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 | 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

Kara and Adam | Tented Wedding at The Captain Heman Smith House | Cape Cod Wedding Planning


Kara never stops smiling, she is always up for a good time, a shared laugh and to have fun. I can see why she is a successful nurse and why her groom Adam fell in love and married her. I have known both she and her family for some time. Of course you read below in her wedding sketch that I had worked with her sister and brother in law in the planning and design of their stormy and fabulous wedding day. So I know these girls. So many of the bridesmaids has been at the same wedding because they worked for the groom, the owner of the most popular and fabulous restaurant, Antonio's. All of that leads up to my job being so much easier. They all listen to me and know that I too love to have fun, but at the same time I am there for the bride to make sure every one of her wishes come true.

The location always determines the style of the wedding. The Captain Heman Smith House is a stately compound on the waters edge in Eastham, MA. So you don't have to hit google earth, think the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown. Now come back two towns and you have the historic and charming Eastham. The location and the weather yesterday could not have been better. Many felt like they had stepped into a chic hamptons setting. Kara did not disappoint. She looked amazing as she stepped off the back steps of the house she was staying at. She really did glow just like an angel. The sun caught the shimmer to her gown and the sparkle of her ocean blue eyes. I personally handed her bouquet moments before the bridal party was to head off to the church, just minutes down the road.

All of the ladies looked like they were out of the pages of a bridal magazine, so pulled together, shoes, bags, make-up, jewelry tied in perfection with a bit of bohemian flair. A perfect reflection of the bride. I cued the photographer Kim Reilly that she had about eight minutes before my bride and her father were to head out in an vintage 1950's Rolls Royce. The white walls got me, reminds me a bit of white spats that the gents used to wear in the day. There is no other day in the world that riding in a classic car, then the wedding day. I was happy to get my bride and her dad into the car and headed to the church. Her picture above, in the back seat of the car is one of my favorites. You can see where Kara gets her sparkling eyes.

Kara's bouquet was a gorgeous mound of white Dutch hydrangea, english garden roses, anenomes in jewel tones and then as an over the top touch was studded with the most rare of orchids, the purple Macarra. As she and the bridal party headed off to the church to get married, I stayed behind at the Smith Compound to lay out the finishing details to the wedding. Kara and I had worked to find the perfect container that we could fill with sand and then place all of her hand lettered star fish place cards. In the end there was not a container that fit the style of the day. SO.....I put the sand right on to the table. I have never done this before and in the end I found it to be a really charming and innovative way to display your guest's seating. You can see that I also drew (picked) from the local landscape some fluffy heads of fall Hydrangea as the base to the look Along with an antique bird cage for cards and a placard of charitable donation, the entrance table seemed to delight guests. Like an adult sandbox.

I was being a bit neurotic and had the time so I had one of my assistants comb the beach shore for native shells. You can see that they are laid out at the front of the preppy and capey place card display.

I think that it is tough to describe how good purple and pink look with orange when it comes to flowers. I think that it is clear to see that with that Kara's choice of flowers not only does it hint at fall, but is hints at summer which is just weeks behind us. The bridal party made their way back to the compound and only had a few more photos to take before their official duties were done for the day and they too could hit the raw bar and enjoy a cocktail, or two, or three, four? How many did my tipsy groomsman have? I am not sure, but we barely made it through the formal photos with Kim before I had to call a wrap. They were over it and it showed. I know, it can be a bit of a pain in the butt. I knew that they had already gotten great shots and that it was time.

Kara and Adam look sublime out on the far end of the dock. The look of love is all over her face. I love this photo!!

The cake by Meredith at Artisan Kitchen in Rochester, MA was delightful. There seems to be a trend with the old fashioned dollopy look to the frosting. Kara wanted it, so we got it. It would have been a bit plain, but the flowers took it from off the rack to couture. I worked with Meredith and her assistant to arrange the bridesmaids bouquets at the base of this elegant cake. I also picked a few key blooms (macarra orchids) to apply to the cake as the final touches. It really was so pretty. AND TASTY!!! Yes I did have three pieces as I stood in the dark and watched all of the guests having a blast roaming around this dreamlike setting.

The band was made up of friends of the groom and was AWESOME! The rocked it old school and I was right in my element. I knew when they busted about with The Fresh Prince of Belle Air, Jazzy Jeff, and Michael Jackson that these guests were going to hit the dance floor hard. I managed to see some amazing thriller moves right up until a young lady really did hit the dance floor, hard. The party was over for her as she headed via ambulance to take care of a very nasty cut to her leg. She would be all right, bummer though. I always tell the bride and groom that these are the moments that make your wedding your own.

We got the fire pit going just as the sun was setting. By the time it did set, I had laid out the lovely hand cut luminary that one of the bridesmaids was so nice to have cut and cut and cut. Their spacing and being all lit is the key and here is the photo to prove it. It took a while for the wind to die down, but it did. The lines of luminary, of all things was the talk of the night. I overheard one of the guests proclaim that it was not really a wedding unless there were paper candles......maybe he is right.

So many details came together beautifully. Russ Morin and his catering team, as always did an amazing job with the food and the service. Thank you so much for putting aside a take home treat for me. I can believe that I forgot it in the fridge of the main house. Hey I am going to see you guys from Morin's this weekend at Eastover Farm in Rochester. I am sure that it will be another amazing night.

Congratulations Kara and Adam. I thought of you guys all day. Loved seeing my brides among your guests. Wonderful, chilly, fall cape cod night. Thank you for having me as part of your wedding. I will remember it always. Love, CMP

 

Amy and Nick | South Coast Waterfront Tented Wedding

Photography: Chad Michael Peters

Venue: Private Beach Association, Marion, MA

Planning and Coordination : Bride and Groom along with consultations from CMP

Flowers and Decor : Chad Michael Peters

Tenting: Sperry Tents

Rentals: Chase Canopy

Linens: Chad Michael Peters

Food: Matt's Blackboard

Wedding Stationery: Bride and Groom DIY Project

Wooden Cupcake Stand: Custom Made by the Groom

Entertainment by: Rebecca Correira

Bay Club Mattapoisett Member Welcome Party | Champagne Theme

I have been a friend to The Bay Club and it members in Mattapoisett for nearly ten years now. It all started with their grand opening party filled with so many fabulous details. They still talk about it to this day. Over the years we have worked together to provide five star service to our members and friends. It is a relationship that just works. I have always loved the club and what they have done out there in the woods of Mattapoisett.

Each year we welcome new members to the club with a casual party to showcase the food and fun social scene that the club is known for. Of course they are also known for their Brad Faxon award winning golf course......Trust me, I like the social scene so much better. However, I can hold my own on the course. I level off with two tequilas and get better and better with every beer that I drink. My stories on the course are worth the round alone.

This year Champagne was the theme for our party. Not only did we bust out some fabulous vintage champagnes, we also served cocktails laced with the bubbly libation. For decor, I brought in my friends from Ten 31 Productions for their human golf statue. I have used them before for a wow and each time they deliver far beyond what I could imagine. The human statue was the hit of the party!!! Of course the flowers and other decor looked great and I got a ton of compliments, which I am always grateful for. I got a moment to chill and chat with my fun and fabulous friends from the club. But alas, all too soon the moment came when I had to tuck my head in for the night as two weddings called for the next day.

Thank you Bay Club. Our friendship is something that I cherish, the friends I have made, I adore. I look forward to many more. My best and love always, CMP

Ashley and Mike | Fall wedding at The Chatham Bars Inn | Sherbert and Sky Colorway

 

There is an art to planning a wedding. We want to make sure that we review and design every detail. They must coordinate, have a conversation with one another. But not match. That is just too easy. I remember one of the first weddings that I ever went to. There were tons and tons of flowers, however, each arrangement that I saw as a guest was exactly the same as the one that I just saw. Bouquets, the church, cocktails and the reception. All just the same. Boring.

Each element of the wedding day should allow expression of the bride, groom and their families. It is this understanding that allows to work with our clients, often over the course of years to plan some of the most extraordinary events both here on the east coast but often in far away places such as Las Vegas, Washington D. C. or even as most recent Bermuda.

It is so important the details not only reflect the bride and her family but look appropriate to the setting that they are in. Big city flashy looks odd along the sand dunes of The Chatham Bars Inn and vice versa. I never get sick of that hotel, how could you. (high voice) FAAAAAbulous!!

I am lucky again to be working with Ashley and her family to plan her fall wedding. Most brides want to be married on the great south lawn of the property. But at this time of the year the leaves start to turn and the cool of the season sets in. So, we decided to create an intimate setting within a separate building on the property's sprawling grounds. The bride, who I (high voice) AAAAdore!! and I have chosen a soft white, cream, green and soft apricot color way for the ceremony decor. From there, deep greens and rich apricots will look (high voice) AMMMMaaazing in the South Lounge of the resort's main building.

For dinner, we take it to the next level with soft linens in shades of Ocean Steel. The linens and decorative elements to the dinner tables will provide a neutral and sophisticated palete to the exhuberent displays of seasonal flowers highlighting luxurious orchids as a final touch.

Each time I meet with Ashley, her groom Mike and their family. We have a blast. Ashley's mom and I share a special bond since we, together first shared a glimpse of Ashley's amazing, couture wedding day look. I know there will be tears on the wedding day, they are brimming already as I write this story. I think Ashley's dad looks at me like I am Frunk from " Father of the bride". I can also tell he knows that he, his daughter and their guests are in very good hands with me. I always enjoy seeing them all.

We are kicking butt and taking names in the planning process. AND my bride passed the bar, YEAH!!!! We are set to check off the rest. I will keep you filled in, you know I will.

Congratulations Ashley and Mike.

 

Bermuda Destination Weddings | The Fairmont South Hampton

It seems as though the minutes are ticking by, counting the moments until Tess and Erik's wedding at The lovely Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda. We have been in the best of hands with Wendy Rustalsis, the wedding specialist of the resort. It probably would have been better to install a watts line between our two offices. My last meeting with my bride brought a wonderful moment that comes in the course of planning a wedding, to be stumped looking for more questions to be answered. We are there, we know the details, we know who is coming when, and who is leaving when. We are on it !

Now that the bride and groom have approved the flowers and the look of their wedding, we can get to work sending these very photos that you see here to our partners that we will work with in Bermuda. One of my absolute favorite florists is Flowers by GiMi, located in Hamilton, will work with me to produce a lovely collection of flowers for both the ceremony and the reception. If I could pack these precious little flower arrangements filled with roses, tulips and sweet pea, I certainly would. I have to trust, oh and I do, that GiMi will do an amazing job interpreting these flowers for the wedding. I will be in town early and of course, I will make the jaunt across the harbor to check things out at their studio prior to the wedding.

As I look and try to find something to edit in the look of this wedding it is oh so very hard. One of my partners, Kelli at à deux deserves a special little Bermuda round of applause. Her work on the print material is a quintessential facet to this whimsical and colorful wedding design.

Two weeks and I will have my little french painted toes in the pink sand of Bermuda again.

Engagement Session | Person and Killian Photography | Laura and Bob

I LOVE the work of Person and Killian and just had to share with you a blog posting that came along this morning..... 

We were delighted when our dear friend Chad Michael Peters referred his wedding clients Laura & Bob to us! The couple ended up booking Person + Killian Photography over the phone and Lauren had the pleasure of meeting them for the first time last Sunday.

 The second Lauren met the couple they instantly clicked. Laura & Bob were sweet, funny and very cute together! Much like all of our clients, Laura & Bob feel in love with our candid approach to photography and wanted to make sure their engagement pictures had the same feel. So, with glasses of champagne in hand, we set off to capture their beautiful Cape Cod engagement photography.

 

 

Lucky for Lauren, she got a sneak peek of the couples tasting and table presentation with Chad Michael Peters. Their wedding will take place this September at one of our favorite Cape Cod venues, The Chatham Bars Inn. We are always in awe by the beautiful work of CMP and this time was no exception. The gorgeous presentation was filled with a mix of glass, crystal and antique silver trays and was certainly a Chad Michael Peters signature design.

A Big thank you to Chad for introducing us to this fantastic couple and to Laura & Bob for being a fan of our work and trusting us to document such an important day in your lives. See you in September!

This post was written by Lauren M. Killian on May 20th 2010 and is filed under Cape Cod wedding Photographers, Cape Cod engagement sessions, Chatham Bars Inn Wedding, Cape Cod - Chatham Ma wedding venues