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Favorites of 2011: Photos

12.27.2011 / Inspiration + Ideas / 2 comments

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: Katie and Bill Sneak Peek!

11.18.2011 / Real Weddings / one comment

Good morning and Happy Friday folks! It’s been a crazy week here with me recovering from a crazy virus and now Mr. Blue Eyes has it. #booo

Anyway, I thought I’d share some BEAUTIFUL photos by Swoon Over It Photography taken of Katie and Bill’s (amazing) Greek Wedding on October 15, 2011.

Enjoy!

one comment

Don’t repeat after me: “We don’t really have a budget” | danielle pasternak September 12, 2012 3:35 pm

[...] of the most exciting greek weddings we’ve coordinated captured by Swoon Over [...]

Bridesmaids: When to give. When to demand.

10.31.2011 / Inspiration + Ideas / no comments

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

Spotted: on 100 Layer Cake!

08.30.2011 / In the Press / no comments

As a HUGE admirer and fan of 100 Layer Cake – I have to say I was so excited to my own name on one of their real weddings yesterday.

You remember Mindy and Mark right? Well the amazing Amanda of SWOONOVERIT captured some of the most wonderful pictures of them and they were featured yesterday on 100 Layer Cake! I’m so excited and thankful to have worked with a fabulous couple and a team of uber-creative vendors.

xo.

no comments

Defining your bridal party – a who's who.

08.19.2011 / Tips + Advice / 2 comments

Depending on your geographic location, a bridal party can consist of several different team players.

(Notice I used the word “team”, as your choice in bridal party member should be someone who has your back, loves you something fierce, and understands/respects that this is your wedding day. However, this does not give you the right to abuse your relationship with them in a state of bridezilla-ness-icity.)

Anyway, in this general area there are a few different roles on both the guys and gals side. Let’s break them down.

Ladies first, naturally.

Maid of Honor - Your maid of honor is your closest and dearest friend or family member. Depending on their situation, they should be there to help with projects, thoughts, and general aid in keeping you calm, happy and sane. In this case, a MAID of honor is a single, never married woman. Typically, there is only 1-2 gals in this role. The more woman that have this role, the less value it will hold.

Matron of Honor - A matron of honor is the same role as the maid of honor, but the woman with this title is either married, divorced, or widowed.

Bridesmaid - A bridesmaid is any girl over the age of 13 who is will be a part of your bridal party. She wears the dress, walks down the aisle, and does all the fun girly stuff with you.

Jr. Bridesmaid - A junior bridesmaid is any girl who is a part of your bridal party who is too old to be a flower girl and too young to be a bridesmaid. Typically, they are ages 9-13.

Flower Girl - A flower girl is the second cutest gal at the wedding after you. Ok, maybe – maybe not. But your flower girl (or girls, more than one isn’t unheard of) is one of the last girls to go down the aisle before you. Some have their flower girl drop flower petals, other carry a cute basket, or a flower pomander. Either way, if your flower girl is 5 or younger, be prepared for them to decide against walking down the aisle on the big day. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one, you just must accept the fact that they may get stage fright.

Now for the gents…

Best Man - The Best Man is the counterpart to the Maid and/or Matron of Honor with similar responsibilities, minus the pedicures. He stands by the Groom on the wedding day and will also typically carry the real rings (not the ring bearer, more on this in a bit). He is also typically the toast-giver at the beginning of the reception. Maid/Matron of Honors have been jumping in on the toast giving lately, too, but it’s optional.

Groomsman - A groomsman is a guy that is party of your wedding party, over the age of 13. They hold the same roles as their counterparts: the bridesmaids and usually serve as their escorts leaving the ceremony and into the reception. Prior to the start of the ceremony, they can also serve as ushers.

Ushers - I like to call an usher an “honorary bridal party member”. Their duties mainly take place in seating the guests at the ceremony. They are not usually asked to rent a suit/tux as a groomsman would, but they are often given a boutonniere to sport. When picking ushers, it’s best to avoid anyone that is shy as it’s a role that involves a lot of personal interaction with your guests. Think of them like your “welcoming committee”. Note that you do not need to have BOTH groomsmen and ushers. Some brides just decide to have the gents in the bridal party serve both purposes.

Jr. Groomsman - A junior groomsman is any groomsman who is age 9-13. Once again, too old to be the ring bearer, and too young to be groomsman.

Ring Bearer - The ring bearer is the young lad (yep, I said it) who melts all the girls hearts the day of your wedding. He normally walks down the aisle (unlike the rest of the guys) with the flower girl. He can also carry a pillow or book that holds a set of fake rings. Why fake rings? Don’t even ask me that question. Really, don’t do it. And the same rule applies for a ring bearer under the age of 5 as does for the flower girl.

Phew.

Did that help at all? I hope so.

Coming soon on the blog – where to sit all these people at the reception??

All these lovely photos by the fabulous Amanda Young of Swoonoverit Photography. By the way, if you loved that last picture with the bridal party jumping, check out this blog by Amanda for a fun little find.

2 comments

Amanda Young | SWOONOVERIT PHOTOGRAPHY August 19, 2011 8:50 am

Hooray, thanks for the love and sharing the pictures! Loved your helpful, informative post – as always!

Gregory Despain August 20, 2011 7:49 am

I don’t even understand how I finished up here, however I believed this put up used to be good. I don’t understand who you might be but definitely you are going to a famous blogger in case you aren’t already ;) Cheers!

Real Wedding: Mindy and Mark – June 4, 2011 – Philadelphia, PA

06.06.2011 / Inspiration + Ideas / 5 comments

From day one of talking with Mindy and Mark, I knew their wedding was going to be unique. Mindy’s focus was always on being uber-accomodating to her guests and loved ones and Mark’s focus was on ensuring all the details were just perfect (you should see the hangers he HANDMADE for both him and his bride – amazing!).

And while I’d love to share with you a bazillion photos of all the amazing details, I’m going to be keeping it secret for a while. But I have to share one, right? Ok – here you go.

The wedding celebration took place at Terrain at Styer’s in Glen Mills, PA which is owned by Anthropologie, so you can only imagine how amazing this place was. The mother of the groom handled the florals and Liz from Terrain worked her magic with other details (many of which were done by Mindy and Mark, themselves). This amazing photo was taken by Amanda Young of SWOONOVERIT Photography and Michael from Monachetti was on-hand for all video purposes (check out his site and watch Meredith and Tony’s wedding film – so sweet). And of course the tunes were flowing, courtesy of Darrel of No Macarena. Oh! And you must listen to this song that the bride chose to walk down the aisle – tears were flowing!!

Cheers! And Happy Monday everyone! xo.

5 comments

Simply Designed June 6, 2011 12:52 pm

Beautiful!!! Love the gown! Congratulations to the bride and groom!

Real Wedding: 5.0 review from Mark and Mindy – June 4, 2011 » danielle pasternak events June 19, 2011 2:00 pm

[...] Mark and Mindy: We hired Danielle to be our Day Of Coordinator at our wedding this June. It was a decision we got [...]

Spotted: on 100 Layer Cake! » danielle pasternak August 30, 2011 9:46 am

[...] remember Mindy and Mark right? Well the amazing Amanda of SWOONOVERIT captured some of the most wonderful pictures of them [...]

4 Reasons Why I’m for “First Looks” » danielle pasternak September 19, 2011 9:45 am

[...] once again, the photographer gets to capture every bit of that emotion. (see the amazing photos of Mindy and Mark [...]

happy anniversary Mindy and Mark! | danielle pasternak | scranton wedding coordinator June 4, 2012 8:17 am

[...] anniversary Mindy and Mark! 06.04.2012 / Real Weddings / no comments Of course you know Mindy and Mark. Their faces are ALL over the DPNAK website and facebook page, with many thanks to their kick-butt [...]

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