A Wedding Story: Jess!

This week's Wedding Story comes from a Featured Engagement Story a few months back. Remember Jess? She had her beautiful Newport wedding at the end of October and was nice enough to come back and share her day with us!

When did you get married?
October 29, 2010

Where was your ceremony? Reception?

Ceremony was at Blessed Sacrament Church in Providence and Reception was at Oceancliff in Newport.

 
What made you choose that reception location?

Newport has been a big part of our relationship since the beginning. “Our” restaurant (Red Parrot) is there where we go to celebrate every anniversary. We spend a lot of time there during the summer days and Newport was also the setting for his proposal. We wouldn’t think to have our reception anywhere else but Newport. We chose Oceancliff because it’s secluded, right next door to what was once known as the Kennedy Compound and we just thought it was beautiful!

What was your favorite aspect of your wedding?

Walking down the aisle of the church. I always imagined the walk down the aisle and it was everything I thought it would be. It was also important that I had a long aisle to walk down (I guess I wanted the moment to last as long as possible since I only get one shot at it). I think that was the point where I had lots of emotions running through me…sad, anxious, excited, etc.

What was the best resource you used during the planning process?
The knot

At Jess’ wedding, there were several dessert options. For one, cake of course!

Each guest got a chocolate covered strawberry with their cake and a chocolate covered apple as their placecard. There was also a 20+ pie table!

What's the one thing you would have done differently?

My centerpieces. I loved my florist…they did a beautiful job with the bouquets, etc but I was disappointed with the centerpieces…they weren’t dramatic enough…

Bridal and bridesmaid bouquets

Any advice for future brides?

Plan everything you can in the beginning so that you don’t have much to do months or weeks before the wedding. That’s what I did and I was able to enjoy the time right before the wedding instead of running around trying to get things done. Also…try to pay all your vendors at least 2 months before the wedding. This is another thing we did which felt good that it was already taken care of so that you aren’t writing checks totaling thousands of dollars right before the wedding. Also, at the reception, take the time to look around the room. Cory and I did this during dinner and it was nice to see our guests having fun, etc. It did go by fast but we do remember everything…I was expecting it to be a total blur.

Photos courtesy of Zenobia Photography Studios.

If you'd like to be a Featured Wedding Story, please email me at legallybride@hotmail.com

A Wedding Story: Julie!

This week's Wedding Story is Connecticut native Julie Marshall who had a 'destination wedding' you might say. Two summers ago she put together a beautiful beach wedding in local summer hotspot, Cape Cod. I'll let her tell you more about it...

When did you get married?
June 20, 2009.

Where was your ceremony? Reception?
Red Jacket Beach Resort, South Yarmouth, MA (Cape Cod)

What made you choose that reception location?
We wanted a place that we could have the ceremony on a private beach. It was one of the few places in RI, CT and MA that had their own beach that we could more or less take over. We were able to have the ceremony, reception, and rooms for guests at the same location. And their food was really really good!

What was your favorite aspect of your wedding?
Our ceremony and cocktail hour on the beach.

What was the best resource you used during the planning process?
The girls I met on the knot!

What's the one thing you would have done differently?
We would have shopped around more for a cake baker. Our cake was delicious but didn't look exactly as we had wanted it to.

Any advice for future brides?
Remember that whatever happens during the planning and during the wedding, none of it really matters. The only thing that matters is that at the end of the day you will be married to the person you love!

I think sometimes we forget how close (and beautiful!) Cape Cod is. What a great alternative for RI brides to consider for their weddings. Thanks, Julie!

Photo courtesy of Cregg Annarino.

If you'd like to be a Featured Wedding Story, please email me at legallybride@hotmail.com

A Wedding Story: Susan!

This week’s Wedding Story comes from a bride who had a fabulous destination wedding in fabulous LAS VEGAS!

When did you get married?
We were married on May 1, 2010

Where was your ceremony? Reception?
We had a destination wedding! Our ceremony was held in the Classico Chapel at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV. Our dinner reception was held at Canaletto, a restaurant inside the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

Godiva chocolate favors

What made you choose that reception location?
We originally had planned a bigger, traditional wedding in our hometown. All of our plans changed when my mom got very sick about 6 months before our original wedding date of June 13, 2009. We ended up canceling our plans to wait for her to get better. When she died, two weeks before our original date, we decided to go in a completely opposite direction for our wedding. We decided to go destination so that we could keep it small. I chose Canaletto at the Venetian because it is a beautiful restaurant with private rooms that overlook the canal that runs through the hotel. I had also eaten there before and knew that the food was amazing. It was perfect for us. There was a live string trio playing in the piazza below our private room, so we turned down the music we had playing and let the live music entertain our guests.

What was your favorite aspect of your wedding?
I truly loved our reception. We didn't have the typical reception with a dj and dancing. We simply had an amazing 6 course dinner in a beautiful room. We did keep some of the traditional elements though. The best man introduced us, we had a champagne toast, and had a phenomenal wedding cake. Because we only had 22 people there, we were able to go around and talk with all of our guests, and still were able to relax and really enjoy the evening.

What was the best resource you used during the planning process?
The Las Vegas wedding forum on theknot.com! The brides there are all so helpful and sweet. Past brides have put together a list of vendors and FAQs to help new brides in the planning process. I have formed wonderful relationships with some of the brides on that forum, and they definitely made the whole process easy and fun.

What's the one thing you would have done differently?
I wish I would have gotten more sleep the night before, I only got about 5 hours of sleep! After our reception, we had plans to go and have an after party at an outside lounge at the Mirage hotel, but I literally could not keep my eyes open! I really wish I would have been able to stay up with my guests and really enjoy the beautiful night!

Cake courtesy of Cake Designs LV

Any advice for future brides?
If you are planning a destination wedding, just know that you will have to give up some control. Also, make sure you take a minute to take it all in, the night will seriously fly by.

Photos courtesy of Deacon Tyler

If you'd like to be a Featured Wedding Story, please email me at legallybride@hotmail.com

A Wedding Story: Stef!

This week’s Wedding Story comes from former Rhode Island knottie, Stef!

When did you get married?
Sunday, May 30, 2010!

Stef’s hair and make-up were done by Sam Cavalope and Krystal Treanor, respectively.

Stef’s Bouquet, courtesy of Golden Gate Studios

Where was your ceremony? Reception?
We held both at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, RI. Our ceremony and cocktails were outside in the gardens and our reception was inside the manor.

Some indoor & outdoor views of Glen Manor House

What made you choose that reception location?

We looked at over a dozen venues in Newport, Portsmouth and Southern Massachusetts but everything was too modern or too small or held more than one event at a time. When we walked in to the Glen we knew it was the place for us! I remember both of us were speechless and just walked around the grounds in awe. It is stunningly gorgeous with their flower gardens, gorgeous water views, the bridge and boat dock and of course the beach, rocks and woods! It has a little bit of everything! The manor itself is full of marble floors and fireplaces, antique furnishings, crystal chandeliers and all things vintage! We loved having the place to ourselves for the whole day and having Katie and Don, the care takers, take care of us for the day! It truly is your home for one very special day!

What was your favorite aspect of your wedding?
Jon and I wrote our own vows and successfully made everyone cry. We wanted to be corny, emotional and just our quirky selves. I wrote my vows to the pattern of, "Love is..." and Jon wrote his to the theme of, "We work because...". We mentioned everything from our love for the Red Sox to having ice cream for dinner and being each other's best friend. It is a moment we will never forget.

What was the best resource you used during the planning process?
We actually have several friends in the wedding business and picked their brains for information, ideas and other vendors. I will also give lots of credit to The Knot and especially the Rhode Island and Boston boards. The ladies on there are so helpful and honest and are truly supportive!

Stef’s groom along with their DJ, Victor from Party Time DJ’s

Cakes from Shemry’s Cakery

What's the one thing you would have done differently?
I would of tried to wash my hands more and have had my students do the same because I had the stomach flu on my wedding day! Silly germs...I should of sprayed down every inch of my classroom the week before! Oh well, at least I have a good story to tell the grandkids!

Any advice for future brides?
Something is going to go wrong on your wedding day. It might even be several things but you cannot help it or prevent it so you just need to go with the flow. Let someone else handle it, hire a day of coordinator or a wedding planner and be totally hands off the day of. It's your big day with your husband and just enjoy him and your wedding and don't worry about your flowers not being what you ordered. No one knows but you :) No melt downs, no bridezilla moments! No one wants to celebrate that!

Photos courtesy of David Bibeault

If you'd like to be a Featured Wedding Story, please email me at legallybride@hotmail.com

A Wedding Story: Erika!

This week’s Wedding Story comes from former Connecticut Knottie, Erika, or as all you bloggers know her, Mrs. B from Life with the Bruneau’s! Here’s Erika:

When did you get married?
September 6, 2009

Erika’s Bouquet

Where was your ceremony? Reception?
Our ceremony and reception were both at The Waterview in Monroe, CT

Some indoor & outdoor views of the Waterview

What made you choose that reception location?
The lake that the reception hall is located on. I really wanted a beach/outdoor wedding, and since there aren't too many place in CT to get married on the beach, this venue was the next best thing. I wouldn't change a thing...it was beautiful!!

Outdoor ceremony décor: Fans & chair flowers

What was your favorite aspect of your wedding?
Oh boy, I don't know if I can choose just one! I would have to say it was marrying the man of my dreams/my best friend. Everything was perfect, and I couldn't have asked for a better day. :)

What was the best resource you used during the planning process?
Hands down, The Knot...especially the CT message board! I can't thank those girls enough for all the advice/support they gave me. And, I've met some amazing friends through the process, as well.

Personalized Menus & Cocktail Napkins “Ear Drink and be Married”

What's the one thing you would have done differently?
I know it sounds cliché, but, I wish I didn't stress about all the little things. In the end, it's definitely not worth it. No matter what, everything will go perfectly.

Any advice for future brides?
Enjoy every single moment of *your* day. You deserve it! It goes by in the blink of an eye...literally. Take it all in, and remember to take some time alone for just you and your new husband. Sit back and look at all your family and friends who are there to celebrate with you, and who love you. It will be the best day of your life...no matter what!

Photos courtesy of Robert and Kathleen Photographers

If you'd like to be a Featured Wedding Story, please email me at legallybride@hotmail.com