Entries by Kate Murphy

10 Amazing Wedding Favor Ideas – All Handmade In NYC

New Year, New You. Right? High on the list of goals for 2019 is taking care of the many things that you’ve been putting off. This is especially true if your wedding date is drawing near. You spent most of 2018 making the big decisions such as venue, dress, and caterer. Now it’s time to take care of the final details like wedding favors.

 

Ashley Joe Wedding - Black & White Cookie Favors - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa PhotographyAshley Joe Wedding - Black & White Cookie Favors - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa Photography

Ashley Joe Wedding – Black & White Cookie Favors – Wave Hill – Heather Waraksa Photography

 

Wedding favors tend to be an afterthought for many couples. They shouldn’t be though, because wedding favors are the one tangible item that guests will have from your big day. Remember, many are rearranging schedules and spending money on travel to be there. So a thoughtful gift that shows your appreciation that they attended is a must. To help you find the perfect token of thanks, we rounded up amazing wedding favor ideas that your guests will love (and love to eat). And since we’re all about supporting local businesses at Bride & Blossom, we focused on unique, handmade gifts produced right here in New York City!
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End Of 2018 Celebrity Weddings – All The Details

Starting with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, 2018 was an unforgettable year for celebrity weddings. We’re still swooning over the famous brides who walked the aisle over these past few months. Wearing glamorous designer gowns, sparkling jewelry, and perfect makeup, the leading ladies stole the show. From an intimate backyard affair to a star-studded, spectacular celebration, these weddings displayed inimitable style, romance, and sentiment, capturing everyone’s attention.

 

Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas Wedding - Ralph Lauren Gown - via people.com

Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas Wedding – Ralph Lauren Gown – via people.com

 

Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas

 We knew Priyanka Chopra’s wedding to Nick Jonas was going to special, but nothing could have prepared us for the lavish, multi-day festivities that took place. To express the joining of their two cultures, the couple celebrated with two ceremonies, both held at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, India. Two weddings means two gowns and the bride dressed to impress. For the Western ceremony, Priyanka stunned in a custom Ralph Lauren gown featuring shimmery pearls, crystals, and sequins complemented by a show-stopping 75-foot long veil! For the Hindu nuptials, she wore a mesmerizing crimson lehenga by Indian designer Sabyasachi. The traditional ensemble was made of hand-cut organza flowers, red crystals, and French knots in silk floss.
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Lorenza & Pete Celebrate Saying ‘I Do’ With A Festive Reception

After exchanging vows at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, newlyweds Lorenza and Pete jumped into a vintage Rolls Royce and were whisked away to their reception at the New York Botanical Garden. Here, featured bride Lorenza shares the final chapter in her Real BB Wedding story.

 

Lorenza & Pete Wedding - Candelabras with Christmas Trees - NYBG - by the Hons

Lorenza & Pete Wedding – Candelabras with Christmas Trees – NYBG – by the Hons

 

Part 4: Reception, Card Table and Holiday Tablescape

“Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of waking up on my wedding day to snow,” recalls Lorenza. Sure enough, when she opened her eyes on December 9th, the season’s first snowfall was blanketing New York City. The magical outdoor setting was the perfect complement to her and Pete’s winter themed reception.
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Stunning Winter Beauty Looks From Top NYC Makeup Artists

Lorenza & Pete Wedding - Bride - New York Botanical Garden - by The Hons

Lorenza & Pete Wedding – Bride – New York Botanical Garden – by The Hons

Now that winter has made its frosty arrival, switching up your current make up routine is a must. Channeling the essence of the season, sparkling eye shadows, “wind kissed” cheeks, and rich lip colors not only look “natural” this time of the year, but work well on everyone.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredible wedding makeup artists over the years. Watching them work their behind-the-scenes-magic so that every bride radiates walking down the aisle is one of the best perks of our job. We couldn’t think of anyone more qualified to dish advice on winter beauty than these talented ladies!
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Featured Bride Lorenza On Her Beautiful Ceremony At The Church of St. Paul the Apostle

Lorenza & Pete Wedding - Wedding Party - Ceremony - Church of St. Paul the Apostle - by The Hons

Lorenza & Pete Wedding – Wedding Party – Ceremony – Church of St. Paul the Apostle – by The Hons

 

“I’ve always loved the tradition that you go to a church and get married,” says Bride & Blossom Featured Bride Lorenza. “Both Pete and I are Catholic and our faith is very important to us. We both have nostalgic memories of going to church as children and wanted the rituals and songs to be part of our wedding.”

Part 3: Ceremony

It’s not uncommon these days for a couple to have both their ceremony and reception at the venue, especially in New York City. At the same time, the city is full of beautiful churches ideal for a religious ceremony. One in particular stood out to Lorenza. “When I was at CNN, my work schedule was pretty busy,” she says. “The Church of St. Paul the Apostle was just a block away from my office, so I would go there for mass when time allowed. And every time I walked through the doors, I was overtaken by its beauty.”
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Interview With Jeff Stillwell, Founder of Stillwell Events

Jeff Stillwell, Founder of Stillwell Events - Andre Maier Photography - courtesy of Stillwell Events

Jeff Stillwell, Founder of Stillwell Events – Andre Maier Photography – courtesy of Stillwell Events

 

“If the band stops abruptly, the lights come on while some of your guests are still eating dessert and the party doesn’t have a smooth ending, this last impression will overshadow the beautiful decor and heartfelt moments of your wedding. My job is to make sure this doesn’t happen.” Before starting his company Stillwell Events, Jeff Stillwell’s invaluable training was obtained by being the Director at some of New York City’s most luxurious venues. Thanks to the hospitality learned from a Southern upbringing coupled with a drive to continually cultivate new skills and knowledge, Jeff quickly established himself as one of the best in the industry. Stillwell Events plans and executes life’s most important events – anniversaries, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, and of course weddings. “I love doing weddings,” Jeff says. “Tailoring every detail so the day of is expressed as an authentic signature of a couple is really rewarding.”
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