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!

Can't fight Mother Nature

SO...as we creep up on what "should" be a perfect, late Summer wedding weekend, the threat of Hurricane Irene looms.  Welcome to New England!  Planning your wedding festivities around the weather is a roll of the dice, a guesstimate, a leap of faith.   As we roll into a weekend filled with the words PLAN B, let's focus on the Marriage as opposed to the Wedding- Love is Love, come rain or shine!

Hinkley Photography

Margaret Singer photo

Margaret Singer photo

Hinkley Photography

Melinda Butler photo

Best of Bride 2011

We are so happy to be voted Best Wedding Planner and Best Justice of the Peace 2011 by New Hampshire Magazine Bride voters!  This is our 3rd Year in a row receiving these honors. 

We strive to provide the most personalized wedding services in NH and New England and we thrilled that the majority of our clients are referrals from past customers or vendors who know our work best. We are so appreciative of  these "word of mouth" recommendations and also the time that our clients and friends have taken to vote for us.

THANK YOU! 

On the Web- Kiele and Jay's Beach Wedding

What a beautiful day to look back and remember Kiele and Jason Gregoire's fabulous beach wedding, Now on Style Me Pretty Little Black Book Blog!

 

It was a picture perfect September afternoon- it's the kind of day that we wedding people dream of (and wish for for all of  out clients!)

From the incredibly-fun-to-work-with vendor team to the incredible joy that surrounded both families, it was truly one of my favorite weddings ever! All photos by the amazing talented Nadra Photography!

Click here for to see the fabulous details!

Maine Events

We are so happy to be a part of Maine Wedding Company
and Maine Wedding Buzz!!

In celebration of our Maine Weddings of the Past Present and Future, enjoy some of our favorite photos that showcase so much that Maine has to offer!

Photos: Aphrodite Wedding Photos, CA Smith, Blush Imagery, Blissful Beginnings, Carol Savage Photography

The Royal Wedding!

A few things I loved about the Royal Wedding!

1. The Bride's Attire- Perfection! Regal and classy, not too trendy or fussy.  Exquisite lace, expert construction and tailoring, the Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown was simply elegant.  Big fan of the half up/half down hair (that's how I wore mine!) You better believe if I was marrying the future King, I'd wear a perfect tiara and Kate chose to borrow the Queen's low profile 1936 Cartier halo tiara.  Not big and gaudy, just right! The gossamer drop veil was fingertip length and super sheer, it had a very delicate drape.  Drop earrings were just enough. This complete look was timeless yet modern. I gasped.

2. The flowers- Maybe I'm in the minority, but I also loved the simple bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth.  All flowers were chosen for their significance to the Bride and family. It was delicate and let the gown do the talking. Loved lily-of-the-valley boutonniere on Brother of the Bride, James Middleton and in Maid of Honor Pippa's hair too!

3. Westminster Abbey- The most elaborate and gorgeous Chapel ever did not need a lot of bells and whistles.  The trees were locally grown and alive (able to be replanted) and softened the interior space along with lush arrangements of greens and lilies.

4. The Pomp and Circumstance- Streets lined with well wishers, flags waving, meticulously orchestrated timing, carriages, uniforms, Royalty.

5. The Siblings- Prince Harry is always adorable and has a devilish look in his eye. Pippa was the perfect Maid of Honor assisting with the gown, walking with the children. She looked gorgeous in ivory- again in perfectly fitted, elegant yet sexy McQueen. Looks like Kate said, "OK sis, I'll throw you a bone, I get the future King, you get to wear this hot dress!!!"   

6. Etc.- Lip reading, The Queen in yellow, adorable flower girls and pages, Elton and David and 2 balcony Kisses!