Real Weddings: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, MD

Being a planner, there are certain weddings that you will always remember.  The marriage of Reina Arai and David Pomeroy is one that I will never forget.  This wedding was a true celebration of love and devotion.  Reina, a talented singer, and David, a Marine, originally met while Reina was on tour with David’s brother in the Earlham College choir.  After the tour ended, David and Reina sporadically kept in touch as they both traveled around the world for their professions.  Almost two years after meeting, David and Reina had their first date.  During the first nine months of dating, David drove from North Carolina to Virginia every weekend to visit Reina.  David and Reina are a true testament to the quote, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’.   

First Look

Reina showing off her fabulous red shoes!

The Kiss

The Reception Décor

Reina’s sister and niece during the ‘bubble send off’

 Click HERE to view the full photo Gallery

 

SoCo Events was hired as a “Month of Planner” to assist the bride and groom with the details and to make sure everything was perfect.  Reina, who is incredibly organized, had already solidified her vision and major details to her wedding when I met her 11 months prior to the big day.  Reina’s vision included the color scheme of red, pink and grey for the décor.  She also wanted to celebrate David’s Marine Corp background, as this was such an important part of both of their lives. 

These elements were visible throughout the wedding.   The Ceremony ended with the newly married couple walking through a traditional sword arch.  Each of the tables had been named after different ranks in the Marine Corp.  The bridesmaid dresses were grey and Reina’s two maids of honor wore red.  Red, pink and grey poms were strung from the ceiling in the reception.  The guest book was canvas that had been monogrammed in red and grey.  The men wore their Marine Corp uniforms.  The details extended to the grey escort cards that were displayed in beautiful trays filled with red candies. 

In addition, Reina had planned a big surprise for David.  She had a secret second wedding gown.  Reina knew that they were going to see each other prior to their ceremony since they were taking photos together.  After the photos and Immediately before the Ceremony, Reina changed into a second surprise gown.  David was able to see Reina for the first time all over again! 

Wedding Date: September 10, 2011

Number of Guests: 115

Ceremony Venue: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Grass Terrace / Reception Venue: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Beach House / Photographer: Susan Solo Photography / Ceremony, Cocktail and Reception Music:  EvanReitmeyer of My Deejay / Caterer: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

Florist: Da Vinci’s Florist / Hair: Up Dos for I Dos / Makeup: Tish B! – Lead Makeup Artist    

Beach Gift Ideas: What every bridesmaid would be happy to receive...and actually use!

Bridesmaids are the lucky women you chose to stand beside you on one of the most significant days of your life. You love them, right? Whether they’ve helped you tremendously or only slightly along the way, what matters is they’ve contributed to your happiness on your wedding day and you should express your gratitude towards them with a thoughtful gift. Since beach weddings are unlike any other wedding, it would be awesomely appreciated to give them something relevant and useful during their seaside stay. Here are some ideas to get you rolling:

● A monogrammed beach bag filled with goodies such as a beach towel, flip flops, SPF, and perhaps a reusable, aluminum water bottle if you are feeling eco-friendly. Take a look at the always comfortable and practical Havaiana flip flops in these fabulous “Slim-Turkish” styles:

...Tres chic! A solid, bright colored style would also be a great choice for your maids.

When Lilly Pulitzer isn’t making lobster speckled men’s khaki’s, she is making these stainless steel, re-usable water bottles in beachy chic designs (free of nasty BPA too!)

...A fun, practical addition to any gift bag, plus a wise idea to encourage your ladies to stay hydrated during the celebratory, albeit booze and sun-filled weekend.

A loose, thin, comfy fabric is perfect for lounging in sea or pool side, and even paired later in the evening with white jeans for a casual seafood dinner. Roberta Roller Rabbit makes Tunics, Kurtas (sarongs), and Beach Bags in beautiful traditional Indian prints.

Shown above is a fabulous sarong, one of the Tunics in an ultra flattering blue and white print that blends beautiful with the coastal scenery and an array of several of the designer’s classic and creative prints and accessories. Make your bridesmaid gifts even more special by personalizing each of the gals gifts by picking colors and patterns that most compliment each girl’s look

● A gift certificate to experience something adventurously unique to your beach location (i.e. wild horse tour, jet skiing, crabbing, surf lessons)

● A large, hardcover coffee table book of the coastal town you are in, complete with gorgeous pictures to remember it by. It will spice up their pads and be available to flip through when they’re feeling nostalgic!

● A funky, bright colored make-up bag filled with a girls favorite seaside toiletries such as shimmery self tanner, tropical-colored nail polish, bronzer, waterproof mascara, and a dual cheek/lip stain. To be more specific and get you rolling, here are some ideas:
*Check out this collectible Stila beach palette with an adorable name: “Still Haute in the Hamptons” available at Sephora (now on Sale!!):

This glam collection comes in four additional color palettes, each with a different coastal location and equally cute catch phrases.

* Let your girls share some of your wedding glow with this delicious, body-quenching, all-natural Pacifica Island Glow Beautiful Body Kit. It will have their skin looking radiant in your wedding pictures and the coconut scent will remind them of the special beach event long after you’ve said “I do.” BobbiBrown has fabulous sea-reminiscent skin and body finds as well!

Whatever you choose, make it fun, relaxed and hot...just like the beach!

xoxo,
Jen

Beach Bound Bridesmaids!

Last week's heat reminded us that Summer is definitely here, which means BEACH WEDDING SEASON is upon us! Being that I just served as a bridesmaid in black-tie, uber-traditional, capitol city wedding, I feel like the perfect candidate to dish out advice on how to properly care for your beachy bridesmaids. Okay, not exactly, but since I grew up by the sea, have dreamed of exchanging my vows in the sand (I thank The Little Mermaid for that fairytale vision of mine), and have a little bridesmaid experience up my dress, I have racked up a few suggestions on how to experience smooth sailing when it comes to bridesmaids on the coast. As a bridesmaid, I know I would greatly appreciate if my bride buddy kept these dress tips in mind....

 Keep It Short And Sweet

No, it does not have to be so short that your special ladies wear it clubbing long after you've exchanged vows, but mid-calf or above the knee is an optimal length.  Let's face it, your girls will be paying a fine penny to look beautiful during your special day, and we don;t want a dragging gown to get ruined and weathered by the sand or sea.  Salt water, sand and ocean breeze do not mix well with long, formal designer gowns!  Below are a few from the Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaid Collection, which is now available at one of our fav's, Carine's Bridal Atelier!

Consider Off-The-Rack

The beach screams relaxation, rejuvenation and fun, so it's best not to pick bridesmaid dresses that scream the exact opposite.  Your maids can be comfortable and chic in an easy to access off-the-rack dress!  If none of the females in the wedding party require custom sized apparel, then buying off-the-rack is a more practical option that usually will not break the bank.  See the pictures below of comfortable beach chic Lilly Pulitzer dresses that make for a gorgeous and effortless wedding photo.  Plus, all the women will surely be grateful for not having to make many a trek to the designer bridesmaid dress shop for several fittings and alterations.

Stay Cool!!!
xoxo, 
Kate