New Years Eve Wedding at The Taj Hotel, Boston, MA

I first met Jessica about a year ago on one of the most snowy days that I can remember. I probably would have cancelled the appointment before I drove two hours in the snow to meet with a potential bride. I am glad that I did. It was that meeting that started a client relationship that has now bridged into a friendship with many within this gorgeous bride's family. When Jessica told me that she and her fiance were planning to celebrate their wedding on New Year's Eve, I was thrilled at the opportunity to work with Jessica on the florals, decor and styling of this event. I am bummed that I did not take a chance to photograph Jessica and her handsome groom, Chris. They are a very good looking couple. I saw them just for fleeting moments through the day as my team and I worked on so many gorgeous details to not only the romantic snowy ceremony but also the lavish celebration which was to follow.

You can see from the photos below that her ceremony was something absolutely magical. For me the feel of the ceremony room at The Taj Boston was something from a Russian palace. So lovely with the creamy walls, lush drapes and absolutely stunning crystal chandeliers. LOVE, to see say the least. We were on our game that night. We had everything set up and just had to wait for the ceremony to be over before we could move the decor again to be enjoyed by the guests among the dinner table tops. As a special treat for the guests, fireworks went off just as the bride was saying her I dos. Not planned, but perfection, filling the windows of the ceremony room with joyous anticipation.We did it and it looked amazing, and we had time to spare again. I saw Jessica and Chris for just a moment as they made their way into the ballroom to celebrate with their guests. The look on her face said it all. You could tell that she was in love with her surroundings that we had so carefully planned.

She was like a vision of Jackie Kennedy on her first trip to France, regal, refined and elegant in a retro sort of way. I adored that she chose knock out earrings and skipped a necklace to show off her graceful profile and neck.

As they made their way into the ballroom, I knew that it was time to get some rest before the end of the evening surprise for the guests at midnight that came in the form of a fresh snow falling down on them as the New Year rang in. It was a scene from some sort of movie.

The whole family was so sweet and so effusive in their praise for the work that we had done, I was proud, but tired. 24 hours of work straight for CMP to produce this event. I was happy to retire to my soft and comfy bed within the hotel. I had a beautiful view of Newbury street and the drunken revelry that went on into the wee hours of the morning. I hear it all, I was too tired to sleep, to excited for my bride. Continually reflecting on the details to the day.

Congratulations to Jessica and Chris and of course to my now friends Diane and my favorite father of the bride EVA, Guido. Much love to you guys!!! My best always, CMP

J & G | Deco inspired affair at the Four Seasons | Snap Photography

I love when I get to see the official photographer's photos......especially from this amazing art deco jewish wedding at The Four Seaons, Boston. Just had to share photos and a few words from my friends at Snap Photography. Thank you guys, amazing work!!!

 

It’s not every day that we suggest to the bride that we would like to take a portrait of her in the powder room. but then again, we don’t always find ourselves in such pretty powder rooms, thank you four seasons! i absolutely love the photo of jolie perched on the couch, she looks too lovely to be real. jolie and gio allowed plenty of time for photos so we were able to take advantage of all the fun furniture, art, and architecture of the hotel. thank you jolie and gio! i love the glamorous evening hotel weddings, everything is so sparkly and dramatic. speaking of dramatic, jolie’s stunning bouquet, florals, and event design were done by chad michael peters. how cool is the entry way for the ceremony processional? talk about setting the stage. coming up next in post 3? reception details galore and lots and lots of dancing!

 

J & G | Art Deco Inspired Wedding at The Four Season's Boston

The night of a wedding always seems to me like a runway fashion show. Of course, the star is always the bride, typically in white, veil, amazing flowers and accessories that complete the fantasy fashion look. My bride Jolie comes from a family that has built its business reputation working with the elite of the high end world of jewelry and accessories. They have worked at the manufacturing and production with such design luminaries as Jay Strongwater and Judith Leiber, both designers noted for their amazing use of crystals and gems. Can you say sparkle?

It was so many years ago now that I received a gift a small jewel encrusted frame with the mark of Jay Strongwater. I adore it and it sits among my miniature collectables gathered through my years here on this earth. I covet these little things, they bring me joy and always bring back the memory of the special time that they were collected.

Who would have guessed that my bride and her family produce these fabulous little things? It is a small world.

My bride had a very clear visionas to what inspired her and what she wanted her event and the details within to look and feel like. The sleek feel of art deco nuances were always on our minds. We all wanted cohesion, exuberance but both with a sense of restraint. We started on the journey together and together we remained through out. AMAZING!! to say the very least.

Each detail of the wedding was thoughtful and reflected the bride perfectly. She looked amazing in her Priscilla of Boston beaded and embellished gown. She even wore a blusher, which I personally love. Thank god I was with her just as she was about to head down the aisle. She had both parts of the veil over her lovely face. God, you could hardly see the poor thing. We fixed that and fluffed her up.

She took that feather trimmed red bouquet and worked it so beautifully as the star of my little design show. Perfection among the details.

There are so many people involved in a haute couture event such as this. I just have to list some of my favorites and let them know how much I appreciated their commitment to five star excellence.

Philip Dechamps of The Four Season's Hotel. Merci, Merci. Hats of to you and your amazing staff.

Dave Lebeau of Lightworks Productions, our exclusive lighting partner.

Kelli at A'Deux Bespoke Bridal Paper

Jenny at Jenny's Wedding Cake

Larry Chan for his amazing work on the Calla Lilly backdrops that you see within the photos

Table Toppers of Newton

Ali @ Peterson's Party Rental

Jay Strongwater frames and accessories

Judith Leiber, ladies bags

Baccarat Crystal: Bride and Groom Toasting Flutes

Nightshift, for rocking the house!!!

and of course the many, many hands and creative minds that make up my creative team here at CMP. As always, you guys rise to the occasion to help me produce what my minds eye sees. For this I am more thankful than you could imagine.

Take a moment to watch the video that I put together to catch a glimpse of all the beautiful details. They will never do it justice. The magic of the evening will always be shared by a small group of people who helped to celebrate this magnificent wedding. Mazel Tov Jolie and Gio. Congratulations and much love always, CMP

Lucy and Logan | Boston Public Library Weddings | Summer Floral Designs

When I think about flowers for a wedding, I first off want to know what the bride is wearing and where she and her guests will celebrate. The dress, IN the setting of course defines the look. Lucy is a chic and stylish Back Bay Bostonian who lives blocks from The Boston Public Library, one of the city's great architectural treasures. Designed by the famous firm, McKim, Mead and White, this majestic building with loads of classical detailing is a national treasure.  Anyone who is lucky enough to celebrate within the hallowed halls should count themselves as lucky and part of history.

The main hall of the library serves as the area where guests are typically served dinner. Rows of hand carved tables flank the long room with militaristic precision and the graceful balance of proportion that is the very definition of the architecture of Mc Kim, Mead and White's. Of course when you in a setting such as this, you must have not only good, but great food. The Boston Public Library has made a special arrangement with the incredible catering firm of A Catered Affair to provide food and beverage service at the venue. I think about the different elements of the room when I am decorating them. There are classic sets of emerald shaded library lights which are on each of the tables. It would be a mistake not to use the elegant and oh so now color as an accent to the bright and sophisticated summer palette of colorful flowers that Lucy and I are planning for the wedding.

Linens and decorative elements are also a bit of a challenge in this historic place. We are planning to place a classic gold beaded charger at each of the place settings with perhaps a lovely green napkin. I think that these linen and decor rentals from my collections will look fantastic with the flowers, the catering team's crisp white china and the setting as a whole.

I can hardly wait to see the belle of the ball, Lucy in her stunning couture gown. I am not showing it here. Instead taking a cue from it , I have been inspired and designed what I think Lucy would wear on her wedding. I know that we are creating a very special setting for Lucy, her groom Logan and the entire clan of families that will be with them on the night of their wedding. When the guests move from the grand hall of the dining room up the grand stair case they will party to the sounds of a live band in a softly lit room. Lighting is key in this setting as it is filled with old world paintings and can be dark unless lit with a collection of LED lights......I always have to keep in mind, no candles at the BPL. No worries, we will give em' a wow with flowers and the lighting, they will never even stop to think about candles.

Congratulations Lucy and Logan. I am flattered to be involved, to consider you both friends and to share in this very special time of your lives.

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Boston Weddings launch party at The Boston Public Library

I don't go to many industry social events, I guess that I should, I always have fun. Believe it or not, sometimes I would rather just be home watching the Real Houswives. I get invited to all sorts of parties, I am flattered of course and try to make it to some of my favorites. Of course, Boston Magazine is always at the top of my social calendar list. The are the epitome of good taste and showcases from the bridal world here in Boston. There is always something new, fresh and exciting. When the most recent edition came to my office, I flipped right open to the page showing photos from the launch party of the magazine, which I was lucky enough to be invited to and to attend. It was an AMAZING night of bridal fashion, yummy food and catching up with some of my besties in the biz. How fun that I am pictured with Lauren Killian of Person + Killian Photography ! Loved seeing my friends DJ Raffi, Donna Garlough and Danielle of the magazine while I nibbled the BEST, the very BEST cake from my gal pal, Jenny from Jenny's wedding cakes.

I got to meet a lot of new people that night as we wound down with a final sip of champagne at The Fairmont Copley Plaza, which is right across the street from the Boston Public Library. My favorite introduction being to none other than the very talented Kelli Parker of à deux : bespoke bridal paper. It was nice to see you all that night. Even nicer to see on the glossy pages of Boston Weddings.

Kirby and Mike | Chatham Bars Inn Weddings | Pale and Sophisticated Spring Pallette

Sometimes it takes longer than I want it to to get "the sketch" done. They are done by hand and take me many hours, literally at the drawing board. I am happy to show off the design for my dear Kirby's wedding that will be held in May of 2011 at The Chatham Bars Inn. I was just there Saturday night for a wedding. Knowing that Kirby's is up on the docket has me very excited.  I love her checking her lipstick in the mirror of her groom's Harley Davidson. So cool.

Erika and Mark | State Room Weddings | Photography by Person and Killian

 

Pulling off a floral extravaganza takes many, many hands. The fact that I did not have to think about my camera this past weekend as we worked like crazy to pull together this melange of floral color made me eccstatic. The photography was in the hands of Jill from Person + Killian. Knowing that she was on the other end of the lense gave me such ease and I could hardly wait to see her photography after the event was over.  This morning as I opened a zip file from Jill, I was left as I always am when looking at P + K photography, breathless and yes I admit a tear in my eye reflecting back a week ago to this amazing wedding.

The design process of my creative firm is mostly the same with every bride. It starts with discussion and the bride giving me inspiration through her throughts and images that she has gathered. From there, I get to work pulling the things that a bride likes from her images to come up with an an original design. My sketches of weddings give brides a very real look as to what the color and the scale will be to their wedding details. From there, once we have worked on the sketch we are able to go live. When Erika came in for her live demo, she loved how we pulled together a modern and romantic feel with the flowers. She asked if I could change up the color of the flowers a bit and add some purple and eggplant to the colorwary. This was such an easy request. In the end I am happy that she did request this. The pops of bright color, especially against the plum bridesmaids dresses was sensational.

As I look through all of the photos, it is her bouquet that I fall in love with so easily. The heady scent of gardenia is always a hit and I filled her bouquet with it. For a touch of sophisticated Asian flair, I added phaleonopsis orchids to the bouquet. I thought that it complemented the stunning looks of the bride perfectly.

In the busy flurry of the day in the big city, I loved that I got a moment to chat with the bride moments before the ceremony was to begin. I scooted into the limo next to her and she and I shared a special moment of fun chatting about her bouquet and the lovely David Yurman, purple amethst earings that her fiance had surpsied her with that morning.

I designed the flowers so we could put on a lovely display at the church and because we had a few extra hours between the ceremony and the reception at The State Room. I sent a team back to the church to pick up the flowers and to bring them to the State Room where they would be put on display for the guests. After Hauling up the flowers, linens, candles and many other details to the wedding we got organized and got ready to bust a move. No easy task with loads of staff and the bands sound check. As the band hammered out old school AC/DC, we got to work dressing up The State room. I loved how the three different designs perfectly complemented each other and filled the space and always brought your eye to the best feature of the State Room, the view.

Over the years I have built a company that can pretty much offer the best from the world of wedding design. The linens from my own rental company were lovely in a crushed ivory shimmer with an ivory bridal satin napkin looked really elegant. There is such a huge difference between ivory cotton and the more glamorous fabrics that we can provide for party table tops. I am glad that I brought this idea to idea to the bride at the demo. The linens and platinum gold chargers were the perfect palette to showcase the printed details.

The menus and table numbers from my partner Kelli at à deux: bespoke bridal paper looked modern and provided just the right pop of color to the tables. The bride and groom had asked for a something a little different with the table numbers and the menus that were to be at each place setting. I thought that adding a layered effect, white on plum, would not only provide a pop at the table, but would further tie in the brides request to add subtle nuances of color through the wedding. 

I am never anxious to see the cake arrive at the venue, especially when it is in the hands of Jennifer Williamson, from Jenny's cakes. She has been able to interpret my designs in such an incredible way. I am glad that the bride, Jenny and myself decided to add the circular detail to the cake but not to do it in the purple as I had drawn. I love how the flowers almost steal the show, just until you see two adorable french bulldog bride and groom cake toppers. Way too cute. I love the family dog made it to the wedding and then was artistically represented on top of the cake. Woof!

Lucy & Greg | Fairmont Copley Plaza Weddings

Their wedding was only three days ago, and I miss Lucy and Greg already. There is always a time of reflection for me as I look out on to the dance floor at the bride swirling in a sea of fun. I know that our time together is coming to an end, in this capacity anyway. I have made hundreds of friends with my brides over the years. And oh yes, I have made many BFF's  with my merry bridal parties that I get to know too!

This past Saturday night at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston was AMAZING! First let me start with a white gloved high five to all of the staff at the hotel. I am getting a little misty guys thinking of the high a level of gracious service that was given to the bride and groom's guests. The food, ba da bing! Forget about it, of the charts yummy. I was most impressed when a selection of entrees was prepared for me, not only to eat, but to double check the plate designs that were to be presented to the guests. Who does stuff like that? The Fairmont Copley Plaza does and I love it !

I have worked with Lucy and Greg over the past year or so in planning not only her wedding but her over the top bridal shower. She and I get each other and we worked so well going over all the details to her amazing bridal bling wedding. I too,  got to know the entire family and when I say entire, I mean ENTIRE. There were brothers and cousins and sister in- laws and nieces and uncles that all came to bits and pieces of the bridal planning process. It was always a laugh as we worked through the endless list of pretty details that go into a wedding as you see in the photos.

The family is Italian many of them speak English but many don't, including the feisty Mama de la brida, I love her. Old School, enough said. She was always very sweet to me and funny. I give her a lot of props for the life that she has lived and to be such a glamorous moment. I adored her broken English comment to me when she said, " I don't just want to dance with you Shad, I want to dance with you twice." In that moment we very well could have been Sophia Lauren and Omar Sharif. She wouldn't give it out then, but I will continue to haunt her for the recipe of La Torta de La Nona Piazza, a delicious home made lemon, melt in your mouth, covered in powdered sugar, piece of heaven that was served to the guests after their six course dinner, and espresso and an amazing Candy Bar. Those Italians put the E in eat. Yummy!

The wedding was a sea of amazing details from a to z. The highlights being the thousands of hand opened south American roses in five shades of Ivory, gloriously mounded into crystal vases. The calla lilies, served as the focal point to the cocktail portion of the party. The groom liked Callas, the bride Roses, hence our design. The calla for me also gave a poetic nod to the over the top wedding that I worked on for the National Production of "Hitched or Ditched", a saucy reality show that was shot about a year ago. Lucy, the bride saw this wedding, saw me, and called. The life of a wedding designer and planner, full circle.

I know that the next time I see Lucy and Greg it will be in the mist of some family joy and I look forward to it wholeheartedly. In weddings such as this, there is always a little piece of me left behind in the memories and the pictures. I can assure you Lucy and Greg that there is assuredly a bit of both of you in my heart. Kisses on both cheeks, three times to both of you. My love and Congratulations, Always, CMP

P.S. Please don't post pictures of me doing the Soul Train Dance, ah go ahead, it was a party. CIAO! Bona Sera

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whitney & Stephen | Boston Harbor and Renaissance Hotel Weddings

 

For those of you who know Whitney, you know that she is always smiling, always happy, and lights up the room upon her entrance. Last night, as a bride, she sparkled like the water and was radiant in her couture gown, flowing blond locks and on the arm of her beaming husband. I have known Whitney since I was 14 when I worked at her parents grocery, The Marion General Store in Marion, Massachusetts. Her mother Betty and I hit it off right away and she and I spent many years decorating the windows of the General Store with whimsical and lovely seasonal vignettes. I think of her every time I drive through the village, especially at Christmas when I see the wooden nutcrackers standing guard of the tree decorated with glittering bagels.Whitney and her sister, Amy of course were always in the store, helping out and sometimes raising a bit of hell in the back aisles while Jack was busy in the butcher shop. It is hard to believe that so many years have passed and such a rich history is shared between all of us.

When Whit called to ask me about helping with her wedding, I was flattered and emotional to be working with this family that I am honored to call friends. She and I spent coutless hours chatting away about the details that would be done in the cool shades of the ocean, with pops of bright orange.

The day of the wedding was filled with lots of things to do and I was happy to receive a special invitation to chill with the ladies in the Presidential Suite of the Renaissance Hotel, where Whitney and Stephen along with their guests would later celebrate the marriage. I loved seeing the make-up artist, Dianna Quagenti Scapicchio working on Whitney with her airbrush make-up technique to give Whitney a flawless glow. The final fluttering make up detail, Whit's faux lashes, made her dazzling blue eyes twinkle like sapphires.

When she walked into the pavilion at The Boston Harbor Hotel on the arm of her father, I could not hold back the tears as she radiantly made her way down the aisle. The string quartet played, The Prayer, by Andrea Boccell for the entrance of the bridesmaids and the cutest flower girl carried by her mom, Amy, The maid of honor and the bride' sister. As a special tribute to her Mother Whitney walked into "Wishing you were some how here again" from Andrew Llyod Weber's, Phantom of the Opera. Whit carried a lush bouquet of gardenia, hydrangea and of course, white roses. I could feel Betty, Whitney's mom with us, smiling down on her family, beaming that her youngest daughter was marrying the man of her dreams. The ceremony was filled with romantic touches that moved all of us. I cried again when my friend, Drew sang "True Companion" a capella style for the guests. Charming as he always is, he made eye contact with his wife, seated among the guests and smiled and winked at her in just the right moments of the song.

I shagged a ride to and from the Renaissance hotel with my bride and groom and good friends Sarah and Ryan who I worked with last summer on their Kittanset Club Wedding in Marion, MA. We had a lot of fun catching up with friends over signature cocktails and yummy appetizers at the hotel. My personal fav, the vegetable crudite with ranch dressing served in shot glasses. YUMMY and it coordinated with the wedding decor. My hubbie came with me to the wedding, something that he rarely if ever does. I had to beg to get him there, but once he was, he had a great time chatting with all Steve's work friends over dinner. Just as the cake was being served my Favorite band, The Manhattan Touch, hit the stage and took the party to the next level.

I stood with Whitney's father and we watched her swirl around the dance floor, beaming. He was so proud  that it gets me choked up again just thinking about it. He always did love his girls. In this family of blue eyed beauties, it is hard not too. Thank you my darling Whitney for having me help you with your wedding. To you and Steve, best wishes and lots of love, ALWAYS.

Erika & Mark | State Street Weddings | Floral and Decor Designs

I draw my sketches, not so I can see what something is going to look like. I already see it in my mind's eye. To have this talent and to use it as a tool, I have realized really helps a bride see how all of the details, their scale and color will come together for the over all look of her wedding. I had done the demo of flowers and details for the bride this past Satuday and was happy to make some adjustments to the design so it would be perfect in her eyes.

I had done her demo all in whites, and she had requested a touch of eggplant and deep pink within the flowers. The sketch helps show how this nuance of color will work at Erika and Mark's State Room wedding to be held in a couple of weeks. I love that she had me do this. The bride has asked me to come up with some ideas for the cake design which will be made by the talented hands of Jenny Williamson from Jenny's cakes. She and I had a chance to chat over the cake design late yestarday and she and I both agree that the modern circular motif to the cake design is cool, but it would look so much more sophisticated done in a tone on tone pale ivory fondant cake with a pale ivory motif and just the fresh flowers to be displayed in bright and bold color. I sent a a link of this sketch to the bride last night, she agreed to, loved the addition of a bit of color to our all white motif and basically we are locked and loaded ready to go. 

State Room Weddings | Boston Wedding Flowers and Decor

The view from the State Room at 60 State Street in Boston is without question one of the very best, if not THE best in the city. This wonderful wedding venue is sleek, slick and sophisticated and is the perfect place for my bride Erika and her groom and their families to celebrate the big day. I had a chance to have Erika and her fiance to my studio this past Saturday for a sneek peek at their wedding decor. We had long planned to do flowers for the wedding, but in the weeks leading up to the big day we decided to add some other fun design elements such as chargers and place setting decor along with a MUST, lighting. 

The demo day also allows me to make changes and adjustments according to the brides wishes. I want the process to be custom, so when the bride asked for a touch of eggplant paper and trim on the menus and if they could be done as ovals or perhaps round, I knew my print partners would be able to take my inspiration and create the perfect detail at the place setting. We also discussed adding some hints of color through the flowers in deep pinks and purples and the bride specifically asked for the flowers on the cake to be bright and bold. These are fun and easy requests and of course I am happy to make my bride happy.

Once we have the room filled with gorgeous mounds of summer white flowers including Hydrangea, Roses, Casablanca Lillies, mini callas and the star of the show, Phaleonopsis orchids, me and my team will lay out floating candles and votive candles  trimmed in crisp white and ivory and then shine spot lights on to each one of the arrangements to give them a special glowing presence within the room. The stunned smile on the bride and grooms face told the whole story. If they were a bit overwhelmed by the beauty of a single table top, I do believe that they might just freak out when they see the State Room dressed to the nines.

I can hardly wait to post the photography from Person + Killian !!!