When Jill contacted me to work as her Day-of wedding planner for her April 23, 2016 wedding at The Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury, I was so excited! And when she shared her to do list of details with me, I was thrilled! I couldn’t wait to get to work. We began by creating an inspiration board which we used to guide many of the design decisions we were making in the final stretch leading up to the Big Day.
Jill began by showing me her invitation suite. In stunning shades of lavender and with custom artwork created by her sister-in-law.
Next, we sat down over burgers and created a To Do list. I took it from there, keeping Jill involved and informed, but taking away the stress of so many last minute details that could have become overwhelming.
Jill also had her bridesmaids wearing miss-matched color-coordinated dresses from Alfred Angelo. And the groomsmen were all wearing ties and pocket squares that matched the bridesmaid with whom they were paired up. And it looked amazing!
When the Big Day arrived Jill and Steve’s guests walked into the The Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury they were welcomed with beautiful hand-lettered signs (read how to create your own hand-lettered wooden signs here). Later, when guests walked out into the ceremony space, there was a second hand-lettered sign with their favorite quote; Song of Solomon, 3:4.
Guests were also asked to participate in an art project. Steve, in one of my all-time favorite romantic gestures, had painted a water color tree with stick-on leaves for guests—an interactive art project for the wedding night. Jill had been an Earth Sciences major in college. Steve knew it was an extra special gesture that she would appreciate, and in keeping with their wedding date on Earth Day. One of my favorite moments of the day: when Steve’s mom arrived, and asked me who had painted the tree. I told her Steve, and she replied (with a huge surprised smile), “My Steve!?” I love it when couples have special surprises built into their day for their guests. Along with Steve’s painting was another wooden sign explaining to guests what to do to help finish the tree.
Another beautiful wooden sign with the reminder to all guests that Jill & Steve were using a hashtag to collect images from their guests of the day.
As guests moved through the building towards the ceremony space, they also picked up their escort cards. Jill had purchased simple trays that matched her style. I added some accents using dried lavender and moss. The final effect was stunning.
My favorite ceremony detail had to be the bunches of dried lavender and olive branches tied to the chairs lining the aisle. They were simply wired on, and tied with white lace.
The dining room was also filled with small details that made the experience so intimate for guests and tied the entire event together. Lavender and olive branches were laid out on each place setting; beautiful centerpieces each in a unique container, all collected and chosen by the bride; phenomenally beautiful flowersby Pink Dahlia Vintage, who did an amazing job.
And the cake! OMG, the cake. Trust me, it tasted as good as it looked! And it has pintrest-sensation written all over it! In the bar… another wooden sign with their signature drinks. I wish I’d had the chance to try the blood orange bellini.
The Creative Team
Wedding Planner ~ BOGATH WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
Bridesmaid Dresses ~ Alfred Angelo
Cake ~ PALERMO’S BAKERY
DJ ~ ECLIPSE EVENTS
Hair & Makeup ~ THE UPDO GURU
Florals ~ PINK DAHLIA VINTAGE
Invitations ~ Jenn Dietlein
Men’s Attire ~ Vera Wang
Photo, Video, Photo Booth ~ IDALIA PHOTOGRAPHY
Transportation ~ CONCORDE WORLDWIDE
Wedding Dress ~ I DO… I DO ~ Pronovias: Petunia Dress
NJ Wedding Planner | Bogath Weddings and Events 