David & Alexandra - October 9, 2010

David and Alexandra are a special couple that I got to know over the course of a year and half planning their wedding. The vision of their perfect wedding day was anything but cookie cutter which is always fun for me. The couple wished to host an intimate gathering of only family and close friends and treat them to an evening that represented who they are as a couple.

Besides it being a small wedding of only 50 guests, David and Alex’s wedding was unique because they are Vegan and thus they wanted their wedding to be Vegan too. Despite the strict dietary guidelines, they wanted the wedding meal to be the focal point of the evening. Their goal was to delight their non-vegan guests with a fine dining experience using no animal byproducts. Although, it was a challenge, we were able to pull it off. My approach in planning this special wedding meal was to make sure guests couldn’t compare it to any other meal they had ever eaten, thus preventing the question “Where’s the Beef?” So the plan was to find a caterer to create a progressive five course 100% vegan tasting menu. Classe Catering rose to the challenge and made five amazing courses that satisfied even the most finicky of guests. The food was delicious and there was nothing but rave reviews!

David and Alex were married in a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony at St. Sofia’s Church in Albany. Being history buffs and wanting to introduce their mostly out of town guests to the city of Albany, the Albany Institute of History and Art was the perfect venue for their reception. After the wedding ceremony, guests were invited to browse the galleries of the museum before being greeted with signature Albany-themed cocktails and a classical jazz guitarist that were the highlights of cocktail hour in the museum’s atrium. After cocktails, guests entered the historic Rice House mansion for the intimate sit down meal during which each guest offered a personal toast to the Bride and Groom.

The evening concluded with some traditional and not so traditional dances and a delicious vegan cake.

For David and Alex, the planning process was truly a journey. But in the end, all of the hard work and not settling paid off. Their wedding truly represented them as a couple and made their guests feel as special as they are!

Thanks to all the wedding professionals who helped make their dream wedding a reality: Classe Catering (food, beverage & rentals), Gio Culinary Studio (cake), Gallery9North (photography), CASL Productions (videography), Ambiance Florals & Events (flowers & décor), Premiere Transportation (Rolls Royce & limousine), Albany Institute of History & Art (reception venue).

Khalid & Nadia - May 1, 2010

May was such a crazy month for Inspired Occasions that I'm just getting around to filling you all in on the details of the weddings we produced that month. I'll start with our first . . .

The wedding of Nadia and Khalid turned out to be a story of color and culture. The tall order for me was to design a wedding ceremony and reception that combined the significant elements of the Bride and Groom’s Pakistani culture with their more modern sense of style. I’m proud to say that in a short three month planning period, we went from having no design concept to an exotic affair for 300 guests fit for royalty. The color palette inspired by the preferences of the couple was that of rich jewels . . . sapphire blue, garnet red and rich orange.

The setting for this elaborate affair was The Albany Marriott. The day began with an intimate family-only ceremony. The modern bride opted to wear a fully length beaded white wedding outfit rather than the traditional red. However, to ensure that the traditional wedding color of red had a strong presence, the bride’s aisle and ceremony stage were carpeted in a rich garnet color. The couple exchanged their promises and rings on a glowing stage draped with sheer fabric and strands of cascading orchids.

Following the ceremony, Nadia and Khalid’s guests were treated to a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Guests were welcomed into the grand ballroom which was decked out with sunset colored perimeter lighting, sapphire blue satin linens and tablescapes of dramatic glowing centerpieces, specialty folded napkins and golden chocolate favors. Authentic Pakistani music and food brought in from New York City ensured that the families’ heritage remained the focal point of the celebration. Highlights of the evening included a traditional dance performed by the women of the Groom’s family and a traditional Mirror ceremony.

It was an absolute pleasure to work with this fabulous couple. From the first time I met with this family, the planning process became a true collaboration between Bride and Groom, Planner and Mother. And together, we were able to put together the perfect day for this special couple!

Special thanks to my team and all the wonderful vendors who helped make it all happen: The Albany Marriott, Fine Affairs, Surroundings Floral, J&S Watkins, Glowing Faces (make-up), Epiphany of Hair Design, Kabob King, and DJ Farhad.

Kill two birds with one stone! (Tip #2: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

Finding dual purposes for elements of a wedding is one of my favorite ways to reduce spending.

For example, perso

nalized favor boxes filled with an edible treat can double as escort cards when you simply add the table number. Guests will find their box on the escort "card" table, use it to find their seat and then enjoy it as their favor.

A huge money saver is finding a way incorporate elements of your ceremony décor into your reception. Alter arrangements can double as centerpieces at reception buffet tables and smaller hanging arrangements from the pews can be the perfect adornment for bars and restrooms. You can even make use of your beautiful wedding party bouquets. Simply pop your bouquets into vases and instantly decorate the head table.

So put on your thinking cap, get creative, see "double" . . . and save, save, save!