CMP Makes Beantown Bride | Kittansett Club Weddings | Photography by K. Photographie

Author: Kate Langenberg

Photography by:

K. Photographie

When Sarah Curran, a 28 year-old sales accountant from Danvers, MA and Ryan Garnett, a 31 year-old sales product specialist from Marion, MA, started working together at the same company, it didn't take long for a workplace romance to develop. It took even less time for Sarah to meet Ryan's family when they started dating. Of course, it was more of a coincidence than a planned get-together. Ryan chose to take Sarah to a favorite local restaurant he learned of from his father, who frequently dines there on business every other week. Thinking it was an off week, Ryan made reservations and when he and Sarah walked into the restaurant, they were greeted by his father, his uncle, and five of their business associates. Sarah says it was a "funny but awkward situation" that the staff picked up on. The couple was seated right next to Ryan's family. "We always joke that I met the family on our very first date," Sarah says.

It turns out that for this couple, the idea of family played a big role in their wedding. After a surprise proposal during a weekend stay in Newport on Sarah's 27th birthday, they started planning their wedding around some meaningful family traditions and roots. 

Sarah and Ryan's wedding ceremony took place on September 26, 2009 at the First Congregational Church of Marion, Massachusetts. "Marion is a charming town that exemplifies everything New England," Sarah explains. "The church that we were married in was more than 200 years old and was the little white church I had always imagined."

The reception was held at the Kittansett Club, also in Marion, where Ryan and his family golf. "We had always talked about getting married there when we were dating, so choosing our reception venue was a no-brainer when we became engaged. It has a breathtaking panoramic view of Buzzards Bay," Sarah says of the club. 

Sarah's dress, a strapless bodice by Something Blue from Pure Bliss in Newburyport, came with a satin sash and a skirt with three-quarter length pickups throughout and a bottom trim of lace. Her bridesmaids wore strapless Aria dresses with box-pleated skirts in navy blue. The dresses were accented with a fuchsia flower pin on the hip to coordinate with the wedding colors. The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos with bow ties. 

Flowers were provided by Chad Michael Peters, whom Sarah raves was an absolute joy to work with. In addition to fuchsia in the flowers, some white and greens were also thrown in the mix. Cymbidium orchids and lavender Dahlias were combined to make up the bridal bouquet, with most of the blooms accented by a pearl pin. The centerpieces were low and full and surrounded by votive candles trimmed with pink ribbons. "I didn't realize I was creating another theme of ribbons," says Sarah. "In my pictures I realized that nearly every little accent had a satin ribbon in a coordinating color!"

In lieu of traditional cake, Sarah and Ryan treated their guests to a dessert buffet that served up a variety of cupcakes and pink candy. The cupcakes, from Artisan Kitchen, were presented on tiered stands while the candy could be scooped out of ornate containers of different sizes. 

Special elements significant to Sarah's family were included, too. She notes, "As a surprise for my father, the place cards and table names were all themed to his native County Kerry in Ireland. I worked with my mother to choose towns and locations that had significance to his childhood. The head table was 'Tralee,' where most of my father's family hails from."

The unique touches didn't stop there. When the couple was introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Garnett, a snare drum preceded three bagpipers playing "The Wearing of the Green."

Looking back on the big day, Sarah doubts she'll ever forget how happy her parents were. "They absolutely glowed with happiness, and I know that most of that was rooted in my choice of Ryan as my husband. They love him like their own son, and in my father's toast he noted Ryan and I are sure to form a strong branch of our growing family tree." Who wouldn't raise a glass to that?

Wedding Details:

Invitations:

Paper Source

Gown:

Something Blue

Florist:

Chad Michael Peters

Cake:

The Artisan Kitchen

Venue:

The Kittansett Club

Music:

House of Horns

To visit Beantown bride please click here. 

Marian and Jim | Wequassett Inn | Grace Ormonde's Real Weddings

After being alone for nearly four decades love captured Maria Battaglia and Jim McAleenan by complete surprise and just in the nick of time. Maria, an internet marketing executive, and James, a patent attorney, met on a warm May night in Boston where they both attended a party hosted at a popular downtown bar named Brandi Pete’s. 

Jim spotted Maria and waited for an opportunity to talk to her. It wasn’t long before they were chatting up a storm and a romance was born. An old-fashioned courtship followed and this active couple filled their time biking, running and racing their way across New England. By May of the following year, they were engaged on the rocky beaches of Rockport, Massachusetts. 

Since this was the first marriage for both of them, they already knew that they wanted to be married on the ocean in Cape Cod in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. They picked the Wequassett Resort in Chatham for their elegantly casual wedding. Maria wanted every detail to be perfect, from the flowers to the décor, so she employed the services of Chad Michael Peters who helped bring her vision to life, and even went on a shopping trip with the groom to find the perfect suit and tie.

 

 

The wedding cake was custom designed in their lovebird theme, and tasted just as delicious as it looked beautiful. When it came time to choose their photographer, the decision was easy: they chose longtime family-friend of the groom, Felice Boucher. They knew her style of telling a story through pictures was exactly what they wanted to remember their day.

When all was said and done, every detail was perfect. “We look back fondly at what a special day it was for us to share the start of our lives together and we feel profoundly grateful that we found one another … in the nick of time,” says Maria.

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.

Boston Weddings | Fashion Editorial | Setting the scene

Today, when the Fall / Winter edition of Boston Weddings Magazine was delivered to my office I knew that my work on this project would be over with the publishing of this story. As they say, "all good things must come to an end". Creative projects begin for me with inspiration and evolve through the design and planning process. This project for the premier wedding magazine of the northeast was no different. I worked, prior to the shoot with the creative director and editors of the magazine to tell the story of a Boston bride from the beginning of her day, through the scenes of a wedding. Each scene, the same stunning model was styled into the inspired look and setting that I designed and created. From a Victorian Romantic, to Chic Retro, each setting and photo shoot of it was magic in the making. That magic is real today and in print. Prior to that, I had only my vision and the sketches that I draw as a means of trying to show what I was thinking in my head. While the finished looks differ as a result of tweaking and finessing, you get a really good idea as to what is coming by looking at the sketches that I have published above.

 You will have to buy the magazine, on newstands now, to see the real thing.

Thank you Boston Weddings Magazine, thank you.

Boston Weddings Magazine | Advertisement

 

I was totally floored to have gotten a call from Boston magazine regarding a fashion spread in their upcoming Fall/Winter issue of their magazine. They asked me to create a story line and five different backdrops to showcase the hottest from the world of wedding fashion. The whole production was an amazing experience. To work with the best of the Boston fashion scene to produce editorial coverage was like magic and I can hardly wait until the magazine launches.

In working with them, I had the chance to review many issues of their magazine and I have to say that I am still totally impressed with their cutting edge and classy style.

I always think long and hard about where my next advertising outlet would be. There are so many within the market place that it at times is difficult as a creative business to decide where to spend your advertising dollars. This is an easy choice. Boston Weddings Magazine defines class and style for the East Coast Bride. I am totally stoked to see fashion editorial and perhaps the cover of the magazine with my work and the work of so many talented individuals.

Until then, I thought that I would share with you, my advertisement in this, the very definition of wedding magazines. Thank you Boston Weddings I am flattered. 

CMP for Alex and Ani at Grace Ormonde's Grand Bridal Show

 

Grace Ormonde continues to be a force within the bridal world, essentially defining "wedding fashion". Along with her glossy, critically acclaimed bridal magazine she also hosts the grand bridal events around the country.  Each year hundreds of brides and their families will converge upon Rhodes on The Pawtuxet to meet with the creme de la creme of the industry.

I am honored and excited to be appearing as the spokesperson for the newest addition to the Alex and Ani family, the bridal collection. I have designed many pieces that are elegant, chic and will be modelled on the runway this Sunday at the show. I will be in my tux, trying to look handsome and of course I will have my camera and flip video to capture the beautiful action.

For more information on attending the bridal show please visit: www.thegrandbridalshow.com.

 

CMP makes Boston Weddings

"Who doesn't like being greeted by a handsome red-coated doorman outside our own little Versailles ? I love that the hotel has many different venue options, from the stately wood panelled oak room, to the Oval room, with it's gorgeous trompe l'oeil cloud ceiling, to the absolute majesty of the Grand Ballroom. J'Adore."

 

There is nothing better then to hear that your work is being featured in an editorial for a bridal magazine. The newest issue of Boston Weddings is featuring the wedding that I designed. I was thrilled to also work with Lauren from Person and Killian for the producers of The Bachelor, on this project named "Hitched or Ditched". There was as much drama in the production of this wedding as there was in the episode which aired with the title " Cheater in Beantown". In the end I love the coverage and still think that Anissa, the bride was one of the prettiest to walk down a CMP aisle in a long time. Thank you Fairmont Copley, give Katie Copley a pat on the head for me.

Southern New England Weddings 2010

 

For each of the past five years I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Southern New England Weddings Magazine. Their commitment to excellence in Weddings is so appreciated and I feel lucky to be among the best of the best. I look forward to seeing my name in their glossy pages for many years to come. For this year's 2010 issue, I chose one of my personal favorites peonies from a photo I took last spring to represent the lush, elegant and chic flowers and decor that represent my brand. Thank you to their team for such an awesome job.

The Perfect Storm makes Boston Weddings Magazine

 

Person + Killian photography is so excited to have the “ONE LAST SHOT” in Boston Magazines, Boston Weddings Fall/Winter 2009 issue. This is Person + Killian ‘s 3rd season being selected for the “LAST SHOT,” a photograph that depicts a funny story from a wedding and is a message to Boston Brides that if something happens at your wedding, the day can still be a success.

Even though the day was rainy and humid, the amazing Chad Michael Peters kept it all together. Nothing could take away from this spectacular event. The tent was filled with CMP flair. Everything from the event - the flowers, linens, décor and cake… - was simply unforgettable! 

“The rain started days before Elizabeth Murray and Paul Crage’s September ceremony-and didn’t stop. By the time they arrived at their Fairhaven, Massachusetts, reception site, the backyard tent was three inches deep in mud. Undaunted, Elizabeth hiked up her dress, pulled on galoshes, and proceeded to have the time of her life. Guests followed suit: Shoes came off and the dancing didn’t stop until police intervened at 2am.“A family friend slipped and tore her dress, went home changed into jeans and came right back.” Laughs the bride. The monogrammed, four-tiered cake, unfortunately didn’t share that verve. – Our planner told us right away it was drooping from the humidity.” Says Elizabeth, a registered nurse. “ But that seemed insignificant when the place was flooded and chairs were sinking into the ground. -Besides, the newlyweds were having too much fun to stop for dessert. After postponing the cutting ceremony, they ended up slicing the wilted confection late in the evening. Elizabeth swears it still tasted delicious: “ One guest even said she thought is was supposed to look like that!” BRIGID SWEENY

Hitched or Ditched Details

It is not often that you get a call to work on a National TV show. The process was the most exciting, thrilling event of my life thus far. The amount of work and drama that went into the process could have been a reality show unto itself. Months of work, negotiations, drawing and preparation went into the one hour show that was aired nationally last night. For me the process began with a concept rendering that I presented to get the job from the producers, from there my team and I toiled away to make this reality show wedding a show stopper with the most amazing flowers and decor.

I wanted to deliver what the network wanted, wedding fashion that would appeal to their young viewers. In the end I worked hard from rendering to the I do's that left me breathless and I am excited to share these Hitched or Ditched details with you here.

Many thanks to the fabulous photography duo Person and Killian who were lucky enough to be cast as the wedding photographers on this juicy reality show.

A very special thanks to the Fairmont Copley Hotel. Their unwavering commitment to excellence will have me singing their praises for years to come. Old school Boston tradition with an updated twist and I love it.

Hitched or Ditched Viewing party

 

 I was lucky enough to spend last night with Loaded Gun Boston and The Place to celebrate and watch the Boston premier of The CW's "Hitched or Ditched".

 

It was a total treat to have Jesse and Annissa, the stars of the show join us. In honor of the bride I created gorgeous sculptures from the calla lilies that she loves so much. Many thanks to Ryan Miner, Beantown Photo for running around town to capture the photos of the event.

For me it was completely surreal to see myself of the large screens of The Place's T.V. screens. I loved the opportunity and was thrilled with my work on the show. I will be following up later on today with some amazing behind the scenes photography of the details to the show. 

Chad Michael Peters makes Loaded Gun Boston

 

I have always been in love with Hollywood. The glamour, the suspense.....the handsome and hunky leading men. Just the idea of Hollywood here on the east coast is exciting, but to actually be involved as the director yells "ACTION" is the thrill of a lifetime. I had a nice time chatting with Sam Baltrusis, of Loaded Gun Boston, about the production of the new reality show "Hitched or Ditched." Sam has brought polish and class to the world of east coast celebrity and I love reading the daily buzz of Boston's own Hollywood happenings on his blog. I, alongside my good friend photographer Lauren Killian, got the chance to take part in the Boston episode of "Hitched or Ditched," which premieres on June 2. Sam was nice enough to publish an article about my experience on the show.Click here to read the story in Sam's own words.