Tutera is not only an amazing planner, he’s a fabulous designer. He created a beautiful Mexican inspired wedding for Christina, whose Riviera Maya destination wedding had to be canceled. His first stop was to check on the decor at the hotel where the reception would be. His team was already doing a great job; he added a few more touches to the look.

Next he visited the bride who was in the process of getting her hair and make-up done.

Never a private moment on a TV show.

This is when he reminded Christina of the 3 dresses she tried on. He is about to tell her which one he chose for her. (This also happens to be one of my fave moments each episode of the show. I can’t help loving that they don’t know which gown he chose. The suspense is super fun. And while most women wouldn’t want someone else to chose this most important of all dresses, I actually would have loved it. I had such a hard time figuring out what to get.)

Before and during the ceremony, there is tons going on both behind the camera and in front of the camera. These portraits show how David is working to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. Before the ceremony he is checking to see everything is in place. As guests arrive, he greets them and helps them get where they need to be. During the ceremony, he is watching here, there and everywhere.

Being on a public Staten Island beach with lots of cameras, the wedding was sure to draw a crowd.

Still, the crew was pretty inconspicous during the ceremony. One team all the way back and two teams on the side at the front. No guests’ views were interrupted. As photographers, we pride ourselves on putting the wedding first. After all that’s why we are all there. So it is really nice that Tutera’s team also has this in their mind, even when their work is for TV.

After the ceremony, whether for TV or not, David brings his couples into the reception hall before all of the other guests, so that they can actually take a moment to enjoy the space he has created for them. So they can check out the details they have thought about and planned with him. Christina and Ed are clearly enamored with their colorful chocolate cake.

Their first dance in the dreamy tropical space.

One question we get about the show and working with David is: Is he really that nice? The answer is absolutely 100% yes. He is a truly down-to-earth, caring gentleman AND he likes to have a good time. He doesn’t dance at every wedding but when appropriate, he will enjoy the party with the couple and their guests. Enjoying a moment with the bride.

Dancing with a bridesmaid.

Clearly he felt a connection with this group and they with him. They even invited him into their group hug.

The folks who make it a televsion show. Yup, that’s a lot of paparazzi.

And finally, David and David.

What a great day to be a part of! We are so thankful to David Tutera and his team for asking us to photograph this My Fair Wedding episode.

Here’s a few pages from Dave’s Chapter in the book. Yup, a whole chapter. Did I mention I was proud? He photographed Christina and Ed’s Mexican dream wedding. They had initally planned a destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico, but had to change their plans suddenly. With no time whatsoever, they were at a loss. David Tutera created a stunning Latin inspired wedding in Staten Island. They were even able to wed on the beach. Amazing!

And now a few details that actually aren’t in the book for those who want more.

Christina’s dress was one of the first from the David Tutera by Faviana bridal collection. It’s perfect for both the ceremony and the reception; the skirt below the flowers can be removed for a fun party dress.

If you’ve watched My Fair Wedding, you know that David makes the decisions. The brides can voice their opinions, but in the end, the buck stops with Tutera. Once he decided on the Latin theme, he included it at every turn. The bridesmaids dresses, for instance, were light, airy and supremely colorful.

As I mentioned, they were able to host their ceremony on the beach. It was quite breezy.

David transformed this corner of the beach into an oasis with tropical plants, orange and yellow roses, green turf and gold chiavari chairs.

The string ensemble enhanced the mood with beautiful music.

Blue skies and puffy white clouds with an oceanview. Oh my!

In the distance, the clouds weren’t quite as playful, but I love the bridge peaking through them. And a chance to see what was going on nearby at the beach.

Everyone went inside the hotel for the reception. The colors and theme were carried through into these spaces as well.

Cocktails with fruit.

A Mariachi band started off the party with Mexican flair.

A very romantic, warm dinner table. Roses dripping from everywhere and amber plates and glassware.

Candlelight always great for ambiance.

Bringing in the tropical flowers and more vibrant colors on a chocolate cake. Mmmmmm…..

To end the day, what could be better than fireworks?

The bride and groom were definitely surprised and happy with this ending!

Congrats to my hubby, Dave Lee; to our friend and fellow photographer, Critsey Rowe, who is also published in the book; and of course, to the man behind it all, the extremely talented, warm, and charming, David Tutera. It is such an honor and pleasure to work with David and his team- consummate professionals and creative geniuses!

Check back soon for a behind the scenes look at the making of this season 2 episode of My Fair Wedding.

Opening with my favorite of all the details from Donna and Jimmy’s wedding- the Cake. Konditor Meister definitely outdid themselves with this wild animal print cake. So so so fun!

Taking a step back in time. The ketubah that Donna and Jimmy signed prior to their chuppah ceremony.

On to cocktail hour, drinks galore and check out the awesome zebra print linen below.

Multiple small glass containers held orchids in the lobby and cocktail space.

Time for the reception. A peak from above, looking down onto the table arrangement. Loving the gold linens, which match the Chiavari chairs.

The menu and place setting.

The centerpiece, orchids in a clear vase. Candlelight completes the look.

The head table had its own centerpiece arrangements. Love the peonies.

And a look at the whole set up.

Gotta give credit where credit is due. And the pros who helped make their event spectacular definitely deserve props. Inspiration provided by Donna and Jimmy’s Team:

Event designer: Jane Pofcher Goldman of D’Lish Intimate Catering
Getting Ready Venue: The Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Exchange Conference Center, Boston
Caterer: Legal Seafoods
Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister
Floral design: Winston Flowers
Chuppah Design: Jessica Erickson
Chuppah Rental: Tommy Wholesale Design
Linens: Rentals Unlimited 
Wedding Gown: Vera Wang
Invitations and Graphics: Jessica Erickson of J.L. Erickson Design

If you still want more, check out their e-session in Ashland, their sneak preview, their scoop and their slideshow.

I’ll be honest I can’t tell you all about the article our work is part of, because, as you would expect, it’s in Japanese, but what I can gather is that they were highlighting several vendors celebrated in the international wedding industry. They focused on florists and event planners, in particular. And David Tutera, whom we have worked with on several occassions, was number one on their list. It’s no surprise as his work is astounding- it completely captivates all of my senses.

Our image was taken during a wedding at The Fairmont’s Plaza Hotel in New York City. The whole concept was based around crystals and they were everywhere. The ballroom sparkled.

If you want to see more of David‘s work, definitely check out:

David Tutera’s Metropolitan Club Wedding
Tutera’s Gotham Hall Wedding

Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Inspiration

More of David’s designs still to come from a fall episode of My Fair Wedding.

Some things, like the get-away car, they could chose from a distance. The elected to hire Bow Tie Limousines for a vintage auto, completing the classic and romantic tone of their wedding.

Having chosen to have their wedding at Hans Fahden winery, Marla and Shawn were able to give their guests a taste of their fabulous wedding. A bottle of wine was the perfect remembrance.

And it wouldn’t be a fabulous california wedding without amazing food. What a treat for all of their guests!

As a playful farewell, they chose to exit amidst bubbles and found these adorable champagne bottle bubbles.

One of the most special elements was Marla’s something old. The spoon holding their wedding rings in the photo below, and attached to Marla’s bouquet in the next image, is a family heirloom. It was actually a wedding gift given to her great-grandmother over 100 years ago.

The flower girl dresses were especially cute. Check out the black embroidery at the bottom.

Similar style was brought to the design on the cake.

Another special treat, the guest sign-in book. The guests participated in making this book even more special for Marla and Shawn by including their well wishes for the bride and groom within its pages.

Marla selected black magic roses and wine calla lilies for her bouquet and Shawn’s boutonniere. The merlot color scheme fit perfectly with the setting. She also included pheasant feathers, a reminder of her hometown.

One final detail to celebrate… Marla’s veil. I love the delicacy of it, so very feminine.

Despite the long distance planning, Marla and Shawn were able to put their stamp on their wedding and include so many personal touches.

Special thanks go out to all of the professionals who helped them in their efforts:
Wedding venue: Hans Fahden Vineyards, Calistoga
Caterer and Wedding Cake: Knickerbockers, St. Helena
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, San Francisco
Florist: Claudia K Florist, St. Helena
Officiant: Harry Jackson
Limo: Bow Tie Limousine, Santa Rosa

We submitted images from this fabulous Plaza Hotel wedding in New York City. It was designed by the trend-setter David Tutera and his talented team. With his table decor, he not only defines the space around a table, but creates a feeling like you have been transported to whole other world. All of your senses are enticed. It’s an amazing experience. We are thrilled that we could share one of his signature designs with Grace Ormonde readers.

If you would like to see more from this wedding, definitely check out our story from the wedding.

And if you would like to see other David Tutera wedding designs and ideas, check out these posts- NY Metropolitan Club Wedding, NY Gotham Hall Wedding, Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Inspiration. More of David’s designs still to come from an episode of My Fair Wedding.

Cover image by Jade Studio Productions.

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.

Krista picked a beautiful dress by Paloma Blanca, but added her own look to it- a Japanese inspired sash.

With a chic bouquet of orchids and grasses to match.

Next she chose 3 stellar locations.

She selected the Hakone Gardens as a special spot to see her groom for the first time on their wedding day. And for the portraits with their bridal party. The results are gorgeous. This site has so many hidden nooks, lots of green and beautiful landscaped details.

Then the whole crew ventured to Andy’s family church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal, for the ceremony. I love the modern interior space.

And the amazing stained glass.

Finally we arrived at the Decathlon Club for the reception, where our bride and groom were treated to a glass of champagne upon their arrival.

The Decathlon Club does such an amazing job bringing the outdoors inside.

Throughout the day, Krista further emphasized their heritage and the special connection she and Andy had together.

The sign-in table honored their elders.

They created table cards with photos from their most special times together.

Mooncakes were given as gifts to each guest.

Krista chose lovely origami cranes as a theme for her wedding. They hung on the branches alongside notes written by their guests.

She used a pair of cranes on the cover of her ceremony program.

And the wedding cake was fabulously decorate with these birds.

I am sure it was a lot of work to create all these special details, but it was worth the effort. These personal touches and the care Krista and Andy took definitely made their day that much more special.

Krista and Andy’s Vendors:

Location of portraits: Hakone Gardens, Saratoga
Location of ceremony: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Saratoga
Location of reception: Decathlon Club, Santa Clara
Gown Designer: Paloma Blanca (bride designed sash)
Floral Design: Shawna Futagaki of Flower Divas Inc.
DJ: Rick from Joel Nelson Productions

Want to see more of Krista and Andy? Check out their engagement session, the scoop: part 1 , the scoop: part 2, and their slideshow.

The Plaza Ballroom already magnificent, became truly magical.

In the center was this incredible floral creation, simply a work of art, hanging from the ceiling like crystal chandeliers.

Speaking of chandeliers, each centerpiece had three of them surrounded by flowers and draped in crystals.

You can really appreciate the scale of the centerpieces. Here’s a photo of a David Tutera team member putting on the finishing touches. Note he had to stand on a ladder to reach the spot he was working on.

A closeup of the base of the centerpieces, wrapped in Swarovski crystals.

Check out this five foot tall wedding cake. At first, I thought it was covered in real flowers, but on closer inspection, I realized each petal was created out of sugar.

The custom-built head table was covered with silver leaf and trimmed with Swarovski crystals… see a theme here?

The bride wanted crystals and then more cyrstals. Crystals everywhere.

The ceremony took place in the Terrace Room under this extraodinary chuppah.

Finally, my favorite piece designed for the cocktail reception.

The whole design came together beautifully- the flowers, the lighting, the crystals- everything looked perfect.

A huge thank you to the whole David Tutera team, the caterers and their crew from Great Performances, and everyone at The Plaza. What a truly stunning event! We can’t wait to see what David and his team have planned when we work with them at The Plaza next May.