Today is Saryn & David’s Wedding Day!
Today we are excited to spend our Independence Day with Saryn and David in Guilford! We’ve been planning their vintage, seaside wedding for nearly a year and can’t wait to see all the details come together. Plus, we’ll be working with our friends The White Dress by the Shore, Robert and Kathleen Photographers, BLUSH Floral Design, Vantage Point Films, PowerStation, Dana Bartone and Jordan Caterers.
Congratulations guys… you couldn’t have a more beautiful day!! XOXO!
A Bridal Photo Shoot in Paris — Part 1
At the end of March I had the amazing opportunity to fly off to Paris with my dear friends and colleagues, Robert and Kathleen Trenske and Beth Chapman from The White Dress by the Shore to put together and style a photo shoot in Paris! Clearly, it was my dream location. Can you believe I had never been to Paris? Blasphemy! But I cannot think of a better group of people to explore the city of lights with—especially since Robert and Kathleen could be Parisian tour guides and Beth, well, don’t you think someone as fashionable as her belongs in Paris?
Beth and I worked on coming up with a design board for our shoot, as we usually do, and were really inspired by a photograph that Robert and Kathleen took on their first trip to Paris. We wanted to do a monochromatic, black and white shoot, where the images felt like classic black and whites even in color. I really think we achieved that! Beth had a vision for fashion that was heavily influenced by runway, vogue, and of COURSE Sex in the City!
Throughout the process we worked with Kim Peytet of Parisian Events, who helped us source all the wonderful Parisian venders that collaborated with us! Kim introduced us to so many wonderful people who I will introduce YOU to throughout this post!
During our short (count 4 days!!!!) time in Paris, we did two days full of shooting and one day full of scouting. The other day was the day we all arrived—so we really hit the ground running! This shoot was recently featured on Style Me Pretty, and was part of Robert and Kathleen’s brilliant photography seminar – Taking Off.
Kim secured a beautiful apartment for us to work from and for Robert and Kathleen to teach. It had a roof top deck where we put together an amazing tablescape with the help of several talented people! The morning began with hair and makeup… our model, Segolene, is positively beautiful. Hair and makeup was covered by our new friend, Masafumi Matsuda, who also doubled as our Japanese / Parisian tour guide on day two. =) If you are looking for beauty while in Paris– look no further!! Masafumi is absolutely amazing!!! Beth styled Segolene in the most stunning Modern Trousseau gown before it hit the runway at bridal market and jewelry by The White Dress by the Shore in layers, and layers of decedent pearls and diamonds!
The shoes, by Vouelle, were beautiful white pointed toe heels with a little ruffle of fabric at the toe. Our friend Elizabeth Porcher Jones, lover of all things Paris as well, did the stunning calligraphy on this invitation.
Our male model, Jeremy, wore a classic black tuxedo by the generous folks at Tuxego in New York. Catherine Muller is the talented floral designer and created the ivy and white floral boutonniere. Our talented friends at Posh Paperie in San Diego mailed their amazing program, with ivory, silver, and red embellishments all the way to Paris for our shoot!
We styled the gorgeous tablescape with white linen from our friends at Rentals Unlimited. The best part? They happened to be in Paris (randomly) while we were there, and stopped in to say hello! It truly was an East Coast destination. They also provided the lace-styled chair caps and white napkins. Catherine Muller put together a beautiful white and green arrangement in an antiqued pedestal. The arrangement was very gardeny, filled loosely with calla lilies and other beautiful white flowers. She did an amazing job! The paper flower garland down the center of the table is absolutely brilliant—you need to run out NOW and get some! Originally I had envisioned the garland hanging over the table, but it was really windy on that roof top and there was NO way that was going to work. So we improvised. Thanks to kate’s paperie, the maker of that fabulous garland!
Is that cake not gorgeous? The Sugar Plum Cake Shop in Paris created a white and ecru cake with macaron and ribbon embellishments. Perfection!!! Posh Paperie created the perfect paper ribbon cake topper. The cake pedestal? Lugged in my suitcase (among MANY, MANY things). I’m said to say it didn’t make it home, but it was certainly a worthy sacrifice!!
Segolene wore a beautiful tulle necklace with broach by Miss Ruby Sue (broach by The White Dress by the Shore).
More beautiful table details! We love the place card holders, silverware and knife rests (only in France!), and glass chargers by Noel-Collet. More of Catherine Muller’s beautiful centerpiece and kate’s paperie’s tissue flowers. I love hanging things off the backs of chairs, so you know we had to do something!
Beth had an amazing pose that she wanted to create with Segolene… and viola… magic!!! Her bouquet was similar in style to our centerpiece and we wrapped it in the most BEAUTIFUL lace paper from kate’s paperie. I am still drooling over it!!
For most of the day it rained– so we stayed comfortable inside until the weather broke. We made a mad dash over to the Eiffel Tower for the second half of our shoot!
Big thank you to Robert and Kathleen for coming up with the idea and asking us to be along for the ride! We would have never had the opportunity to do something so amazing if it were not for you. Another big thank you to Beth Chapman, who is always amazing to collaborate with. Your sense of style and fashion really made this photo shoot what it was– spectacular. And big thank you to Marshie, our fashion and craft guru who had so many wonderful ideas!!!! Your energy, enthusiasm and company truly made our trip. We are so grateful to Kim of Parisian Events for introducing us to the wonderful and generous Parisian vendors who were so EASY to work with and fun! Your help was instrumental in the amazing success of our shoot and we are so appreciative!
Thank you all for your time, attention, creative input, and conversation!
More to come. xoxo
Photography: Robert and Kathleen Photographers / Fashion & Model Styling: Beth Chapman, The White Dress by the Shore / Event Design, Planning & Coordination: Jubilee Events / Event Planning: Parisian Events / Gown: Modern Trousseau / Jewelry: Beth Chapman, The White Dress by the Shore / Makeup & Hair: Masafumi Matsuda / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Tableware: Noel Collet / Shoes: Vouelle / Headpieces: Twigs and Honey / Paper Cake Topper Menus and Escort Cards: Posh Paperie / Lace Paper and Floral Garlands: kate’s paperie / Floral Design: Catherine Muller / Tuxedo: Tuxego / Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones / Cuff Links / Cake: Sugar Plum Cake Shop / Ruffled Tulle Necklace: Miss Ruby Sue / Gown Cleaning and Shoe Preservation: Madame Paulette
Saryn + David: Engaged | Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach, California
Saryn and David are getting married in July of this year and it has been so much fun working with them. They are getting married at the Guilford Yacht Club with a reception to follow and have been working closely with Jordan Caterer’s on all the delicious details! Our good friend Elisabeth from BLUSH is coordinating all the amazing floral decor.. which I can’t wait to see!
Recently, their photographers Robert and Kathleen Trenske took a trip out to where they live to photograph their engagement session. They shot in Venice Beach and also the pier in Santa Monica at night!! I love all the colors in both shoots and especially love the day time shoot– everything down to the aviators totally rocks!
David & Saryn I can’t wait for your amazing wedding!!! Thanks to Rob and Kathleen for sharing the images with us. You can see even more on their blog!
xoxo
An American Girl in Paris!
I admit, it’s a tad cliché, but I couldn’t resist! I am so excited to be flying off to Paris to take part in an amazing workshop put together by two of my very good friends, Robert and Kathleen Trenske. Their Taking Off Seminar is an incredible opportunity for fellow photographers to travel with Rob and Kathleen to a unique location, where they will teach a variety of different topics, and also provide an amazing photoshoot. When Rob and Kathleen asked me to be a part of kicking off this workshop I felt so honored.. and never imagined that I would be able to go to Paris!!
I’ve been collaborating with my good friend Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the Shore on the look and feel of our shoot. I can’t wait to share! Beth will be traveling with us too… wait until you see the amazing fashions she has pulled. Kim Petyt from Parisian Events has been helping us pull together all the local details for this workshop… which we seriously can’t wait to share! There are also some incredible paper details being created AS WE SPEAK (!) from our dear, dear friends at Posh Paperie. For now, here is a preview of our parisian inspired board:
This will be my first time in Paris. I’ve dusted off my passport, finished unpacking from New Orleans (don’t judge me… I’m a busy girl!), and started exercising again so I can eat croissants and macarons. I’m really only there for a few short days, but would LOVE to hear your advice on the one thing I absolutely MUST do while in Paris. Leave a comment below!
xoxoxo
Today is John and Corine’s wedding day!
Today is John and Corine’s wedding day! Corine and John were both in our wedding party back in August, and now we have the honor of being a part of theirs. I couldn’t be MORE happier for the two of them and I’m really looking forward to all the incredible festivities today. Many congratulations to you and ALL our love!
XOXOX
A Napa Valley inspired bridal shower in Connecticut
I’m so very excited to finally share with you the amazing bridal shower that my mother, grandmothers and maids planned for me back in June. It was an incredible day filled with so many wonderful women. I wish I could relive that afternoon every Sunday!! My very good friends and wedding photographers, Robert and Kathleen, joined us for the day and snapped these fantastic images! The day was also featured on my favorite blog, Style Me Pretty, a while back too.
The shower took place at my grandparents home — which is over 100 years old. It is a great place where we spend many holidays and the most important of occasions. We had a fantastic June day too, and spent the first half of the afternoon out on the front veranda sipping wine and pellegrino. My mom made a delicious and refreshing sangria, and hand chose some great wines.
A lot of my favorite things were on hand… wine, cheese, delicious fruits, veggies, and my friends and family. I can’t really take any credit for the design, look, feel, or details of the day. That’s all my mom! She did such an incredible job! There were wine maps (that I did make… but that’s it!!) that told guests about the wine we were tasting from Napa, a jar for guests to recommend a vineyard for Mike and I to visit on our honeymoon, and lots of pretty signs explaining what guests were imbibing. These little touches are a great way to transform your party and do something unique and inexpensive.
The delicious menu was catered by one of our favorite local restaurants, Jesse Camilles in Naugatuck. Carla and Larry did an incredible job on the food. The menu was really light and inspired by the region: citrus grilled chicken, dill and yogurt salmon, and carpaccio. There were a variety of delicious salads to pair with the meats too (my favorite the baby spinach with goat cheese… yum!).
Nestled on the North side of the house was a variety of pretty dining tables. My mom created purple table runners and used flowy white linen on the tables. The gorgeous centerpieces were created by Lori of Flore. They featured a beautiful variety of flowers such as dahlias, purple calla lilies, green hydrangea, white roses, and purple grapes!! Are they not incredible? So beautiful! My mom had been collecting wine corks for the occasion and had them spread around as accents in various jars. I love that touch (and do it often as they make a great centerpiece). I just love all the purples, greens, white, and oranges. It’s so reminiscent of the region and all the colors we saw while we were out there.
The delish carrot cake was a design collaboration between my grandmother and the talented folks at Let’s Eat Cake.
Guests took home red velvet cupcake lollipops, all hand made by my maid of honor and bestie, Corine. They were so delicious! Something even more incredible and awesome was the fact that Corine has started her own business crafting these and other yummy confections. Check her out: lovely-lollies.com.
What an incredible bridal shower — incredible day! Thanks for letting me share. Hopefully it inspires you to do something personal and unique for your friend or daughter’s bridal shower.
xoxoxoo
A Wedding Story: Liz & Jayson in Norwalk, Connecticut
Liz and Jayson were married on July 11th, 2009 at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut. They were surrounded by so much love and support and celebrated their union with their loving family and friends. The Maritime Aquarium is a special place for them — it is the site of their third date. I loved being a part of Liz and Jayson’s wedding which was filled with so many unique and meaningful touches.
Robert and Kathleen Trenske spent the entire day documenting their love story. The day began with Liz and her ‘maids getting ready at their gorgeous apartment in Norwalk. The guys were somewhere close by fluffing their collars and added on their cuff links.
Liz had the most gorgeous wedding gown. I was so in love the first time I saw it at one of her fittings! It was so delicate with lace, a bit of sparkle, and swiss dot fabric. What made it even more beautiful was Liz herself — she just beamed every time she put it on. It was a true testimonial that the woman makes the dress. Look how radiant she is! I absolutely love this photograph that Rob and Kathleen captured of Liz’s mom putting her veil on. Can’t you see the excitement there?
Once Liz and her ‘maids were all ready she went outside into the center courtyard to meet her groom. Their first look was filled with so much emotion!
After it was on to the ceremony at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut. Liz’s bouquet was filled with white Calla Lily’s and little sea shells that my good friend, Elisabeth from BLUSH floral design, created. I created their wedding day paper, include their blue and silver programs. It detailed their love story and the significance of the Aquarium and also explained the various parts of their Jewish ceremony.
As guests began to arrive, Liz and Jayson held their Ketubah signing ceremony nearby. Surrounded by their parents and closest friends, along with their Rabbi, it was a beautiful ceremony. Once complete, it was time to head down the aisle! We took them through the inner workings of the Aquarium to smuggle them away from guests’ eyes.
The ceremony location inside the Aquarium is actually the cafeteria. I know. Hard to believe, right? Elisabeth from BLUSH created this AMAZING chuppah out of flowy white organza fabric and tightly arranged white hydrangea and carnations. It was the most gorgeous chuppah I’ve ever seen! When we set out to design something for this space I loved the contrast of the white against the brick, wood, and metal. The chuppah really stands out and looks so romantic and dreamy. Elisabeth scattered some rose petals and we lined each window sill with a ton of floating and votive candles to add to the romantic glow of the room. It was heavenly!
Their ceremony was so touching. Jayson sang “Grow Old Along with Me” to his bride! One of my favorite moments, that I simply have to share, was right before the ceremony as the processional was ending. It was just me and Liz at the bottom of the staircase. As the music changed to U2, “All I Want is You”, it was time for her to go. She looked at me and took my arm and said, “Oh my god Candice… this is really it!!! It’s here!!” I get all emotional thinking about it!! It was such an incredible moment for me as their coordinator and reaffirms how honored and privileged I feel to be so intimately involved in my couple’s wedding day. Truly a moment I’ll never forget!
After the ceremony Liz and Jayson joined their guests for cocktail hour. Guests mingled up the pathway of native fish tanks, shark tanks, and lots of sea critters and creatures. We had passed wine and champagne with yummy and delicious food from Phillip Stone Caterers. Can you imagine sipping champagne and watching the sharks circle around their tank? It was so unique!!
Some details from their reception: Elisabeth from BLUSH used three different style arrangements on the tables — one with beautiful white flowers, another with white flowers submerged in cylindar vases with blue sea glass and candles, and another arrangement of a hurricane vase filled with sea glass and candles. I love the combination! She created a fun escort card display of silver painted fish netting, blue sea glass, and flowers. Jubilee created the escort cards out of hand drawn vintage fish on pretty blue card stock.
Their friend, a graphic designer, and created this fish monogram for their wedding. We used that monogram on a ton of fun paper items, like custom cocktail napkins, their programs, favor tags, save the dates and invitations. It was a fun way to tie it all together!
Their favors were Hawaiian sea salt in metal tins, tied with silver ribbon and a favor tag. Their cake was a gorgeous, modern two-tiered blue fondant cake from SoNo Baking Company. They purchased the cutest little fish bowl cake topper, too!
Liz and Jayson’s reception was fun, delicious, and emotional! Their friends and parents gave touching testimonials of their relationship and good nature. Liz and Jayson really are one of the nicest couples I’ve had the opportunity of working with. They danced the night away with friends, celebrated the hora, and ended the evening with one final dance.
Big thank you to Robert and Kathleen Trenske for capturing the essence of their day and allowing me to share the photographs with you!
Thank you SO much Liz and Jayson for allowing me to become a part of your history. It was such an honor and a pleasure working with you!! xoxo
Sneak Peek: Liz + Jayson
here’s a sneak peek at what is coming up on the blog very soon!
We’re Married!
What an amazing day! I’ve just gotten back from our honeymoon and I can’t wait to share with all of you how our wedding day came together and all the special touches we incorporated. For now, visit Robert & Kathleen’s blog to get a sneak peak at some of the images and details of the day.
Today is Liz and Jayson’s Wedding!
We’re so excited for today’s wedding! Liz and Jayson are such a fun and romantic couple (you may remember our post about them when they were featured in the Hartford Courant) and today they are getting married at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk (the spot of their third date). We can’t wait to share all the details with you!!
Jubilee Events featured in Fall 2009 issue of BRIDES Connecticut!
A few days ago a handsome box arrived at the studio and inside were copies of this Fall’s BRIDES Connecticut magazine. The photography of our friends, Robert and Kathleen, is splashed through out the glossy pages — including our wedding with Michael and Dagney! Be sure to pick up your copy to read all the details!
Yes, I am getting married!
A crazy thing is happening…. I’m getting married. Yes, I’m a planner turned bride and yes, we are a rare species! After much consideration I decided to finally share my planning process as we hit the last six weeks of planning — this when the good stuff starts happening!
That really gorgeous man who is seated next to me, above, is my fiancée, Michael. We met five years ago when a mutual friend thought we’d hit it off. We both came from two very separate worlds, and at first glance, it didn’t appear to be a match worth pursuing. We’re not afraid to share that either, as our love story isn’t something completely epic or Paramount. Our relationship was a progression that started out in conversation and grew into interest, then an attraction, and finally, love. When our photographers wrote our poignant story for their blog of our engagement pictures they called our love story a slow burn. I had never thought to put it into those words but that’s exactly what it is.
So now we’re here, five years later, planning an EPIC wedding for August 1st in Hartford, Connecticut. I’m really excited to be sharing it with you and can’t wait to reveal (some) details of what is to come. Mike and I are really excited that the final weeks are here and in no time at all, we’ll be hitched for life.
Coming up tomorrow – our engagement pictures – shot by our very talented wedding photographers and FRIENDS, Robert and Kathleen Trenske!
Jubilee Events featured TWICE in Style Me Pretty this week!
Just thought I’d share the total awesomeness that is happening around here with our feature on Style Me Pretty this week!
View the feature on Dagney and Michael’s wedding from a few weeks ago as photographed by our friends, Robert and Kathleen Photographers: part i, part ii, and part iii.
Remember my totally awesome Trash the Dress by Eric Langlois of raw photo design? Well his work was featured yesterday! Check it out here! They also spotlighted a bunch of the amazing people who contributed to my trash the dress!
Today is Michael & Dagney’s Wedding!
Today is Michael & Dagney’s wedding day! We’ve been working with them for about 4 1/2 months to plan an amazing wedding in a really unique location. I’m really excited for the two of them and can’t wait to share their story with you.
Pure White French Inspired Inspiration Board in Bon Jour, Old Lace, and Romance
This inspiration board is totally inspired by Kirstie Kelly’s showing at A Soolip Wedding (found via Junebug Weddings). The runway show and photographs are a throw-back to French style — which I absolutely love and studied quite intensely (side note: my absolute FAVORITE book to finger through right now is Elle Decor’s The Grand Book of French Style, published in 2001. I found recently at a yard sale).
I love the look of dramatic, antique furniture in a monochromatic look. All the colors used are varying shades of white. Believe it or not, all white wedding is really a hard look to pull off, but when done well, the effect can really be amazing!
From the top: White wedding gowns by Kirstie Kelly during a runway show at A Soolip Wedding runway show via Junebug Weddings; Crystal votive chandeliers from the Real Wedding of Kim & Alex featured on Style Me Pretty; White french inspired bedroom design from Apartment Therapy; White place cards with black calligraphy on an antique silver tray from the Real Wedding of Kristen & Charles via Southern Weddings Blog; White macaroons from Amy Atlas; White signature cocktail with white flag swizzle sticks from Amy Atlas; Black and white photograph of man reading a newspaper with two dogs from Robert & Kathleen Photographers; Vintage white lace and organza 1950′s cocktail length wedding dress via Vintageous; White french dining room design via Style Files; White floral arrangements in silver mercury vases from the Real Wedding of Kristen & Charles via Southern Weddings Blog; White candlesticks with vintage medicine bottle vases from unknown source.
Real Connectict Wedding: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich | Finale
Lisa and Marc had an amazing wedding at L’escale in Greenwich, Connecticut. I loved all the purple and lavender details! Thanks to the newlyweds for letting us feature their fabulous wedding!
The Vendors
Photography by the uber talented Robert and Kathleen Photographers; The bride wore an amazing gown by Alvina Valenta as did her bridesmaids. The bride’s hair and makeup was done by Dana Bartone; their purple and white floral designs were provided by E.T. at Hot Petunia ; the ceremony and reception was at the Delamar Hotel and catered by l’escale restaurant, located in Greenwich, Connecticut; their delicious cake was compliments of Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes, located in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Part of the Real Connecticut Wedding: Lisa & Marc series
- Real Connecticut Wedding: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich
- Real Connecticut Weddings: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich | Part II
- Real Connecticut Weddings: Lisa & Marc | Part III
- Real Connecticut Wedding: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich | Part IV
- Real Connectict Wedding: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich | Finale
Real Connecticut Weddings: Lisa & Marc | Part III
Isn’t Lisa just one of the most GORGEOUS brides you have ever seen? She totally rocked it for our favorite photographers, Robert and Kathleen. My favorite photograph from this set is Lisa with her parents as they are set to come down the aisle. Can’t you see how excited and proud her parents are? Love how it is captured!
Stay tuned for more goodies from Lisa & Marc’s reception!
The Vendors
Photography by the uber talented Robert and Kathleen Photographers; The bride wore an amazing gown by Alvina Valenta as did her bridesmaids. The bride’s hair and makeup was done by Dana Bartone; their purple and white floral designs were provided by E.T. at Hot Petunia ; the ceremony and reception was at the Delamar Hotel and catered by l’escale restaurant, located in Greenwich, Connecticut; their delicious cake was compliments of Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes, located in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Part of the Real Connecticut Wedding: Lisa & Marc series
Real Connecticut Weddings: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich | Part II
Lisa and Marc met through their summer share house on Fire Island in 2005. Their relationship blossomed quickly and they both knew that they would be be married. After their 2nd anniversary they took a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where Marc surprised Lisa with a marriage proposal. From the moment they started planning they knew they didn’t want to have a typical wedding.
After looking at many different wedding venues they fell in love with The Delamar Hotel on Greenwich’s beautiful scenic harbor. The elegant boutique hotel had all of its events catered through L’Escale’s mouthwatering French restaurant which provided a perfect backdrop for their French country inspired wedding.
Lisa wore an amazing dress by Alvina Valenta and carried a gorgeous bouquet of white and purple flowers. They weaved these colors throughout the wedding, using dark plum, lavender, and white. I love the ring barer pillows and their elegant white and purple program!
The Vendors
Photography by the uber talented Robert and Kathleen Photographers; The bride wore an amazing gown by Alvina Valenta as did her bridesmaids. The bride’s hair and makeup was done by Dana Bartone; their purple and white floral designs were provided by E.T. at Hot Petunia ; the ceremony and reception was at the Delamar Hotel and catered by l’escale restaurant, located in Greenwich, Connecticut; their delicious cake was compliments of Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes, located in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Part of the Real Connecticut Wedding: Lisa & Marc series
- Real Connecticut Wedding: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich
- Real Connecticut Weddings: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich | Part II
- Real Connecticut Weddings: Lisa & Marc | Part III
- Real Connecticut Wedding: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich | Part IV
- Real Connectict Wedding: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich | Finale
Real Connecticut Wedding: Lisa & Marc in Greenwich
This week we have the super gorgeous wedding of Lisa and Marc at the L’escale in Greenwich, Connecticut which was photographed by one of our favorite photographers, Robert and Kathleen. Stay tuned!
