Brilliant Blog

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

A Brilliant Wedding: Bill & Christine

Christine and Bill got married on a warm, sunny day in September. Their fun and lighthearted nature was present in nearly every aspect of their wedding. They exchanged vows in a Catholic ceremony and Christine stole the show in her intricately designed Monique Lhuillier gown and a lace bolero handmade by her mother.

Upon exiting the church, Christine and Bill were greeted by a sea of bubbles and headed to capture some carefree photos on the beach, while guests headed to Giorgio’s to start the festivities.  They kicked off the party with their first dance “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis and continued the party late into the evening. It was an absolute joy to be a part of their big day! Special thanks to the super-talented Roberto Falck for perfectly capturing the spirit of these two lovebirds.

Purple Wedding Details

Wedding Exit Bubbles

New York Pink & Purple Wedding

A Brilliant Wedding: John & Lauren

John and Lauren were married on a very hot July day at the incredible Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and were one of the most fun, laid-back and in-love couples I’ve ever worked with.  Not to be thrown off by the warm weather, Lauren was absolutely stunning in her Vera Wang gown and throughout the day, I could see they were so in tune with each other, just genuinely happy to be together. Their outdoor ceremony was simple and refreshingly sweet, with the bride walking down the aisle to Tango from Scent of a Woman.

When it came to the reception, their fun-loving personalities came out – a bourbon bar with spiced nuts showcased John’s love for a great bottle of whiskey and their introduction song of Big Pimpin by Jay-Z showcased their lighter side.  A great dance party followed as the new Mr. and Mrs. partied the night away under the glasshouse atrium.  Congratulations to John & Lauren, it was such an honor to be part of your day!

Outdoor Wedding Brooklyn Details

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding

Brooklyn Wedding Garden Bourbon Bar

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Wedding Bride & Groom

Photos courtesy of Daniel Krieger.

A Brilliant Wedding: Laura & Bryan

There are so many things that I loved about Laura & Bryan’s wedding day.  From the contemporary reception setting of The Glasshouses, to the juxtaposition of the romantic florals by Blossom & Branch, their choice of chameleon chairs, the tiny but meaningful details that appeared at every turn throughout the day – everything came together to be perfectly ‘them.’

My favorite part was their choice of cocktail hour music.  Laura & Bryan decided on an acoustic set by their band, The Benjamins.  Tunes from the early 90s were the musical backdrop – music that the bride and groom actually listened to when they met in college and still have on their iPods to this day.  It created an environment that was relaxed but elegant, approachable yet refined – just like the lovely bride and groom.

I’m also proud to share that their wedding was recently a feature on Style Me Pretty! Thank you to this wonderful couple for letting me be part of their day, it was truly an honor.

Romantic Wedding New York

Classic Wedding Manhattan

Romantic Wedding NYC

Glasshouses Wedding New York

Photos by Four Eyes Photography.

A Brilliant Wedding: Michael & Christine, the Reception

We designed Michael & Christine’s reception around a 1920s supper club. With cabaret-style seating, vintage lamps accented the florals from Belle Fleur on each table and tickets directing each guest to their seat, the entire evening was reminiscent of the legendary Cotton Club in Harlem. The 15-piece band was led by none other than the famous Tony DeSare and captivated the guests all evening from the stage of the Hudson Theater.

Millennium Broadway Hotel wedding first dance

1920s broadway New York Wedding

Unique Manhattan Wedding Idea

It was truly our honor to have been part of Michael & Christine’s amazing day!

Photos courtesy of Karin VonVoigtlander.

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

Joyful Recessional

What a great choice for a non-traditional recessional song!

A Brilliant Proposal: Edward & Nicole

Pull up a chair and some popcorn, here are the amazing images from Edward & Nicole’s engagement in Central Park!  This romantic proposal started with a serenade of over 15 singers and ended with a picture perfect picnic from Chef Ashton Keefe. Thanks to Mariann from Blue Daisy for capturing the exuberance and true love of this adorable couple.

After Nicole said YES, the couple enjoyed a mini engagement photo shoot on the grounds of Belvedere Castle and scrumptious picnic complete with champagne, a spread of gourmet cheeses, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, mediterranean chicken salad with pepper water crackers, fresh whole strawberries and chocolates from Jacques Torres…all while watching the outdoor Philharmonic concert.

All photos courtesy of Blue Daisy Photography.

Central Park Dream Proposal

We designed Edward’s proposal around the song “I Got You Babe,” a tune that holds special meaning for the couple.  It involved over 15 singers, red long-stemmed roses and an old-fashioned serenade by Edward.  Afterwards the couple enjoyed the best seats in the house for the New York Philharmonic concert and a gourmet picnic by Chef Ashton Keefe.  Special thanks to Motoko from Love In Progress and her team who created this spectacular video.  Stay tuned for the still photos from Mariann from Blue Daisy!

Nicole & Edward proposal highlights from Love in Progress on Vimeo.

Tunes for the Ride to the Wedding

On your wedding day, chances are that you’ll spend at least a few minutes in a limo of some sort. There’s nothing like being super nervous as you leave for the church or excited beyond belief surrounded by your entire bridal party on the way to photos…and you just can’t find the right song on the radio.  Avoid this Jerry Maguire moment and bring along a CD or your iPod and a Line In so you can listen to great music.

Bride in Limo

 

Photo courtesy of Hawthorne Photography