Brilliant Blog

The Proposal Planner: Robert & Mariela

May 18, 2012

Robert wanted to propose to Mariela on Valentine’s Day with her friends and family, so I designed a proposal concept inspired by their hopes and dreams for the future and found an inventive way to incorporate everyone into the experience.

The happy couple arrived to Ca Va for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, but when Mariela stepped into the private dining room, she was surprised by about 30 of her closest friends and family.  One by one, each person stepped forward and presented her with a  specially-wrapped gift.  A book on starting a small business gave her advice on the day care she plans to open, a photo of her with her mother represented the couple taking care of their families in the future, a garter tucked into a beach-themed box represented the laid-back, beachfront wedding they envisioned.

After she unwrapped each gift, he explained how he envisioned their future together, and got down on his knee to pop the question!  Mariela said yes and the couple enjoyed a celebratory dinner with their whole family.  Congratulations to Robert & Mariela!  Thanks to Sofia Negron for the fantastic photos, stay tuned for the video.

The Proposal Planner: Ange & Laurie

March 29, 2012

Ange wanted to propose to his princess, Laurie.  I drew inspiration from the  famed Rockefeller Family,  the closest thing to American royalty. As legend has it, one of the most elaborate Rockefeller parties involved each guest receiving a small silver trowel upon arrival. At the center of the dinner table was a long, low vase shaped like a trough, filled with sand.  Each guest used their trowel to dig into the sand and find their gift – a perfectly cut ruby, emerald  or diamond.

We began Laurie’s princess marriage proposal with a shopping spree at Bergdorf’s. Upon returning to their suite, Laurie was surprised by a professional hair & makeup artist – all with the decoy of it being part of their preparation for a fancy evening out. They made their way up to the penthouse and and saw a glass trough filled with crystals: inside she discovered a tiara, Queen Mary Louboutin heels and finally, her ring!  Tears of joy accompanied Laurie’s “Yes!” and an incredible dinner at Le Cirque followed. Thanks to Maggie Harkov for the incredible photos.

Valentine’s Day: Photo Session

January 19, 2010

Looking for a unique way to surprise your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day? Kirstin Frazell is offering Valentine’s Day mini-sessions in Central Park.  Bundle up and bring along some playful props – a bouquet of red roses or some chocolates to share!  You’ll have a blast and get some beautiful shots at one of NYC’s most popular backdrops.  For those brides & grooms on a budget, here’s your perfect chance to get gorgeous, professional engagement photos at an amazing discount.  Here are all the details:

Kiss Package – $150:  45 minute shoot, 20 digital images, private online gallery, 1 8×10 print and 1 5×7 print

Love Package – $200: 45 minute shoot, 45 digital images, private online gallery,  1 8×10 print, 1 5×7 print and 2 4×6 prints

Check out more information at Kirstin’s website.

Candles Outside – Beware!

April 5, 2009

Ahhh, don’t you just love the scene below? So home-y and gorgeous, a warm glow of candlelight illuminating a beautiful table.  It’s absolutely stunning! One thing to keep in mind when re-creating this lovely look: the wind! Don’t underestimate the power of the wind to blow out your candles, no matter how large the jar or candleholder is!

Instead of lighting & re-lighting votives until your fingers are burnt, just go for the cheap battery-powered votives. You’ll get the same look but without the headache.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

5 Valentines Day Ideas Your Girlfriend Will Love

February 11, 2009

Here are 5 super-romantic Valentines Day ideas that your girlfriend is sure to love! Special Bonus: these can also be adapted for some amazing proposals!

1. Book a private wine tasting and lesson with a sommelier at a wine bar (Try: Ayza Wine Bar in Midtown)
2. Reserve an art gallery for the evening (less expensive than you may think!) and have a “floor picnic” complete with wine, a blanket surrounded by candles and great music (Try: Hosfelt Gallery on 36th between 10th and 11th)
3. Hire a personal chef to come to your house and cook a gourmet meal.  (Like cooking?  Turn it into a class as well!  Check out Home Cooking NY)
4. Reserve 2 spots on the Sweet Walks New York Chocolate Tours and enjoy an afternoon of exotic, decadent chocolates.  (Our pick is the New Cuisine tour with Bert as the guide!)
5. Arrange a private pottery lesson and create your own art together like in the movie Ghost (Check out: The Painted Pot in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn)