If you’ve been following my blog, you’ve read about “the full wedding plan”. With every wedding and event I coordinate and work, I make sure to jot notes throughout the process to share with you guys. I couldn’t wait to share with you the first blog post of the 2019 wedding season. Courtnee’ and Richard’s wedding was a perfect mix of modernism and traditionalism, that was celebrated by the most beautiful group of friends and family.
I had been helping plan and coordinate Courtnee’ and Richard’s wedding for a little over a year, prior to their big day. We had met last April and Courtnee’ and myself grew a chemistry that only a coordinator and bride could want. By the end of April, we found their perfect venue, The Blue Heron Pines in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, and it was game on. I was all in and all in favor of their wedding vision, which was fun and flare (or being extra as Courtnee’ liked to call it), but not forgetting the core values and traditions that both they hold so dear to their hearts.
Their story is a sweet one, to say the least. They both met in Atlantic City, New Jersey at the popular eatery, Johnny Rockets. We even held their engagement shoot at the location they met, thanks to Solid Rock Photography. After dating long distance (Courtnee’ in Georgia and Richard in Philadelphia), the bride-to-be moved up the East Coast to be with Richard and the rest is history. While talking with Courtnee’, she expressed her only wish to have met Richard earlier, so she could have introduced him to her mother. A wonderful lady, whom Courtnee’ loved immensely, had passed right before Courtnee’ met her soon-to-be husband. The day of the wedding we honored the loved ones who we wished were there, by having their pictures displayed around the fireplace of the venue. Courtnee’s mother was there in spirit and the love of both mother and daughter was felt throughout the entire day. Richard’s mother, Deborah, is a beautiful woman who has welcomed Courtnee’ into their family with open arms and shared many special moments with Courtnee’ the day of the wedding.
*Carismas Tip: If you and your significant other decide on an engagement shoot, try and tell a story throughout the session i.e. where you met, first date, where you popped the question, favorite hobby or activity to do together. This will convey a sense of history for the guest you’ll be sending the announcement and/or Save The Date too and is a super cute way to look back on the budding stages of your relationship!
During this year I had the pleasure of getting to know the couple quite well, and here at
Carismas we treat all of our wedding plans with the utmost love and patience. Incorporating their fun and youthful personalities was just a small glimpse of what our plan had in store for the couple.The bridesmaids donned full length lavender gowns and the groomsmen wore navy blue tuxedos. Courtnee’ had expressed her love of both lavender and hues of blue, a detail that may seem minor, but when done right-sets the entire tone of the wedding theme. The bride had her dress custom designed by an up and coming designer. The centerpieces were white lanterns with mixed greenery and surrounding each centerpiece, a rose accent with lavender pieces.
Both Courtnee’ and Richard made sure to share their love of God and their family, by instilling religious factors into their wedding day, such as keeping the tradition of not seeing each other until the bride walked down the aisle. Although we did have a scripture reading outside of the venue, next to a beautiful tree, where they read to each other their favorite and meaningful scripture from the Bible, while each of their backs against the tree, not seeing each other yet sharing a special moment. During the cocktail hour, we had a cartoon artist sketch drawings of our guests (this also included sketches of the bridal party before the ceremony and one large ceremony sketch!) The signature drink was a s’mores martini with a graham cracker rim and a chocolate drizzle. The favors were even s’more bags with everything you would need to make the perfect s’mores! They had an interactive Mirror Me photo booth (an added service Carismas offers to all of our event clients) which was a huge hit during the reception. From carving stations at the buffet, to the mashed potato bar, every bit of the food was delicate yet warm soulful. The cake was designed specifically to be a “his and hers”: half chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and the other, created to look like a white wedding dress. Along with the cake, we had a full dessert room, filled with the most scrumptious desserts.
Courtnee’ also had a love for monograms. It’s a detail that was added throughout and it definitely filled her with so much joy. Courtnee’ paid close attention to even the smallest detail to make everything personal and memorable.
She made sure to have:
-Monogrammed initials on the wall of her reception that she herself designed and the dj displayed with lighting
-Every bridal party member had a custom painted glass of their face painted on the glass.
-Custom named robes
-Custom named slippers
-Custom wedding logo for all their stationery needs
-Custom photo template with their logo for the photo booth
*Carismas Tip: If it works into your wedding budget, customized gifts for your wedding party is a sweet, personal way to say thank you to them for being a party of such a memorable day. Wine glasses, candles, trinkets, accessories. The possibilities are endless!
With my color-coordinated timeline printout in hand and an amazing couple to work with, Courtnee’ and Richard’s wedding was one to certainly be remembered. A smooth day, surrounded by such beauty is the perfect wedding coordinator cocktail. I wish Courtnee’ and Richard a lifetime of happiness, health and unbreakable love and devotion.
Wedding Planner: Cristina with Carismas Party Planning
Venue: Blue Heron Pine Country Club
Photographer: Solid Rock Photography
Video: Ever After Studios
Photo Booth: Fairest Of Them All Photo Booth
Florist: Forked River Florist
Cartoon Artist: Marty Mayo
Make-up Artist: Beautiful U by Kasia
Cake: Simply Sweet Cupcakes
