“What [...]]]> in WHITE: a luxury wedding collective launched with a bang on the Connecticut shoreline last week! It was awesome to have so many of our friends, family colleagues and clients celebrate with us. We are forever grateful for your support and encouragement. Candice of Jubilee Events summed it up perfectly:

“What better way to toast a luxury collaborative than to work with the industries best of the best? The biggest thank you and credit goes out to our talented team of creatives who truly made in WHITE’s launch such a success. From the talented gourmands at A Thyme to Cook, the gorgeous Sperry Tent and it’s transformation by Ryan Designs, the stunning white floral decor by Datura: A Modern Garden, the rockin’ band and electric violinist from Elan Artists, the delicious prosecco from VOVETI, the stunning white jeweled cakes from A Little Imagination Cakes, the comfy (and warm) white chariots from Gateway Limo, and our cute and fun props from SayCheese for our black and white photobooth! Thank you to Julie from Carla Ten Eyck Photography for these gorgeous images!”

Visit Jubilee’s blog for more photos from the night.

In two previous posts I wrote about the area where we were married [...]]]> Earlier this month, GALA Magazine released it’s annual issue and our 2010 wedding was one of three that were featured. I gotta say I was pleased as punch to see our wedding in print!

In two previous posts I wrote about the area where we were married and then about some of the projects we took on in planning process. Today I share with you the main event! This post is a long one and I hope you’ll stay with me ’till the end. All of these pictures are near and dear to my heart and I am incredibly grateful to have had Carla Ten Eyck capture them. Seriously, her work is unparalleled. Talent and kindness and humor to the nth degree all wrapped up in one pretty package. It’s her fault this post is so long!

We were married in the charming neighborhood of Old Buttonwoods in Warwick, Rhode Island and all of our events took place within walking distance of each other. Below are images of us prepping for the day ahead. Tim’s Dad belly-laughing and my cute nugget of a niece are two of my faves. Shout out to my college roomie, Melissa, for creating the cartoon drawing of me and Tim – a gift I gave him that morning. It features the two of us surrounded by things that have meaning to us: persimmons, wine, cheese, antlers, meat sweats (!)

We popped over the the Casino (yup, we walked there!) and had our first look on the bowling lanes. Tim was wearing his heart on his sleeve that day and his tears made my heart melt. In remembrance of my mother, I tied a locket and her gold wedding band to my bouquet. I had worn her ring every day for the past six years only taking it off on this day when I would later receive my wedding ring from Tim.

Tony from Datura: a modern garden was the flower and foliage extraordinaire on hand that day. The only direction we gave him was to create a woodland vibe that included succulents ( I ADORE succulents!), interesting foliage, ferns, branches and orchids. And Queen Anne’s Lace. My mother loved Queen Anne’s Lace. She would tell me that while most people considered it a weed, she chose to see it as a flower growing in the wrong place. My bouquet included a patch of Queen Anne’s lace, placed at the top where I could see it.

After our first look, we hopped on a golf cart – the preferred mode of transportation for peeps who live in the neighborhood! – and took photos on tandem swings. The swings hang from the oldest Buttonwood tree on the peninsula.

Sidebar story #1: In July of 2009 Tim and I headed to upstate New York to celebrate my grandparent’s 60th wedding anniversary (that’s a long time!). Unbeknownst to me, Tim had decided that this would be a good opportunity to ask my Dad for his blessing to propose. Durning the anniversary party, the two of them stepped outside and Tim was about to ask my Dad when he glanced down at my father’s shoes and was instantly distracted. “Dave”, he asked, “are you wearing two different shoes?”

“Um, yeah. I guess I am. I grabbed two black shoes out of the closet and put them on. Good thing I got a left and a right! Don’t tell Nichole.” It was too good a story not to share so of course I was let in on the mistake. Dad was none too pleased when I snapped that picture on the above left!

Sidebar story #2:  Tim and I were with team Ten Eyck taking pictures on our wedding day and my father held my bouquet while we posed at the swings. When I went to retrieve my bouquet I noticed my Dad was wearing two watches! Apparently, while getting dressed for the wedding he put on his dress watch and forgot to take the other one off. Ha! This time, the professionals were on hand and they took the photo above right. Should I be scared that he’ll follow in the steps of my Gramps and use rubber bands to keep his socks up? They say the apple doesn’t fall from the tree. Only time will tell!

The wedding dress chandelier we created was major eye candy at our reception. My father rewired an aban­doned brass chan­de­lier and hung it from an over­head beam. That week while scour­ing thrift stores for fin­ish­ing touches, we found a vin­tage white tulle wed­ding gown that made for a per­fect “lamp shade”. With some wire, safety pins and more tulle (yes, even more tulle!) a beau­ti­ful wed­ding dress light instal­la­tion was cre­ated. It was stun­ning against the wooden beams and a real show-stopper!

Tag sale elk antlers in all their glory! How sweet is the vintage Louie luggage with our Snug-as-a-Bug blankets? Candice of Jubilee Events scored that beaut on a trip to the Brimfield Flea.

Our dessert table was a hodge-podge of baked goodness that we adore – miniature bananas foster, strawberry shortcakes and chocolate brownie sundaes served in shot glasses – as well as homemade treats. My grandmother is a fabulous baker. Her two signature recipes are chocolate and cream cheese cupcakes with chocolate chips and apple pie. She offered to bake these delicious desserts for our wedding and I loved sharing her treats with all of our guests. We chose to have her apple pie as our “wedding cake”. The pie plate itself belonged my great grandmother and the milk glass pedestal belonged to Tim’s grandmother. The sign on top of the domed cheese plate reads:  “A pie without cheese is like a hug without a squeeze.”  – my family’s mantra when it comes to eating apple pie!

We dined, drank, danced, bowled and celebrated until our bellies and hearts were full. Sadly, all things must come to an end. We are forever thankful that we have amazing pictures (thus the crazy length of this post) and a stunning video that we never tire of filmed by a master of the craft, Jim of Vintage Cinema.

A shout out to all of the vendors (who I am lucky to now call my friends) who helped make our day the best eva:

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck // Flo­ral Design: Datura, a mod­ern garden // Video: Vin­tage Cinema // Coordination: Jubilee Events // Custom Veil: The White Dress by the shore // Invitations: Coral Pheas­ant Stationery //  Catering: Russel Morin // Hair and Makeup: 2 Kiss and Makeup // Officiant: Victoria Burdick

A big thank you to all our friends, brides and colleagues that came out last night. It was out of this world to have so many wonderful people in [...]]]> A ‘lil preview of last night’s festivities from my favorite photo sharing app. The pictures below were captured by our guests.

A big thank you to all our friends, brides and colleagues that came out last night. It was out of this world to have so many wonderful people in the same tent. An enormous thanks to our incredible creatives who helped pull it off: A Thyme to Cook, Ryan Designs, Datura, A Modern Garden, Sperry Tents, A Little Imagination Cakes, Gateway Limos, Say Cheese Paper Props, VOVETI Wine and Elan Artists for KILLING it!

Clinton, Connecticut welcomes in WHITE…a luxury wedding collective

East Main Street in Clinton, Connecticut welcomes a collective of wedding related businesses called in WHITE.  Situated between two historic properties at 104 and 110 East Main Street, in WHITE allows engaged couples to plan all aspects of their [...]]]>

Clinton, Connecticut welcomes in WHITE…a luxury wedding collective

East Main Street in Clinton, Connecticut welcomes a collective of wedding related businesses called in WHITE.  Situated between two historic properties at 104 and 110 East Main Street, in WHITE allows engaged couples to plan all aspects of their wedding in one destination.

The concept grew out of a former collaboration of Clinton based wedding vendors named Wedding Row. Due to businesses re-locations, new vendors have joined the collaboration and the concept has been rebranded.

The White Dress by the shore, Beneath the Gown and Jennie Fresa Makeup and Skincare Boutiquerie are pleased to welcome Carla Ten Eyck Photography, Coral Pheasant Stationery + Design, Jubilee Events and Vintage Cinema to the Connecticut shoreline as the new members of in WHITE.

You are invited to an evening cocktail party from 6-9PM on January 11^th where you can step inside the historic locations that house these talented businesses. Mix and mingle with brides, friends and the industry’s finest experts while enjoying savory treats from the talented gourmands at A Thyme To Cook.

104 East Main Street
About Beneath the Gown
Beneath the Gown is a bridal lingerie boutique offering an exquisite collection of exclusive designer lingerie labels featuring French European couture fine laces and exquisite hand-made silks. Their lingerie is perfect for a honeymoon, special event or every day. Services include complimentary professional bra fittings and an in-house custom design service where Josie Jolon, the company’s founder, can customize or design a completely custom foundation to suit any body type, gown type or personal style.

About The White Dress by the Shore
The White Dress by the shore is a luxury bridal boutique that offers chic couture for brides, mothers and maids in the quaint atmosphere of an antique home.  The rustic charm of the store’s hardwood floors, exposed beams and stone fireplaces is offset by the beauty of their perfectly procured collection of wedding gowns.  Established in 2004, owner Beth Chapman, with over 20 years in the fashion industry, set out to create a bridal shopping experience like no other in the country. The experienced staff at The White Dress by the shore has exquisite taste and is passionate about delivering exceptional quality and service to their clients. The boutique has received a number of accolades including The Best of The Knot, The 2011 Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice Award and The 2011 Brides.com Editor Choice Award, as well continued five star online ratings from their customers. Attracting clients from around the world, The White Dress by the shore has developed a reputation as a hidden gem on the shoreline.  The boutique operates by appointment in order to provide their clients with the highest level of service. At The White Dress by the shore brides don’t just purchase their gown, they purchase a memory.

110 East Main Street
About  Carla Ten Eyck Photography
The colorful Carla Ten Eyck has been joyfully photographing weddings for the past nine years all over New England and beyond. Her talents include photographing people, moments and emotions with style, while teaching workshops, being a mom, all while having a sense of humor. With a team of 3 associate photographers and an amazing support staff, Carla runs her bustling studio out of her renovated childhood home in Hartford’s historic West End. Carla enthusiastically breathes energy, excitement and fun into everything she does from turning ideas into reality, shooting in new locations around the globe and to simple things like snuggling with her kids and hiding in the studio trying to scare her team. Carla’s style combines fun, unique and artistically beautiful photography. Her work has graced the covers of Bliss Celebrations Magazine, Gala Weddings Magazine and The Connecticut Bride Magazine. Her images can also be found amongst the pages of Professional Photographer Magazine, Bride’s Connecticut, Newport Weddings Magazine, Celebrations New England, Southern New England Weddings and SNEW Destinations Magazines. Carla’s weddings are regularly featured on wedding blogs including Style Me Pretty, Ruffled Blog, 100 layer cake, Grace Ormonde and la belle bride.

About Coral Pheasant Stationery + Design
Coral Pheasant Stationery + Design is a purveyor of unique custom paper goods and stationery for weddings, milestone celebrations and beyond.  Designer Nichole Michel specializes in creating designs that are the perfect combination of beautiful typography, gorgeous patterns and thick, luxurious paper. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a bachelor of fine arts and a minor in photography, Nichole has spent the last seven years working as a graphic designer at a major consumer products company. Coral Pheasant Stationery + Design gives her the opportunity to bring her considerable talents to creating a feeling and telling the story of life’s momentous occasions. Want something fun and funky, a bit sophisticated or perhaps a timeless, classic design? Nichole will bring your vision and your event to life on paper, setting the mood as the envelope opens. Her witty and whimsical work has been featured on countless wedding sites and magazines and continues to garner rave reviews.

About Jennie Fresa Makeup and Skincare Boutiquerie
Jennie Fresa is known for helping her clients enhance their natural beauty.  As a former NYC Trainer and International Makeup Artist for Trish McEvoy, she learned the importance of listening to her clients needs and creating custom looks that best suit their individual lifestyle.  This approach put her in high demand among many private NYC clients and brides.  She has since brought her passion for personalized beauty to the CT shoreline where she and her team beautify over 100 brides a year.  As a facialist and makeup artist, Jennie works closely with all of her clients to ensure they are truly putting their best face forward. The boutiquerie houses a selection of fine organic skin care products, Jennie’s signature makeup collection among many other divine, little treasures.  Jennie’s work has been featured in BRIDES CT, Style Me Pretty,  Southern New England Weddings and Martha Stewart Weddings to name a few.

 About Jubilee Events
Jubilee Events is a renowned Connecticut based event design and planning boutique specializing in artful weddings, events and occasions. Best known for their broad range of eclectic, sophisticated styles from elegant dinners on the farm to dramatic tented affairs, they are young, stylish, creative, artistic and fun – and they love to infuse that energy into every event. Jubilee Events has designed and planned weddings all across New England – from Connecticut to Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts. In addition, clients have hired them to design and plan adventures in Paris, Spain, Costa Rica and throughout the United States.

Jubilee Events has received numerous accolades and press since their launch in 2007. They are a featured vendor in Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style Magazine and Wedding Style New England Magazine and were chosen as The Knot’s “Best of” by past clients. Recently, they were chosen as the only Event Designers to receive the BRIDES Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award for 2011 in Connecticut. Their work has been featured numerous times in Bliss Celebrations Guide, BRIDES Magazine, Gala Weddings Magazine, Connecticut Bride, Connecticut Magazine, Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, 100 Layer Cake and BRIDES Connecticut. They have also had features in Martha Stewart Weddings, Get Married Magazine, Southern Weddings Magazine and La Bella Bride Magazine.

About Vintage Cinema
Vintage Cinema captures your wedding day in a nostalgic fashion creating a lasting memory for years to come.  With over 15 years of experience in motion graphics and cinematography, owner Jim Altieri brings his distinctive vision and timing to your wedding film, creating a work of moving art that celebrates your day from getting ready until that last kiss of the night.  Each film is shot and edited in a style reminiscent of the classic super 8mm home movies of the 1950′s.  Vintage Cinema hand crafts each film to reflect those special moments throughout the day whether it be a quiet glance or the touch of a hand.  Every wedding day has its own story and Vintage Cinema strives to tell that story in a timeless manner while keeping a low profile throughout the day.  Vintage Cinema is proud to have its unique films featured by Connecticut Bride, Style Me Pretty, Southern New England Weddings and 100 Layer Cake.

To join the in WHITE festivities on Wednesday, January 11th from 6–9 PM, kindly RSVP to:  rsvp@eventjubilee.com

 Follow in WHITE on twitter // Like in WHITE on facebook // Visit in WHITE’s website, coming soon!

Poking out from my mailbox was a box from Studio on Fire, a sweet letterpress studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota that I have been crushing on for years. You see, several months back SOF emailed [...]]]> After discovering what the mailman had delivered on Saturday afternoon I was excited.

Poking out from my mailbox was a box from Studio on Fire, a sweet letterpress studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota that I have been crushing on for years. You see, several months back SOF emailed me asking if I had their consent to include my work in a book they were compiling with Gestalten publishers. I answered with a resounding “HELLS YES!” Months passed though and I didn’t hear a peep. Until Saturday that is. Which resulted in copious amounts of giddiness and hopping up and down as I pulled the the cardboard box out of my mailbox. I couldn’t even open the damn thing because I couldn’t stand still long enough! Enter husband stage left. He calmly sliced the packing tape and removed the shrink wrap. Once the book was freed from all of its packaging I poured over the contents. The book is a beaut! The super-duper, 100 point thick covers were individually printed with a day glo ink using deep etch copper plates. The covers were then bound with a neon green book cloth. Yum.

The book features work designed by Studio on Fire, as well as work designed by clients. It’s such an honor to be included among so many talented artists. What a treat to share a page with the crazy-talented Erin Jang of Indigo Bunting. Holler! Major thanks to SOF for featuring Coral Pheasant Stationery! XO!

To see an SOF press in action and learn more about the book, pop over to here.