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Warm Desert Chic Fall Korakia Wedding

September 5, 2024 | kailey

Eleni and Daniel wanted their wedding to be anything but ordinary; they aimed for a celebration of everything they loved. With the venue and November’s ambiance setting the stage, they embraced a moody color scheme and a desert-chic style. Every detail was carefully planned, from the dark florals and candles to the unique decor and furniture, all coming together to make their Korakia wedding vision a reality.

They couldn’t have chosen a more perfect setting for their big day than the historic 1920s Moroccan hideaway. Surrounded by lush gardens, a serene fountain, and a Moorish archway serving as their altar, the courtyard offered a stunning backdrop for their vows. After the ceremony, they moved poolside for the reception, where guests were welcomed by beautiful tables adorned with lush floral arrangements and Edison bulb chandeliers hanging above each one. The setup seamlessly blended with the natural surroundings, adding to the enchantment of the event.

If you love the desert landscape and moody, sensual tones, then this is the perfect inspiration for you. Luckily, Let’s Frolic Together captured every detail and moment so you can swoon over it and pin it to your mood board.

The Couple:

Eleni and Daniel

The Wedding:

Korakia, Palm Springs, California, United States 

Incorporating Personal Style into Their Big Day

I saw the Berta dress of my dreams, and nothing even came close. Everything was planned around the dress. I knew I wanted boots to bring in that desert vibe, and I came across these white Chanel boots that completed the look. Dan’s suit was timeless, and the accessories were special to him, making the look different from a typical wedding look. We both love fashion, and our styles came together for this day.

Two Highlights of Their Korakia Wedding: The Emotional First Look and a Cozy Retreat

We have two memorable moments. The first look was incredible; after postponing our wedding four times due to the pandemic and restrictions, it was the moment when everything finally felt real and exciting, like “we made it.” We were both so happy to see each other that we each got teary-eyed. Another special moment was before the first dance when we sneaked back to our room to share a cocktail and some small bites. We highly recommend this private moment amidst the exciting chaos of the day.

Keeping It Short and Sweet with a 20-minute Ceremony That Wowed

We wrote our own vows from scratch, and our officiant made his part truly unique to us by incorporating our families, dogs, and friends—it was incredibly special. We also knew that no one wanted to sit through a long ceremony, so we kept it to 20 minutes, which was the perfect length.

How Clear Communication with Loved Ones Can Simplify Wedding Planning

Set expectations with family and friends from the start. Share your goals for the day, where you’d like them to be involved, and where you’d prefer them to take a backseat. Doing this from the beginning ensured a drama-free planning process and allowed us to focus on what we wanted rather than what was expected.

Celebrating Their Korakia Wedding Their Way with Every Small Touch

We’re proud that we truly made the day our own. Having attended weddings that felt very traditional, we knew that wasn’t the right path for us. Despite family questioning many of our choices around decor, music, and more, we embraced our vision. The amazing thing about Korakia was that we worked with every vendor to perfect even the smallest details. We handpicked every element, from the music and food to the drinks, decor, and even the utensils. It may sound trivial, but each tiny detail came together perfectly to realize our vision. When we walked into the reception, it was exactly what we wanted. Our photographer even captured guests with their mouths dropped open at the sight of our celebration.

Palm Springs Charm and the Unique Appeal of Korakia

My husband and I love Palm Springs for its retro aesthetic, friendly locals, and beautiful homes—it’s such a cool place. Korakia Pensione was the first location on our list, and we put down the deposit within hours of seeing it. It’s such a special place; you’re transported out of California and into a Mediterranean locale. I didn’t get that “feeling” from any other venue.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Let’s Frolic Together
Event Planning – The Walk Down the Aisle
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Korakia
Floral Design – Layered Vintage
Catering – F10 Creative
Officiant – Randy Lioz
DJ – Dart Collective
Invitation Design – Wildhouse Ink
Wedding Dress – L’Fay Bridal
Bridal Accessories – Cartier + Chanel
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Baltic Born
Groom’s Apparel – The Kooples
Rings – Kristin Coffin + Cartier
Rentals – Signature Party Rentals + Planks & Patina + Archive Rentals

 

Congratulations to Eleni and Daniel on their warm, desert-chic fall Korakia wedding. A special thank you goes out to Let’s Frolic Together for capturing all the special memories and stunning elements that this couple will cherish for the rest of their lives. 

This wedding beautifully demonstrates how the location and tones can set the tone and bring everything together. If you’re starting to plan your big day and need more ideas, visit our venue and color palette guides to build a solid foundation for the wedding of your dreams.

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9 Best Wedding Photographers in NYC

September 4, 2024 | kailey
wedding photographer NYC

Image by Elizabeth Grant.

Planning a wedding is no easy feat. It involves more than choosing a beautiful venue, setting a date, and picking out beautiful flowers. While every wedding is different, bringing your vision to life will likely require a dedicated team of professionals. That’s where your vendors come in. Who you choose can drastically impact the success of your big day, which is why it’s crucial to research and select those who have experience with your desired aesthetic.

So, if you’re tying the knot in the Big Apple and searching for the photographer who is everything you envisioned and more, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate rooftop elopement or a lavish ballroom affair, here are our top wedding photographer NYC picks to consider for your special day.

Wedding Photographers in NYC to Consider For Your Big Day

1. Brittany Ford Photography

Photography style: Emotive yet timeless with a side of fun 

Good for: Camera-shy couples looking for a photographer who can help them relax and capture those candid, natural moments

Reviews:Brittany is the best photographer we could have hired. As a wedding photographer myself, I knew that we wanted intimate, authentic portraits that captured not only our day, but also the emotions that played a part. Brittany was the perfect combination of director and observer, getting it right every time. She caught award winning images along with photos I will cherish because they take me back to the moment they happened.”

2. Jessie Casey

Photography style: Natural joyful images captured in an honest way

Good for: Couples that are usually not super pumped about being the center of attention often feel a little awkward about being in front of the camera and want that real, honest magic of their lives captured forever

Reviews: “There are so many great things to say about our experience with Jessie. We knew from the moment we met that this was the perfect fit. In addition to being incredibly talented, Jessie’s kindness, enthusiasm, and warmth made us feel like we had known her for years. Not only did it make it a great and relaxing day, but it came through in all of our photos. Jessie and her team were incredibly professional, even at our wedding on the hottest day of the summer. We hope to keep in touch with Jessie for years to come and capture future life moments.”

 

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3. Andrew Franciosa Studio

Photography style: Candid documentary

Good for: Couples that want to forget about all the have to’s and traditions and accept the imperfect and unpredictable moments

Reviews: “There are not enough words to express how grateful we are to Andrew for being a part of our wedding experience. We knew Andrew was incredible after our first phone call and again after our engagement shoot, and when it came to our wedding day, we truly felt like we had the dream team on our side to help capture our day. We want all of our friends and family to start having weddings, babies, or to just get photographed walking down the street, so we have an excuse to recommend Andrew as much as we can.”

 

4. Elle Studios

Photography style: Classic and romantic fine art photography with an editorial feel

Good for: Couples who like photos reminiscent of fashion magazine spreads

Reviews: “Where to begin! Emily was our wedding photographer, but honestly, she felt like another friend spent the day with us. We got to know her prior when she shot our engagement photos and automatically, we knew it was a great fit. She is super laid back and really cares about getting to know you as a couple before taking photos, making it a much more personal experience. Not to mention, she’s insanely talented. We had a very rainy wedding day, and you aren’t even able to tell when you look at our photos. She captured our day beautifully; all of our friends and family have been raving about her work.”

 

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5. Nicole Moran

Photography style: Elegant documentary

Good for: Couples that want wedding photos that capture the true emotions of their big day 

Reviews: “We had the pleasure to work with Nicole a few years ago, and we can say that we felt comfortable with her every time because she is very kind, creative, and professional. Her skills are shown in the final work, where you will think that every new shot is better than the other. Her style and colors evoke so many beautiful emotions in me, and I will always recommend working with her.” 

6. Kathleen Whittemore Photography

Photography style: Candid photojournalism

Good for: Those who want a photographer willing to create the art they’ve always dreamed of (whether that’s film, clean candid shots, etc.)

Reviews:Kathleen’s photography is unmatched when it comes to weddings in the Hudson Valley area and beyond. We met with her for the first time for our engagement shoot, and right away, we knew we had the perfect fit for our big day. We got breathtaking images despite lackluster weather; she knew exactly what to do and how to make it look good. Bring on the big day, and Kathleen and her secondary photographer CRUSHED IT; she was so easy to work with, had the best vibes, and got so many compliments from our family and friends. In just a few weeks, we had our full wedding album and could not be any happier with the results.”

7. AH LoveStories

Photography style: Documentary and portrait photography

Good for: Couples that want a wedding album full of lively, truly fun images

Reviews: “Terrified of stiff, awkward, corny photos, we met Ana and knew it would all work out. She lights up the room: her incredible energy and lightheartedness are contagious, and she takes you from nervously posing to enjoying a shoot in a second. As corny as it may sound, Ana captures the magic. She makes thousands of memories of the 687 emotions you are too overwhelmed to understand you are going through on a wedding day. Looking through our photos, we couldn’t believe how she had put on a screen exactly how we felt, the mood of the wedding, and just opening our gallery took us right back.” 

8. JC Lemon Photography

Photography style: Joyful candids andeffortless portraits 

Good for: Couples that don’t want to shy away from color in their wedding photos

Reviews: “We absolutely adored Jon. Not only is he professional and extremely talented, he is a complete GEM of a human being and a joy to be around. We wanted a more editorial vibe, nothing too cheesy or cliche, and he did NOT disappoint.” 

 

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9. Studio Monrevi

Photography style: Candid documentary

Good for: Those who want a photographer that prioritizes their unique love story

Reviews:Natalia made our vision come true and MORE. My fiance and I wanted a moody, very NY-like feel to come out in our engagement photos, and Natalia captured it all. Every small moment, look, and gesture she captured beautifully. We look back on our photos and are in awe and in love with every single one. Studio Monrevi is extremely talented with both digital and film photos, and we were so lucky to have a mix of both in our album. Even though my fiance and I feel awkward in front of the camera, Natalia somehow brought out the most natural side of us to beautifully capture all the feelings and emotions that hold close in our relationship.” 

 

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These wedding photographer NYC picks are just the beginning. Our vendor directory is filled with hundreds of skilled professionals from around the world. But if you’ve set your heart on a New York wedding and already booked your photographer, it’s time to complete your dream vendor team. Start by exploring our highly-vetted New York directory, featuring only the most trusted and talented wedding experts—from venues to planners and everything in between.

wedding photographer NYC

Image by Elle Studios.

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Cozy “Boland Banquet” Diamant Estate Wedding

September 3, 2024 | justine

For Lara and Rohan, “When you know, you know” perfectly describes their Diamant Estate wedding. The moment they first saw the venue, they knew it was the right place for their big day. Despite the hall being in disarray from a previous event—red and gold chairs stacked up, scattered leaves, burnt-out candles, and confetti on the floor—they loved its abandoned, vintage charm. This sparked the theme “Boland Banquet,” which they brought to life with a royal color palette, sparkly decor, and vintage touches. Impressively, they DIYed everything themselves!

The ceremony took place in a stunning 1700s wine cellar converted into a chapel. It was beautiful on its own, with just a unique floral installation at the altar and petals along the aisle. For the reception, two long tables were decorated with gold accents, perfectly complementing the Cape Dutch-style interior. A unique touch was the couple blowing out candles instead of cutting a cake to mark the “birthday of their marriage.” For a fun midnight snack, McDonald’s Happy Meals were served on silver platters, with the toys used as decor.

If you want ideas on adding your personal touch to every part of your celebration for a unique theme, check out this wedding. The beautiful photos by Basque Imagery perfectly show their love story and the special day they designed.

The Couple:

Lara and Rohan

The Wedding:

Diamant Estate, Paarl, South Africa

Discovering the Boland Banquet Theme for Their Diamant Estate Wedding

The look came together when we first viewed the venue. After a wedding the night before, the staff were busy clearing everything. As we entered the hall, we saw red and gold movie-theater-like chairs stacked on top of each other (these chairs actually come with cream covers, so this was their bare form), a few fallen leaves, burnt-out candles, and scattered confetti on the floor. It looked like an abandoned show, and I loved it—lived-in, homely, a little vintage, and almost royal. That’s when the theme “Boland Banquet” was born. Paarl is located in Boland, and the “banquet” perfectly captured the elaborate feast we wanted for our wedding.

Childhood Tunes and a Magical Tango Moment During the Ceremony

When I walked into the ceremony, our live pianist played the wedding march on Rohan’s grandmother’s organ, wearing bright red shoes! We transported this special organ all the way to Diamant (it was quite a mission) because it was so sentimental. The musicians played soundtracks from our favorite childhood movies while the guests entered the chapel. The most unforgettable moment came when the musicians unexpectedly started playing the chorus of my favorite piece, “The Scent of a Woman Tango” by Itzhak Perlman, right after our kiss. It was one of the most profound moments of my life.

Celebrating Love, Not Putting on a Show

Remember, there’s no set recipe for this. It’s not a show; you don’t need to impress your guests or make the day run like a production. It’s a celebration of your love and your new life together. Just embrace it and go with the flow. Your guests are there because they love you, so don’t pressure yourself to create a picture-perfect event. Simply enjoy the best day of your life.

How Their Village Made Their Diamant Estate Wedding Extra Special

We DIYed EVERYTHING. We foraged, painted, glued, stitched, polished, tied, cut, pasted, and baked. To name a few: I made all the stationery, our family foraged the golden flowers, my mom baked the cake, our grandmothers sewed the napkins, and we crafted the boutonnieres from old fabric we found at home. Knowing the story behind every decor item and detail made the wedding even more special since we did it all ourselves. It was woven together by hands that I know and love. It truly takes a village, and I have one magnificent village.

Recommended Reading: Wedding Reception Table Ideas + Tips For Deciding What’s Best For Your Big Day

Blowing Out Candles and Reliving Happy Meal Nostalgia

Instead of cutting a cake, we blew out candles to celebrate the “birthday” of our marriage! For our midnight snack, we had classic McDonald’s Happy Meals. Rohan and I served them on silver platters, using all our old McDonald’s toys from when we were kids as “decor” (yes, our moms saved them!).

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Basque Imagery
Venue – Diamant Estate
Floral Design – Blomlief
Catering – Red Pepper Catering
Cake – Giezela de Bruijn
Officiant – Tilana Meyer-Morkel
DJ – DJ Pepe
Live Music – Laurinda Hofmeyr
Makeup + Hair Styling – Visual Artistry
Wedding Dress – Once Worn Bridal
Groom’s Apparel – The Tux Tailor
Rings – Daleen Bruwer
Rentals – Something Borrowed

 

Congratulations to Lara and Rohan on their cozy “Boland Banquet” Diamant Estate wedding. Thank you to Basque Imagery for capturing every detail that couples can use as inspiration.

For this couple, it wasn’t about creating a flawless event but about celebrating their union in a way that was authentically theirs. If you’re planning your own special day, check out this guide for unique ideas that you can incorporate into your own celebration.

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