Industrial Meets Vintage

When Dani of Dani Fine Photography approached us about collaborating on a styled boudoir shoot earlier last year, we didn't hesitate for a moment to agree to it! We have done several styled wedding shoots, but haven't had the opportunity to bring our ideas into boudoir photography, and we were definitely up for the challenge!

The shoot took place at the Strathmore Paper Mill in Turners Falls, MA. It was the perfect industrial setting we were looking for. Our vision was to combine a soft vintage-style with the rough and tough background of the mill. We felt the contrast of these two styles worked amazingly. Who knew chipping paint could be so beautiful! Our vision was successfully executed with the help of a very talented group!

We are thrilled that the shoot was picked up by Storyboard Wedding and Savvy Deets Bridal! You can see the Boudoir featured on Storyboard here and for Savvy Deets here. You can also visit Dani Fine Photography to see more from the photo shoot.

© Dani Fine Photography

We enjoyed collaborating with these amazing professionals. Thank you!
Photography: Dani Fine Photography
Hair and makeup: Crystal Vazquez & Company
Lingerie: Gazebo
Model: Lily  

Love is in the Air!

Love is in the air! This Valentine’s Day we imagine there will be a few more engaged couples out there. Saying YES is only the beginning! After the proposal, and some time to revel in the moment, a couple begins their journey together planning their wedding. Some couples know exactly where to begin where others need a little help to get started.

We’ve put together a short list of places to start in the wedding planning process. With the right guidance, your dream wedding can come together quickly and beautifully! 

 





































Start off Organized!
Purchase an accordion organizer or a binder to keep all of your wedding planning pieces. Label each folder or tab with various areas of wedding planning—church, rings, cake, wedding planner, photographer, music, etc.—where you can keep everything in its place.

Develop Your Wedding Budget
Begin to gather all your resources—parents, in-laws, your own contributions—and develop an overall budget for the wedding. Include everything from the wedding dress, bridal party gifts, decor, the rings, and the honeymoon. You can find wedding budget worksheets on popular sites such as WeddingWire, or enlist the guidance of your wedding planner. These worksheets help you to breakdown your budget into the amounts you should allocate for each area of the wedding.

Create the Guest List
Your guest list could be a determining factor for your budget. A lower budget might dictate you will need to keep your guest list small and intimate. Create an initial list to give you a sense of your total number. In some cases, parents may like to suggest some guests for the list as well, so be sure to add their list to yours.

 

 




































Make Your Wish List
Spend some time talking with your fiance about what your ideal wedding would look like. Think about the location, the food, the overall experience you want for your guests and yourselves. You will also want to make sure both of your needs are met in terms of your vision. Do you have your heart set on having an organic menu or perhaps you are searching for a rustic venue? Do you want a band, a DJ, or maybe additional options for entertainment? Spend some time talking about what each of you would love to see as part of your wedding day so that your wedding fits your specific personalities and style.

Hire a Wedding Planner or Day-of Coordinator (psst...you should hire us!)
For some, the assistance of a wedding planner or day-of coordinator is an important place to start. You’ll want to find someone you feel comfortable with since you will be working with her/him over a long period of time. A Wedding Planner can be involved as much or as little as you need them to be. They can also help you save a great deal of time, money and frustration. So many couples find themselves stressed and over budget, which is not where you want to be during the wedding planning process. As wedding planners, we can keep you focused, on task, and well informed of the process.

Select a Venue
Many places book out a year or more in advance. If you are looking for a venue that could accommodate your ceremony and reception, your options might be narrowed down a bit. There are many gorgeous wedding venues throughout New England. It is a matter of finding the right place that suits your wedding vision and budget. 

These are just a few steps to get you started. If you are recently engaged and are looking for wedding planning guidance, we always provide a free consultation to our clients. You can contact us at eutopiaevents@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

Aloha Au Ia 'Oe (I Love You!)

Over the summer, Lauren's sister and her girlfriend had a civil union ceremony in Hawaii where they live. (While most people can only dream about having a honeymoon in Hawaii, they actually live the dream everyday!)

Unfortunately, same-sex marriage is not yet legal in Hawaii, but they do permit civil unions. Along with a small group of family and friends dressed in tropical garb and cheery yellow attire, Julie and Christina joined together in a binding union, and in love.

They both chose Hawaiian sayings to have engraved on the inside of their rings. Julie's has ku'uipo (sweetheart) and Christina has ho'oulu like (to grow together).

As a gift, we designed and created a Quaker union certificate, where all of the witnesses of the union sign the document. It makes for a great framed memento and personal keepsake of a truly special day. 

Ho'omaika'i 'Ana (Congratulations) Julie and Christina!

Photos by Joseph Esser Photography

Keep Calm

You're engaged, let the planning begin! But don't stress out, we are here to help. Inspired by all of those Keep Calm and Carry On posters we have seen plastered across Facebook pages worldwide, we have come up with our own poster design; Keep Calm and Hire a Wedding Planner!

Sneak Peek

Last summer, we planned and designed a backyard Hoedown party. This time, however, it wasn't for a client—it was for Ruthie's family. (We do get to have our own parties once in a while too!) Here is Lauren, Eutopia co-owner, setting the tables for this beautiful outdoor event. We can't wait to share more with you! Stay tuned for more photos!


© Michelle Girard Photography

Hitchin' a Ride

When Sylvia and Dan planned their October wedding, they wanted a very traditional fall theme, complete with fall colors, leaves, gourds and the like. However, tradition also calls for something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. They had the first 3 things, but what about the last?

That is when this stunning cobalt blue antique car came into play. There is nothing traditional about this beautiful car! We also adore their "gangster" status while posing for this picture by Cronin Hill Photography. Check back soon for more pictures of their day!