Real Wedding New York

Planner: Lisa Marie Blinn, PWP™, L. Marie Events, www.LMarieEvents.com, LisaMarie@LMarieEvents.comTime in Industry: 17 yearsPhotographer: Hechler PhotographersBusinesses involved: Meadow Brook Golf Club (venue), The Printery and Ipanema Press (stationery), Andrew Pascoe Flowers, Vali Entertainment (band), NY Tent, Matt Murphy Event Lighting, Picture Perfect Photo Booth, Nicky Laboy’s Caja Dura (entertainment), La Bonne Boulangerie (bakery), Party Rental, LTD, NY Lounge Décor

Wedding date: May 21, 2016Guest count: 225The couple: Milena and D.R. were planning a wedding in Puerto Rico, where Milena’s family has another home. The threat of the Zika virus, however, changed everything. With less than three months to plan, they moved the wedding back to New York.

Involvement: Partial planningInspiration: Since the original location was a Caribbean island, the couple wanted to create the same atmosphere for their guests and chose a “Caribbean island theme.”“Aha” design moment: It was essential that we create a Caribbean atmosphere on Long Island. The look didn’t include the bright pinks, yellows, and blues you often see with a tropical theme. Instead, it had a more neutral palette and a more elegant look. We carried out a palm-leaf look in unique places, like the photo booth prints, which were taken directly from day-of stationery, and with the pillows on the wicker lounge furniture.Most unique design element: The tent poles were covered with bark and palm leaves and lighted vine lanterns hung from the tent top.Color palette: Green, white, and blush

Budget: privateStaff hours: 90, including 35 planning hours, 51 day-of team hours, and four hours post eventPlanning time:  10 weeksNumber of meetings: 6Set-up/strike details: We had three people assisting but our set up only consisted of about two hours for placing day-of stationery and small décor items—the venue and florist did 99 percent of the set up.Revenue breakdown: 85% planning, 15% rentals

Biggest challenge: Initially, the planning timeframe added pressure to our team. However, since a number of the core vendors had already been contracted, it allowed us more time to work with the florist and lighting company on the design and to focus on logistics. The bride’s family also hired a pleneros group to perform during the reception. This type of group performs the plena, a Puerto Rican musical form using drums. It was a surprise gift to the couple. Keeping this from our organized, hands-on bride definitely required creativity when it came to explaining gaps in the timeline! WPM