February 8th, 2011

Getting Hitched in Massachusetts | Esq. Events

There’s so much to think about soon after you get engaged — what style dress do I want, what will our flowers be, who will be in our wedding party?  Of course these are all things you are going to need to tackle, though something that should be first on your list is considering your venue.  Some venues get booked out years in advanced so you may want to prepare yourself in advance that flexibility in your date and location is key to keeping calm.

Jennifer Cox of Esq. Events is perfect to chat with when it comes to starting the venue search if you’re wanting to get married in Massachusetts:

There are hundred of reasons to get married in Massachusetts, but one of the best reasons is the extreme variety in such a small state. Whether you are looking for a modern urban fete, a coastal soiree or a mountain-top party amongst Berkshire foliage; Massachusetts is the premier wedding destination for all couples no matter what their style and desires. Massachusetts has four distinct regions that offer their own special and unique wedding venues and experiences: Western Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Boston area.

Western Massachusetts features the Berkshire Mountains and the charming towns of the Connecticut River Valley.  Chandler’s Restaurant in South Deerfield, Massachusetts is the perfect location for an intimate restaurant reception full of wine, history and Yankee Candle. Its also a great location for a shower or pre-wedding event. For couples seeking a more traditional resort experience, nothing compares to luxe amenities and sweeping vistas of the Cranwell Resort and Spa. Hotels, bed & breakfasts, halls and barns dot the western part of the state, however couples should be cognizant of the Boston Symphony’s Summer schedule at Tanglewood when picking their date.

Although many couples head to Central Massachusetts for rustic barn ceremonies and receptions like those offered at Zukas Hilltop Barn and Harrington Farm; my preference is to focus on the architecture. Tuckerman Hall, designed by a female architect,was originally built in in 1902 for the Worcester Woman’s Club. Recently renovated and owned by the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, this stunning triangular building is now available for rent for private functions. Also located in downtown Worcester is Mechanics Hall. Built in 1857, this is another fabulous Central Massachusetts venue with amazing architectural details and a healthy amount of gold-leaf

Nothing is more quintessential New England than Cape Cod. If your ideal wedding involves, seersucker, lobster-bakes and lighthouses, then look no further than the resort towns and venues of the Cape. Whether you are taking the fast ferry from Boston to the Lower Cape, Provincetown or driving across the bridges onto the Upper Cape, make sure you check out the following locales. Captain Linnell House is perfect for foodies and historians alike and is located close enough to the ocean that ceremonies can be performed on the beach. Couples seeking that Victorian seaside resort atmosphere can  find it at the Chatham Bars Inn. I could tell you how amazing this property is but you should really just go visit! Couples should be aware that the population on the Cape increases dramatically between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Weekend dates book up extremely quickly and even the smallest hotels and inns often require a Two Night minimum for guests. Additionally, weekend traffic TO the Cape and ON the Cape can be heavy and frustrating to those caught unaware.

The final region in Massachusetts is the City of Boston. Although not the capital of Massachusetts, it is referred to as the “Hub” for a reason: Boston and the immediate surrounding area is filled with some of my all time favorite wedding sites and venues. Boston has its own set of distinct regions so you will have to wait for the next post to hear about them!

    Posted by PTW Media at 10:18 am 0 Comments
    Labels: Advice, Wedding Budgets 25-50k, Wedding Budgets 50-80k, Wedding Budgets Above 80k, Wedding Budgets Up To 25k, my Kate Parker Wedding

    January 21st, 2011

    Erganic Design | Wedding and Event Design

    Before we go into the weekend – with plenty of snow on the ground, yet again – we just want to welcome a new member, Erganic Design to the family!  Erganic Design is a New York City specialty event design and planning company, who also serves Connecticut.

    orchid arrangement image by:  Ira Lippke Studios

      Posted by PTW Media at 11:29 am 0 Comments
      Labels: Wedding Budgets 50-80k, Wedding Budgets Above 80k

      November 16th, 2010

      Dog is {Groom’s} Bestman | Expert Wedding Advice from Alden Blair Events

      Massachusetts wedding planner, Alden Blair Events featured this great advice about integrating a groom (or bride’s!)  furry best friend into your wedding day. She touches on some different aspects that may come into play when deciding whether to include a family pet in your wedding day.

      Jessica: Weddings are family affairs, so why not involve your favorite family member – your pet. Chances are that Max was around when you said “YES!”, has comforted you when the planning became stressful, and even threatened the mail man when your favors didn’t arrive on time. So it is only fitting that he is present at the wedding.

      At the onset, consider whether or not your pet is ready to play a role in the wedding.Pets with friendly or calm temperaments and who are well behaved are welcomed bridal party additions. Dogs are a wonderful example – if your dog is well socialized, obedient, and friendly then he will be a hit at the wedding. If you are worried about your pet stealing food, becoming overwhelmed with a large crowd, or if the pet doesn’t like children, then it would be best to send your pet to a weekend retreat.

      For pets that make the cut, determine what their roles will be. Dogs are wonderful ring bearers with or without someone walking them down the aisle. They also are great greeters at cocktail hour or the host for any outdoor activities (think lawn games or beach bonfires). Cats are better suited as special guests at the family photo session, as they are less likely to perform positively  when under pressure. Either way, if you would like your pet at the wedding, take the time to practice in the weeks and months before the event.

      Pet Planning

      Pet Attendant
      Plan to ask someone special to accompany your pet as long as the pet is at the wedding. This person is best suited to attend to your pets needs, provide any and all walks, treats, or a quick exit if necessary. A pet attendant is taking on extra responsibilities, just like your ushers, and should be acknowledged for the extra work.

      A Quiet Retreat
      Identify a place for your pet to go once his/her responsibilities have been completed. A room away from all of the activity is best – once your pet is ready this will give them a place to relax without being over stimulated. It is also the best place for pets during the reception, so guests are not tempted to feed them table scraps.

      … jump over to the full expert advice article to see some other great tips for including your pet in your wedding day!

        Posted by PTW Media at 10:40 am 0 Comments
        Labels: Advice, Wedding Budgets 25-50k, Wedding Budgets 50-80k, my Kate Parker Wedding

        August 5th, 2010

        join us | my Kate Parker Wedding Educates

        my_kate_parker_wedding_madeleines_daughter_event_portsmouth_nh

        my Kate Parker Wedding Educates is teaming up with Madeleine’s Daughter to host an event for couples getting married to learn about different aspects of a wedding from local wedding experts.  Unlike the stress of bridal shows, this event is to release that stress by bringing us any questions that you have about your own planning experience to the table for our wedding experts to help answer and guide you through.

        Each presenter will touch on topics specific to their expertise along with any demonstrations that my be helpful to you.  Then by having a wedding planner joining us, the planner will be able to answer any questions that you have about your own wedding planning.

        So if you are in the Portsmouth NH area, we’d love for you to join so here are some details:

        date Wednesday, August 18, 2010
        time 6:30pm to 9:00pm
        place Madeleine’s Daughter | 775 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth NH

        how to register

        Space is limited to 60 in attendance.  Please keep parties to no more than 2 attendees.  To rsvp, please send an email with your attendee count to: mykpw@kateparkerweddings.com

        The event is at no cost to you! We do, however, ask that you bring with you a small monetary donation for at least one of the following charities:  The Pink Initiative, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or the ASPCA.  And instead of a monetary donation, you may bring a hard good(s) to donate to the local SPCA.  Click here for a list of items on their wish list.  We will have light refreshments and passed hors d’oeuvres provided by a local caterer which we love, The White Apron.

        the presenters ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

        elizabeth_madeleines_daughter_wedding_bridal_salon_nhbridal salon | Madeleine’s Daughter At Madeleine’s Daughter bridal shop, owned by Elizabeth Dirom, the knowledgeable and attentive bridal consultants guide you through some of the most important decisions of your wedding.  Their exceptional customer service has allowed them to gain the trust of brides from all over New England for over 35 years. Elizabeth will be talking about gown and dress choices for different silhouettes and fabrics.

        space

        joanne_joya_beauty_nh_wedding_makeup_artistmakeup artist | Joya beauty Joanne McDonough is a skilled makeup artist professionally trained in Boston and New York.  Joanne’s makeup artistry has been seen on Fox 25 News, Maine PBS, Portsmouth Magazine, NH Wedding Magazine, and runway fashion events for Grace Ormond Wedding Style and Marriage Magazine.  Joanne will have a Q&A about the difference between airbrushing and traditional makeup including a demonstration.  Also, Joanne will provide her insight as to how to schedule your beauty preparations for your wedding day.

        jessica_nothing_bakes_like_a_parrott_maine_wedding_cakescake and dessert designer | Nothing Bakes Like a Parrott Jessica Parrott  specializes in the creation of dessert and candy tables that are not only delicious but fully encompass the creative design of your wedding. As Jessica says, “Sweet tooth or not, having amazing desserts at your wedding is must!”  Today, you have endless possibilities beyond the traditional four-tiered white cake with matching flowers.  Envision your wedding with a beautiful spread of all your favorite desserts, cakes, pies, and candy combined with all the creative design aspects you have worked tirelessly to create through your wedding planning process.  These tables are another fantastic way to wow your guests!

        diana_ma_nh_wedding_plannerwedding planner | Diana Ma Weddings & Events What started out as a hobby for friends, turned into a full-fledged passion.  Diana Ma launched her planning company in June 2009 and offers full service event coordination as well as a variety of packages.  Diana will sit down and touch on some common topics experienced by couples during the planning process then will open up the remainder of the evening to answer any questions you have about your own wedding.

        We are also honored to have New Hampshire wedding photographer, Michelle from MAC Photography, join us to capture the night.

        new_hampshire_wedding_photographer_mac_photographyAnd one final mention, Miss Now Mrs will be giving away a gift card to take care of your name-change!  This name-changing service is so incredible and is a must have!  Oh and of course, there will be plenty of items to take home with you at night’s end.

        HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

          Posted by PTW Media at 9:00 am 0 Comments
          Labels: my Kate Parker Wedding