Marisa and Chris

(let me just say how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE this photo)

I knew from our first meeting this was going to be a great wedding to coordinate! Marissa and Chris decided to work with us on day-of coordination. 

When we arrived at the Hampton Inn, the morning of the wedding, our bridal boutique was in full swing! I was inhaling hairspray from the elevator...that's usually how I find the room. Almost all the girls were finished with hair and makeup and Marisa was just about to be done.  We ran a little interference because the grooms room was right down the hall.

JP snagged a great shot of their rings before I had to collect them for the ceremony.

I pinned boutonniere's on the men, and left a coordination assistant with the girls to make sure they were comfortable making it to the first look.

Next on the agenda, transportation.  We called to make sure the vehicle were on time and ready to load in the guys.  I met the guys over at Congress Park and got them into position for the dynamic duo....Elario Photography.

The girls were next, followed by a final trip for the parents and grandparents.  I always suggest trying to use the limo's for more than one group or loop to and from.  During your planning process you'll find most companies book in 3hr blocks.  

For those of you who know this park...you know there are always ducks.  Here I am making sure they get out of the want for the bride and her ladies. 

(These were only 3 out of about 20 ducks!)

With the Groom in place, we walked the bridesmaids out to join them.  Then it was time for the bride to briskly walk down the cold pathway and see her husband for the first time all done up.  I have seen many bride take this walk with no wrap in freezing cold weather.  (it happened to be about 30' that day...even the photographer had his long-johns on)  It has to be the adrenaline and excitement in the air that keeps these couples warm.  

(Holding Marisa's dress so it stays clean)

It was time for the First Look...

Love her smile in this one.

Amazing full bridal party shot.

(behind the scenes with a few of the best...JP Elario and Al Woodard capturing some amazing footage) BTW Al Woodards video services were a surprise gift from the bridesmaids.  They just new Marisa and Chris would love it.  Al is in high demand.  If you are even thinking about video....call now.

This is what the professionals made it look like.

If you are open to it, first looks are great.  It allows the couple to actually take part in the cocktail hour and enjoy the party. A photo schedule and approach is one of the first things I talk to them about when creating the itinerary.   But back to their day... as soon as photos were under way, I was on my way to the church to set up; leaving a bridal coordinator with the party.  

As soon as the photo shoot was done, we got the groom and groomsmen back in the limo and off to the church to usher.  The limo came back around to picked up the bridesmaids while Marisa and her dad rode in a specialty car.  

I love coming out to the car and meeting the Bride and her escort (in this case her dad).  I give them the "we are all set" smile, hand her a mint and say "ok in a minute I'll get dad out to escort you in".  I really think having a coordinator for the wedding day is priceless.  You want that feeling that this day is going to be perfect and just "flow".

Once we had everyone in place.....the cuing began.

Back at the Canfield Casino, my team was busy putting the final details on the head tables, confirming table and chair counts, and checking in with the staff to make sure they were ready for cocktail hour.

Marisa is big on peacock feathers and she was creative in using them throughout the reception.

(bridal party place cards were cut into Peacocks and slid onto their glasses)

(she had 2 beautiful seating charts made with a peacock motif from paper dolls)

If you want a traditional yet creative sign in book (that you will actually look at months from the wedding day) have your photographer put your engagement pictures into a coffee table book.  Your guests can sign in and around the pictures, giving them something fun to look at during cocktail hour and you something fun to look at years from then.

Onto the reception...this couple wanted a party atmosphere from the minute the guests entered the ballroom.  They had asked me and the band to organize a packed dance floor from the minute the doors opened.  I have to admit I was nervous to try and push the guests out of their comfort zone.  But it worked! The bridal party, with help from the NY Players, had the entire floor packed.

After intro's were finished, guests made their way to the tables and admired the beautiful peacock feather inspired decor.

The brides family made special home made bottles of wine for their guests to enjoy at dinner.

Then it was on to toasts, blessing and first course by Mansion Catering.

The night was flawless, everyone enjoyed the music, the photo booth, the food, the band and really celebrated this new love!  One of the requested songs was "Vision of Love"....ladies you remember a little Mariah fav' from the 90's.  The lead singer...was ridic.  She got a standing "O" from everyone in the building!

As the night ended we made sure all of the inventory was packed up and brought back to their hotel room; Leaving the bride and groom nothing to worry about at the end of such an amazing night.  

Marisa and Chris, I hope you had as much fun at your wedding as we had coordinating it.  Everyone enjoyed themselves so much and it was such a pleasure making your dream wedding a reality.

After the wedding I received a sweet little card in the mail from them .... it had many amazing sentiments and among them was "We would not have asked for a better wedding day.  From start to finish it was perfect."

photo credit: Elario photography & behind the scenes shots from my staff.