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

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!

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.

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.

2) Warm your guests up by serving signature hot drinks at cocktail hour.  Alcoholic beverages can consist of hot toddies, spiced wine, coffee and Kahlua or Bailey’s. Or, for those who don’t always want an alcoholic beverage, serve tea, hot apple cider, and eggnog.   A hot chocolate bar is the perfect send off as your guests head home.  There could be a choice of milk, white, and dark chocolate. But it’s the accouterments that make this fun! Add special treats such as peppermint stick straws, chocolate dipped spoons, marshmallows, whip cream, and mint leaves.

3) How are your guests getting to their seats? You can attach names to sleighs, snowmen and snowwomen, and snowflakes.  There are so many fun favors to give out at a winter wedding. These include tins of hot chocolate mix-ins or tea, a Christmas tree to go, assorted chocolate snow flake pops, and snow globes. Whatever you choose your family and friends will love it!

4) Winter weddings mean roses, tulips, calla lilies, and arrangements of full flowers. These flowers can be used in your centerpieces or you can use your creativity. You might try bowls of pinecones and pomegranates or a bowl of ornaments wrapped in a wreath. If you want a vase instead of a bowl, mason jars of cranberries or white tree branches is a nice touch.  Instead of a floral bouquet, you may consider using pine needle branches and cranberries to add a splash of color. A friendly reminder…if your ceremony is at a church talk to the director about what decorations they have so you can save money!

5) Keeping you toasty is the number one priority.  When taking outdoor pictures change from your heels into a pair of cute, but warm and water proof boots.  And a little fur goes also goes a long way!  Remember to coordinate bridesmaids’ outerwear for those pictures.

We are positive that your wedding will be its own kind of wonderland. Have fun planning and stay warm!

Inspiration & Pictures Come From: The Knot,Martha Stewart Weddings, Bridal Guide, Green Wedding Shoes, Rosabelle Manor, Punchbowl, Wedding Channel, Cocktails

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.

Once guests walked up the back stairs to a tented grassy patio at the back of the house, Emma and Peter were introduced into their first dance.  The tents were adorned with little lights strung throughout and blue and white lanterns, giving the tent a beachy twilight feeling.  The oceanic color scheme was carried through from the glasses, to the napkins, the cake, and even the blue hydrangea centerpieces.  After a little dancing everyone helped themselves to the buffet.  Like all the other unique touches this wedding had to offer, the buffet included a pig roast.  While guests were waiting in line, the landscape that was so beautiful just a few hours before proved to be truthful at all times while the sun was setting.  Dancing took the night away followed by a bonfire and s’mores. What a great night that Emma and Pete shared with their friends and family.

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.

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.

Cocktail hour, dinner and dancing were held in the main room of the winery.  The room, already full of character, was designed by enhancing the charm of this Civil War era building turned winery.   The columns were once again decorated, more wine barrels of course, tons of votive lights and beautiful floral centerpieces in shades of purple and white.   Dinner was catered by Venezia and for dessert a gorgeous table was set with an assortment of cakes, chocolate dipped strawberries, and other delicious goodies…and of course lots and lots of wine!  And what better way than to send guests home with the appropriate bottle stoppers and cork screws. Cute, right?

So let’s raise our glasses to Merek and Rusty (and their newest addition…yes they are having a baby!) to a life of health, happiness and full glasses of wine!

Event Coordination: The Day Of

Ceremony:  Boston Winery

Reception: Boston Winery 

Floral Design:  Orchards n’ Bloom

Lighting Design: Groove Entertainment and Lighting

Linen: Table Toppers

Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

Photography:   Kelly Lorenz

Entertainment:  Nick Anastasiades

Wedding Cake:   Veronica’s Sweetcakes

Transportation: ATR Limo

Make Up: Stacey Frasca

Hair: Jorgo Salon

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.

 4) Small bouquets in a masons jar will give your centerpieces a rustic feel.  Want to try something besides flowers? Use a bundle of wheat tied with a bow in a vase. You may also want to try branches with fall colored leaves on them. Talk to your florist to come up with exactly the right look for your ideal wedding.

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.

Next, guests were led into a Sperry tent.  Since the weather decided to agree, the tent sides were off.  The perimeter of the tent was lined with twinkle lights and hanging from the ceiling were natural paper lanterns. The tables were a mix of farm tables and round tables.  The shabby chic look with tables set in linen gray, white chivari chair, florals in shades of pink and ivory and lots of candlelight.  Guests enjoyed their dinner served by the incredible Chive Catering while listening to a jazz trio through dinner.  But as soon as dinner was over the dancefloor was open…and packed.  And to top off the night was a fireworks display off the dock and over the water. This wedding was picture perfect!