Thursday, May 26, 2011

Patty and Nate's Four Seasons Hotel Wedding

On Saturday, May 21st, I coordinated Nate and Patty's wedding at the Old South Church and Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. After literally 5 days of non-stop rain, I couldn't believe that the sun was out when I woke up that morning! We were blessed with gorgeous weather all day.

The day started with the bride and her bridesmaids at Four Seasons getting their hair and makeup done, by Jennifer Guerriero and Veronica Kim, respectively. The bride was radiant in her Augusta Jones gown, while the bridesmaids looked beautiful in their dark blue BCBG floor-length dresses. The bride's ivory bouquet was elegant and unique with two small orchids topping the arrangement, while the delicate yellow bridesmaid bouquets offset their blue gowns perfectly. Hiroko Takeshita of Hanaya Floral arranged the flowers for the entire wedding. The couple's photographer, Kate McElwee, arrived that morning to snap pictures of the girls getting ready, and then moved on to capture the groom and groomsmen prepping on another floor of the hotel. Family members also gathered in the groom's suite to pin on boutonnieres and corsages.

A "first look" was organized in the grand staircase of the hotel. It was such a touching moment when Patty and Nate saw each other for the first time that day, as the bride was overcome with emotions! They took that opportunity to exchange gifts to each other too. Afterward, the bridal party and the couple's parents joined them for portraits in the Public Garden. After about an hour, a white stretch limousine and a vintage Jaguar, provided by Excelsior Limousine, took everyone to the church. A trolley from Super Tours was also on hand to take guests that were parked at the hotel to the church.

The ceremony was held at the more intimate Gordon Chapel at the Old South Church. It was a perfect space for about a hundred guests. The 30 minute ceremony was officiated by Reverend Doctor Ken Orth, with music provided by the church organist. After the ceremony, guests were handed "Yay" and "Hooray" flags to wave as the couple exited the church!! I can't wait to see pictures - the flags were too cute! It was quite a spectacle for all the people strolling Boylston that afternoon. Guests were then chauffeured to the hotel by three trolleys waiting outside, while the bride and groom and family members took the Jaguar and limo.

Cocktail hour began right when guests arrived, and everyone was treated to miniature bristol burgers, crab cakes, smoked salmon with corn griddle cakes, truffle parmesan fries served in bamboo cones, amongst other delicious bites. The couple was able to join their guests and also took some time out for portraits with extended family members. The reception was held in the former Aujourd'Hui restaurant space, with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views of Boston Public Garden. Fruitwood Chiavari chairs were brought in to adorn the tables along with blue bengaline linens from Table Toppers of Newton and boxed favors which were little photo frames that were personalized with Patty and Nate's names and their wedding date. After introductions, the couple danced to "Got to Get You Into My Life" by the Beatles and then all the guests joined in on some pre-dinner dancing. DJ Pete O'Karma from Beat Train Productions continued to keep the high-energy crowd entertained all night. In between the three courses, everyone was treated to witty and poignant toasts from a few family members and friends. There were also parent dances and an impromptu one with Nate's grandfather being twirled around in his wheelchair by multiple members of his family. It was one of the sweetest moments of the reception!

As the guests were eating their entrees of either filet mignon or herb-crusted halibut, Kate and her assistant photographer, Leah Haydock, set up a photobooth in the cocktail hour area. She also provided fun props like huge scissors, wands, mustaches, and hats, which made for some hilarious pictures! The hotel also set up a spread of delectable desserts for a late-night buffet. It was an impressive array of sweets that included triple chocolate brownies, mini fruit tarts, mini cheesecakes, lemon whoopie pies, vanilla creme brulee, chocolate raspberry almond tortes, and apricot shortcakes. In addition to this incredible dessert spread, the couple had a four tier lemon and raspberry wedding cake from Flour Bakery. Everyone enjoyed the photobooth and desserts and the dance floor stayed packed until midnight!

Patty and Nate, it was truly a pleasure getting to work with the two of you and I hope you enjoyed your wedding day! =) Special thanks go out to my assistant Rachel, who helped with the set up and my husband Mike for driving me and the church flowers back to the hotel. Also, I have to thank Emilie for "dropping by" the reception (this was after coordinating another wedding earlier that day), but ended up staying and helping the whole night!!

~Fiona

Monday, May 23, 2011

Katie and Doug's State Room Wedding Photos by Lisa Rigby Photography

Oh, how I loved working with Katie and Doug! Katie was a stunning bride that had exquisite taste when it came to her wedding dress and accessories. I coordinated their big day in October 2010 at The State Room, and had the opportunity to work with one of my favorite photographers in Boston, Lisa Rigby of Lisa Rigby Photography. All of the elements of the wedding were described in detail in my previous post here, but for this post, I'm so thrilled to share the gorgeous pro photos of this wedding.

Photos by Lisa Rigby & Fat Orange Cat Studio for Lisa Rigby Photography

{the vendor team}

• Wedding Coordination: Pink Orchid Weddings
• Ceremony Venue: St. Mary's Parish
• Reception Venue: The State Room
• Photography: Lisa Rigby & Fat Orange Cat Studio for Lisa Rigby Photography
• Getting Ready Venue: The Langham Hotel
• Hair Stylist: Michelle Arruda DeVoe of Demiche Beaute'
• Makeup Artist: Katrina Hess
• Bridal Gown: Kenneth Pool
• Bridal Headpiece: Maria Elena
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm
• Bridal Bouquet: Winston Flowers
• Wishing Trees: blueGuava
• Floral Centerpieces: Custom Floral Design by Karen Street
• Band: Men in Black
• Lighting: High Output
• Linen Rentals: Rentals Unlimited
• Wedding Cake: I Dream of Jeanne
• Trolley: Kenny's Coach

Thanks so much to Lisa for sharing these photos! Can't wait to work with you again in July!

~Emilie

Friday, May 20, 2011

Jen and Joel's Engagement Photos by Shang Chen Photography

Jen and Joel are getting married tomorrow!! They have been long-distance planning from California, and they are having their ceremony and afternoon reception at The Barn at Gibbet Hill. I'm so excited to finally get a chance to work with Shang Chen of Shang Chen Photography tomorrow, and I thought it would be a perfect time to show you some photos from their cute engagement session!

Photos by Shang Chen Photography

To see more from their engagement session, check out Shang's blog. Next week, I'll be doing a recap of their wedding day, so stay tuned!

~Emilie

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Michael & Tricia Films: Donnaree and Chris's Wedding Trailer

Earlier today, I received a link to the wedding trailer for Donnaree and Chris's May 1st wedding at The Villa from Michael & Tricia Films. I absolutely LOVE it, and this is only the trailer (a highlights video is coming later)! I couldn't wait to share it with you, and even from only a 1 minute and 22 second video, I think you'll see how amazing Michael and Tricia are at what they do. They were also so nice to work with on the wedding day!!

Christopher + Donnaree's Wedding Trailer from Michael and Tricia Films on Vimeo.

Donnaree's vows are just perfect and so heartfelt =) If you're getting married and have just said to yourself, "I need a videographer", you should definitely contact Michael and Tricia on their contact form or by emailing info@michaelandtriciafilms.com.

Michael - thanks so much for sharing this video!! I'm looking forward to our upcoming weddings together!

~Emilie

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Patty & Nate's Engagement Photos by Kate McElwee Photography

In a couple of weeks, Fiona will be coordinating Patty and Nate's wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. I have been following and loving the work of their photographer, Kate McElwee of Kate McElwee Photography, for a couple of years now, and I'm really excited that Fiona will get a chance to work with her! I thought that it would be great to give you all a little peek of the incredibly cute and easy-going couple by sharing their amazing engagement photos!

Photos by Kate McElwee Photography

If you would like to see more from this engagement session, check out the post on Kate's blog. Kate, thank you so much for sharing these beautiful photos!

~Emilie

Friday, May 6, 2011

Stephanie and Andy's Seaport Hotel Wedding Photos by Jen Ing Photography!

Last year, one of the most popular dates ever for a wedding was 10.10.10, and Fiona and I were lucky to be able to coordinate one of those weddings! Stephanie and Andy had their ceremony in the Wintergarden Room at the World Trade Center, and they celebrated their marriage with 150 guests right across the street at The Seaport Hotel in the Lighthouse. They infused a few Chinese traditions in the wedding, like having the double happiness character on the cake and their favor boxes, Chinese characters as table numbers, and the bride changed into a gorgeous custom qipao in the middle of the reception. You can read all about the details here.

I'm so excited to share a bunch of photos from Jen Ing of Jen Ing Photography. She was so easy to work with and I'm really excited to work with her again on another wedding this upcoming August!

Photos by Jen Ing Photography

{the vendor team}

• Wedding Coordination: Pink Orchid Weddings
• Venue: The Seaport Hotel
• Photography: Jen Ing Photography
• Videography: Jim Greene of Boston Wedding Films
• Hair & Makeup: Lypor Leong
• Bridal Gown: Alfred Angelo
• Floral Design & Décor: Mimosa Fresh Flower Design
• Ceremony Musicians: Boston String Quartet
• DJs: Anthony and Edwin of Jetset Sounds
• Linens and Chair Rentals: Rentals Unlimited
• Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister
• Photobooth: Party Booths

Jen, thanks again for sharing your beautiful photos!!
~Emilie