Esq.Events : Boston Wedding Coordination

Website Updates etc.

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

You may not have noticed but I am trying to get on top of 2011 weddings and press before we dive head first into 2012. I promise that soon I'll blog a few weddings but in the meantime feel free to check out the new Press and Gallery sections. We were super thrilled to have a wedding featured on Beantown Bride over the summer!

We also were super excited to work with an additional photographer and a reporter from the New York Times on Matt and Chanda's big day. You can read the whole article here!

Finally a shout out to the folks at Style Me Pretty for this fun feature on Style Me Pretty Massachusetts. We are thrilled to be part of the SMP family and the fact that SMP is focusing on their very own state!

Now if only my twitter feed gadget was working we'd really be ready to start 2012 with a bang!

Reception Venues in Boston: A Modern Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:35:00 +0000

I am sure that many of you read my last post on historical venues in Boston and thought to yourself “I would never...” Well you are in luck: Boston is full of amazing modern unique venues and this post features some of my favorite Modern Spaces.

Do you identify with being “Green”? Is limiting waste and being a good environmental citizen important to you? Do you dream of blank walls and white space that you can transform into your own? Do you want an event that is modern & edgy? Although you may think that you need to travel to Manhattan or San Francisco to meet your needs, the city of Boston has a lot to offer the modern-focused couple.

Photo provided by Artist for Humanity EpiCenter

Artist for Humanity EpiCenter, the first LEED Platinum certified building in Boston, is available for Weddings (and other Events too!). Located in the middle of South Boston with amazing views of the Back Bay Skyline, this is the perfect space for an Eco-minded modern couple. The event space a lofted gallery with room for a cocktail hour, outside ceremony and seated dinner. The space is very much a blank canvas and offers the convenience of ample parking and easy access to public transportation. (Warning: LEED Certification comes with some trade offs: including no Air Conditioning!) Artist for Humanity is a non-profit organization that employes Boston Teens to work and gain experience in Digital Media/Video, Graphic Design/Motion Graphics, Painting/Murals, Photography/Web Design, Screen Printing, Sculpture/Industrial Design, Web Design. All the rental fees support the mission of the organization: the students are also available for wedding driven design work: need a logo, invites, paper products or even a website?? they can help!!

Photo provided by Artist for Humanity EpiCenter

If modern art space is appealing to you but an extremely urban environment is a deal breaker than look no further that the Decordova Sculpture Park & Museum. Located in Lincoln, Massachusetts, the Sculpture Garden offers distinctive spaces for ceremonies and receptions; including library and/or gallery space, a rooftop terrace and the garden itself.

Fun Heart Sculture at DeCordova

Similarly, the Griffin Museum of Photography located in Winchester, Massachusetts rents out their gallery for Weddings. The museum is housed is a charming stone building and provides an excellent backdrop for ceremonies and photos. The photo exhibit is ever changing so you will want to inquire about the exhibit schedule prior to booking.

Moving back into the city center, The Institute of Contemporary Art is located in downtown Boston on the Waterfront. The building itself is an architectural marvel (and also an excellent place for Engagement Pictures!) and provides breathtaking views of Boston's harbor and skyline. The museum is well equipped to handle weddings and uses Wolfgang Puck Catering as their exclusive caterer. Fancy!

For brides and grooms seeking an urban and modern reception that is all inclusive, there are few venues better than the State Room. Located on the 33^rd floor, the State Room provides a stunning modern space overlooking the historic Boston Waterfront: the Great Room features floor to ceiling glass walls offering incredible panoramic views and a truly “Boston” experience.

Image via the State Room

All these spaces offer the opportunity to make the space your own in unique or traditional ways. If these spaces are too expected and not “outside of the box” you'll have to wait for the next Boston focused venue post!!!

Friday Image: Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Today's Friday Image is not a wedding photo but it does feature a Wedding Coordinator in Paris. More photos from this shoot next week!

Photo by One and Only Paris Photography

Picking your Venue: BOSTON, a Historical City

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:30:00 +0000

It is my unbiased opinion that the City of Boston is one of the best places in New England to get married. It is also my opinion that no matter what your tastes there is a wedding venue in Boston for you! Boston has a venue for everyone, modern loft spaces, stunning restaurants, historical buildings and many unique and unusual settings.

When a couple is looking for a wedding venue in Boston, I tend to cast a wide net and suggest places in the Greater Boston Area. This includes downtown Boston proper, across the Charles River into Cambridge, Charlestown and the Boston Harbor and into the immediate suburbs: Arlington, Watertown, Newton & Waltham just to name a few. Although many couples want to be in the middle of the city, there are benefits of being a few miles out, especially if you have a lot of out of town guests: driving & parking are more accessible, hotel room rates can be more reasonable and you won’t have to worry about the Walk for Hunger, Red Sox Home games or other events that could cause delay or difficulties.

It should come as no surprise that the city has a great selection of historical venues. Historical venues are not for everyone, but I am huge history geek so it is where we will start our Boston venue tour.

For a true historical experience, you can begin with a candlelit ceremony at the Old North Church (you could even have members of the wedding party carry lanterns instead of bouquets) and then proceed to a reception in one of the following locales:

For a refined experience, check out The Old Boston State House. Located in the middle of the downtown Boston, it is the oldest surviving public building in Boston and still maintains an elegant and colonial charm. The building has a museum open to the public but the upper floors can be rented for wedding ceremonies and receptions. It is also a great place for grabbing that perfect Boston portrait.

Located less than ten miles from downtown Boston, the Commander’s Mansion located at the Arsenal on the Charles in Watertown, Massachusetts is an amazing venue. The Mansion has a beautiful interior, a bricked tent patio and beautifully landscaped grape arbor where ceremonies can be performed. It also includes ample parking, a stunning Victorian-style veranda and an interesting political history surrounding the original Commander who built the property during the Civil War. Esq.Events has done a lot of Weddings at this venue so its no wonder that it is one of our favorites. Come check it out next month at their Wedding Faire!

If you or your fiancé are in love with old cars or if the idea of living in the golden age appeals to you, The Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline may be the perfect venue for your Boston Wedding. The museum is housed in the original Anderson carriage house, which was constructed in 1888 and was built to mimic the French Chateau, "Chateau de Chaumont-Sur-Loire". It is the only remaining building left on the Anderson Estate which is now Larz Anderson Park. If the architecture and classic cars are not enough, the stunning views of the Boston Skyline and the picturesque grounds may convince you.

For couples looking for a more traditional historical experience should consider the Omni Parker Hotel. America’s oldest continuously-operating hotel is located on the Freedom Trail, is the original creator of the Boston Cream Pie and has an elegant rooftop ballroom complete with balcony that overlooks the city.

History/Boston Cream Pie not your thing? Stay tuned….

Vintage Centerpieces: Non-floral

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:09:00 +0000

Ever since I saw these book bundles from Ballard Designs, I have been dreaming about incorporating them into a awesome vintage tablescape. They are currently on sale so don't wait just buy!

Getting Married in Massachusetts: Picking Your Venue.

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

There are hundred of reasons to get married in Massachusetts, but one of the best reasons is the extreme variety in such a small state. Whether you are looking for a modern urban fete, a coastal soiree or a mountain-top party amongst Berkshire foliage; Massachusetts is the premier wedding destination for all couples no matter what their style and desires. Massachusetts has four distinct regions that offer their own special and unique wedding venues and experiences: Western Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the city of Boston (and its surrounding areas).

Western Massachusetts features the Berkshire Mountains and the charming towns of the Connecticut River Valley. Chandler's Restaurant in South Deerfield, Massachusetts is the perfect location for an intimate restaurant reception full of wine, history and Yankee Candle. Its also a great location for a shower or pre-wedding event. For couples seeking a more traditional resort experience, nothing compares to luxe amenities and sweeping vistas of the Cranwell Resort and Spa. Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Halls and Barns dot the western part of the state, however couples should be cognizant of the Boston Symphony's Summer schedule at Tanglewood when picking their date.

Although many couples head to Central Massachusetts for rustic barn ceremonies and receptions like those offered at Zukas Hilltop Barn and Harrington Farm; my preference is to focus on the architecture. Tuckerman Hall, designed by a female architect,was originally built in in 1902 for the Worcester Woman's Club. Recently renovated and owned by the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra this stunning triangular building is now available for rent for private functions. Also located in downtown Worcester's Mechanics Hall. Built in 1857, this is another fabulous Central Massachusetts venue with amazing architectural details and a healthy amount of gold-leaf. Both venues are also great choices for couples who value acoustics! Central Massachusetts is slightly less convenient for out of town guests who will be flying into the area and hotel room blocks should be reserved early!

The Ceiling at Mechanics Hall

Nothing is more quintessential New England than Cape Cod. If your ideal wedding involves, seersucker, lobster-bakes and lighthouses, then look no further than the resort towns and venues of the Cape. Whether you are taking the fast ferry from Boston to the Lower Cape, Provincetown or driving across the bridges onto the Upper Cape, make sure you check out the following locales. Captain Linnell House is perfect for foodies and historians alike and is located close enough to the ocean that ceremonies can be performed on the beach. Couples seeking that Victorian seaside resort atmosphere can find it at the Chatham Bars Inn. I could tell you how amazing this property is but you should really just go visit! Couples should be aware that the population on the Cape increases dramatically between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Weekend dates book up extremely quickly and even the smallest hotels and inns often require a Two Night minimum for guests. Additionally, weekend traffic TO the Cape and ON the Cape can be heavy and frustrating to those caught unaware.

The final region in Massachusetts is the City of Boston. Although not the capital of Massachusetts, it is referred to as the “Hub” for a reason: Boston and the immediate surrounding area is filled with some of my all time favorite wedding sites and venues. Boston has its own set of distinct regions so you will have to wait for the next post to hear about them!

Friday Image: Wedding Dress in a Doorway

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:00 +0000

I love this photo: even the plastic hanger doesn't bother me. Trust me, thats a big step for this Wedding Coordinator!

Friday Image: The Littlest Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Kids with cameras are so cute. I wonder if he got a good shot?

Via

Friday Image: Wall Worthy

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

This image is proof that you only need one great photo to reflect the day. I know its cold and dreary in New England but its the perfect time to plan your wedding or better yet hang some pictures of your own! Photos should be displayed and not just on your computer screen!

Via

Sleigh Ride Engagement: Snow Required

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:05:00 +0000

I tagged the link for Charmingfare Farms months ago. Like many farms in New England, they offer hayrides and apple picking but what caught my eye was the winter offerings and more specifically the Sleigh Ride. For real, snow required, over the river and through the woods sleigh ride. For smaller private rides, the sleigh used is an 18th century recreation pulled by two horses. Wouldn't this be an excellent and fun way to plan a winter proposal?

Photo by Rebekah Westover

So Boston Brides and Grooms, if your holiday proposal did not occur as expected maybe your partner is waiting for the snow to fall!!

Happy New Year!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:45:00 +0000

Wow! I am soooo behind with blogging! Life is busy busy busy but we are gearing up for a great 2012 season including a few collaborations with some great wedding vendors! Stay tuned for more info but in the meantime I would love to design a winter wedding with green and gold accents. The perfect addition would be an evergreen monogram. This one from Ballard Designs is faux (and on sale!) so you can incorporate it into your holiday decorations for years to come! Love!

Via

Friday Images: Bubbles!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:30:00 +0000

I just love this candid shot captured after the recessional in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Photography by Azriel Photography

DOC Tips: Adding Local Flavor to your Reception: NJ Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I'm on a business trip (for the day job) in New Jersey. Since I grew up in the area there are always a few things that I try to make sure I fit in or bring back to New England. Those same things would be perfect additions to your wedding reception. Serve local favorites at the Reception, tuck them into a Welcome Bag or offer them up as favors. Here are a few of my local picks (next week I will do the same for New England):

1. Halo Farm Ice Cream: local microdairy based in Trenton, NJ. The ice cream is local, delish and very affordable. Perfect for an ice cream bar or to match up with Wedding Cake. My favorites are Coffee Heath Bar, Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Vanilla Cherry.

2. Small World Coffee. Local Princeton Coffee Shop with tasty coffee, desserts and coffee paraphernalia. Provide your guests with individual bags of coffee or chocolate covered espresso beans.

3. Tastykakes. Philadelphia's own Tasty Baking Company has been producing Cupcakes, Krimpets and Kandy Kakes since 1914. With limited distribution only in the tristate area, introduce your guests to these scrumptious items. I will be returning to Boston with a few boxes!

Friday Images: Princeton in the Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:30:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to spend this week in one of my favorite places: Home. Home happens to be Princeton, New Jersey and the Princeton University campuses is one of the most picturesque places that I know. Case in point:

Photo by Marie Labbancz

Breast Cancer Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:32:00 +0000

I recently became a stylist for Stella and Dot Jewelry. Its a great little company, a fabulous line of jewelry and perfect for brides. In October they are selling a Tribute Bracelet and 20% of the sales of this bracelet are going toward The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Jessica from The Budget Savvy Bride is participating in a 100 Bracelet Challenge! I love this idea so I am going to "borrow" the idea from Jessica.

Here are the details:

My goal is to sell 100 Tribute Bracelets! When I reach that goal, $720 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation from Stella & Dot. I’m pledging another $280 myself in order to reach $1k total in donations.

How can you help?
Buy a tribute bracelet (or two) on my website.
When prompted, choose “Breast Cancer Awareness” as your hostess.
Wear one or Gift one as you feel is appropriate.

As an added incentive:
For every bracelet that you purchase you will receive one chance to win all hostess rewards for this special October event!!

Look it even layers well!!!

Day of Coordinator Top Five: Church Venues

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Boston is full of amazing venues; little historic nooks and crannies, modern architecture and stunning green spaces. It is one of the very many reasons I love working weddings in Boston! Today, I am featuring my favorite wedding chapels in the area. If this is the type of ceremony venue you are looking for check out my most recent Day of Coordinator Top Five!

1. Memorial Church. Located in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Memorial Church provides spiritual services for the Harvard University Community. Its a beautiful church in a beautiful location.

Photo by Joseph Prezioso

2. Old North Church. Located in the North End of Boston and filled with Historical Significance, the church is simple New England elegance at its best. Your guests will enjoy watching the ceremony in the "One if by Land, Two if by Sea" Church.

3. Swedenborg Chapel. Memorial Church's neighbor: a small gothic stone church built in 1901 in Cambridge. The interior is just as charming as the exterior.

4. Marsh Chapel. Overlooking the Charles River, the Marsh Chapel is central to the Boston University Campus. You do not need a BU Affiliation to reserve the Chapel.

5. The Paulist Center. Hidden between the State House and Suffolk Law School is a the Paulist Center. If you were not looking for it you would not even know it there! Inside is a beautiful square modern Roman Catholic Space.

Photo by Geneve Rege

Friday Images: Red Wedding Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:15:00 +0000

I love Matt Mendelsohn's work, but the Bride's red dress is what spoke to me in this image. Swoon.

Photo by Matt Mendelsohn

Wedding Inspiration: Kate Moss Style

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Many of you have already seen the photos from Kate Moss by Mario Testino in Vogue. The photos seem unreal like they were an elaborate photo shoot but as I looked at the extended slideshow I realized the day was very real and very personal, which should be evert Bride and Groom's goal on their wedding day, even supermodels.

Enjoy my favorites!

LOVE THIS TENT DECOR and the Chairs...Swoon!

Classic Wedding Cake

The M stands for McCartney

From the local stone church to the amazing champagne fountain, there is a a lot of inspiration to be gained from Kate Moss' event. Is this what you expected when you heard Kate was getting married?

Friday Images: Ischia

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:00:00 +0000

We are here. You should join us.

DOC Fave | Chalkboard Decor & Chalk Calligraphy

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Calligraphy by Li Ward of Fat Orange Cat Studio

Chalkboards are really popular wedding decor items and you can use them in many fabulous ways! I have done two weddings where chalkboard featured prominently as signage, table numbers and menus; there are a lot of options.

The chalk menu above was a partial DIY project by the Bride. Using Foam Board, an old frame and a can of chalkboard paint, the bride handed over the menu to Li Ward! It was a great welcome for all the guests as they entered the tent.

Photo and Calligraphy by Li Ward of Fat Orange Cat Studio

Chalkboards make the perfect signage for your event! Instead of one big menu, you can put individual menus of each table!

Photo by Tim Ryan Smith and Calligraphy by Li Ward of Fat Orange Cat Studio

With a little ribbon, you can turn mini chalkboards from here into something like this:

Photo by Tim Ryan Smith and Calligraphy by Li Ward of Fat Orange Cat Studio

You can also use a garden sign pointing your guests toward lawn games of corn hole and bocce:

Another way to incorporate chalkboard is in your table numbers.

Photo and Calligraphy by Li Ward of Fat Orange Cat Studio

The numbers above were Herb Markers purchased in the spring from Crate and Barrel. They are currently not available but they have been sold the last two seasons so keep your eyes open!

Photo by Tim Ryan Smith and Calligraphy by Li Ward of Fat Orange Cat Studio

Don't they look great in action! You can track down similar markers here and also here and end up with centerpieces like this:

Flowers by Petelena and Photo by Geneve Reve Photography

Whether or not you are going to do this yourself or hire a professional you will want to invest in permanent chalk markers. The markers only can be removed with water so all your hard work won't brush off on a guest's suit. Li and I have discovered that the best markers for this type of stuff is produced by a company called Chalk Ink. We've used other brands with less than stellar results.

Also if you are interested in having chalk calligraphy done for your wedding plan ahead and call Li in advance: she books up and this type of work does take some time!

We had a great time with both of these weddings and the chalkboard accents were extremely well received by all the guests!

Esq.Events | Day of Coordination | Out of the Office

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +0000

Esq.Events will be closed this week while Matt and I travel to Southern Italy for an early fall respite!

I've scheduled a few posts throughout the week and then I will be back! In the meantime, feel free to reach out, we are still booking Fall and Winter Weddings for 2011! If you have just realized you need a coordinator let us know!

Friday Images: New York, New York!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:26:00 +0000

If you have been to Times Square in the summer (or lets be honest at any time) you know that this shot could not have been easy to grab. Just goes to show that Wedding Attire are powerful forces..even in NYC.

Photo by Craig Paulson Photography

Friday Images: The Shore

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

You can trust my childhood experiences when I tell you that Jersey Shore is not what you see on TV. Case in point.

Via Jeff Tisman Photography

Friday Images: Unique Perspectives

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0000

This image caught my eye because I have never been in Quincy Market, down by Faneuil Hall, without a thousand other people. Tourists and School Children run around this location like locusts and yet this image makes you think this couple is alone!

Photo by Shang Chen Photography

Friday Images: The Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer A. Ponting) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

You would never guess where these Bridesmaid Dresses are from so I am just going to tell you: Forever 21...I know!! I was shocked too. Love them and the color!

Photo by the Youngrens