Our weddings Dream Team: Claudia Hanlin of The Wedding Library; Peter Callahan, Catering Expert; Sylvia Weinstock, Cake Queen; Darcy Miller, Editorial Director, Martha Stewart Weddings; Peter Som, Designer, BHLDN; Cheree Berry, Stationery Star; Abby Larson, Style Me Pretty
Brides-to-be got it all this past Sunday at Martha's Stewart's Wedding Party -- the glitz, the glam, the famous faces. But the real brag-worthy take-home? The advice given by our fab group of wedding industry all-stars.
Before our brides browsed the booths of over 70 wedding vendors in the gorgeous Gotham Hall, guests attended an expert panel to hear from our wedding-planning A-team. Here are a few of my favorite pieces of wisdom they doled out, plus photos by Allan Zepeda of all the sweet details. Enjoy!
"[To stay within budget] choose your splurges first then blend them seamlessly with DIY touches." - Abby Larson
"When it comes to your dress, trust your instinct. Your first thought is often best" - Peter Som
"When you're planning your wedding, it is all about you, but remember as a bride you're also a hostess. Remember your guests. Guests love the classics." - Sylvia Weinstock
"Don't think about what you should do for wedding food. Think about what you love." - Peter Callahan
"Once your guests start arriving, let it all go. Trust the experts you've hired." - Darcy Miller
1 The gorgeous Gotham Hall event space as seen from above. Brides streamed in around 10AM then headed upstairs for our all-star panel.
2 Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging set the scene with amazing projections of past Martha Stewart Wedding magazine covers on the walls.
3 Wedding cake master Sylvia Weinstock posed for the camera before taking the stage to be apart of our expert panel.
4 Sylvia Weinstock, Peter Som, Cheree Berry, and Abby Larson ready to take questions from brides in the audience.
5 Matthew Robbins, Author & Martha Stewart Weddings Contributor, created mini bouquets of carnations for each guest that attended the panel.
6 A "LOVE" ice sculpture by Okamoto Studios encased frozen blooms and greeted our guests at the entrance of the party.
7 Elan Artists Bands set the mood for brides to window-shop from booth to booth!
8 Martha was sure to snap a few pictures of her own -- here, she posed with one of the star musicians from Elan.
9 Models from Kleinfeld Bridal were quite the attraction on the main floor. I think you can see why!
10 Martha and baby Truman stopped by the Kleinfeld Bridal booth on the way in.
11 The gorgeous gown model, Jennette Kruszka from Kleinfeld Bridal, Martha, and Darcy.
12 Douglas Hannant wedding gowns just waiting to be worn!
13 Ron Ben-Israel at his booth surrounded by amazing samples and cakes.
14 Loved the ombre blooms on this Ron Ben-Israel cake.
15 The. Best. Wedding. Cake. Ever -- amazing chocolaty samples from Ron Ben-Israel.
16 NewlyWish set stunning tables for our brides to admire complete with centerpieces, place cards, fine china, and menus.
17 Martha, Darcy, Amanda from NewlyWish, and Claudia Hanlin.
18 Loved the delicate patterns adorning the china on the NewlyWish tables.
19 These place settings by DM Events, complete with a place card propped in confetti, where so fun.
20 The Martha Stewart Weddings booth, featuring tons of crafts and Syliva Wienstock cakes, stayed busy all day!
21 Did I mention our booth was right next to the sweets-filled One Girl Cookies booth? Talk about temptation!
22 Glimmering macarons by One Girl Cookies.
23 Mini black-and-white cookies by One Girl Cookies.
24 Jackie Weppner of Merci New York with her team at their sparkling booth.
25 The Frites 'n' Meats food truck was parked right outside Gotham Hall so guests could fuel up throughout the afternoon!
From: Sharon @ Red Poppy | Pink Peony | 1/31/13 at 11:43 am
This looks like such a fabulous bridal event. I wish I could have gone last year!
From: Claudia Hanlin | 2/19/13 at 12:24 pm
Now you have another chance to join us -- in Chicago on March 10! Martha Stewart's Wedding Party! Don't miss the fun!
From: Juliet | 3/4/13 at 7:59 pm
My daughter's teacher just got engaged and I would love to save her some money!