This is Abby + Danny

Extraordinary circumstances brought Abby and Danny to each other, and they have experienced nothing but extraordinary circumstances ever since.  A courtship and romance that swept not only them, but their friends and family off their feet, a seamless blending of extended families and a wedding day that boasted a pink super moon and defied the looming threat of mother nature!

This is 4 minutes of unabashed love and gratitude from Abby and Danny to each other and their treasured family and friends.

This, my friends, is Abby + Danny.

 

Video Credit: Jeffrey Stoner Video

Wedding Dress Mementos: Lisa Stoner Interviewed by Patchwork Bear

I was just tickled when I saw a familiar name come across by inbox recently wondering if I wouldn't mind sharing thoughts about wedding planning, some tips on how to keep it personal and some fun ways to use the wedding dress AFTER the wedding as a legacy or keepsake.

Jennifer Cura and I went to school together in New York a *few years ago. It's been great to follow our lives both professionally and personally, {we both had our oldest daughter complete their first year of college this year!} and I am so proud of what she has done with her company, Patchwork Bear.

The Patchwork bear was founded by Jennifer Cura in 2004 after combining her skill as an architect with her love of sewing to produce a product line of handmade products that are unique and personal as those who won them.  Her line has grown from a simple baby quilt and matching bear to include: tooth fairy pillows, photo memory quilts, custom bears and full nursery design.

I mean if  my virtual best friends Jessica Alba and Jennifer Garner are fans ... *wink!


Now is the time for all of my most recent Spring Brides to take advantage of her June special so you can fashion your gown into a legacy!

The Q & A:

June is one of the most popular months to get married so this month we are highlighting weddings and our wedding dress quilts and bears. Recently we sat down with one of our favorite wedding planners, Lisa Stoner of E Events by Lisa Stoner and asked her to dish some advice for brides. Lisa, a native New Yorker, is a sought after event stylist who has been featured in BRIDES, The Knot and more.

1. What is the #1 piece of advice you give all brides?

To plan and design with a strong sense of self and family.  The most memorable weddings are the authentic weddings. If it reflects the couple and the families’ style and sensibilities, it all makes great sense in the end.  If it all properly tells your story, then you’ve made it perfect.

2. What is the first thing brides should tackle during the planning process?

At the risk of sounding cliché, I have to say hiring a wedding planner. Planners can leverage their network of resources to best serve the couple as well as narrow down the search for the perfect venue, photographer, floral designer, etc.  Our knowledge and experience with all variables that go along with the planning and designing process can also garner concessions on our clients’ behalf.

3. What are some of your favorite ways to make a wedding unique?

As much as I love a tastefully designed wedding environment, I always emphasize the power of “gestures” during the wedding weekend. Floral centerpieces and great lighting will make any space look great, but it’s how you make your guests feel at the end of your wedding weekend or evening that makes a lasting impressions.  It’s how you take care of them as a host and hostess at the biggest party of your life that counts!

4. What are some easy ways to personalize a wedding?

Is there a favorite recipe of Grandma’s that you love? Share it with your catering team to have it emulated. If your parents still have their toasting glasses from their wedding, consider using them. What is yours and your fiancé’s favorite indulgent food? Roll that out in the last hour of your reception when the party is really in full force! I’ve had pizza delivery on the dance floor and, as they say, the crowd went wild! *wink

5. Are there any details that brides often overlook?

Brides are busier than ever these days, advancing their careers and nurturing their relationship with their fiancé. I think that once they secure the essentials like the venue, photographer, floral, music, etc. they forget some fun and important details like lighting, wedding stationery [ceremony programs, escort cards, menu cards] a fun getaway, and though not the glamorous part of planning, but what does post-event look like? Who takes the gifts, cards, personal effects such as a cake server set, champagne glasses, any framed photos? Not to worry, we cover this with our clients 30 days before the wedding in our final details meeting!

Image Courtesy of Liga Photography

Image Courtesy of Liga Photography

 

6. Do you have a favorite current wedding trend?

I try to be very careful and selective with the word “trend” when applying it to a wedding.  Certainly, we all try to be “on trend” in various aspects of our lives such as fashion, home design and even with food. My approach to planning and design is the use of some modern trends to a classic wedding elements. That being said, I adore whimsical drink stirrers, charging stations, and the use of hashtags to “brand” your wedding. Social media is the new branding platform for personal, business and weddings!

7. What are some fun ways you can use your wedding dress after the big day?

 Well, Patchwork Bear clearly creates these incredible keepsakes that make for the perfect legacy. I have also seen my couples use the dress for a bassinet lining, Christening dress, or fabric for a Chuppah for weddings that follow in the family.  I have also displayed a mother of the bride’s dress on a classic dress form at a client’s wedding, along with accompanying photos on a nearby table.  This had guests favorably talking!

Image Courtesy of KT Merry

Image Courtesy of KT Merry

 

Don’t forget to order your wedding dress quilt, bear or christening gown this month with code WEDDINGS to get 20% off. For more great tips from Lisa check out her blog here.

 

And for a fun flash back [to really see how far we've come!] have a looksey here.  Please don't kill me Jen!

Albertus Magnus High School Graduation, circa 1987.


Amanda + Scott: Sarasota Beach Wedding {Sneak Peek!}

I don't think I have ever smiled more while browsing a gallery of wedding mages!

Are the images flawless? {shot on film, mind you}

ABSOLUTELY.

But, there is so much more to the pristine quality of this fine art photography.  These are moments.  Pure, authentic and timeless moments that were in abundance this entire wedding weekend.

I had to start by posting a sneak peek for you for a few reasons.  To wet your whistle, of course {'wink!} to keep browsing and smiling through Each. And. Every. Image, and truth be told, wipe away some happy tears!

 

This is Amanda.  I. MEAN ... 

Her bouquet made by Ian Prosser, owner of Botanica International Design Studio was everything. {Amanda squealed. Me too!}

Now you know I love a good reveal! Could her bridesmaids be any sweeter? {or excited?!}

Chuppah!

Amanda always dreamed of a beach wedding.  Dreams really do come true!

From beach to ballroom, we still had to bring the outdoors in,  This floating centerpiece did just the trick!

Theres is no question that Amanda set the tone for this impeccable wedding.  Her demeanor, smile and laughter were contagious, and there was nothing the rest of us could do about it, except to submit and go along on this deliriously splendid ride!

And I'll raise my glass to that!

xx, LS

Fun Facts:

Venue: The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota

Dress: BHLDN

Floral Design: Botanica International Design Studio | Ian Prosser Productions

Photography and Video: Flora and Fauna | Love Flora and Fauna

Hair and Makeup: Ana Molinari Salon

Drape: Swag Décor

Linen: Over the Top Linen

REAL WEDDINGS: ERICA AND SHAWN AT THE RITZ CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES, TAKE 2!

I've been looking forward to sharing just a fraction of the beautiful imagery from Root Photography for Erica and Shawn's wedding for some time now.

I mentioned it's been bittersweet to cull images and reminisce, but I've put on my big girl stilettos, and have decided that  I am all the better for having two incredible opportunities to work with such a loving and supportive family. They can't get rid of me just quite yet!

Perhaps I'll start with the end.  This is my favorite image, and certainly not because it's the best photo I've ever posed for, but because it was one of the last songs of the evening, and the Landis/Landau/Sickel ladies pulled me aside for this moment.  This was 3 + years in the making and I loved every meeting, every phone call, every text and email.

Nothing but love.

I know, I know, you've stopped by to look at the "pretty."  Well, I've got pretty for you, alright!

Let's start with Erica's dress by Kenneth Pool: I was at Solutions Bridal when we had Kate, {mom} Vicky {Sister} and a slew of fun bridesmaids.  We all agreed Erica could have worn wear a burlap sack and still look smashing, nit when she stepped out in this??  Let's just say tears were shed. I wasn't alone! *wink

From dress, to veil to the delivery of her delicate, lush bouquet, the pretty just kept coming. Kinda' like a one-two "style punch!"

I love these sisters.

Grooms look dapper, and have fun while getting ready too! At least Shawn did!

Bride+Getting Ready+Lisa Stoner+E Events Design+Root Photography.jpg

When designing a wedding in a larger hotel, I always like to claim my space and carve my niche on our designated side.  I think we let everyone know that this area was especially for Erica, Shawn, their families and treasured wedding guests with the application of this dramatic and elegant draping by Swag Décor.  Below, is the entrance to the foyer that led guests to the ceremony and reception spaces.

Ceremony time!  THAT CHUPPAH!  How many ribbons?? I couldn't even guess!

Proud parents.  This makes me so happy!

Just married, and just breathtaking.

On to the reception!  Guests enjoyed finding their ombré hues escort cards on this custom built display.

Reception details for the win!

Party, party, party!  And wedding streamers for life!

Love was certainly in the air! Clint Wiley and his lead female vocalist are now getting married!

Erica had so many girlfriends at the wedding she had hoped would catch the bouquet.  I didn't have the heart to just have one "win," so we made twelve! We had happy and surprised girls just after this award-winning toss!

Finally, a sweet and signature send off for guests as they made their way back to their guest rooms and/or valet. Dunkin Donuts!  Kate is a legendary, life-long and loyal patron!

I hope you had as much fun being a virtual guest at Erica and Shawn's wedding, as I did reminiscing, love bugs!

xx, LS

Fun Facts:

Bridal Gown, Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids Gowns: Solutions Bridal

Venue: The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Photography: Root Photography | Nathan and Jensey Root

Video: Jeffrey Stoner Video

Floral Design and Chuppah: Lee Forrest Design

Wedding Stationery: 2u Creative

Lighting: Get Lit Productions

Band: Clint Wiley and the None Other Band

Drape: Swag Decor

Farm Wedding | One Love at The Ritz Carlton's Whisper Creek Farm

When I was approached by the sales and marketing team at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes to style a newly renovated ballroom and their working farm, Whisper Creek to showcase two beautifully styled weddings for their new print and digital collateral, I was flattered to say the least!

As much as I love to sink my teeth into a ballroom design, I was eager to flex some design muscles at the farm in particular.  Outdoor events has it's own challenges, of course,  but half of the work is done for you compliments of mother nature. I wanted this to be rustic, relaxed, yet refined, and I think you will agree that the design team and I checked all of the boxes there!

I loved the use of magnolia leaf garlands from right here in sunny Florida with complimenting hues of soft, smoky purples, including fresh lavender which smelled divine!

Brussels sprouts and kumquats straight from the farm!

The next honor with this styled shoot was that it dovetailed perfectly with a workshop hosted by Orlando photographer, Kathy Thomas called One Love which taught accredited wedding professionals on same sex weddings. I was honored to partake, and proud to be same sex wedding certified!

Lisa and Jenn were recently married, and I was moved to tears watching them enjoy this day and seeing the love shine from their eyes!

The Rivini gown an jumpsuit from Solutions Bridal was TO. DIE. FOR!

Below image courtesy of Stephanie Dishman:

Whether it's a farm wedding or outdoor entertaining, don't force your environment to look like something it isn't. Use what's available around you, and you will be certain to host an effortless fête!

xx, LS

THE TEAM:

Photographer: Nick Edmundson

Venue: Whisper Creek Farm

Floral Design: Raining Roses Productions

Scroll Menu, Placemats and Table Runner: Kim McFadden | Chalk Shop 

Furniture: AFR Furniture Rental

Hair and Makeup: Kristy Alonzo | Kristy's Artistry Design Team

Wedding Gown and Jumpsuit: Solutions Bridal

Personal Wardrobe Styling: Tammara Kohler | Fused Fashion







Courtney and Noah at The Alfond Inn: Part II: The Highlight Video!

A picture-perfect day flooded with sunshine, friends that are thick as thieves and the warmth, love and unending support of two families coming together for this once exceptional couple. That is the story that is Courtney and Noah's wedding day.

Imagery is timeless and beautiful, but video, my friends, captures nuances, mannerisms and a different emotion.  

This was an especially poignant reminder as Courtney lost her beloved Pappy shortly after this perfect day. I know that she, and the entire family were not only grateful that he could be there on their wedding day, but also forever more in their wedding video memories.

I'm so pleased to share with you this loving and fun video masterfully done by Jeffrey Stoner. [otherwise known as the Mister!]

xx, LS

Spring Outdoor Entertaining Inspiration

Now that the weather is much more comfortable and agreeable for many, it's time to get outside and entertain in style and with careful attention to detail!

For this shoot, I used the beautiful space at Whisper Creek Farm which has it's own operating garden.

This ideal space was outfitted with market lights for overhead, cozy lighting, a wood table, industrial chairs and, take a look at my floating champagne bar!

I loved the use of Florida's own magnolia leaves for a table garland, and I even put kumquats on the table as an added table detail which was growing on an adjacent tree! The monogrammed runner complimented by the florals and fresh lavender was the sophisticated touch I look for in all table settings.

Have I wet your whistle and given you the entertaining bug for this Spring?! I hope you make a "go" of it!

Bon fête!

xx, LS

Partners:

Photographer: Stephanie Dishman

Venue: Whisper Creek Farm

Floral and Floating Champagne Bar: Raining Roses Productions

Monogrammed Runner: Kim McFadden | Chalk Shop

Table and Chairs: AFR Furniture

Market Lights: Get Lit Productions