Lucy Dylan Weddings » Vendor Spotlight

Vendor Spotlight: New England Country Rentals

admin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:57:42 +0000

Name: Kelly Ucen

Location: Scituate, MA (soon to be Greenwich, CT & Branford, CT)

Company Name: New England Country Rentals

Tell us a little about what you do.

New England Country Rentals (NECR) is a premier quality event rental company that focuses on filling the voids in the New England event rental industry, while providing the best products and service. Growing from a personal need into a very fast growing business, NECR has been recognized as the “breath of fresh air” to the New England event rental industry.

In addition to all of the basics that most event rental company offer, NECR has concentrated on the untapped demand for top-of-the-line furnishings and custom products. NECR builds custom superior products ranging from beautiful, hand crafted farm tables and distressed furniture, to high-end china, flatware and glassware. Each of our products have been carefully chosen to set the perfect mood.

Our top of the line furniture collection includes handmade tables, chairs, benches, bars, lounge furniture and statement pieces. We provide a range of finishes, colors and fabrics so clients can chose the pieces that are just right for them.

Whether planning an intimate affair, a once in a lifetime extravaganza, or a dream wedding, New England Country Rentals (NECR) is the perfect full-service rental company to help express your exceptional style. NECR offers an extensive product line that allows clients to hand-pick every creative detail for their event.

How long have you been in business?

2 years

What inspired you to start your business/studio?

NECR began as a result of Matej and Kelly Ucen planning their own wedding. For several moths they were in a never-ending search for wooden farm tables, but after multiple failed attempts, they accepted that farm tables were not available to rent on the East Coast. They bought reclaimed lumber, rented a workshop from a friend and utilized their savings to produce the tables that they were hoping for.

With their original tables and folding chairs, Matej and Kelly created a company Farm Tables 4 Rent, which quickly expanded to New England Country Rentals (NECR) in less than 1 year. As NECR, Matej and Kelly now focus on bringing new products and trends to life on the East Coast.

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?

The reaction from brides when they first see our products in real life – we instantly receive a gasp, followed by something along the lines of “I told you I would find this!” to their accompanying guest.

Besides our other favorite of getting to see all the pieces come together in photos, we love the frequency of clients requesting to purchase our rentals after an event, it is very humbling.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?

When my husband and I were on our honeymoon and constantly daydreamed about the next best thing we wanted for NECR or the next products we would build – one afternoon we were sitting at a poolside bar, sipping on afternoon cocktails and began sketching out our next products on our cocktail napkins with the bartender’s pen. At that moment, I realized that NECR would be the perfect blend of our passions, talents and careers.

When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage)

Rustic elegance – we were looking to have an outdoor oceanfront wedding and were adamant that we did not want layers upon layers of linens on everything – we wanted it to look simple, unique and gorgeous. We have since expanded from the rustic elegance into a variety of styles that focus on providing the best in quality and style.

When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?

Inspiration boards are a huge help – when we sometimes are not able to completely grasp the vision for the clients, we will put together an Inspiration Board for them or ask if they would like to come meet. Often clients will set-up a table in our showroom to see how everything will fit in, it is wonderful to see everything come together and to witness the stress be lifted off their shoulders when they see that it works!

Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines)

Wedding blogs – Style Me Pretty, Sparkle & Hay

Furniture Magazines/Blogs – Dwell, One Kings Lane

Furniture Stores – Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn

Antique Stores & Craft Fairs

Differing Markets – Italy, France, Australia, California

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio?

We are ever expanding and adding new products. We often build custom items for events and then add them to our inventory after the fact. It never hurts to ask and we will see what we can do!

Photos courtesy of New England Country Rentals.

**If you are interested in doing a vendor spotlight just email us at lucydylanweddings{at}gmail{dot}com!

Engagement Cinematography: Erica & Mike via Brent Foster Photography

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:25:41 +0000

I came across this video from Dylan List member Brent Foster Photography and had to share.

This piece focuses on Erica and Mike’s love for one another, their personalities, their thoughts about each other, and their upcoming wedding.

Its very sweet and a great way to be inspired by love this weekend.

TGIF!

Erica and Mike | Engagement Cinematography | Wedding Cinematography from Brent Foster on Vimeo.

Guest Blogger: The Modern Bride’s Guide to Wedding Planning

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:36:41 +0000

If we’ve learned one thing about the Internet over the past 10 years, it’s that we’re not in Kansas anymore (Unless you actually live in Kansas, of course). The days of rotary phones and snail mail to communicate are long behind us. We’re moving further away, Skyping with family and friends to stay connected, and venturing beyond boundaries the previous generations had only recently established.

Modern brides have made adjustments right alongside this cultural shift, too. Instead of spending the afternoon at the town’s only bridal store, the modern bride now has literally hundreds of options for dress styles, shoe colors, and design ideas—all at her instant disposal. It can be hard to know where to begin!

To help the modern bride navigate the digital streets of wedding planning, we’ve come up with a handful of helpful tips:

Start broad, then narrow your search:

Deciding the details of your wedding can be a daunting task, especially when you’re shopping the online realm. Before you sit down and Google “centerpiece ideas,” think about the overall feel of your wedding and use that as your guideline. What’s your style? What color palette catches your eye? Are you and fiancé more vintage, modern, classic, casual? Find blogs and websites that fit those big picture ideas and go from there. Once you narrow the search, the details will come more easily.

Note inspiration as you see it:

Let’s face it – inspiration rarely comes when you’re specifically looking for it. With that in mind, make sure to take note of things that grab your attention, even if they’re not the original focus of your search. By taking a few minutes to bookmark that page or picture (and labeling it appropriately), you’ll begin to build a great resource that you can return to when the time is right. There’s plenty on your brain already, so when you stumble across those perfect party favors, let your computer do the remembering by creating a folder or list. You’ll be glad you did!

Balance Online with In-Person:

What you see isn’t always what you get when shopping online, so make sure to do some “in-person” research before you take the plunge on an important decision. If you’re picking out bridesmaid dresses, ask the company to send you their swatch folder so you can get a true representation of the colors. Try on the brand of shoe you’re looking at online so you know what size to order. Measure out the dimensions of that handmade cake-topper instead of eyeing it from the picture. Using the Internet to find better prices and a larger selection is a great idea, just make sure it will meet your expectations when it arrives.

Take advantage of partnership offerings:

Keep an eye out for partnerships and deals. It’s not unlikely to pay for stationary goods and receive a free photo book from their partner. Or perhaps the local blog you follow occasionally offers giveaways for gifts or services in your area. We certainly don’t recommend signing up for every promo out there (unless you’re a fan of spam mail), but consider subscribing to a few quality sites that offer worthwhile deals and discounts. You never know what bonuses you might come across!

Consider an online planning tool:

We’re a bit bias on this topic, but we think online planning is important to consider. With family and friends all over the place these days, it’s difficult to plan whilst keeping everyone in the loop. The balance is tricky, but using something like Wedllab bridges that gap! Get everyone on board to share in ideas and discussions, setup budgets, to-do lists, and more. It’s a new way to plan, but we think it supports the modern bride wonderfully.

Despite the Internet playing such a major role in planning for a wedding, a few simple personal rules will keep your planning needs in check, online and off. Providing yourself boundaries will keep you on the course to wedding planner success, and being smart with planning decisions will pay off in the end.

(To learn more about Wedllab, wedding collaboration made easy, visit http://www.wedllab.com)

Photos courtesy of mylot.com.

Inspired by Bliss Event Planning

admin — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:12:28 +0000

As you know we have some amazing vendors on our Dylan List. But today I can’t help but be inspired by Dylan List member Bliss Event Planning! The thought and care they put into each wedding and event has me over the moon excited for them to be a part of Lucy Dylan Weddings.

When they sent over this green and purple color board it had me swooning for more and wanting to get married all over again. Not only do I love these ladies, but I also love their mantra: “Meet each client’s needs with a sense of calm, strength and style and exceed their expectations of the perfect day.”

Here’s just a few of the features Bliss Event Planning has had on LDW:

The Perfect Winter Wedding

Vendor Spotlight: Bliss Event Planning

Eco Bridal Bouquets via Bliss Blog

Real Whistler Wedding: Melanie and Jordan

Real Wedding: Jason & Melanie

Real Whistler Wedding: Rhonda & Aaron

You can check out more on Bliss Event Planning by visiting their website and blog!

TGIF!

Inspiration color board courtesy of Bliss Event Planning.

Our 1st Birthday!

admin — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:55:17 +0000

One year ago today I launched Lucy Dylan Weddings. I wanted to have fun with it, showing the different parts of planning, that might go unnoticed. From advice to DIY products to the introduction of a food category, LDW evolved into something so much more then I ever thought it would. This past year was a whirlwind and I couldn’t have done it without the many photographers and vendors that were so kind to provide real weddings and content for me to share.

In the past year my little regional wedding blog has had over 100,000 visits. I featured weddings from as far as South Africa to beautiful weddings from all over the Rocky Mountains and United States. Thank you to all of the vendors, photographers, couples, and my fellow wedding bloggers who allowed me to feature you, talk about you, and share your amazing wedding ideas. And a special thank you goes out to everyone who reads, follows, and visits my blog regularly.

This year is going to be amazing and I can’t wait to share some of the things I’ve already been working on. Here we have, in no particular order, some of the most popular blog posts from LDW’s first year! Thank you for making it one FABOULUS year!

Stay tuned this week for some great giveaways, discounts, and my list of my favorite posts from the first year.

Lucy Dylan

Photo Booth Fun

Real Engagement: Jessica & Jeremy

Postwedding Brunch 101

Winter Wedding Food Ideas

Thinking Outside the Box: Wedding Cake

DIY: Sugar Cookie Wedding Cakes

Be Merry Dessert Table

Real Vancouver Wedding: Liza & Greg

Real Wedding: Emily & Jay

Real Edmonton Wedding: Angel & Chad

Real Park City Wedding: Deveree & Lucas

Vendor Spotlight: Brent Foster Photography

admin — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:28:11 +0000

Name: Brent Foster

Location: Ontario, Canada

Company Name: Brent Foster Photography

Tell us a little about what you do.

I’m an international award winning wedding photojournalist and cinematographer. I focus on weddings in Canada, and am available internationally.

How long have you been in business?

I’ve worked professionally in 15+ countries as a photojournalist for the last 12 years for publications such as the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and Canadian Geographic. I’ve always shot weddings for friends and colleagues along the way, but have decided to concentrate the bulk of my time on storytelling wedding photojournalism and cinematography.

What inspired you to start your business/studio?

I came home from India a while back for an assignment for Canadian Geographic. The assignment was to document my hometown in Southwestern, Ontario. When home on assignment I met Tammy, fell in love, and we were married in October, 2010. Tammy and I opened up an amazing studio in an old bank building, and I’ve shifted my focus to storytelling wedding photography. We live in Southwestern Ontario with my 3 year-old stepdaughter Daylia.

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?

I get to do what I love. Every. Single. Day.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?

I found my passion when I was 14. My parents had our weekly newspaper on the kitchen table. The front page image was this documentary style, storytelling photograph. I was hooked, and the rest is history.

When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage)

No question the business is built around high quality editorial style photojournalism. I treat all my weddings with as much passion as I do any magazine or newspaper assignment.

When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?

By letting them live their day, and being a fly on the wall. I focus on capturing the moments , details, colors, textures, and light that together, create powerful, and unforgettable images.

Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines)

I study my favorite photojournalism collectives, photographers, and constantly look at all kinds of magazines, and books.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio?

I do this because it’s my passion, and lifestyle. It’s much more than a business to me. It’s what I love.

Vendor Spotlight: Kisa Koenig Photography

admin — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:59:36 +0000

Name: Kisa Koenig
Location: Driggs, Idaho
Company Name: Kisa Koenig Photography

Tell us a little about what you do.
First of all, I LOVE what I do. I get to take photos of people during the most special times in their lives. I shoot engagement portraits, weddings, maternity, newborn, and family photos. And my goal is to do so as naturally as possible. I have more of a photojournalistic approach, including using natural light whenever possible, and it lends itself to gorgeous, relaxed images of these incredible life experiences.

How long have you been in business?
I’ve been running my business for 8 years now…full time for the last 4 years.

What inspired you to start your business/studio?
I just couldn’t not do photography. Many times, I thought I might do something different, less unpredictable…but I just could never let go of my joy in taking pictures. It’s been a long road, but I’m so happy I get to do this every day!

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?
The people I get to meet is wonderful, and I’ve been incredibly blessed with the most awesome clients. My favorite thing is when I hear how happy people are with their photos (especially when it brings tears to their eyes

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?
Honestly, there’s not been one moment, but lots of little times when I make someone happy with the photographs I give them. Sometimes, it’s a blog post I do that uses words and photos to tell a story. It really makes my job so satisfying, and I love that I can do something that brings joy to others.

When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage)
My style would be modern yet classic, with a natural, real feel to the images. I adore looking at so many styles of work, and have been particularly interested to see how everyone is using actions to create certain looks. But when I sit down to edit my photos, I always tend to go for a clean, crisp, realistic look…with bright, happy, natural color.

When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?
I guess I help by really listening to where they are coming from, what they envision, and what is important to them. When I begin photographing, I keep all of that in mind and try to document all the little details that make their wedding their own as well as capture all the moments that happen throughout the event. I think couples love to see their wedding details documented, but are most touched by the emotions captured…that are overflowing on such a big day.

Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines)
I spend way too much time on the internet! I love browsing wedding blogs and other photographers’ websites! It’s my way of staying connected and inspired, since being a mother of two boys tends to keep me pretty busy most of the time. I used to LOVE magazines and would cut out images and keep them in books or tape them around on my walls for inspiration. Living in a small town where it’s hard to find many good magazines, blogs and websites have been my saving grace.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio?
I have recently opened a studio in downtown Driggs, and I love to have prospective wedding clients come by, sip a beverage, look at albums and be able to get to know another. I think it’s so important to connect with your photographer (and vice versa) prior to the wedding day. I am also shooting more babies and newborns, so after the nuptials are sealed, you can come on by again with any new family members that may join you!

Vendor Spotlight: Wonderfully Made

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:33:50 +0000

I’m so excited to to introduce our newest addition to the Dylan List, make-up artist Maria McGregor! Maria owns Colorado based company Wonderfully Made. She is a fashion and wedding make-up artist and we are so excited to have her be a part of the LDW family.

Name: Maria McGregor

Location: Colorado

Company Name: Wonderfully Made

Tell us a little about what you do?

I am a freelance makeup artist and also own my company called Wonderfully Made Makeup Artistry.

How long have you been in business?

I’ve been freelancing for a while but I started my company in the beginning of 2009.

What inspired you to start your business/studio?

The inspiration came from the wonderful women I did makeup for. I loved seeing the reactions of confidence after doing their makeup. So I took a leap of faith and decided to start my own business focusing on that very thing, making wonderful women feel beautiful not just on the outside but also on the inside, which is the most important thing.

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?

Wow, that’s hard question. There are a lot things I love about my business. So, other than shopping for makeup, one of my favorite things is getting to travel to different places in Colorado that I have never visited before. Its exciting and so adventurous for me. And the best part is going back home and telling my family all the cool and beautiful places I got to see on the way to my job.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?

When I decided to start my business it was like a breath of fresh air. If you know me I’m an entrepreneur minded person so when I decided to step out on faith and start my business I knew this is what I was called to do.

When you built your business what style would say you built it around? (ie, classic, modern, vintage)

I say a little bit of everything. Because of the industry I am in every style can be incorporated, but I just love taking it to the next level. I’m all about using different styles but putting my own twist on them.

When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?

I ask questions, lots of questions! I also ask my clients to give me pictures of makeup styles and colors so that I have a visual idea of what they’re looking for.

Where do you go for inspiration? (ie blogs, magazines)

My inspirations come from other makeup artist’s work. So weather it’s from magazines, commercials or other portfolios, I love to see fellow makeup artist’s work. It inspires me then I put my own techniques and flavor on it. That is what is great about the makeup industry. There is more than one-way to do things.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business /studio?

Yes, I am a christian makeup artist that strives to make each of my clients happy with the gift God has given me. I love what I do and the best part is meeting new wonderful people that become great friends.

Lucy Dylan Weddings » Vendor Spotlight

Vendor Spotlight: New England Country Rentals

Engagement Cinematography: Erica & Mike via Brent Foster Photography

Guest Blogger: The Modern Bride’s Guide to Wedding Planning

Inspired by Bliss Event Planning

Our 1st Birthday!

Vendor Spotlight: Brent Foster Photography

Vendor Spotlight: Kisa Koenig Photography

Vendor Spotlight: Wonderfully Made

Sponsored Post: Minted Photo Calendars

Sponsored Post: Minted Holiday Cards