Vinny & Sheril

This was a marathon planning experience to say the least.  Vinny & Sheril contacted me 6 weeks before the formal wedding date and said "we have the Canfield Casino booked and we are talking to the caterer but we need everything else".  Now, I'm up for a challenge but this was a first.  No invites had been sent out, no other vendors booked for a wedding falling the day after Thanksgiving....eeiikk.  Vinny, Sheril and their families were so enthusiastic how could I say no.  

I started by calling in all of my vendor favors.  Within 2 weeks everything was planned, details were confirmed and all we had left to do was create the itinerary and see how this day was going to unfold.

Then in a flash wedding day was here.  I walked in the hotel room to a beautiful site...Alayne from MMF putting the final touches on our stunning bride and everyone smiling. 

Amy Elizabeth was also touching up makeup on the bridesmaids.  Amy Elizabeth does phenomenal job and has always been great to work with....she's one of my "go to vendors'.

After we made sure that the bridal party, of 25, was dressed, the brides' mom started to help her get into her gown... major emotions going on.

Needless to say, the bride had many admirers.  These little ones were too cute!

My assistant made sure the groom and groomsmen found there way to the church,
where I was waiting to welcome them.  
Then the bride and her ladies were loaded into the trolley and off to the church they went.

The couple decided to have a little hint of floral at the church.  Sometimes that's really all you need with a large bridal party and elaborate gowns.

As we lined the bridal party up for the processional, my little bearer got right into his spot.  I think Tracey Buyce did an amazing job with the light in this one.

Behind the scenes shot: Then is was time for the runner to be pulled, cue the music and get our bride into place.  My assistant Meredith was able to grab a few shots of me in action.

The veil should always gather right over the shoulders...and then we breath before opening the doors.

a little fluff as I whispered..."ok you can start walking your daughter down now"

  

I always watch from the back of the aisle to make sure all is running smooth.  In all my years of coordinating, I've only gotten 1 mid-ceremony 'shout out' from a priest.  At Kim Gardner-Cadin's wedding.  But the 70yr old priest said something to the effect of "you know I've never worked with a planner before....Christine, how am I doing?", in the middle of the homily. 
I nearly melted into the back pew.

Loved this shot....she's excited about that ring

One of my favorite things about weddings are the traditions I get to learn about.  
It's an amazing thing to know that these rituals had been done years, decades and centuries
and now you are taking part in.

Right after the recessional we scooped up our bridal party and family members and ran the church photo-shoot.  Then everyone loaded into the trolley and headed up to Congress Park for an out door photo-shoot. This bridal party had a really good time on the trolley.  A bottle of JW Black label was on the way up and nothing came off when they got to the park.

The Canfield Casino has beautiful architecture for bride and groom shots.

During the cocktail hour, the bride and groom mingled with their guests and Meredith and I checked our "to do list" off for the reception.  Mer' went around and did our perfection test.

Behind the scenes in the ballroom before we had our reveal.

Just about time to dim out the lights....one last picture on my iPad.

Towards the end of cocktail hour I gathered up the DJ and catering manger, from Mazzone, for one last run through of details.  You can never be too careful, especially with the fast planning process for this couple.  I have to say I LOVE using my iPad at events....so much more efficient.

The couple had brought in lighting to the casino stage for the mundup.  We tried out a few different color combos until they were happy with the outcome.

 

The couple sat on the stage within the mundup for the reception, as tradition would have it.

 A little cake for ya.

The casino is such a beautiful place.  This couple decided to do a combination of high and low centerpieces with hanging candles and a sweet dance floor monogram.

Time for the reveal...

After we got the sign of approval, we gathered up the bridal party and got set up for formalities, introductions, first dance, toasting, etc...

For the first time, can I introduce to you "Mr & Mrs"

The roasts were very funny and personal... I mean toasts.

Cue the dancing.

I loved all of the beautiful guest outfits.  They dressed up big time for this traditional wedding

and then danced all night.

I love coming back into the room after tending to end-of-the-night details and seeing the bride and groom going crazy on the dance floor.

It was such a pleasure working with Vinny & Sheril.  I hope you continue to be surrounded and supported by your friends and family and have many years of happiness!