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.

NYC Wedding Connection July Happy Hour

NYC Wedding Connection:

Connecting people into personal and working relationships

to strengthen the wedding industry in New York City.

July 19th
6:00-8:00pm
Nirvana
346 Lexington Ave. (near 40th St.)

I decided we couldn’t go all summer without seeing each other! SO, I’m inviting you all to meet me for a drink on Tuesday, July 19th at Nirvana on Lexington Avenue from 6:00-8:00pm. Nirvana is a classy, romantic restaurant and bar with delicious Indian food.

Laju Shah and Nirvana owner, Anil Amin, will be our hosts for the evening and will be offering drink specials and appetizers for our group. I’m looking forward to a “mid-summer” cocktail at Nirvana – make plans to join us. Please invite all your wedding professional friends! If you can join us, send me an email at mary@chandelierproductions.net so I can let Laju & Anil know how many people to expect. Hope to see you on July 19th at 6pm!

NIRVANA - http://www.nirvanany.com
346 Lexington Ave (nr. 40th St.) New York, NY 10016

Mary Hines
Chandelier Productions
239.293.3996
www.chandelierproductions.net

NYC Wedding Connection May Event

WOW! We had such a great time last night at the NYC Wedding Connection. About 35 vendors attended and shared a glass a wine, a cupcake (s) and lots of fun sharing what we do and what we love!

I want to especially thank Jen & Neil Brown from the Salt Space at Broadway & 27th St. for hosting our event. The venue is the home of Gallery Church and is used as a community resource. The Salt Space hosts jazz concerts, art shows, fundraisers, etc. The current exhibit is the Senior Projects from FIT! It was a treat to be in the space surrounded by the work of these talented students.

Several vendors provided fun for the evening: Elezye Elegant Cover Ups provided linens, Sweet Element brought cupcakes, Joslyn Dehner displayed beautiful jewelry from Stella & Dot, Royale Amethyst showed off her beautiful invitations, Nancy Swiezy Events & Floral donated a lovely floral arrangement, and Sharon Becker performed her makeup magic. Other vendors who brought portfolios, albums and products included: Nasilele Photography, Kelly Koenig, Glyph Creative Studio, Naturally Susan's, Natalie Wellness, J & J Photography, Trupp Photography, Sara Wight Photography, Mickey Micklos Films, Worship Luxury, and KatHempel Photography.

THANK YOU to everyone who made the evening so much fun. So blessed to be in your company!

NYC Wedding Connection: Connecting people into personal and working relationships to strengthen the wedding industry in New York City!

Kristen and John are married!

OMGosh - I don't know where to begin describing this wedding. I'm calling it my "Royal Wedding"! For many reasons, the bride is a princess and deserved the day she has dreamt of her whole life. What a joy it was to be a part of the wedding celebration. Both families came together for the themed weekend, "Faith, Family, Fun". There were t-shirts, incredible gift bags, hospitality suite, a Mother's Day brunch, rehearsal dinner cruise, "cousin dances", etc. The MOB is a Creative Memories Field Manager and my bride is incredibly creative. Everything was cut, cropped, copied and crafted. It truly was a fun and beautiful event.

I could go on and on about the details of this wedding including the bride's unique idea of using cakes as some of the centerpieces or the fact that she wore her mother's bridal veil, but I won't - enjoy my photos!

The ceremony and reception were held at Mediterra Country Club - I love the venue and MaryAnn and her staff were amazing! Our team for the day included: Astrid & Rene Photography, AMC Video, the Robert Williamson Band, Mikkelson's Bakery, Photomingle, Lyfe of the Party, Niche Rentals, KCTecs, and Connie Duglin Linens. Kiley Melheim and Nancy Joseph worked their magic on hair and makeup.