Another backyard wedding!

One year ago this weekend, I coordinated a backyard wedding in Naples, this year's backyard wedding was in Sarasota. It was a beautiful afternoon and the yard looking awesome. The FOB had spent months getting the landscaping looking just right and building a pergola, deck, etc. I arrived in town around noon and quickly went to work hanging lanterns, setting tables and tons of candles. It was a special and tender ceremony and reception for a sweet couple and their two children. I was honored to coordinate this wedding for this dear family!

Happy 2nd Anniversary Christine & Shawn!

It was a beautiful Fall day in SWFL as Christine & Shawn, surrounded by friends and family, pledged their love to each other. The details included a beautiful cupcake display, my favorite blueberry crinkle linens and the elegance of the Ritz at Tiburon! Congratulations! Photography by Peggy Farren at Avante-Garde Images.

Happy 1st Anniversary Carolyn & David!

Here's the video from the incredible, Brett Culp - it was so great to work with him on this wedding. Thanks, Brett, I love the video. Congrats, Carolyn & David - it was such a special and incredible day for you and your families!

http://www.brettculp.com/clients/kurtz.htm

Ritz Carlton Beach Resort, Naples, Florida

Happy 1st Anniversary Stephen & Elizabeth! (repost)

Last weekend my husband, Jim; daughter, Sarah; the amazing photographer, Ashley Brockinton and her lovely mother, Jill traveled to Lake George to celebrate the marriage of Stephen & Elizabeth! I was privileged to coordinate the details for the delightful and creative bride and my husband officiated the wedding. By Friday afternoon, I was in total "wedding mode" and was amazed at the wedding details that the bride organized.

Elizabeth works at Anthropologia in their "visual" department. She thought of everything and, with the help of friends, made everything: mustaches for the "guest book" photo "booth", brown paper bag table cloth "overlays", her dad cut the wood, she wrapped miscellaneous jars with twine, etc. She even made the cake topper out of twigs in the letter "B"!

The wedding was held at the YMCA at Silver Bay. The scenery was beautiful, the photo opps were many, the staff was outstanding - all in all - it is a great place for a destination wedding. Erin & Michelle went above and beyond to make this event extra special. Everything ran so smoothly and the food was delicious. The staff was very attentive and took care of all the details. Totally loved working with them. They have my highest recommendation - THANK YOU Erin & Michelle!

My favorite moment was when they started saying their vows and the groom began, "I, Stephen, take you Elizabeth ...." Stephen has waited a long time for God to bring him his wife. When he introduced her to us months ago, he said, "Wasn't she worth waiting for?" I was doing the "happy dance" in the back of the church.

Enjoy a few photos of the details - I can't wait to see Ashley Brockinton Photography's pics - I got a glimpse this weekend - you're gone just flip!!!!

Happy Fifth Anniversary Michael & Sarah!

Five years ago my son, Michael, married his love, Sarah, and gave me the perfect daughter-in-love. Today I celebrate their marriage, their love, their faith and yes, their son and their daughter - I'm a proud Gramma!

Their wedding day was the best day ever! They had a destination wedding in Hendersonville, North Carolina at Camp Kanuga, an Episcopal family camp. Family and friends arrived on Friday, we partied and organized all day Saturday and the wedding was Sunday afternoon.

I helped Sarah's mom plan the wedding, I designed the flowers, my husband officiated the wedding and I enlisted two dear friends to execute the plan for me so I could focus on what God was doing in my family's life.

My friends that acted as the "day of coordinator" are two beautiful women, friends and former brides! There were so many details that fell into place. The church on the camp property was so beautiful and we walked down the hill to the lakeside pavilion for the reception. There was wine and Mountain Dew, a pasta bar, carrot cake and a Blue Grass band. We had a blast and the party continued all week.

I have so many memories from that day: praying for my son after he got dressed, the part of the ceremony when the parents prayed over the bride & groom, dancing the "Hokey Pokey" with my dad, arranging for a friend to hide Michael's Mini Cooper so no one could "decorate" it, and watching the newlyweds drive off into the sunset! I could go on and on with details, but these are good for now.

Happy Anniversary Michael & Sarah - I love you both!

Engagement Shoot in Central Park

Yesterday I was privileged to be able to "crash" an engagement shoot with my bride and groom, Zara & Luis and one of my favorite photographers, Stephen DeVries. It was a beautiful, hot day in Central Park but it matched our beautiful and hot couple. I snapped a few shots of Stephen in action and can't wait to see his photos.

We met Stephen last year in NYC when he was on staff with Times Square Church. Stephen moved back to Birmingham, AL but travels throughout the US shooting amazing weddings. He is a published film photographer and I am blessed to know him as a friend and even more excited about getting to work with him again on Zara & Luis's wedding next year in NYC. Thanks Stephen for letting me hang out with you all.