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):

All you DIY brides will love this one too… look closely… no floral centerpieces at this beautiful wedding! Lots and lots of candles were the secret here. The barn looked amazing lit with the soft glow of pillar candles at each table.

If you don’t know Stacey Kane’s work, you must go visit her website. Trust me.

XO

Photographer: Stacey Kane
Venue: The Barn at Gibbet Hill
Planner: Tangorra Wedding Planning
Flowers: Lavendar
DJ: Robert Waldron
Transportation: First Choice Limo

Nancy & Anand May 9th 2009 Cambridge MA from Boston Wedding Films on Vimeo.

LOVE!

XO

Their wonderful photographer, Amanda Ambrose was there to capture every moment, while our Megan from Tangorra Wedding Planning was on hand to make sure BOTH ceremonies went off without a hitch!

Come back in just a bit to see their amazing wedding film by none other than Our Favorite, Boston Wedding Films!

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

The first thing I always ask clients to think about when planning the rehearsal dinner is exactly what I would ask about their wedding – what do you imagine it to be like? Rehearsal dinners these days can really be anything from the traditional, small, intimate dinner to a grand party for all of your wedding guests!

Since many couples have a large portion of their guest list traveling in from out of town for their wedding, I think it’s always nice to give guests who arrive the night before something to do – that could really mean anything from inviting all the out of town guests to the rehearsal dinner, to providing them with some ideas of local activities, or a list of your favorite restaurants that they should check out. For our wedding, we are having a small dinner with just family and bridal party, then inviting all out of town guests to join us for drinks afterwards, which I think is a nice balance both for the feeling of the rehearsal dinner, and for the budget.

Now, many couples do ask me “what should I do for the rehearsal dinner?” “who should I invite?”, but more often, I get questions about the decor of the rehearsal dinner (the fun part!). I know this is always a tricky thing because the budget generally isn’t as large as the budget for wedding day, but everyone still wants to plan a nice event. I am a huge fan of planning your rehearsal dinner to be sort of the complete opposite of your wedding day. Planning a lavish black tie wedding in Boston? Have your rehearsal dinner at a casual restaurant, maybe a barbeque joint. Planning a tent wedding on the beach? Host your rehearsal dinner in a private room in your favorite nice restaurant… you get the picture.

One of my clients pulled this off flawlessly. You must remember Linnea and Dave’s Chic Maine Wedding, right? Well, Linnea and Dave are foodies from New York City. Both of them have spent years working in five star restaurants and wine houses – these two and their circle of friends are totally chic. Almost every single one of their guests traveled to Maine for their wedding, and most of them came from NYC, so for their wedding, they decided that they wanted to bring The City to Maine. Yes, they were in a tent on wedding day, but the decor and food (and wine) were very high end and lavish. For their rehearsal dinner, on the other hand, they decided to bring their city friends to Maine. And what could be more “Maine” than taking a boat out to an island for a lobster bake?

*All photos by the wonderful Alexandra Daley Clark

Their Maine island clambake was such fun, and such a relaxing way to kick off the weekend! Linnea DIY’ed many of the details for this event – lobster lollies served as escort cards, river rocks served as place cards, centerpieces were simple hurricanes and candles – it was perfect!

So what are you doing for your rehearsal dinner? Post your ideas and questions here!

XO

XO

Look! There I am in the background!

Don’t you just love this wedding? I do, for sure! If you missed them, be sure to check out today’s earlier posts for lots more photos from this sweet, sweet wedding!

XO

Photos: One Love Photo
Planner: Tangorra Wedding Planning
Ceremony & Reception: Mooo Restaurant
Decor: Ryan Zoller for Winston Flowers

Loving it! Even more coming up in just a bit!!!

XO

Photos: One Love Photo
Planner: Tangorra Wedding Planning
Ceremony & Reception: Mooo Restaurant
Decor: Ryan Zoller for Winston Flowers