Dani learned from working with me how important it is to have a Plan B whenever a wedding involves outdoor portions of the event. The wedding day arrived and it was pouring buckets! Luckily, we had a solid plan. We used an alternate location for the first look, and the rain plan at Red Maple Vineyard left most guests without a clue it could have been done any differently.  

Upon entry to the ceremony guests were offered a pashmina displayed in an assortment of three colors.  As the processional began, everyone was able to take in Cory in full uniform and Dani rocking the gown she found by Enaura Bridal.  The ceremony was officiated to perfection by Curtis Holbrook who seamlessly weaved humor, insight and surprises.  During cocktail hour guests could enjoy the specialty cocktails and bites by Cornerstone Caterers or learn where they were sitting from the display of tables adorned to a door frame with greenery.  Tables were all named from stories meaningful to the couple and includes gems like “Bend and Snap” and “This Table is Rich.”

Upon entering the reception space, guests could appreciate Dani’s unique but stunning choice for a fall wedding to opt for a neutral palette with pops of mixed metallics and lots of greenery.  Above the head table was an installation of greenery with hanging candles that got the room nice and moody as the sun set outside.  The bride and groom had special chairs adorned with signage marking them as “Spiel” and “Pihl.”

For entertainment we hired the incredible 45 Riots but with the caveat they’d allow a few guest performances.  Dani and Cory’s first dance of “Coming Home” was sung by friend Dave Hull before the rousing Hora.  Later in the evening guests were treated to a special performance by Cory’s father Gary who was in the band Boston.  As he grabbed his guitar for “Foreplay and Long Time” the entire room was transformed into a rock concert.

A cake cutting could have underwhelming after, but the moment was met by slicing into the three-tiered beauty with Cory’s sword.  The dance floor remained packed after the bride and groom gave their gracious toast.  Nobody wanted the celebration to end.  Thankfully after the last dance of “Love on Top” guests immediately entered the after party that was complete with a wig bar.

 The event was beautiful and chic.  It also honored their families, friends and careers.  It was so Dani and Cory.

Start the Car,  I know a Wedding Spot Where the rain is cold but the dance floor is hot. It's just a navy Groom
Where there's a Broadway Bride
And all that WEDDING!

View the full gallery here

Venue: Red Maple Vineyard
Catering: Cornerstone Caterers 
Photography: Julia Jane Studios Florals: The Green Cottage
Bridal Salon: Kleinfeld Bridal 
Gown: Enaura Bridal
Shoes: Worldtone Dance 
Hair: Justin Bowen
Makeup: Danielle Arci
Band: 45 Riots
Video: Andrew Keenan Bolger
Paperie: Minted
Details: Type and Love Paperie
Hairpiece: Dareth Colburn
Jewelry: Tiadoro 
Tux: US Navy The Black Tux

The Girls of the Glacier Glitter in Greenville

This blog entry is on the more personal side for me.  While I cherish all of my couples and often stay friends with them after the wedding, it’s rare to work for people that I truly view as family.  Michelle has been like a sister to me ever since she was hired to be the first babysitter for my niece, Emerson. When she got engaged to Sydney, I didn’t even give her  the option to work with anyone else.  At that time, I had no idea I was signing on for what would turn out to be a true family affair.  Michelle and Sydney asked my sister, Dr. Marni Brown, to officiate the ceremony; my sister’s wife, Casey, to be a bridesmaid; and my niece and nephew to be the flower children.  I also had no idea I was accepting a job that would turn out to be an entire weekend filled with unicorns, confetti cannons and tons of glitter.

The epic engagement set the tone.  Sydney is a jewelry designer whose main inspiration for her collection of Sydney Strong Jewelry is love.  After two years of dating,  Michelle was spending the summer working in Anchorage, AK when Sydney popped the question atop Colony Glacier.  The proposal began with a helicopter journey to an otherwise inaccessible glacier just outside of Girdwood, AK. The ring, designed by Sydney, was 18k white gold, featuring a 2.5 carat oval diamond and accented by round full cut white diamonds. The ring also featured an “M” and “S” underneath the stone and was hand engraved with the Alaskan Mountain Range on the inside of the band.  Michelle also chose to mark the occasion for Sydney, proposing back to her on the Capilano Extension Bridge in Vancouver, BC.  Michelle presented Sydney with a ring designed at llyn Strong Fine Art Jewelry. To honor their adventurous spirit, Sydney’s ring also has an image of the Vancouver mountains underneath the two sided halo surrounding her stone.  This concept of the mutual proposal influenced how we later made key wedding decisions, such as their first look and aisle entrance.

Night one kicked off at the private residence of Sydney’s Uncle, Dr. Glenn Head - in Greenville, South Carolina,  with the inspiration for the evening coming from the girls’ favorite way to celebrate – pizza, champagne, and dancing. The invitation suite, designed by The Indigo Mill, was pressed with gold foil and headed with “Cheers to Love,” a phrase that made a few appearances throughout the evening. As guests entered the main lawn, they were greeted with a glass of Vintage Veuve Clicquot presented on a custom ice wall, etched with the “Cheers to Love”  and designed to keep the bubbly at its optimum temperature.

Other personal touches included splashes of rainbow to celebrate and honor their pride, a living greenery wall with a white neon sign that read “Because Love,” a welcome bag shopping suite in lieu of hotel delivery, a custom stage that was built for the Atlanta based band “The Free” with a marquee sign reading “Cheers to Love,” confetti cannons that showered guests with biodegradable glitz on the dance floor, and two roaming unicorns that all guests took photos with. In addition to the champagne, guests were served several varieties of craft pizza and salad by Coastal Crust Mobile Eatery and assorted cookies by Bakery off Augusta.  The elegant, three tiered, white cake was suspended from a custom built arch and swing, and when cut, surprised the guests with the rainbow layered inside.  

On day two, the brides got ready separately amongst their bridesmaids.  They were escorted with their eyes closed to stand back to back and then rotate into each other simultaneously for their first look.   The ceremony took place on the helipad at the top of the Hotel Domestique property, which received a custom ivory paint treatment for the event and offered guests stunning mountain views. The 15 bridesmaids wore a soft palate of blues and greys by Jenny Yoo. The aisle was designed in two parts  shaped like the letter “Y”  with two arbored entrances at the back, allowing the 15 bridesmaids alternating entrances and both brides the ability to appear at the same moment. The brides were each escorted by their mother and father, pausing where the two separate aisles met to walk to the front hand in hand. 

As guests headed to cocktail hour, they learned their table number via a wall of tri-color custom luggage tags underneath a sign reading “Your Seat Awaits.” When entering the lobby, they were welcomed into a space that was designed to feel like they were in the couple’s living room. Art on the walls had been replaced with pieces from the brides’ home, including a custom piece with Justice Kennedy’s ruling on marriage equality. The color palate of the lobby was softened to reflect the blues and greys present throughout the event.  Specialty cocktails served by the venue consisted of The Aviation and the Road of Vines.  Curtains were pulled and guests were invited to enter the courtyard to find long tables dressed in ivory linen and navy hemstitched napkins, adorned with blue and grey tapered candles and a combination of high and low flower arrangements, votives, and greenery by Katelyn Pinner.  Menus and seating cards, by The Indigo Mill, were also hand painted to match the brides’ invitation suite which was accented with 24k gold paint.

A custom wooden plank dance floor was built by Professional Party Rentals with vine draped chandeliers above.  An acrylic bridge was suspended over the courtyard’s water feature to house the cake  giving it the appearance of hovering over the water.  The farm-to-table family style menu was designed to drive conversation at the long tables and ensure guests of both parties felt at home in the family driven atmosphere. After dinner, The Retreat band had every guest on the dance floor and the evening ended with a grand sparkler exit. 

As an event planner, I don’t always have the opportunity to make sure that unicorns arrive for photos or get to supervise a bride being built to hold a wedding cake.  The many details that went into this wedding were a blast for me to work on.  I do, however, always have a microscopic view of the couple and their friends and family that are a part of the wedding.  In the case of Michelle and Sydney, I’m grateful they hired me for their wedding weekend, but even more so, that I am a part of their family forever.

View the full gallery here

Photographer: Red Apple Tree

Videographer: HummingMeadow Productions

Floral Design: Katelyn Pinner Studios

Stationery: The Indigo Mill

Ceremony Music: WireWood

Reception Music: The Retreat 

Cake: Tessa Pinner

Rentals: Professional Party Rentals, Industry Rentals, Berbank Rentals

Live Ceremony Painting: Ric Standridge

Hair & Make-Up:  Cotton Rouge Hair and Make Up Studio

Michelle’s Bridal attire:  Caroline Castigliano

Sydney’s Bridal attire: Pronovias

Jewelry: llyn strong fine art jewelry & Sydney Strong Jewelry

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Sydney’s Welcome party dress:  Alice & Olivia

Michelle’s Welcome party dress:  Halston

A One Stop Shop to Gift the Party

This year has certainly been challenging for all of us and inspired a lot of change and innovation within our industry.  Even though many of my clients experienced events such as their bachelor or bachelorette parties via zoom or other platforms, couples are still wanting to show their affection to their squad.  One thing that hasn’t changed for me is the requests from clients to send ideas of how they can honor their chosen party.

I now can vouch for a new source of gifts for both men and women.  Groovy Groomsmen Gifts and Bridesmaids Gifts Boutique are two terrific resources.  Both carry a wide assortment of options at different price points that range from classic gifts to different and outside the box.   I personally have been enjoying the bourbon that is now housed in my new decanter with my initials and the coordinating low balls and tray that came with it as part of their “Serve it Up” option.  You can check out their entire line of decanters here. I also gifted the “Cool Stripe Clutch Collection” to be met with wide approval.  The wedding is a great reason to give items like these out, but their design and quality make them something timeless anyone would be thrilled to enjoy for years to come.

"How Wonderful Life is When You're in the World"

I have met clients in all sorts of ways.  Some have been referred by past clients or venues I have worked with.  Others have found me from ordering a copy of Getting Groomed or finding my storefront on the Knot.  A few have simply googled.  I was a bit surprised the day my father in Florida called me to say one of his golf buddies had a daughter who was getting married, and it was going to be in New York.  I am so glad that he did, because that’s how I met Katie and Max.

Upon our first meeting, two things were made very clear to me.  One was that Katie, a fellow Floridian turned New Yorker, had grown up with dreams of getting married on the beach.  Two was that she was definitely marrying her best friend.  Katie and Max’s love for each other was so clear from the moment I met them. In over a year of planning, which included tastings and floral samples, to name a few, I never witnessed a single disagreement between them.

The venue selected was the Coveleigh Club in Rye, New York.  While it wouldn’t literally translate to a ceremony on the sand, the picturesque backdrop was close enough. This historic country club not only provided three distinct spaces for ceremony, cocktail hour and the reception, but it also had a grand staircase for the first look and bride’s entrance. 

We selected a local florist, and House of Flowers did not disappoint.  The chuppah was lush and survived the sweltering heat during set up and the alternating high and low arrangements in the ballroom created dramatic effect. I will never forget Katie’s reaction when she first saw the bouquet she would carry down the aisle.

To compliment the in-house offerings provided by the Coveleigh Club, we tasked Sweet Lisa’s to create the cake.  Silver Arrow band provided the music, and all of the stationery was done by Minted & Type and Love Paperie.

There were beautiful personal touches that allowed Katie and Max to really shine.  This was the first time I got to witness a progressive bride also opting to smash a glass during the ceremony to represent gender equality.  To honor Max’s work in the beverage industry and love of a good cocktail, the favor table was a “Pick Your Poison” for guests to take home.  But perhaps the biggest impact was their first dance.  Their favorite song had been made popular once again as Moulin Rouge opened on Broadway.  Thankfully one of the show’s stars, Robyn Hurder, also choreographs first dances with her husband, Clyde Alves.  We were all proud that Katie and Max nailed their steps, but seeing the way they looked at each other while performing it made everyone’s hearts smile.

“And you can tell everybody this is your song 

It may be quite simple but now that it's done 

I hope you don't mind 

I hope you don't mind 

That I put down in words 

How wonderful life is while you're in the world”

View the full gallery here

Photographer: David Perlman Photography

Venue: Coveleigh Club

Makeup: Faceworks by Maria

Hair: Ang Hair Salon

Flowers: House of Flowers

Dress: Amsale

Katie’s shoes: Jimmy Choo

Suit: Suit Supply

Band: Silver Arrow Band

First Dance Choreography: Robyn Hurder

Officiant: Jared Milgram

Rings: Monica Quinn

Cake: Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes

Bridesmaids dresses: Jenny Yoo / Brideside

Groomsmens suits: Men's Warehouse

And Then He Kissed Me

Evan and Marc met on the 2016 Cycle for the Cause Fundraiser benefiting New York's LGBT Center. That day, Evan pushed himself to keep up with Marc, and Marc acknowledged Evan's effort by slowing down. Evan decided that day that he didn't want to let Marc out of his sight again, and Marc agreed.

Two years later, they were in Lake Como where they cycled over 5,600 feet to reach the top of a mountain at the Agueglio Pass. It was there that Marc proposed with a bicycle chain ring in his hand.

I was told this very story the first time I met these grooms.  The love they have for each other was clear, as was their desire to have a wedding that would reflect their love of cycling and being in nature.  I contemplated naming this blog from the classic song On a Bicycle Built for Two. However, while the artwork they had commissioned sure did show them “looking sweet upon a seat,” the song also states “it won’t be a stylish marriage.”  That couldn’t be any further from what we created on September 9 of 2019.  

After touring many options for venues, they settled on The Foundry as their top choice.  Not only does it allow flexibility with catering and event flow, but its massive courtyard draped in ivy brought the nature vibe they wanted.  Our collaboration with Mimosa Floral Design enhanced the vision for the event, including a bicycle wheel inspired chandelier that hung over the dining area.   The spokes of a bike were also displayed in accents like the menus, cocktail signs and the cake.  Individual brass bikes held each guest’s escort card.

Food and drink were extremely important to Evan and Marc, and Marcey Brownstein exceeded their expectations.  Cocktail hour included a Katz’s deli station, passed canapés, a raw bar with lobster rolls and three signature bespoke cocktails. For dinner, all guests were served a Watermelon and Feta salad followed by their choice of herb crusted rack of lamb or lemon glazed branzino.

Entertainment was also highly prioritized.  To enhance the unplugged ceremony performed by the openly LGBT Rabbi Marc Stadtmauer, clarinetist Eric Umble assembled a team to join him including a vocalist, violin, viola and cello. The band 45 Riots enhanced the ambience for dinner and got the entire crowd on its feet when it was time to dance.  They honored all of the grooms’ special requests, including their entrance to And Then He Kissed Me, an epic Hora and their first dance to I’ve Had The Time of My Life. Of course, this dance was made extra special with choreography by Josh Green. For extra fun, guests could also visit the photo booth by Happy Box.  On their way out, they were gifted black & white cookies and splits of champagne with the image of the grooms on their tandem bike.  

This wedding was chock full of details, including the grooms arriving in a vintage New York taxi after they got into their custom P Johnson tuxes at the Baccarat.  Being asked to execute all of this was great fun as their wedding planner, but witnessing their love was a great honor.  From our first meeting together, I was able to see what they discovered on their first cycle together.

“I knew that he was mine so I gave him all the love that I had”

View the full gallery here

Photography: David Perlman

Videography: Milestone Video Productions

Catering:Marcy Brownstein

Cake: Nine Cakes

Florist: Mimosa

Rentals: Broadway Party Rentals

Ceremony Music: Eric Umble

Band: 45 Riots

Lighting: Universal Light and Sound

Invitations: Minted

Stationery: Type and Love Paperie

Favors: The Donut Pub 

Photo Booth: Happy Box

First Dance Choreography: Josh Green
Grooms Styling: Ta Ming Chen
Watches and Cuff Links: Cartier 
Grooms Shoes Louboutinworld & Ferragamo 
Tuxedos P Johnson
Transportation: Film Cars 
Ladies Hair Nemanja Jovic
Ladies Make-Up Jonny Polizzi

"Things Keep Getting Better"

I debated naming this blog The Circle of Life.  Although that song does depict beautiful creatures from all walks of life gathering together at Pride Rock, it doesn’t feel exactly right to describe one of my favorite gay weddings.  Indeed, the grooms who were the reason for this celebration are quite fierce.  (I mean, check out the “lips photo” and you’ll see!)  The inspiration for today’s title came from their love story, which we shared throughout this event.  It’s a very full circle one, especially given the circumstances of how they met, and these gentlemen wear it with pride.  Despite being self-described “very design-inept lawyers,” these two have a sense of humor as big as their hearts.  After sharing heartfelt vows, they recessed to a song made popular by the Netflix remake of Queer Eye. This was just one of the many ways that their personalities shined through on their wedding day.

After our initial meeting, Peter and Tom borrowed my own words to hire me by stating “Let’s Have a Wedding Kiki.” Not only did this flatter me, but I knew this was going to be a fun one to plan.  After searching for venues to fit the list of requirements, we landed at doing a full take-over of the restaurant Lafayette.  We loved the existing design aesthetic, the two story versatility and the divine food by Noho Hospitality Group.

On this picturesque Labor Day Eve, guests were greeted with champagne before heading downstairs to the Cave Du Vin.  The space, already filled with wine bottles and barrels, was enhanced by our collaboration with Mimosa Floral Design. Talented friends performed the music for the entrance of the grooms.  The ceremony was officiated by the Honorable Deborah Batts, our nation's first openly LGBT, African-American federal judge.  During Peter & Tom’s vows,  guests learned that the exchange of love letters was an integral part of their courtship.

Cocktail hour offerings included the grooms’ bespoke beverage choice of a Paper Plane, as well as passed canapés and a raw bar.  Joelle Lurie and the Pinehurst Trio performed a combination of jazz standards and jazzy cover versions of modern songs.  Guests learned where they would sit for dinner by finding their name on an envelope.  Inside was a blank card addressed to Peter & Tom.  In lieu of a guest book, everyone could write their own love letter to the grooms.

Throughout the family-style meal, guests were also asked to visit the “Lips” table, which offered an array of lipstick shades. Guests would select one and then put their pucker on an individual sheet of paper.  After the event, this would be made into a custom piece of art by Jeff Rudell.

After the final toast and first dance of La Vie En Rose, everyone was invited to head back to a transformed downstairs. Trays of Planters Punch were offered as an homage to tea dances in Fire Island and Ptown, while DJ Louis XIV cranked out the hits.  Instead of a cake, the grooms opted for a Croquembouche, which Lafayette delivered as a towering statement piece.  Upon exiting the event, guests could help themselves  to boxes of in-house macarons or an assortment of from Peter & Tom’s favorite source for late night munchies: Taco Bell.

To me the combination of the French confection delicacy and their favorite fast food was signature Peter & Tom. The yin and yang not only exists in their taste, but also in the story of how they met and what their marriage represents.  Not every gay romance begins with two lawyers meeting on a case dealing with conversion therapy, especially when one had been put through it when he was younger. It was full circle indeed. I think Betty Who captures best what Peter & Tom share together and celebrate with all.

“You came into my life

And the world never looked so bright

It's true, you bring the best in me

When you are around

Oh yeah

Things keep getting better”

View the full gallery here

Venue: Lafayette

Photographer: Photo Pink 

Florist: Mimosa 

Live Music: Joelle Lurie and the Pinehurst Trio

DJ: Louis XIV

Photo Booth: Outsnapped

Stationary: Minted

Art Activation: Jeff Rudell

Tuxedos: P Johnson

Late Night Food: Taco Bell

I'm Gonna Dream About The Time When I'm With You

When Peter approached me about planning his wedding with Nathan, I didn’t even blink before saying yes.  I’ve known Peter for over a decade. We met working together in hospitality, became good friends and even once shared a Hell’s Kitchen apartment.  I have always admired many things about Peter, including how he marches to the beat of his own colorful drum.  So it wasn’t a huge surprise in our initial conversation that Peter said:

 “We’d really like to get married on unicorns.  Since that might be a logistical challenge, we’ve picked Jane’s Carousel in Dumbo.”

 Even without the real unicorns, this event faced some logistical challenges, but collaborating with these grooms to solve them was part of the fun.  Peter and Nathan have tremendous experience in throwing parties in Fire Island, so they had no issue comprehending how it might all come together. Our main concern was that Jane’s Carousel is open to the public until 7pm, and set up for a private event cannot start any sooner.  Peter and Nathan had wisely chosen the evening of the summer solstice, providing the latest sunset possible.  But to pull off the Carousel Wedding and have their ceremony in sunlight, we would have to have the entire event packed in one truck set to arrive exactly at 7pm.  All contents needed to be unpacked and set up within one hour.  This included lighting & sound equipment with dance floor lighting, a DJ station & additional bistro lighting to help separate the event space from the public park, the dining tables and benches, the entire bar and all of its supplies, and all décor items, including the handcrafted paper flower installation for the ceremony.   It was a jam-packed hour to manage for set-up, but the guests did not know.

 We had asked them to meet in the nearby Max Family Garden, where they were greeted by our festive hostesses with sparkling rosé cider and sunglasses.  The live musicians who had been playing prelude music then led the group to the space.  The grooms entered from either side of the Carousel and met in the middle to complete the walk down the aisle.  Their ceremony, led by officiant Bob Howard, celebrated so many themes of love, acceptance, community, history and pride.  Almost like clockwork, Mother Nature decided to add a real rainbow to the skyline.

 During the reception, guests dined on Luke’s Lobster Rolls and the works from the Takumi Taco Truck.  They alternated between taking rides on the Carousel and dancing to the beats led by DJ Erol.  Individual containers of Eton Mess were devoured as a refreshing summer dessert.  In addition to the open bar, there was a unicorn liquor ice luge offering guests shots of tequila all night. 

 It was a picturesque summer night in New York situated in a spot with the most amazing views.  The food, drinks and dancing flowed as smoothly as a trip around a carousel.  But nothing created a bigger rainbow than the ostensible love and connection shared between these two grooms.  Their song choice for their processional really said it all:

“And when I'm dreaming, well I know I'm gonna dream

I'm gonna dream about the time when I'm with you

When I go out (when I go out) well I know I'm gonna be

I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you

And when I come home (when I come home) yes I know I'm gonna be

I'm gonna be the man who comes back home with you

I'm gonna be the man who's coming home with you”

View the full gallery here

Photographer: Liz Devine

Ceremony Musicians: Cody Geil

DJ: Erol Sabadosh

Lighting: Mike Megliola

Sound: Matty Glitterati

Staffing: Radikel Events

Rentals: Party Rental LTD

Catering: Luke’s Lobster & Takumi Taco

Ice Sculpture: Okamoto Studio

The Emoji of Love

David and Aaron communicate with each other with honesty, openness and emojis. These qualities also guided how everyone decision related to their wedding was made. The venue was The Garland, a retro-chic hotel in Hollywood that still retains it’s 1970’s glamour. Besides the delicious in-house catering, the venue provides a beautiful courtyard which set the scene for the garden ceremony. The groomsmen wore blue polo shirts and white sneakers. Four of them wore collars. Besides having the space adorned by Diana’s Flowers, the grooms stood out by wearing matching blue suits with white polo shirts.

On display at cocktail hour were the escort cards designating tables by emoji. The guests had a blast discovering that David and Aaron has assigned them to the eggplant or peach to name a few. Once everyone took their seats at these symbolic settings, the grooms made an entrance revealing their reception look. The blazers had been taken off to reveal the custom leather harnesses that were made special for their wedding.

Their first dance was a new song performed by friend Jai Rodriguez.  The dance floor was packed with guests only taking a break a to hit the photo booth. There was joke about the cake. The note by Hansen’s had been misread. The one shade of the blue they did not want was that signature to Tiffany’s. But it was delivered as a perfect match. For clients like these, it became something to laugh about rather than complain.

I met so many of their guests who told me “this is SO David & Aaron.” I knew this would be achievable from the first night I met them when they interviewed me to be their wedding planner. They are open books about who they are and who they love. Aaron had been married before, and after divorce, he didn’t think it was going to happen again. The last time David’s family was all together was in a hospital. They had gathered to begin saying their farewell to him. He was very sick with complications brought on my a disease that was once a death sentence for our community. But he turned a corner and rebuilt his health. Along the way he met Aaron. The wedding would be more than making their union legal. It was to honor the incredible breakthroughs that have been made in science and health care. It was to change the reason that all of David’s family was together again. It was to celebrate that marriages look different.

These powerful messages to communicate were sometimes hard to put into words. ⚡️♥️🐶

#thunderlovesdigger

View the full gallery here

Photographer: Siouxzen Kang
Videographer: Norbert Szeman
Flowers: Diana’s Flowers
Stationery: Minted
Cake: Hansen Cakes 
DJ: Scott Norris
Photo Booth: Shutterbox

“A Quiet Thing”

Destination weddings are a unique opportunity to explore unfamiliar venues, collaborate with new vendors and also be tasked with learning the lay of a new land. I was overjoyed when Eric and Chase, a New York based couple, asked me to plan their nuptials in Palm Springs. The mid-century architecture and rat-pack era charm this desert town is known for had won over these lovebirds as the spot where they would say I do.

After touring various hotels and private properties, we landed at the Frederick Loewe Estate. Built in 1956 as the desert home of the famous composer, we couldn’t believe our eyes on the initial tour as armor from the original production of Camelot was displayed in the master bedroom with its revolving bed. Loewe also had a walk-of-fame star installed in front of the home’s entrance. Besides the rich artistic history that was palpable in every corner, the 2.5 acre property was a stunner. It had various options for how we could lay out the flow of the wedding. But being in a residential neighborhood in Palm Springs, it also came with tons of rules and regulations.

After a fabulous tasting, we learned why Chef Katherine King had earned her place as the preferred vendor of the estate. She worked with us to create a tailored menu that suited these two grooms, including Chase’s vision of an all green and white crudité station.

Eric’s eye for design informed choices like the Kelly Green dining chairs and the tablescape composed entires of succulents, cacti and candles. Guests found their escort cards at the dining tables lodged in a take-home wooden souvenir with the couple’s initials. Additionally, the back of every chair was draped with a black pashmina in anticipation of the inevitable temperature drop after sunset.

Eric and Chase brought tons of their personality to the wedding by having three different looks they rocked through the night. For the ceremony we staged a processional that allowed them each to make separate entrances with their parents before meeting in the middle to complete the journey down the aisle together. Their pug Eunice served as the ring lady.

The biggest rule we had to adhere to was the noise level while guests were outdoors. We could only have soft background music playing during dinner before moving guests indoors for dancing. So we programmed all toasts by family and beloved friends to take place during the meal. An announcement was made that the conclusion of speeches could not be met with applause, but rather a silent clap. There was such beauty to behold in seeing every guest put their hands in the air every time someone affirmed the love that was on display during this magical night in the mountains.

“There are no exploding fireworks
Where's the roaring of the crowds
Maybe it's the strange new atmosphere
Way up here among the clouds

But I don't hear the drums
And I don't hear the band
The sounds I'm told
Such moments bring

Happiness comes in on tip-toe
Well what'd'ya know
It's a quiet thing
A very - quiet - thing”

View the full gallery here

Photographer: Laura Goldenberger

Caterer: Katherine King Special Events

Florist: Madison Workshop West

Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

Ceremony Music: Liam Kevany

DJ:Guy Worden

Photo Booth: Classic Photo Booths

Transportation: Lion Transportation Services

Restrooms: Royal Restrooms