Brilliant Blog

TIPS & SECRETS FROM A NEW YORK CITY PROPOSAL, WEDDING & EVENT PLANNER

Bothersome Bouquets

Notice a difference between the two brides in the first row and the brides in the second? The top two brides have perfectly placed bouquets as they walk down the aisle: at or below their waist. The ladies in the bottom row are holding their bouquets so high that it obstructs their face as they walk down the aisle. Don’t let this happen to you!

Wedding Aisle Bouquet Holding

Photos credit to one, two, three and four.

A Brilliant Destination Wedding: Round Hill Resort

There’s really nothing like a little bit of paradise during the holiday season!  I was lucky enough to visit Round Hill Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica earlier this month for a press trip. Nestled on a quiet cove, this tropical destination wedding venue is a great escape to the days of Fred Astaire, Oscar Hammerstein and John & Jackie Kennedy.

For couples searching for a private villa to host their wedding but don’t want to sacrifice platinum service and amenities, Round Hill is the perfect hybrid. They have 27 unique villas (ranging from 2-bedrooms to 6-bedrooms) with dedicated staff plus the pristine oceanfront hotel rooms of the Ralph Lauren-designed Pineapple House.

As the staff will tell you, “everything is possible” when it comes to your wedding. Whether it’s a barefoot beach ceremony, welcome drinks at the infinity pool or an open-air dinner on the oceanfront lawn – the only difficult part of your wedding planning will be choosing just one location for each event.

Dreaming of a wedding like this? Contact us today at 917.974.4729 or sarah@brillianteventplanning.com

Jamaica Destination Wedding Villa

Jamaica Destination Wedding

Jamaica Destination Wedding Bride & Groom

Photos courtesy of Round Hill.

Canopy Dreams

Call it a chuppah, call it a mandap, call it a canopy or an arch…this is downright dreamy!

Wedding chuppah or wedding mandap

Photo by James Christianson via Style Me Pretty.

Chair Choice Matters

The color of your chairs may be the last thing you are thinking about when deciding on the color palette of your reception, but your chairs can make (or break) your entire look.

In the examples below, you can see that choosing a fruitwood chair for this ceremony creates such a different look than the standard white chair. A red or turquoise chair coupled with a simple tablescape make a strong and immediate impact. Whether it’s selecting the right contrasting chair pad, a neutral wood over a standard white, or accenting the overall look with a specialty colored chair, chair selection makes a huge statement in your event decor.

Wood Wedding Chairs White wedding beach chairs

Red Wedding Chairs Turquoise Wedding Chairs

Please click on photos for source.

Food Trucks at Your Wedding

As a huge fan of the Red Hook contingent, I think food trucks are a fun alternative to traditional sit-down dinners. They are great for outdoor venues where your guests can walk right up to the truck and are in keeping with a relaxed, chill atmosphere that some couples crave. Worried about long lines at the trucks? Try hiring a few different trucks to help with wait time and give your guests many cuisine options.

Get that “platinum wedding” touch with customized food containers (foil wrappers, pizza boxes, sleeves) with your wedding logo and a graphic wrapper on the food truck itself.

Food Truck Waffles Wedding Catering

 

Photo of Wafles and Dinges courtesy of The Chic Brulee.

A Brilliant Wedding: Jennifer & Rob

Jennifer & Rob were married on the perfect fall day in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. These two came to us wanting nothing but the chance to enjoy their friends and family while basking in the glow of their wedding day. The Picnic House created a simply elegant backdrop, with florals from Blossom & Branch and photos from Jenny Kim, their nuptials were nothing less than picture perfect!

Outdoor Wedding BrooklynPicnic House Wedding Prospect Park Brooklyn

I love this sweet moment between the adorable bride & groom, so carefree and happy as they enjoy their wedding day! We were so honored to be part of such an amazing occasion, thank you!

Wedding Prospect Park

A Brilliant Wedding: Sandra & Jon

Sandra & Jon were married at the New York Botanical Gardens on a gorgeous fall day. Their guests were greeted with apothecary glasses filled with hot apple cider as they awaited the start of the sunset ceremony. After they exchanged their “I Do’s,” the couple hosted a fun-filled party complete with a packed dancefloor thanks to Around Town Entertainment, a photobooth and a spectacular candy bar. A special thank you to Jonathan Young for these beautiful photos. From the truly wonderful bride & groom to their darling family and friends, we were thrilled to be a part of their special day!

NY Botanical Gardens Wedding

Candy Bar Photobooth Wedding

A Brilliant Wedding: Michael & Christine, The Ceremony

The best rooftop in Manhattan was the setting for Michael & Christine’s sun-filled ceremony. 620 Loft & Garden provided the perfect NYC backdrop for them to exchange their vows. As her something blue, Christine had her baby bracelet pinned to the underside of her gown. With the sounds of the Theme from Forrest Gump, florals by Belle Fleur, a spectacular Pnina Tornai dress and a reading from the Velveteen Rabbit, this wonderful couple said “I Do.” These gorgeous photos are courtesy of Karin VonVoigtlander. Stay tuned for photos from their 1920s-inspired reception!

Rooftop Wedding New York

Wedding recessional bubbles

A Brilliant Wedding: Denise & Adam, the Reception

A gorgeous winery just outside of Manhattan was the idyllic setting for Denise & Adam’s reception. Laurita Winery was the perfect combination of rustic and elegant, built of reclaimed pieces from all over the Northeast. This lucky couple had their logo designed by a close friend of the groom’s – a play on their initials and the double helix of DNA, and Kayleigh Jankowski helped to incorporate it into their wedding day stationery.

New York City winery wedding

The head table was a farm table with legs made from reclaimed church pews.

Wedding Table Winery

Using the logo as inspiration, and with florals from Rountree Flowers, we designed a tablescape featuring shades of purple with green accents.

Green purple wedding winery

An intimate moment in the vineyards.

Laurita Winery Wedding New York City

Thank you, Denise & Adam, for letting us be part of your spectacular day. It was truly an honor!

All photos courtesy of the fantastic Jeff Tisman.

A Brilliant Wedding: Roy & Michele

Not even the threat of a NYC hurricane could keep these two from the altar! Roy & Michele enjoyed an intimate ceremony at the Ladies Pavilion in Central Park followed by a fun pedi-cab ride around the park and a sunset dinner at the romantic River Cafe overlooking the East River. Thanks to Zlatko Batistich for capturing their special day so wonderfully.

Central Park Wedding New York City