Archive for the ‘Venue’ Category

After Lia and Gavin’s wedding I was itching to see images, so how thrilled was I to get an email from Ashley O’Dell! She has a bunch of images on her blog, but here are a few of my favorites… Check out her post for more!

{and to Lia and Gavin – hope you had a wonderful honeymoon. Travel safely, and I hope to see you in Boston soon!!}

Yes, that’s right. Today will the last of my summer-inspired blog posts.  But it will also be my very favorite.  Today I am blogging photos from our most recent wedding!

Sara and Jason’s wedding took place on Chappaquiddick Island off the Cape and was truly everything a summer wedding should be: festive and fun, yet classic.  Held on a private estate, the ceremony was in a clearing overlooking the ocean and the reception was in a big, beautiful tent.  It was all absolutely stunning!

But nothing I say will actually capture the beauty of the day, so I will let you see for yourself.  I hope that you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed sharing in the day!

Before walking up the long, winding, and picturesque driveway, guests were given a glass of champagne and a pair of flip flops to make the stroll more enjoyable!  They were also led by a series of cheeky chalkboard signs made by the groom and his brothers.

Hello! Hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July!  We certainly did and were reminded of one of our greatest summer past times (and great wedding inspiration, of course!): Picnics!  We are not necessarily suggesting that you ask all of your guests to come sit on blankets in the outdoors (though of course you totally could!) but we think there are a great many elements from picnics that can be incorporated into your wedding to give it a summery, family oriented, and even very nostalgic feeling.  Bon appétit!

PHOTO CREDIT:

1. http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2010/10/20/farmers-market-inspiration-wedding-shoot/

2. http://memoriesatthepines.com/2011/04/14/outdoor-picnic-wedding-at-chapel-in-the-pines/

3. http://elseachelsea.typepad.com/frolic/2007/08/picnic.html

4. http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/PartyThemes.html

5. http://weddings.craftgossip.com/category/wedding-decor-2/page/3/

6. http://adrienneandcolin.wordpress.com/2011/05/30/picnic-wedding-and-alfresco/

7. http://willowroseboutique.blogspot.com/2011/05/perfect-picnic.html

8.  http://manolobrides.com/2011/06/27/wondering-what-to-eat-at-your-picnic-wedding-reception/

9. http://lianemccombs.blogspot.com/2010/02/picnic-wedding-reception-supply-list.html

10. http://manolobrides.com/2011/06/27/wondering-what-to-eat-at-your-picnic-wedding-reception/

11. http://theabbeycatering.com/blog/2011/03/11/welcome-to-your-picnic-wedding/valentines-day-picnic-wedding2/

Today’s post is all about where I wish I was: the beach.  Beach weddings are so much fun and you can incorporate so many other summer elements into a beach wedding.  Even better, there is such a variety with the beach itself: you can focus on New England or tropical beaches, go with a calm bake or bonfire atmosphere, even have an incredibly fancy dinner right there on the sand.  There are so many options, I collected a bit of a variety to hopefully spark some inspiration.  Wish you (and I) were there!

PHOTO CREDIT:

1. http://thebridesheart.com/tropical-beach-wedding-koh-samui-thailand/

2. http://www.stevezphotography.com/new-england-beach-wedding-photography

3. http://preparetowed.com/blog/2010/07/beach-wedding-inspiration.html

4. http://honeymoons.about.com/od/sandalsresorts/ig/Sandals-Wedding-Martha-Stewart/Seaside-Serenade-Reception.htm

5. http://www.weddingideasandtips.com/general-wedding-stuff/clam-bake/

6. http://www.wedzie.com/color/blue/contemporary-new-england-beach-wedding/attachment/110225-apwedding6-1/

7. http://www.weddingsonthefrenchriviera.com/tag/wedding-party/

8. http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/vintage-amor-by-the-shore

9. http://weddinghairstylesblog.com/beach-weddings/

We are finally getting around to posting photos from our 2010 weddings – and this one was truly beautiful. Sara and Chris decided to tie the knot in Boston and plan the wedding from their home in Chicago. With an incredible team of wedding professionals we had a fantastic party – with large thanks to Jo Cush Photography and Blooms of Hope for their stunning work.

Hope you are doing well and enjoying the summer, Sara and Chris!

Thanks to the fabulous team of:

Venue: Commanders Mansion
Photography: Jo Cush Photography
Flowers: Blooms of Hope
Catering: Above and Beyond Catering
Cake and Favors: Wilson Farm
Officiant: Mimi Graney

As a well-known fixture in Boston’s South End, and one of the hottest spots in town for live music, The Beehive is easily one of our favorite venues!  From the uniquely beautiful décor to the ultra cool atmosphere, The Beehive exudes awesome.

Their website describes it as a “Bohemian eatery” serving up “simple, satisfying, and generous comfort food,” with sumptuous cocktails and world class live music, which is absolutely true- the food, the drinks, the atmosphere: there’s truly no place like it.

But beyond being one of the coolest restaurants in town, The Beehive is an extraordinary venue and an absolutely fabulous place to host a wedding- your wedding in fact!  The space itself is raw industrial with lush décor elements like red velvet curtains and crystal chandeliors, the juxtaposition of which makes the place edgy but decadent.  We absolutely love the ever changing art displays from local artists: they seem to make the restaurant a completely new space with every turnover.  But my personal favorite details are the hand-made, reclaimed wood bars- in the upstairs bar you can actually find the top of an antique toy box.  Just a small thing that shows how truly one of a kind the place is.

We had the chance to talk with Chrystyna Kassaraba, head of event coordination about why she thinks where she works and why The Beehive makes an incredible spot for a wedding.

“The Beehive is unique in so many ways. Be it our general concept, our bohemian design, the caliber of the musicians that grace our stage, being a part of, and supporting the local arts community, our award-winning menu; to our wine list of select wines and champagnes from the ‘not-so-ordinary’ wine makers. Our staff makes sure each detail is seen to and they really connect with our guests and clients.”

When asked about her favorite weddings in The Beehive, the cool factor of the venue came through even stronger:

“All of the ceremonies and receptions have been special in many ways but a few of our favorites where when the groom who plays in a band wrote and sang a song for his bride, we also had a brother of the groom sing a song right after the ceremony which brought everyone, even the staff, to tears.”

She emphasized that when helping a client host their wedding, the goal of the staff is to channel the client’s personality, to make the day a reflection of their love and relationship, and most of all, uniquely theirs.  “We can help with directing couples to vendors that we have worked with and know how to maximize The Beehive whether it is a band, DJ or florist. We are here to make each event reflect the couple.”

We love The Beehive as a unique and urban space with so much potential for a personalized and distinctive wedding! Whether you choose to accent the industrial aspects of the building or the decadent design elements with your wedding décor, it seems all but impossible to go wrong.  The possibilities are endless and fun just to contemplate!

As you know, we are always here to help.  So today we are going to explain the Ins and Outs of the Preferred Vendor List- why some venues have them and some don’t, what they’re for, and most importantly, how they affect you and your big day.

Selecting the venue for your wedding is one of the first and most important steps in your wedding planning process and obviously not a choice to be taken lightly, nor is it a simple one.  And the venue’s Preferred Vendor List is just another element that must be considered.  Here is what you need to know:

- Is use of vendors on the list mandatory or optional?

Some venues will have vendors (caterers, rental companies, etc.) that they require you to use for your wedding.  If this is the case, make sure to research these companies (Are they in budget?  Do you like the caterer’s food options?  Does the rental company have linens that fit your vision?) because in this case you are agreeing to not only the venue, but the vendors of their choosing.  If a venue doesn’t have a Preferred Vendor List, it simply means that all of your vendor choices (and the research to find them) is left to you, your fiance and your planner.

- If it is optional, why have it?

Many venues have an optional Preferred Vendor List that you do not have to use, but that they recommend.  This is actually their way of trying to help you, their wonderful client.  The list will consist of vendors they have worked with in the past on successful and memorable events.  It also implies that the vendor knows the venue and its staff and will be able to work cohesively.  Basically, it shows you that this vendor won’t cause you any undo stress.

- How does a vendor get onto one of these lists?

Whether mandatory or optional, a vendor’s place on the Preferred List usually implies that they have worked with the venue on more than one occasion and successfully at that.  It also shows that they have a good working relationship with them that all parties would like to see continue.

- What does all this mean for YOU?

Quite simply, you can use the Preferred Vendor Lists to make your life easier.  If you do go with a venue with mandatory vendors, that is one less thing you have to extensively research and make decisions about.  And if your venue has an optional list, these vendors are a great place to start your search and is added peace of mind if you do go with these vendors.

Hopefully this offers a bit of enlightenment!  Please let us know if there are any other points of mysticism you would like cleared up!  We’re happy to share!

A relatively new icon of Boston, the Liberty Hotel holds a special place in our design heart. It’s a swanky space that blends old world character with modern amenities, making this a stunning wedding venue.

Tyra Bleek was out at the Liberty last fall and snapped these great photos. Thanks for sharing, Tyra!

The patio is fantastic in the summer for both ceremonies and a relaxed evening before the wedding. One of Boston’s best boutique-style hotels, the Liberty offers activities every night of the week – from art gallery Tuesdays to morning yoga on Saturdays, it will give your guests another reason to gather and enjoy their time in Boston.