Beantown Bride, Boston weddings, wedding blog, real weddings, DIY weddings, wedding blogs http://beantownbride.com/ en Copyright 2010 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Sublime Boudoir sublimeboudoir_august.jpg
Creative Director: Brittany Blando

It's ok, you know you've been thinking about doing it. Admit it! Here's another reason to treat yourself to a boudoir session. Sunday August 8th, Sara Sun of Sublime Boudoir is hosting her annual boudoir marathon at the fabulous Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge. The Sublime Boudoir package starts at $380 and includes a gorgeous hotel room, professional hair & make up, a keepsake album with 12 matted professionally retouched prints. And... if you need one more reason to join the fun, mention BEANTOWN BRIDE and receive a collection of high resolution files on disc from your session. Hurry Space is limited call 617 833 0600 or visit Sublime Boudoir website for more information.

]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/sublime-boudoir.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/sublime-boudoir.html Tips & Trends Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 -0500 CONTEST: LA Roche-Posay Screen shot 2010-07-11 at 3.52.38 PM.png
Author: Melanie Brooks

You've got the dress, you've decided on the hairstyle, you've got grandma's pearls, and your fingertips will don a classic French manicure. Most of your appearance on your wedding is in your control. But on thing you can't count on is healthy, glowing skin. That is unless you plan ahead.

To ensure that brides have the clearest, healthiest skin on their big day, LA Roche-Posay has donated a tube of their Effaclar Al Intensive Spot Treatment for one of our lucky readers. Recommended by dermatologists worldwide, LA Roche-Posay effective formula combines Lipo-Hydroxy-Adid and Benzoyl Perozide, which helps prevent and control breakouts, micro-exfoliate your skin, and stimulate a healthy glow. And who doesn't want to glow on their wedding day?

HOW TO WIN: Leave a comment describing how you are preparing your skin for your wedding day and how LA Rochue-Posay can help you. Contest Details: contest ends August 5, 2010 at midnight EST. Anyone can enter, product will be shipped directly to winner.


]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/la-roche-posay.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/la-roche-posay.html Tips & Trends Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Sophie & Christopher

Author: Kate Langenberg
Photography by: Glen Cooper DMPJ Photographers

Sophie Doux, 32, and Christopher Tobias, 34, met in Amsterdam, had their first date in Marseille, became engaged in Cote d' Azur, and decided to get married in Boston, Massachusetts. 

The bride and groom exchanged vows in front of 87 guests at the Hampshire House, a historical location in the heart of Beacon Hill, on June 6, 2009.

The location was an ideal place for the ceremony and reception with it proximity to Boston Common and the city's numerous hotels, which housed the couple's out-of-state and international guests. The bride, a native of Bordeaux, France, wore a custom-made gown crafted in Marseille. The bridesmaids' classic look--black, knee-length dresses in various styles--provided a perfect compliments to the black tuxedos worn by the groom and groomsmen. 

Sophie and Christopher shared their first dance to "La Vie en Rose," by Edith Piaf. As favors, guests were treated to dragees, a traditional French favor of chocolate-covered almonds.

Wedding Day Details:
Invitations: Invitation Consultants
Gown: DIY
Florist: The Elegant Touch
Cake: DIY
Venue: The Hampshire House
Music: DJ Valentina

]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/real-wedding-0726.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/real-wedding-0726.html Real Weddings Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Ashley & Gaylord


Author: Caylee M. Verdun
Videography by: Generations Cinemastories

Take a look at this lovely film, brought to you by the fantastic Generations Cinemastories. Ashley and Gaylord share their love story in their own words; with personal photos that are silly and sweet, the couple talks interview-style about their whirlwind romance.

They met while working together at the Langham Hotel, but Gaylord knew he would be leaving in two months to work in Hong Kong - so he asked Ashley to go with him, and she said yes! From China they moved on to Paris, France and finally made their way to Boston. And we love that Ashley is here, because she's a wedding and event planner at the stunning Fairmont Battery Wharf.

The two were married in Gloucester on July 10th, surrounded by family and friends whom they thank in their film. Congratulations Ashley and Gaylord!
]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/ashley-gaylord.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/ashley-gaylord.html Real Weddings Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 CONTEST: M. FLYNN ACCESSORIES Picture 9.pngPicture 6.png


Author: Melanie Brooks

I've fallen in love... with a store. If you've never been inside the M.Flynn in the South End you are seriously missing out on a shopping experience. And if you have been to the store, you'd better check it out again because it's better than ever--thanks to a collaboration with HUDSON, Boston's premiere home decor studio. M. Flynn's space on Waltham Street has nearly doubled in size and has the feeling of in intimate French boudoir. The new digs have been appropriately named Faire la Fete at M. Flynn.

What hasn't changed is the gorgeous jewelry created by the dynamic dou of sisters Megan and Moira Flynn. Their wedding jewelry is enough of a reason to say 'I do'. The sisters are generously giving one of our readers their Coin Pearl Necklace -- a value of $132. This silky strand of coin-shaped pearls will shimmer around the neck of any bride or maid of honor. In fact, it would look great on me (hint, hint)!

HOW TO WIN: Leave a comment detailing your most sentimental piece of jewelry. Contest details: comments must be posted by Wednesday July 28th midnight EST. Winner must be Boston based and available to pick up at M. FLYNN studios.

]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/wednesday-pearl-giveaway.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/wednesday-pearl-giveaway.html Events Boston weddings bridesmaids jewelry jewelry giveaways M. Flynn Boston wedding contests Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Kiss & Tell Boudoir

Author: Kristy L. Daube
Photography by: Kiss & Tell Boudoir Photography

Ok, so I know in this heat, the last word you probably want to hear is steamy, but like this weather, you have no choice in the matter. So turn on the AC, sit back, enjoy these provocative pictures, and read!

The photos you see here are super hot images by Kiss and Tell Boudoir Photography. I'm sure you've heard of photo sessions like this before, but owner Linda Jennings, does so much more than just capture pictures of beautiful women in lingerie. What makes this photographer's work so alluring, you ask? "Communication, trust and chemistry are certainly at the top of the list," she tells us. Building this rapport helps Linda learn more about her clients, planning their sessions around their personalities and styles. Although she will photograph you wherever your heart desires, she has been granted access to some fabulous mill space which allows her to create "edgy, eclectic and shabby-chic" images that vary from the typical hotel (not that those aren't undeniably hot, too!).

So, let's be honest with each other... Haven't you wanted to surprise your significant other with some secret, seductive photos of you? Well, here is your chance! Be sure to mark your calendars for an enticing engagement on August 15th. Kiss and Tell Boudoir Photography is offering Beantown Bride followers a 10% discount off their 3rd marathon boudoir shoot on that date. This sassy photographer captures sexy, sophisticated photos celebrating a woman's natural beauty. And you, girlfriend, are gorgeous! So, what are you waiting for?

*In addition to boudoir photography Linda's company also provides wedding photography coverage, to learn more click here.

]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/boudoir-0722.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/boudoir-0722.html Tips & Trends boston weddings boudoir photography kiss & tell boudoir photography wedding planning Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Contest: BODYSCAPES FITNESS Fitness.jpg
Author: Kate Langenberg

BridalScapes is a new fitness program offered by BodyScapes Fitness. Designed for brides-to-be, this total-body conditioning workout is meant to help you look and feel your best on your wedding day. The program consists of 16, 24, or 36 one hour sessions with a personal trainer who can help you tone certain trouble spots while working to improve your overall fitness.

BodyScapes Fitness is giving one lucky bride-to-be free access to the BodyScapes Fitness gym for one month. As part of this program, the winner will receive:

BodyScapes Fitness has locations in Brookline, Southborough, and Hingham, MA.

HOW TO WIN: Leave a comment telling us how to motivate yourself to workout. The commenter with the best strategy wins! Contest deadline/details: Monday 7/25/10 midnight EST. 

]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/fitness.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/fitness.html Events Tips & Trends Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Kaitlyn & David

Author: Andrea E. McHugh
Photography by: Hitched Studios

From their home outside the nation's capital, Waltham native Kaitlyn Amedio 25, and David DeStefano, 26, from Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, planned a heartfelt wedding weekend in the heart of Beantown. The two first met at a Boston College party, but reunited years later at the Catholic University of America. David, a software developer, popped the question on a ski weekend, but the celebration didn't end there. "He then surprised me with a trip home to Boston to tell my family and friends the following weekend," says Kaitlyn, a student supervisor at CUA.

Plans were soon underway for an early summer wedding, and while finding the perfect reception site was in the balance, Kaityln had no doubt as to where she and her betrothed would receive the sacrament of marriage. "We chose St. Patrick's because of the large family history behind it," she explains. "My grandparents, parents and numerous aunts and uncles were all married there, and myself and four siblings were all baptized there as well."

Without the luxury of planning from home, Kaitlyn and David booked Anthony's Pier 4 in Boston, the waterfront landmark with age-old hospitality and iconic views sight unseen. "We wanted something on the water, with the skyline in it-and something that wouldn't put us into debt," says Kaitlyn. " We couldn't have made a better choice! We had 90% of our guests from out of town and they LOVED it." Even better for their photographers, Hitched Studios, Anthony's neighbors the ICA which made for engaging images with a modern twist.

From the outset, beginning with a World Series ticket-inspired save-the-date ("between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies- both of where we are from!" says the bride)friends and family expected whimsy elements from the couple, who did not disappoint. "We decided we wanted to bring that into our wedding but in small ways and did so by creating "tickets" as place cards, miniature players shirts from each team were created by my mother and were used as the table numbers and our "guest book" were two customized jersey's: one Red Sox and one Philles, that we had out for our guests to sign. It was a huge hit!" Finally, the new Mrs. DeStefano wowed everyone, including her newly-minted husband, when she took the dance floor and dazzle friends and family with a performance of Irish step dancing. Sounds like the newlyweds have started married life off on the right foot. 

Wedding Day Details:
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Gown: Maggie Sottero
Cake: Icing on the Cake
Venue: Anthony's Pier 4 
Music: DM Productions


]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/kate-dave.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/kate-dave.html Real Weddings Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Erin & Kyle

Creative Director: Brittany Blando
Photography by: Tyra Bleek Photography

Not everyone can have perfect weather for their special day, but that also doesn't mean it has to rain on your parade. This eclectic and vintage inspiration shoot complete with an umbrella series captured by Tyra Bleek Photography leaves us feeling warm and sunny on the inside. It just goes to show that maybe rain isn't so bad for your wedding photos after-all. 

Cheers to a happy marriage Monday!





]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/rainy-wedding.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/rainy-wedding.html Inspiration Real Weddings Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:00:00 -0500 Contest: Stella & Dot SD_lg (2).jpg
Author: Melanie Brooks

Your engagement and wedding rings will glam up your left hand--leaving your righty out in the cold. There's no need to play favorites, especially when there are so many gorgeous, unique right-hand rings out there... like this one from Stella & Dot.

Classically vintage with hand set faux pearls and pave crystals help your right hand feel important without breaking the bank. Independent Stella & Dot stylist Julie McKenna is donating this ring to one of our lucky readers.

Check out Julie's website. Like what you see? Have Julie help you host a Stella & Dot trunk show for you and your bridesmaids! You can't get jewelry like this anywhere else (trust me, I looked...). And just like this gorgeous cocktail ring, the baubles from Stella & Dot are whimsical, colorful, and so affordable that brides can get something special for every lovely lady in their bridal party.

How to win: Leave a comment with what you consider to be the best gift to give a bridesmaid. The best idea wins. Contest deadline: 7/21/10 midnight EST

]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/stella-dot.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/stella-dot.html Tips & Trends Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Lauren & Heath

Author: Kristy L. Daube
Photography by: Tyra Bleek Photography

Today's gorgeous bride and groom met on vacation in Myrtle Beach and seemed to hit it off right away. "He was very polite and had manners... shocking," our bride tells us. "And when we took a walk one night, we shared his ipod and listened to Andrea Bocelli... I knew he was different!" And the unique romance didn't end there!

Some years later, the couple got engaged. And what a enchanting engagement it was! The couple vacationed in Disney that week with Lauren's 6 year old daughter. Our charming groom, Heath, arranged to have Lauren's daughter meet Cinderella. After that encounter, a dream-like moment any little girl will forever remember, Heath created another unforgettable evening by proposing to his now-wife, atop Cinderella's castle during a romantic dinner. Our beautiful bride said yes, and other diners applauded in excitement and minutes later, fireworks exploded in the sky!

Our Real Wedding couple married less than a year later in a small ceremony in Virginia surrounded by friends and family. And when it came to their wedding photos, Lauren and Heath kept it simple, sweet, and special. Unlike, traditional bridal portraits done before the wedding of only the bride, this East Coast couple decided to have an "After the Date" photo shoot where the two enjoyed some alone time as husband and wife. Tyra Bleek Photography got some great timeless shots of our newlyweds that will always be treasured, just like the memories of their starry-eyed engagement and tender nuptials! 


]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/inspiration-shoot.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/inspiration-shoot.html Inspiration Real Weddings boston weddings day of shoots inspirational wedding shoot real wedding real weddings in boston Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 It's All About The Details Michalek_Pfeil_Shang Chen Photography_100530-0398_2_0.jpg
Author: Margo Cononico
Photography by: Shang Chen Photography

Every bride and groom wants their wedding to be memorable. They want their friends and family to be talking about how wonderful everything was for years to come.

What is the best way to make sure that happens? Well first make sure the food is tasty, and second is the details, details, details! It is important that your wedding reflects you as a couple. Do you enjoy taking pictures together? or do you have a favorite drink you both love? Incorporate that into your day. Offer your guests your favorite drink as a signature cocktail or rent a photobooth for some pictures you will be sure to never forget. If a photobooth isn't in your budget you can always make your own with a digital camera and a funky backdrop.

Paper products offer a great way to add details without adding major cost. Print you own menu cards and incorporate your wedding motif into the heading. DIY placecards that reflect your colors and theme. Make some table numbers with your favorite love quotes that you feel represent the love you and your groom-to-be share!

There are a million and one things you can do to make your wedding unique and your guests will notice all your hard work and appreciate that you made your wedding day memorable. Don't forget to have your photographer take pictures of all your favorite details so you can have them to treasure forever! 

]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/all-in-the-details.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/all-in-the-details.html Tips & Trends Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Ani & Vicken

Author: Lisa Kelly
Photography by: Lexi Photography

Hailing from families both rich in Armenian heritage, Ani Jerikian and Vicken Khatchadourian tied the knot on May 8th in a traditional ceremony that fully represented their vibrant culture. After the pair attended the same youth program in Armenia in 2002 their love continued to flourish, and staying true to their roots, Vicken proposed in a botanical garden near Ani's home and they ultimately wed at the groom's church growing up, the elegant St. Stephen's in Watertown.

Amidst 350 guests, the glowing bride styled a classic and sophisticated Paloma Blanca gown, complete with rouching and even pockets! She added her own fresh twists, by sporting a Celtics garter belt and a killer pair of chic high heels. Following the navy, silver and purple color scheme, the wedding party attire blended well with the gorgeous array of purple hues in the flower bouquets from A Whole Bunch. The romantic purple up-lighting at the reception at the Hilton Woburn, made for a dramatic back-drop for the festivities where the Armenian traditions continued to reign supreme. A donation to furnish a classroom in Nagorno Karabakh replaced favors, Vicken's cousins from California surprised the couple by performing a dance and their first song was a beautiful Armenian piece.

Enjoying a picture perfect ceremony and reception amongst their dearest family and friends was easy for the newlyweds. Their next challenge though? Learning to cohabitate with one another as the two have never even lived in the same state!

Wedding Day Details:
Invitations: Letterpunch Design
Gown: Paloma Blanca
Florist: A Whole Bunch
Cake: Johnny Cakes
Venue: Hilton Hotels
Music: DJ Rootz

]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/ani-vicken.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/ani-vicken.html Real Weddings armenian weddings boston weddings cultural weddings paloma blanca real weddings Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Angela and Evans


Creative Director: Brittany Blando
Video by: Generations Cinemastories

Happy Marriage Monday from the Beantown Bride team!

Get out the popcorn, this real wedding will leave you teary eyed and wanting more! We simply can't muster anymore WOWs about the fabulous and detailed film team of Generations Cinematories of Boston. They captured the true emotion of this couple's wedding day inside and out. Congratulations Angela and Evans on your beautiful wedding!
]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/video-clip-071210.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/video-clip-071210.html Real Weddings boston real weddings Generations Cinemastories Real Weddings wedding videographers Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500 Contest: Home Is Where The Heart Is 100502_LD-087_2.jpg
Author: Kate Langenberg
Photography by: Shang Chen Photography

Whether you and your husband-to-be are moving, tackling home improvement projects, redecorating, or just getting use to sharing the same space, you've probably discovered a million different things you need for your place. Maybe it's new towels and sheets for every day use, or maybe it's a panini maker and margarita glasses for entertaining.

No matter what's on your list, having a little extra cash on hand to help feather your nest can never hurt. That's why Beantown Bride is treating two lucky readers to Target gift cards worth $15 each. Use the cash for board games to play with friends and family or put it toward furniture and picture frames--whatever makes your abode feel more like home!

How to Win: Leave a comment telling us why the gift card should be yours. The couple we deem to be the most in need will win! Contest deadline 7/16/10 midnight EST

]]> http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/contest-post.html http://beantownbride.com/2010/07/contest-post.html Events Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0500