As an event planner and designer, you are constantly living in all of the seasons, all of the time. During the chilly winter months, we are looking ahead to the warmer season when most of our events take place, while those warmer months are prime for planning! Though the colder season is not ideal for an outdoor event, there is a beauty that exists for weddings and events and found in a variety of venues. Take Chamard Vineyards for example — a lush, open idyllic space to host your nearest and dearest over an intimate dinner under a big top tent. When the temps are below pleasurable, though, they have a several unique settings for your event.

The Color Story

The magic you’ll see below took place in their barn — a loft like, rustic space set with handmade farm tables and large barn doors that provide a cozy, warm feeling. With deep, moody tones in marsala, gray, and black, a touch of gold, and texture, we highlighted why winter weddings are just as perfect as any other season!

Each event gives us as designers the opportunity to create a personalized celebration around the person or guests of honor. Each element should be infused with an affinity you possess, which ultimately cultivates your unique wedding aesthetic.  Flowers by Justine and I took the idea of a classic table runner and tailored it by creating a runner of colorful tapered candles, mixed among lush, draped greenery. The gold touches on and around the table added the perfect level of romance and elegance to the room and complimented the dreamy gowns hand selected by Beth Chapman at The White Dress by the Shore.

Design Elements: Texture!

Texture was the next big element we had to have! There are many unexpected ways to bring this in and it was planned most prominently in the fashion and the cake (that CAKE!!). You’ll see our bride wearing a gorgeous Robert Bullock gown, one that we wish we could casually wear ourselves! Our sweet confection by our favorite at Sugar Therapy donned details from the gown in addition to some other elements we knew we’d find in our setting.

Design and Scribe provided all signage and calligraphy, the perfect touch to this table. Our girl hand wrote every text in gold on a textured black card, set against the wood grains of the table and painted gold china set for each guest. Even in the coldest of degrees, we had to get outside a bit. That texture was taken right outdoors where Justine created the most beautiful ceremonial backdrop with all of the greenery and moody tones!

We always have the greatest time collaborating with our creative partners and to sweeten the excitement for this shoot, Bliss Celebrations Guide featured this piece on their blog. Thank you to the team for sharing with others the joy we had in creating this!!

Liz & Jeremy’s Jonathan Edwards Winery Wedding

When we first met with Liz and Jeremy about their wedding at Jonathan Edwards Winery, color became the topic of conversation. We had to have it and it needed to make you smile! We wanted guests to feel the type of energy that you experience when you look forward to a night of merriment with your nearest and dearest!

As the planning process unfolded into the big day, not only had we succeeded in making their event colorful and bright, we celebrated two of the many qualities this couple and their family treated all of us to each step of the way. Never without a smile on their face or a level of excitement that made everyone giddy, this was a family that treated us as part of their own and allowed us to walk away with friendships as strong as ones we were able to witness that night.

The thing I love most about a vineyard wedding is that it invites this natural, organic, relaxed feeling into the day and design. It requires you to stop and embrace your surroundings, enhancing the overall experience!

The Wedding Ceremony

Our design began with a bright color palette that would complement the inherent nature of Jonathan Edwards Winery. Married in between the lush vines, Liz and Jer built a ceremony around what meant most to them and honored their history and future in the most beautifully personal way possible.

Alongside their close friend that officiated the celebration, Liz’s mom, Chief of the Mohegan tribe performed a sacred blessing ritual on their union, bound together tightly by an elected leader. Starting off their adventure with the love and support of their crew had never been so profound. You’ll see we’ve given a special nod below to Liz’s dad, our dear father of the bride. We just cannot get over how much he adores his girls and it certainly shows through these photos. We know if we’re smitten with these memories, then Liz’s family are easily carrying the same fondness in their hearts.

The Wedding Experience

Set under the big top tent at the vineyard, Liz and Jer treated their guests to a fresh, seasonally inspired menu courtesy of A Thyme to Cook. How lucky are we (rather, smart and well planned) to host such a beautiful day in the middle of the best time of year for colorful food! Through personal moments, creative touches, and nonstop dancing, we built a lifetime of memories in a single night, though the only thing that may top those were the smiles Liz and Jeremy shared with each other and with their crew all night long. I’ll never forget the way they looked at one another and can feel that happiness when I get wrapped up in their photos.

Liz and Jer (and the cutest, sweetest family around), thank you so much for sharing your love, your history, and your happiness with us! We will always think of you when we visit or celebrate at Jonathan Edwards Winery! You have a forever place there and in our heart! We wish you all that a million times more as you continue life’s adventure together. XOXO

To see more of our vineyard weddings, check us out here!

Nicole + Kristian’s Webb Barn Wedding

Set in the small, quintessential town that is Wethersfield, Connecticut, Nicole and Kristian celebrated their forever on the most perfect Fall day. This was the kind of setting one can only dream about as it was just the time of year when the leaves have turned and there is still a hint of rich color spread throughout the landscape. It is still warm with that sweep of cool air you invite because it means big warm sweaters and comfy jackets. All of those comfort food favorites are at their prime. Everything was just as it should be!

One of the most beautiful aspects of Nicole and Kristian’s day is how personal and celebrated everything was. Their ceremony musicians were close friends and students that the couple both mentored. Their beautiful wedding party was comprised of siblings and friends who had been in their lives for decades. The details surrounding their wedding decor came from small business creatives whose talent completed the design and added colorful touches wherever you looked.

With no shortage of inspiration, our color palette began with deep, warm colors of blush, cream, marsala and burgundy, dressing the table in big blooms of roses and those to-die-for dahlias. We’re talking very moody and to-die-for colors and details by the always amazing Jakkelyn Iris! Lush greenery intertwined our candles and showcased our hand painted table numbers and hand picked wildflowers graced the acrylic namesakes each guest was gifted to take home. Complementing the inherent wood structure of the barn were drapes of whimsical twinkle lights, crystal chandeliers, and romantic draping to hug the guest tables, thoughtfully designed and created by Drape Art Designs. It was one of those scenes that you can’t tear away from and smile every way through — it made you glow just as our space did! Speckle in Nicole and Kristian who were completely wrapped up in and around each other and it was the best love fest to signify this new adventure!

Behind Nicole and Kristian was one of the greatest, most thoughtful, and hardest working groups you’d ever be so lucky to collaborate with! Everyone brought their magic and art that day and built one of the most memorable days at one of our favorite venues. Lots of love goes to each and everyone as we couldn’t have done it without you!

N+K: here’s to life’s kindness and love always keeping you warm! XO!

 

CREDIT REEL

Photography: Katie Slater Photography
Reception Location: The Webb Barn
Flowers: Jakkelyn Iris
Catering: David Alan Catering
Ceremony Music: Friends of the couple
Reception Entertainment: After Hours DJ
Lighting + Draping: Drape Art Designs
Beauty: Simply Gorgeous by Erin
Bride’s Gown: Hayley Paige
Food Trucks: Fryborg Food Truck, Tipsy Cones, Danny’s Little Taste of Texas
Church: Wethersfield United Methodist Church
Signage + Stationery: Etsy Shops — OAKYdesigns, BareInkCo, Michelle Groth Fine Art, ChickadeeDixie, Cre8teDesignLLC, StudioNellcoteDIY
Rentals: PEAK Event Services, CT Rental Center

Designing a blush wedding? Go for it — it’s a color we all love and know well! It’s playful and sweet and can be dressed up in a black tie, elegant affair or provide the perfect touch to a more natural, rustic barn soiree. Not to mention there are many stops on the road between these two ideas where this tone can be used and shown well. While we love the classic blush-cream-green palette and can dress it up any which way, you might be looking for ways to bring a little more personality or a signature touch to the color.

Below are five combinations that we adore and can get you started on your wedding color palette! These can be tailored to a rustic vineyard wedding to a more traditional mansion wedding. Whatever your fancy, blush can make it happen!

 

Blush Wedding Palette: The Vibrant Vineyard Wedding

taupe // ivory // blush // magenta // burgundy // rattan

photos: robert norman photography // floral: blush floral design // venue: jonathan edwards winery

 

Blush Wedding Palette: The Romantic Home Wedding

ivory // cream // blush // rose // marsala // slate blue

photos: carla ten eyck photography // floral: blush floral design

 

Blush Wedding Palette: The Elegant Mansion Wedding

ivory // champagne // blush // pink // lavender // royal purple

photos: carla ten eyck photography // floral: hana floral design // stationery: coral pheasant // venue: branford house

 

Blush Wedding Palette: The Charming Shoreline Wedding

ivory // champagne // blush // silver // charcoal

photos: robert + kathleen // floral: blush floral design // stationery: coral pheasant // venue: old saybrook point inn + spa

 

Blush Wedding Palette: The Organic Tented Wedding

ivory // cream // peach // blush // sage // gray

photos: carla ten eyck photography // floral: blush floral design

For more ideas for your blush wedding color palette, visit our last post here.

The ever gorgeous Kyoko and Rick are on Carats and Cake today!! Click the link and show them some love.

These two are a very special in our hearts here at Jubilee Events! We had the pleasure of witnessing Kyoko’s sister Sumiko wed Max back in 2014 and were right alongside this amazing duo to celebrate their day. We cannot tell you how much we adore every member of this family and are so fortunate to have witnessed and shared so many milestones and memories!

CREDIT REEL

Photography: Chike Photography
Ceremony + Reception Location: The Webb Barn
Flowers: Sharon Elizabeth’s
Beauty: Larissa Lake
Catering: David Alan Catering
Rentals + Linens: PEAK Event Services, La Tavola Linen

One of the first questions people will ask you about your wedding, after the way you were asked, when is the date, and what will you be wearing: your color palette! If you don’t have an idea where to begin for your summer wedding, we have a few ideas to inspire you no matter the locale of your day or the style you envision for it. Beyond your table linen, stationery, and floral pieces, there are many other places sneak in your wedding colors, including your menu, lighting, and celebratory decor!

These are a collection of just the start of our favorites — after all there are thousands of ideas to choose from and each one is like an ingredient in a masterful cake! 

periwinkle pink // magenta // clementine // peach // tanzanite // green

 

photos: Robert Norman Photography // floral: Just for You Floral Design

blush // ivory // champagne // lush green // navy

 

photos: Armor + Martel // floral: sayles livingston design // paper: coral pheasant stationery // linens: la tavola linen

magenta // petal pink // pink sand // peach // turquoise water // gray

 

photos: Ali + Julie // floral: Hana Floral Design // paper: We’re Into It

peach // blush // petal pink // mauve // violet // navy // chrome

 

photos: Carla Ten Eyck // floral: Stoneblossom // rentals: Peak Event Services

cream // petal pink // peach // tangerine // gray

 

photos: Lisa Berry // floral: Blush Floral Design // linen: La Tavola Linen

Oh, how I love and miss Vanessa, Lauren, their children and their friends / families! They planned one epic summer destination wedding in Maine that culminated in a spectacular, Barn at Walnut Hill wedding.

I’ve know Vanessa for years as the hard-working, creative mastermind behind her design company Two Paper Dolls. She’s wildly talented, the true definition of a boss lady (and one whom I immensely admire), and has an enormous heart. Lauren is very much the same– she’s the wildly talented, boss lady of Vanessa and Lauren’s sweet family (and my admiration for how dedicated she is to her family is overwhelming) with a heart to match the size of Vanessa’s. As a team, they’re pretty incredible.

Barn at Walnut Hill Wedding: Vanessa & Lauren’s Story

Here’s a bit more of their story, as written in Martha Stewart Weddings:

Vanessa Kreckel and Lauren Martin go back—way back, to the 1980s, when both were growing up in eastern Pennsylvania. As grade-schoolers and throughout high school, they played field hockey and softball together. If you ask Vanessa, who is two years older, she’d say she was the cooler of the two. Lauren remembers it differently: “I thought she was annoying; I hung out with her best friend’s younger sister.” In 1993, Vanessa went off to college and the two didn’t cross paths again until 2008, when the magic of Facebook rendered them “friends.” Lauren was now a physical-education teacher living in New York’s Hudson Valley, and Vanessa owned a graphic-design and letterpress firm, Two Paperdolls, in Philadelphia. “The best day ever was when she invited me to ‘like’ the Two Paperdolls Facebook page,” says Lauren. (Vanessa swears she was oblivious to these cyber flirtations.)

Offline, the best day ever was still to come, when the pair met again at a mutual pal’s Boston wedding in 2010. “I walked in and was like, ‘Is that the Lauren Martin from high school?!’ She was grown-up, gorgeous, and gay,” says Vanessa. After a night spent laughing and catching up (and with Lauren copping to her Facebook crush), Vanessa says, “I pretended that I didn’t know how to drive back to Philly and thought it would be a swell idea to follow Lauren to her place and find my way home from there.” They’ve been a couple—well, really, a family—ever since: Landon, Vanessa’s now 9-year-old son from a previous relationship, fell in love with Lauren, too. “The first time he met her, he told me, ‘I know she’ll be my mom someday,’” remembers Vanessa.

Another “best ever” contender was Mother’s Day 2012. By that time, Lauren was living with Vanessa in Pennsylvania and pregnant with their son Cash, now 2. That morning, Landon walked in with a poster Vanessa had made detailing the women’s relationship. “He gets down on one knee and says, ‘Laur, will you marry us?’” recalls Vanessa. “Who could say no to that?”

After baby Cash was born, the pair started scouting wedding locales in earnest, hoping to find a New England barn. Lauren suggested Maine, and after the family spent a weekend there, they settled on The Barn on Walnut Hill, a four-acre estate 20 minutes outside of Portland in North Yarmouth, and invited 100 guests for a summer weekend soirée.

Barn at Walnut Hill Wedding: The Wedding Weekend

The celebration started with a chartered whale watch in Portland’s Casco Bay. “The Bloody Marys were gone before we even left the dock,” says Lauren, who, along with Vanessa, met up with guests that night at a local brewery for a backyard-style barbecue. The next day, on June 28, 2014, in a sun-dappled forest, Vanessa, carrying Cash, walked down the aisle with her father as a band played “Ho Hey,” by the Lumineers. Lauren, escorted by Landon, followed, to the sounds of Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love.” The 35-minute ceremony, officiated by a friend, featured vows the couple had written themselves and a sweet speech from Landon.

Next order of business: partying down. After freshly shucked oysters and cocktails on the lawn, guests moved inside the barn for a dinner of dry-aged beef and poached Maine halibut. A DJ spun a mix of new and old jams as revelers ate slices from five kinds of pies (served instead of cake) and took turns at the penny-candy dessert bar. At night’s end, the newlyweds left amid a sparkler send-off—capping off what both women agree was the ultimate best day ever.

Barn at Walnut Hill Wedding: The Details

And now onto the details, as featured in Martha Stewart Weddings:

Vanessa, a graphic designer, created the letterpressed invites. The suite incorporated laser-cut wood pieces, rustic twine, and other Maine-inspired accents. Burlap bags, stocked with provisions, a “hangover kit” in a paint can, and the weekend’s itinerary, welcomed guests.

Lauren carried a free-form bouquet of peonies, anemones, succulents, seed heads, and blackberries, tied with an accordion-pleated silk ribbon. A vintage velvet ribbon, found in a Parisian warehouse, tied off Vanessa’s cluster of peonies, succulents, anemones, blushing bride proteas, and seeded eucalyptus.

Laser-engraved wood covered the programs. Included was a letter Vanessa wrote to Lauren’s father, who passed away in 2006. “Lauren’s dad was her favorite person, and vice versa. I knew celebrating this moment in her life without him was going to be really difficult,” says Vanessa. “By writing the letter, I wanted to honor him, tell him I would take care of his daughter for the rest of her life, and also let him know I’d come a long way from our field-hockey days!”

The couple (Lauren in Anne Barge Black Label and Vanessa in Claire Pettibone) wed in front of a canvas scroll custom-printed with a quote from the 13th-century poet Rumi. The ceremony, which was officiated by Vanessa’s childhood best friend’s husband, also featured selections from “We Are Six,” by A.A. Milne and the Goodridge Ruling, which legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts in 2003. The couple recited promises to each other that they’d written themselves. Lauren, who went first, surprised her wife with an original poem. “It was hilarious—and it rhymed!” says Vanessa. (An excerpt: You are gorgeous and smart, my perfect mate / And as everyone here knows, always fashionably late.) “My vows were more serious and emotional,” Vanessa says, laughing.

“The most beautiful part was that our kids were there with us on the day we became a legal family,” Vanessa says of her favorite memory of the day.

Die-cut escort cards printed with guests’ names and a map of Portland hung from a wall on the barn’s facade, where the dinner was held. For dinner, all 100 guests sat at two long tables under Edison bulb fixtures. Vintage vessels, holding a mix of blooms, plants, and herbs, helped set the boho scene. Table numbers referenced important numerals in the newlyweds’ lives—nine, for example, represented how many miles they hiked on their first official date. Inspirational quotes also appeared on the hemstitched linen napkins. The newlyweds started the dance party by twirling to Lionel Richie’s “My Love.”

Watch Vanessa & Lauren’s Wedding Film

Vanessa & Lauren | A Wedding Trailer film in Portland, ME from Matt Buckman on Vimeo.

 

Want to see more weddings like Vanessa & Lauren’s? Check out our destination weddings, barn weddings, same sex weddings and rustic weddings archives!

Vendor Credit Reel:

Location: The Barn on Walnut Hill

Event Planning: Jubilee Events

Catering: Eventide Oyster Co.

Floral and Event Design: Flora Fauna

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck

Videography: I Do Films

Stationery and Calligraphy:Two Paperdolls

Music: Carte Blanche [ceremony and cocktail hour]; Ray Jarrell [Reception DJ]

Rentals: New England Country Rentals; Revolve Furniture

Hair: Catie & Amy

Makeup: Diva Borelli

Brides’ Gowns: Claire Pettibone[Vanessa]; Anne Barge Black Label [Lauren]

Boys’ Attire: Trico Field

Boys’ Bow Ties: Forage

Wedding Rings: Anne Sportun; Todd Reed

Lighting: Ryan Designs

Custom Fabric Printing:Spoonflower

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Our clients always give special attention and care to the way their ceremony looks and feels. It’s the part of your wedding day everyone is here to witness, so putting some thought into the backdrop of where you’ll exchange vows is important!

For outdoor wedding ceremonies in Connecticut, there are a variety of fun and unique options for backdrops. Always consider your surroundings and why you chose the location. That will help to guide you in making decor decisions to enhance the feeling and atmosphere. Here are 3 stunning outdoor ceremony backdrop ideas for your Connecticut wedding:

3 Stunning Outdoor Ceremony Backdrop Ideas for Your Connecticut Wedding

Photography by Jasmine for Carla Ten Eyck

Family Tree: Stella and Brian created a family tree by hanging family wedding photos on a beautiful oak where they would say, “I do.” They hung one empty frame and during the ceremony snapped a Polaroid picture of themselves to add to the tree. We’ve seen this look inspire so many other couples over the years!  We love that people reuse the idea for their ceremony! Want to see more from Stella & Brian’s big day? Check out their blog post!

Photography by Justin & Mary

Orchard Blooms: Steve and Lauren Ann’s wedding took place in April, several weeks before the orchard they were set to say their vows in would be in bloom. So they created their own. The couple asked Hana Floral Design to decorate a bare tree with bright pink blooms, bringing to vibrancy and life to their early spring ceremony. Want to see more of Lauren Ann and Steve’s Spring wedding? Check out their blog post!

Photography by Carla Ten Eyck

Fabric or Paper Backdrop: When Vanessa, owner of Two Paper Dolls (TPD Design House) wed Lauren, she chose several inspiring quotes about love and printed them on over-sized pieces of fabric. They selected their favorite to stand in front of while they exchanged their vows to each other.

There is nothing we adore more than a great love story! Of course, we are met with many every day as we elaborate on them to design and plan our clients’ weddings. Nicole and Mikey’s story was one in the making since they were 9 years old, a detail that only began to etch at how sweet their love is for one another. As someone who loves special and symbolic meanings, it is vital that we note Nicole and Mikey’s wedding date of September 9th – a day that has become a part of our hearts forever!

As our dear bride put it perfectly, “What started as a school kid crush has flourished into a lifelong friendship and commitment to one another…” filled with the greatest of adventures. When you glance at Nicole and Mikey, you still catch that flirtatious look they would sneak one another, the inevitable smile that made your cheeks warm, and your heart feeling like it would beat right out of your chest.

Meeting their families only cemented the love these two grew, for this group was the epitome of family! They were so ready to celebrate love and every time you were in their presence, you felt like you were at your own family gathering, just short of a homemade lasagna on the table! It was no wonder how Nicole and Mikey grew a unit full of care, admiration, and respect of their own that you are proud to witness.

Furthermore, you saw this in the way Nicole and Mikey hosted their guests that day, treating them to thoughtful touches from the moment they arrived with welcome sips and treats and all throughout the reception as everyone found little personalized notes on straws and their menu cards. The sweetest display was the literal family tree that anchored our couple’s ceremony space, beginning their journey with those most important standing beside them. It was a crowd favorite to read the moniker the ever-famous Julia Child coined: “Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is one of life’s primal and most innocent delights – one that is both soul satisfying and eternal.” A gentle but momentous reminder why we were all together that day!

Now, with a story so incredible and a love so deep, you knew their wedding day could only mirror such romance. Starting with the Webb Barn, Nicole brought in a soft palette, ideas of crystal chandeliers, and sheer, draping fabrics to complement the dark wood of the venue. We added touches of gold throughout the space not only through some of our rented pieces, but with a series of mismatched, gold framed mirrors that reflected the energy brought into the barn by our couple and their family and friends.We are forever grateful to have had the wildly talented Katie Slater on board for the day as she captured every bit of the emotion and beauty present that day!

We also had a collection of beautiful vintage furniture – from seating to that gorgeous vintage desk guests used to sign that guest book – that our couple found at various flea markets or from their own home. Along planning, it was a pleasure to learn of Nicole’s keen eye for detail and design – it was a true collaboration of sorts and an endearing process to watch her vision come to life. It was this day just over a year ago that inspired our girl to launch her new venture: A Turning Page, a studio offering design, styling, and decor services to all of CT. We cannot wait to see the heights this takes off to, but more importantly, we cannot wait to get our hands on the various goodies that Nicole and Mikey have single handedly discovered and refurbished. 9.9 is living proof!

Nicole and Mikey, thank you so much for giving us the wonderful opportunity to learn your story and see it come to life. With a history rooted so deep, we are honored to have witness a day out of many that will be full of happiness and excitement. Cheers to many lifetimes of adventure!! XO

CREDIT REEL

Photography: Katie Slater Photography
Ceremony + Reception Location: The Webb Barn
Flowers: Just For You Floral Design
Videography: Dmitry Gordievsky
Catering: David Alan Catering
Music: DJ Max Baun – CZone Music
Bride’s gown: Christos from Everthine Bridal Boutique
Stationery: crafted by the Bride, Silk + Willow
Hair and Makeup: Larissa Lake
Bridesmaids’ dresses: WTOO and Hayley Paige Occassions from Bella Bridesmaids
Games + Furniture: A Turning Page
Photo Booth: Snapseat
Barn Decor + Lighting: Ryan Designs
Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / PEAK Event Services through Jubilee Events

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