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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.

Central Park Boathouse New York

We’ve showcased New York wedding photographer Ryan Brenizer before. Here’s a fun wedding by Ryan where Murphy’s Law did not get in the way, instead it was embraced with fun and laughter.

“It started to rain right before Cathy and Glen were to take a leisurely walk in Central Park.
They had planned it to take place before their reception at the Central Park Boathouse.

“You may not have heard how it also started to rain right before Cathy was going to get into the limo for the ceremony at the stunning Church of St. Ignatius Loyola  … or how that limo then immediately broke down, needing a jump start from a friendly NYC taxi driver.”

“But what you really didn’t hear is how none of that mattered. How much fun they had anyway at every part of the day. How close their family was. How rain and electronic problems and all the challenges of a wedding day just became great stories to talk about later when a couple knows how to have fun together, which Cathy and Glen are great at. And, you know, the whole “looking fabulous” thing.”

New York Weddings – Lindsey & Tyler

Sometimes, the most important decisions are the easiest to make. “I realized very early on that this was the girl I was going to marry, probably a month or two after we started dating,” confides Tyler Rhoten of his bride, Lindsey Magness.

“We wanted to have an iconic New York wedding, which showed our out-of-town friends and family the best of the city we love and call home. Our locations were a big part of achieving that,” says the couple. StrictlyWeddings.com NYC partner, Gruber Photographers, shared this iconic wedding with us and it’s sure to become one of your favorites!

The sizeable bridal party – eight maids in all – wore floor-grazing charcoal gowns and held vibrant bouquets in brilliant hues of purple and blue. A vision in a tumble of ruffled fabric that fell in origami-like layers, Lindsey floated down the candle-lit aisle, her mother and stepfather by her side. One magical moment: Just as Tyler and Lindsey kissed after being pronounced man and wife, a gospel choir burst into song, setting the mood for the remainder of the night with their rendition of “Oh, Happy Day,” which set the mood for the remainder of the night.

For the reception, guests made their way to the New York Public Library for a night to remember. Tyler and Lindsey shared a ride in a classic car, which was fitting for their timeless, New York theme. “My advice to any bride and groom is to set aside some alone time, even just five minutes, between the ceremony and reception,” advises Lindsey. “It was so nice to take a moment to appreciate that we were officially married before starting the celebration.”

The bride’s favorite color palette of black and white, accented with shades of purple, set the backdrop for the elegant affair. Table cards cleverly fashioned to resemble catalog cards guided guests to their sage-toned seats. Long rectangular tables filled the immense room, each topped with gleaming silver candelabras and flowering branches of purple blossoms that reached toward the vaulted ceiling. Contrasting short, clean arrangements of white orchids, tea roses, lavender, purple iris, and calla lilies added texture. Candles of all shapes and sizes played up the romance, illuminating the hallowed halls. No two tables were identical, a visual feast for the eyes. Violet lighting cast a romantic glow during the dinner and dancing.

For guests that were less footloose and fancy-free, small lounge areas were provided to sit and enjoy so they wouldn’t feel left out of the action. Combining influences from the couple’s favorite Mexican and Italian cuisines, guests feasted on a first course of penne with tomato and hot peppers, lasagna Bolognese, and spinach tagliotini with ham and peas. A light salad followed. The main course included a choice of Dover sole or rolled chicken, both accompanied with sides of tomato and roasted-pepper flan, asparagus, and potato duchesses. A towering five-tiered buttercream cake was adorned with beautiful bouquets of sugar flowers, ranging from the palest lavender to the deepest plum. The ice cream-loving couple surprised their loved ones with a gelato cart serving hand-dipped cones. “It was definitely a hit with our guests!” says Lindsey. In lieu of traditional favors, a donation was made in honor of attendees to two local organizations. However, another tantalizing delicacy served as a sweet reminder of the night. Guests were encouraged to fill a to-go bag with fresh bomboloni (Italian filled donuts).

Bride & Groom: Lyndsey Magness & Tyler Rhoten
Photographers: Gruber Photographers
Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Veil: Mark Ingram Bridal
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Reception: New York Public Library
Ceremony: Saint Bartholomew’s Church
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock Cakes

Copy: Inside Weddings

Brian Dorsey – Behind the Lens of a Great Talent

Sometimes we get fabulous wedding photos, yet no details to whet our curiosity. But then again, with the amazing talent of photographers such as New York City’s Brian Dorsey … who needs words when the photos speak for themselves?

Brian Dorsey Studios was named One of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World by American Photo Magazine and is one of the recognized leaders of the lifestyle wedding movement. He and his team of award winning associates have photographed many of New York society’s most notable weddings and events. Enjoy the one below, then visit his website to experience more of his studio’s wonderful talent.

Wedding Trends – CandyBand Headbands

Our team is making headway in getting our New York StrictlyWeddings.com partners. So as we research and find out all the fabulous wedding resources that New York has to offer, we’ll offer you a sneak peak of some of our finds such as CandyBand Accessories. Founder Adina Bistritzky’s creations are simple and so lovely. Perfect for the bride looking for an elegant touch without the fuss.

CandyBand Accessories offers a full line of beautifully handmade headbands, hair clips, hats and belts, designed to satisfy every taste and style. Always drawn to fashion and elegance, Adina, CandyBand’s lead designer and creative director, began designing headbands in 2005. With a fresh take on color and style, and always wearability, her pieces became an overnight sensation. Her line quickly evolved to include hats, belts and jewelry. Bergdorf Goodman carries Adina’s full line as well as many boutiques all over the world. A nice touch that  makes us smile …10% of CandyBand profits are given back to the community and charitable causes!

Wedding video a moving tribute to love and marriage

We are thrilled to announce that Fred Marcus Photography will be one of our New York partners. Photographer Brian Marcus has a very entertaining blog that we encourage you to view regularly. Below is a touching video that he produced for one of his clients. We know you’ll be as moved as we were.

We look forward to bringing our faithful readers more of these special wedding videos from our various partners in the future. We are blessed to have such a talented group of professionals to help you plan your wedding. We encourage you to use their services whenever you can. Visit our Dallas Bridal Book or Chicago Bridal Book for a quick view.