Dec
28
Dave and I had the opportunity to visit Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich and all I can say is WOW!!! One of my friends had gotten married there a few years ago and was telling me about the venue, I was so excited to see it as he had nothing but positive reviews. But honestly it is even better than he described.
First of all there are multiple fabulous options for an outdoor wedding. I know it is hard to think about that right now with the first serious snow just melting and more on the way, but that was always the way I pictured my wedding. I am pretty sure I am not alone on that one. So if you are like me and felt an outdoor wedding was your first choice, you have 3 great options: on the lawn facing the beach, on the lawn facing down the hill towards ocean views, and in the Italian Garden.
A few photos of option 2:
A few from option 3 (I think this is what I would do- I love the feeling of this secluded garden space- feels like ancient ruins)
Laura Daly and her team are great. They will also have a perfect back up plan, in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. We got a peek at the indoor option and it truly is lovely.
The best spot for cocktail hour, in my opinion, is on the back patio. I love this location because you get to enjoy the sweeping views of the water and have the gorgeous architecture as a back drop. Plus if you wanted to do a group photo it’s an excellent location for that.
Side note, awesome story, these two griffin statues were given to the Crane family as a gift from their servants. They had the sculptures custom made to protect the house. All I have to say is that the Crane’s must have been amazing employers to generate that kind of love from their staff.
Then you have two options for your reception as well. You can host the party indoors- the spaces are grand and elegant. Or outdoors on another patio. You could even tent the outdoor space.
And I just had to share a few of my favorite details from the site.
Dave and I enjoying the view.
I almost missed these bas relief sculptures of the cranes. Very cool and very appropriate.
All in all, I was amazed by the beauty of this wedding venue and the thoughtful consideration of their events team. I also really appreciate that they are making efforts to be green and provide environmentally beneficial resources, plus when you have a wedding at a historic site like this, your rental fee contributes to the greater good. Not a bad way to celebrate, in my opinion.
Aug
28
Heather and Christian were married earlier this year in Italy. But Heather knew that she wanted to have a fabulous bash with all of her friends and family when she and Christian made it to the States. She enlisted the help of the talented crew at Rafanelli Events to make her dream party come true. Working with them while living abroad in Lebanon was a challenge she was up to and the end result turned out magnificent.
I began the day with Heather as she and her mom were getting ready at the Westin Boston Waterfront.
A little pampering and some fabulous music courtesy of Luiz (Luz Beauty) and his ipod got the party started on the right foot. Let me just say Heather was definitively the most easy-going bride. She was totally calm and relaxed during what can sometimes be a little bit of an anxious time. She sat back and assessed and enjoyed everything as it was happening. That said, this prep time was a lot of fun and we all wanted to start dancing right then and there. Okay so maybe some of us actually did.
Love the silhouette as Luiz plays with Heather’s hair.
Mom, who had finished just as I arrived, enjoyed the view as Heather finished up.
Then we all headed over the Institute of Contemporary Art, where the real festivities were set to take place.
And there we met up with Heather’s husband, Christian. I love how his face lights up when he looks at Heather.
Dave and I took a few portraits with our gorgeous couple in and around the ICA. The view of the Boston Harbor is so beautiful and we had a truly lovely evening.
And then the celebration really got underway. The cocktail hour was held outside on the back deck of the ICA.
The Rafanelli team put together some really fabulous touches for Heather and Christian, including their own personalized Italian sodas (appropriate given that Christian is from Italy, they met in Italy and were married in Italy) and photos in acrylic frames from their wedding ceremony.
And a quick peak of what’s to come. The dinner reception was in the ICA’s theater. Love the fabulous view and the setting sun. The colors of the sky perfectly matched the lighting, floral and linens for the event. Stunning work!
Check back soon for more from the Heather and Christian’s elegant and modern soiree. There will definitely be loads of details to share from the rest of the evening and you are not going to believe the dancing at this event. It was non-stop amazing fun.
Jul
09
You’ve read the stories from Lisa and Scott’s wedding and you’ve seen Mimosa‘s amazing floral design. Now it’s time to talk food. Makes my mouth water just thinking about all the delights cooked up by the catering staff at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Boston along with a little help from Montilio’s and Lisa and Scott’s DIY candy bar.
First there was the cocktail hour, complete with sushi, a saute station and carving station. Guests were wowed by all the delicious offerings, especially the ones prepared right before their eyes.
Once the guests were seated. They received this gorgeous shrimp cocktail.
Then a beautiful salad.
The dinner concluded with a succulent Surf and Turf of lobster tail and steak.
But dessert was not far behind. The cake cutting soon followed.
And then the staff rolled out the candy bar. Guests had a blast filling up their gift boxes with all sorts of yummies.
All this talk of candy and chocolate and sweets, oh my! I need to go find a snack.
Feb
28
Just a week ago, I ventured to New York to photograph a wedding designed by David Tutera and his amazing team. Their art shone at the Metropolitan Club, where both the ceremony and the reception were held. This club, adjacent to Central Park and across from The Plaza, is majesty in Manhattan. And all of David’s ideas worked to enhance the beauty already present. The lighting used to highlight the ceilings, the elegant floral display with just the right degree of opulence, the candlelight thoughout, the crystals dripping from the centerpieces…. all a perfect match.
Here’s a peak of the wedding’s style and elegance…
The guests were welcomed by this stunning ball of roses with ivy.
The ceremony began in this splendid space at the Metropolitan Club. I love the red draping along the doorways and the beautiful paintings above. David accented the walk down the aisle with this amazing floral archway which the bride walked through on her way to the huppah.
And the huppah felt like a private sanctuary of flowers.
Music accompanied the guests, the bride and her attendants as they entered the space.
The guests then gathered in the Marble Room for cocktails and hors d’euvres.
Later everyone retired to the Metropolitan Club’s dining room for dinner and the remainder of the reception.
The wedding was truly elegant and sophisticated. The experience for the bride and groom and their guests was magical.
A huge thank you to the whole David Tutera team and everyone at The Metropolitan Club. What a truly stunning event! We can’t wait to work with you all again.
