Real Wedding - New Jersey

ABC Member Planner: Sarah-Jane Bennett,All Events Perfect, LLC, Tyrone, Ga.,770.969.9608, sjb@alleventsperfect.com,www.alleventsperfect.com.Photographer: Ahmet Ze Photography, Matawan, N.J.Other businesses involved: Boum Savvy, Absolute Events Entertainment, and Liberty House.The couple: The story of Patrice and Elijah is too incredible not to share. They met when Patrice answered Elijah’s Craigslist ad seeking a backup singer for his band, Elijah Bland. Though she joined the band, she was also, in an unrelated opportunity, selected for the national tour of Dream Girls. She played “Effie,” the lead role. When Elijah and Patrice married on March 25, 2011, in Jersey City, Patrice sang one of the songs from the show to Elijah at the reception.Inspiration: Sassy, contemporary.Most unique design element: The use of their self-created logo/monogram. Elijah’s background is in graphic design, so we used that opportunity to highlight his talent and truly gibe something original. The logo is comprised of their love of music, symbolized by the trebleclef, the heart of their love, and the “B” representing their last name, Bland.

Color palette: Eggplant, turquoise.

Approximate budget: $45,000.Guest count: 180.Biggest challenge: The weather. One of the highlights of the venue is outdoor space because it is on the Hudson River and facing New York. The original plan was to have the wedding outside, but we didn’t know how the weather would play out. Unfortunately, it was about 30 degrees with a horrible wind chill, so the wedding had to be inside where the reception would later be. We used pipe and drape to hide the tables that were already set up. They couple still had gorgeous pictures taken outside.Hindsight: Patrice and Elijah had a very elaborate cocktail-hour spread. Adding an extra 15-30 minutes would have allowed guests more time to partake in all the great food and activities. Guests were given fun VIP “backstage” passes as guest escort cards. They also could stop at the “step and repeat stand” to have their picture taken. But, by the time guests got a few vittles, drinks, and their escort card, it was time to start the reception.[nggallery id=12]