Wedding Planning on Martha’s Vineyard
Attending Martha’s Party: Martha’s Vineyard’s First Ever Wedding & Event Conference
Martha’s Vineyard’s first ever wedding industry conference, Martha’s Party, took place this past week. I had the pleasure of moderating a panel about planning and producing weddings on Martha’s Vineyard and planning the headline event, the Iridescent Island Party!
For my panel, I was joined by three expert panelists from Martha’s Vineyard to discuss some of the specific challenges of planning on Martha’s Vineyard. Here’s a few key notes that came up several times:
Weather - Wind is a real issue, as is the tide for beach events and the elements in general since MV is indeed an island! I have been coming to the Vineyard for 30 years, wind is a real issue!
Transportation and accommodations - This can be an issue for both vendors and guests - from communicating to guests, to booking room blocks, to parking issues - resources and housing is limited on island and room blocks are scarce. Honestly, you could have one whole planner just focused on booking rooms, transportation and planning in between.
Limited vendors - There’s only so many vendors and so many dates. Your options are limited. So working with a mix of on island and off island vendors is important especially if you have a certain design or style in mind that requires additional support from off island. That said, collaboration is the key to success and it is utmost important for off island vendors to work with on island vendors.
Plan in advance - Booking ferries, hotels, houses, etc takes time. As does permitting, hiring and communicating with local vendors in the off season, and planning - give yourself plenty of time!
There were additional panels and speakers and we learned about branding and showing up for your clients, we learned about strategic partnerships. sustainability, social media and all about the food and history of the island.
We concluded the conference with an incredible party at the Grange Hall, planned by us, emlan events! It was a tasting event featuring several food and beverage brands from the island and a real opportunity to party! When thinking of a theme, I collaborated with Abby from Hellabloom to discuss seasonality, the location, and how we can showcase something unique together. We landed on - Iridescent Island Party! I knew I had to do serpentine tables, I’ve been dreaming of doing a serpentine table for months! It just fit the vibe. We built a long communal table for guests to grab their treats and sit - a real family dinner! We had Francesca Dispirito put together this EPIC style guide and guests really showed up! It was a lot of fun, the food was delicious, and it was creatively fun!
I learned so much this week at the conference, met a ton of vendors, learned new things about an island I’ve been coming to since I was a child. I LOVE Martha’s Vineyard, and this just strengthened my bond to the island! Thank you to the Vineyard Gazette and MV Island Weddings for having me! It was an incredible experience and collaboration.
Event Production Team:
Event Host: @mvislandweddings
Planning: @emlan_events and @lets_spennie
Venue: @vineyardpreservation
Florals: @hellabloom
Lighting: @a2dpro
Music: @mikebenjaminandthekeepersmv
Photo: @sambrooksphotos
Video: @keymomentfilms
Rentals: @bigskytentpartyrentals
Stationery: @thebarbarabellissimo
Style Guide: @francesca_stylist.to.the.bride
Photo Booth: @mvphotobus
Food & Beverage Team:
@mvcheesery
@19rawoysterbar @19primesteakhouse
@washashorebeer
@bubblesandbrewsma
@unclenearest
@on_time_catering
@chefdeonmv
@everybodywater
@blackjoymvy
@orangepeelbakery
@madmarthas
@sskitchenettemv
#MarthasPartyMV
Top Ten Rehearsal Dinner Restaurants in NYC
There’s so many amazing private dining rooms in NYC. Almost too many that google really isn’t helpful in finding the right options. So, we’ve decided to list some of our favorite rehearsal dinner spots in New York City.
There’s so many amazing private dining rooms in NYC. Almost too many that google really isn’t helpful in finding the right options. So, we’ve decided to list some of our favorite rehearsal dinner restaurants in New York City. Take a look below!
To say we’re obsessed with the Tin Building and Pier 17 is an understatement. Its like Eataly meets Vegas meets Harrods. There’s tons of private dining options here, from Malibu Farm, to the Fulton, to House of the Red Pearl…and even more private dining spaces where the Jean Georges team caters with a perfect backdrop of NYC.
Okay, okay…maybe you’re sick of us talking about Shun Lee but we’re obsessed, (rightfully so)! NYC’s dining scene would be nothing without Shun Lee - the inventor of General Tso’s chicken! If you’re having a traditional wedding reception, shake things up a bit by having a traditional New York City chinese dinner with peking duck, lo mein, etc. With spaces for 100 people, its the perfect place for a larger private dining room.
Honestly, there’s not too many private dining spaces like Locanda Verde’s Tribeca PDR. We love it because its spacious, warm and the food is top notch. Its kind of the perfect menu pre-wedding - it’ll probably be different than the menu you offer at your wedding and its a bucket list NYC restaurant so its the perfect add-on to your wedding weekend…guests will be impressed! Just make sure to include the sheep’s milk ricotta!
I feel like there’s not many restaurants like Rule of Thirds - first, the Japanese menu is fun for a crowd - but most significantly - the space is huge by our city’s standards. I love family style for a rehearsal dinner since weddings most typically are plated (not always). And the menu here is perfect for sharing and getting to know your neighbors before the big day. Two words. Fried Chicken.
Sadelle’s is NYC classic - whether you choose to go with salmon and caviar or Sadelles x Carbone and indulge your guests in one of NYC’s most coveted menus the night before your wedding. The space is lovely and in one of the best neighborhoods, Soho, so you can take some cute cobblestone street shots beforehand without having to go to another neighborhood. You’re here for the food, though, don’t forget!
Amali’s location is perfect if you have the bulk of your guests staying in Columbus Circle / Central Park South (Think Park Lane, The Pierre, The Mandarin Oriental, The Plaza, JW Marriott Essex House, 1Hotel, or the Ritz Carlton). There’s so many hotels nearby, and venues (Tavern on the Green, all the hotels I just listed, Rainbow Room, 620 Loft & Garden) so if your wedding is in the area, Amali is the perfect spot for rehearsal. There’s two private spaces depending on your size, and the family style, Mediterranean menu is perfect for a rehearsal.
Arte Cafe is an Upper West Side classic - it's big and bustling and there’s multiple spaces that can be made private. There’s a pretty enclosed garden with attached cocktail space that’s great for larger dinners (50 - 100 ppl). The menu is Italian and also family-style usually. Think - salads, pizzas, tuna tartare, pastas, meats - actually my last dinner there had the perfect menu (I think) - Tuna Tartare, Arancini, Caprese and Caesar to start, Two pasta dishes Chicken Piccata and Eggplant Parm for mains.
Gran Morsi is always on my referral list for rehearsal dinners. Its a great space, can accommodate a bigger group, and its another perfect family-style dining option downtown. Its become sort of my fall back option honestly - simple and easy to book. The food is great, service is great, its not too cramped or fussy, and good for all generations.
If you want an impressive dining experience for your rehearsal dinner, go to Crown Shy. The private dining rooms are on the smaller side, (dining rooms ranging from 15 - 50 person capacity), but the menu and space are incredibly impressive. It's formal and special, and probably one of the coolest restaurants in NYC at the moment. And if you don’t go for your rehearsal, make a date night reservation asap.
Balaboosta has a gorgeous private dining room for up to 20 people and if your group is closer to 50, you can do a buyout of the entire restaurant. The food and drinks here are amazing (and I’m not just saying that because I used to work for the owners)! From the fried olives, to the ceviche and bamba cauliflower, the menu is so unique but so classic that its almost too good to be true.
There’s so many great private dining options in NYC - from hotels, to restaurants and venues. It was hard just to pick ten. If it helps, go with convenience for your rehearsal dinner - lots of people are just getting into town and won’t have time to check into hotels and then get to dinner. Good food, good vibes and convenience are key!
Photos taken directly from vendor’s websites or social media (linked within article)
Five Non-Traditional Wedding Trends
Weddings are a tradition as old as time but that doesn’t mean you have to follow all the “rules”. We work with our couples to help pick and choose which traditions to keep, and which to ditch.
1. Alternative Venues
Look beyond traditional clubs, venues, ballrooms, hotels, etc. We’ve worked with clients to host their weddings in all sorts of unique locations - from private homes, to dance clubs, to restaurants - we’ve done weddings in so many unique spots.
2. Elopements and Smaller Ceremonies
We’re also seeing a trend to host a small ceremony for the wedding - whether that’s at the courthouse or on the day of your reception. We did a wedding recently where we did a Thursday night ceremony and dinner for immediate family and wedding party, followed by a Friday night reception / party. We’re seeing more and more of splitting up these events.
3. Ditching the wedding parties
While couples are still opting for traditional wedding parties, we’re seeing more and more couples ditch the wedding parties. They’ll still invite their best friends / siblings to give a toast, get ready with them / join for hair and makeup, go on a bachelor/bachelorette party, etc but we’re seeing less and less formalities around the “ask” and the label.
4. Interactive Experiences
Tons of couples are asking us to come up with interactive experiences / entertainment at their weddings. Whether this is a food and beverage element - espresso martini station was a recent experience - or creating a 360 degree photo booth, we’re often tasked with figuring out the newest entertainment options. Last year alone, we saw disco head drink passers, tons of selfie and photo moments, stilt walkers, drummers and sax players to accompany a DJ, cigar rollers, magicians and beyond. Everyone is loving cocktail artistry too.
5. Less formalities - parent dances, first dance, etc
We’re seeing more and more couples cut back on speeches and formalities. The basic formalities are parents speech, best man and maid of honor speeches, first dance, parent dances, and cake cutting. We’re seeing people ditch parent dances or combine it into one, cut back on speeches to 1-2 total with an overall focus on cutting back on formalities. Its been all about to food, drink and dancing, less so on the other “stuff”.
Vendors:
photographers: @kateedwardsweddings, @gurjojo, @larisastingaphotography, @loreto_caceres_photography
venues: @therivercafe, @babysallright, @shunleenyc
What to Register for When You’re Already Living Together
Wedding registries are hard, especially when you’re living together. I’d say 95% of couples I work with are living together before they’re engaged (okay, I didn’t actually run a statistic but basically everyone is living together)! Couples often buy new sheets, a new bed, and even get a new house/apartment when they move in together. Sometimes they even get a dog together. Also, its become SO easy to buy things (thanks to tik tok and instagram) from ecommerce brands like Parachute, Brooklinen and Away. So, how do you register when you’re living together, have some collective things for the home, and have invested a bit into your home already?
There’s these crazy, old-school registry guides out there to get the basics - bedding, towels, luggage and then everything for the kitchen. If you’re living in an apartment, chances are you don’t need doubles at this point, so don’t bother. So, here’s six points of advice on how to start:
1 . Register for the fun things, pretty things you wouldn’t buy yourself. And then, once you start adding these things on, the list will grow from there.
2. Over the course of engagement, as things come up that you need, add it onto the registry. Oh, I really wish we had a small sauce pan or a nonstick griddle (add it onto your registry). I remember making cocktails for friends over one night and I was using a terrible, cheap shaker I got for free at an event. I realized I wanted a nice, pretty cocktail shaker for my bar cart and registered for it right away (with the matching accessories and ice bucket of course).
3. Register for the decor - vases, picture frames, serving bowls, fruit bowls, serving utensils, platters, etc. Its so nice to entertain and use these gifts in front of your guests (bonus if your guests gifted them to you). These are things you do not buy for yourself and really elevate a dining experience.
4. Don’t follow the rules. Do want you want, order what you want, take some of the pressure off. If you don’t want a fancy set of china and an everyday set, don’t bother. If you do, great. Its not the 1950s, you can follow your own set of rules. But DO, register for bedding if you don’t already have nice bedding. Best way to start your marriage, is to get some good sleep!
5. Listen to your partner and let your partner make some decisions here. So often, one person sort of owns the wedding plans, let your partner get involved - if they want something random, let them register for it!!
6. Reach out to spennie, we can get to know you, your lifestyle, your needs and make some solid recommendations. We’ll even work on your registry for you and let you hop in there to make changes / adjustments before sharing it!
The Story of:
For years, I'd walk into stores in my favorite places (Downtown NYC, Martha's Vineyard, Upstate NY, South Florida, etc) and ask if they do registries. I always want to be the best wedding planner I can be - so offering my clients an interesting and cool registry experience gave me an edge. I'd ask retailers if they do registries - and would always get the same response - did it once, it was such a headache, or wish we could figure that out, its on the list...etc.
At the same time, I have heard SO many of my clients complain about registries over the years. They’re so impersonal, its overwhelming, they already have their essentials and want unique things, Bloomingdales customer service doesn’t help…you name it, I’ve heard a complaint about.
I couldn’t help but wonder why is everyone registering at big box places? Why can’t these little shops run registries? What needs to be done to figure this out?
Finally, I had a moment one day, (I was walking my dog, Penny, in the middle of the August heat in Tribeca) and I just said - I’m going to create something to solve this. I’m going to figure out a way to make these incredibly curated and beautiful boutiques register-able, and help couples find these wonderful options. We came up with the name Spennie (named after Penny’s “spending” habits, found a team of developers, and the rest is history.
Spennie is a locally curated wedding registry connecting engaged couples to boutique offerings in destination wedding locations across the country.
Spennie is in beta mode, with our friends, family and current client base welcome on an invite basis to register. We have wonderful vendor partners located in Greenwich, Aspen, Hamptons, Charleston, NYC and beyond…and we’re growing our vendor partnerships every week.
We’re seeking YOU to sign up, register, share the link with guests and start getting those gifts! All and any feedback is welcome - we’re new here!
We’re also seeking fun collaborations and vendor partners. We want to help our couples discover the coolest places, so please help us meet these vendors if you have any personal connections.
Thanks for your support! Let’s spennie!
When Covid Cancels Your Wedding, Plan an Anniversary Party.
Sometimes life happens in a way that's completely unexpected and out of your control. As a planner, I have a hard time reckoning with these experiences but looking back, I always say it was meant to be. That’s how I feel about my wedding. I had an incredible wedding - split into two events, a year apart - and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Sometimes life happens in a way that's completely unexpected and out of your control. As a planner, I have a hard time reckoning with these experiences but looking back, I always say it was meant to be. That’s how I feel about my wedding. I had an incredible wedding - split into two events, a year apart - and I wouldn’t change a thing.
If you don’t remember, read this blog post to best understand what happened to us in December 2021. Long story short, we were planning an “Erev Christmas Eve Party” at Shun Lee West - an epic black tie disco to celebrate the Jewish tradition of eating Chinese Food on Christmas. I wanted to plan something different and unique - that didn’t feel like work (remember, I’m a wedding planner)! But, Omicron had other plans and we canceled the wedding with 48 hours notice and replanned an intimate at-home affair.
We were happily married at my parents house, and proceeded to have a VERY busy 2022. So busy that I barely saw my new husband. Between his midweek travels and my weekend work, it was quite a year. May through November was a whirlwind; I worked almost every weekend, I was incredibly stressed, and honestly didn’t make enough time for my husband. I finished my last wedding on November 6th and it wasn’t until then that I decided we needed to celebrate.
We needed to close our wedding chapter. We needed to refocus our energy on each other and we deserved to have the Shun Lee celebration we had dreamed of for so long. So, we sent out invites mid November for a December 10 celebration, and planned a party.
It was just that - a party! We hired Fabrico to install a red dance floor and hot pink LED lighting (I had this funny red/pink tonal vision happening), chose a menu with Shun Lee (all buffet - didn’t want to distract people from dancing), hired a DJ, and figured out how to use our paper goods and accessories from Suite Paperie from the canceled 2021 wedding.
December 10 came around and it was not a wedding. I insisted it was a party to celebrate us, our coming birthdays, and the end of a very busy year. I wore my original wedding jumpsuit for the first hour and Eric wore a modified version of his tux. I then changed into my party outfit.
We danced all night with our friends and family. We had an epic horah, followed by a mix of motown and 90s/2000s club ragers. Energy was high - people were clearly ready to party with us. It was 5 hours of the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life. And Eric and I have an incredible memory that we will share forever that also allowed us the freedom to break the cycle of busy-ness and stress that defined our 2022.
Our anniversary party was the party I always wanted. It was a dream come true. One year ago, we had an incredible wedding - an intimate ceremony and dinner at my parents house in Rye. One year later, we had the party of a lifetime at Shun Lee. I couldn’t have dreamed it up better myself. Sometimes - life has a way of working and you just have to roll with the punches. You can only plan or predict so much…says the planner!
Vendors:
planning: @emlan_events
jumpsuit: @naeemkhanbride @bergdorfgoodmanbridal
2nd outfit: @borgodenor @matchesfashion
suit: acustom
venue: @shunleenyc
lighting: @fabricoproductions
music: @robzilla212
photographer: @loreto_caceres_photography
photo booth: @fluxphotoboothco
dessert: @daveysicecream
stationery: @suitepaperie
The Value of a First Look
A very special first look.
A “first look” is a wedding industry term. It’s where we set up the couple to see each other for the first time on wedding day. It’s usually a very special and intimate moment captured by the photographer. It sounds cheesy – and I agree – but hear me out.
We plan the first look to happen before the ceremony at the start of couple portraits. So, let’s say invite time is 6pm (ceremony will begin at 6:30pm because we always recommend welcome drinks which allows time for arrivals beforehand), then we might do the first look and couple portraits at 4pm followed by family/wedding party photos at 5pm. If you have a huge wedding party, a change in location, or religious traditions, we might move up the timeline…but you get the idea.
So many of my clients don’t like the idea of a first look. They want to see their spouse at the aisle for the first time to have that fairytale movie moment. But there’s a big issue with that - TIMING! If we don’t do a first look, then we have to do all portraits and family/wedding party photos during cocktail hour. So ask yourself - what would you rather - a first look or miss your own event?
I always say there are two very special moments in which you and your spouse will be alone on your wedding day –– the first look and right after the ceremony. Yes, the photographer and videographer are there for the first look, but it’s mostly alone. After the ceremony, we always give our couples 5-10 minutes alone before we run into the couples’ suite to bustle the dress. Everything else is a family affair. Those two moments are SO special…they give you time together to reflect on everything going on around you and to take a breath. So, we encourage a first look to give you that moment of intimacy on your wedding day.
Take a look at some of our amazing couple’s first look photos!
See…it’s always such a special moment!
Photography: Jay Lim Studio // Katie Osgood Photography // Roey Yohai Studios // Karen Obrist Photography // Kate Edwards Weddings // Larisa Stinga // Sasithon Photography
Five Planning Tips for a Tented Wedding
We love doing tented weddings! Here’s some quick and easy advice if you’re thinking about planning a tented affair!
Tented weddings seem to be really popular. We do them a lot. Like all the time. So, we decided to put together five tips to help you understand the complexities of planning a tented affair.
1. Lighting
So many of our clients don’t think about lighting. That’s okay - that’s what we’re here for. But remember, a tent is a temporary structure - lighting can be really pretty - but it's also really important from a functional point of view. We need to light the tent to ensure we’re not hosting a pitch black reception…could make for a very dangerous party!
2. Flooring
Flooring can be a major expense. Some of our clients opt for full floors, others opt for no floors - but either way, we insist there’s at least a dance floor. You don’t want dancing on the grass - that’d make for a very uncomfortable dance party - and patios often have crevices and uneven surfaces…so go for a dance floor, if not a full floor. We can do dance floors in different colors, custom patterns or a simple black, white or wood finish. A full floor is lovely but we realize it is not for everyone, so have fun with the dance floor!
3. Weather
A tent alone does not protect you from heat waves, cold fronts, rain, etc. We ALSO need to plan for each possible weather plan. In rain, we may need sides down or, we might even go with a bigger tent than needed to leave a larger perimeter (sideways rain is real). In cold weather, we may want to budget for sides and temporary heat - hello May & October couples - very unpredictable months! In heat waves, we may be fine with fans, but we may also want to consider sides down with temporary air conditioning. Additionally, in rain, we often build out custom marquee tents (aka hallways) from the bathrooms, or from the kitchen tent or from cocktail hour. Sometimes we find ourselves with multiple weather contingency plans (example, rain plan, cold weather plan, windy rain plan)…guess that’s why they call us planners.
4. Kitchen access
Often we need to build out a kitchen tent too. Another added tenting cost that often is overlooked until we’re on board…the kitchen doesn’t need a fancy tent, but they need coverage not only in case of weather, but to give the catering team a proper setup and to hide all the boxes/crates that come from party rental. Some venues have a “back of house” space we can use elsewhere, but others do not. For example, often in private homes, we will use the client’s kitchen and garage for the catering team. But other times, if that’s too far from the guest tent, then we’ll build out an auxiliary kitchen tent right next to the reception tent.
5. Tent selection
Choose your tent carefully. You cannot have a clear top tent in the thick of summer - it acts like a greenhouse and it is brutal for the staff, the guests and particularly the setup crew…plus it’ll kill your flowers pretty quickly. If you want a sailcloth tent, we need to plan accordingly with the floorplan to make sure we’re accounting for the poles in the center of the tent. Once we’ve chosen a tent (and floor) then we can have fun with design (a fun entrance, ceiling installation, pole decor, draping on the ceiling or along the perimeter…etc). We’ll save tent design tips for another day :)
Tenting can be really production heavy and complicated. I have to say - I love planning tented affairs. It really feels like building a house - starting from nothing - to something. If you’re considering a tented wedding – especially at a non-traditional venue (like your home) that’s never been tented, contact us to chat.
Photography by:
Karen Obrist Photography // Roey Yohai Studios // Unique Lapin
Valley Rock Weddings
Valley Rock Weddings with Emlan Events
Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club is one of our coveted venue partners. It is a beautiful Hudson Valley escape only 50 minutes from New York City. It is a restaurant, boutique hotel with amazing amenities, and an incredible venue for weddings. Oh, and the cocktails are (insert chef's kiss).
My favorite part of Valley Rock is that you pull into a parking lot, you enter this cute, little hut, and you're immediately transformed into this alternate world. Its a total surprise and shock for first time guests - its like Palm Springs meets French Garden meets the Hudson Valley.
There are so many great spaces at Valley Rock that we love using for weddings.
For ceremony - you can opt to have your ceremony on the lawn or in the shade garden. We can tent the lawn (amazing rain plan) and relax in the comfort of the trees in the shade garden.
For cocktail hour - you can utilize the rose garden or the lodge. The lodge is filled with antiques and art - very little additional decor is needed. Plus, the bar is built into the space and really stunning.
For reception, we almost always tent it. We can fit a pretty large tent to comfortable sit 200+ guests with dinner and dancing.
It's pretty amazing how close Valley Rock is to the city and to the suburbs. We've had clients with families in Westport, Westchester, New Jersey and New York City - all within an hour drive. Its not in the middle of nowhere like some other upstate NY venues. Plus, you can invite your friends and family to a post wedding pool party and make use of the hikes / trails and BEAUTIFUL gym. The options for rehearsal dinner and welcome drinks make for a really well rounded weekend.
My favorite combination for a wedding weekend is listed here:
Rehearsal dinner in the Rose Garden
Welcome Drinks in the Lodge
Ceremony in the Shade Garden
Cocktail Hour in the Rose Garden
Reception in the Tent
After Party in the Cantina
Sunday Brunch by the Pool
Valley Rock has four guest houses onsite which can accommodate 34 guests. Its so fun for your wedding party to wake up and watch wedding production happening. Its one of my favorite things about working at Valley Rock - experiencing the day with my clients.
The remainder of guests can stay less than 10 minutes away at the Crowne Plaza Suffern-Mahwah or Sheraton Mahwah. We've also shuttled guests in from the city!
Valley Rock is best if you're looking for a Hudson Valley wedding weekend venue - a three day affair. I'd recommend it for groups of around 150 - 250 guests.
Send us a message if you have more questions or are curious about their availability for 2023.
Photography by: Roey Yohai Studios //Kate Edwards Weddings // Unique Lapin Photgraphy
Post Pandemic Wedding Planning…Thinking Outside the Box
Thinking Through Wedding Planning Like We’ve Never Thought Before…Non Traditional Planning in a Post Pandemic World!
This year is unprecedented in terms of the wedding industry. According to the NYTimes, 2022 is likely to have some 2.5 million weddings – a number that has not been so high since 1984. And honestly, it does feel that way. The inquiries are through the roof, and while you’d think we have no shortage of talent in NYC, florists, hair/makeup artists, my own freelancers – are all booked up…let alone the issue with venues and availability.
This is why we need to think outside the box…
Which brings me here. Weekday weddings. I got married on a Thursday, my sister got married on a Thursday and my brother in law is getting married on a Thursday. There’s a lot of reasons why I like the idea of a weekday wedding
You can get married in a year or so and avoid the dreaded 2++ year engagement by only looking at Saturdays
You can have all weekend to celebrate with your out of town family/friends before jetting off on your honeymoon
You have so many more options with finding venues and with hiring the vendors of your choice
Its nontraditional – its fun – its cool – its different!
Another outside the box idea. I have one client doing this and I’m kind of obsessed with the idea. Traditional ballrooms and venues are booked – there’s no doubting it. I have a client doing a family-only wedding ceremony on a Thursday night followed by a reception (party mainly) at a dance club in Brooklyn on Friday night. By splitting up the events, we can look at smaller or alternative venues that traditionally wouldn’t have the real estate to host both the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. Plus, the ceremony carries the weight and formality it should have, while the party has a fun, dance club vibe. It’s a cool combination.
Get married at home. I’ll never be over this. I’ve watched countless couples over the last two years (myself included) get married at home and its pure gold. There’s something really meaningful about it – whether you do a daytime bbq that’s casual and relaxed or a tented formal affair – having your wedding at home is really special and you get to choose a date of your choice – you’re not subject to the availability of said wedding venue.
We love nothing more than working in the non-traditional space. Whether it’s a weekday wedding, splitting up your wedding events, or getting married at home – we love working with out clients to make their wedding days HAPPEN without waiting over a year-year and a half. We love shorter planning periods and we believe in making your weddings happen! So let’s make your weddings happen…let’s just think a little outside the box!
Planning a wedding in 48 hours
Planning a wedding in 48 hours is no small feat even when the bride is a wedding planner!
Isn’t it ironic that the wedding planner’s wedding was cancelled due to Omicron. Or should I say, I decided to cancel our original wedding. The wedding was scheduled for Thursday, December 23, 2021. The venue was meant to be Shun Lee. It was an over the top event – black tie disco, an “Erev Christmas Eve Party” we were calling it – at our favorite Chinese restaurant, Shun Lee. RSVPs were done, day of stationary was packed in the car, as was all of the bathroom baskets, soaps, party favors, etc.
The weekend before the wedding can only be described as reminiscent of March 2020. Suddenly it was next to impossible to get a covid test (and we were requiring them for guests), the lines were out of control, and the covid rates in NYC were at an all time high. We had been receiving guest cancellation after cancellation…
All weekend I had no sleep. I kept calling both sides of parents with the question, “what do we do…”. I’m a wedding planner, so the fact is, whatever I decide weighs on me that much more. I have to show clients that the show must go on, but how can I do that with such a large risk that our event could be a super spreader…that our great uncle and immunocompromised guests are coming. It felt like a lot of pressure. It didn’t feel right.
Finally, on Monday – the week of the wedding, I spoke to the manager at Shun Lee who offered a full refund and that’s when I called it. I decided to (hopefully) postpone the Shun Lee event and go on with the wedding on December 23, this time cutting the guest list to an intimate size, and moving the party to my parent’s house in Westchester.
When you’re a wedding planner, you’re just really good at acting under pressure, regardless of emotions and stress. I was stressed, beyond stressed…but I had to plan a wedding and at this point, its Monday night and the wedding is Thursday. My husband described these next two days like I was Rocky and he was my trainer feeding me water from the corner. It was go time, full hustle mode, and he was supporting me every step of the way.
I decided to come up with the list, which included immediate family, some cousins and best friends – a group of 35. We then emailed the guests to invite them, cancelled on the original guests and I’d say the best decision we made was deciding to keep the wedding Black Tie Disco. I was wearing a Naeem Khan beaded jumpsuit – you better believe, I was not going to let it go to waste so the theme prevailed.
We hired a caterer, picked out rentals, came up with a floorplan and a way to make the house work with chuppah, ceremony, cocktails and reception, and tried to keep the vendors in the know as plans evolved. We printed new menus and reworked the florals, and somehow – it all came together.
When you have a good team and you work with the right vendors, magic happens. The best part of the wedding industry is the friend-vendors (friendors) you make along the way. And while there was one vendor who made us miserably stressed over the finances and I’m not quite over that one, all other vendors bent over backwards to accommodate the last minute plans.
After the most fun morning of doing hair and makeup with my sisters and girlfriends, all while in my parent’s bedroom/bathroom, thirty-five guests arrived. There was no magical entrance of the bride – we did our first look and family portraits as guests were greeted with champagne. Then we signed the ketubah in my parent’s dining room. We got married in my parent’s living room, the chuppah in front of the fireplace, with a mish mosh of rental chairs and existing furniture. Cocktail hour was in the foyer and dining room and then we moved into the solarium for dinner. We had all the original speeches as planned and then we cut our cake (which was prepared for 200 people) and had an impromptu dance party in the living room…all while dressed to the nines, in our sequins and shimmer. It had a Gatsby feel to it – drinks were flowing, service from the caterer was impeccable, and the house was just the perfect venue.
Everyone who was there brought so much love and high energy. Omicron had depleted the city that week, but you would never have known it on December 23, 2021. The love that surrounded me and my new husband is something I’ll never forget.
We might plan a party at Shun Lee in the future – we might not. We’re feeling really fulfilled and we’re keeping all options open. Covid taught us the importance of family, and that we have to work with what we’ve got. The week of December 23, NYC shut down, and we had to lean into that and make lemonade from lemons.
Sometimes, being a planner is realizing that your plans just aren’t going to work out. From day one, my husband and I said we’re getting married on December 23, regardless of what happens with covid. And that we did.
Top 10 First Look Spots on Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is an amazing destination wedding location because of how beautiful it is. Here I’m listing my favorite Martha’s Vineyard first look spots.
One of the best parts of hosting your wedding on the vineyard is the countless spots for photos. Whether your wedding is at a venue, your backyard, or a hotel, here’s a list of spots covering the span of each town, with vastly very different vibes.
We all know that the island is so photogenic, it’s hard to choose just ten, so here’s my current favorites.
PS: Most of the photos below are taken from my iPhone! No editing - just real time nature’s beauty. Some are thanks to Michael Blanchard, someone who really knows how to capture Martha’s Vineyard in its prime beauty.
1. Menemsha Harbor
An old fishing harbor up island, Menemsha is one of the most beautiful spots for a first look. There’s so many photo-friendly nooks here - small docks with views of antiquated fishing boats, old school ice cream parlors and lobster roll stands, rock walkways out into the ocean. You can even take photos with your classic vineyard jeep wrangler parked at the beach, or barefoot on the beach. Options are endless here!
2. Black Dog Dock
If the Black Dog Dock in Vineyard Haven doesn’t scream MV Wedding, I don’t know what does. This is the quintessential spot on the island - I always go when I am waiting for the ferry for one last breath of ocean air. It is a wharf dating back to 1964, where you can watch the ferry come in and the boats dock. It feels like classic Martha’s Vineyard, and the dock is long enough to create photos from all different angles - allowing for a private first look, while still having your photographer just down the dock.
Photo Credit: Michael Blanchard
It’s places like the Katama Air Field that make Martha’s Vineyard so cool. The airport dates back to 1924 and its still got much of the original infrastructure - biplanes, grass runways and an original (and very cute) diner. Its just on the other side of South Beach, so you can do your first look in front of the airport next to the vintage biplanes and then head towards the beach for portraits. Plus, couples never eat enough, so you can grab a quick bite at the diner (try the grilled cheese) before heading onto your next destination.
Lambert’s Cove is irrefutably one of the prettiest spots on the island. When you walk up the wooded trail from the parking lot, there is a little hill before you get to the beach. When you get to the top of the hill, which is pretty high for such a flat island, there’s this moment where I always do a 360 and look all around - because there’s a pond behind you, a beach in front of you, and cascading cliffs in the distance. Its always my first spot when I get to the island from NYC because I get to the top off the hill, and it feels like I can breath. This spot is so stunning and magical - you’ll have all the feelings.
There’s something about wedding photos and farm animals. I’m not sure what it is, but we love it. Island alpaca is one of my favorite spots on the vineyard, mainly because alpacas are hilarious, kind and sensitive animals. A little fun fact: island alpaca does sell alpacas, but only in sets of two because companionship is so important to this breed. I just love this, symbolically, for your first look.
Right off of Lambert’s Cove Road, Blackwater Pond offers tons of trails, and parts of it are so majestic, just like a Monet painting. If you walk for a few minutes, you’ll get to the pond, which is covered in lily pads, and there’s these gorgeous wooden pathways - it feels like it was made for wedding photography. In the dead of summer, the trees are so thick they almost create a canopy over the wooded path. In the fall, the colorful trees add so much drama to the backdrop.
Photo Credit: Vineyard Trust
There’s nothing quite like Alley’s. It is the island’s oldest retail business and they sort of have it all. It is actually quite comical how they have everything - from games to candy / snacks, to toiletries, hardwares, etc. The store is so stocked - it feels like you’ve walked into a time machine with offerings covering every table and surface possible. The front porch brings you back in time - with their rocking chairs - it feels like a meeting place before cell phones ever existed. Take photos on the front porch, or almost ironically inside the store in between beach games and candy. It’ll make for wonderful photos.
I find when people ask me for recommendations on Martha’s Vineyard, 95% are food focused. Morning Glory is always top of the list. In summer, they have this incredible display of sunflowers and wildflowers out front. Plus they have cute photo props - farm stands, benches, tin cans filled with freshly picked flowers, making it perfectly romantic for a first look setting, and even better for keepsake photos.
9. Inkwell Beach
Photo Credit: Michael Blanchard
There is so much history here. One of the first beaches to openly welcome the Black community with open arms, it is now seen as a place welcoming everyone and anyone. Unlike other beaches on the island which are restricted to their own town’s residents, there are no restrictions here. Plus the history is so powerful - a place where African Americans from all over the east coast would vacation because they were not welcome elsewhere. From the beach, you can see the ferry coming in, and there’s an authentically vintage-feeling lifeguard chair I love to use as a backdrop to the first look. Plus, in the crowded summer months, the background of colorful beach umbrellas make for pretty great photos.
10. Mytoi Japanese Garden
Photo Credit: Michael Blanchard
Mytoi is not only absolutely stunning, but you get to take the oh-so-cute Chappy ferry. You get your first look in the gardens among the exotic plants, ponds and wood bridges, then get to take portraits all around the garden and back on the ferry back to the mainland. So you get the traditional and gorgeous gardens and the fun photos on the ferry. Its sort of the best of both worlds - and you still get those classic vineyard photo moments.
Whether you’re planning your first look or you’re looking for fun portrait locations, there’s no shortage of options on Martha’s Vineyard. There’s so many great wedding venues on island, and even more locations for photos! Just remember that there is a high season on the vineyard and places can be super crowded June - August. Plan accordingly, or contact emlan events to plan with our expert Martha’s Vineyard wedding planners!
Top 10 NYC Wedding Venues with Outdoor Space
Top Ten NYC Wedding Venues with Outdoor Space
Right now when it comes to wedding planning, flexibility is the name of the game. We’re finding most of our clients are searching for venues with indoor and outdoor options, the potential for cross-breeze ventilation, and of course, space to social distance. We don’t know where the world will be next year or tomorrow, so we’ve been working with our clients in securing venues that have all options for indoor and outdoor experiences. Outdoor space is so coveted in New York City, we put together a list of our current favorite top 10 spots.
Photo Credit: Susan Shek Photography
The Cooper Hewitt garden is one of the most special places in Manhattan. For a few minutes, you might even forget you're in NYC until you look up and see the picturesque street signs and views of Central Park ahead. The backdrop of the famous ivy-covered Smithsonian Design Museum (which, may we add) was Andrew Carnegie's once vacation home, makes for incredible photos. The best part of the garden - it is new in the wedding scene, and is gorgeous whether you're hosting 50 people or 250 people.
Photo Credit: Vicki Grafton Photography
A gorgeous manicured garden overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center...620’s views are so amazing that both NYers and visitors will fall in love with this venue. The loft inside is a great rain plan option (with windows to increase cross ventilation). Plus, there’s a tent in the courtyard that your microweddings can fit in. 620 Loft & Garden is a romantic garden meets NYC rooftop meets modern loft...need we say more?!
Photo Credit: The William Vale
The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn offers one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. There’s tons of additional outdoor options here too - including the Terrace and Vale Park. The William Vale is the ultimate Williamsburg hotel - modern, chic and really cool. Plus, catering by Noho Hospitality Group (one of NYC’s best restaurant groups) is a major plus. Who doesn’t love the idea of a quintessential NYC chef-made meal with epic views - its the NYC dream!
4. Glasshouses
Photo Credit: Glasshouses
For one of the best sunsets in NYC, Glasshouse Chelsea’s outdoor terrace is the place to be. Named accordingly, this is a glass loft space in the heart of West Chelsea’s art gallery district, where you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. It's raw space, but finished; so chic your instagram will love you. Our favorite fun fact: the views in the bathroom are some of the best bathroom views in the city. An elopement or micro wedding ceremony on the terrace during sunset is jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Photo Credit: Tribeca Rooftop
Tribeca Rooftop is one of the largest rooftop spaces in the city - also with some of the best views. Overlooking downtown Manhattan’s Freedom Tower and famous Jenga building, this roof is so big you can have a ceremony on one side and cocktails on the other, and still have room to social-distance! You’re also allowed to tent the roof which is a huge bonus in Manhattan. Tribeca rooftop has a connected loft space that is not only really large, but completely windowed to allow for cross ventilation. This is the perfect outdoor venue for 50 - 300 guests.
6. Wythe Hotel
Photo Credit: Wythe Hotel
The Wythe Hotel is so perfect because it is so well designed. The exposed brick mixed with the romantic string lighting and greenery is so lovely you don’t need to bring too much decor in. The open air courtyard has its own entrance and Williamsburg has so many hotels - guests can come from wherever! They’ve also put together wonderful micro wedding packages (especially if you book in the next few months). We love it here - it's like a romantic courtyard in the middle of Brooklyn.
7. Celestine
Photo Credit: Florencia Saav
Celestine is a modern restaurant overlooking the Manhattan skyline, right under the Brooklyn Bridge. The views are amazing, the restaurant is chic, and the menu is incredible Middle Eastern family style. Think grilled halloumi, salads and mezzes, whole branzino...did we mention they have several natural wines on their wine list? It's perfect for a smaller wedding, and also for a rehearsal dinner. We’re all suckers for NYC views, and Celestine has that and more!
Photo Credit: 74Wythe
74Wythe is a unique (and new) venue located in the heart of Williamsburg. Opening in March 2021, 74Wythe is so new on the scene your wedding won’t be compared to anyone else’s on Instagram. 5,000 square feet of pure rooftop bliss, it also has a retractable glass roof cover if needed. The views of the Manhattan skyline are amazing and the best part is the amount of cool hotels nearby (Wythe Hotel, William Vale, The Williamsburg Hotel, etc). Complete your Williamsburg wedding weekend with this gorgeous and brand new rooftop for either your ceremony, reception or both!
9. Wave Hill
Photo Credit: Wave Hill
Yes, its technically in NYC! Even though Wave Hill is in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, it’s a quick 20 minute train ride from Manhattan and accessible from all of your friends and family in the suburbs. Wave Hill is the definition of garden wedding. The grounds are so gorgeous you’ll forget you’re in the five boroughs. With indoor and outdoor options, there’s so much flexibility here for whatever the pandemic brings our way next. Plus, Great Performances provides catering and with their farm upstate, everything is sourced locally and within 100 miles. Talk about farm to table!
Photo Credit: Pier 60
Really, the best part about hosting your wedding in Chelsea Piers is those Hudson River sunsets! These three Chelsea Piers venues can accommodate anything from a microwedding for 50 guests to a large wedding for 500 guests. Plus, proximity to all of the Chelsea and Meatpacking hotels is a huge bonus, (think the Standard, Dream Hotel, Highline Hotel). Chelsea Piers is run by Abigail Kirsch, one of NYC’s most prominent caterers. So, you get the views, the food, and the location. Sounds like a great deal to me!
Planning a wedding during covid-19 brings its own set of challenges and that’s why we recommend hiring a planner. We now need to consider social distancing, covid testing, indoor and outdoor options, indoor spaces with cross breeze ventilation, and also, cancellation and non-refundable contract clauses. We believe that love is not cancelled, and we’re here to help you get to your big day with as little headache as possible. But unfortunately, living during this pandemic brings a whole new set of challenges and we want to help you plan safely.
Our commitment-free planning services offer you assistance, without being bogged down by a large deposit or time commitment...from venue consulting to month-of planning, and everything in between! Contact emlan events today for a free consultation - we’ll find the right package for you - whether its month-to-month planning, hourly consulting, or partial planning leading up to your wedding, we’re here to help you plan your wedding, safely!
WTF do I do now? Planning in a never-ending pandemic.
WTF do I do now? Wedding planning in a never ending pandemic.
So you rescheduled your wedding once. Now twice. Now we’re about to get to 2021 and we have no idea where the world will be. I’ve been speaking to tons of couples who ask questions like, “what do I do”, “will I be able to have a March or April wedding...” etc. The truth is, no one knows where the world will be tomorrow, in 6 months, or next year. We all thought we’d be done with all of this nonsense by now.
When thinking about what to do (cancel, postpone again, microwedding, elope, etc)…a few things come into play. First is obvious: your life. Do you and your fiance have life plans (ie: kids, house, financial obligations, you get the idea…) that are contingent on your being married? If you want to get married, do it. Elope. Plan a microwedding. Make it happen.
But, if you don’t “need” or “want” to be married without the reception and the hooplah then don’t. Wait it out. All of you that can’t imagine a wedding without the horah, without father-daughter dances, without a dance floor, I’m talking to you. If you are not willing to budge on guest count and wedding style, you’re going to have to postpone until the time is right.
That being said, I have to get something off my chest. Microweddings are AMAZING. Beautiful. Meaningful. Imagine having all of your BEST people in one room. Not one person was on your B list, or the annoying cousin your mom forced you to invite.
With microweddings, you get to spend your budget more uniquely and thoughtfully - do a chef’s tasting menu for dinner, or do an elaborate floral entrance, splurge on the photographer of your dreams, etc.
Then, you can STILL do the big hooplah reception for your five year anniversary. Everyone will still want to do the horah, and the dancing and party. Believe me. We all love a good excuse to hit the dance floor and party. And we’ll be making up for lost time.
So, to summarize: figure out what your non negotiables are - what you’re NOT willing to budge on. Perhaps its the date, perhaps its the guest count, perhaps its the venue, or anything else. And you’ll plan around that. Or, contact us for a one hour planning session and we’ll talk through it together (like what we did there)? Sorry, it was such an easy pitch.
xx,
Elizabeth