danielle pasternak, wedding coordinator, wedding planner, scranton

Tag Archives: brian lapsansky

Favorites of 2011: Photos

One of the best parts of the season is the feeling of a “fresh start” come January 1. That being said, 2011 was a FABULOUS year for the crew of DPNAK. Below are SOME of my favorite photos from the 2011 season. For simplicities sake, I limited it to my top six (in no particular order).

Ready? Go.

The first photo was from Amanda and Mark’s wedding by Daniel Moyer. What I truly love about this photo is what you don’t see. First of all, this was the night of Hurricane Irene. Despite the odds, we managed to pull off a fantastic sparkler exit and it was great! Second, right before they were getting ready to exit, I realized I was in the shot and quickly ducked out of the way. As I did this, my shoes had gotten wet from the weather and I slipped and fell right on my butt! Oy.

The second photo was taken by Amanda Grace Images of Amanda and Michael’s wedding (I had several Amanda’s this year… and next year!). My favorite part about this photo is the look on the bride’s face. This bride in particular was so beautiful and insanely gracious, and this photo captures that so sincerely. And it truly feels like all eyes are on them, doesn’t it?

Next, we have another “in the moment” image by Maggie J Photography of Desiree and Scott’s Hotel Bethlehem wedding in July. There is something so beautiful about the first few moments as officially being “husband and wife”, but photo captures them so well. Almost as if it’s any other day, just crossing the street, holding hands and completely in love.

This next photo was taken out in New Jersey by my good friend and amazing photographer, Amanda of Swoon Over It. Bill and Katie provided their guests with an amazing DJ and a fabulous Greek Band. As tradition holds, money is thrown into the air as every one holds hands and dance around. The money is literally swept up at the end of the night by the band and that’s their payment – how cool is that? And I love how Amanda catches the Father of Groom throwing the money in this shot! Friends and family and good energy is what this photo is all about.

Kristen is another one of my bries who just continued to inspire me throughout her planning process. She remained calm, composed, and incredibly gracious to everyone around her. This photo by Brian Lapsansky is just stunning, soft and incredibly peaceful.

The last one is another beauty from Amanda of Swoon Over It. The wedding of Mindy and Mark took place at the Terrain at Styer’s in Glen Mills, and it was a wedding that dressed heavily in DIY projects by both the bride AND groom. Usually, DIY can go two ways: good or bad. Well their DIY not only went well, it landed them on the front page of 100 Layer Cake! By the way, this amazing door they were standing in front of only cost a few thousand dollars! Love these two.

Stay tuned throughout the next few days for more of my favorites from 2011! xo.

2 comments
  • Favorites of 2011: Wedding Blogs » danielle pasternak December 28, 2011 8:12 am

    [...] continue on in my Favorites series, today I’m showing SOME of my favorite blogs that I’ve really been digging this [...]

  • Bella Via Photography July 18, 2012 1:49 pm

    Wonderful examples! True talent Danielle!

  • Real Wedding: Kristen and Ronnie – October 8, 2011 at the Woodlands Inn, Wilkes Barre

    11.07.2011 / Real Weddings / no comments

    Now that the full speed ahead sign has been changed from a steady light to simply blinking, I am so excited to share my recap from Kristen and Ronnie’s wedding last month. (Last month?? How did I get so behind???)

    Anyway, I met with Kristen and her awesome mom, Jeannette back in April. We talked for a while, got “shushed” by a group of people for chatting too loud (??), and I instantly fell in love. Since then, Jeannette and I would chat and share fun things on Facebook and I would look forward to every sweet email from Kristen. They are both truly magnificent women.

    As for Kristen’s wedding day… the same awesomeness carried right through to her groom, Ronnie.

    The two were married at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Pittston, Pennsylvania on what turned out to be a beautiful day with blue skies and birds chirping away.

    By the way, this is dress number one…

    After the wedding came the wonderful celebration at the Woodlands Inn and Resort in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. For those that are unfamiliar with this place, it offers a great outdoor deck for parties, and indoor bar, sushi restaurant, Alexander’s Spa and Salon, night clubs, plus rooms to accommodate all of your guests.

    First were the pictures on the grounds.

    Followed by a night of great food, great dancing, and great flowers by my favorite Central Park Flowers

    The dance floor was beautifully decorated by Mark from Collective Events Pros and the NY Times Band kept the guests on their feet ALL night long!

    Oh and dress number two…

    All in all, it was a fabulous day filled with love, family, tears and laughter.

    To read Kristen’s review of my work, visit this previous post and be sure to check out these great pros that were involved with this wedding below:

    Photographer: Brian Lapsansky
    Coordination: Danielle Pasternak Events
    Flowers: Central Park Flowers
    Rentals: Collective Events Pros
    Entertainment: NY Times Band
    Video: John Beierle
    Cocktail Hour Music: Don Shappelle and the Pick-ups
    Hair/Make-Up: HiFi Hair Studio
    Cake: Truly Scrumptious

    no comments

    Bridesmaids: When to give. When to demand.

    Best friends. Sisters. Cousins. Co-workers.

    Bridesmaids come in all shapes, sizes, forms, and personalities. When it comes to planning your wedding, those bridesmaids must conform and execute perfection, right?

    Wrong.

    Your bridesmaids (and this is including your maid/matron of honor) are your closest gal pals. You chose them to witness your wedding day and be “Team Bride”. With your decision to ask them came their decision to accept (hopefully). However, their confirmation does not enter them into a legal contract of what to do, how to do, and why to do without any if’s, and’s or butt’s. (tee-hee)

    photo by Brian Lapsansky

    So, how much do you ask of your bridesmaids?

    Well, let’s start with the dress. We all know that you “can shorten it and wear it again” but let’s be real. It likely won’t happen. And unless you (as the Bride) are forking over the funds to purchase the frocks, then it’s best to have a leadership role but still listen to the concerns and the realistic capabilities of your tribe – err, girls. Give them direction and accept the fact that what looks good on one, doesn’t always gel with another.

    photo by Swoonoverit

    In the photo above, the bride gave her girls a color palette and they chose their own unique dress and style. And they still look like a group of happy bridesmaids. Win! Letting the girls pick out their own dress is a huge benefit for most girls. And if some need more help, schedule a shopping day (or shopping hour) to help her out.

    Ok, so what about the accessories? This is where you can get more picky (in my opinion) but with a price. Let’s say you want them all to sport the same necklace? Easy enough. You’re likely not going to offend anyone by asking this and it makes for a great gift to give to them at your Bachelorette Party. Shoes? They can be gifted, too – but I’d have them pick out their own for argument’s sake.

    Finally… the beauty department. Hair, nails, make-up – oh my! It can add up. Offer the bridesmaids an appointment spot to get their nails, hair and make-up done, or let them chose to do it themselves. If you are picking up the tab here, make sure to equally distribute your funds amongst the girls. Just remember to figure in tips to the techs and stylists that took care of you!

    So, let’s recap: Never demand, but lead with style and respect. Gift in the accessory department. Follow these rules, and you will have happy gals.

    no comments

    Real Wedding: Kristen and Ronnie, October 8, 2011 – Review

    10.17.2011 / Real Weddings / 2 comments

    Dearest lovely followers, fans and readers… how are you?

    My apologies for my absence this past week. Was doing some major prepping for a fab Greek wedding that went down this past weekend. Well, let me say, it went VERY well and it was a blast. And on this lovely Monday evening, I was so excited to receive a lovely review from my couple that got married two weekends ago on October 8th (or would that be considered last weekend?) at the Woodlands Inn in Wilkes Barre.

    And without further ado…

    Danielle was professional, curtious and extremely organized. My day ran so smoothly and I credit that due to Danielle’s services, she knew exactly what she was doing and made me feel so calm knowing she was behind the scenes. I would reccommend her time and time again! She was an absolute joy!

    By the way, I’m positively drooling over these stunning images by Brian Lapsansky. And when you want more (which we know you will, check out the full blog here)

    xo.

    2 comments
  • Naomi October 20, 2011 12:10 pm

    Oh that bouquet is just perfect..I Love when they aren’t too formed and a bit eclectic…just love!

  • Real Wedding: Kristen and Ronnie – October 8, 2011 at the Woodlands Inn, Wilkes Barre » danielle pasternak November 7, 2011 9:17 am

    [...] read Kristen’s review of my work, visit this previous post and be sure to check out these great pros that were involved with this wedding [...]

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