Winter Wedding at Ski Esta

Winter is upon us, and although not traditionally "Wedding Season"
-this wedding at the amazing Ski Esta in Newry, Maine proves that
winter weddings can be warm and wonderful!

Amanda and Josh were married last February and they wanted to wow their guests- 

Ski Esta was the perfect venue!

 The following beautiful images are courtesy of Carol Savage Photography.

The ladies prepared for the day in the amazing Master Bedroom suite

Views of Sunday River Ski Resort can be seen from every south facing window...

and there are so many windows!

 I had the pleasure of officiating Amanda and Josh's wedding ceremony 

in the Great Room.

Benches were used for ceremony seating to insure an unobstructed view. 

Rentals Unlimited handled all of our rental needs perfectly.

 

 Check out that amazing view as a backdrop!

Following the ceremony, guests proceeded downstairs for cocktails and festivity.  

Black Tie Catering provided a delicious selection of hors d' oeuvres and sushi.

 Delicious Caramel Apple Martinis served as the signature cocktail for the evening

 The Dining Room was set for a formal plated dinner.  

 We used calla lilies ordered by the bride to create tall elegant centerpieces, 

accented by birch candle holders, ivory chargers and custom menus 

folded into chocolate napkins.

 I love this photo taken from the second floor game room!

 

 After dinner, the dance floor was opened by the Bride and Groom

The Delta Knights provided a perfect soundtrack for the night's events!

 A friend of the Bride and Groom created the elegant Wedding Cake and the BMW Groom's cake!

Guests enjoyed late night s'mores buffet with gourmet marshmallows 

from Sweet Lydia's

...cocktails by the fireplace

  and some fun in the photo booth!

Congratulations Amanda and Josh!  

Blissful Beginnings loved being part of your special day!

Accessories vs. Excess-ories!

Lately I have been reviewing the past few years of weddings in my portfolio as well as checking out wedding blogs and the fresh crop of Wedding publications trickling in, and I have come back to the realization that that less IS more when it comes to wedding attire.
Being in the business for 15 years, I can usually "date" a wedding by tell-tale trendy clothing, gown style or accessories- dare we recall the leg-of-mutton sleeve and V-band headpiece with pouf?  The weddings that leave me guessing are those that I'd classify as Classic or Classically inspired. When I look at the gorgeous sepia-toned photo of my Grandparents' wedding, I see the class and elegance of the late 1940's- rich details of the fine silk of the trumpet skirt, delicate gardenias and lily of the valley in gloved hands, the neatness of a properly tied white bow tie and tailored suit. The look is romantic, timeless...not trendy.

Let us recall the famous words of Coco Chanel, "Before you leave the house, take one thing off"- this pertains perfectly to wedding accessories.  If you are rocking a fascinator, birdcage veil, statement necklace, chandelier earring, a crystal cuff, a colorful satin t-strap shoe and a jeweled belt you are guilty of accessory overload.  I am partial to choosing one (maybe two) "updated" (not trendy) accessories which will help your look feel fresh and current.

Are you having accessory envy?  Do you NEED to have a little of everything?  Well then, change it up throughout the day! Drop the veil and add that funky fascinator for the reception.  Add the belt or larger earring after the ceremony.  Accessory changes can follow the formality of the day's events.

 Make the trends work for you, don't give in to the temptation to have them all at once!