Brilliant Blog

TIPS & SECRETS FROM A NEW YORK CITY PROPOSAL, WEDDING & EVENT PLANNER

A Brilliant Wedding: Julie & Gary, The Ceremony

Julie & Gary got married on a chilly day in early November at the chapel at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Their dream wedding had an autumnal feel with a flair for the colors of cranberry and burnt orange. With that in mind, we designed an elegant yet approachable day for them to share with their loved ones. They both got ready at the Wall Street Inn in downtown Manhattan and I have to say that Julie was one of the most beautiful brides I’ve ever seen! She rocked her Louboutins all evening and together they made a perfect Mr. and Mrs. Stay tuned for more photos from their spectacular day!

Getting Ready Wedding Manhattan

Elegant New York City Wedding

Amazing photos thanks to Jenny Boyle for Jennifer Davis Photography.

Mullet Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses can now be “business in the front, party in the back” with mullet wedding dresses! The name suggests something far less chic than the sophisticated hemline seen below, but it’s a hot trend right now in the wedding dress industry. Perhaps a way for brides to incorporate the Audrey-Hepburn-esque look of a short dress with the drama of a floor-length gown?

Mullett Wedding Dress

Photo courtesy of  Watters.

A Brilliant Wedding: Jennifer & Rob

Jennifer & Rob were married on the perfect fall day in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. These two came to us wanting nothing but the chance to enjoy their friends and family while basking in the glow of their wedding day. The Picnic House created a simply elegant backdrop, with florals from Blossom & Branch and photos from Jenny Kim, their nuptials were nothing less than picture perfect!

Outdoor Wedding BrooklynPicnic House Wedding Prospect Park Brooklyn

I love this sweet moment between the adorable bride & groom, so carefree and happy as they enjoy their wedding day! We were so honored to be part of such an amazing occasion, thank you!

Wedding Prospect Park

A Brilliant Wedding: Sandra & Jon

Sandra & Jon were married at the New York Botanical Gardens on a gorgeous fall day. Their guests were greeted with apothecary glasses filled with hot apple cider as they awaited the start of the sunset ceremony. After they exchanged their “I Do’s,” the couple hosted a fun-filled party complete with a packed dancefloor thanks to Around Town Entertainment, a photobooth and a spectacular candy bar. A special thank you to Jonathan Young for these beautiful photos. From the truly wonderful bride & groom to their darling family and friends, we were thrilled to be a part of their special day!

NY Botanical Gardens Wedding

Candy Bar Photobooth Wedding

A Brilliant Wedding: Michael & Christine, the Reception

We designed Michael & Christine’s reception around a 1920s supper club. With cabaret-style seating, vintage lamps accented the florals from Belle Fleur on each table and tickets directing each guest to their seat, the entire evening was reminiscent of the legendary Cotton Club in Harlem. The 15-piece band was led by none other than the famous Tony DeSare and captivated the guests all evening from the stage of the Hudson Theater.

Millennium Broadway Hotel wedding first dance

1920s broadway New York Wedding

Unique Manhattan Wedding Idea

It was truly our honor to have been part of Michael & Christine’s amazing day!

Photos courtesy of Karin VonVoigtlander.

A Brilliant Wedding: Michael & Christine, The Ceremony

The best rooftop in Manhattan was the setting for Michael & Christine’s sun-filled ceremony. 620 Loft & Garden provided the perfect NYC backdrop for them to exchange their vows. As her something blue, Christine had her baby bracelet pinned to the underside of her gown. With the sounds of the Theme from Forrest Gump, florals by Belle Fleur, a spectacular Pnina Tornai dress and a reading from the Velveteen Rabbit, this wonderful couple said “I Do.” These gorgeous photos are courtesy of Karin VonVoigtlander. Stay tuned for photos from their 1920s-inspired reception!

Rooftop Wedding New York

Wedding recessional bubbles

Late Night Snacks

Late-night snacks are the perfect way to treat your guests after a long night of dancing! They can be a sweet nightcap like churros, or milk and cookies – a crunchy antidote to all the alcohol. Or, send them home with coffee and donuts for breakfast the next morning. Prefer something savory? How about mini grilled-cheese sandwiches with tomato soup shooters, bagels and cream cheese or a hot dog cart with all the fixings!

Milk and Cookies Favor Wedding Donut Coffee Favors Wedding

Photos courtesy of the Knot via Wish and Martha Stewart.

A Brilliant Wedding: Denise & Adam, the Reception

A gorgeous winery just outside of Manhattan was the idyllic setting for Denise & Adam’s reception. Laurita Winery was the perfect combination of rustic and elegant, built of reclaimed pieces from all over the Northeast. This lucky couple had their logo designed by a close friend of the groom’s – a play on their initials and the double helix of DNA, and Kayleigh Jankowski helped to incorporate it into their wedding day stationery.

New York City winery wedding

The head table was a farm table with legs made from reclaimed church pews.

Wedding Table Winery

Using the logo as inspiration, and with florals from Rountree Flowers, we designed a tablescape featuring shades of purple with green accents.

Green purple wedding winery

An intimate moment in the vineyards.

Laurita Winery Wedding New York City

Thank you, Denise & Adam, for letting us be part of your spectacular day. It was truly an honor!

All photos courtesy of the fantastic Jeff Tisman.

A Brilliant Wedding: Roy & Michele

Not even the threat of a NYC hurricane could keep these two from the altar! Roy & Michele enjoyed an intimate ceremony at the Ladies Pavilion in Central Park followed by a fun pedi-cab ride around the park and a sunset dinner at the romantic River Cafe overlooking the East River. Thanks to Zlatko Batistich for capturing their special day so wonderfully.

Central Park Wedding New York City

Multi-Purpose Program

How about this wonderful multi-purpose program idea that we discovered on Brides? A great way to give your guests a little snack and share the information about your ceremony. We can see this concept being used for all sorts of different foods or even as escort cards instead of programs!

Photos courtesy of Jeremy Lawson Photography.