sweetest thing WEDDINGS

The New York Times!!!

2009-11-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

I am so honored that the New York TImes Style Section choose to feature Aron and Gita's wedding for their Vows section. Lambeth, the reporter came to the Retreat at French's Point and met with a lot of the guests as well as the vendors. As a planner it is always exciting to see something you are a part of make it into the national press, but with this couple and their story I feel very humbled. Over 50 vendors donated their time and services for these two people. Many people think it is crazy, donating so much. I challenge anyone who thinks this was a crazy project or over the top in it's size, I would ask you to go to www.thewaywegetbymovie.com, and watch the trailer and then set your DVR for your PBS channel and watch the film on November 11. You will see why Real Wedding Maine was such a success. The Organization Real Weddings Maine, saw this wedding as an opportunity to give back this incredible couple and put a light on their film as well as Maine as a luxury destination wedding location. I think we succeed in our goals. For a list of all the vendors who participated in this exceptional event, click here

See article here

The Details of Michelle and Bobby's Lakeside Wedding

2009-11-05T12:25:00.000-08:00

I love the Detail!!! It is the little things that guests remember and that make your wedding unique. I love when a couple is willing to take risks in their details. Michelle and I talked lots of details. She knew she wanted Navy blue and Pink. She took a risk and trusted me with my ideas for the boutineers to be made from blueberries, even though I had no pictures. She showed me a picture of her bouquet but wanted pink flowers instead of the reds in the photo. She ran with the colors in the linens and ribbon. What a great result. All Photo Credit goes to the amazing Michelle Turner

Taylor and Rob

2009-11-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with the Russell Family two years ago with Carrie and Adam. Those crazy kids had me work their beautiful Asticou wedding nine months pregnant. I LOVE this family. Then last year Jess and Todd asked me to work with them as well. Todd and Carrie are brother and sister, so when their first cousin Taylor and her mom called to see if I would help with their August wedding I shouted "I DO!!"

Taylor and Rob had their wedding at the family camp that has been renovated to an amazing lakeside home. It is lovingly called LTD "Living The Dream" When we sat and talked about family and this camp that was so precious to the Russell children and Grandchildren, I knew this spot was going to be magical. Now the matriarch of the Russell family, Grammie Russell, is the rock of the family. She built the original camp in East Orland with her Late husband Dr. Russell. She collects rocks and carves each of the children's name in a rock. SO it is a big deal when a "new" member of the family receives a rock. When I heard this story I knew we need to honor this family tradition. Rock where everywhere, the invitations, a rock ceremony during the ceremony, rock escort cards, rocks in the beautiful centerpieces, even a rock custom graphic down the center strip of the photo booth pictures. All the rocks where found at the lake.

NOW the Russell's KNOW how to throw a party and bocce ball games where played, everyone danced to The Waiters under the dance tent and s'mores where made in the original fireplace from the family homestead. Everything had a meaning from the Sails in the trees with Taylor's lucky number. The flowers where done by Taylor's Aunt and my friend, Jeanne Russell from Verona Island Flowers.

Photographer- mhturnerphotography
Caterer- Creative Catering
Band- The Waiters
Photo Booth- Maine Photo Booth Co,
Dress- Madeline's Daughter
Hair and Make up- The L-Factor
Flowers- Verona Island Flowers
Taylor and Rob....I just love you both, thanks for letting me be apart of your day

Introducing the Wedding Spot

2009-09-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

My dear Friend Audra Created a great new site. The Wedding Spot. Here is her fun and exciting perspective on what I have been up too.....more to come
The Wedding Spot!

Michelle and Bobby

2009-09-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Bobby

There are many reasons I love my job. Making vision a reality, the tenderness of the day, the relationship. I love so many venues for ceremonies to take place, but when it is someone's home it holds a special place in my heart. When you are in someone's home for a series of days, you become a part of their family. Here is the great Josh Swan of Media Northeast highlight reel of Michelle and Bobby's August wedding. Such a great Couple!! Michelle choose great colors in Navy and bright pink. When we discussed flowers she said she wanted lots of pink roses and we did it! Flowers and candles were everywhere. Tony Boffa Band rocked it out as the dancing took place on the water where a boathouse use to be. People from all over the lake brought their boats to listen to the band as the sun set. Trillium made a beautiful meal that tasted as good as it looked. It was wonderful to work with the great Michelle Turner again. She is a joy to work with and whose product is top notch.

Photographer- Michelle Turner
Video- Josh Swan Media Northeast
Flowers-sweetest thing Floral Design
Band-Tony Boffa
Catering- Trillium Catering
Photo Booth- Maine Photo Booth Co.
Make-up- Joya Beauty
Hair- Hair that moves

~Aron and Gita~ A Love Story Made For The Movies

2009-08-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

As a planner, you become somewhat attached to each of your clients. You work closely with them for a year, you are a sounding board, a neutral party, and sometimes if you are lucky a friend. I am so attached to Aron and Gita that I don't even know how to introduce them or explain their love story. So I will tell you how I met and fell in love with a film and their makers.

I was born in Bangor, went to school in a town outside Bangor, and live in Bangor now. So when my friend Amy invited me to a Film about Bangor, I was NOT interested...I KNOW Bangor. However, Amy, a former co-work of Aron's, tempted me with a kid free girl's night so I went. (For the Martini before the show!) Well, This film changed my life. It was beautifully made, and it was so touching that it changes your view on life to the core. I wept for most of it, and laughed, and had to know more. Amy, gave me the background of the Director and Producer of the film, Aron and Gita. That they fell and love during the making of the film. Were know engaged. Being the wedding planner I said, "Who is planning their wedding and WHERE??" Amy then informed me that they were not getting married for awhile because they had used their life savings making this film. I knew then they were the couple that Jessika Brooks and I were looking for. See Jessi and I were looking for a couple to throw a pro bono wedding for to showcase the luxury wedding vendors of this great destination spot. Who better then Aron and Gita. SO, Real Weddings Maine, began it's wedding for 2009.

A "small" update Part II

2009-08-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

Now the Photo Booth Madness!!!

It was a Fun and THANKFULLY Sunny day!!

A "small" update Part I

2009-08-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

My deepest thanks to Audra Photography for getting me some new head shots and some amazing shots of my children. We have just hit birthday season. All my children's birthdays are within six weeks of each other, Thomas' being July 11 till Izze's that is September 3. We did one huge birthday for all four, it was a Princess/Knights in Shining Armor Party. It was a huge success to have all the kids friends over at once. We had lots of dress up to be princesses and Knights and then had the photo booth for a favor. We also did a pinata! It was a great time had by all. Then on their "true" birthday it is just our close family and the our new tradition: cake for breakfast. So here are some fun photo booth pictures from the party, and their 2009 portraits courtesy of Audra Photography

July 10th~ my baby sister gets married!

2009-07-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

It is always an honor to be apart of some one's wedding day. To have someone trust you so completely, and allow you to be apart of one of the most important days of their lives. I am always a little awed and humbled to witness countless vows and see families and friends celebrate the love of two people. I am always asked if I cry at people's weddings, and I do.
So when my baby sister called to say she was engaged, I was overjoyed! One, it's my baby sister and two, I adore her now husband Elliott. When thinking about her vision she wanted an evening wedding and gold and brown color. Very elegant and very simple. We discussed locations and she decided on The Retreat at French's Point. She wanted a dusk ceremony so we did a late evening wedding with cocktail and dancing. Michelle did not want anything really traditional, EXCEPT the first dance with Elliot and our Dad and bouquet toss. It is really hard to mix work and family but Michelle and I made it through with flying colors. It was a challenge because I was IN the wedding along with three of my four children. Jessika, the CEO of the Retreat was great at reminding me I was in the wedding too. I was of course the last to get my hair done and into my dress. I also did the centerpieces and the flowers. It was a long day but such an honor to help my sister. It is rare that you get to help someone with your occupation.
Michelle really wanted to treat her guests, so she did a candy buffet, the photo booth (my wedding gift) and rock blessings. She looked amazing as did our Mom and Dad. If you are wondering if I cried the answer is....OF COURSE!!!
Here are a few sneak peaks courtesy of Audra Photography.

Venue- The Retreat at French's Point
Photography- Audra Photography
Music- Bob Wilson (DJ extraordinaire!!)
Flowers- Sweetest Thing Floral Design
Photo Booth- Maine Photo Booth Co.

Christina & Fielder Part II

2009-06-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

As the old adage says, "a picture is worth a thousand words" and thanks to Mark McCall that is so true, Thanks Mark for the lovely photos!

Christina & Fielder

2009-05-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

There is once in a while that you get to work with a couple that is so much fun and likable that you are sad when the wedding is over. It must be something about my May brides. Last year it was Josh and Jenn and this year Christina and Fielder. This couple was a true joy! Christina and I would often chat only for a few minutes about the wedding and then chit chat about life, work and how we could rule the world! It was important that she and her guests had fun! The Rehearsal was at the Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor and Catered by Mainely Meats, an incredible BBQ restaurant. So good that I know for a fact one vegetarian gave up their ways for the pulled pork.
Christina's goal was to create a beautiful garden wedding with a fun, preppy feel and with the greens and pinks along with accents of polka dots it was accomplished.
Christina looked amazing. Her dress was fantastic and I had extreme shoe envy with her adorable red bottom Christian Louboutin shoes. In fact, I may have held them for a long time and may have kissed them...(I won't confirm or deny any shoe envy). But, I will say her shoe picture is my screen saver.

Her Cousin from Ireland came over to preform the ceremony and it was by far one of the sweetest and funniest I have ever heard. They danced the night away and I truly enjoyed my time with them. All in all it was a beautifully fun night, just what this couple deserves!

Venue- Asticou Inn, Northeast Harbor
Photographer- Mark McCall
Band- Shane Ellis and the Big D
Florist-Sweet Pea Gardens, Surry Maine
Photo Booth- Maine Photo Booth Co.
Linens- Bbj Linens
Dress- Christina Herrera
Shoes- Christian Louboutin

Christy Murray is a Momma!!

2009-04-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

Christy and I met at my Brother and Sister-in-law's wedding. She was new to the business but I could tell from her presence and her product she had an amazing eye and great business sense. We hit it off and worked together since. I was thrilled when she told me the news of her pregnancy. I looked forward to the message of the baby's arrival. When this arrived via email I must admit I squealed with excitement.

Dan and I would like to introduce you to our new little one - Cale Murray Carmody, born on March 31st at 1:22 AM weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces and measuring 21 inches long.

Here is our little bundle of joy. He is by far the hardest newborn I've ever photographed - perhaps because he would rather be held by me than photographed by me. We are going to have to work on that one! Here is one where he isn't screaming...

Congrats Christy and Dan, welcome to the new world of parenthood. Your life will never be the same.

~Stacey&Dave~ February 21, 2009

2009-04-12T17:05:00.001-07:00

Stacey and Dave called me about getting married in June. They were looking to get married on the Mount Desert Island and planning was going well. Then Stacey called about moving the wedding up. Her Father was diagnosed with cancer. We worked on pushing it up to February. Since the Island is pretty much closed till May we looked at new venues. I have been wanting to work at the Retreat at French's Point since it opened. Stacey and Dave loved it and we were a go. Jessika the CEO of the Retreat was amazing and we were able to make the plans go fast and furious under the circumstances. I was sad to say that Stacey's Dad didn't make it to their wedding day. However, he gave his blessing and was excited about everything he was apart of in the planning process. The Day was beautiful and cold. Dave was wanted to have lots of photos outside and so Stacey decided to get some good old LL BEAN boots for the outdoor shots. The Band was, as always, AMAZING. The food was incredible and the atmosphere was fantastic. French's Point is an amazing venue, there staff was incredible. Stacey and Dave really wanted their guests to have a great time. They had a Photo Booth, candy buffet, and a sparkler send-off. The guest were laughing and dancing the night away. It was a blessed day and Stacey and Dave along with their family had an amazing night.

Venue: The Retreat at French's Point
Photographer: Audra Welton of Audra Photography
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Photo Booth: Maine Photo Booth Co.
Band: Bob Charest Band

moments captured by Audra

Kari and Brock

2008-12-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

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.

My letter from Lisa!

2008-10-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

A Letter from Mason!

2008-10-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

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

Noelle and Jeff ~ Love at the Seventh Green~

2008-10-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Jessica and Todd's pictures by Michelle Turner

2008-10-02T18:30:00.001-07:00

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.

~Mason and Craig ~ August 31st

2008-10-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Leslie and David ~the slide show

2008-09-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

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

Happy Birthday Izze!

2008-09-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

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!

Parker turns 3!!

2008-08-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Leslie and David!!!! What a weekend

2008-08-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

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!!!

8 years??!!!!

2008-08-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

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!

Jessica and Todd on Verona Island

2008-08-18T05:16:00.000-07:00

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!