Leanne of Leanne’s Specialty Cakes not only provided the gorgeous wedding cake, but the jam favors as well.  Sugar Magnolias came in to provide the flowers – Heidi and Julie agreed that a vibrant color palette of pinks, greens and lavender with a fresh-picked feel, would be a perfect pop against the natural tones of the vineyard and reception barn, and accent bridesmaid’s dresses perfectly.  Christina Bohn captured both the love between Julie and Anthony, and all the details of the day.

Before the ceremony, guests enjoyed refreshments in the vineyard.  Cocktail hour was held under a tent, before guests were directed to enter the reception barn.  Globe lights and white paper lanterns were hung from the ceiling, which provided a perfect glow in the room, later in the evening.

The post {congrats!} julie & anthony’s elegant + rustic wedding at martha clara vineyard appeared first on Marry Me Lovely.

Of course every unique location has it’s own restrictions or requirements, but if you have a spot in mind that carries special meaning, we say it never hurts to check it out!  Keep in mind the ability for your guests to reach the location comfortably.  Find out parking restrictions, what you may need to rent (such as chairs), and remember that many of these properties are public spaces, so you will be sharing the location with others.  Getting the details sorted out ahead of time will mean you can concentrate on the most important detail the day of your wedding – getting married!

With so many couples focused on the tiniest, frivolous details of the day, sometimes it is the largest detail that makes the greatest statement of all.

{photo credit: Christina Bohn Photography}

The post {inspiration} a ceremony at the old field lighthouse appeared first on Marry Me Lovely.

Always a good sign when you can finally see the board on the line at Briermere Farms in Riverhead!

photo source: northfrkd

Wickham’s Fruit Farm in Cutchogue doesn’t just have a special place in our hearts (and stomachs) for their amazing apple cider donuts, but their pies, too!

photo source: newsday

Slap-Happy Baking Co. in Wantagh brings 1950′s nostaglia to both their pies, bakes goods and the bakeries own design.

photo source: eastofnyc

Round Swamp Farm in East Hampton is known for three things – fresh, delicious food, cheap lobster and out-of-this-world pie.

photo source: delish

The post {foodspiration} happy pi day! (wait, did somebody say pie?) appeared first on Marry Me Lovely.

I cannot say I have fond memories of the Huntington Townhouse – my only knowledge of it was that my prom was held there (which I didn’t attend), that the food was not very good (from what I heard) and that when I would drive passed it on Jericho Turnpike, I couldn’t imagine a more gawty place to hold a party (total personal opinion).  But ever since it closed almost 3 years ago, it was kind of heartbreaking to see it deteriorate – the overgrown vegetation behind the iron gates, paint peeling, windows smashed.  Like so many Long Island locations, the Townhouse did have a history – one that actually dated back to the 1930′s (and we all know I love history).

Originating as a large private home, it was purchased by restauranteur Leo Gerard, whose family had successfully operated luxury hotels in Cold Spring Harbor.  Leo relocated his growing restaurant in Cold Spring Harbor to the home in Huntington Station in 1937, and 20 years later, sold the restaurant to New York caterer Thomas Manno.  The restaurant was made into a catering-only facility for private parties and being one of the first on Long Island, became a popular wedding location for couples from Brooklyn to the East End.  Ask any family member who grew-up on Long Island or the boroughs and they could probably tell you of a wedding or two, (or three) that they attended there.  Perhaps even your own parents held their big day at the once enormously popular hall.  In 1997 it was sold to Rhona Silver who intended to transform the hall into a conference center, but by 2007 she had sold it to Lowes Corporation (yea, like we need another Lowes) and it was demolished as of last week.

At it’s peak, the Townhouse held 11 catering rooms (thanks to multiple additions through the years), with capacity for up to 1500 guests, hosting upwards of 20-30 events a week on their 20 acre property – all for a completely reasonable price.  It seems that the Townhouse paved the way for how Long Island weddings would be hosted for a long time.  You’ll often hear that few other states do it like Long Island, which is what I find so interesting.  Although brides continue to take a ‘traditional’, Long Island approach to their weddings, I find that so many would love a small, intimate, backyard-type event instead.  The type of wedding that is standard everywhere else is actually hard to come by on Long Island.

Not only was the shear size and decor of the Townhouse glitzy and extravagant, but eventually, no request by a bride and groom was either (something else that had become quite popular and expected).  Grand entrances to one’s reception, fireworks as a finale, ice sculptures, a pyrotechnic Viennese hour, top-shelf open bars, more food then anyone could fathom – they have all been seen and done by the Townhouse (some trends may have even started there) to thrill an area historically known for being status-concious.

Since it’s closing, nothing has come close to the Townhouse’s grand scale.  If anything, we see more places emphasizing ‘one wedding at a time’.  Regardless if you desire a traditional or non-traditional wedding, one thing is for sure – personal attention and details geared more towards a couple’s taste rather than to excite their guests, has become more popular.  Because there may never be anything like it again (for now), I do think the Huntington Townhouse deserves a proper goodbye and thank you for all it has given the wedding industry on Long Island for almost 50 years.  So long Huntington Townhouse, thanks for the memories.

(history provided by huntingtonhistory.wordpress.com)

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Valentine’s Day is Monday – which means we get the whole weekend to celebrate LOVE!  What better way than in Long Island’s Wine Country, right in your own backyard? 

The Long Island Culture & Wine Winterfest 2011  kicks off Jazz on the Vine this weekend on the East End at many winery tasting rooms.  Local businesses, hotels, B & B’s and restaurants will also be participating in events and special offers.  Winterfest 2011 will continue every weekend until March 20 2011.

Planning an East End or vineyard wedding?  Make it a great opportunity for you to find the perfect location and local vendors for your day.  Or if you need a break from planning, enjoy a glass with your love, listen to some great music, visit a local bakery for some sweet treats and just HAVE FUN!

For a list of all jazz performances and information on participating vineyards and businesses, visit www.liwinterfest.com.  

The post {events} wine ‘n dine your valentine this weekend appeared first on Marry Me Lovely.

In the next few months we at marrymelovely will be featuring real weddings, unique ceremony and venue ideas and upcoming trends in all aspects of the planning process.  Sugar Magnolias and Christina Bohn Photography will also be hosting their second Open Studio Event on Thursday, July 22nd from 6-9 PM.  All vendors at the event will be featured on marrymelovely in future posts as well.  Remember, we would love to hear from all brides-to-be and past brides about their weddings and experiences.

xoxo - kristen

The post {inspired love} ‘summer breeze, makes me feel fine…’ appeared first on Marry Me Lovely.