A Late Summer Wedding at The Mount

While we can't yet share the awesome photographs from Parris Whittingham of Jacqueline and Kelly's gorgeous September wedding at The Mount, we can share their wedding video from Velare! Watch it below and stay tuned for more on their wedding and other weddings in the Berkshires soon.

jacqueline // kelly - lenox, ma from VELARE on Vimeo.

A Festive First Communion

A first communion is a landmark celebration in the lives of many young boys and girls. While the ceremony itself is a cause for celebration, it is often the party afterwards that family and friends look forward to. We were excited to help Liz with this special celebration, as we had helped her plan and design her eldest son's communion a few years earlier.

Using pattern, texture, and pops of royal blue and lime green, we created this fun and festive backyard celebration for their closest family and friends. We custom designed the invitations, hand stamped paper cups, wrapped dozens of green flatware in napkins with ribbon, created a yummy candy and popcorn buffet, designed signage, and made a fun selfie scavenger hunt. After setting the tables and putting the finishing touches on the tent and pool areas, we left the guests to enjoy the fabulous food from Lattitude Restaurant. Also thanks to Michael's Party Rentals, BBJ Linen, Durocher Florist for the beautiful flowers, and Cakes by Amanda for the cake and chocolate chip cookies.

Here are some of the details of this backyard celebration as seen through the eyes of Cronin Hill Photography.

7 Tips for Choosing the Right Bridesmaid Dress

With many couples becoming recently engaged over the holidays, we have been flooded with lots of questions: What should I do first? When should we send out save-the-dates? Can my friend marry us? Should I have a tented wedding at my uncle's house?

Let's start with a question we received from one of our clients just yesterday – "How do I select bridesmaid dresses for my bridal party? I have ten bridesmaids, and they all have different body types and style preferences!"

1. Consider the season

If your wedding is in November, you probably don't want to pick a dress that is tea-length and strapless – unless of course you live in a warm climate or are having a destination wedding. Dresses that are heavy or have many layers should also be avoided in warm months. You can opt for a bolero, shawl, or pashmina to cover arms and shoulders in months that may have warmer days and cooler nights.

2. Consider the venue

If your wedding is a tented backyard affair, complete with lawn games and a pig roast, you probably don't want to pick a ballgown style, or a glitzy, beaded dress. Take into account the type of fabric the dress is made from as well.

3. Consider your wedding attire

Find a style or styles that compliment your attire, but make sure it isn't too similar.

4. Be flexible, but offer guidance

It's hard to please everyone, especially when you have a large bridal party. Try to select a line of dresses that offer similar styles with varying necklines. This will allow your bridesmaids to pick a dress in the color you want, but in a fit that works well for them. You can also select a color, and have them pick a hue in that range. This also allows for your bridesmaids to purchase attire that not only fits their body, but fits their budget. For example: A blush pink, as seen in this picture of Kristen's bridesmaids. This same logic applies to not only dresses, but also to jumpsuits or traditional two-piece suits for both men and women.

5. Choose a cut that is flattering on most body types

Maybe you have your heart set on your bridesmaids all wearing the same outfit, so what should you do then? Select a silhouette that works well for most people, such as an empire waist, maxi, or A-line style. You should also avoid strapless dresses if any of your bridesmaids are large chested, or select a dress that has the option of removable straps.

6. Go Shopping!

Ask them to go shopping with you, but don't bring them all at once. It's hard to decide when you have 10 varying opinions. Instead, shop with 3 or 4 of them at any one time.

7. Rent

Rent a bridesmaid dress? You sure can! Check out Rent the Runway, an online retailer that rents high-end dresses, skirts, and accessories for any occasion. Never thought it was possible for your attendants to wear the likes of Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhluillier, Reem Acra, or Vera Wang at a price you or they can afford? Here is your solution! You can rent the garment for 4 or 8 days, and select up to 2 size options, or even choose a second style. After the event, it's free shipping back to them and you don't even have to clean it! They handle the cleaning for you. We suggest you do a test run with a dress or two before you commit to this option.

Mint Dream Gown by Badly Mischka

Stay tuned for more planning tips and etiquette guidance in upcoming blog posts. We will try and post answers to your burning questions a couple times a month.

A Summer Wedding at The Mount

Caroline and Josh had one of the most picturesque summer days for their wedding at The Mount in Lenox, MA this past July. If you have never been to The Mount, you should definitely visit. You can tour the historic home of author Edith Wharton, enjoy the beautiful gardens, talk a stroll down the lime walk, sit on the terrance overlooking the property, or enjoy free jazz concerts that are hosted throughout the summer on Friday nights! A landmark of the Berkshires, The Mount is one of our favorite locations.

The ceremony took place in the English garden, followed by cocktails in the walled garden, and dinner on the terrace. We helped them design and create their wedding programs, which complemented the look of their wedding invitations. The always beautiful arrangements and candles from Crocus Hale Flowers spanned the long line of dining tables on the terrace while the delicious food by Max Ultimate welcomed guests to their seats. Music from the Rosamund Trio played during dinner, and afterwards, the party was brought inside where guests danced the night away to tunes by the Bob Charest Band. They are one of the best wedding bands we have ever worked with, and I don't think one person sat down all evening. An after party was thrown at a friend's house nearby, and at the end of the evening, the shuttles brought all of the guests there to continue the celebration. Check out some of the photos from Dan Aguirre Photography of Caroline and Josh's big day!

Some of the other vendors who made this wedding as memorable as it was:

• Classical Tents and Party Goods

• Seitel Lighting

• The Spa at Cranwell

• Premiere Transportation

• Wheatleigh (overnight accommodations in a honeymoon suite for the bride and groom. This is also a great wedding location!)

Looking to host a wedding or event in the Berkshires and need some assistance planning, designing, or coordinating it? Contact us and let's get this party started! More pictures of this wedding and other weddings we have done can be found on our website.