The Plannery Weddings

The Plannery Event Design - the details

KM-all For those of you who have been following along this week, we've been rolling out the exciting new event design services we'll now be offering as add-ons here at The Plannery. Below are more details, and you can also always find even more info here!

Moodboard Design:

Can be added to any of The Plannery’s planning packages. This design option is for the couple who likes to do more of their own design work, but needs help narrowing down a visual theme. About five months out from your wedding date, we’ll set up a meeting to go over your style, likes and dislikes, and colors. After this discussion, Kim creates a one-page moodboard filled with cohesive images and colors that convey the overall mood you’re looking for at your wedding. Once you’re happy with the direction of the moodboard, you’ll use it to convey your style and colors to your creative vendors. It also helps you make design decisions on your own that fit the visual theme. Exact Pantone color codes are provided so you and vendors use the same colors throughout. Kim will be available for unlimited email correspondence if you need help making decisions.

Full Design Plan:

Can only be added to The Plannery’s full or partial planning package. With this option you’ll receive everything that comes with creating the moodboard (see above), plus a multi-page PDF with exact specifications for all things design. We’ll start the design process seven to eight months out from your wedding date. Sample pages could include designs for invitations and paper products, florals, tabletop settings, place card display, ceremony setup, attire, and any other details you’d like included. The design plan includes links for where to buy any miscellaneous decor and other items that have been specified.

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More about Kim - The Plannery's new event designer

Photo by Jay Westcott  

Today I'm excited to tell you a bit more about Kim, our new event designer!

A trained graphic designer and a lover of all things visual, Kim’s favorite parts of planning her own wedding included picking flowers, invitation styles, colors, and wrangling various design elements.

Her eye for design and penchant for organization led to many of Kim’s friends tapping her for design advice when planning their weddings—which led her to realize she could share her skills with others! Looking for a way to broaden her design expertise, she reached out to Katie (who she had hired as her month-of coordinator) to see if she’d be interested in starting a design arm of her company. Katie loved the idea and after a few planning meetings and emails (OK, a lot of emails!) event design at The Plannery was born.

Kim holds a B.A. in Media Arts and Design from James Madison University and is currently a full-time graphic designer at a large consulting firm. She contracts with Katie for clients interested in adding design services on top of a general planning package. She currently lives in Fairfax with her husband in their newly purchased townhouse that she’s enjoyed decorating. In between her day job and wedding designs, Kim enjoys going to barre classes, watching documentaries on Netflix, and discussing Myers-Briggs personality types. She’s an ISFJ, if you’re wondering!

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Announcing - Event Design with The Plannery!

ND-moodboard-v3edit Event design is coming to The Plannery!

Many of you know that ever since the beginning, I have always viewed myself as a logistics-only person. While I do think I have a fairly good eye, and I've obviously learned a lot over my years of planning weddings about what works well and what doesn't, I have never studied design. I often get the question from potential clients as to whether I also do event design. And that answer, for a long time, was "no." Not considering myself anything close to an expert in the area of design, I've never felt comfortable calling myself an event designer. But I was disappointed that I couldn't provide those services to my clients.

And then Kim came along. I actually coordinated Kim's wedding. She was awesome to work with, and did some amazing DIY design pieces for her own wedding (see here). She reached out to me post-wedding to express her interest in partnering with The Plannery. She, unlike me, is an actual designer. As in, she holds a B.A. in Media Arts and Design and is a full time graphic designer - she therefore has a killer eye and is great at creating cohesive visual plans for event design.

As many of my current clients know, we've been testing out the relationship and the process this past year. Slowly rolling it out to see what works and what doesn't, and whether clients were even interested!

And so I'm thrilled to finally announce that The Plannery will officially be offering some great add-on packages to our current services to those interested in event design assistance. Many of my clients are very hands-on, but find they want resources and assistance to narrow down decisions. We're taking that same approach for event design and I'm really excited to offer my clients these new design options! More info is on our website now, and we'll be doing a series of blog posts this week to tell you more, including hearing from Kim herself and more details on the services!

 

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Angelina and Ron // The Lodge at Little Seneca Creek, Boyds, MD Wedding // MD wedding coordinator

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Editor's Note: Angelina used to work at my husband's office. I heard she'd gotten engaged but I always hate it when people feel pressured to hire me because they know me - so I kept my distance :) But I was super-thrilled when she reached out (though disappointed I was no longer free!) - but Tarra took it on and had a wonderful time. Congrats again to you both! Now some more insight from Tarra:

Where do I start with Angelina and Ron?! They are the most witty, fresh ass couple I’ve ever met [insert corny Rongelina joke here, only not quite as funny in light of their divorce].    I really enjoyed our check-in emails and meeting with them.  There were many points in the night that I felt like I was attending rather than working a wedding - they really treated me like a friend.  My only regret with working with Angelina and Ron is that I didn’t get to meet their painfully adorable bulldog, Oliver! 

The October weather was phenomenal. The Lodge at Little Seneca Creek was picture-perfect and the staff were incredible to work with. Add in Main Event Catering, Olivia Jacobs Photography, and DJ D-Mac & Associates and you know I was part of a wedding dream team.  Both Angelina and Ron’s families and friends were also incredibly sweet and kind.

There were many enjoyable details about this wedding that were so true to Angelina and Ron.  One of our favorites at The Plannery was the beautiful calligraphy invitation that we received in the mail with an overly cool Janis Joplin postage stamp. First thought, "Omg how did Angelina know that I LOVE JANIS JOPLIN?!" Second thought, "Our clients are so freaking awesome for 'inviting' us to the wedding!"  Third thought, "I totally wish I could write that lovely and neatly" (the calligraphy was by The Wave Writer fyi). Come to find out, we weren’t the only honorary invitees.  Angelina and Ron went ahead and sent their gorgeous wedding invitation to the POTUS and First Lady, Barack and Michele Obama!

Another stunning (and very true-to-themselves) detail were the centerpieces – garland, and succulents in stone planters.  Angelina is allergic to flowers, so there wasn’t a single flower in sight at their reception (though she braved it by holding a bouquet for a few photos and during the ceremony). And when I say she held a bouquet it was literally for all over 20 seconds at a time!  Her gracious bridesmaids took over the bouquet during any down times.   

The final enjoyable l detail I will mention is the wardrobe change into Traditional Korean clothing.  It was so special to see Angelina and Ron adorned in such brilliant and meaningful garb. Angelina’s parents and sister also wore Korean clothing at one point, and they were able to get some very beautiful family portraits taken. How special is that!? Congrats again Angelina and Ron!

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Photo by Olivia Jacob Photography

Venue: The Lodge at Little Seneca Creek (Montgomery County Parks) 

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery 

Photography: Olivia Jacob Photography 

Bride and Bridal Party Bouquets: UrbanStems (with some sprucing up by Maiya Dacey, a bridesmaid)

Bride Hair and Makeup: blo blow dry bar, in Gaithersburg, MD

Caterer: Main Event Caterers

DJ and Lighting: DJ Neville C, from DJ D-Mac & Associates 

Officiant: A.C. Warden, from Capital Ceremonies 

PhotoBooth: BoothLove

Bride's Gown: Maggie Sottero, from For My Wedding in Cliffside Park, NJ 

Bride and Bridal Party Getting Ready Robes: The Paisley Box

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Kasey and Seth // Hotel Monaco, Washington DC Wedding // DC wedding coordinator

Photo by Love Life Images Kasey and Seth got hitched this past October at Hotel Monaco, DC - one of my favorite venues. They were an absolute delight to work with - such a friendly, awesome couple. After a first look and some shots around the hotel and across the street at the National Portrait Gallery, they did their Jewish ceremony in the semi-round, then we flipped the room while their cocktail hour took place in the Athens Ballroom. Emily from Love Blooms killed the florals - Kasey completely flipped (in a good way) when she saw how well the flowers matched her bridesmaids dresses! Elisha from Love Life Images did an amazing job capturing these two, and String of Pearls Quartet played their ceremony and cocktail hour, while DJ Dan Goldman rocked out their reception. They ended the night by giving perfectly DC treats to their guests from District Desserts.

Congrats again, Kasey and Seth!

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Kasey and Seth 0201

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

Photo by Love Life Images

 

Kasey and Seth's Vendors:

Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue and Caterer: Hotel Monaco DC

Photographer: Elisha from Love Life Images

Florist: Love Blooms

Ceremony Music: String of Pearls

DJ: Dan Goldman, Bialek's Music

Rentals: DC Rentals

Cake: Fancy Cakes by Leslie

Cookie Favors: District Desserts

Hair and Make-up: Bespoke Salon

 

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Aileen and Tyrone // Lyon Park Community Center Wedding // VA wedding coordinator

Linda Wang Photography Tarra's back with yet another kick-ass wedding - and this one has a bride in a blue dress which basically makes my whole day, week and month! It also has to be noted that looking through these photos, the smiles on Aileen and Tyrone's faces are absolutely infectious. I found myself grinning from ear to ear at practically every photo. What an amazingly beautiful, happy couple! Take it away, Tarra!

Aileen and Tyrone are a perfect example of why I love working in the wedding industry - and they are also yet another example of how we as planners become so personal and so close with our clients.   A professional relationship sure, but oftentimes with a friendship/family flare.  I felt like Aileen and I went wayyyyyy back.  I felt like I was part of Tyrone’s family. And I felt like I’ve known their daughter Maya since birth.  In fact, this awesome familial connection lead me to recommend the incredible DJ Premonition, who played at my very own wedding.  I just knew he would be a great match and would rock the place!

This wedding took place at a beautifully maintained park community center in the heart of a residential neighborhood in Arlington.   Aileen was full of no fuss, all fun, and great décor ideas including mason jars with twinkle lights and fresh cut flowers.   Bistro lights were strung around the main room to make the space pop.  My favorite part of all was the dessert spread, filled with freshly baked pies and cookies. All of these tasty treats were made with love by Aileen and Tyrone’s friends and family.  Farm to Feast Catering did such an amazing job with arranging the dessert buffet and of course dinner was amazing as well.  Tyrone’s mother contributed some special items to the menu, Jamaican patties and curry goat…YUM!

And of course this blog post would not be complete without a mention of that badass blue lace wedding dress.  Aileen KILLED IT! So fun and so offbeat…speaking of which, her dress may have been stylishly offbeat, but her actual dancing skills were so on point! I totally think Aileen invented the running man (like, seriously).  From jumping the broom to getting down low on the dance floor, I must say I think Aileen and Tyrone and their little Maya, too, had the time of their lives. Congrats again to you all!

Photo by Linda Wang

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Linda Wang Photography

Aileen and Tyrone's Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Catering: Farm to Feast

DJ: DJ Premonition

Photographer: Linda Wang Photography

Flowers: Wollam Gardens Flower Farm

Venue: Lyon Park Community Center

Ceremony Musician: Mason Arts Productions

Officiant: Family Friend

Makeup : DIY

Hair: PR at Partners Shirlington

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Rebecca and Dave // Woodend Sanctuary, MD Wedding // MD wedding coordinator

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography As some of you may have seen via Instagram, our beloved Tarra recently had a bit of a medical scare. Thankfully, she is healthy and well now, but this wedding came right in the midst of some of her health issues. We like to keep it real here, so more details below from Tarra on this magical yet difficult wedding - and yet another example of how wonderful our clients are (and how dedicated our incredible Tarra is)! Big thanks as always to Sarah Gormley for the stunning photos. She is one of my most favorite photogs and humans!

Rebecca and Dave, what can I say? They were simply too much fun. Another ideal kick-ass couple that The Plannery was fortunate enough to work with. Rebecca flat out oozes kindness and is the ultimate kindred spirit.  Dave is the epitome of calm and cool.  They are an unflappable force to be reckoned with.    

Their wedding at Woodend Sanctuary was so special - Dave and his family built the chuppah themselves. Their ceremony, led by a family friend, was very comical - and they danced together halfway through the 7 circles! Add in the beautiful photos by Sarah Gormley and you get some real life magic.

Many of our couples are laid-back, which WE LOVE, but these guys definitely take the cake - and this took some weight off my shoulders, which I ended up needing that day. To know me is to know that I would never put my own needs on the table on someone else’s wedding day unless it was super serious! Doesn’t matter if I am starvin’ like Marvin or have a raging headache.  It turns out I had something pretty serious going on with my leg during their wedding. I powered through of course, but did actually find myself in the hospital the very next day!  I tell this story for two reasons. First, to let everyone know that my unexpected surgery went well and I am totally fine now!! Doing 100% better and feeling very fortunate that the issue was found and treated.  The second reason, is to point out how incredible it is to work with such compassionate people every day.   As a planner/coordinator, I get to work closely with so many couples and in that, you develop a very special and meaningful relationship - albeit short-lived at times.

On Rebecca and Dave’s amazing wedding day at the gorgeous Woodend Sanctuary, I got to experience so much joy with them even though I was in some serious pain.  On their very own wedding day, thanks to our special relationship, I took comfort in knowing that their joy was my joy and my pain was their pain.  And honestly, that is pretty damn awesome.

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Photo by Sarah Gormley Photography

Venue: Woodend Sanctuary

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Photography: Sarah Gormley Photography

DJ: DJ Evan Reitmeyer

Florist: Sill Life

Hair: Scissors and Comb

Make-up: J H Makeup Artistry

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Kate and Josh // AVAM Baltimore, MD Wedding // MD Wedding Coordinator

Photo by KristineAnn Photography

Tarra's been super-busy this year (yay!) - so here's another one of her weddings at the always-hip American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. Take it away, Tarra!
I knew Kate and Josh were super cool right away simply because of their reception venue choice - The American Visionary Art Museum.  Call me biased, as it was also my wedding venue, I don't mind! It was so nice to be back and enjoy all that AVAM has to offer to the world whether you are a museum goer,  event guest, bride or groom!   Did I mention I got to work with the same rad venue coordinator who help me with my wedding nearly 4 years ago?!
AVAM really is such a chameleon of a space - it accommodates any and every couple's wedding day dreams.  Kate and Josh brought in stunning, handcrafted farm tables (Barnes Handcrafted Farmhouse Tables), some mismatched charger plates, mason jars, and bright florals to accomplish a homey, eclectic vibe. The food was top notch as expected, with Josh being a chef himself. 
Let's not forget about their gorgeous ceremony held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Baltimore. I love and completely support weddings outside of church walls, but it is always a nice treat to witness a couple marry in a church especially when it is a beautiful and historic as Holy Cross. 
It was so wonderful to work with this sweet couple.  They were classifiably busy in the months leading up to their wedding, but they never let it show.  Kate's work landed her a new opportunity in Berlin, Germany! I wish them all the best in their newly-wed life overseas!

Photo by KristineAnn Photography

Photo by KristineAnn Photography

Photo by KristineAnn Photography

Photo by KristineAnn Photography

Photo by KristineAnn Photography

Photo by KristineAnn Photography

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Mimi and Gavin // The Dumbarton House, Washington DC Wedding // DC Wedding Coordinator

Photo by The Colagrossis Some people don't know this about me, but I'm an introvert. It may seem odd for an event planner to be an introvert, but trust me, it works. Therefore, it was a pleasure working with Mimi and Gavin, two of the most introverted people I've ever met! Many people planning weddings are aching to be the center of attention. Mimi and Gavin were the complete opposite! They knew themselves, but also knew their families - and so they planned a small, intimate wedding that allowed them to celebrate with their families while also not being horribly overwhelmed, socially. The Dumbarton House was a perfect fit. After their first look and some beautiful portraits in the Dumbarton gardens, they had a Catholic ceremony at Holy Rosary in DC. Post ceremony, guests were shuttled over to the Dumbarton for cocktails, followed by dinner and dancing. Windows provided amazing food and service, as usual. Studio DBI (before their move to the West Coast - sob!), did the stunning florals, and Josh from MyDeejay kept everyone on the dance floor. The wonderful photographers, The Colagrossis, provided the lovely photos, below!

Special shout-out to Mimi's gorgeous outfit change into a traditional Vietnamese wedding dress half way through the ceremony. The red on her was ridiculously beautiful - couldn't get over what a stunning bride she was!

Congrats again to Mimi and Gavin!

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

Mimi and Gavin's Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: The Dumbarton House

Caterer: Windows Catering

Photographers: The Colagrossis

Florist: Studio DBI

DJ: Josh Rhett, MyDeejay

Hair and Make-up: Georgetown Bride

Tent: Sugarplum Tent

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Noelle and Sean // Warrenton, VA Backyard Wedding // VA Wedding Coordinator

Photo by Breanne Furlong Those who follow me on Instagram know that Tarra's been doing an amazing job as coordinator this year - taking on a ton of weddings and kicking ass! This one was a doozy - I'll let Tarra fill you in:

I am so happy Noelle found The Plannery! I knew she was our kind of bride from her first email and Sean was our kind of groom too.  A super friendly, kind-hearted, real, cool, down-to-earth couple. How lucky am I that both Noelle and Sean each have 4 siblings that are just as kick ass?! That's right, Noelle has 4 awesome sisters and Sean has 4 awesome brothers who made up their wedding party. 

The wedding festivities took place at Noelle's family property in Warrenton, VA, which is really a slice of heaven on earth. SO not your average backyard. The vast hillside view was simply to die for. Noelle and Sean nailed it in seeing this yard as the perfect, picturesque venue for their wedding day.  Sammy's Rentals brought in all the hardscapes we needed to create the respective spaces we needed.  
As with any outdoor event, we had to be ready for inclement weather which did in fact come our way.  Unfortunately, the storm that day was an ugly, vicious, and persistent son of gun.  Plan B went into effect and a tent was brought in for the ceremony. Noelle's family was also gracious enough to open up their home to their 200+ guests as shelter from the storm. 
Sure, there was some very loud and very scary thunder.  And sure, there were certainly some disappointment and tears. Vendors struggled to do their jobs as the wind and rain made it impossible at times. The ceremony started nearly two hours late. Cocktail hour (in its true form) essentially never happened. But you know what? Noelle and Sean were married any darn way! Their friends and family were beyond patient and understanding about everything. They were also very helpful and supportive.  I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason.  There is an inexplicable and beautiful reason why all of us there experienced this amazingly, memorable wedding in exactly the way we experienced it. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing.
Que sera, sera!

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Photo by Breanne Furlong

Noelle and Sean's Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Caterer: Side Street Catering

Photographer: Breanne Furlong

Ceremony Musicians: Innocenti Strings

DJ: Pinstripe Rebel, DJ DMAC and Associates

Tent: Sammy's Rentals

Transportation: Chariots for Hire

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