I married my best friend on the front steps of town hall in the place I grew up. My parents and brother, along with my soon-to-be in laws, stood in front of us. We did a toast in the parking lot. We headed off, alone, to an intimate dinner and celebrated as husband and wife. It was the most beautiful day in my memory.

Months later, I stood in front of all 100 of my favorite people in my father’s backyard. We read hand written vows that unknowingly referenced the same sentiments. We used the same words and phrases that unspokenly personified our love story. We all cried. We all partied. Hard. It was the new most beautiful day in my memory, and many others’ too. 

Long before the world turned upside down I had an in person client meeting. The bride, like I had, was planning a wedding with an air of “is this kind of ridiculous...?”. She asked what I had asked myself many times before we landed on the two separate day wedding plan - is this all worth it?! The money. The stress. The family tension. The details. The time. I actually got choked up when I told her that having all of your people from all of your walks of life together in one place is insanely special. While both of our stories are different than what most of my clients are going through now, they very well may end the same. You want to keep your wedding date. You want to start your life as a married couple. You’ve been waiting and planning and while it’s just a title and just a day it still feels so relevant. It still feels important.

I just want to say that it is important. Your love story has not been ripped at the seams. It definitely got thrown around a little, and maybe even got a few knicks on the cover. But the day you stand in front of anyone; everyone you know, your closest family, or just each other; and promise on forever... that day is still the best damn page in the book. And if you’re lucky, the next chapter has a bad ass party. And that party will be talked about for years to come and no one will care that you were already married when you showed up.

favorites for 5 x 7 paper table numbers

floating 5 x 7 table frames in gold, silver, and rose gold

favorites for tabletop signage

favorites for large signage

fitting for 16 x 20 and larger : wooden signs, chalkboards, foam core signs & framed signs

If you know me, you know that any kind of shower isn’t really my “scene”. They go against two pretty defining points of my personality: I hate being the center of attention and I hate small talk. Plus those games… ugh. First world problems that my loved ones want to gather to give us presents, I know. Oh - by the way - notice how I said “us”. That’s a whole other point of contempt: why does only the mom get all the baby paraphernalia? Sorry, not in this house. Those diapers are definitely not just for me thank you very much.

So - what DID I want? Here’s the short list: I wanted Mike to be there. I wanted good food. I wanted our guests to actually have a good time and not be like ugh I have to go to a baby shower. Be honest, that’s what you think when you get a shower invitation. So while it may have been a Sunday afternoon - this was a cocktail party. This was an open bar. This was a ridiculous amount of food from the restaurant’s farm. As a reward for throwing a kick ass party, God graced us with the most perfect sunny Spring day.

Onto the fun details. For the florals I wanted a riverside / beachy Spring feeling so I went with thistle, bleached ruscus, silver dollar eucalyptus, and rye sprigs in mismatched bottles. Also couldn’t throw a party without a balloon garland (Yes I installed it myself. Yes everyone was yelling at me to get off the ladder. Talk about not being able to give up control 🙃). At the last minute I knew something was missing, enter: eucalyptus sprigs!

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FOOD. Everyone raved about the menu from Hudson Farmer & The Fish. In case you feel like drooling here’s the full menu:

Welcome Stations / Seafood tower, farm fresh veggies & dips, charcuterie and cheese, wood oven pizza: escarole white pizza, red clam pizza, margherita pizza

Passed Appetizers / Clam fritters, tomato / mozzarella & greenhouse basil skewers, beef sliders, lobster roll sliders,

Small Plate Stations / fried chicken baskets with hot honey, beef carving with fingerling potatoes, spring hake and asparagus, farm beet salad

Dessert / fresh fried zeppoles, mini cupcakes

Last but not least: stationery. Call me biased but this is my favorite invitation project to date. Baby Nac’s nursery is Hudson River themed and I wanted to carry that throughout the shower. I knew I wanted to do a watercolor crest design for the main invitation, working in key illustrations that went along with the theme: a fishing canoe, oars, and fish. I used those illustrations throughout the signage along with watercolor lettering.

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Photography: Jamie Lefkowitz

Stationery & Event Styling: Coppola Creative

Venue: Hudson Farmer & The Fish

“social media guru carrie and financier joe, held their wedding on a beautiful june day at the sprawling grounds of southwood estate on the hudson river. carrie wore a stunning, iris floral gown by alexandra grecco. the intricate hand-embroidered floral appliqué is truly a work of art.

family members and friends gathered in germantown, ny. for a day filled with music, fun, laughs and tears. the whimsy, romantic affair décor was stunning; complete with an epic clear tent, creative industrial lighting, country vintage chic tablescapes and creative calligraphy signage. 

a showstopper of a wedding!” -kimberly coccagnia

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Photographer Kimberly Coccagnia / Event @monicarelyeaevents / Venue @southwoodproperty  / Beauty @ericatmartell & @upstyle.co  / Florals @fuzzpetal / Calligraphy @coppolacreative / Lighting LNJ Lighting / Tents & Rentals Events Unlimited / Vintage Rentals North Country Vintage

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to share Grace & Doug’s big day. I was honored to be brought on by Monica of Monica Relyea Events to help bring Gracie’s vision to life. We started together with the Save the Date, where I illustrated the bride’s family church that she’s been going to her whole life. The church illustration was the star of the show, and was able to be used throughout their paper goods. When we moved onto the invitation design, I couldn’t wait to use the inspiration that Sara of Lavender & Leaf had provided for Grace’s florals. I illustrated the flowers that were to be used for Grace’s bouquet in a wreath design for her invitation, as well as the historic brick building at The Senate Garage where they held their reception.

The best part of custom illustration commissions for weddings is where else you can use them. For Grace, she used her watercolor floral wreath on her welcome sign as well as her menus and seating chart. We used her church illustration for the Save the Date on her program. Other fun details included a painted monogrammed ribbon for her bouquet, custom matchboxes, and custom cocktail napkins.

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Photographer | @aliciakingphoto  Planning | @monicarelyeaevents  Venue | @senategarage  Caterer | @bridgecreekcatering  Custom Invites + Calligraphy | @coppolacreative  Florals | @lavenderandleaf 
Rentals | @events_unlimited_party_rentals LOVE sign & Vintage Loveseat | @hvvintagerentals  Makeup | @makeupartistrybyjillian  Hair | @hairbylindsaybaxter .

“The Lounsbury House in Ridgefield, Connecticut set the perfect backdrop for our classic blush and ivory themed inspiration shoot featuring our ‘Domenica’ wedding gown by Reem Acra. Domenica isn’t your grandmother’s ballgown! It’s strapless sweetheart corset bodice is lined with illusion and hand appliquéd lace embroidery that cascades onto the asymmetrical horse hair lined tiered skirt. This gown is for the bride who wants to wow her guests with a classically shape ballgown that’s fashion forward at the same time. It’s an epic dress!

Kristina Staal Photography & George and Claudia planned this beautiful wedding inspiration shoot flawlessly. We love the one of a kind cake design and the luscious ivory and blush bouquet paired with the touches of champagne gold throughout the venue. It’s an iconic bride’s dream event! Enjoy these highlights from this amazing styled shoot!” -Jessica Haley Bridal Blog

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Hosted and Photographed by @georgeandclaudia.co and @kristinastaalphotography  | Stationery @coppolacreative | Venue @lounsbury_house | Bride @lalaurentapia  | Day of coordination by @bluuribbonevents  | Flowers by @fani_flowers_rye_ny  | Hair by @beautybyluna  | Makeup by @meredithmakeup  | Bridal Robes by @girlandaseriousdream

Re-Blogged from Every Last Detail

Though this cheerful summer wedding style was created while snow was still on the ground, the bright pops of color and beautiful blooms made these wedding ideas the perfect match as this team looked ahead to the warmer weather.

We love the bold pops of color and the simple style created by Hoopla! Events. The simplicity of the crisp white linens, paired with white chairs and taper candles create a blank canvas for the bright blooms to take center stage. Lavender & Leaf Designs created a loose and organic style arrangement that reached across the table. The small floral hoop was a fun alternative to a bridal bouquet, and it gave a fresh and modern feel to the design.

The balance of this clean slate with bright details offers a lovely transition between the seasons. Alicia King Photography captured the colorful details in such a playful way, and we’re thrilled to share this look with you!

The mix of vintage details from North Country Vintage Rentals, and clean modern design creates the perfect style that fits a variety of tastes. Do you plan to incorporate any bold pops of color in your wedding day style?

The mix of vintage details from North Country Vintage Rentals, and clean modern design creates the perfect style that fits a variety of tastes.

Do you plan to incorporate any bold pops of color in your wedding day style?

click here for the full gallery

Photographer: Alicia King Photography // Concept, Design,Planner: Hoopla! Events // Venue: Crabtree’s Kittle House // Rentals: North Country Vintage Rentals // Cake: On A Stick Bakery // Florals: Lavender & Leaf Designs // Invitation Suite/Signage: Coppola Creative // Hair/Makeup: RB Artistry // Dress: Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique // Metal Bracelets: The Curated Gift Shop // Suit: Generation Tux // Bride: Lizz Model // Groom: Jeremy Model

“Lots of love and so many girly themed parties.  As lovers of all things neutral it has been really fun working with a fully saturated and colorful palette. So, many of you have been asking “what is a ‘Sip ‘n See’?”  It’s a sweet Southern tradition—a casual affair, meant to give family and friends the opportunity to ooh and aah over your new addition. New parents are short on time (and sleep!), so it is the perfect party to outsource.  The new parents invite their close friends and family to come enjoy a drink (sip), meet (see) and cuddle the new baby.  Yajaira and Kipp brought us onboard to design, style and plan the day. And what an adorable occasion it was!

Yajaira and Kipp waited to find out the gender of their baby and with the news of her arrival; an all pink themed party was just what they wanted. With big pops of color, simple lines and not a lot of  busyness Camila’s Sip n’ See was created. Check out these mini chicken n’ waffles drizzled with Vermont Maple syrup! “All you need is love and maybe a donut”. Isn’t that the truth! Check out the beautiful signage created by our friend Megan at @coppolacreative The sip n’ see was small and intimate with some family and neighborhood friends. Everyone got the chance to meet and cuddle  6-week-old baby Camila who was an absolute doll, and snoozed in the arms of friends the entire time!” -Jack and Grace Events

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event: Jackandgraceny / photo: Alhyberry / calligraphy: Coppolacreative / floral: Jackandgraceny

I was so excited when this sweet bride Caitlin reached out to me! She found me through the beautiful world of Instagram. I’m so grateful for these Hudson Valley vendors who shout out each other and help us all be seen by their brides. Caitlin and I worked together on all of her paper goods from Save the Date to Invites and we both just loved how it all came together. Vintage beauties from North Country and the stunning grounds at Nostrano Vineyards were all captured by the team at Hyde Photography.

hyde photography

details :: willow tree ceremony / outdoor ceremony / watercolor invitations / pink and gray invitations / lavender and pink florals with cascading greenery / vintage rugs / pink coups and mismatched vintage tableware / vineyard wedding.

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photographer: @hydephotography_ // venue: @NostranoVineyards // stationery: @coppolacreative // design: @events_unlimited_party_rentals @northcountryvintage // flowers: @Chesterhometown135

“Last year I had the opportunity to meet a group of talented wedding professionals based in the CT/NY metro area whom I now regularly co-work with at the local bakery in town. With many of us having skills ranging from photography, calligraphy, to wedding planning, our fellow colleague and talented photographer, Kristina Staal decided it would be fun to leverage everyone’s talents and come together to collaborate on a styled wedding shoot. It’s always a big undertaking to orchestrate styled photoshoots so a big thank you to Kristina and Lauren and Aoife of Jack & Grace Events for hosting and putting together this amazing Create & Collaborate styled wedding shoot out. Also sending thanks to all the wonderful vendors (noted at the end of the blog) for contributing their talents to this shoot. It was an absolute pleasure to be apart of it. Here are some of my favorite shots from Karolina & Alex’s styled elopement.” -Donna Cheung

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photographer: donna cheung / dress: bella bridesmaids / floral: carrie wilcox / calligrapher: coppola creative / rentals: gather and lounge / event: jack & grace events / cake lovely cakes / jewels: the jewelry gallery / beauty: upstyle

“Being a small business owner is HARD, and being a small business owner that is able to communicate and interact with other humans (colleagues!) on a daily basis can be even harder. Which is why I strongly believe in finding your tribe, building strong relationships, and collaborating. Not only will it make you much happier to have others (who totally understand what we’re going through) to talk to on a daily basis, but you’ll be able to work together to better your businesses, bounce ideas off of, and create beauty to put out into the world.

The idea of “community over competition” is something that I truly believe in and sits close to my heart. I’ve always loved working with and learning from others, creating something special with others who are just as passionate as I am, and of course, watching what we’ve worked so hard to achieve come to life. Luckily, through The Rising Tide Society, I’ve truly found my tribe. Other creatives (photographers, planners, stylists, calligraphers, etc.), who think like me, have the same vision as I do, are open to new ideas, and well…are complete type A personalities like me (they are also some of the hardest working people I have met). You can check out this styled shoot published on Whimsically Wed and Let’s Bee Together.”

-Kristina Staal

Kristina’s Five Reasons Why: Styled Shoots

1. Expand your Creativity

“If you’ve ever planned a styled shoot, you know that there is a ton of work and thought that goes into every last detail of the shoot. It’s basically like planning a mini-wedding, except you also need to make sure to add in extra unique details that you know publications will want to see. Some of the best ideas come about by talking through ideas with other people who are just as creative than you. Of course, when doing this, it’s always important to make sure the creatives you are working with have the same vision as you.

2. Expand your Network

One of the best things that you can do for your business is to expand your network. And, through styled shoots, you’ll build up quite the network. A typical styled shoot involves a photographer, planner & stylist, stationary and calligrapher creative, cake creative, bridal gown shop and designer, and the list goes on… The connections you make through these vendors, which can lead to further connections, are priceless. And as you build more relationships, your name gets spread to others, and ultimately, can bring you more business. The majority of people love and trust recommendations, therefore word of mouth is one of the best ways to be hired and is truly invaluable.

3. Get Published

Getting published not only brings more awareness to your brand, but it also helps bring validity to your work. Additionally, it helps improve your SEO – having links back to your website, being tagged on social media, and sharing your work are always going to be beneficial. After all of the hard work is said and done, it feels great to see what you’ve created get published, whether it be online or in print. Plus, brides and grooms love knowing their photographer has been published.

4. Attract the Clients You Want

As photographers, we have a certain aesthetic and feel that we like to shoot, and sometimes, it can be difficult to attract your dream client. When you collaborate and create styled shoots that are on brand with your own brand, you’ll be more likely to attract a similar type of client. As a result, this will allow you to grow your business while staying on brand. And, ultimately, your work will appear more consistent and cohesive.

5. Broaden your Portfolio & Create Content

Especially when starting out as a photographer, or moving to a new location, it can be difficult to build up your portfolio if you’re not booking the clients you want, or any clients for that matter! Creating styled shoots allows you to add to your portfolio and create content to share with potential customers, on social media, and your website. It also helps to add to your experience and wrinkle out all of the kinks you may need to work through before booking your dream clients.”

click here for the full gallery

invitations & calligraphy @coppolacreative / photo @kristinastaalphotography / event & styling @tesoraphotography @jackandgraceny / venue: @wainwrighthouseinc / florals: @cwfloraldesign / bridal gown @jessicahaleybridal / bridesmaids @bellabridesmaidswestport / beauty @melissascrofani & @meredithmakeup

Supposedly actually writing a blog post is what drives traffic but aren’t you just here to see all the pretty pictures anyway? I’ll keep it short & sweet: this is about all things bohemian, a polished farm, and stunning views. Saturated fuchsia, deep wine, and pale blush. Flower crowns and suspenders. Little hints of gold and touches of masculinity. Gray suits and cathedral veils. Wild cascading bouquets, figs on the tables, and dip dyed escort cards… did I get all my keywords in?

click here for the full gallery

event @jackandgraceny / photo @tesoraphotography / stationery & event design @coppolacreative / venue @lambs_hill / gown @lambs_hill / beauty @jackiekstyles & @essiecohenmakeup / florals @virifloraldesign / rentals @gather_and_lounge / cake @pastrygardenhv / rings @mamarijewelers 

XO, MCN

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have equal amounts of both warm/fuzzies and terror/anxiety. In so many ways this little blessing was exactly that - something we didn’t know we needed. The timing wasn’t perfect… but it wasn’t not perfect. Sure I would’ve liked to drink wine and limoncello every day when we went to Sicily but that’s besides the point.

I’m writing this post because it’s what I needed to read and couldn’t find. We had some scary tests, some scary results, and a lot of days that I just couldn’t feel happy. I placed an insurmountable amount of pressure on myself; to be excited, to be learned, to be strong. I didn’t feel any of these things and some days I still don’t. I couldn’t (and still don’t) have the app on my phone that tells me what size fruit my baby is. Because below that little fact are thousands of women chatting about how you probably shouldn’t risk having vanilla extract because there’s alcohol in it. It’s overwhelm on another level. So here’s our story, because it wasn’t rainbows, butterflies and swooning over ultrasound photos. And if you’re going through something similar, I hope it helps to know you’re not alone. I felt isolated and misunderstood, and if I can help one woman push away those feelings even just 1% then it’s worth sharing.

Years ago, when I was in college, my Mom let me in on a secret. She had a chromosomal abnormality which caused two miscarriages in between me and my brother. They discovered this abnormality during an amniocentesis when she was pregnant with Joe, so she also knew that he had inherited it too. But, I had never been tested. A whispy little cloud floated over me for years knowing that I should get tested because I did want babies one day, but honestly I was scared of the results. I successfully convinced myself it was because I hated getting blood drawn. 

Without explaining the details, if you have this very rare and random abnormality you are actually perfectly healthy. There are no risks or detriments to your health. However, when you want to get pregnant, the stats look like this: 25% chance your baby is totally normal with no abnormality, 25% chance your baby inherits your abnormality but they grow up to be healthy like you, and 50% your abnormality causes a serious complication that leads to miscarriage or ridiculously rare chromosomal disorders. So that basically stacks up to a 50/50 chance of bringing a pregnancy to term. 

Fast forward to this past August when we found out we were pregnant. I’ll spare you the emotional roller coaster details. In less then a month we were headed to Sicily for two weeks. Cue me crying on the phone to the doctor’s office saying I don’t care if I’m too early to see the doctor, I need to come in before we leave the country. PS - who knew you usually wait SO LONG before your first appointment, am I the only person who wanted a professional’s confirmation that there was a human gestating inside me? Anyway, I still hadn’t gotten the chromosome test done. Successfully securing a pity appointment, many vials of blood and an ice cream cone reward later, we had to wait until we got home from our trip for the results. 

Well in case you didn’t guess I have the abnormality. From the start I didn’t want to tell a soul about our news; it felt like the most private piece of information I’d ever held. Getting these results only intensified that feeling of needing to protect myself. I compartmentalized hard. I couldn’t let myself get attached to something that may never be, and I couldn’t bear to tell our families with such a huge risk at stake. Oh I also tested positive for the carrier gene of spinal muscular atrophy. Luckily Mike tested negative but just add it to the reasons I couldn’t sleep at night.  With every passing week I didn’t miscarry, the 50/50 chance weighed heavier in our favor. But, to know for sure if our baby had inherited the abnormality - or worse, developed another disorder because of it - we decided to get an amniocentesis at 18 weeks. It was an immediate decision and I’m grateful that Mike and I were on the same page. We barely talked about it. If the baby had developed one of these rare chromosomal disorders it would be a risk to my health to carry out the pregnancy. That was something I needed to know. While it seemed that the doctors at my office were taking a wait and see approach in terms of offering options and information, I was thankful when one of my doctors told me their practice is pro choice. If we got the worst possible news, they would actually advise against bringing the pregnancy to term. That’s difficult to write but very, very real.

In between then and the procedure, we told our immediate family which ballooned into most of our family and some friends. It was harder for me than it was joyous. Everyone was happy but I was still very much afraid. People wanting to spread the good news made me feel like they weren’t respecting my privacy. Everyone asked how I felt physically, but very few people thought to ask how I felt mentally. It felt like no one understood the weight of the situation. I honestly hated telling people and I still feel guilty for that. I said many times that I wish there was a 9 month retreat for pregnant women to come to term in peace and quiet and sunshine.

Try looking up “why I got an amniocentesis” to find encouraging happy stories of women who chose this path and were happy with their decision. Guess what you’ll find? Thousands of strong opinions, articles, and blog posts completely blowing the risk of the procedure out of proportion. As my doctor put it, the risk of miscarrying after an amniocentesis is about 1% - but there’s no way to factor out things like women who would have miscarried because of other reasons anyway or inexperienced doctors or residents performing the procedure. In my doctor’s office alone, there were two nurses, an OB, and a doctor’s wife who got amnios with at least one of their pregnancies. That’s more than half the people I even come in contact with at that office. The doctor’s wife actually got a simultaneous double amnio because she was due with twins. And those are just the people who told me about it. It gave me major solace that all of these medical professionals weighed the risk vs reward the same way I had, even if the internet (and many people in person) told me differently. 

It was actually astonishing the amount of people who said “well I just would never take the risk”, as if I was making an ill-informed or irresponsible decision. As if having to make the decision wasn’t hard enough. So by the way, if you’re reading this and know someone who is going through something similar - be extra gentle with them. If you care about them, support their decisions. Even if you disagree. I honestly wish we hadn’t told anyone until after we received the results. There were very few people who helped instead of hurt. And it was not for lack of trying, I knew our close friends and family were trying to be there for me. But they were also overjoyed and it was extremely difficult to not be able to truly share that joy with them. I tried, but I just couldn’t find it. 

The procedure went perfectly fine. There’s an ultrasound tech watching your little one the whole time. They insert a fairly large needle into your womb to pull out a few vials of amniotic fluid. It feels exactly how it sounds like it would feel. Not incredibly painful, but very uncomfortable and literally draining. Unbeknownst to me I also needed an additional injection because of my negative blood type. I was so tense when it was over I told the nurse I needed a breather before she put another needle in me. I was alone and I’m not going to sugar coat it, I had an anxiety attack. Mike couldn’t be there but I pretended he was. I pictured him cupping my face in his hands and telling me to breathe, the way he has in the past when I’ve had attacks. I was nervous about the needle and the procedure but the emotional intensity was what actually kicked my ass. Knowing definitively whether my baby was healthy or not was actually within reach and that was more scary than it was comforting.

A few days before Christmas I stood and cried in the middle of the market on Arthur Avenue when I got the news that our little bean beat the odds and was completely, totally perfect; no abnormalities. I hugged my brother who said “also, there’s a Jonas Brother behind you”. Which was true - shoutout to Kevin. I called Mike who wanted to know the sex… well I’d forgotten to ask that. I was preoccupied. When I saw him later that night it turns out that he’d known for weeks that it was a boy. He knew I didn’t want to know until we got good & healthy news. He had glanced at my file during my last ultrasound appointment… he said it was an “accident”.

So it’s true and real now. It’s onto planning showers and designing a nursery. To cooing over little baby hats and picking a crib. I’m sharing in the excitement with those around me that we are starting a family. It’s not the 2019 we pictured at this time last year. But when you make plans, God laughs.

If you are struggling with infertility, pregnancy complications, or anything similar - I see you. Whatever you are feeling - or not feeling - is okay.

xx, mcn

f e a t u r e s // Pure Wow

I have been dying to create an invitation with a crest, so when Kristina sent me the mood board for this project I knew it was the perfect application! The crest is a popular traditional motif, but when mixed with painterly florals, rich deep colors, and a more casual script - it turns modern. I love the cohesion that occurs when all of the paper goods coordinate. It rarely looks "matchy-matchy" because they are spread throughout different parts of the event, helping string together the theme. Like here, where the lettering style on the escort cards match the invitation, and the floral illustration is lightly added in the background. 

"For this shoot, I wanted to bring out the rich tones of the forest but with pops of colour to brighten it up. We decided to combine a gorgeous emerald dress as a unique bridal idea, and deep florals with pops of light colors to brighten up the bouquet and crown. 

Maggie (beautiful pup) and Suzanna (model bride) totally connected throughout the shoot, and it was so much fun to capture them working (and bonding!) together. Maggie is a 2.5 year old bi-eyed husky (one blue and one amber!) red husky, which can be unique, so we really wanted to highlight her beauty " -Kristina Staal

"We photographed this shoot at Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut. And decided to use the gorgeous nature as a backdrop combined with stone buildings and their stunning mansion. 

We hope that this shoot can give brides inspiration for something a bit different than the traditional wedding dress. And most of all, we hope that it inspires brides and grooms to incorporate their animals into their wedding day! Because after all, our animals are like our family, and there's nothing more special than celebrating one of the best days of our life with family, whether human or furry! 

A few tips for bringing your furry bff along on your special day... 

• Make sure that you put any florals you have on your dogs at the last second (as they may be tempted to rip them off or play with them)

• Have someone beside assisting to make sure the dog is safe and doesn't run away

• And most of all, to make sure your pup doesn't eat the florals, as some florals can be dangerous for animals! " -Kristina Staal

Photography: Kristina Staal / Model: Suzanna Scorcia / Beauty: Beauty By Luna / Florals: Fani Szterenbuch of Fani Flowers / Dress: Bella Bridesmaids Westport / Paper: Coppola Creative / Cake: Lovely Cakes

Stately stone manor? Yes. Perfect clear skies? Yes. Dusty blue & gold all over? Yaaaas.

Sharing such a sweet message from Carolyn of Tesora Photography about our sweet little wedding vendor world, and how collaborating is just as important as creating...

"When I first started in the photography business, I was worried that I would be lonley. After all, you don’t really have co-workers like you do in a traditional setting. However, I was quickly surprised at how wonderful other photographers and creatives are that I’ve met. They’ve become a rock for me in both my personal and professional life, and I don’t know what I would do without them. This positive environment really started when I joined my local chapter of the Rising Tide Society (with the motto, “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats.”) Meaning, that we are all in this together; your success is my success. It makes perfect sense too, because I can’t photograph every wedding, engagement or portrait session, and one of my friends might just be the perfect fit. Each year, our group comes together to photograph a huge styled shoot. This year, I jumped on the planning and styling bandwagon with my dear friend, Kristina (Kristina Staal Photography) and my old pals at Jack & Grace Events (remember the styled shoot on the mountain in Beacon?). I was able to secure the stunning and historic Wainwright House for our Enchanted Dusty Blue wedding shoot and I’m still pinching myself to have been able to photograph such beauty.

Enter phenomenal vendors such as Gather and Lounge, Carrie Wilcox Floral Design, Coppola Creative, Meredith Hayman, Makeup Artist, Melissa Scrofani of Westchester Hair and Makeup, A Little Something White Bridal Couture featuring Kelly Faetanini’s Star gown in blue, vow books from Elmo Paperstories (donated by Jessica Haley Bridal) and a custom cake from Palmer’s Bakery.  Without them, this shoot literally could not have happened. I thank each and every one of them for donating their time and creativity,  adding to the beauty of this wonderful day."

Worst part of being a wedding vendor? Getting constantly inspired & wanting to be a bride again and again! I mean... why did I not wear a blue dress? 

Photography @tesoraphotography / Event @jackandgraceny@KristinaStaalPhotography  / Venue @wainwrighthouseinc / Florals @cwfloraldesign / Bridal Gown @alittlesomethingwhite / Calligraphy & Invitations @coppolacreative / Furniture & Decor gatherandlounge / Cake  @palmersbakery / Hair: @melissascrofani / MUA  @meredithmakeup / Vow Books @elmopaperstories

this project is one of my all time favorite collabs. an incredibly talented team of creatives got together to inspire you at the catskill mountain house. hipster vibes + boho beauty + eclectic details + mountain views = this.

Photography: Alicia King Photography

Venue: The Catskill Mountain House

Event Design: Monica Relyea Events

Florals: Catskill Weddings

Bride’s Ring: Zimmer Brothers Jewelers

Hair & Makeup: Jessica from Ell Beauty Bar

Invitation & Signage: Coppola Creative

Cake: Super Cakes

Rentals: North Country Vintage Rentals