Real Wedding: New York

Real Wedding – New York Planner: Debra Thompson, PWP™Weddings by Debra Thompson LLC, www.weddingsbydebra.comMidsummer's Night's Dream, carnival pinks, creams and a touch of blueTime in industry: 20 yearsPhotographer: Dideo Films PhotographyBusinesses involved: On the Marc, Alperson Party Rentals, Party Rental Ltd., Carrie Wilcox Floral, Big Apple Florist, Sound Active Events, Bash & Pop, J & R Tours Ltd., Fun Time Amusements, Rudy’s Executive Transportation, Graham Clarke (children’s entertainer), Lovely Cakes, Say Whatt Sound (sound engineer for Bash & Pop), WTR Rentals (generator), Affordable Enterprises of Westchester, Inc. (dumpster)Wedding date: October 14, 2017Guest count: 210The couple: This couple was featured in the New York Times because of their story. They were two families that have been together since the start but officially became one on their wedding day. Within the planning process, Candice and Brian made decisions based on what would please and accommodate their families and friends. Their ceremony was held at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in New York City, followed by a tented reception at the couple’s historical home built in 1910 in White Plains.Involvement: Partial planning and day-of coordinationInspiration: The couple drew inspiration from their historical home and Shakespeare’s “Midsummer’s Nights Dream.”“Aha” design moment: The bride grew up in a carnival family. Therefore, carnival games were a “favorite” at the event. As a gift to the groom, the bride also secured a rock band, Bash & Pop, to perform. Bash & Pop stars Tommy Stinson, a rock-n-roll legend known for being the Guns N’ Roses’ bass player—the groom has been a fan since he was 17.Most unique design element: The orbs, decorated by all the invited children and lit with tea lights, were the most unique elements and represented the love that the couple has for each child. A booklet containing stories and memories behind the wedding’s floral and décor elements was designed and created by a close friend and was placed at each guest’s seatColor palette: Variations of pink with cream/white, and a touch of blueBudget: $150,000 approximatelyStaff hours: 72Planning time: 6 monthsSet up/strike details: The drop-off process for rentals and tent erection for the wedding event was a multiple day process.Revenue breakdown: 100% planning.Biggest challenge: Since the home was older, we were faced with several electrical power issues, i.e. fuse popping where the caterer set up his kitchen, ambiance lighting that turned dark when another plug was inserted, etc. Hindsight: With production of an outsourced wedding, we always recommend clients rent the generator from the tent rental company. The couple did not do so, which caused many risky variables, such as learning how to operate a generator.Learnings: The couple was asked repeatedly to keep the sprinklers off after the tent was erected. We learned it would be a good idea to place reminder signs in the home to “please keep sprinkler system off after tent is erected.”