Your Wedding Advice - StrictlyWeddings.com Blog

Kindred Spirits – Kevin & Courtney

Photographer Andy Marcus, a StrictlyWeddings.com’s New York partner, shared one of his fabulous weddings with us and we’re thrilled to share Courtney and Kevin’s special day with you as well.

Kevin and Courtney met at Villanova University during their freshman year of college. They were in the same core humanities course and spent time together during a field trip and became fast friends. The summer following freshman year, they began dating, traveling across the country between Dallas and Connecticut to see each other and spent countless hours on the phone.

Her proposal arrived at sunset while the couple were walking on the beach in Bridgehampton. Both sets of parents were waiting at Courtney’s family’s beach house with champagne to celebrate when they returned. They were engaged in August 2009 and had a 22 month engagement (necessary as Courtney and her mom acted as the wedding planners).

The wedding ceremony was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which had always been a special place for Courtney’s family as it’s where they would attend midnight mass on Chrismas Eve. “It always seemed magical,” says Courtney. The President of Villanova, Reverend Father Peter, married the couple and did a very touching homily. At the end of the ceremony, he called the parents up to sing the song ‘May the Road Rise to Meet you.’ “Our parents placed their hands on our backs. This is a Villanova tradition,” explains Courtney.

Floral Designer Dejaun Stroud and Courtney chose bright vibrant centerpieces and bouquets to contrast the navy bridesmaids dresses by Amsale and navy tableclothes. They included opulent displays of lilies, roses, hydrangeas, peonies, and eremurus in varied shades of coral.

The reception was held at the Mandarin. They fell in love the first time they entered the ballroom and knew it was the perfect place for the reception. Courtney and Kevin had their guests tour the city in New York on double decker tour buses before the cocktail hour for a real “classic” feel.

The couple honeymooned at the One & Only Reethi Rah Resort in the Maldives and stopped off at Dubai on the way back to the U.S. Avid travelers, Kevin and Courtney felt the exotic destination was appropriate.

Wedding Receptions | Candlelight and Centerpieces from Simple to Sublime

We’ve seen some amazing wedding reception photos over the years. It never fails to amaze us how candlelight transforms a large space into something romantic and intimate.

Below are examples from our StrictlyWeddings.com partners and others. These centerpieces are turned into statements and works of art – from over the top to simple elegance. Marvelous ideas for our fabulous brides.

Photography: www.insideweddings.com, Nancy Aidee Photography, Edmonson Weddings, DFW Events, Kehoe Designs

Wedding Themes: Beaches and Nautical touches

We probably have lots of brides who are dreaming about a wedding in warming climates right now! You will find Laguna Beach’s Surf & Sand Resort’s scenic oceanfront views, tranquil fountains, unique ballrooms and exquisite cuisine make it the perfect setting for the day you’ve been dreaming of!

Photographs from Grey Likes Weddings

Imagine walking down the aisle on a sunny terrace overlooking the ocean, or holding your ceremony right on the sand in Laguna Beach. Then celebrate with friends and family in an elegant ballroom with immaculate decor and deliciously creative cuisine.

Seattle’s weather great backdrop for this green, white and black wedding

Our friend over at http://www.everylastdetailblog.com shared with us this lovely wedding (love the green accents) from the Pacific Northwest. How special that the bride speaks to the huge part that her mom played in the planning of the wedding.

“My fiancé and I live about four hours away from where I grew up and where we were planning on getting married. He works full time as an engineer and I’m a full time nursing school student. So for about four months my mom would run around and take numerous pictures of different place settings, center pieces, and all aspects of the wedding then let me choose what I liked. I literally could not have had such a wonderful perfect day without the help of my parents!” 

That’s a loving parent!

My best advice for future brides is to set aside more than enough time to plan, and to remember that no matter what when you look back on your wedding that little “miss-hap” won’t seem so enormous later, so just breathe and have fun!

Alante Photography did an amazing job capturing the emotion of the wedding. The laughter, the anticipation, and the joy all come shining through.

Resource: Everylastdetailblog.com / Photographer: Alante Photography / Reception Venue: The Edgewater Hotel / Flowers & Decor: Bella Rugosa / Invitations & Stationery: The American Wedding / Cake Baker: Sharon’s Catering and Cakes / Linens: BBJ Linen, Inc. / DJ: Affairs to Remember / Makeup Artist: Salon Maison / Bride’s Dress: Melissa Sweet / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade

Wedding Gift Trends: Custom Clutches

Attention all you lovely brides! On that full check list of wedding ‘to-do’s’, don’t forget to treat your bridesmaids to something special… you know those girls who listen to you debate between which exact shade of ‘plum’ is really ‘you’ or if you should go with the ivory vs. pearl chiavari chair? So, why not show them your appreciation! Treat them with one of our favorite hot new trends: handmade and custom designed clutches by S.Mondo. Bridesmaids (and brides alike) are going gaga for them!

S.Mondo was established in 2008, launching her versatile Everyday clutches. This young designer, Sarah Mondo, entered the bridal world in 2010, when her best friend asked her to create purses for her and her bridesmaids; the rest as they say, just fell into place.

“For wedding purses I ask for all details of the wedding day, to get a feel for the bride’s vision, including: location, time of year, colors, themes, etc. If the purses are customized to each bridesmaid, I make sure to find out their individual styles and the designing begins,” noted owner Sarah.

“Many of the bride’s purses are lined with a fabric that is meaningful to them, such as a fabric from their grandmother’s wedding dress or a favorite shirt of the soon-to-be groom. It’s a great way to incorporate the ‘something old, something new…’ tradition, while recycling.

“The Everyday clutches are made from reclaimed leather items, which are handpicked and purchased from a store where proceeds directly benefit Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. By purchasing an S.Mondo leather clutch, you’re not only directly involved in the recycling process, but also giving back to the Chicago community.”

So, in the midst of your busy planning, remember those exceptional girlfriends who have been there for you throughout the years. To purchase one of these stylish clutches, please send your request through skmondo.com.