Brilliant Blog

Trend Alert: Food Trucks

December 13, 2012

Step aside food stations, there’s a new catering trend in town! Food trucks! This food trend has quickly become a staple of the after party and more recently, of the reception itself. The food truck ups the fun factor and allows guests to put their own spin on dinner. Now, if only every wedding venue had a place to park a truck or two!

Photos courtesy of Figlewicz Photography and MadeULook Photography

Today Show Feature!

December 5, 2012

If you missed me on The Today Show, here’s the clip! Thank you to all the fantastic vendors that made this happen, including the Intrepid, Paparazzi Proposals, Brewster High School Marching Band, Kristan Pozzuto, Bill’s Flower Market, Abigail Hancock, and The Today Show team!

The Proposal Planner: Sam and Dorien

November 29, 2012

Last Spring, Dorien received a card with a lipstick “kiss,” just like when she first met Sam. Then, she was surprised with a luxury transfer to a private room overlooking Central Park!

Inside the car, Dorien discovered a personalized first-aid kit, inspired by something she had made for Sam in the past. It was full of things for the two of them to do for the rest of their lives together. One of my favorite items was the gourmet pancake mix!

When Dorien arrived, she found found a sea of rose petals and in the midst of them – Sam! He proposed right then and there, in front of a stunning Central Park view and she said “Yes!” Congratulations Sam and Dorien!

Photos Courtesy of Blue Daisy

A Brilliant Wedding: Natasha and Harvard

November 21, 2012

On October 1, 2011, we had the pleasure of watching Natasha and Harvard get married in a beautiful chapel within the Church of Heavenly Rest on the Upper East Side.

These two lovebirds wanted a simple celebration, with the emphasis on family and friends. So, following their intimate ceremony, everyone headed to Amaranth Restaurant for some good food and fun!

Unlike most weddings, they allowed the speeches to be open to all, giving the reception a cheery, family-feel. As a final touch, each guest received an adorable box of macarons at their place. Congratulations Natasha and Harvard!

Photos courtesy of Laurie Rhodes Photography 

Mixed Bridesmaid Bouquets

October 31, 2012

The bridesmaids from Georgia and Chris’ Wedding inspired us! Each bridesmaid had their very own bouquet, which spoke to the individuality of each girl. This is definitely a do!

Photo courtesy of: Joshua Brown Photography

A Brilliant Wedding: Georgia & Chris

October 17, 2012

Georgia and Chris said their “I do’s” on a lovely Saturday last September. Following a touching ceremony at a local church, their gorgeous reception took place at the Tribeca 360, aptly named for the stunning panoramic views of Manhattan that wedding guests were able to enjoy! In addition to the incredible view, my favorite part of their wedding was the bridesmaids’ bouquets from Blossom & Branch. To celebrate their individuality, Georgia had each bridesmaid carry a bouquet whose floral design was personalized to their taste. I love this idea as  - stay tuned over the next few weeks for a post on this new trend! Later, guests danced to oldies music that was played on records, a retro detail which perfectly suited this fun-loving couple. Congratulations Georgia and Chris!

Photos by Joshua Brown.

A Brilliant Wedding: Katie & Jason

August 1, 2012

Katie and Jason were married on Labor Day weekend of 2011 and were fortunate to have some of the last good weather of the summer! Their First Look was done in and around Central Park, with some of NYC’s most iconic images, like hot dog carts and yellow cabs, drifting in and out of their photographs. Katie and Jason then went on to exchange “I Do’s” in an intimate ceremony at The Harold Pratt House on Park Avenue.

Afterwards, Katie and Jason made their way up the grand spiral staircase, along with their family and closest friends, to the candlelit library for cocktails. The reception took place across the hall in the elegant dining room. There, guests enjoyed delicious creations made by Park Avenue Catering. The pastel pink and white flower centerpieces by Rebecca Shepherd were the perfect compliment to the classic décor.

By the time the first dance began, it was clear that Katie and Jason couldn’t be happier together and Katie was all smiles as Jason twirled her around the dance floor. Later on, guests took a break from dancing to enjoy a decadent cake from Baked. It was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful couple’s picture perfect day!

 Photos courtesy of China Jorrin Photography

A Brilliant Wedding: Bill & Christine

June 13, 2012

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.

A Brilliant Wedding: John & Lauren

April 25, 2012

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!

Photos courtesy of Daniel Krieger.

A Brilliant Wedding: Annie & Dan

March 7, 2012

It’s not every day that you get an email from a prospective client asking for help planning their entire wedding in six weeks. But, Annie did just that and through lots of decisiveness and hard work, we pulled it off!  The challenges for their wedding didn’t end with the short planning timeline. Annie is a Texas sweetheart based out of London and her husband, Dan is a Jersey boy turned military commander and professional triathlete who was stationed in Afghanistan. Despite all this, they were married on a perfect summer day on one of NYC’s best rooftops.

Annie allowed me to take some chances with design (most brides immediately shy away when the words “turquoise table linens” come out of my mouth) and I have to admit, their wedding design turned out to be a personal favorite of mine. Thank you to Mariann from Blue Daisy for these drop-dead gorgeous photos and for capturing Annie & Dan’s vivacious and fun approach to life, love and their wedding.