Planning a wedding? View our Digital Magazine
WEDDING STYLE BLOG
Inspiration for the Long Island Bride
Gowns by Eddy K Dreams Collection
Author: Long Island Bride and Groom
Category: Style Files Wedding Fashion
Select a Category Articles General Real Weddings Style Files Wedding Fashion Health & Beauty Wedding Cakes
Whether you're sailing away for your destination wedding or getting married close to home, you'll feel swept up in a fairytale in one of these Eddy K Dreams Collection gowns.
Things you didn't know about wine!
Author: Courtesy of Waerator, Eric Leckey Sommelier, WSET 3, CSW
Wine can intimidate and confuse and there is no real need for this. Drinking wine has been around for a long time (see below) and can be too steeped in tradition and formalities at times. As with most traditions in our society, they are based in superstition more so than fact and the perceived "snootiness" of wine does not help to attract new wine drinkers.
That said, there are lots of confusing and/or interesting facts that might be fun to learn. Maybe we can remove the shroud of mystery that envelops wine and learn some interesting facts about the best thing you can put in your glass…wine.
Waerator
· Toasting- The Romans started the practice of dropping actual pieces of toast in their glasses of
wine. This was to help with the excessive acidity that was common in early versions of wine-making.
· Wine deteriorates when oxygen hits it, yet it is the introduction of oxygen to the wine which gets the
wine in the most enjoyable and recommended tasting profile. It is a delicate balance between too much
air and not enough air. That is why everyone should aerate their wines properly with a good,
quality wineaerator.
· Vegan: While a lot of wine is Vegan, it would surprise you to know that a lot of wine is filtered through
gelatin and other animal products. So, if you are a vegan, remember to read the label first.
· · Italy- There is a fountain that dispenses wine, and yes, it is free. This is Italy after all.
· · The oldest bottle of wine has been traced back to 325 A.D. You can go see (not taste) the bottle which is
on display in a museum in Germany.
· · Sense of smell- Sommeliers like myself can tell you that the sense of smell is the most important
process involved in tasting and evaluating wine. What is interesting is physically, women are better at
tasting and evaluating wine than men. This is due to their heightened sense of smell.
· · Bubbles- In ancient Greece, it was thought that the bubbles in wine were from the phases of the moon
reacting to the wine, and was also blamed on evil spirits.
· · Wine Barrels- Why are they so expensive? The average age of a French oak tree that is used in making
the most common wine barrel in Europe is 170 years old.
· · There are around 10,000 varieties of wine grapes. A Grand Master Sommelier must know and
understand each of them as well as where the grapes would grow.
· · The Declaration of Independence was toasted with some Madeira wine that was imported for the King's
presumed visit. When he canceled his trip, the founding fathers thought it appropriate to use the wine
that was meant for the King of England as a worthy wine to toast with.
· · Napa was known for prunes before being known for wine.
· · Resveritol is a chemical found in red wine that is shown to reduce heart attacks and acts as a free-
radical remover.
· · A new planting of wine will take 3-5 years to produce the fruit needed to harvest for wine. This is an
expensive wait for the prospective winery owner and is another reason that wine startup companies are
expensive to own.
· · Prohibition- some wineries were able to survive prohibition by making sacrament wine for churches. Of
course, the output for this sacrament wine exceeded 1200% of needed production for churches. I wonder
what they could have possibly done with all that excess wine?
· · One Glass of wine needs a cluster of grapes to produce enough juice to fill the glass. This is about 75
grapes per glass.
· · One Bottle= 750 ml, 2.4 lbs of grapes, and will pour 4 full glasses of wine.
Bet you didn't know THAT about wine….
Eric Leckey
Sommelier, WSET 3, CSW
{Read More...}
Lindsay and Brent
Photography By Déjà Vu Studios
Author: Ivette Manners
Category: Real Weddings
While dating, one of Lindsay and Brent's favorite things to do together was to watch The Bachelor and The Bachelorette every Monday night. This shared interest sparked Brent's proposal to Lindsay. "Brent and I were going to dinner with my family to celebrate my birthday," says Lindsay. "Earlier that day, I was out shopping with mom and grandma and we planned on meeting Brent at the restaurant afterwards," says Lindsay. "When we arrived, the table was set for two extra people and Brent walked in with his parents and a rose in his hand." Brent then asked Lindsay if she would accept his final rose—just like they do on The Bachelor. "He got down on his knee, opened a ring box, and asked if I would marry him," says Lindsay. "I said YES!"
The couple held their ceremony at Curé of Ars Church in Merrick. The church's beautiful long aisle, high ceilings, and stained glass windows made a perfect setting for their meaningful ceremony. "A votive candle was lit for our loved ones who had passed away and could not be with us that day," says Lindsay. The bride and groom also wore charms - Lindsay's in her bouquet and Brent's pinned inside his jacket - which held photos of their grandfathers. Lindsay wore a sparkling Eve of Milady mermaid gown with a crystal-embellished, cathedral-length veil and carried a cascading bouquet with white roses and blue and purple orchids. Brent stood handsomely next to her at the altar in a charcoal-gray tuxedo from Foresto Tuxedo. Lindsay's maid- of-honor and five bridesmaids wore violet chiffon dresses in coordinating styles and the groomsmen were also dressed in gray tuxedos to match the groom.
The newlyweds made it a priority to attend the cocktail hour. "This was important to us and we were able to greet almost all of our guests during this time," says Lindsay. "This allowed us to really enjoy our reception. After all the work and planning, I wanted to have fun at my own party." Guests were treated to 10 different food stations at the cocktail hour, ranging from taco and mashed potato bars to pasta and carving stations.
The reception was held in a ballroom decorated with tall, white orchid centerpieces that picked up the lavender uplighting. The floral centerpieces also included vibrant violet, blue, aqua, and green blooms. "We loved the symmetry of the room," says Lindsay. "There were bars on both ends of the space and tables set up on either side of the dance floor."
After dinner, the couple cut their 4-tier, round funfetti cake with purple-and white ombré buttercream frosting which was decorated with purple, blue and aqua edible wafer butterflies on the sides.
The band Code Bleu kept the party going all night. "There was never a moment then the dance floor wasn't full," says Lindsay. The couple also had a cigar roller and a photobooth with lots of props for funny photos, and, as a wedding gift, Lindsay's mother hired a live painter. "Everyone loved this and now I have a beautiful Disney princess-like painted scene of our first dance to remember the moment forever," says Lindsay.
While the bride's favorite memory of the day was when she took a moment to look around the room and observed everyone's happy faces enjoying the reception, the groom recalls the second the church door opened and Lindsay walked down the aisle. "Brent actually cried as I came in, which was a perfect reaction," says Lindsay. "He was so happy it was infectious."
Deja Vu Studios
Here Comes The Bridesmaid
Reception Site:
The Inn at New Hyde Park
Photography & Videography:
Reception Entertainment:
Skyline Orchestras
Wedding Gown/Veil/Bridesmaid Dresses:
Bridal Reflections
Engagement Ring/Wedding Bands:
London Jewelers
All Star Limousine Service Ltd.
Guest Accommodations:
Courtyard by Marriott Westbury
Mens Formalwear:
Foresto Tuxedo
Bridal Registry/Gifts:
Bed Bath & Beyond.
What is Your Bridesmaid Dress Style?
Category: Wedding Fashion
Your bridesmaids dresses add to the theme and overall vibe of your wedding, and this is not simply limited to color.
Style of the dress, length, cut, sleeves, and any details in between really speak for your personal style and the entire
atmosphere of your wedding. So what style of bridesmaid dresses best suit you wedding?
If your wedding is bright and fun-filled, bright bridesmaid dresses are a great way to add a pop of color to your wedding
party. This color can be pulled directly from your theme, or can contrast with the colors that you used for an event more
vibrant effect.
Photo: Life Art Photographers
Photo: Cassarino Studios
Oftentimes, laid-back and more relaxed weddings will feature short bridesmaid dresses. These dresses are great for
warm-weather weddings, and ones where dancing is a center part of the wedding reception.
For a dash of elegance, long dresses will create an exquisite feel for your wedding. Long dresses are always a sophisticated
and classic choice that most bridesmaids will feel comfortable in.
Photo: Déjà Vu Photography
Photo: Clix Couture Photography
Neutral Tones
Your bridesmaid party can stand out even if they aren't donned in hot pink. More neutral dress tones are perfect for
accenting your wedding colors and theme and are always a very elegant choice.
Various Styles
If you like personality and customization while still sticking with the theme, this style of dress is perfect for you. You
can have the same color but different dress styles, or perhaps different hues of the same dress as not to have an
entirely cohesive bridal party look.
Remember that every aspect and detail of your wedding can be tailored (in this case, quite literally) to correspond with
a your vision. Your bridal party's wedding attire can highlight what you envision and encompass just as much of your
personality as the floral arrangements and food. And the best part? You can make it a collaborative effort between your
bridal party and what you want to perfectly balance the vibe of your wedding.
Passion for Fashion
Randy Fenoli Bridal
Author: Long Island Bride and Groom - Melanie Haid
Randy Fenoli Silver Springs Collection
At Bridal Fashion Week in Manhattan this past weekend, 'Say Yes to the Dress' star and designer Randy Fenoli released his new 2019, 36-piece collection, Silver Springs.
"Every collection that you see from me is inspired by the brides," said Fenoli, surrounded by his new gown collection. He emphasizes that every bride is different, and showcases this uniqueness in his new collection. "I have this fabric over here that's very light, delicate fabric, but it's got a nice big pattern. So if you're more curvy, the big pattern works and if you're more petite, the lightness of the fabric works." Fenoli's website also highlights his belief that "no matter what her size, age or shape, EVERY woman is beautiful." Every dress in Fenoli's collection goes up to a size 30, which can be ordered for no extra charge.
Fenoli has been designing and sewing gowns since he was 9 years old, and graduated from FIT with multiple awards for his designs. He released his first two collections, Randy Fenoli for the Diamond Collection and Randy Fenoli for Dressy Creations after graduating. He worked as the Kleinfeld Bridal Fashion Director for five years and is now returning to designing, releasing his own collections of dresses.
This new collection features a variety of fabrics, silhouettes and styles to suit any bride. Beautifully embellished with beading, lace and other embroideries make the dresses unique, and every strapless dress in the collection has a detachable strap or sleeve, according to Randy.
Randy Knows Best: Quick Tips to Make Your Wedding Dress Yours
Know what you want: "Every single dress, I'm think who's going to buy this, where are they going to wear it, what kind of wedding is it going to be, how's she going to bustle it, is she going to be dancing?" Randy asks all of these questions when choosing a dress for his brides and so should you! It's important to identify what suits the occasion."
Know who you are: Every bride is different and unique. "If you're just true to yourself and your fiancé and follow your own style and your own life and what your likes and dislikes are, your wedding's going to be unique because nobody's like you." You are an individual for a reason, and there are plenty of things that make you you.
Know your lifestyle: "What's your religious background, what are your traditions, how do you dress during the day, what is your life like? Is it quiet, is it understated or do you party every night? That's going to be indicative of what your wedding's going to be." The life you live should be reflected in your wedding - after all, it's your wedding! Your vibe and lifestyle should be reflected in your dress, and can be incorporated into any detail for your big day to make everything truly yours.
Ja'Nair and Lummie
Music helped bring Ja'Nair and Lummie together. Ja'Nair, a marketing manager, met Lummie, a professional musician, five years ago when she was organizing a networking event for her employer. The owner of her company was a jazz enthusiast, so she searched for a dynamic jazz musician to play at the event. That's how she found Lummie. "He and I then worked together on a charitable event that I organized and we both realized that there was something special happening between us as we became friends and fell in love," says Ja'Nair.
Lummie picked the perfect occasion to propose. Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Lummie had moved to New York to pursue his music career, but his mother and brother still lived in his hometown and hadn't had the chance to meet Ja'Nair's parents. "Lummie and I thought it would be a nice idea to host a Memorial Day barbecue so that my parents could finally meet his mom and brother," says Ja'Nair. "It was going to be an intimate affair and everyone was excited to spend the entire weekend together." Lummie helped Ja'Nair make sure that everything would be perfect for their guests. Lummie attempted to make drinks with two brand new blenders that kept breaking before announcing that dinner was ready and they should all say grace before eating. "Everyone gathered around in a big circle in the backyard and held hands as Lummie thanked our guests for coming," says Ja'Nair. "Then he turned to me, looked me in my eyes, and began telling me how blessed he was to have me in his world and couldn't imagine not having me by his side for the rest of his life."
After Lummie got down on one knee, Ja'Nair started to cry and could hardly stand still long enough for Lummie to put the ring on her finger. "I said 'yes' and everyone clapped and cheered," says Ja'Nair. "His brother even had his father watching it all on FaceTime."
The wedding ceremony took place at the Second Baptist Church in Baldwin. "The ceremony was the most important part of our wedding day," says Ja'Nair. "All of the religious elements we included had meaning to us." Ja'Nair and Lummie decided on a traditional Baptist ceremony, along with a few special additions including an exchange of their own written vows, a solo sung by Lummie's bother, Lindsey Spann and Lummie's father Lummie Spann, Sr., a Methodist minister, closing the ceremony by pronouncing the newlywed's man and wife.
After the ceremony, the bride, who wore a satin YSA Makino ball gown and cathedral-length veil, and the groom, dressed in a navy Joseph Abboud tuxedo, left the church in a Rolls-Royce Phantom, while the bridal party followed in a Cadillac Escalade stretch limo.
Photo: Déjà Vu Studios
The reception was held in the ballroom of Westbury Manor in Westbury, which was decorated in various shades of purple with gold accents. Each table was adorned with gold ruffled chargers, gold napkin rings embellished with the letter "S", and alternating lush high-and-low floral arrangements.
At the end of the evening full of celebrating, the couple cut a three-layer vanilla wedding cake with raspberry-and-French Chantilly cream filling, covered in white fondant and gold wiring.
"Lummie is truly the man of my dreams and those words we spoke to each other, witnessed by our friends, family, and clergy were sacred to me."
The next day, the couple hosted a post-wedding brunch and then left for a mini-honeymoon at a resort in New Jersey, which was a romantic getaway before their big Parisian honeymoon in the spring.
Ceremony & Reception:
Westbury Manor
In The Mix Professional DJ Service
Colonial Flower Shop
Hyatt Place Garden City
Victor Talbots
Calligraphy:
Just the Write Touch
Wedding Cake:
Francesco's Bakery
Macy's Wedding & Gift Registry
Wedding Cakes Come In Many Forms
Tony Lante Photography
Category: Style Files Wedding Cakes
These cakes are truly love at first bite! Warm, neutral colors and tones are perfect for any Fall inspired wedding style.
There are so many options to make your wedding day unique. Adding a touch of the outdoors with pine cones is just
one example - the possibilities are endless.
Elegant Bride
Cassarino Studios
Category: Style Files
Walk down the aisle in sparkling style. Getting your accessories right is essential to completing your wedding look.
One Fine Day Photographers
Date: Sep 26, 2018
Author: Long Island Bride and Groom - Stephanie Bongiorno
Getting Wedding Ready: Products You Need in Your Makeup Bag
Déjà Vu Studios
Category: Health & Beauty
Silverfox Photography
Kathleen and James
Photography By Silverfox Photography
At the suggestion of a good friend while on a beach vacation in Mexico, Kathleen reluctantly signed up on OkCupid to meet someone new. "She tried to persuade me by saying she was also online and there was no commitment if I didn't like it," says Kathleen. "At first, I told her I was totally against putting myself back out there and felt I was fine with being single for a little while longer, but once we returned from our vacation and the reality of being back in cold New York hit, I realized maybe I did want to see if there was any potential in the online dating world." So, Kathleen made a profile, added her pictures, and waited. She received messages right away but was immediately uninterested. "I texted my friend to tell her that I had signed up, but it just wasn't going to work out," says Kathleen. When she told her she was only on it for 15 minutes, "she laughed and told me I clearly needed to give it more time." Kathleen then went back to her computer and a minute later James messaged her. "The second the bubble came up with his photo and a message, I knew this was going to be something," says Kathleen.
On one of their first dates, James took Kathleen to see her favorite singer Jason Aldean perform. "Going to country music concerts quickly became our thing," says Kathleen. For their one year anniversary, James surprised Kathleen with a trip to Mohegan Sun to see Jason Aldean in concert. "We had front row tickets to a VIP show before the concert!" says Kathleen. Prior to the VIP show, Jason's assistant came around with index cards for a Q&A with Jason and his fans.
At the time, Jason and his wife Brittany were pregnant, so Kathleen's question asked if they were going to find out the gender of their baby. "When Jason came out, I was standing right in front of him! He performed a few songs and when it was time for the Q&A they read my question." Kathleen was so excited that she began recording it on her phone. Right after her question, Brittany came out on stage and told Jason she had a question, but needed his help to read it. They then read: "Kathleen, James wants to know if you'll marry him." Kathleen was so shocked that she had forgotten she was still recording. She rested her phone on the stage, turned and saw Jim down on one knee. "Of course, I shouted 'yes'."
Kathleen and James decided on a summer wedding, starting it off with their ceremony at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. Kathleen wore an ivory Badgley Mischka mermaid gown and James stood beside her in a navy tuxedo from Foresto's. After the ceremony, the couple celebrated their nuptials at Larkfield in East Northport.
"Our DJ from Silverfox Entertainment did a great job starting out our night with songs from the Rat Pack, then played music from the 80s, 90s, and current remixes," says Kathleen. "At the end of the evening, they closed the party with 'The Time of My Life'." The photobooth was a nice addition to the reception. "The props were so funny and creative," says Kathleen. "Everyone had a great time making memories."
Guests were greeted by a donut wall featuring a variety of chocolate and vanilla donuts, all with blush-colored frosting dusted with gold, incorporating the two colors from their wedding palette as they exited the reception.
"One of our favorite parts of the wedding was the sparkler send off," says Kathleen. "Our bridal party met us in the garden and it made the wedding feel magical. However, my most treasured memory of the day was our first dance. It was the first moment that day that I felt as though it was just he and I together as a married couple."
Larkfield
Silverfox Entertainment
Wedding Gown:
Lotus Bridal
Save The Dates:
The Groom's Fashion Guide
Author: Duncan Reyneke
Weddings are the great equalizer. No matter who you are, or what your own personal style is, wedding dress codes make well-dressed men out of all of us. And there's nobody at the ceremony under more pressure to look the part than the groom.
What he {and, by association, his groomsmen) wears helps to set the tone for the entire event. How lucky, then, that, as it turns out, there's a ton of amazing options out there for creating the perfect look. With a few choice tips and insights, and Long Island Bride and Groom magazine to find your outfit, your choice just became all the easier.
As the groom, you'll find yourself treading a fine line between two very important ideas: being the best dressed man at the ceremony, and wearing something that complements and accentuates your bride's gown. Remember that this is an occasion for photos. You want to look your best so your pictures are amazing years from now, but not over the top or inappropriate next to everybody else.
A short rule of thumb, before we begin: do everything you can to be the best-looking man at the ceremony. Keep that clear in your mind, and it becomes much easier to choose a suit or tux that works for you. Considering coat tails? A top hat or cane? Ask yourself whether these elements specifically are a better look for you, or if you simply like the idea of them. Build your outfit around this credo, and you'll find outfit building much less mysterious, overall.
And, on that note, let's start with a list of five style essentials you'll need to consider before deciding on your attire:
This is step one in deciding on any outfit, as it affects the basic structure of your entire wardrobe. Spring or summer weddings mean opportunities for suspenders, bow ties, higher ankles on pants, and rolled up sleeves at the reception. Having your nuptials in fall or winter, on the other hand, calls for layers, wool waistcoats, neckties, and sumptuous tweedy materials. Whatever the season, remember your outfit needs to be practical as well as look good on you.
Every wedding is a unique experience, and it's up to you to decide on what style you're looking for. That said, part of that decision is in dressing the part. Relaxed daytime weddings with a casual dress code can warrant a linen suit and lighter colors. Something more traditional, perhaps, and men's forma l wear you're in the running for a well-tailored suit in a dark color. Depending on the feel of the wedding, you could go as formal as a tux, white shirt, and stylish accessories.
This is a question of practicality. Outdoor weddings don't often merit a set of mirror- shine black dress shoes and full evening dress. Nothing looks better on a ballroom dance floor, though. Similarly, while a hotel reception might not be the place for brown seersucker or khaki, these fabrics really work in a garden wedding.
THEME OR COLOR SCHEME
This one might sound obvious, but nothing goes without saying on a day like your wedding: try to dress to your bride, or, at least, to your overall color scheme. Ball gowns look best next to tuxedos, and flowing flower dresses complement linen shirts. Pick an accent on your suit to match to something she's wearing, like your cufflinks to her belt, and consider matching your tie or bow tie to the predominant color of the decor. If you won't be seeing her dress until the big day, ask her to be transparent about certain elements you could dress to match, without giving away the whole look.
PERSONAL FLOURISHES
It's a common belief that weddings are "for the bride", and that might be somewhat true for yours, as well. Keep in mind, though, that this is your wedding as well. A pair of argyle socks in your favorite color, or a subtle cufflink in the shape of Superman's "S" are examples of grooms having a little fun and showing off their own style in a reserved but meaningful way.
Now that we've covered the basics, you'll be happy to know there are some great trends to look out for in 2017, to give your ensemble a fresh, hip look. Bow ties, for starters, with short vests not falling below the belt line, are popular with grooms. Light shades like silver, white, and gray, for summer, and darker graphites and blues, in winter, are hot property, with designers opting for shaded graphite and grey suits, to give grooms a cooler, more hued effect.
A note on tailoring: one of the most commonly reported issues with wedding photographers among the brides and grooms are poorly-fitting suits that look out of place next to the fitted outfits of guests and the bride. Renting your tuxedo is a perfectly reasonable choice, if it isn't done at the last minute. You still need a suit or tux that fits and looks good on you -this means you should go rental shopping early, to make sure you don't look like you're wearing someone else's suit on your big day.
This is also an opportunity to buy a new, tailored suit, and you should give it some proper consideration. Get measured for your suit and allow for two to three months at the suit-maker, so as not to rush the project. With a few weeks left before picking it up, go in for a final measurement and fitting, so the tailor can adjust it. The final product will look phenomenal - a worthwhile investment and really one of the best ways to look your very best on your wedding day.
Lastly, remember this word of warning: you're only as strong as your weakest link. In this case, that means your groomsmen. Make sure everyone in the groom's party is measured and coordinated at the same time as you're arranging your own outfit. Groomsmen can match the groom in accessories or basic suit elements, such as waistcoats or ties. As w with your own suit, avoid outfits that might not match the style of your event, looking out of place.
Ultimately, your wedding attire should come down to the point we made at the beginning of this article: what would make you look your absolute best on your big day? Don't put off renting a tux or choosing a suit until the last minute - this is a big occasion for you as well as everybody else. Step out in style, with some choice accessories and groomsmen who look the part, and get ready for some good looking wedding photos you can show off for years to come.
Event of the Year
One Fine Day Photogrpahers
10 TRENDS THAT'LL MAKE YOUR WEDDING ONE-OF-A-KIND
No matter what type of wedding you're planning, we know that you'll want it to be extraordinary and timeless; but even trendy concepts and contemporary elements can make your fete a unique classic. Couples are focusing more on details and style rather than themes to set their grand affair apart. Here are ten of the best trends that will help you plan a personalized and unforgettable bash.
1. BREATHTAKING CANOPIES
One of the biggest trends in weddings is actually the return to tradition; and as traditional nuptials are favored again, romantic settings for the ceremony are becoming a highlight of the event. The happy couple framed by gossamer-like fabric, bursts of flowers, or enchanting lanterns as they exchange their vows makes for dreamy photos. Customize your ceremony and keep your guests engaged in the meaningful moment with a tulle-draped arch, garland-wrapped altar, or flower-adorned chuppah. A decorated canopy works for both indoor and outdoor affairs and lends to dozens of options and ideas. You can keep it simple- with a basic structure fringed with cascading flowers or ribbons- or go all out, by including elegant floral structures or a chandelier. Either way, make it the focal point of your ceremony, which will set the mood for you and your guests to feel the excitement of the day.
2. LUSH DÉCOR
There's a major boom in wedding floral decor with more brides no longer skimping on their flowers. Delicate blooms like roses, lilies, and peonies are still the popular petals of choice for dressing up aisles, altars, and tables; but now lush natural greenery is also being worked into the design. Compact flower displays are out and soft presentations are in - think enchanting arrangements suspended over banquet-style dining tables, elevated tablescapes, and whimsical chandeliers made out of flowers or greenery. "Little details like a mini flower arrangement or sprig of greenery attached to a tag, makes for a charming place card adornment on each napkin and finishes the table design beautifully," says Lindsey Relyea Richardson, owner and creative director of L'Relyea Events.
3. LOTS OF TEXTURE
Mixing metals and textured elements with lush flora is the new way to add dimension and glamour to wedding decor. Incorporating unique flatware, decorated glasses, and stylish serving platters steps up your table design and helps showcase place cards, menus, and signs. "Bountiful green foliage alongside beautiful textured elements like vintage sterling silver flatware and crystal glassware creates a romantic look," says Relyea Richardson.
4. ROSE-GOLD DÉCOR
Rose gold details are the latest accessory for brides- not just to enhance their dress, but also to adorn their event, says Sarah Finlayson-Banasiak, chief creative officer of The Revel Group. Pink-toned metallic touches- from tabletop pieces and chairs to desserts and favors- add warmth and glimmer throughout an event's design. This glitzy look is more subtle and sophisticated than the previously favored high -drama sparkle; and because this lustrous hue complements almost any color palette it's easy to incorporate. Be creative and accent your affair with surprising details like foil -pressed invitations, shimmery dinner napkins, and rose-gold dusted petit fours.
5. LIVELIER COLORS
While blush and white will always be beloved wedding hues; and neutral palettes of delicate greys and earth tones are still in vogue, a more colorful palette with soft shades like Robin's egg blue, icy lemonade yellow, and misty pink are becoming big bridal requests. Brides are also choosing stronger hues of blue, green, and red for their wedding decor. "The infusion of these new bridal color choices has brought a fresh spin on wedding decor and opened many different possibilities for ideas," says Jacin Fitzgerald, owner and creative director of Jacin Fitzgerald Events. "Brides are now looking to their favorite colors, home decor, and fashion for inspiration rather than other couples' weddings to come up with their color scheme."
6. LASER-CUT DETAILS
Laser-cut embellishments evoke the look of lace, so no wonder it's currently all the rage for weddings. Depending on how you incorporate the intricate cutout details, it can make your event classic and tailored or modern and fun; and because it's so versa tile you can work it into almost every element of your wedding design. Some great ways to use laser-cut details throughout your event are in your invitations, table numbers, menus, aisle runner, place cards, candleholders, and even the icing on the cake.
7. BRUNCH WEDDING RECEPTIONS
Couples today are always thinking of creative ways to plan inviting, intimate dining settings for their wedding, and what could be more delightful and exclusive than a cocktail-filled brunch reception? Brunch receptions, usually held between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, are rivaling dinner affairs, especially since they let brides play with festive menu offerings that include rose wines and champagne, gourmet breakfast-food passed hors d'oeuvres, and decadent dessert buffets. Keep the look of the event formal by using fine china, lots of flowers, and classy signature drinks; and the atmosphere mellow with soft music and a pretty lounge space.
8. SMALL CAKES
Tall, over-the-top wedding cakes have long gone the way of the trademark three-layer bridal confection, and now displaying a pretty petite cake with an array of desserts is chic. Couples are loving the idea of serving several small cakes or displaying just one with a variety of cookies, candies, and pastries. You can also choose to serve mini individual cakes to each guest, which makes for a gorgeous presentation and just the right amount of dessert.
9. COUPLE'S MONTAGE
All of your guests will want to know how you and your groom met and how he proposed, and of course you're happy to tell all. Instead of a long video of baby photos and milestones in each of your lives, amuse your guests with a professionally done video that artfully narrates how you fell in love. Couples are also working with their photographers and videographers to incorporate an engagement photo or video session in the montage, which makes the presentation even more special.
10. VIDEO BOOTHS AND PHOTO VIGNETTES
The photo booth has become a popular staple at almost every wedding, offering entertainment for the guests, time for socializing, and a memorable keepsake for the bride and groom. As with all great ideas, they can always be made better. Photo booths have given way to the video booth, which also comes complete with props so that guests can record messages for the newlyweds. The next big thing in wedding photo ops is actually an old idea- a vignette set up for the guests, bridal party, and couple to take portrait-type photos. Style a vignette or set up a fun kissing booth that'll coordinate with your wedding's decor and vibe. Even trendy details can be meaningful and enduring; as long as you choose elements that reflect your personalities and tell your love story, you'll wow your guests and design a truly extraordinary day.
There's a major boom in wedding floral decor with more brides no longer skimping on their flowers. Delicate blooms like roses, lilies, and peonies are still the popular petals of choice for dressing up aisles, altars, and tables; but now lush natural greenery is also being worked into the design. Compact flower displays are out and soft presentations are in - think enchanting arrangements suspended over banquet-style dining tables, elevated tablescapes, and whimsical chandeliers made out of flowers or greenery. "Little details like a mini flower arrangement or sprig of greenery attached to a handwritten name tag, makes for a charming place card adornment on each napkin and finishes the table design beautifully," says Lindsey Relyea Richardson, owner and creative director of L'Relyea Events.
Jessica and Fabrizio
Photography By Cassarino Studios
Author: Angela Ash
Many love stories begin with a well-meaning friend who decides that two people would be perfect for each other. In this case, such an introduction a little over seven years ago finally culminated in Jessica and Fabrizio's magical wedding celebration.
It seems that the element of surprise was a factor in this relationship, including the proposal. What started off as a regular day ended quite differently for Jessica? In her own words, "It was an early Friday morning, and I was getting ready to pick up my mom from JFK airport. Fabrizio started the day with what seemed to be his regular routine, going off to work. When I returned to our apartment, my mom went to run a few errands, and I went upstairs. When I opened the door, Fabrizio was down on one knee, with red rose petals scattered across the floor."
Jessica was completely thrown off guard, but quickly answered with a resounding "YES!", and the couple soon began to make wedding plans, starting with elegant black-and-white invitations.
Jessica and Fabrizio were wed at the Garden City Hotel, with day-of-wedding photos also taken in the streets of Garden City to capture a real local vibe. Jessica and Fabrizio were married by a family friend, Pastor Bob. The ceremony was packed with both family and friends and featured dim lighting, pillar candles and a fragrant flower wall made up of white orchids and hydrangeas.
Jessica was dressed in a satin mermaid-style gown designed by Ines Di Santo, boasting a sweetheart top, a long train and an open lace back. The simple white tulle veil fell symmetrically below the waistline, and her bridal bouquet included a combination of pink and white roses, embellished with subtle crystals.
The bridesmaids also wore mermaid style, off-the-shoulder gowns, in black. Fabrizio and his groomsmen wore black tuxedos with black ties, designed by a custom clothier. White rose boutonnieres completed this classic look.
The unforgettable reception followed the ceremony at the same venue, the Garden City Hotel. With 275 guests in attendance, the overall mood was one of romance and elegance. Jessica adds, "The amount of love, happiness, and energy we felt was even more than we could have imagined. All of our guests were dancing throughout the entire night, thanks to Unique Entertainment, and we must say that those were some of our favorite moments of the evening." The décor for the reception was creative, with three different styles of centerpieces for the 26 tables —all filled with hydrangeas, plus pink and white roses, and draped with crystals to match the bouquets.
The cocktail hour started off with pasta, meats, an antipasto, and seafood. The full menu further included 10 different food stations, including pasta, seafood, carving and slider stations, and even Asian and Mexican fusion. Everyone was also delighted with the cake, a beautiful five-tiered cannoli masterpiece set off with pink roses. To top things off, there was a specialty cocktail station, featuring Banana-Infused Jameson.
Fabrizio's favorite memory of the day was seeing his bride for the first time, while Jessica's was finally saying "I DO!"
The happy couple went on to have an amazing two-week honeymoon in Italy, where they visited Rome, Tuscany, Florence, the Amalfi Coast and even Fabrizio's family in Durazzano.
For other couples planning their weddings, Jessica suggests that you just have fun with it, and all of the details will fall into place.
The Garden City Hotel