It's that time of year: Engage! '10 has arrived. One of the highlights of this year's annual event at the Breakers -- which is devoted to illuminating trends in the wedding industry -- had to be getting to hear from event designer Bryan Rafanelli. He created a low-key wedding in Rhinebeck this past summer for Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky -- maybe you've heard of him?
After spending a little time with him, it was totally clear why the couple chose him: He's super professional, has years of experience, and focuses on service -- all things you should look for in a wedding planner of your own. He spoke of his wonderful team (another important thing for a vendor) and mentioned they are ALL on blackberries 24/7. It got me thinking: I know your wedding planner or florist has to have a life, but it might be worthwhile to learn about their communication policy right from the get go. He showed amazing time-lapse video of a tent and decorations being set up for one wedding, which is a great idea for your videographer to capture if you're doing a major space transformation.
Here are a few of the other great designers, cake makers, and event planners I hung out with at the event!
1 Here's Mindy Weiss promoting her new planning guide, "The Wedding Book." The event planner to the stars has three sons, and this year alone, she's coordinating one's wedding and one's bar mitzvah. Can you imagine?
2 David Beahm is launching "David Beahm Destinations" in a few weeks. And Tara Guerard is not only the go-to girl for Southern weddings but now also New York affairs -- welcome to the Big Apple, Tara!
3 Part of our meal at the The Breakers' Circle Ballroom: fries, a lobster roll, gazpacho, and deviled eggs. What a fun idea for a bridal shower!
4 Ben and Sylvia Weinstock
5 Michele and Francesco (of Films by Francesco) with Joan Bever of the Breakers
6 Ceci New York created the invitations and stationery for the event.
7 Amy Atlas and I prepared together for our talks.
From: Rachel Sandall | 10/7/10 at 8:38 am
Looks like a brilliant time. I would love to go someday! Thanks for the update!
From: Sarah Spano (Hip Ink) | 10/7/10 at 12:45 pm
Everything looks amazing - what a great group of wedding professionals. *So* need to go next year!
From: engage!10 The Breakers | The Breakers Wedding Blog | 11/11/10 at 11:14 am
[...] include planning Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky’s wedding. Read more from Darcy Miller here. • Celebrity wedding planner and designer Mindy Weiss, of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, said [...]