Readyluck

Martha Stewart Weddings Bridal Market Party

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:14:00 -0500

We were thrilled to photograph the lovely Martha Stewart Weddings Bridal Market Party again this year. It's always so much fun to see what the creme de la creme wedding artists are up to and this event continues to draw some of the most energetic people in the industry. This year's party palette included vibrant shades of reds, oranges and yellows situated amongst Martha's penthouse office hive in NYC's West Village. As you might imagine, everything is "just so" and cared for with her hallmark attention to detail. MS Weddings', Darcy Miller, and her fantastic team really know how to throw a party, and continue to share their insights into the latest wedding trends.

Some of our favorite people were in attendance: Matthew Robbins is a pure delight and full of creative ideas which are shared in his new book, Inspired Weddings. Whenever we work together, we're met with such sincerity and smiles. Amy Degiulio from Sugar Flower Cake Shop demonstrated her cakemaking artistry in the kitchen where guests could learn some of the master's secrets and tour some of MSW's studios and offices. The backrooms are filled with studios and prop shops (some of which we're not allowed to share!) including drawers and drawers of serving spoons of all shapes, sizes, and color - they're careful to seldom, if never, repeat themselves. Claudia and the girls from the Wedding Library are always a blast and helped to organize the entire event. Other A- List guests included Monique Lhuillier, Colin Cowie , Randy Fenoli, Films by Francesco, and some of our most respected colleagues. The incomparable Elan Artists dished up some amazing entertainment (several bands and DJ's) which inspired many to hit the dance floor - including Martha herself, which we are unfortunately also unable to show (you can see a couple here however)!

Michelle and Kofi

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:41:00 -0500

Michelle is the first bride I've ever punched, so I knew this wedding was going to be extraordinary. Ok, I should probably elaborate…I met Michelle in a kickboxing class about three years ago at the gym. When not swinging fists, and tossing kicks, we started talking and learned that we were both from Massachusetts. One day, Michelle came into class with her beautiful ring, and news of the engagement. Soon after, she invited me to coffee to meet her beau and talk about the wedding.

It was a joy to witness Michelle and Kofi's family come together on this perfect summer day. Their ceremony took place on the lawn of the stunning Evergreen Mansion, though it felt like we were transported to Europe. The dinner began with toasts to the testament of character and friendship, and ended with everyone cutting a rug. Michelle blew everyone away with her sleek wardrobe change just before cutting the cake.

Vendors:

Make up: Kelley Unthank, Hela Beauty

Venue: Evergreen Museum and Carriage House

DJ: Absolute Entertainment, Gordon Thorn

With Gratitude

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:11:00 -0500

2011 was a pivotal year for us, energizing and uniting as a collective. Here's a tribute to all of our couples who celebrated their unions in 2011. Thanks for inviting us in, and entrusting us to faithfully document your experiences. It's pretty mind blowing to see everyone together like this.

Jessica and Ryan

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:27:00 -0500

Jessica and Ryan declared their love for one another on a picturesque autumn day. Jessica explained, "After much searching for the perfect venue, we fell in love with the antique and eclectic décor of Gramercy Mansion. Built in the 1800s and turned Bed & Breakfast, this Tudor, cottage-style mansion provided the warmth, charm, and the intimate setting we were looking for. We got married in the beautiful backyard garden surrounded by lush greenery and all of our family and friends. "

Jessica and Ryan were friends as teenagers, but Ryan moved away for a few years after they met. "By the time Ryan moved back to the East Coast to attend college (we ended up at different schools), he and I had formed a lasting friendship that would take us through seven years of dating and into marriage!" It is this serendipity and whimsicality that made the day feel so genuine. The couple is so comfortable together that it made meandering through the fairy tale-like location for portraits very endearing. I enjoyed witnessing their connection and recording their love amongst a landscape showered by golden light.

Jessica was a bridal model as a teenager, and it definitely showed in her grace and natural approach to the camera. She looked so elegant in her Maggie Sottero dress which was simple with an antique flair. Details were very important to the couple and both bride and groom participated in the selections. Jessica says,"We wanted it to be a personal experience for us and our guests and added touches of our personalities and story wherever we could, from invitations, which we designed and crafted, to our handmade favors-- sachets of mulling spices, a recipe we created and tested ourselves." This creative and loving couple showered their guests with an unforgettable celebration that I really felt lucky to document. You can view more images in the extended gallery. A special thanks goes out to my second shooter Marcela.

Venue: Gramercy Mansion
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Caterer: Hunt Valley Catering
Cake: Yia Yia’s Bakery
Flowers: Fleur de Lis Florist
DJ: Electra Entertainment
Hair and Makeup: Sweet ‘n Sexy Hair

Lauren and John

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:49:00 -0500

I never cry when I'm photographing a wedding, but during Lauren and John's first look, for the first time, I came close. Their unrestricted admiration for each other shone through as John kept saying "I am the luckiest man in the world", just loud enough for Lauren to hear. It was especially refreshing to work with these two because of their relaxed attitude, and their grounded nature. They truly celebrated their love for one another which was reinforced by the full hearts of family and friends.

Lauren and John shared the bond of friendship for a few years. They had an exceptional first date that lasted 3 days due to the historic snowstorm of 2010. When it came to the proposal, John had planned three separate romantic trips, intending to pop the question, but was delayed by the antique ring's late delivery. In the end, John planned out an evening at home. The two of them were enjoying a bottle of wine, next to the fire pit, with Van Morrison on the stereo. Then, in Lauren's words, "Into the Mystic ( my all time FAVORITE song) came on and the next thing I knew....John was on one knee saying a whole lot of stuff I couldn't hear because I was crying. Apparently he had to ask me twice because I didn't respond the first time."

As an interior designer, Lauren knows that, "design is in the details. Definitely making our day reflective of who we are. We're not the 'wedding factory' type and decided against a lot of expected wedding details. I had more than a few odd looks when describing our pie bar. Also, we wanted to bring our friends and family together for a night they'd never forget.....it probably won't ever happen again - having all of those people gathered in one place to celebrate and have fun. We wanted to make it count."

Lauren explained, "The venue was so pretty that I didn't have to add much but I love Dutch still Life paintings from the 1600's and wanted that vibe for my flowers. I also wanted them to be seasonal and local. Enter Ellen Frost. I showed her a few pics I found on a blog, and we recreated those centerpieces using dahlias, coxcomb, gourds, succulents and other seasonal items." "We're music junkies and that played a huge role in the day.....the table numbers, the music trivia on the backs of the menus were all meant to reinforce the importance that music plays in our lives and a big part of what originally brought us together." They also had an excellent DJ, Neal Beacon, was behind the turn tables, spinning exclusively LPs.

When I asked her what was her favorite part of the day, Lauren explained, "There were so many amazing moments! Seeing John for the first time and having a few moments to ourselves before the ceremony. Walking into the ceremony on my father's arm and seeing all of those faces there smiling and happy to celebrate the day with us. Also, the speeches! Each one was funny, heart-warming and incredibly special to us......oh, and I suppose seeing my Aunt do her Tina Turner impression on the dance floor during Proud Mary. Loved that!" Check out the extended gallery for more. Special thanks to Kristian for his help!

Vendors who helped bring this day together:

Flowers: Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers
Day of Coordination: Rachel Shaw of Plan it Perfect Weddings
Venue: Historic London Town and Gardens
DJ: Neal Becton
Caterer: Jamie Kupstas of Ken's Creative Kitchen
Dress: Watters and Watters, purchased from Betsy Robinson's