Thursday, December 11, 2008

Kari and Brock







Christy Murray just sent me these images from Kari and Brock's July wedding at the Ducktrap Retreat in Lincolnville, Maine. It was a beautiful day and things came out perfect. Kari looked amazing in her gown from the one and only Madeline's Daughter in New Hampshire. The color scheme was a green and black with a pop of pink from her pink Calla lilies that she held, her bouquet and centerpieces where designed by Chapel Hill in Bangor. Kari really struggled with what she wanted but soon fell in love with the button mum....so we made that the theme of the wedding...it was everywhere: pomander balls, on the candled covered mantle, and cake and even a bundle for each guest as the escort card.
Brock owes a construction company so the table numbers were of buildings numbers to pay homage to him. Kari and Brock wanted a rustic venue where Brock would feel comfortable. He wasn't a ballroom kind of guy, and yet still elegant and modern for Kari, who is a modern woman. Ducktrap brought those things together and was a perfect match. The guest had an amazing evening as did this amazing couple.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

My letter from Lisa!




Hello Amber!!!!!!!!!!

How are you? I have been meaning to call/write, but things have been crazy with my job.......but I keep thinking about you!

I miss talking to you! I went through a bit of wedding withdrawal, I must say, but I keep thinking about the whole weekend, and I wouldn't change a thing. I want to say that Alex and I were thrilled, and you made everything perfect. I noticed a million little things that you did, and I know I must have missed a million more, so I am hoping that Audra's photos will help me capture some of those things. (By the way, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the photos I got so far, and I can't wait for the rest! She has an incredible eye!) The lobster bake was beautiful, and so was the ceremony and reception. You were an amazing help to me for the whole day on the wedding day, keeping me on track, making sure I ate, buttoning my dress.......and you totally kept me calm before the ceremony (even when I wanted to start early!) :) And I don't know if Audra caught any photos of the petals from my bouquet falling out during the ceremony, but I laughed because I heard you in my head telling me not to try and open the mums (but of course I did it anyway...) You took the ideas that I had for the whole weekend and made them a reality, and I am forever grateful for that.

Also, I hope that you and Peter had a good time at the reception (even though it was still work for you.) I know you broke a rule of yours, but I hope it was worth it for you, and that you and Peter enjoyed it at least a little bit.

At any rate, it was all amazing, and both Alex's brother and sister said they were happy they got married before me, because I set the bar way too high!
Talk to you soon!
Lisa

Sunday, October 26, 2008

A Letter from Mason!



I just received this message from Mason, she is so sweet. I did her flowers for her and this picture is truly a great compliment. Mason was a very organized bride and made my job as Day of Coordinator a breeze! Thanks Craig and Mason for letting me be apart of your special day!

Amber-
I wanted to share with you our wedding photos and specifically this one--my beautiful wedding bouquet!

Thanks for making our day so stress-free!
Again, thanks for everything. Hope you are well,
Mason

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Noelle and Jeff ~ Love at the Seventh Green~



What a great weekend with Noelle and Jeff. It is always an honor to be apart of some one's wedding day, but when they are a close, precious Cousin, it is even sweeter. Noelle is my first cousin and more like a baby sister to me. When she got engaged we began to work on the wedding that celebrated family, fun, and their future. It was all that and more. I was honored to marry Jeff and Noelle, and we laughed and laughed during the ceremony about how to love someone. These two have their heads on straight and know what it takes to have a healthy and happy marriage. It was a cold but sunny fall day and we danced the night away. My cousin looked amazing and had the time of her life, it was a Sweet thing!!! I love you Noelle and Jeff, have fun in Vegas!!!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Jessica and Todd's pictures by Michelle Turner





Here is a taste of the amazing work of Michelle Turner, Jess your wedding was amazing, so amazing I am entering it into Real Maine Weddings. Wish us all luck, with my Entry, Michelle's amazing photos, and Jess and Todd's great love story, luck is on our side.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

~Mason and Craig ~ August 31st




Mason and Craig were married at one of my favorite locations, Longwood by the Sea, in Lincolnville Maine. They had a casual yet elegant affair with orange and navy blue. Robinhood Free Meeting House, catered the delicious meal that was out of this world. The guest had a yummy candy buffet and danced the night away to James McCoy. Kathryn and I hung thirty lanterns around the tent that glowed in the summer night sky. The table had Mason jars with Dahlias and Navy blue Lanterns. Mason carried white Dahlias and her bridesmaids had an array of orange Dahlias. Mason and Craig had blanket and Adirondack chairs for there guest so they could star gaze the night away. Also, winning the guest book prize, Mason and Craig had a huge map of the Camden area for their guests to write their well wishes on. It was a fantastic night.
Mason was welled planned and made my job as a day of a breeze. I love when I get to see there vision come true. Mason looked amazing and I got teary when she and Craig saw each other before the wedding. This couple have an amazing respect and love for each other and I am so thankful to be apart of their day.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Leslie and David ~the slide show

Sam just sent me the link of Leslie and David's Slide show....it came out beautifully, so sit back and enjoy! Great job Sam! www.idoclick.com/LeslieDavid

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Happy Birthday Izze!


My little girl turned 4 today. Izze is my future wedding planner. She loves fashion, changing her outfits at least three times a day and will only wears dresses. She loves to make things pretty, to sing and dance. She is so fun and slightly dramatic. She will talk your ear off and loves to help people. She has me in laughing constantly, she has by far the best comedic timing. She has learned to write her name Izze, but still struggling with Isabelle. Happy Birthday Izze!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Parker turns 3!!



So my little boy turns three today and heads off to his first day of Preschool on Thursday!! Parker is my charmer, especially with the ladies!!! He loves dinosaurs and will at times not respond to anything but "T-Rex!" He also loves Peter Pan, cars and torturing his sisters...he likes to touch slugs and eat candy! What a cute little man!! He is named after his great-great grandfather, Parker Merriam and after Peter's Dad, Windfield. He makes me laugh at least a hundred times a day and mostly when I am trying to be serious!!!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Leslie and David!!!! What a weekend





Leslie and David where married Saturday at Loon Lodge in Rangely Maine. It is where David and his family summered his entire childhood, and now as well. Leslie and I along with David's mother worked together to create an elegant, yet rustic tent that captured Rangley's beauty and gardenias, Leslie's favorite flower. We decided on hanging glass lanterns, lovely overlays from BBj Linen, gorgeous moss covered glass vases with white hydrangeas and roses from Sunrise View Farm, and beautiful natural ballroom chairs from Wallace Tent. Leslie had gardenias in her hair, on her shoes, in her bouquet and amazing gum paste gardenias on her carrot cake made by the Bankery. As well as on each table were gorgeous gardenia votive candle holders to tie gardenias to the tablescape. Karen and her staff along with her trusty companion Sam the dog, made a fantastic meal and Mirage Band had everyone dancing the night away. One of the best bands I have ever heard. Sam Warren of Samantha Warren Weddings caught all the moments with her amazing eye. The weather was perfect and the sunset amazing. Truly an incredible weekend!!! Leslie, David, I hope your wedding was the Sweetest Thing!!!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

8 years??!!!!


Peter and I are celebrating our eighth anniversary....wow! We celebrated this morning with some Starbucks coffee, and I tried on my dress for all the kids...and it FIT!!! I was thrilled. It was fun to wear it again and dance with Peter in the living room with four kids hanging off us....how romantic! Then after a long day with the kids I look out my door and there is a box....a box of roses!!! Thanks Honey!! I am still falling in love with you, more and more! Our life has been crazy the last six years, but I wouldn't want to go through it with anyone but you. I am so thankful that as these crazy adventures continue I have you to laugh with!
I am laughing so hard at our pictures...I look so young and so rested! A lot has changed since Peter and I got married, and after all the beautiful weddings this season, I would love to do it again, I would do a lot differently....but I would keep the guy!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Jessica and Todd on Verona Island



What an amazing weekend....I just love this Family. Jessica and Todd were married at Todd family home on Verona Island, with the ceremony in the backyard and the reception in a Sperry Tent. Todd's Mom is the owner of Verona Island Flowers, and out did herself with the amazing red, orange and yellows for the accent colors to Jessica's Chocolate brown and ivory palette. Her bridesmaid's dresses were fabulous and the girls look like Grecian Goddesses. Jessica herself look fantastic and Todd and the boys looked so handsome in Chocolate brown suits... Then there was Murphy the Great Dane Dog man....and he was adorable with a sunflower collar.....These two family truly celebrated and danced the night away in honor of Jessica and Todd. One of my Favorite moments was when all the Cousins did a dramatic performance of a "whole new world" in honor of Jessica and Todd...by far one of the funniest thing I have ever seen. Michelle Turner captured all the sweet and humorous moments. As always I am honored and feel so blessed to have been apart of this day. Jessica and Todd are so amazing and I am must say Jess, I am a bit Jealous you are now a Russell!
May you live happily ever after!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

New fun thing!!!




Sorry for the long time since posting. I have been so busy and really enjoying the beautiful days I have shared with some amazing women!

Peter and I have seen a missing link in Maine's wedding planning.... a photo booth. So we took a plunge and bought two Model 12 digital photo booths. Our new side company is Maine Photo Booth Co. We used it at a few wedding so far and the guests and bride and groom had so much fun! Here are some samples. The picture on the left is me and my two new amazing assistance, Kathyrn and Sara. Kathyrn is my friend and fiery redhead. She is an avid reader and debater on life issues. We have some of the best conversations and yes even debates on our long drives to weddings around the state. She is married and has two beautiful girls. She is a dear friend and a great asset to Sweetest thing Weddings. Sara is also a amazing friend and one of the hardest worker I have ever met. She and I are often asked if we are sisters, and since I consider her quite beautiful I take it as a compliment. She too is married with three children, a boy and two girls. I am so blessed to have such a great team backing me.

Friday, August 1, 2008

My first born is 6????!!!!



Emma turned six today, I had a wedding rehearsal for Jill and Matt in Machais so we had a Birthday breakfast! It was so much fun! We had homemade waffles, with fresh fruit, and cake....now that is breakfast! Happy Birthday Emma, you will be an amazing princess wedding planner when you grow up! Photos of her at age six are coming, my camera broke, just in time for the birthday/wedding season. Until then this is one of my all time favorite pictures of Emma....back when she was a little girl...not as mature as she is now...really MOM!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Jennifer and Alvaro, an enchanted evening













Jennifer and Alvaro were married at the Asticou Inn in Northeast Harbor. They decided to get married in Maine because Alvaro proposed on top of bee hive mountain in Acadia National Park. Alvaro's family is from Guatemala and the couple wanted to celebrate his culture and country. Me and Eileen, the mother of the bride, work tirelessly to make every detail reflect the vision of Jennifer and Alvaro. We used Guatemalan fabrics on the cocktail tables and lounge area. We also had a pinata for the children which is custom in Guatemala. Flowers were everywhere and fantastic...they were created by Alda flowers and design, she is an amazing artist. Honestly, she was fantastic and a genius. Bill Getty captured all the moments with his unobtrusive eye, honestly, I barely saw him. The Photo Booth was rented by Maine Photo Booth Co. and was busy ALL night. Please enjoy the photo of this creative and elegant wedding....

Friday, July 11, 2008

Thomas is one!!!



My baby turned one....I can't believe it. He is such a trooper, since he has been in utero he has participated in eight weddings!!! He will be such a great and well rehearsed groom!!! Happy Birthday Thomas John!

Monday, July 7, 2008

Happy Anniversary Carrie and Adam! Congratulations Jessica and Todd!!!



I have written about this couple so often on this blog because they are just so wonderful....so happy anniversary!!! May each year bring you greater joy then the last!!! I am also thrilled because I get to see Carrie and Adam again in August. Carrie's brother Todd is marrying Jessica, who is amazing, and I am doing their wedding as well. I just love this family!!! Jessica and Todd are getting married on the Russell farm on Verona Island. They are getting married in the back yard and the reception is in a Sperry tent, with the cocktail hour by the pool. Susie from the chi chi chef is the catering and I just love her! She is such a wonderful chef and person! Her food tastes incredible but also looks amazing! Jessica you have chosen amazing vendors. The Russell Farm is amazing with the most beautiful gardens, perfect for a garden wedding! Jessica I can't wait, this wedding is going to be so elegant!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

wedding manners!

Just found this great article.... Such great advice
What do you think??

10 Things to Never Do at a Wedding
Posted Thu, Jul 17, 2008, 3:02 pm PDT
POST A COMMENT »

The day two people exchange vows may not be your special day, but it's someone's special day, so be on your best behavior -- all the way from the I -do's to the obligatory Gloria Gaynor dance marathon...

* Don't Be Fashionably Late As the song says, get to the church on time! Allow enough time to get to there 15 minutes early or more no matter what weather, traffic, or other acts of divine intervention pop up. Print out directions to both the ceremony and the reception (if it's at a different location). Many a wedding has been hampered by guests who got lost and showed up an hour late.
* Don't Produce Sound Effects While at a wedding and reception, turn off your Blackberries and cell phones, put them on vibrate, or better yet, don't even take them!
* Don't Talk Trash It may sound obvious, but it happens all the time. No matter how big or how loud a wedding is, things get overheard. So, be on your best and most polite behavior. No gossip about any of the other guests. No complaining out loud about anything -- whether it's the food or the long line at the ladies' room. And no comparisons to other weddings! As far as the bride and groom are concerned, this is a perfect day, and so it should be!
* Don't Come Bearing Gifts Whether you're planning on gifting the happy couple a Cuisinart or cold hard cash, do them a huge favor and don't bring it on the wedding day. If you do, they have to keep track of it and haul it home at the end of the night. Send the gift ahead of time, or after the actual ceremony -- at a time when they can really relax and enjoy it.
* Don't Dress Down Whatever you choose to wear, make the effort to look your best for the bride and groom. They'll appreciate that you got dolled or duded up for the occasion. If the invitation doesn't specify dress code, put in a friendly email or call to the bride, groom, their parents, or attendants to get more info. Black Tie means you've got to dust off that long silk dress or rent a tux. If it's an outdoor affair, there may be more leeway, but get details on the location, so you can come prepared (because it's isn't fun to be traipsing around in the sand in your stilettos!).
* Don't Bring Mr. or Ms. Random If you're single, choose your date carefully. If it's someone you've only been out with once, it may not be the best idea (could be awkward for you, your date, and the newlyweds). Same if it's someone you recently "sort of" broke up with. Weddings are intimate affairs and bringing in a stranger should be done with thought. Let the bride or groom know if you decide to come alone so they can seat you with other fun "ones!" And as much as you may love your kiddos, don't take them if children aren't invited.
* Don't Steal the Show Wedding ceremonies take all forms -- from religious to poetic, musical, or humorous. Whatever the vibe, let the bride and groom set the tone and follow their lead. If you're normally a loud, life-of-the-party type, bring it down a notch and let the wedding couple stand out. If you're a weeper, bring tissues and sit where you can sob without disturbing the I Do's. If the ceremony includes religious rituals, find out what you should do (or not do) ahead of time.
* Don't Pig Out If food is serve-yourself, avoid the buffet line stampede and wait until the crowd dies down. Also, avoid going back for thirds. Take a break and save room for cake! Seconds might be okay, once you've seen that everyone has eaten. If the food is served sit-down, eat what is served without requesting substitutions or omissions, unless you have a food allergy. Otherwise, pick delicately or chow down, but don't gripe that you "don't like fish." Worse comes to worst, you can hit Burger King on the way home!
* Don't Drag Out Skeletons If the bride blushes, it should be from pride, joy, or sheer love. Not because someone just stood up and told a humiliating story about the loser she dated in high school! Ingratiate yourself to the lady and her groom by avoiding any potentially embarrassing or juvenile behavior -- no bawdy jokes, no tales about their dating habits or exploits, no overdrinking, and no overly sexy dancing. Have fun, but don't have it at anyone else's expense.
* Don't Stockpile Party Favors At the end of the night, as you're saying your thank-yous and farewells, avoid the urge to hog all the super-cool (or yummy) party favors! You don't need to take some for people who weren't able to attend. You don't need extras. Take one for yourself, unless someone in the wedding party urges you to do otherwise.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

IPOD Touch


I am writing my blog from my new iPod touch. I love this thing. Josh...... You created a monster.... LOVE IT!!! I can work while everywhere and my calender is alway with me...now that is priceless. I don't know what I did without my Macs....seriously, I use it in the car so the kids can listen to books on itunes, keeps me sane with my calender, and my blog...Josh you forever hold a place in my heart!

Friday, May 30, 2008

Jenn and Josh~ a weekend to remember






I have been avoiding doing this blog. WHY? Well, in doing Jenn and Josh's wedding blog it means it is over, and I don't want to let them go. Seriously, I am so attached to this couple. I am so honored to have been apart of their day and so sad I have no excuses to call. Their wedding was perfect. Jenn looked amazing, Josh was beaming and the party rocked! They had by far the best music ever! Jenn and Josh are my kindred spirits in the music department. When Billie Jean came on I couldn't stop myself, I was dancing around the room. I will get some of Robyn amazing shots up here tomorrow, but here are a few of mine. Here are some of the ballroom looking amazing, Jeanne Russell did an outstanding job with the flowers. The cookie favors were made by Jenn and her mom and sisters....how sweet! The cupcakes were done by the guys at the Bankery! Then a few from the rehearsal. Here are my top ten moments of the wedding:
1. Jake (the ring dog) howling during Josh's cousin's performance of trumpet Voltaire.
2. Jen's dad (the Cornell) giving me the one four about the details and when I answered all his questions quickly and precisely he replied, "I knew you knew what you were doing!" He was the biggest softer ever!
3.When Jen,her sisters and Mom all danced together with the Cornell to Brown Eyed Girl
4.Josh and his Mom dancing to Into the mystic by Van Morrison, I cried.
5.That Josh put his jacket on and bowed to his Mom before dancing, what a gentleman
6.Everyone singing "happy birthday" to Josh's dad
7.When it started to rain, Jen looked right at Josh and said, "what are we going to do" and he replied "relax"... I cried then too.
8.Flo (Jenn's mom) and Jenn's face when they say the escort table and the ballroom
9.The guys marching into the ceremony to the "imperial march" and how the crowd laughed.
10.Josh's face when he saw Jenn

This is one of those couples I just KNOW will live happily ever after!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

on the home front





Top to Bottom
Emma and Izze
Parker
Peter and Thomas 10months



The "small" clan has been having fun in the sun and enjoying the outdoors. Izze is taking dance class and is about to have her first recital....seriously, how cute will that be? Emma's class hatch baby chicks and ducks and she wants to bring them home to live with us....don't think the neighbors will like that much. Parker, well, Parker is a two year old boy.....use your imagination. He is a "bull in a china shop". Thomas had a rough couple weeks with fifth disease and complications but is back to his cheery self and sporting a new tooth to boot. Peter and I are excited for our get away to Boston this weekend before the wedding madness begins.

Engagaversary?


Well, I don't know if that is a word, but it is now. This morning at breakfast, Peter told the kids, eight years ago today, he proposed to me. He proceeded to tell them the story and I thought it would be fun to share. I lived with my room mate Beth in a second floor apartment. I had five windows in my room, (my favorite bedroom up until this house where I have five as well) and it was quarter to five in the morning. I am NOT a morning person. I had worked late the night before and was, of course, sleeping when I heard tapping on a window. I thought I was dreaming, but it persisted, so I got up and started pulling shades until I found where the noise came from. It was Peter on a ladder, with a bouquet of Lilacs, one of my favorite spring flowers. I said, and I quote, "ah that was sweet but why didn't you just use the door? What time is it anyway?" Am I a romantic or what? He told me it was 4:45 and I told him, "WHAT?! I am going to bed. See you at seven." Really, I am so clueless, I mean he just climbed up a ladder to my window! He then knelt next to my bed (because I was already back in bed by the time he climbed in through the window) and said, "Amber, I love you, will you marry me?" Of course I said "YES". So every year when the lilacs come out I remember one of the best days of my life.