We all know that while planning a wedding, some things are easier than others, and some parts are just more fun than others. Well, one of the fun parts (for Nicole and Chris anyway) was finding the band. These two are seriously into music. Chris works as a DJ, so he knows his stuff when it comes to the entertainment. We all just knew that this would be a big decision for them.

I sat down with Nicole and Chris recently to chat about what they were looking for in terms of music, and what their dream entertainment would be. Somewhat surprisingly, givin Chris’ DJ background, these two, as Chris told me, “always knew from day one that we wanted to have a band. That was important to us. And have a DJ in between. We just think that with live music, people get more involved, more excited.” I totally agree. While a good DJ can really keep a party going and play any song you could ever imagine, there’s something about a band (especially a really good band) that can bring your party to the next level.

As Nicole puts it: “The two biggest things for us have always been the music and the food. We just want people to enjoy themselves, have a good time! That’s our top priority just to see everyone having the best time. Whatever it takes to make that happen.”

Well. I can assure them, people will enjoy themselves. Everyone will have a good time. I love the decision they made on the band. They chose Night Shift!!

Let me tell you. These guys are seriously good. Like, OMG I can’t believe they play weddings kind of good. They are so charismatic and have such a good time doing what they do that it’s infectious and every single one of your guests will love them – from your grandmother to your best friend from college – everyone will be impressed. I love when clients work with Night Shift (for selfish reasons) because it just makes the night that much more fun…. even for me, and I’m at work during weddings!

So, excellent choice, Nicole and Chris. Now I’m REALLLLLY excited for your wedding!

Brides – check out Night Shift’s website for lots of photos, video of the band in action and more!

XO

The Blogging the Bride Team (so far):

Nicole, Chris and I sat down recently to talk decor. As it is for most people, this is always my favorite part. I mean, the decor for their wedding is really what girls dream about… colors, details, flowers, it’s all fun.

We talked a lot about colors, overall vibe of the day and key elements that are musts for the two of them when it comes to the design of their wedding day. We poured over lots of photos, talked about how to work with the design of their venue, The InterContinental Boston, and how to transform Nicole and Chris’ every day style into their wedding day style. This is what we ended up with:

Nicole and Chris are a traditional couple with a modern flair. They want drama, but nothing “too crazy”, rather, they aim for simple and classy. Their venue is modern, and they’d like to stick to that vibe without creating a room that is too streamlined and stark. They want a little bit of romance! They definitely want their dancefloor to be a highlight of the room, and would love to see a room filled with candles and a little bit of sparkle. The colors are still a bit up in the air, but platinum and silver will definitely be incorporated somehow.

My next step is to show them a few ideas, which is where you come in, dear readers! The way I see it, there are a few different ways we can tweak Nicole and Chris’ vision to create something spectacular, and I would adore your input!

Option One: We could create something modern and simple that is softened and warmed with natural accents. We will bring the outside into their ballroom using elements such as natural wood and feathers, but still keep everything a little glimmery and sparkly using lots of candlelight, crystals and pops of silver. The overall palette will read as silver and platinum, but mixed with hints of pale pink and soft purple:

Option Two: We could bring up the drama with lots of added sparkle, and a little more modern feel overall. This option is very chic and stylish, very dramatic. Lighting and other non-floral decor elements paly a huge role in this decor option. The vibe is a bit more streamlined, a bit less soft. The palette is heavier on the platinum tones, contrasted with bright whites. I’d love to see lots of lucite and mirror elements in this room.

Option Three: A halfway point between the first two options, this option would be very modern, but with traditional, romatic elements mixed in. We would still incorporate lots of sparkle, and soften it with lots of candle light, and other soft ambient lighting and natural elements for contrast. The floral arrangements would be a bit loose and natural in this look, but would be created using chic, modern options such as orchids and calla lillies.

What do you think? Vote below to help Nicole and Chris make their decision!!

Stay tuned for next week’s episode… Finding the Dress!

The Blogging the Bride team (so far):

Today, to kick things off, I thought we should get to know Nicole & Chris a little bit better. Instead of me telling you about them and their wedding plans we decided it would be better if they tell their story themselves! Click to watch below, as Nicole and Chris tell us about how they met, and their super cute engagement story:

Blogging The Bride: How They Met / How They Got Engaged from Boston Wedding Films on Vimeo.

Don’t you love that story? You can hear me in the background telling them that I sure do! Now that we’ve gotten to know the Bride and Groom a little bit, lets get down to business: The Wedding Plans.

So far, Nicole & Chris have made a couple of big decisions:

1. The wedding date – Friday, September 17 – yes, it’s going to be on a Friday, people! And it’s going to be fabulous! Not only will they be able to spend the entire weekend celebrating with their friends and family, but they will likely be able to negotiate fantastic deals with their venue and some of their vendors. Doesn’t get better than that!

2. Their cinematographers – yes, that little masterpiece above was put together by none other than Our Favorite, Boston Wedding Films! We will be working with Jason and Jim the entire way through the planning process, capturing all the key moments on film.

3. Their photographers – Our Favorite, Person + Killian!!!! Lauren and Jill will be following along with us as well! Love.

4. Their venue – but I’m not telling yet! You’ll have to tune in in a few weeks for the big reveal.

I’m so excited by all the choices that these two have made so far – love Friday weddings (I mean, seriously love, so much that my own wedding will be on a Friday. Let’s start a Friday wedding revolution people!), and couldn’t possibly love their vendor choices any more.

At this point, you’re probably wondering how this all came together – how did these two decide to have their wedding planning process blogged about for the world to see? Well, lets be honest, I kinda talked them into it. When Nicole and Chris were first engaged, Nicole found my blog, and contacted me for some advice on hiring their vendors (which I LOVED… everyone should do that! I love to promote the vendors I work with!). Once we got to chatting, this idea formed to share how a regular Boston bride plans her wedding! I mean, it’s nice to have someone to commiserate with, right? Always! There are so many emotions that pop up throughout the planning process… emotions that non-brides just can’t relate to. Well, Nicole and Chris are going through it, just like you.

I just can’t tell you enough how excited I am for this project, and I hope you are too! Let’s hear it brides – where are you in the planning process? Are you just at the beginning of your plans like Nicole and Chris? Do you have advice for these two?

Before we sign off for today, here’s a little peek behind the scenes of our video shoot:

Be sure to tune in next week when we talk budget. We’ll have lots of great insight on how to go about setting your own budget, and even some helpful worksheets from my ladies at Tangorra Wedding Planning!

XO

BTB Team (so far):

We have the sweetest Newport wedding today sent to us by Our Favorite Photographers, Person + Killian. In case you haven’t noticed, I have a huuuuuuge soft spot for anything soft, girly, pink (if there are some sparkles thrown in, even better). Well, this wedding is super girly (love), but very New England classic at the same time which just makes it extra fun. It also never hurts when the bride is just drop dead gorge…

Love the pink candy station! And dont you just adore some of the cool shots that Lauren and Jill of Person + Killian Photography were able to capture around Fort Adams?

Be sure to check out Jill + Lauren’s website and blog to see more of their work!!

XO

The key to pulling off this gorgeous event was a team of truly talented vendors, I mean, the best of the best. Many of Our Favorite Vendors were involved in this wedding – Eric Barry Photography, Boston Wedding Films, Spruce Floral, Tangorra Wedding Planning - the entire vendor list is below, it’s a good one!

XO

Photography: Eric Barry Photography
Ceremony: South Church
Reception Venue: Wentworth by the Sea Resort
Flowers: Spruce Floral
Planner: Tangorra Wedding Planning
Cinematography: Boston Wedding Films
Lighting: Suzanne B. Lowell Lighting Design
Entertainment: Peter Diozzi for Groove Entertainment
Linens: Table Toppers
Stationary: Invitations & Company
Hair & Makeup: Luz Beauty
Favors: Maine-ly New Hampshire
Transportation: MBT Worldwide

I hope you all had fabulous weekends. I did! I spent the weekend working on a very exciting project that we will be announcing on the blog soon! Hint: it involves some of the best vendors in Boston and you wil LOVE it I promise. Stay tuned for more info coming soon. SO excited.

In the meantime, I thought we should start the week on a high note with this totally gorgeous winter wedding at the Four Seasons, sent to us by Our Favorite Photographer, Claudia Kronenberg. Amazing. I love that the color palette reads as all white, but if you look a bit closer at the flowers (done by Carol Silverton) and details, there are touches of gray, lavender, soft pink and green to give the design incredible texture and interest.

XO

Still totally loving the fog at this wedding too! The lighting is just perfect for photos – not a squint or shadow in sight!

Another great thing about this wedding from a behind the scenes perspective – this couple chose to bring some of their vendors to their Maine wedding from the Boston area. Don’t get me wrong, there are *many* lovely vendors in the Maine area (some of my favorites are based in Maine actually!), but it’s always a good thing to consider no matter your venue – don’t let your location keep you from hiring the vendors you love! You’d be surprised how many vendors love to travel outside of their home base!

XO

Photographer: Eric Barry
Venue: Nonantum Resort
Florist: Brenda’s Bloomers
Band: The Johnson Brothers

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Stay tuned for many more great reception details! Vendor list is below!

XO

Photographer: Eric Barry
Venue: Nonantum Resort
Florist: Brenda’s Bloomers
Band: The Johnson Brothers

I’m in love! Full vendor list below… lot’s of wonderful people were involved in making this wedding happen!!

XO

Photographer: Eric Barry
Planner: Tangorra Wedding Planning
Florist: Blue Guava
Ceremony: St. Cecilia Parish
Band: Unity
Cinematographer: FairyTale Productions
Transportation: Yankee Bus lines, A Perfect Limo
Hair & Makeup: Emerge Salon, Acqua Salon
Reception: The State Room

Sometimes I see photos from a wedding, and I just wish that I had been able to be there. This is one of those weddings. It’s just so soft, so girly and romantic, and it totally helps that some of Our Favorite Vendors (the ever incredible Claudia Kronenberg Photography and Sperry Tents) helped to make it all happen! The amazing flowers are by Soiree Floral. I am officially obsessed with Lelia’s bouquet.

And, um, PS… how cool would it be to have aerial photos (by Nantucket Aerial) of your wedding??!

XO

Photography: Claudia Kronenberg Photography
Tent: Sperry Tents
Florist: Soiree Floral
Aerial Photography: Nantucket Aerial
Planner: ACKtivities
Caterer: A Taste of Nantucket
Cake: Jodi’s Cakes