Call me an ocean fanatic.  A lover of weddings.  Gratuitous for amazing clients.  So when you put those things together, you get one ecstatic wedding coordinator!  I felt so honored to be part of Erin and Tom’s entire wedding weekend in the wonderful Cape Cod town of Osterville.

Erin, Tom and their bridal party stayed at The Wianno Club in Osterville, literally set on the edge of the ocean.  It is New England charm at it’s best with views almost indescribable.  To say it took my breath away wouldn’t be an exaggeration!  The girls were so fortunate to be able to use their spectacular sunroom as their hair and make up studio and take in this incredible setting as they got ready for Erin’s big day!

When it was time to depart for the ceremony, guests and the bridal party were taken by trolley.  Erin and her Dad were driven by a family friend in her Dad’s Antique Ford.  Honoring Tom’s Greek heritage, their traditional ceremony took place at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in nearby Centerville.  The ceremony was full of wonderful traditions as well as a beautiful live choir and musicians.  And to include Erin’s heritage they were greeted by a Bagpiper as they walked down the aisle as a married couple!

After the ceremony, guests moved on to the private Oyster Harbors Club.  Lucky for them, they had the most perfect September day so they were able to have cocktail hour and photos outdoors.  As guests arrived, they were invited to the lawn sprawling with adirondack chairs and a patio with lawn furniture where they enjoyed signature cocktails, a bountiful raw bar and passed hors d’oeuvres, all served with fun custom cocktail stirrers and napkins.  Erin and Tom decided that a nautical, beachy feel was the way to go with their weekend long wedding celebration.  Their color scheme started wtih their invitations and was carried through most of the fine details.  I especially loved their “logo” with their initials and art of the cape, which they used on their printed materials.  Erin gave her bridesmaids navy and white embroidered totes as gifts and the details continued with their programs, menu cards, placecards and linens to the custom cocktail napkins, straws and stirrers and beautiful florals in blue hydrangea.  Before cocktail hour ended, the photographers took full advantage of the deck overlooking the guests by taking a spectacular panoramic photo!

Once everyone was inside and seated the bridal party, Tom and Erin were announced.  After speeches were given Eye 2 Eye got the party started and kept it going all night long.  It was hard to keep this crown down.  They were having a blast!  And what’s a wedding these days without an after party?  For the guests with more energy, they boarded the bus and headed to The Fox Hole to end the night.  It was the perfect ending to a fabulous day for the loveliest couple!

Event Coordination: The Day Of

Ceremony:  St. George Greek Orthodox Church

Reception:  Oyster Harbors Club

Rentals: Be Our Guest Cape Cod

Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Flowers

Photography: Snap!

Videography: Whit Wales Wedding Films

Ceremony Music: Forte Brass

Bag Piper: Patrick McDonnell

Cocktail Music:  Roy Campbell Piano

Entertainment: Eye 2 Eye

Wedding Cake: Cakes ‘n Things

Transportation: White Tie Luxury, Pina Bus Lines and Trolley By Tess

Hair & Makeup: Luz Beauty

I am often asked why a bride might hire a wedding coordinator when they have a hotel wedding coordinator as part of their “package”.  So I thought I’d take this opportunity to address the main differences in our roles.  A common misconception is that a wedding coordinator at a hotel does everything that a wedding coordinator does.   So this blog isn’t to sound biased or to say that a wedding couldn’t be fantastic without a wedding coordinator but rather to clarify the differences in our jobs.

The sales person at a hotel is clearly very important and I rely on them for a lot of information I need!  They are the person who will help you to understand the in’s and out’s of the property.  They will have seen the spaces used in a variety of ways and will have the most input on the pros and cons in terms of what works well and what may not.  They also will help you through your tasting and menu planning.  The day of the wedding they will most likely be on site for part of the day and will have a handle on many of the logistics around the hotels responsibilities, which are typically focused on the food and venue.  Often times, simultaneous to your getting ready, they are meeting with other clients, showing the space and working. As they should. That’s their job!

A wedding coordinators job is to be there for YOU. When you hire a coordinator you have someone always in your corner, looking out for your best interest.  In my opinion there are two very important aspects of our job.  One is to know every single detail of your plans, your vendors and that the day runs on time. The other is to have formed a relationship that will put you at ease so you can enjoy every moment with out worrying about whether your band has arrived or if the napkin is folded correctly. A wedding coordinator is on site from the moment that your vendors arrive and are always easily found so that if there are any questions, they can be addressed quickly, clearly and seamlessly!

You don’t get to choose your venue coordinator. But you do get to choose your wedding coordinator. When you decide to hire a coordinator it’s a relationship based on trust. So trust your instincts!

I very often work at hotels and equally as much with caterers. I am most humbled when a client is referred to me because I know they understand and respect my role and that they feel these clients could benefit from a bit more attention.  The other thing is the feedback that I get from vendors when they find out that a bride has hired a coordinator.  If you are unsure, ask them for yourself!  They are usually relieved, particularly the photographers and bands, because they can focus on what they are there to do…take pictures and play music.  They don’t have to worry about what time is it because we are there to do that for them!

And for those who don’t think you can afford hiring a planner or don’t want to use a planner, you might consider a “day of” coordinator.  After nearly 10 years of as full service planner, I decided to create the foundation of my business on “day of” because I believe whole-heartedly in the value and affordability.  At the time there was a clear void in the market. Today I continue to stay focused on “day of” but offer additional consultation to clients looking for a bit more.  So there are options.  It is no longer a luxury.  It’s the foundation to a successful day and more and more brides are recognizing the value!

Happy New Year!  All in all, 2013 is off to a great start!   Amazingly, things haven’t quieted down…even during the “slow season”!   Last week we received word that we are the recipient of 2 awards…WeddingWire’s Bride Choice Award and The Knot Best of Weddings 2013.  We are so appreciative of the recognition and honored to work with such great clients and vendors.

I feel like I am writing my thank you speech for a “People’s Choice Award” but I just want to thank all my brides and grooms for voting for The Day Of and for making 2012 our best year yet!  I am my boss…so the only person holding me accountable is me (sometimes I think that is tougher than having a real boss).  Which is why these awards are even more meaningful. They are the validation that what I am doing works.  That my clients are satisfied with me, my services and the people I am fortunate to work alongside. Our clients’ recognition is the best award of all!  As a services company, our reputation is all we have.

While word of mouth and vendor recommendations have been our mainstay, in 2012 we ventured into the social media world.  While this is a significant effort, it is my pride and honor to share amazing events, experiences and ideas.  So…thank you from the bottom of my heart to all clients who have taken the time out of their busy, newlywed lives to write about their experiences with The Day Of.

Grab your jackets and earmuffs ladies and gents, ‘cause winter is approaching!  As the air outside becomes cooler, and anticipation for the first big snow fall is growing, it’s time to embrace all the goodness that winter offers.  So if you think this is the most wonderful time of the year, then you’d probably agree that it’s the perfect season for a wedding.  But first check out these helpful tips we found to be your guide:

1) The first question you should ask yourself is what is your winter color palette?  You may choose to embrace the winter hues of blue, white, silver, and gold.  Or for a warmer feel, use a palette of cream and cranberry.  Since most winter weddings are inside you can be as bold and elegant with the colors as you’d like. Our only caution is not to overdo the white; as little touches of color go a long way.

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The day was cloudy for Emma and Pete’s wedding, but the rain held off for the ceremony that was held in the front lawn of the Pete’s father’s home.  It was modestly decorated, for the landscape itself was spectacular beyond words!  Programs, which were originally going to be used as fans, were handed out and served as cover from the few sprinkles of rain.  Guests took seats in white garden chairs as Emma, our beautiful bride, emerged from behind the house. Her bridesmaids were by her side in different styled royal blue dresses.  Emma and Pete exchanged vows on the front steps of the house, and then it was time to celebrate the newlyweds.

It was just a short walk over to the tent where the cocktail hour took place.  The first stop was the guestbook table, which had a personal touch.  The couple used a recipe book for guests to leave their signature.  The cook book is something Emma and Pete will use and always be remembered of their special day.  Also unique to this couple was the placecard table.  Used in place of tent cards were envelopes hung on ribbon from bulletin boards.  The boards were decorated with seashells and ribbons tying in the royal blue and beach theme.  Cocktail hour would not be complete without the beautiful landscape that spilled out onto the marina.

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It’s time to talk about colors! A pop of color sets the mood and can change something boring into something worth talking about.  What colors will be hot in 2013? Pantone has put out their annual color report for this coming spring entitled “The Balancing Act”. This title came from the need to find a balance between our busy days and search for down time.  The vibrancy and neutrality colors in this palette are in balance to create a plethora of combinations for you to choose from.  Let’s take a look at what colors you should be considering for this spring!

1) This year, greens are replacing browns. Just like brown, green can be found in the outside environment, and can offer a base to support other colors you want to incorporate in your wedding.  Utilize the warmness springs bring in having the outdoor greens be a part of your day.  These greens are bright “Tender Shoots”, refined “Emerald”, and calm “Grayed Jade”.  All other colors play well with green. [Read more...]

Rusty and Merek were married on Friday of July 4th weekend at the lovely Boston Winery, setting the tone for their simple with a rustic touch wedding.  I absolutely loved every minute of their day as this sweet, kind couple were married in the most intimate way with just 80 guests.  There is something so special about small weddings!  And seeing this couple so calm and in the moment was such a beautiful thing to experience and I am still beaming just thinking about them!

Guests first arrived at Venezia, located next door to the winery, for a pre-cocktail hour before heading over for the ceremony.  The ceremony was held in the barrel room where the wine is made, stored and bottled by hand.  The room was transformed into a romantic setting with votives on top of the wine barrels surrounding the room and columns wrapped with ivory vines and twinkle lights.  The couple was married by a dear friend and while staying true to their simplicity,  the bridal party consisted of Merek’s sister as her maid of honor and Rusty’s cousin as the best man, and Merek’s niece and Rusty’s daughter as their flower girls.

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Hello fellow New Englander’s!  It’s that time of year again- the leaves have started to change color, the air is crisp and cool, and the anticipation of the holiday’s is starting to set in. I’m sure you have a lot of plans in the works with Halloween and Thanksgiving right around the corner! So if you are planning a Fall wedding you might consider playing off of Autumn’s beauty by incorporating its natural elements to make your special day just as beautiful. Here are some ideas that we loved:

1) Choose your color scheme and take advantage of the bold and vibrant colors of the leaves; reds, oranges, yellows, browns, purples.  Playing with warm, contrasting colors like crimson and gold, cream and wine, or neutrals with pops of color, will set the tone of the day. Incorporate colors into every aspect- napkins, centerpieces, bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen ties, and anything else that needs a color. The fallen leaves, colors, and scenery create an atmosphere that you and your guests will love.

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Jenn and Dave’s ceremony was at Acoaxet Chapel and was definitely the most quaint chapel I’ve ever laid my eyes on. This one room chapel, which dates back to 1872, was just the right size for their 120 guests.   At the end of the ceremony, Jenn’s Dad surprised the couple with a dove release. And then the couple drove off in an antique car adorned with multi-colored balloons and “Just Married” signs. Just precious!  Immediately following, the reception took place at a Jenn’s grandparents waterfront property in Westport, MA.

Cocktail hour was held on the lawn and gravel driveway between the home and the barn which was covered with distressed gray framed photos of the couples engagement. In front of the barn was the bar where they served local beer and their signature cocktail ”Jen ‘n Juice”, housemade raspberry soda, Berkshire Mt. Distilleries Gin and lime, served in mason jars with the colors of their wedding setting the tone from the get go with gray and white striped straws and pink beverages.

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