Archive for 九月 2010

Most Ridiculous Wedding Event Ever 2 Announces First Guest Speaker…

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

MARK HELD of Marks Garden Flowers will be joining us at The Most Ridiculous Wedding Event Ever 2! Not only is he my friend but he is responsible for most of the flowers at my events! He has designed the weddings of Gwen Stefani, Fergie, Ellen and Portia DeGeneres Heidi Klum and Seal and most recently Hilary Duff! Mark will talk about trends, what parties he is working on currently and host a floral workshop. We will definitely be creating new trends on November 14th! Go to my Home page to get info on this ridiculous event! www.wordpress.com

Stay tuned each day a new speaker will be announced ….fun!

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A Toast to Flowers and Fashion | Ovando Joins Merci as Resident Floral Expert

Guest Bloggers

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Late week, we excitingly announced that esteemed contributors would begin popping by the Merci New York. It’s such a treat to have a wonderful line up of innovative leaders and esteemed brands on Merci… I’m so thrilled to reveal them {one by one}.
That said, I’m beyond excited to announce our resident floral expert, Karine Bailey of Ovando . Ovando has long been one of my favorite floral designers; their presence in the fashion world brings such chic inspiration to the city wedding, and their West Village shop has become a mecca of moody floral inspiration. Now that Ovando has expanded uptown {their Upper East Side store is at 19 East 65th Street}, both uptown and downtown brides can rejoice in their gorgeous creations.
I’m thrilled to share Ovando’s voice by way of their bi-weekly posts on Merci… Take it away, Karine.
Each morning when the flower shipments are unveiled, Ovando’s team of floral designers is greeted with bursts of the most arresting scents, mesmerizing colors, and inspiring silhouettes. Flowers, as simple they may appear to be, are truly the most intricate and beautiful of creatures. For this and so many other reasons, our team at Ovando is enchanted with our craft… and we welcome the opportunity to share it!
Such is also to say that we could not be more thrilled about our partnership with Merci, wedding stylist extraordinaire. Being that much of Ovando’s work is indeed fashion inspired, the collaboration seems all too perfect. Sandra de Ovando originally launched the très chic West Village boutique in 2003 with stark black walls, moody lighting, inspired window displays, and a medley of stunning blossoms in a mirage of colors … It was only a matter of time before clients began asking Ovando to design their events, weddings, homes, offices and store windows. Always true to our design philosophy, “Simply, Not Simplistic,” our works respect the natural sophistication of flowers and truly exemplify the potential of floral design. Now, as Merci’s resident “Floral Expert,” we are ever-so-excited to bring you our thoughts on floral design, from seasonal trends in wedding décor, to tips on DIY floral design, to ideas on how to spiff up your love nest… and much, much more!
We welcome you to take an inside peek into the world of floral design!

All images courtesy of Ovando.

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Share Your “Moment You Knew” to Win $200 from Williams Sonoma

Nesting

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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From the moment of your first kiss, to your walk down the aisle as husband and wife – There are so many memories that make an engagement the special time it is…
Brides-to-be are so often asked the classic “how did you know” question. How did you know he was The One? How did you know it was The Dress? The Venue? The Ring? The Blender?
Alright, I may have been kidding about the last one – but not really. Putting together your registry entails a slew of decisions. Often, they’re ones that will stick with you long after your wedding day.
In a city where we are tied to tiny kitchens and take-out meals, it’s really no wonder most New York City brides are lacking in the domestic diva department… But that’s where they lovely folks at Williams Sonoma come in. They understand you may not know your way around a Kitchenaid, and that picking its color {oh the choices!} is almost as hard as scouring a Manolo sample sale. But they’re ready to relate. And reel you into domestic bliss. Williams Sonoma wants you to share your “moment you knew.” Maybe you knew he was The One while walking through Central Park on a cold day. Maybe you knew it was The Dress when your caught your mom’s eye in the atelier mirror. And truly, maybe you knew you should go with a pink Kitchenaid because you always wanted one as a little girl.
Wax poetic with us on your one “moment you knew” in a comment below. Once you do, you’ll automatically be entered to win a $200 gift certificate to use on your Williams Sonoma registry. Truly, it’s that easy.
So how does it work?
· First you need to visit Williams Sonoma via this link to create your registry.
· Next, share your “Moment I Knew” story in a comment {this can be one or two sentences}.
· If you already have a registry, don’t worry! You’re eligible too. Just go to your registry , add a new item, and then share your “Moment I Knew” short story in a comment.
· If you want to receive an extra entry {and who wouldn’t?!} include a link to your public registry in a second comment.
· We will select one entry at random on Friday, October 8th… So remember, make sure your comment includes your email address and that your blogger profile is public {we need to find you and share the great news}!
Happy registering !

Williams Sonoma has sponsored this post on Merci New York.

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Merci New York Joins Kitchen Collaboration for Rue Magazine

Outdoor

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Remember when I said we were b.u.s.y.? Well, I am so thrilled to showcase some proof {and fruits} of our labor!
Last week, Merci New York had the pure pleasure of designing a tablescape for the lovely ladies of Rue Magazine . As we may have mentioned last week, Rue is such a fabulous online magazine. I was honored to be asked to work with them and my fabulous co-collaborators, Marissa Lippert of Nourish and Kathleen of kat flower .
Merci New York designed the tablescape and styled the kitchen space for Rue, who was whipping up tips for fall entertaining during “What’s New, What’s Next,” a posh annual event at the New York Design Center. Taking cues from a late summer English Garden, Merci showcased repurposed materials and vessels, such as birch bark and moss place mats, as well as vintage dessert plates, French books, and organic hemstitched linen. Speaking of floral, the gorgeous blooms were the brainchild of the wonderfully talented kat flower . Kathleen pulled an array of brightly colored flowers for our table, all which were simply striking. Kudos to Kathleen for magically turning my pulls from ABC Home into gorgeous, abundant, lush floral pieces… I wanted to make sure the table had a distinctly organic feel, so I leaned on neutral linens, some signature moss {I can never get enough!} and nests, well, “nestled” inside Jan Burtz soup bowls. Jan Burtz pieces are among my all-time favorite dinnerware items {and coincidentally, a staple of the nearby ABC Kitchen}. They were my first pull at ABC, and the item from which the rest of the table was designed.
One of the sweetest elements of our table was the flatware. The gold toned “bamboo” pieces are actually vintage; they’re 40 years young and compliments of Kathleen’s mom. How beautiful are they? I thought they lent a bit of glam femininity to the table. They also tied back to the gold rim of the dinnerware, and were certainly a nod to the overall tablescape theme. Kathleen and I both love artichoke. It was wonderful tie in to our kitchen theme. It also helped draw the eye around the table to other unexpected materials, such as my favorite little moss / birch place mats and Kathleen’s use of other unexpected florals… Here are a few other fun shots of the kitchen nook… Inside each nest, I placed a bed of reindeer moss and a few small blooms from Kathleen’s endless floral supply. Deep red proved to be perfect autumnal choice, and a great way to tie back to the nook’s bench linens.
The wonderful Marissa Lippert hosted a fantastic cooking presentation for the Rue event! Marissa is the chef and founder of Nourish and the author of the newly published book, The Cheater’s Diet. Marissa aims to fuse eating well and fresh foods with style and design. Her presentation was absolutely amazing – and her apple-themed dishes were truly delicious! Guests couldn’t get enough!
Here I am with the lovely editors of Rue enjoying a quick break at the event. It was such a pleasure to work alongside so many talented ladies – and a great way to spend a wonderful fall afternoon in New York City! Below, an example of a classic soup tureen transformed into a kitchen centerpiece, paired with antique bud vases, vintage books and more of kat flower’s creations… At right, a freshly baked apple tart from Marissa Lippert of Nourish.
Well, that’s all folks! I hope you enjoyed this beautiful collaboration!
Many thanks to the editors of Rue Magazine for the great opportunity. Another big thank you to my friend and talented photographer, Trent Bailey , for documenting all our work in these very pretty pictures for Merci.
And though I know I must sound like a broken record, trust me. If you haven’t listened yet, you must check out Rue . It’s fabulously addicting and wonderfully stylish…

Photos courtesy Trent Bailey Photography .

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Quail Bridal Collection Debuts at Lovely Bridal Shop

Dresses

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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I’ve always adored Quail bridesmaid dresses {in fact, I styled a piece into Haley + Easton’s love shoot, here }. They’re equal parts flirty, fun and chic – and perfect for the city girl… But now that Quail released their new BRIDAL line this week {and it’s featured at my friend Lanie’s shop, Lovely }, needless to say, I’m pretty much obsessed. Take a peek… The line features a full-length “peony” skirt, an extension of Quail’s ever-popular short dress… The skirt can be mixed and matched with a bustier of your choice, or if you’re a bit more eclectic, a piece from your own wardrobe {see below, where it’s paired with a funky tee and flirty bolero}. There’s more versatility within the line at well. See the dress on the above left? It’s the after-party version of the “Parisian Gown” . Unzip the invisible florette hem in the long mermaid-style gown and voila! Two fab looks in one great dress. Seriously, j’adore. Quail has still kept to their roots of offering wonderfully textured and draped bridesmaid dresses in a haute new palette… and I love these too. In fact, I’d wear them to any fall cocktail party in NYC. {It’s not often I can *honestly* say that about bridesmaid dresses… But to me, these read “party” first and “bridesmaid” second – especially paired with some chunky, vintage-inspired jewels and ankle booties}.
Okay, I couldn’t help myself… More here from the bridal and bridesmaid front. Maybe my husband will marry me again so I can wear this Audrey-esque short dress with the flirtiest bow I’ve even seen… I love it styled with the netted gloves. And the colors for these bridesmaid dresses? So on-point for the fashion-forward fall wedding. So, ladies… what do you think? If I were you, I’d be calling Cassandra at Lovely for an ASAP appointment!

Images courtesy Quail Bridal .

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Do You Rue? | Rue Magazine Debut

Events

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Be it old hat by now, but I just cannot help but share my excitement about the new online magazine, Rue . The premier issue just debuted this week, and if you haven’t already {um, virtually?} devoured it, you must. The color, the creativity, the massive amounts of stylish content. Really, it’s amazing.
If you’re in NYC and interested in learning more about Rue, its founding editors {Crystal Gentilello of Plush Palate and Anne Sage of the City Sage } will be at the “What’s New, What’s Next” event at the NYDC this evening. The lovely Marissa Lippert will be hosting a delish fall food demo, and I have joined up with Kat Flower to style a pretty little kitchen space for your viewing pleasure. For more information, click here . Hope to see you there, {but if not – go read Rue} !

Rue Magazine collage via Decor8 .

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Muriel City Suite from Mae Mae Paperie | Wedding Invitations

Chic Vendor Spotlight

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Le swoon. I’ve always loved Mae Mae Paperie , but now that Megan Knight Gonzalez has added a city vignette to her Muriel Suite, I cannot help but be obsessed.
Megan brings a distinct style to her work. She does a wonderful job pairing just the right typefaces that nestle together in just the right way… and her illustrations always suit a theme perfectly, never erring on stodgy or silly, but striking the perfect note for whimsical, elegant and inspired weddings.
I first came across the Mae Mae line several months ago, while scoping stationery ideas for a client… Megan’s Muriel Mountain Suite {oh yes, she caters to several locales!} popped up with a small postscript advising “city design coming soon”. Of course, I enthusiastically emailed Megan asking her to share her final vision with readers, and I am just so thrilled she’s passed this our way last night…
Truly, could this be any more perfect?

Images courtesy Mae Mae Paperie

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Snapshots from a Wedding: Nicole + Tom at the Metropolitan Building

Outdoor

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Venue: Metropolitan Building in Long Island City
Photographer: Josh Goleman, represented by The Wedding Artists Collective
Environment design: Jennifer Wood

We’re trying something in addition to our Real Wedding features on Merci… it’s called “Snapshots from a Wedding.” While we love to share oodles and oodles of inspirational photos, sometimes the personal, more heartfelt images set the tone for the big day. Yes, they’re beautiful. No, you cannot draw as much “inspiration” from them. But they are be-telling of a moment in time {not to mention a venue, a photographer and the countless details caught behind the portraits}.

I love the sweet simplicity, wonderful details and pretty portraits from Tom and Nicole’s wedding at the Metropolitan Building in Long Island City. The space is one of my favorites for an intimate city soiree… and Nicole had the venue subtly styled to showcase it’s beautiful architecture and soft design.

Photos courtesy Josh Goleman for The Wedding Artists Collective

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Merci New York Pens For The Plaza

Events

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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A very happy Friday morning to you, lovelies! We’ve had a great {yet busy!} week here at Merci New York, and as we wrap up Fashion Week, we wanted to share some very special news… We’re Plaza bound! Starting next month, I will be releasing my inner-Eloise along the halls of the legendary New York hotel to scout out the very best of all-things-Plaza-Wedding as their newly minted wedding columnist. My first article will run in a few short weeks {I’ll share the details of a truly tres-chic affair}…. and I do hope you will tune in to see all the special ingredients of a perfect Plaza fete. You can learn more here . On the home front, it will be business as usual here at Merci – with a twist. We’ll continue to provide style-focused stories for the busy city bride, and our Parisian market editor, Amelie, will continue to share decidedly French inspirations with our readers. But there will also be a cast of new characters on board, familiar names who you know, love and cannot wait to learn more from. Thanks as always for your loyal readership, friendship and support… Have a wonderful weekend!

xx,

Jacqueline

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Badgley Mischka Spring 2011 Show | Bridal Fashion

Chic Vendor Spotlight

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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I’ve long adored the gorgeous gowns and ethereal designs of Badgley Mischka , so needless to say, I was beyond thrilled to attend their Spring 2011 show yesterday… Coming from the fashion world, it was great to get back in the swing of the season, but having transitioned into the wedding industry, it was wonderful to see some truly stunning bridal inspiration via their Collection, Couture and Mark + James looks…

From the wonderfully textured, to the short and sultry, to the softly draped and simply stated, the Badgley Mischka runway ran the gamut and touched upon a variety of bridal looks. I actually have a tough time picking a favorite… which is yours?

Badgley Mischka Spring 2011 Show | Bridal Fashion

From top: White and ebony chiffon gown {Couture}, white chiffon dress {Collection}, smoke crepe georgette dress {Couture}, white crepe and macrame gown {Couture}, petal chiffon gown {Collection}, white chiffon gown {Couture}, blush chiffon gown {Collection}.

All images via Style.com, montaged by Merci New York.

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Fashion Week Highlight: FNO Swag from Simon Doonan for Dempsey + Carroll

Events

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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As many of you probably know, last Friday was Fashion’s Night Out, a celebration to kick off Fashion Week, and a spectacle that is starting to rival Halloween and New Year’s Eve as the most craze-inducing event in New York City.
Being the committed blogger I am {insert pat on back here}, I braved the crosstown city gridlock to see the sights and scour some great finds… but I didn’t go the bridal route. I’m sure you’ll find a ton of scoop on the wedding-related parties elsewhere, so I {indulgently} scooped out some other stores… Fruitful of most was my stint around all nine floors of Barney’s {phew!}, where I met with one of my all-time favorite style icons, Simon Doonan.
Simon is to me what Justin Bieber is to 13 year old girls… so needless to say, I was a bit shy… But did I leave empty handed? No! I bring you FNO Style Find No. 1… The witty Mr. Doonan’s recent collaboration with Dempsey + Carroll .
Simon has designed some absolutely delectable stationery with the venerable paper house, and the results suit the city bride wonderfully. Rather than sending a stodgy “thank you” to your fashionista bridesmaids for throwing your tres-chic shower, you can return the favor with a little piece of taste, luxury and humor via these individually branded cards engraved with Simon Doonan’s clever witticisms.
The set of 10 multi-colored cards come with four signature Simon sayings, as well as one fill-in-the-blank card, for your own creative genius. The results can be just as witty, {or just as silly}, as the card Simon filled out for me.

Simon Doonan stationery collection, $50 for a set of ten at Dempsey & Carroll or Barneys New York .

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And the Winner of the Bridal Style Giveaway with Face Time Beauty Concierge is…

contests

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Last Friday, Merci New York held our drawing for the winner of the lofty Bridal Style Giveaway with Facetime Beauty Concierge … Of course, since $2,000+ giveaway prizes are far and few between, there was a bit of homework involved, but now that we’ve contacted the very lucky bride, we are so thrilled to announce our winner.
The below submission was chosen at random at 8 pm last Friday evening…

Dear Merci New York,
The timing of your giveaway could not be more perfect. My wedding is a mere three months away and I’ve been searching for talented make up artists high and low.
My fiance and I are getting married on November 13, 2010 at the New York Public Library (all confirmed). We plan to host 200+ guests for an unforgettable evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing. My inspiration for the event, my dress and my make-up look is late 50′s Latin elegance. I was inspired by my Cuban heritage and am going for a glamorous pre-Castro, Havana supper club vibe. In the old pictures I found of my mother and my aunts, they were dressed and made up to the nines! Defined, matte lips, strong brows and sultry eyes were the look and I would love to recreate/re-imagine that aesthetic for my wedding.
I would love to win this contest and work with a great team of artists!
Thank you,
Lucy

Congratulations to Lucy! The ladies of Facetime Beauty Concierge will be developing the requested “50′s Latin Elegance” look for Lucy and up to five bridesmaids, and Merci New York will be on board to help her with bridal dressing and styling.

Many thanks to all the brides, grooms, bridesmaids, {groomsmen!} and parents who entered the giveaway . We will continue to offer fantastic prizes via many top wedding artists and vendors, so please stay tuned for more!

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From Paris with Love | A Destination Venue in France: Le Pré Catelan

Guest Bloggers

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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We are happy to welcome back Amélie, Merci’s Special Markets Editor, who continues to report from Paris on the latest French wedding inspirations… Today, Amélie shares an exquisite Parisian venue with Merci New York’s readers: Le Pré Catelan, a palatial retreat, located steps from the Champs Elysées…
Who said a destination wedding has to take place on a Caribbean island? I have recently discovered a destination venue in Paris that would make you think twice.
Hidden in the middle of the woods, yet a few minutes away from the Champs Elysées, there is a gorgeous Napoleon III building called “ Le Pré Catelan .” How unexpected is it to find such a beautiful and peaceful place so close to the city?
The beautiful property is owned by Lenôtre {yes, the same Lenôtre as the Pièce Montée I disclosed a few weeks ago}… The space is full of history, filled with 14 salons, and is perfect to host the chicest receptions, where Lenôtre’s finest and inventive French Cuisine is served along with some of the world’s best wines.
The location is great and the food is divine, but if you are not already smitten by Le Pré Catelan, the interior design will definitely do its effect. Take a peek at this gorgeous venue… the crystal chandelier, high ceiling and hall of mirrors are typical of French castles. As if Les Salons du Le Pré Catelan were not enchanting enough, Lenôtre works hand in hand with some of Paris’ most talented designers to customize the receptions with wonderfully elaborate decor plans. Here are some examples of on-site floral table designs that seem to come straight out of a fairytale… Destination weddings are so often paired with a sunny locale and a barefooted bride on the beach, that we tend to forget many of the other fabulous venues all around the world. Les Salons du Pré Catelan would certainly be the ideal location for a grandiose destination wedding in Paris… Needless to say, the prices are a bit grandiose as well… If you are not ready to break your piggy bank, we hope you’ve at least found some wonderful inspiration in Les Salons du Pré Catelan ‘s gorgeous intetiros and inventive tablescape designs!

All images courtesy Lenôtre

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Michael C. Fina + Tacori Host the Second Annual Diamond Dash!

Events

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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It’s that time of year again! Merci New York’s friends at Michael C. Fina and Tacori have partnered to host their second annual diamond scavenger hunt! Yes, you heard us correctly, a diamond scavenger hunt. And they want you to enter… On September 25, 2010 at 12:00 noon, 500 lucky couples will participate in the “Diamond Dash: Dash for a Diamond & a Cure™.” Proceeds generated through the dash will support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) …
Grand prize winners of the Diamond Dash will receive a beautiful handcrafted Tacori engagement ring setting, matched with a Tacori Diamond, valued at approximately $20,000, and a five-day honeymoon to the luxury adults-only all-inclusive, Aventura Spa Palace , in the heart of the Riviera Maya in the Mexican Caribbean. The dash will culminate with a once-in-a-lifetime live marriage proposal! So, how does it work? Dashers will make their way to various destinations in New York via a clue sent to their cell phone. Upon reaching each location they will be asked to take a photo of themselves in front of the designated dash signage and text in a code, triggering valuable information needed to help them solve a puzzle. The first five teams to visit all the dash locations and correctly solve the puzzle will be deemed finalists. {Finalists will then compete in one last challenge for the grand prize}.
To share in the fun and excitement, readers can sign up for the event here and learn more by viewing the video below.

Dash participants can also win prizes from partners including Bridal Reflections {wedding gown}, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes {groom’s cake}, Mionetto {Prosecco Brut}, Once Upon a Bride {makeover}, Orchestrations {entertainment}, Matthew Robbins {design consultation}, John Allan {gift basket}, NewlyWish {registry items} and Photomuse {photography session} by purchasing raffle tickets. All proceeds will be donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society . Prizes will be on display at an after-party held at Michael C. Fina following the dash’s conclusion.

All images and video courtesy of Michael C. Fina

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Real NYC Engagement Session | Hannah + Ian

Engagements

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Well would you look at these two cool cats, strolling around the cobblestone streets of the Meat Packing district! They’re none other than the tres-fab Hannah and Ian, who, as six-degrees of city life may have it, had shared some of their big day details with Merci a few months ago. Hannah executed such cool concepts into her July wedding {three words: doughnut dessert bar}, we just knew the RISDY grad’s engagement session would be just as playful and creative!
The engagement session was shot by Brooke Fitts of Brookelyn Photography . Brooke did an amazing job snagging Hannah and Ian’s penchant for fun, cheeky and all-out fabulous style… and most importantly, she expertly captured their amazing bond and connection to each other.

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