The Finishing Touch — Weddings, Events, Design, Paperie

With the cold weather outside, it is hard not to reminisce about the warm weather and beautiful colors of summer.  We love looking through the bright beautiful pictures from our summer weddings ~ like the one we coordinated for our couple Rose and Mike in July. 

The Bride looked gorgeous in her stunning gown and crystal trimmed veil.  To tie in Rose's color theme, her beautiful bridesmaids were clad in lovely pink dresses with brown sashes and held simple yet elegant clutches of pink roses from A Touch of Elegance. 

This chic color combination of was woven throughout the day starting with the ceremony programs which our Event Design division created for the event.

During the wedding ceremony , to honor Rose's Filipino heritage, the couple participated in the traditional Coin, Veil, and Cord ceremony.  During the ceremony, sponsors were present to witness the union of the couple. The sponsors symbolized guidance and support – people that Rose and Mike can turn to in times of need throughout their lives together. 

During the ceremony, the priest gave Mike 13 coins (or Arrhae) which he then gave to Rose.  Then Rose gave them back.  The Arrhae represented the Groom's dedication to the welfare of the Bride. It signified the their mutual hope for wealth, prosperity, and security as they build their lives and family together.

Then came the placing of the veil, a symbol of the faithful and everlasting love the Bride and Groom have for each other.  It was placed around Rose and Mike by a set of their sponsors.  Through the passing of the years, it will remind them that they belong to each other.

Finally, there was the placing of the cord.  Another set of sponsors draped the cord (or yugal) in a figure eight over the veil.  The yugal symbolizes the love and friendship that bind the couple together.  The figure eight shape represents the infinite nature of matrimony.

After a beautiful and meaningful ceremony, it was on to the reception at the magnificent Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey.  

As guests enjoyed the Venetian's fabulous cocktail hour, they picked up their adorable pink and brown seating cards.  Each seating card jacket contained a note letting guests know that a donation was made in their name. 

The guests danced all night with the help of Gemini Productions, accompanied by a percussionist, Howie Bongo, who played along with the music.  Rose and Mike's guests enjoyed the touch of live music.

The Filipino traditions also carried into the reception where Rose and Mike participated in a Dollar Dance.  During the Dollar Dance, guests line up to take turns dancing with the Bride or Groom.  To be able to dance with the couple, the guests need to first pin a dollar bill to the Bride or Groom's clothing.  We had a lot of fun handing out the pins to guest patiently waiting for their turn to dance with the couple. 

To put a sweet ending on this perfect day, guests were treated to a beautiful pink and brown cake from Palermo Bakery and the Venetian's unbelievable Viennese hour – quite possible the most inventive and extensive Viennese available in NJ.  It included everything from "fruit sushi" to a Malt Shoppe Station with mini milk shakes and "hamburgers", "hot dogs", and "french fries" made out of cake!

 

Happy Planning,

Candice and Priscilla