PUBLISHED
PUBLISHED
AN AUTUMN WEDDING THE KENSINGTON GOLF COUNTRY CLUB NAPLES, FLORIDA
Natalie and Daniel had a destination wedding for their 200 guests, paying careful mind to incorporate the cultural traditions of both families (Daniel is African-American; Natalie is Haitian and Lebanese). “Our guests loved it,” beams Natalie. The bride’s father contributed baklava he himself had baked, and the families helped with welcome gifts and music selection – the latter turning out to be the most unique aspect of the treasured day. “(We had) Haitian music, Arab music, old school R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, Alternative. It was a blast, and we danced from the moment we walked into the reception to the end. It was a great merger of our three diverse cultures,” notes Daniel. The couple craved an autumnal color scheme with Moroccan/Eastern flair, aspects their wedding planner and florist melded with surprising ease. Seductive fall hues such as plums, oranges, and greens were
incorporated into the décor, tones that were also reflected in Natalie’s arresting bouquet. While Daniel left most of the decorative details to his bride, he was passionately involved in the selection of the attire he and his groomsmen wore. “The suits were custom-made by My.Suit in New York City and the shoes were custom- designed pairs of Converse. I chose the color scheme for the shoes and had each groomsman’s nickname embroidered on the outside of his pair. Surrounded by shimmering candles, wicker elements, and organic branches reaching skyward, Natalie and Daniel added a few twists to the ceremony to highlight their eclectic personalities. In lieu of a traditional arch, a wood-framed mirror reflected the image of the couple during the vow exchange. The pair observed the African tradition of broom jumping, and incorporated a very special sand ceremony into the proceedings as well. “My sand was from Haiti,” shares Natalie, “and Daniel’s was from our last walk on the beach – taken the morning of the wedding – as single individuals. ”Entertainment at the reception was diverse and infused with fun. “We had belly dancers perform, and I had my family gather their favorite Haitian songs,” says the bride. Performances and photos aside, the bride and groom both felt the most memorable moment of the night was their first dance. “As cliché as it sounds, we felt like we were the only ones in the room,” admits Natalie. “And according to he feedback, we apparently acted that way, too!”
To see more of their wedding, check out Inside Weddings
AN AUTUMN WEDDING THE KENSINGTON GOLF COUNTRY CLUB NAPLES, FLORIDA
Natalie and Daniel had a destination wedding for their 200 guests, paying careful mind to incorporate the cultural traditions of both families (Daniel is African-American; Natalie is Haitian and
Lebanese). “Our guests loved it,” beams Natalie. The bride’s father contributed baklava he himself had baked, and the families helped with welcome gifts and music selection – the latter turning out to
be the most unique aspect of the treasured day. “(We had) Haitian music, Arab music, old school R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, Alternative. It was a blast, and we danced from the moment we walked into the reception to the end. It was a great merger of our three diverse cultures,” notes Daniel. The couple craved an autumnal color scheme with Moroccan/Eastern flair, aspects their wedding planner and florist melded with surprising ease. Seductive fall hues such as plums, oranges, and greens were incorporated into the décor, tones that were also reflected in Natalie’s arresting bouquet. While Daniel left most of the decorative details to his bride, he was passionately involved in the selection of the attire he and his groomsmen wore. “The suits were custom-made by My.Suit in New York City and the shoes were custom- designed pairs of Converse. I chose the color scheme for the shoes and had each groomsman’s nickname embroidered on the outside of his pair. Surrounded by shimmering candles, wicker elements, and organic branches reaching skyward, Natalie and Daniel added a few twists to the ceremony to highlight their eclectic personalities. In lieu of a traditional arch, a wood-framed mirror reflected the image of the couple during the vow exchange. The pair observed the African tradition of broom jumping, and incorporated a very special sand ceremony into the proceedings as well. “My sand was from Haiti,” shares Natalie, “and Daniel’s was from our last walk on the beach – taken the morning of the wedding – as single individuals. ”Entertainment at the reception was diverse and infused with fun. “We had belly dancers perform, and I had my family gather their favorite Haitian songs,” says the bride. Performances and photos aside, the bride and groom both felt the most memorable moment of the night was their first dance. “As cliché as it sounds, we felt like we were the only ones in the room,” admits Natalie. “And according to he feedback, we apparently acted that way, too!”
To see more of their wedding, check out Inside Weddings
TROPICAL THEME BEACH WEDDING PORT ROYAL CLUB NAPLES, FLORIDA
Lauren and Chris wanted to celebrate their wedding at the beach and loved the idea of giving their guests a reason to turn the wedding weekend into a mini-vacation. The bride and groom decided to hold the festivities at the Port Royal Club in Naples, Florida, where the bride’s parents are members and where their guests could really indulge in a warm weather getaway. With most of their guests traveling from the Philadelphia area, thecouple pulled out all the stops and treated them to a weekend of pure fun in the sun. From the moment guests arrived to find their hotel rooms stocked with goodies in woven welcome bags to the final Bloody Mary they enjoyed at the post-wedding brunch, each of the couple’s lucky loved ones felt like they, too, were the center of attention. The décor for the wedding was created around a central color palette – raspberry, key lime, and white – as well as a unifying palm tree and monogram motif, which adorned everything from the save the- dates to the custom labels found on souvenir bottles of water and sunscreen. The vibrant tones and palm tree symbol reflected the tropical setting and the carefree mood the couple succeeded in creating for their celebration. Flanked by seven bridesmaids in custom-made dresses and an equal number of groomsmen wearing coordinating ties, the couple stood beneath a double archway of bowing palm branches to exchange vows. They also participated in a personalized “sand ceremony” designed to unite the two stages of their relationship. In one glass urn, sand from Long Beach Island symbolized their meaningful courtship, while sand in another urn from the beach in Naples symbolized their marriage. Together, they poured both contents into a third vessel, inextricably mingling the grains.Lauren and Chris spent a lot of time designing their menu (they also threw a Cuban-inspired rehearsal dinner and an all- American Sunday brunch) as a wonderful mix of exotic tastes and familiar favorites. Even the parents of the bride got in on the culinary act and surprised the newlyweds with an after party complete with milkshake shooters and miniature Philly cheesesteak sandwiches––tasty tributes to their hometown. Inside the reception, guests found their seats with the help of place cards attached to tiny shells and table numbers tied to starfish and set in sand. The tables, both round and rectangular, were draped in raspberry linens and topped with alternating centerpieces of pink and green flowers – hydrangea, cymbidium orchids, roses, and spider mums – in contemporary arrangements. Some of the arrangements were displayed in candelabra made from twisted branches while others supported clear boxes filled with votive candles. No detail was overlooked, not even the dessert service, which, in addition to a buffet of sweets complete with a fondue fountain, included delicately plated slices of the couple’s beach-themed cake. But even when the last piece was enjoyed and the final guest bid the weekend farewell, their tropical paradise was not over: they spent their honeymoon in Anguilla, with glasses of their favorite rum punch in their hands and sand between their toes.
Read more about their wedding on Inside Weddings.
TROPICAL THEME BEACH WEDDING PORT ROYAL CLUB NAPLES, FLORIDA
Lauren and Chris wanted to celebrate their wedding at the beach and loved the idea of giving their guests a reason to turn the wedding weekend into a mini-vacation. The bride and groom decided to hold the festivities at the Port Royal Club in Naples, Florida, where the bride’s parents are members and where their guests could really indulge in a warm weather getaway. With most of their guests traveling from the Philadelphia area, thecouple pulled out all the stops and treated them to a weekend of pure fun in the sun. From the moment guests arrived to find their hotel rooms stocked with goodies in woven welcome bags to the final Bloody Mary they enjoyed at the post-wedding brunch, each of the couple’s lucky loved ones felt like they, too, were the center of attention. The décor for the wedding was created around a central color palette – raspberry, key lime, and white – as well as a unifying palm tree and monogram motif, which adorned everything from the save the- dates to the custom labels found on souvenir bottles of water and sunscreen. The vibrant tones and palm tree symbol reflected the tropical setting and the carefree mood the couple succeeded in creating for their celebration. Flanked by seven bridesmaids in custom-made dresses and an equal number of groomsmen wearing coordinating ties, the couple stood beneath a double archway of bowing palm branches to exchange vows. They also participated in a personalized “sand ceremony” designed to unite the two stages of their relationship. In one glass urn, sand from Long Beach Island symbolized their meaningful courtship, while sand in another urn from the beach in Naples symbolized their marriage. Together, they poured both contents into a third vessel, inextricably mingling the grains.Lauren and Chris spent a lot of time designing their menu (they also threw a Cuban-inspired rehearsal dinner and an all- American Sunday brunch) as a wonderful mix of exotic tastes and familiar favorites. Even the parents of the bride got in on the culinary act and surprised the newlyweds with an after party complete with milkshake shooters and miniature Philly cheesesteak sandwiches––tasty tributes to their hometown. Inside the reception, guests found their seats with the help of place cards attached to tiny shells and table numbers tied to starfish and set in sand. The tables, both round and rectangular, were draped in raspberry linens and topped with alternating centerpieces of pink and green flowers – hydrangea, cymbidium orchids, roses, and spider mums – in contemporary arrangements. Some of the arrangements were displayed in candelabra made from twisted branches while others supported clear boxes filled with votive candles. No detail was overlooked, not even the dessert service, which, in addition to a buffet of sweets complete with a fondue fountain, included delicately plated slices of the couple’s beach-themed cake. But even when the last piece was enjoyed and the final guest bid the weekend farewell, their tropical paradise was not over: they spent their honeymoon in Anguilla, with glasses of their favorite rum punch in their hands and sand between their toes.
Read more about their wedding on Inside Weddings.
CHARMING SPRING ENGLISH GARDEN WEDDING PINE HILL, NEW JERSEY
Kristin and Doug first decided that the ceremony would be held at Christ Episcopal Church where the bride’s parents were married. The parish is nestled in a quaint village and boasts incredible old-world charm in its architecture. For the reception, the couple wanted an English-garden theme set in the backyard of the bride’s mother’s modern country home. “The gardens around my parents’ home are fully in bloom with every possible color.” A whimsical dragonfly motif became the couple’s “signature detail,” and was incorporated into every facet of the wedding. A lattice design was also brought into play once Kristin chose a gorgeous Vera Wang gown with a lattice pattern on the train that reminded her of her family’s garden. The pattern was hand painted onto invitations and tablecloths, and also served as inspiration for the couple’s magnificent cake decorated with edible butterflies, flowers, vines, and a hummingbird. As guests entered the grounds for the cocktail hour and reception, they were met with a myriad of colorful blooms surrounding the tented area. Lush floral displays were beautifully arranged, and a genuine putting green was a bright nod to the male contingent at the event. Rectangular reception tables were lined with moss green taffeta and surrounded with complementing chairs in verdigris gold for an antique feel. Alternating floral centerpieces adorned each table so guests could fully enjoy the beauty and fragrance of every variety. “We wanted to bring all the various flowers and plants found in the garden right onto the tables,” Tall glass vases filled with blossoming branches and hanging candles were paired with smaller vessels of flowers or fuller sprays of mixed blooms to loosely mimic formal topiaries. Tables were also cleverly named for the same floral varieties found in the English garden, such as Rose, Hydrangea, Sweet Pea, Trumpet Vine, Lily, and Peony. “It was so magical… the scene was elegant and romantic.” For the cocktail hour, a seafood bar, a hot-rocks station (food cooked on 500-degree river rocks), and a variety of bite-sized hors d’oeuvres (such as meatballs speared with forks twirled with spaghetti) were set out for guests. The sit-down dinner began with French-served shots of lobster bisque, followed by a table side selection of roasted halibut or rack of lamb. Ice-cold shots of Limoncello and small cones of pineapple-mint sorbets were passed as a refresher before guests were handed slices of the beautifully adorned wedding cake. When attendees made their way into an after-party area eager to enjoy a “sushi station,” they were surprised to find that the elaborate display was actually composed of miniature cakes and other sweets. “They were unique and delicious – no one had ever seen that before!” says the bride of her favorite catering aspect. While everyone enjoyed the unbelievable fare, antique photo booth, and made-to-order cigar rolling, the couple agrees that having outstanding music is what madethe reception most pleasurable for everyone. “The band was hot both musically and visually!” exclaims the couple. “People were out of their seats dancing all night!”
Read more about their wedding on Inside Weddings.
CHARMING SPRING ENGLISH GARDEN WEDDING PINE HILL, NEW JERSEY
Kristin and Doug first decided that the ceremony would be held at Christ Episcopal Church where the bride’s parents were married. The parish is nestled in a quaint village and boasts incredible old-world charm in its architecture. For the reception, the couple wanted an English-garden theme set in the backyard of the bride’s mother’s modern country home. “The gardens around my parents’ home are fully in bloom with every possible color.” A whimsical dragonfly motif became the couple’s “signature detail,” and was incorporated into every facet of the wedding. A lattice design was also brought into play once Kristin chose a gorgeous Vera Wang gown with a lattice pattern on the train that reminded her of her family’s garden. The pattern was hand painted onto invitations and tablecloths, and also served as inspiration for the couple’s magnificent cake decorated with edible butterflies, flowers, vines, and a hummingbird. As guests entered the grounds for the cocktail hour and reception, they were met with a myriad of colorful blooms surrounding the tented area. Lush floral displays were beautifully arranged, and a genuine putting green was a bright nod to the male contingent at the event. Rectangular reception tables were lined with moss green taffeta and surrounded with complementing chairs in verdigris gold for an antique feel. Alternating floral centerpieces adorned each table so guests could fully enjoy the beauty and fragrance of every variety. “We wanted to bring all the various flowers and plants found in the garden right onto the tables,” Tall glass vases filled with blossoming branches and hanging candles were paired with smaller vessels of flowers or fuller sprays of mixed blooms to loosely mimic formal topiaries. Tables were also cleverly named for the same floral varieties found in the English garden, such as Rose, Hydrangea, Sweet Pea, Trumpet Vine, Lily, and Peony. “It was so magical… the scene was elegant and romantic.” For the cocktail hour, a seafood bar, a hot-rocks station (food cooked on 500-degree river rocks), and a variety of bite-sized hors d’oeuvres (such as meatballs speared with forks twirled with spaghetti) were set out for guests. The sit-down dinner began with French-served shots of lobster bisque, followed by a table side selection of roasted halibut or rack of lamb. Ice-cold shots of Limoncello and small cones of pineapple-mint sorbets were passed as a refresher before guests were handed slices of the beautifully adorned wedding cake. When attendees made their way into an after-party area eager to enjoy a “sushi station,” they were surprised to find that the elaborate display was actually composed of miniature cakes and other sweets. “They were unique and delicious – no one had ever seen that before!” says the bride of her favorite catering aspect. While everyone enjoyed the unbelievable fare, antique photo booth, and made-to-order cigar rolling, the couple agrees that having outstanding music is what madethe reception most pleasurable for everyone. “The band was hot both musically and visually!” exclaims the couple. “People were out of their seats dancing all night!”
Read more about their wedding on Inside Weddings.
A CITRUS COLORED BEACH WEDDING NAPLES BEACH HOTEL & GOLF CLUB NAPLES, FLORIDA
When the wedding coordination began, Meghan and Jordan agreed to focus on sharing their happiness and making sure that their guests felt welcome and included. “We decided right away that we wanted to be as comfortable as possible, and wanted our guests to feel that way, too,” the groom explains. “We left out tuxedos, ties, and even shoes, going with flip-flops instead.” The navy blue shade of the bridesmaid dresses helped inspire the couple’s color scheme. “I really wanted the flowers and the accents to pop against the dark hue of the gowns,”the bride asserts. “I love the color orange, so we stuck with bright oranges and pinks for the bouquets and the flower arrangements.” The décor for the couple’s ceremony was cheerful and appropriate for a beachside affair. Programs were bound with silky tangerine ribbon and placed in a basket surrounded by seashells. Starfish strung with brightly colored streamers accented chairs placed along a woven sea grass runner. Stalks of bamboo topped with palm fronds and tied with additional streamers towered overhead at the end of the aisle. Miniature starfish accented the bride’s
multicolored bouquet, and replaced the blooms in boutonnieres worn by the groom and hisgroomsmen. Also incorporated into the ceremony on Naples Beach was a special version of the sand ritual. “We used sand from both of our hometowns,” the bride explains. The vibrant colors of the ceremony were even more in evidence at the indoor reception that followed. Artful lighting cast the room in violet, and Japanese lanterns in shades of shocking pink, mandarin orange, lime green, and vivid turquoise were suspended overhead. Round reception tables covered in citrus-colored cloths were adorned with flowers, starfish, and various forms of candles, including floating versions in bowls where goldfish also swam. A single, rectangular table with contrasting linens featured flowers in bud vases alternated with candles floating in tall glass containers. The stacked tiers of a red velvet wedding cake were iced in turquoise buttercream and decorated with sugar seashells and coral.
Read more about their wedding on Inside Weddings
A CITRUS COLORED BEACH WEDDING NAPLES BEACH HOTEL & GOLF CLUB NAPLES, FLORIDA
When the wedding coordination began, Meghan and Jordan agreed to focus on sharing their happiness and making sure that their guests felt welcome and included. “We decided right away that we wanted to be as comfortable as possible, and wanted our guests to feel that way, too,” the groom explains. “We left out tuxedos, ties, and even shoes, going with flip-flops instead.” The navy blue shade of the bridesmaid dresses helped inspire the couple’s color scheme. “I really wanted the flowers and the accents to pop against the dark hue of the gowns,”the bride asserts. “I love the color orange, so we stuck with bright oranges and pinks for the bouquets and the flower arrangements.” The décor for the couple’s ceremony was cheerful and appropriate for a beachside affair. Programs were bound with silky tangerine ribbon and placed in a basket surrounded by seashells. Starfish strung with brightly colored streamers accented chairs placed along a woven sea grass runner. Stalks of bamboo topped with palm fronds and tied with additional streamers towered overhead at the end of the aisle. Miniature starfish accented the bride’s
multicolored bouquet, and replaced the blooms in boutonnieres worn by the groom and hisgroomsmen. Also incorporated into the ceremony on Naples Beach was a special version of the sand ritual. “We used sand from both of our hometowns,” the bride explains. The vibrant colors of the ceremony were even more in evidence at the indoor reception that followed. Artful lighting cast the room in violet, and Japanese lanterns in shades of shocking pink, mandarin orange, lime green, and vivid turquoise were suspended overhead. Round reception tables covered in citrus-colored cloths were adorned with flowers, starfish, and various forms of candles, including floating versions in bowls where goldfish also swam. A single, rectangular table with contrasting linens featured flowers in bud vases alternated with candles floating in tall glass containers. The stacked tiers of a red velvet wedding cake were iced in turquoise buttercream and decorated with sugar seashells and coral.
Read more about their wedding on Inside Weddings
GRACE ORMONDE WEDDING STYLE
Ocean blue linens featuring vases of giant faux coral collared in
mixed blossoms.
Table arrangement photographed at Grey Oakland Country
Club, Naples, Florida.
Event planner: Soiree; Miami
Floral Design: 50 Fifty Creative Services
Linen and Chairs: A Touch of Class Linen, Miami
Lighting and drapes: Frost Lighting
GRACE ORMONDE WEDDING STYLE
Ocean blue linens featuring vases of giant faux coral collared in
mixed blossoms.
Table arrangement photographed at Grey Oakland Country
Club, Naples, Florida.
Event planner: Soiree; Miami
Floral Design: 50 Fifty Creative Services
Linen and Chairs: A Touch of Class Linen, Miami
Lighting and drapes: Frost Lighting
MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS
Reception Toasts Etiquette
Toasts are as integral a part of the reception as the cake-cutting and first dance, and the bride and groom should decide in advance when and how they will occur. With a little planning and preparation, this time-honored tradition can create some of the most cherished memories of the day.
Read more about reception toasts on Martha Stewart Weddings
MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS
Reception Toasts Etiquette
Toasts are as integral a part of the reception as the cake-cutting and first dance, and the bride and groom should decide in advance when and how they will occur. With a little planning and preparation, this time-honored tradition can create some of the most cherished memories of the day.
Read more about reception toasts on Martha Stewart Weddings
THE KNOT: ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Sarah wanted to look natural yet stunning. Her strapless gown from Rivini, Kleinfeld Bridal captured the effortless elegance. The centerpieces: Local flowers in mason jars were a homespun twist on traditional centerpieces. The ceremony was held at Lake Junaluska Memorial Chapel. The couple exchanged vows surrounded by vibrant arrangements of local in-season blooms.
Reception site: Hidden River Events, Swannanoa, NC
Flowers: Urban Farm Girl Flowers, Black Mountain NC
THE KNOT: ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Sarah wanted to look natural yet stunning. Her strapless gown from Rivini, Kleinfeld Bridal captured the effortless elegance. The centerpieces: Local flowers in mason jars were a homespun twist on traditional centerpieces. The ceremony was held at Lake Junaluska Memorial Chapel. The couple exchanged vows surrounded by vibrant arrangements of local in-season blooms.
Reception site: Hidden River Events, Swannanoa, NC
Flowers: Urban Farm Girl Flowers, Black Mountain NC
TRADITIONAL SPRING WEDDING NAPLES YACHT CLUB NAPLES, FLORIDA
Not many people can say they fell in love at The White House, but for Kendell and Andrew that’s exactly how it happened. After working together on several events during the George W. Bush administration, the couple realized their relationship had turned romantic.“Since both Andrew and I have lived in multiple cities, we knew that our wedding was going to be a destination wedding for us.” With that in mind, the couple decided on the Florida town of Naples to make it “a mini vacation of sorts.” The couple chose vendors based primarily on the level of service they provided. “The decision-making factor was exemplary service because with bad service the whole wedding would have been impacted.” Programs were cleverly created on paper fans and added a touch of whimsy to the traditional nuptials.The bride, accompanied by her father, walked down the aisle wearing a delicate lace gown by Oscar de La Renta that was complemented with a verdant bouquet of romantic ivory peonies. At the reception, guests found their seats by way of place cards embellished with seashells. The room was classic in interior design, which made the décor all the more striking. Mixtures of roses, peonies, hydrangeas, orchids, and ranunculus blossoms graced tables in magnificent large centerpieces that included a variety of seashells, sea stars, and candlelight. Personalized menus that included an individual guest’s name above a small starfish were placed at the appropriate seats. Of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without a nod to the national monument where it all began. “We had an ice sculpture in the form of The White House. “It made for a great photo-op for guests.”
Read more about their wedding on Inside Weddings
TRADITIONAL SPRING WEDDING NAPLES YACHT CLUB NAPLES, FLORIDA
Not many people can say they fell in love at The White House, but for Kendell and Andrew that’s exactly how it happened. After working together on several events during the George W. Bush administration, the couple realized their relationship had turned romantic.“Since both Andrew and I have lived in multiple cities, we knew that our wedding was going to be a destination wedding for us.” With that in mind, the couple decided on the Florida town of Naples to make it “a mini vacation of sorts.” The couple chose vendors based primarily on the level of service they provided. “The decision-making factor was exemplary service because with bad service the whole wedding would have been impacted.” Programs were cleverly created on paper fans and added a touch of whimsy to the traditional nuptials.The bride, accompanied by her father, walked down the aisle wearing a delicate lace gown by Oscar de La Renta that was complemented with a verdant bouquet of romantic ivory peonies. At the reception, guests found their seats by way of place cards embellished with seashells. The room was classic in interior design, which made the décor all the more striking. Mixtures of roses, peonies, hydrangeas, orchids, and ranunculus blossoms graced tables in magnificent large centerpieces that included a variety of seashells, sea stars, and candlelight. Personalized menus that included an individual guest’s name above a small starfish were placed at the appropriate seats. Of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without a nod to the national monument where it all began. “We had an ice sculpture in the form of The White House. “It made for a great photo-op for guests.”
Read more about their wedding on Inside Weddings
LOVE: A CELEBRATION OF HUMANITY
Edited by Geoff Blackwell
(Book series 1 of 3)
In this stunning photographic collection, 100 photographers, including a number of Pulitzer Prize winners, bring to light this profound feeling through photographs from the M.I.L.K. Collection: Moments of Intimacy, Laughter, and Kinship — one of the most ambitious photographic competitions ever staged. These award-winning photographers have captured the essence of our most profound relationship: family. Cutting across race and nationality, their photographs — chosen from 40,000 entries worldwide — bring to life the intimate moments and emotions shared by all families, whether in Australia, Rwanda, Colombia, or the United States. The M.I.L.K. project was conceived to honor what it is to be part of a family. Look at the men, women, and children on these pages. In their faces you will recognize yourself and your loved ones, for you, too, are a member of the great kinship that is the human family.
LOVE: A CELEBRATION OF HUMANITY
Edited by Geoff Blackwell
(Book series 1 of 3)
In this stunning photographic collection, 100 photographers, including a number of Pulitzer Prize winners, bring to light this profound feeling through photographs from the M.I.L.K. Collection: Moments of Intimacy, Laughter, and Kinship — one of the most ambitious photographic competitions ever staged. These award-winning photographers have captured the essence of our most profound relationship: family. Cutting across race and nationality, their photographs — chosen from 40,000 entries worldwide — bring to life the intimate moments and emotions shared by all families, whether in Australia, Rwanda, Colombia, or the United States. The M.I.L.K. project was conceived to honor what it is to be part of a family. Look at the men, women, and children on these pages. In their faces you will recognize yourself and your loved ones, for you, too, are a member of the great kinship that is the human family.
FRIENDSHIP, FAMILY, LOVE & LAUGHTER
Inspired by the 1950s landmark photographic exhibition, ‘The Family of Man’, M.I.L.K. began as an epic global search to find unique and geographically diverse images on the themes of friendship, family and love. It was not only the richest in photographic history, but also one of the most significant, drawing participation from 17,000 professional and amateur photographers in 164 countries. Intotal over 40,000 images were received by M.I.L.K., including at least four Pulitzer Prize-winners. The 300 winning images were chosen by the Chief Judge Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt, and were the basis for three books entitled “Friendship”, “Family”, “Love & Laughter”
FRIENDSHIP, FAMILY, LOVE & LAUGHTER
Inspired by the 1950s landmark photographic exhibition, ‘The Family of Man’, M.I.L.K. began as an epic global search to find unique and geographically diverse images on the themes of friendship, family and love. It was not only the richest in photographic history, but also one of the most significant, drawing participation from 17,000 professional and amateur photographers in 164 countries. Intotal over 40,000 images were received by M.I.L.K., including at least four Pulitzer Prize-winners. The 300 winning images were chosen by the Chief Judge Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt, and were the basis for three books entitled “Friendship”, “Family”, “Love & Laughter”
DEAR MOM
Edited by Geoff Blackwell
Dear Mom and Dear Dad are tributes to two of life’s most fundamental relationships. These unforgettable images of grandparents, parents, and children alike celebrate what it is to be part of a family, to share the gift of friendship, and, more than anything else, to be loved. This book is part of the M.I.LK. series, conceived to honor what it is to be part of a family. These award-winning photographers have captured the essence of our most profound relationship: family.
DEAR MOM
Edited by Geoff Blackwell
Dear Mom and Dear Dad are tributes to two of life’s most fundamental relationships. These unforgettable images of grandparents, parents, and children alike celebrate what it is to be part of a family, to share the gift of friendship, and, more than anything else, to be loved. This book is part of the M.I.LK. series, conceived to honor what it is to be part of a family. These award-winning photographers have captured the essence of our most profound relationship: family.
YOU CAN WEAR IT AGAIN
A Celebration of Bridesmaids Dresses
By Meg Mateo Ilasco (founder of The Knot)
You Can Wear It Again pays loving tribute to fifty years of bridesmaids’ dresses, as featured in real-life weddings. The product of both fashion trends and the bride’s whims, bridesmaids’ dresses may take the form of medieval costume, complete with wimple; slip dresses with real feathered wings to transform maids into true angels; or the ruffled peach taffeta with puff sleeves that so dominated the 1980s. Whatever the look, you can be sure it’s been in and out of fashion more than once.
YOU CAN WEAR IT AGAIN
A Celebration of Bridesmaids Dresses
By Meg Mateo Ilasco (founder of The Knot)
You Can Wear It Again pays loving tribute to fifty years of bridesmaids’ dresses, as featured in real-life weddings. The product of both fashion trends and the bride’s whims, bridesmaids’ dresses may take the form of medieval costume, complete with wimple; slip dresses with real feathered wings to transform maids into true angels; or the ruffled peach taffeta with puff sleeves that so dominated the 1980s. Whatever the look, you can be sure it’s been in and out of fashion more than once.
PRESS
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY UNVEILED: Inspiration and Insight from 20 Top Photographers
Inspiration and Insight from 20 Top Photographers
By Jacqueline Tobin
Wedding Photography Unveiled reveals the art, philosophies, strategies, business practices, and techniques of twenty top wedding photographers from across the United States and showcases their favorite images.
MELISSA MERMIN: “I love images that make people laugh and disturb the senses a bit, like great art does. I always walk a fine line at weddings of making images that please my client and making images that are personal to me. They are commissioning your vision.”
BACKGROUND: Before photographing people professionally, Melissa Mermin was an in-house product photographer for a design company. In 1996 she was hired to shoot her first wedding and has since had a passion for capturing perfect moments through a camera. She received her BFA in painting from Massachusetts College of Art and soon after studied photojournalism under Boston Globe photographer Janet Knott. In 2003, Mermin partnered with Earl Christie to form the team of Mermin + Christie Photographers. She now works independently again, under the company name Melissa Mermin LoveStories.
IN MELISSA’S BAG: Two Canon 5Ds, 16-35mm f/2.8, 85mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 80-200mm f/4 IS, Canon 580 flash with a few diffusers, a few PocketWizards, wires and gizmos, lots of batteries and chargers, lots of 4-gig flash cards, an Epson 4000 storage viewer, and a 15-inch Macbook Pro laptop for editing. Stands and umbrellas for portraits using flash go in a separate bag. (For dark hotel weddings, Mermin rents Dyna-Lites with extra long cords or uses her Canon flashes on stands and slaves them.)
CAN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT: “The Canon 5D, my 16-35mm f/2.8 lens, and my 85mm f/1.4 lens. I could shoot an entire event with just those if I had to.”
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY UNVEILED: Inspiration and Insight from 20 Top Photographers
Inspiration and Insight from 20 Top Photographers
By Jacqueline Tobin
Wedding Photography Unveiled reveals the art, philosophies, strategies, business practices, and techniques of twenty top wedding photographers from across the United States and showcases their favorite images.
MELISSA MERMIN: “I love images that make people laugh and disturb the
senses a bit, like great art does. I always walk a fine line at weddings of making images that please my client and making images that are personal to me. They are commissioning your vision.”
BACKGROUND: Before photographing people professionally, Melissa Mermin was an in-house product photographer for a design company. In 1996 she was hired to shoot her first wedding and has since had a passion for capturing perfect moments through a camera. She received her BFA in painting from Massachusetts College of Art and soon after studied photojournalism under Boston Globe photographer Janet Knott. In 2003, Mermin partnered with Earl Christie to form the team of Mermin + Christie Photographers. She now works independently again, under the company name Melissa Mermin LoveStories.
IN MELISSA’S BAG: Two Canon 5Ds, 16-35mm f/2.8, 85mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 80-200mm f/4 IS, Canon 580 flash with a few diffusers, a few PocketWizards, wires and gizmos, lots of batteries and chargers, lots of 4-gig flash cards, an Epson 4000 storage viewer, and a 15-inch Macbook Pro laptop for editing. Stands and umbrellas for portraits using flash go in a separate bag. (For dark hotel weddings, Mermin rents Dyna-Lites with extra long cords or uses her Canon flashes on stands and slaves them.)
CAN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT: “The Canon 5D, my 16-35mm f/2.8 lens, and my 85mm f/1.4 lens. I could shoot an entire event with just those if I had to.”
INSIDE WEDDINGS: ASK THE EXPERT 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Photographer
Choosing the Perfect Professional (from Inside Weddings, 2010)
You finally set a date, picked your venue, caterer, florist, cake and the perfect dress that expresses who you are. Now, who will be the one to beautifully capture the story of your big day? A photograph is all you have after it’s over in a blink of an eye, so this is something you don’t want to skimp on. Many photographer book popular dates two years in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute to start your research. There are a lot of photographers out there to choose from these days, and it can feel overwhelming. Everyone these days including your grandma calls themselves a “photographer” in this digital age we live. It’s a good idea to pick an experienced seasoned photographer over a friend who offers to take some snapshots between glasses of champagne, or the ‘weekend warrior” who does some wedding photography as a hobby.
Seek Introductions
The internet is a great way to look at portfolios and see styles you like. You can get a quick feel for the photographer’s style and personality from their website, and it can be a good place to weed out who’s work you really connect with. Magazines and many wedding internet sites now feature ‘Real Weddings’ so you can not only get ideas for your own wedding, but also see a photographer’s talent documenting one wedding from start to finish.
Personal referrals are probably the best way to narrow your search; ask your friends to see their wedding images and if they had a good rapport with their photographer. Look at your catering manager recommendation lists as they have worked with these photographers in the past. They often have recent weddings photographed at the venue you’ve chosen, and it’s a great way to envision how your wedding may look like and get ideas for where you might want to do your formal posed pictures. Hiring a wedding consultant will not just give you more peace of mind; they can often show you albums of photographers they have worked with in the past, so you can let them do some of the screening process to narrow it down to 2 or 3. A professional referral is valuable resource as they usually have worked with other wedding professionals who they trust and are considered the best in their field of expertise. For destination weddings, you may not be able to meet with the photographer in person, but some photographers have a personal interview video to get a virtual feel, and scheduling a phone interview or Skyping is a great way to see if you connect personality-wise. Next to your fiancée, your photographer is the wedding professional you will be most intimate with during and after your wedding, so it’s important to feel really comfortable with them. If your photographer is local, doing an engagement photo session is a great way for both of you to get to know each other before the wedding.
Questions To Ask
Ask if the photographer you’re meeting with and whose work you are viewing will be the person who actually shows up on your big day. Many studios typically do hundredsof weddings a year and may work with a revolving door of up-and-coming photographers. The last thing you want is for a stranger to show up at your wedding, which can spell disaster if your personalities don’t click or you don’t like their work. Find out what happens if your photographer is ill and can’t show; do you get your deposits back or do they substitute another? What happens to your deposit if in an unlikely event you need to postpone or cancel your wedding? Do they offer albums and image proof books? Are the high-resolution images included in the coverage (also known as ‘digital negatives’)? If you are doing a destination wedding or hiring a photographer far from your venue, what are their travel fees? Are engagement photo sessions included or priced separately? What is the cost for additional coverage time, and are they available to cover a rehearsal dinner or next-day brunch? Will the photographer contact you before the wedding to go over details like last minute changes to the schedule (i.e, a rain plan for doing your formal portraits indoors?)
Packages and Pricing
Don’t hire the cheapest photographer on your list if they are not one of your favorites. To quote John Ruskin, “There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man’s lawful prey.”
Many photographers have a minimum number of hours they are contracted for, or they provide “complete” coverage of the day, typically 7-10 hours. You can also hire your photographer to get coverage of your rehearsal dinner or post-wedding farewell party if you are having a destination event with many celebrations throughout the weekend. Within a few weeks after your wedding, your images are usually posted to a private website for viewing and ordering prints. Your photographer may also offer the images on a high res DVD (also known as ‘digital negatives’) or may be available for purchase. If you know you want an engagement session, albums and other goodies, many photographers offer a package of goods and services that are written into your wedding agreement and save you money if you were to purchase them separately after the wedding. To hold your date, most photographers require a signed wedding agreement, as well as a retainer fee ranging from $1000 to 50% of the package price. The remaining balance can be due anywhere from 6 months to a week before the wedding.
Get it in Writing
Once you’ve made your decision on who you will be hiring, have your wedding agreement state who will be actually shooting your wedding, and make sure the work you are viewing in the studio is the person who will be showing up. Also get in writing what happens if your photographer is ill or cannot physically show up, and make sure any deposits paid will be refunded. Many photographers require a meals for themselves and their crew, and if it’s in a photographers agreement, make sure you let the caterer know to make extra meals for your vendors.
Commissioning a photographer is like commissioning an artist to create a unique and personal work of art for you, so be very choosy on viewing portfolios, personality and what post-wedding services they offer to show off your wedding. It is the one thing you get to hold on to after it’s all over in a blink of an eye.
INSIDE WEDDINGS: ASK THE EXPERT 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Photographer
Choosing the Perfect Professional (from Inside Weddings, 2010)
You finally set a date, picked your venue, caterer, florist, cake and the perfect dress that expresses who you are. Now, who will be the one to beautifully capture the story of your big day? A photograph is all you have after it’s over in a blink of an eye, so this is something you don’t want to skimp on. Many photographer book popular dates two years in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute to start your research. There are a lot of photographers out there to choose from these days, and it can feel overwhelming. Everyone these days including your grandma calls themselves a “photographer” in this digital age we live. It’s a good idea to pick an experienced seasoned photographer over a friend who offers to take some snapshots between glasses of champagne, or the ‘weekend warrior” who does some wedding photography as a hobby.
Seek Introductions
The internet is a great way to look at portfolios and see styles you like. You can get a quick feel for the photographer’s style and personality from their website, and it can be a good place to weed out who’s work you really connect with. Magazines and many wedding internet sites now feature ‘Real Weddings’ so you can not only get ideas for your own wedding, but also see a photographer’s talent documenting one wedding from start to finish.
Personal referrals are probably the best way to narrow your search; ask your friends to see their wedding images and if they had a good rapport with their photographer. Look at your catering manager recommendation lists as they have worked with these photographers in the past. They often have recent weddings photographed at the venue you’ve chosen, and it’s a great way to envision how your wedding may look like and get ideas for where you might want to do your formal posed pictures. Hiring a wedding consultant will not just give you more peace of mind; they can often show you albums of photographers they have worked with in the past, so you can let them do some of the screening process to narrow it down to 2 or 3. A professional referral is valuable resource as they usually have worked with other wedding professionals who they trust and are considered the best in their field of expertise. For destination weddings, you may not be able to meet with the photographer in person, but some photographers have a personal interview video to get a virtual feel, and scheduling a phone interview or Skyping is a great way to see if you connect personality-wise. Next to your fiancée, your photographer is the wedding professional you will be most intimate with during and after your wedding, so it’s important to feel really comfortable with them. If your photographer is local, doing an engagement photo session is a great way for both of you to get to know each other before the wedding.
Questions To Ask
Ask if the photographer you’re meeting with and whose work you are viewing will be the person who actually shows up on your big day. Many studios typically do hundredsof weddings a year and may work with a revolving door of up-and-coming photographers. The last thing you want is for a stranger to show up at your wedding, which can spell disaster if your personalities don’t click or you don’t like their work. Find out what happens if your photographer is ill and can’t show; do you get your deposits back or do they substitute another? What happens to your deposit if in an unlikely event you need to postpone or cancel your wedding? Do they offer albums and image proof books? Are the high-resolution images included in the coverage (also known as ‘digital negatives’)? If you are doing a destination wedding or hiring a photographer far from your venue, what are their travel fees? Are engagement photo sessions included or priced separately? What is the cost for additional coverage time, and are they available to cover a rehearsal dinner or next-day brunch? Will the photographer contact you before the wedding to go over details like last minute changes to the schedule (i.e, a rain plan for doing your formal portraits indoors?)
Packages and Pricing
Don’t hire the cheapest photographer on your list if they are not one of your favorites. To quote John Ruskin, “There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man’s lawful prey.”
Many photographers have a minimum number of hours they are contracted for, or they provide “complete” coverage of the day, typically 7-10 hours. You can also hire your photographer to get coverage of your rehearsal dinner or post-wedding farewell party if you are having a destination event with many celebrations throughout the weekend. Within a few weeks after your wedding, your images are usually posted to a private website for viewing and ordering prints. Your photographer may also offer the images on a high res DVD (also known as ‘digital negatives’) or may be available for purchase. If you know you want an engagement session, albums and other goodies, many photographers offer a package of goods and services that are written into your wedding agreement and save you money if you were to purchase them separately after the wedding. To hold your date, most photographers require a signed wedding agreement, as well as a retainer fee ranging from $1000 to 50% of the package price. The remaining balance can be due anywhere from 6 months to a week before the wedding.
Get it in Writing
Once you’ve made your decision on who you will be hiring, have your wedding agreement state who will be actually shooting your wedding, and make sure the work you are viewing in the studio is the person who will be showing up. Also get in writing what happens if your photographer is ill or cannot physically show up, and make sure any deposits paid will be refunded. Many photographers require a meals for themselves and their crew, and if it’s in a photographers agreement, make sure you let the caterer know to make extra meals for your vendors.
Commissioning a photographer is like commissioning an artist to create a unique and personal work of art for you, so be very choosy on viewing portfolios, personality and what post-wedding services they offer to show off your wedding. It is the one thing you get to hold on to after it’s all over in a blink of an eye.
THE BOSTON GLOBE MAGAZINE “A Budget for Every Bride” (2003)
Documenting the reception, and everything else, can be another expense. But photography is one area where no one wants to be disappointed.
Melissa Mermin, a Cambridge-based photographer, changes between $6,000 and $15,000 per wedding.“There’s different artwork out there, and it’s all varied in price” says Mermin. It’s like buying a brand…Look for how much experience they have. But ultimately, it’s really how you feel about the work.”
“It’s the one thing you’re going to have years later to pass on to your children,” Mermin says.
“Everyone is going to forget the food and the place, and the dress is going to be put away. The photographs will last.”
THE BOSTON GLOBE MAGAZINE “A Budget for Every Bride” (2003)
Documenting the reception, and everything else, can be another expense. But photography is one area where no one wants to be disappointed.
Melissa Mermin, a Cambridge-based photographer, changes between $6,000 and $15,000 per wedding.“There’s different artwork out there, and it’s all varied in price” says Mermin. It’s like buying a brand…Look for how much experience they have. But ultimately, it’s really how you feel about the work.”
“It’s the one thing you’re going to have years later to pass on to your children,” Mermin says.
“Everyone is going to forget the food and the place, and the dress is going to be put away. The photographs will last.”
PHOTO DISTRICT NEWS “Double Vision: A Couple of Friends Shooting Couples”
After being a solo photographer for several years prior, my former partner Earl Christie and I teamed up and formed Mermin+Christie Photographers in 2002. We were pioneers of the photography duo, only a handful of couples at the time shot weddings as a team. While our romantic partnership dissolved, we continued to work together for several years as our styles complimented each other.
PHOTO DISTRICT NEWS “Double Vision: A Couple of Friends Shooting Couples”
After being a solo photographer for several years prior, my former partner Earl Christie and I teamed up and formed Mermin+Christie Photographers in 2002. We were pioneers of the photography duo, only a handful of couples at the time shot weddings as a team. While our romantic partnership dissolved, we continued to work together for several years as our styles complimented each other.
BOSTON MAGAZINE WEDDING ISSUE
Portrait of an Artist
Boston photographer Melissa Mermin likes to spend a little time with the bridal party before she takes out her camera at her wedding. Mermin is the first to quip, “just ignore me.” “I want to be as unobtrusive as I can be,” says Mermin, who has captured walks down the isle for more than six years.. “ I want to take photographs with our changing the moment.” So she has perfected techniques of shooting candids and portraits that chronicle a day in the life of the bride and groom with tried-and- true results. Mermin, who combined degrees in fine art and photojournalism with newspaper work, has taken her art of wedding photojournalism to all new heights. She shoots primarily in crisp black-and-white for photos with a dramatic edge and then hand-tints the portraits, using archival inks and papers that are made to last 60 to 70 years without a shift in color. Just think, the portrait will look as beautiful on your 50th anniversary as it did on your first. She prefers to shoot the engagement portrait as a candid with the couple in “relaxed attire and outside in one of their favorite locations, or with their dog … anything that would make them feel more comfortable.” The photo is then enlarged into an 11 by 14 inch black-and-white portrait that is matted framed, and later displayed on an easel at the doorway to the wedding reception. “It’s a nice way to greet your guests,” she says. For portraits taken outside, Mermin keeps the elements simple. “As far as makeup is concerned, I ask the bride to bring face powder, especially when we’re shooting outside and it’s hot and humid,” she says. The bridal party can use a little dusting to prevent the unwanted shine that can appear on the faces in photos. Camera-shy groom? Mermin has a surefire remedy for a tense groom. “I have one of his friends stand directly behind me telling jokes and talking as I’m shooting,” she says. “That way, the groom is laughing and relaxed when he’s looking into the lens.” Wedding photos are usually finished within three to four weeks after the wedding, at which time Mermin sits down with the couple and reviews the proofs. If they’re interested in having a wedding album made, they can then make the photo selections. She uses elegant black-leather albums with black matte pages that frame each photo in style. A favorite wedding photo also can be used as the front of thank-you cards always a nice personal touch when sending them to your wedding guests, she says. Mermin limits the number of weddings she photographs to 15 per year, so she has enough time and energy to devote to each of her clients as they celebrate their Big Day. – B.L. Brynko
BOSTON MAGAZINE WEDDING ISSUE
Portrait of an Artist
Boston photographer Melissa Mermin likes to spend a little time with the bridal party before she takes out her camera at her wedding. Mermin is the first to quip, “just ignore me.” “I want to be as unobtrusive as I can be,” says Mermin, who has captured walks down the isle for more than six years.. “ I want to take photographs with our changing the moment.” So she has perfected techniques of shooting candids and portraits that chronicle a day in the life of the bride and groom with tried-and- true results. Mermin, who combined degrees in fine art and photojournalism with newspaper work, has taken her art of wedding photojournalism to all new heights. She shoots primarily in crisp black-and-white for photos with a dramatic edge and then hand-tints the portraits, using archival inks and papers that are made to last 60 to 70 years without a shift in color. Just think, the portrait will look as beautiful on your 50th anniversary as it did on your first. She prefers to shoot the engagement portrait as a candid with the couple in “relaxed attire and outside in one of their favorite locations, or with their dog … anything that would make them feel more comfortable.” The photo is then enlarged into an 11 by 14 inch black-and-white portrait that is matted framed, and later displayed on an easel at the doorway to the wedding reception. “It’s a nice way to greet your guests,” she says. For portraits taken outside, Mermin keeps the elements simple. “As far as makeup is concerned, I ask the bride to bring face powder, especially when we’re shooting outside and it’s hot and humid,” she says. The bridal party can use a little dusting to prevent the unwanted shine that can appear on the faces in photos. Camera-shy groom? Mermin has a surefire remedy for a tense groom. “I have one of his friends stand directly behind me telling jokes and talking as I’m shooting,” she says. “That way, the groom is laughing and relaxed when he’s looking into the lens.” Wedding photos are usually finished within three to four weeks after the wedding, at which time Mermin sits down with the couple and reviews the proofs. If they’re interested in having a wedding album made, they can then make the photo selections. She uses elegant black-leather albums with black matte pages that frame each photo in style. A favorite wedding photo also can be used as the front of thank-you cards always a nice personal touch when sending them to your wedding guests, she says. Mermin limits the number of weddings she photographs to 15 per year, so she has enough time and energy to devote to each of her clients as they celebrate their Big Day. – B.L. Brynko