Things We Love...Wedding Horses

Successfully incorporating animals - such as horses, dogs, lambs, swans, etc. - into your wedding day (and wedding pictures) can be tricky, but when it's done right, the final effect can be breathtaking and oh so memorable! Just take a look at this shot taken by the very talented Christian Oth during Guy's and my picture perfect wedding at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in the Hamptons (middle photo):

Let's be clear here...I have no idea how to ride a horse, but the opportunity to be photographed with one on my wedding day as I walked hand-in-hand with my new husband just seemed too romantic an idea to pass up!

Upon seeing the absolutely gorgeous stables and even more gorgeous horses on Wolffer Estate, our photographer Christian Oth suggested Guy and I mosey on down and have a few pictures taken there. I'm so glad we did because one of my favorites was taken there... 

All of us here at Raina Dawn Events think that including nature's bounty and its creatures into your big day will holistically highlight the very best your incredible personalities and your beautiful venue have to offer. Especially with the growing popularity of wedding barns, cabins and ranches, horses in particular are popping up in tons of eye-pleasing and eye-catching photos. In fact, just recently one of our current Newport Wedding clients just had her engagement photo shoot include her horse at their stables in Rhode Island. OMG, we can't wait to see how those turned out! And yes, I am hoping to one day take a couple riding lessons from this client so that when I look back at my wedding picture featuring that beautiful majestic horse it doesn't seem like such a random shot.

And finally when I think of weddings and horses I can't help but to chuckle at the association I always make between them and the 1999 Julie Roberts movie "Runaway Bride"...  weddings and horses...  Julia Roberts & Richard Gere... they just go together...  so romantic!

Photo Sources from left to right, top to bottom: Ashley Maxwell Photography via Green Wedding Shoes; Cameron Ingalls Inc. via Green Wedding Shoes; This Modern Romance; Cameron Ingalls Inc. via Green Wedding Shoes; Christian Oth; Critsey Rowe Photography; Krystal Mann via Style Me Pretty; Critsey Rowe Photography; Tracey Turpen Photography; Kate Harrison Photography; Main Line Today; Photos by Kirsten; Flickr

Inspired By... Navy and Pink Weddings

Happy Monday lovelies! Nothing says "perfectly preppy" than a navy blue and sorbet pink wedding color palette. It's a combination we're spying A LOT these days and one that beautifully encapsulates youth, fun, great taste and romance. We just adore this pairing for an outdoor, airy yacht club affair or a youthful country club event. Try toning down both shades and you have the ingredients for a shabby chic, English garden-themed fete. Check out our gorgeous inspiration boards below and don't forget to leave a comment telling us what you think of blue and pink weddings!

Photo Sources from left to right, top to bottom: Person & Killian Photography via Style Me Pretty; Gillet Photography via Style Me Pretty; Kate Triano Photography via Style Me Pretty; Kristin Vining Photography; Lara Swanson Photography via Nicola Robyn Events; The Florentine Orphan; Stephanie Williams Photography; Green Wedding Shoes; Kristin Vining Photography; Caroline Tran; Kristin Vining Photography

Newport Wedding Planner: Wedding things to do in Newport

Happy Friday everyone! Today's post should be super helpful to all you brides and grooms planning to exchange vows in Newport, RI. To be quite honest, this GORG city by the sea doesn't lack in historic charm and good clean fun. Between the majestic mansions, tasty restaurants, cute shops, famous festivals and exhilarating boating adventures, out of town wedding guests can make their stay in Newport as busy or as laid back as they want it to be. So, because we here at Raina Dawn Events love you guys, we decided to do all the leg work and compile a list of can't miss points of interest in Newport. Enjoy!

Cliff Walk: Located along the eastern shore of Newport, RI., the Cliff Walk is considered one of the most popular outdoor attractions in the city. It's a 3.5 mile public access walkway bordering the shoreline and has been designated a National Recreation Trail.
Ocean Drive: Another must see! The Ocean Drive Historic District covers the long street of the same name alone the southern shore of Newport. It is a 10-mile drive along pristine coastline that's peppered by "to die for" beach-side homes. Also known as Ten Mile Drive, Ocean Drive combines the history of a wealthy summer community with a fabulous Newport recreational treasure of public parks and miles of public access shoreline to rank as one of the most popular drives in the country.
Fort Adams: Located a short drive or a water taxi ride across Newport Harbor, Fort Adams dates back to the war of 1812 and is the largest coastal fortification in the United States. It houses the Museum of Yachting, hosts the Newport Folk Festival annually and boasts spectacular views of Narragansett Bay.
International Tennis Hall of Fame: A really neat place! The International Tennis Hall of Fame is located at 194 Bellevue Avenue in Newport. Andre Agassi is one of the most recent inductees with his induction ceremony taking place July 9, 2011.
Viking Tours: For more than 40 years Viking Tours has been shuttling sight seers around Newport. The company offers a scenic overview tour, a mansion tour and a deluxe Newport Tour.
Segway of Newport: Segway of Newport offers visitors a unique way to tour Newport, RI. Ride along the scenic Ocean Drive or roll past the historic mansions.
Scooter World: Scooter world doesn't just offer scooter rentals. Check out their ScootCoupe and Sun Trike. So fun!
Madeleine Schooner: Hop aboard the classic schooner Madeleine and give your friends and loved ones a sailing experience they won't soon forget. Classic Cruises of Newport offers sailing harbor tours and sunset sailing cruises aboard the 72-foot yacht.
The Breakers: Located at 44 Ochre Point, The Breakers is one of Newport, RI.'s grand mansions and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. Tours are offered daily and they are AMAZING!
Marble House: Located at 596 Bellevue Ave., in Newport, Marble House was built between 1888 and 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. Williams K. Vanderbilt as a summer house or "cottage." More like a stone palace, Marble House also offers tours.
Castle Hill Inn and Resort: Located at 590 Ocean Drive, this spectacular inn and resort is the perfect spot for lunch and cocktails on the lawn as sailboats drift by!

Photo sources: top to bottom, left to right: Adirondack II; Onne Van Der Wal Photography; The Breakers; Tennis Hall of Fame

Etiquette 101: How to walk the plus-one (and plus kids) tightrope

Today we want to address a tricky, sticky often confusing and potentially stressful aspect of wedding planning for many brides and grooms and that's the plus-one (and plus children) conundrum. You don't have to be a genius to deduce how head counts can skyrocket and budgets. So, right off the bat, if money is no object and you feel comfortable sharing your day with a few strangers, then by all means go nuts with the plus-one. If for budgetary or personal reasons you want to keep your day an intimate gathering of your nearest and dearest, your gals at Raina Dawn Events have your back and can assure you that the rules of etiquette (and common sense) are on your side here. So, go ahead and save this post to forward to all your potential plus-one offenders!

For the guests: First off, we can't stress enough how important it is for would-be guests to respect what's written on the invitation. If printed on the envelope there's one name and one name only, the bride and groom are gently telling the addressee that they're flying solo to this one. If two names are included, then the bride and groom ask that only those specified people attend. No swapping one date for another! Second...for goodness sake never, EVER add a plus-one to the RSVP card if the hosts didn't include one on the invite. This is NOT a night club, it's a wedding! Finally, if you were given the option of bringing a date and you decide to do so, be sure to include his or her full name on the response card so the bride and groom can work out their escort cards, etc.

For the bride and groom: So, it's important to remember that this is your day and you should ultimately have the say in who attends, however, you want your guests to be happy and comfortable (and not awkward) too so you really need to consider whether it'd be best to give your one or two single friends permission to bring a date. If you have a whole bunch of single friends/cousins/etc. and you really can't afford plus-ones for all of them, consider putting together a couple of "singles" table. It's really OK to do this just don't call it a "singles" table, OK? Married couples really need to be invited as a pair, as do fiancés and live-in romantic partners, but besides that this date or no date question really comes down to a judgement call on your part. Martha Stewart suggests letting each one of your attendants bring a guest since they've done so much for you. Please use common sense though and make sure you consider your guest's feelings. If your mom wants to invite a single co-worker and you know this person will be lost in a sea of strangers, we say go ahead and throw her a plus-one! Just be sure to make your intentions clear and communicate it to everyone not allowed to bring a date.

A word about children: Unless kids are specifically included on the invite, do not bring them! What do we mean by this? Well, the childrens' and parents' names should all be printed somewhere on the invite. Brides and grooms who write, "To Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and Family," are just setting themselves up for confusion and disaster. "...And Family," can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Are you also inviting their daughter's live-in boyfriend? What about cousin (twice-removed) Alfred? See what we mean? Brides and grooms, you MUST be specific! If you don't want children at your wedding, it's OK! Just say so (gently). We've known brides and grooms who have specifically printed their wishes for a children-free affair on their invite so as to not be bogged down with irritating phone calls and emails regarding the topic.

Share with us what your thoughts are about "plus-one" and comment below!!

Photo credit: Haute Papier

Things We Love: A Creative Take on Monograms

A wedding monogram is more than just a grouping of initials. It's a visual representation of the union of two people, which really is a special and romantic notion. Just like wedding rings forever join two individuals as one, wedding monograms speak the same message of love, respect, togetherness and commitment. Both the Bible and the Torah express this beautiful and poetic ideal in the Song of Solomon: "I am my beloved, and my beloved is mine." Just because monograms are traditional, doesn't mean they have to be used traditionally. Though monogrammed napkins are super cute and very popular, we here at Raina Dawn Events wanted to encourage you to think outside the box and explore other interesting and creative monogram mediums.

How cute would it be to have your monogram on a soup bowl? Try printing it on a delicate paper umbrella or match books.

Also, some lighting companies can creatively project custom wedding monograms on reception venue walls, ceilings or dance floor. A similar effect can be achieved with a well-placed and tasteful banner.  There are so many ways to proclaim to the world, "I am my beloved, and my beloved is mine." A creative wedding monogram is a great start! See the photo credits for links to the websites for purchasing!

Photo Sources: From left to right, top to bottom: Jennifer Lindberg Weddings via Style Me Pretty; Etsy; Nicole Polk via Elizabeth Ann Designs; Jennifer Lindberg Weddings via Style Me Pretty; Customized Wedding Creations; Jessica Johnston via Style Me Pretty; I do Originals; Couture Crystals;  Jessica Johnston via Style Me Pretty; Jennifer Lindberg Weddings via Style Me Pretty; Jasmine Star Photography via Style Me Pretty; Monde Design via Etsy; Hey Babe Studio via Etsy; Wedding By Desizn; A Wild Design via Etsy; Ambiance Lighting Pros, Inc.; Little Wee Shop via Etsy

Things We Love: Log Cabin Weddings

Last week we posted about barns and what a fabulous wedding venue they can make. So this week we felt like we just had to draw your attention to the wedding barn's quaint, cute cousin...the log cabin!

More cozy than country, log cabins say Indian summer in the lush woods, whereas revamped barns connote wide-open spaces. If you choose to say "I do" in a rustic cabin, we say why not go all out like this couple did? How amazing is that silver ware and what about the open fire pit for roasting s'mores?! Umm, yes please!

Photo Sources from Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Fairmont Chateau Montebello Venue; Simply Bloom Photography; Souder Photography via Style Me Pretty; Tana Photography via Style Me Pretty; Souder Photography via Style Me Pretty; Martha Andrews via Style Me Pretty

Invitations by East Six

Happy Wednesday! Boy do we have a treat for you today. Stacey Mui and Marina Marchisi, the crazy talented gals behind East Six, a fabulous New York City-based stationary company, have taken a few moments out of their busy-bee day to answer a few questions. We worked with East Six on Donatella Arpaia and Allan Stewart's NYC Plaza wedding as well as for a wedding coming up this month in Newport, RI., and let us just tell you these women are top notch professionals! So, without further ado, look no further for invitation advice friends, because it's all right here!

RDE: What are the different types of printing methods you offer and what do you recommend for most brides and grooms?
E6: We offer a variety of different printing processes that each achieve a unique look:
Letterpress: Pressed into the paper
Foil Stamp: Usually a metallic ink printed flat on the paper
Engraving: Ink is raised up from the paper
Embossing: Paper is raised up
Offset: Flat printing
We love to mix printing processes! A letterpress invitation set with foil-stamped designs or text too adds that special something. Of course the method of printing should reflect the look and feel of the wedding and convey the bride's and groom's personality. For instance, letterpress provides a vintage sensibility, engraving evokes old world elegance, while foil stamping can add a touch of panache!


RDE: How early should brides and grooms order their invitations and paper reception pieces? And what if it is a destination wedding?
E6: We always try our best to work with the bride and groom's schedule, whether they come to us early in their planning or later on. We understand the importance of sending invitations out with an ample amount of time for guests to plan. Mailing 6-8 weeks before the wedding (8-10 weeks before a destination wedding) is standard. Whether couples come to us a year before their wedding or as soon as two and a half months before their wedding, we work with them to create a schedule of key deadlines that will keep them on track.
If a couple comes to us early on in their planning process we take our time and explore a multitude of options over the course of a few months. This gives us a chance to develop concepts and go back and forth with designs. We work with tons of brides that are excited about picking their vendors early, so they can check things off their list and enjoy the months leading up to their wedding with minimal stress.
With that said, we also are able to accommodate the bride and groom that are working with a tighter timeline. We do this by gathering as much information from a meeting or phone conversation and then we get right to work! In addition to custom design invitations we also offer ready to order invitations, where couples can choose an existing design and customize it by changing their colors and papers. This eliminates the additional time needed for a custom design. But make no mistake, we can always create a fabulous custom invitation design at a moment's notice if that is what the couple desires!

RDE: What trend or new favorite color combination are you seeing and loving lately?
E6: Brides really commend our ability to put a contemporary spin on a classic invitation. We want our designs to be timeless - something that they can look back on in 20 years and still appreciate! One of the best compliments we received was from one of our brides who commented: "When your fiancé says, 'Wow,' over what he once called a piece of paper, you know you used the right company!"
All of our couples are unique and their color combinations are so personal to what they love, so it is hard to pick one that is in fashion. Lately we have noticed people loving teal! Maybe it's because of its versatility. A bright shade of teal is perfect for a modern or beach wedding, while a rich dark shade of teal can also transition to be classic and elegant.


RDE: What are some unique paper items and reception pieces you provide that brides and grooms wouldn't maybe think of on their own?
E6: We love to create reception items that look like they are made for the event. A menu fitting into the round plate is an unexpected treat for guests when they take a seat. A program that doubles as a fan is great for an outdoor summer wedding and personalized wine bottle labels are always a hit! Guests always notice and appreciate that extra special custom touch. Usually wedding planners have great ideas and insight into what reception pieces would really stand out and pull the look and feel of the wedding together!

RDE: Are there any creative save the date ideas you can recommend?
E6: Make it memorable! Lately we have been doing a variety of fun things with save the dates. From a hand drawn sketch of the ceremony site, to a custom crest - we find inspiration in everything. If you tend toward a more classic save the date, a die cut shape is a great way to make it stand out!
All our best,
Stacey and Marina

Well, there you have it! An exclusive interview with Stacey and Marina from East Six. We are so thankful to them for answering our questions and providing us with some spectacular photos. Be sure to leave a comment below. Perhaps you want to brag about your creative save the date or AMAZING wedding invitation! We'd love to hear all about it!



Photo Sources: East Six Invitations

Inspired by...Yellow and Grey Weddings

Hello! So, today we here at Raina Dawn Events wanted to share with you a delicious wedding color palette that's both whimsical and classic. Paring yellow with gray is just such a fresh way to blend charming and rustic with chic and modern.

Yellow is such a versatile color. It pairs well with so many other shades, but marrying it (pun intended) with cool tones of gray really makes it pop!

Another fabulous feature of this perfect color combination is they go amazingly well with accent colors like pale pink, vibrant purple, cool coral and even lime green!

So, have fun dreaming about your yellow and gray affair and for those who think gray is too drab a color to include in a wedding...all we can say is take a look at our inspiration boards below and then tell us what you think!

Photo sources from left to right, top to bottom: b&n photography; You look nice today; Lauren Larsen Photographs via Style Me Pretty; You look nice today; b&n photography; You look nice today; b&n photography; Rebekah Johnson via Style Me Pretty; Lauren Larsen Photographs via Style Me Pretty; Rebekah Johnson via Style Me Pretty; Lauren Larsen Photographs via Style Me Pretty; Lauren Larsen Photographs via Style Me Pretty; Stephanie Williams Photography

Etiquette 101: When to RSVP to a Wedding

Ok, this is a serious pet peeve of a lot of brides and we don't blame them. Here's what needs to happen upon receiving an invitation to any event that calls for an RSVP, especially a wedding:

1. RSVP. Immediately.

RSVP is French for "please respond" (respondez s'il vous plait). Your most important obligation as a guest is to respond to the invitation immediately, especially if you are unable to attend. At the very least, it allows your host and hostess enough time to give the caterer an accurate count. Each caterer expects a certain amount of lead time and if you don't RSVP or if you cancel last minute the couple will likely have to pay for you even if you don't come to the wedding. To make it more convenient to RSVP, most couples include a reply card with pre-paid postage for you to return to them. If not, you may write a formal reply or a note indicating your intentions. Be sure to clearly write your first and last name and, if invited with a guest, their full name for the escort card. Don't just write "and guest."

2. An RSVP is not a punishment

Try to keep in mind, couples are asking you to RSVP by a certain date for a reason...usually multiple reasons. They need to get their seating done, send escort cards out to a calligrapher, get them printed and back in time then alphabetize them all before the wedding! Help them not have to stress and track you down for your RSVP...please.

3. Caveat

Obviously, if something serious comes up couples will understand a delayed response. But, if you are just being lazy, we say shame on you! At least give the bride and groom a heads up if you may have a conflict. Don't leave them hanging.

Photo sources: Haute Papier

Things We Love: Wedding Barns!

Call them "rustic chic." Call them "country glam." Call them what you want, but wedding barns are so in right now! The fact that a converted barn is such a versatile venue is why your gal pals here at Raina Dawn Events think so many brides are choosing them as the backdrop to their special day despite their varying socio-economic and geographic backgrounds.

Wedding barns aren't just about hay stacks and sweet tea anymore (although please don't be afraid to let the country girl in you shine by adding these charming touches). It's just the idea of turning something old and utilitarian into something marvelous and unexpected that gets our hearts racing. As the lovely folks at Style Me Pretty said: "Mason jars are replaced with chandeliers and cowboy boots are replaced with Badgley Mischkas (like these). Fluffy florals are EVERYWHERE."

Can you envision it? OMG, perfection! We love the idea of changing out those heavy barn doors with billowing, romantic curtains. Or, just going crazy with strings of white lights and bouquets of wild flowers. Take a look at some of the inspiring pictures below then add a comment. What personal touch would you add to a wedding barn?

Photo sources from top to bottom, left to right: Christian Oth Studios/Matthew Robbins; Robert and Kathleen Photographers; Mark Brooke via Style Me Pretty; Simply Bloom; Blue Hill Farm; Evonni Photo Artists via Style Me Pretty; Fearrington; Mark Brooke via Style Me Pretty; Ira Lippke Studios/Matthew Robbins Design; Christian Oth Studios/Matthew Robbins; Sabine Scherer; Christian Oth Studios/Matthew Robbins

Weddings Inspired by the Fourth of July!

We want to know, is there anything better than the Fourth of July -- a red, white and blue holidays?! For most Americans it's a time for friends and loved ones to gather together on a summer night under clear skies to watch a symphony of lights explode and sparkle overhead, all the while munching on fresh off the grill fare and sipping yummy cocktails. So, we'll ask again: Is there anything better than celebrating our nation's independence? Umm, Yes! How about celebrating it in concert with your wedding?! Such a feat can be accomplished without the event coming off overly-kitschy. Here is some inspiration for how to pull off a super classy red, white and blue affair. For the vintage bride we just love the image of a bride wearing a vintage dress and flashy, red shoes. Or simply incorporate an american flag like I did on muslin bags in the gifts bags or go crazy with a firework display!  It's apple pie. It's country pride. It's a dual celebration of love and Americana at its best! Happy Fourth of July from your friends at Raina Dawn Events!

Photo credits from left to right, top to bottom: Alicia Swedenbord via Green Wedding Shoes; Tiny Water Photography via Style Me Pretty; Misti Lane via Style Me Pretty; Jackie Wonders Photography via Style Me Pretty; Michelle Turner Photography via Style Me Pretty;Tiny Water Photography via Style Me Pretty.

A Newport Wedding Planner Exclusive: Wedding Weekend Newport Clambakes

If there's one thing that screams summer, it's a good old fashioned New England Clambake.  And This time of year, with the Fourth of July right around the corner we here at Raina Dawn Events are feeling inspired just thinking of planning one.  The tradition of a clambake dates back to the early New England colonists and is still practiced quite authentically in the Newport, RI area as food is baked on a bonfire bed of rockweed creating a wonderful balance of flavors by caterers like McGrath's Clambakes or Compton Clambakes.  As a Newport wedding planner, I've certainly helped my share of brides and grooms incorporate the clambake experience as part of their wedding weekend, like Michelle and John's Platinum Wedding Clambake Welcome rehearsal dinner.  For a clambake and lobster theme there are loads of places to check out for inspiration, from the handmade bits on Etsy to local favorites like It's My Party Bake Shoppe, from personalized bibs to letterpressed invites, to lobster cookies and sweets,  you just can't go wrong. So now some of our favorite lobster and clambake inspired items share with you this morning, to complete your Wedding Newport Clambake event...

photo credits from left to right: koozie wedding favor, SNAP! Photography; lobster lollipop, Shore Chic; personalized cocktail napkin, SNAP! Photography, rehearsal dinner invitation, how to eat a lobster instructions, SNAP! Photography; lobster cookies and cupcakes, It's My Party Bake Shoppe; Lobster letterpress save the date, Etsy Steel Petal Press; lobster belt, JMcLaughlin; lobster invitation card, Carrie Rodman Photography; personalized lobster bib, Sand Scripts, Carrie Rodman Photography; shatterproof plastic cups with red lobster, Elegant Setting; Embroidered Linen Dinner Napkins, Elegant Setting; lobster tote, Elegant Setting; couple kissing, Snippet & Ink; clambake wedding, The Knot