Brilliant Blog

Non-Traditional Chuppah

February 20, 2012

I was pretty sure this would always be my favorite chuppah (or mandap, or canopy depending on your religious affiliation). But when I saw this little gem on Style Me Pretty today, I thought it was the prettiest non-traditional chuppah ever and had to share.

Photo by Elizabeth Lloyd.

A Brilliant Wedding: Vanessa & Nicole

February 8, 2012

I remember when Vanessa & Nicole sent me their list of formal photos…it included a note that said “We’d like photos of us laughing, we do that a lot.” As you can tell by these fantastic photos, they were certainly right.  These two lovebirds met as roommates and tried to remain only friends but alas, love got the better of them and they fell head-over-heels for each other. Their intimate, spring wedding was filled with smiles, merriment, hugs, kisses …and, you guessed it, a ton of laughter.  They encouraged their guests to “Remember to Live” and enjoyed every last bit of their big day. I’m pleased to announce that their photos were recently featured on Style Me Pretty.  I was privileged to be part of their amazing day and am so grateful to have met them.

Lovely photos courtesy of Kate Triano Photography.

Best TV Marriage Proposals

February 1, 2012

Tis the season for marriage proposals with Valentine’s Day around the corner!  In honor of all of the lucky couples out there, I’ve compiled a list of the top TV marriage proposals. As you can see, many of them stray from my typical proposal do’s and don’ts, but through the magic of TV, all of them are still wonderful and still perfect, because she says yes!

1. Jim & Pam from The Office.  My personal favorite – nothing was perfect and yet it was still perfect.

2. Charlotte & Harry from Sex and the City.  No ring, no plan but all kinds of love!

3. Monica & Chandler from Friends. Proof that the proposal doesn’t have to start with the man! Click here for the clip.

A Brilliant Wedding: Ashley & Lee

January 26, 2012

It’s not every day that you move halfway across the country, only to meet and fall in love with someone who went to the same college!  Ashley & Lee did just that. These two wanted to combine their southern hospitality with their cosmopolitan life here in NYC so I designed their wedding in hues of purple with magenta and gold accents.  The ballroom at the brand new Eventi Hotel proved to be the ideal space with its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and chic lounge furniture.

Their centerpieces from Starbright Floral reflected the young, fresh vibe of their wedding – three distinct arrangements, each with a different flower choice created a pop against the plum textured tablecloth.  A black lacquer dance floor and white calligraphy on their escort cards rounded out this beautiful May wedding.  Congratulations to this happy couple – I was so honored to be part of your big day!

Lovely photos courtesy of Moss Creation.

Aisle Runner Alternatives

January 18, 2012

If you like the idea of an aisle runner but want something a little more unique, get inspired by the overall look and feel of your wedding. If you’re having a fall wedding, work with your florist to create a carpet of leaves in gorgeous reds and oranges. A glamorous indoor wedding? Scatter sequins down the aisle to add just the right amount of glitz.  Or, if you’re sold on rose petals but want a different interpretation, try doing a geometric pattern. The aisle’s the limit!

Photos courtesy of Zoom Photography via Style Me Pretty,

KT Merry and Rock Paper Scissors Event Design via Style Me Pretty, and Sedona Bride.

Featured in the UK Daily Mail!

January 17, 2012

I am thrilled to be featured in an article about proposal planning in one of the UK’s biggest papers, the Daily Mail! For the complete article, please click here.

Side Buns: Timeless or Trendy?

January 12, 2012

The 1980s were the times of banana clips, mini skirts and classic Madonna, when most brides were of the mindset that bigger was better – especially when it came to wedding hair! Giant mall bangs, huge tendrils and perms were what every bride dreamed of. One of the hottest wedding hairstyle trends of the past few years is the side bun, a modern twist on the classic bun.

Will the side bun prove to be timeless or will it be an indication of the decade, like big eighties hair? What do you think?

A Brilliant Marriage Proposal: Matt & Missy’s Video

January 3, 2012

Enjoy the video from Matt & Missy’s engagement that I designed and planned as The Proposal Planner.  Video courtesy of our friends at Pap the Question. Check out all the photos from their amazing day here.  Want a marriage proposal like this?  Call us at 917.974.4729 or email at sarah@brillianteventplanning.com.

A Brilliant Marriage Proposal: Matt & Missy

December 29, 2011

Matt wanted to propose to Missy, who loves everything vintage and French so I designed their marriage proposal to reflect her taste for le francais but also their future together. We shut down a local french bistro and filled it with singers posing as regular patrons. Our friends from Pap the Question took paparazzi-style photos while the couple enjoyed a cup of tea.  They were transported back to 1920′s France – a large iron structure decorated the private room with crystal chandeliers and fresh florals.  Tiny hang tags from each corner of the structure had a reason why Matt loves Missy.

Underneath the structure was a 5-tier cake by Elegantly Iced and a custom-crafted wooden wine box with their names. Inside was a bottle of 2008 Pinot Noir – a vintage from the year they met. They plan to use the box as a time capsule and open it on their 10 year anniversary. Missy said YES and the vintage fun continued with a 1920′s limousine chauffering them to a private dinner at one of NYC’s best restaurants.  Their proposal was featured in the New York Times and in USA Today. Special thanks to Pap the Question for the amazing photo & video.  Congratulations to Matt & Missy and stay tuned for the video…coming soon!

Featured in the New York Times!

December 27, 2011

I’m so honored to be featured in the Christmas Day Sunday Styles section of the New York Times! Stay tuned for more photos, video and details from Matt & Missy’s engagement and click here to read the article.