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

“I do” Ideas: Holiday Themed Weddings!

I love this time of year & I (obviously) love weddings; so what’s better than putting the two together?!? How do you pull this off without your wedding looking like a cheesy corporate holiday party? Let’s walk through it…

First off, the invitations will play a part in setting up your theme. You could choose a simple white and red themed invitation, don’t forget the ribbon!

Not opting for red? Check out these white & silver snowflake themed “Winter Wonderland” beauties from East Six

For bridesmaids, I like darker colors for this time of year. There’s always the classic black.

Or any other array of darker shades or jewel tones. I love this dark red.

For the ceremony, I love these white branches as décor for the Winter Wonderland theme.

Onto the reception… There are lots of fun & unique place card options for the holiday theme.

While I do like this traditional white and red place card look with snowflakes in the background,

I love these next two ideas! Using pinecones as place cards,

Or creating snowflake ornaments! You could have them hanging on branches for your guests to find!

At the reception, you have a few color options in my opinion.

You can stick with the classic deep red theme.

Work it into your tables and linens,

Centerpieces & décor,

as well as your cake!

Another festive option is metallics; gold or silver.

I love how these centerpiece are both made up of many different parts but don’t look too cluttered.

And, of course, silver or gold cakes.

Finally, you could stick with the Winter Wonderland theme & use whites, with touches of blue or purple.

I love the little touches of snowflakes here…

And at the end of the night… Favors of course!

I LOVE the idea of ornaments that your guests can put up each year and remember your special day by.

Another idea? Edible favors! I love these little snowmen & gingerbread man cookies!

x

Staying in the holiday spirit, I found these shiny silver bells that were handed out as favors with ribbon tied around them.

Finally, what better gift to your guests at the end of the year than a planner for the following year?! LOVE this idea!

Did you have a holiday wedding (or do you dream on having one)? I’d love to hear your ideas!

All images from The Knot, unless otherwise noted.

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