In celebration of all the celebrations in New York today, we share the NYT’s profile of Julie and Alissa

Tina Fineberg for The New York Times

MORRISTOWN, N.J., JULY 9 Julia Wood, left, and Alissa Ginsberg before the religious ceremony.

We love this tender photo of the wedding of Julie and Alissa. Their story is romantic and heartwarming – check it out!

Congratulations ladies!

A wedding in Hyannisport. So windblown and wholesome!

Stephen Breyer, U.S. Supreme Court judge.
Stephen Breyer, U.S. Supreme Court judge, and wedding officiant

A person would be hard pressed to find a more picture-perfect East Coast beach wedding spot than the Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport, MA.  Apparently the location comes with the option of a Supreme Court Justice as officiant, and your own paparazzi.  In all seriousness, congratulations to Patrick and Amy Kennedy, who were wed, yes, by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.  (Who were you expecting, Scalia)? We didn’t get the best view but, we’re going to talk about the flowers as best we can.  Note to the AP – zoom in on the bouquet when Maria’s daughters tie the knot, ok?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/07/16/Style/Images/Patrick_Kennedy_Wedding_09e5f.jpg?uuid=6nIm_K_ZEeCagMRrnLElXw
The most genuinely happy photo from any wedding: heading back down the aisle as Mr. & Mrs.
Caroline Kennedy on her wedding day
Caroline Kennedy's shamrock-dotted wedding gown (and gorgeous orchid bouquet)!

The bouquet:  Though from afar, looks quite beautiful – hydrangea, miniature green calla lillies, and we’re willing to bet white roses and bells-of-Ireland.  Bells of Ireland are a lovely nod to  the family’s Irish heritage, and they can be seen in the altar-pieces as well.  The Irish history nod is a classic Kennedy bride move – check out the shamrocks on Caroline Kennedy-Schlossberg‘s custom Carolina Herrera gown. But back to the bouquet – it is “composed,” or “english garden” style meaning the flowers are grouped by type rather than all mixed together. We frequently design in this style.

Moluccella laevis 35 seeds "Bells of Ireland" BULK
Bells of Ireland - beautiful and meaningful, perfect!

Going the Distance: Marathon prep wisdom for your Wedding Day

Brides Running On The Beach
Image by Joe Shlabotnik via Flickr

How can 26.2 miles help with going down the aisle? Well, like wedding planning, training for a marathon starts months in advance. Wise runners are methodical and have some simple race day routines that, if followed, can ease the minds (and feet, and nerves..) of brides.  We’ve picked out some winners:

  • Get a good night’s rest before the big day.  Runners know that if you don’t go to sleep at a decent hour, your energy won’t hold out the whole race.  Make sure you don’t stay out too late at the rehearsal dinner, or hanging with your girls.
  • Eat breakfast.  Runners eat light, and early so as to digest, but food=fuel=crucial.  As for brides, eat small snacks throughout the day and hydrate.  The last thing you need is a headache or a fainting spell.
  •   Test all your gear, and don’t try anything new.  Marathoners stick to what they know – even new sunscreen on race day is a no-no.  Brides should follow suit – shoes should be ‘broken in’ and make-up tested for allergic reactions.  The hairstyle should have a trial run.  Let your motto be “No surprises.”
  • Comfortable, well-fitting shoes are non-negotiable.  You just can’t run 26.2 miles in uncomfortable shoes.  You shouldn’t get married in them either. Don’t make blisters your most vivid wedding memory.  Pretty and comfortable are not mutually exclusive
  • Breathe, stand up straight and enjoy your moment. Marathoners have always followed what we give as our essential bridal advice.   So keep your eye on the finish line!  Born to run, baby!