Inspiration from Michelle + John

Michelle and John's fabulous wedding is no secret...they were featured in Grace Ormond's Wedding Style magazine and on an episode of Platinum weddings on the We channel! With all of this gorgeous stuff it wouldn't be fair not to share it with everyone!
Mariah photographed this amazing wedding back in August and their fun engagement session last Spring. They are a terrific couple and fun to be with!Wedding coordinator: Raina Dawn of Raina Dawn Events
Location: Oceancliff
Florals and Decor design: Richard Carbotti of Perfect Surroundings Event Design
Rentals: Rentals Unlimited
Cake: Cappuccino's

Platinum Weddings Premier Party

The premier of Platinum weddings was such a fun (and very rainy) evening! Our friend and wedding planner extraordinaire Raina of Raina Dawn Events hosted this little soiree for the vendors involved in Michelle and John's Platinum Wedding last August. How exciting to see all of these wonderful vendors highlighted on the show.

Here's yours truly...

(it's a little rough standing next to the glamorous Raina for a photo, but whatever.)

The lovely ladies of Oceancliff...


The team from Perfect Surroundings.

The face of New Leaf Hair Studio.

Raina with her friends from Rentals Unlimited.

Take a look at our slideshow on the WETV website...

Great Ideas No. 6 ...Out of Town Guest Bags

Our friend & event planner, Raina of Raina Dawn Events offers these fantastic "Out of Town Guest Bags" to her clients planning destination weddings.

The bags come packed with a weekend itinerary, travel guide, map, water and snacks... everything your guests will need for a fun filled weekend. So useful and totally thoughtful... these bags are a great idea!

You can reach Raina at her website: http://www.rainadawnevents.com/ if you are interested in the guest bags, coordination for your event, or day of event management.

Michelle and John at OceanCliff- The Finale!

Posted by Mariah:

A good adjective to describe the look of the evening? Luxe.

Every corner of the room was glowing and sparkling.








Our red theme was carried throughout the tables and the cake. This amazing cake was also done by Cappuccinos... alligators to elegant should be there new tag line.

One more kudos to Perfect Surroundings and Rentals Unlimited!

This centerpieces were insane!

A little bubbly.

Platinum Weddings includes a segment on their show called "The Big Reveal". Basically, this is when the bride and groom view their ballroom completely decorated for the first time. Unfortunately I was banished by the producer from this moment, but I think my shot of them entering is pretty magical anyway. Not sure why they didn't think my lurking around in the background wouldn't make for good TV. Hmphhh.

Raina, in her infinite wisdom made sure that I had all the time I needed to photograph the ballroom without people in it. Thanks Raina.

How do you like my sun flare action in the ballroom?

I love this little series of Michelle and John watching the antics of their bridal party as they are introduced.

I think this was probably an awesome moment for Raina... like giving birth or seeing your kids graduate college... she planned, she worried, she fretted, she gave it her all- and off they go!

All her hard work has paid off and is captured in this moment, how poetic. I like her little thumbs up.

What?! Thank you Mr. Video Light.

That twirling session came in handy.

Michelle is doing her angel thing again.

Good times.

Listening to toasts...

Can't recall what they said, although it must have been good. I was too distracted by all this awesome blue light!

1950 or 2009?

Still not sure...

This was a new move invented by Michelle's grandma. You'll see, everyone is going to be doing it.

Here's our beautiful Snap! Guestbook Folio in action with some of the shots from our photodate last spring.

The evening is coming to a close.

And a good time was had by all... including yours truly.

Michelle and John... thank you for trusting your genius planner Raina and hiring me sight unseen. I hope you love all of these photos and I can't wait to help you design your beautiful album.

I was sad to see such a fun weekend end, it really was Platinum, not because of all the beautiful things but because of you!

Michelle and John at Oceancliff Part Two

Posted by Mariah:

The "I Do's" took place at St. Augustine's Church in Newport. It's a lovely church with a beautiful altar. Michelle and John had a family friend , who just so happens to be a priest marry them.

This little girl is studying my technique... she's thinking, "I wonder how that sort of out of shape lady can stay crouched for so long!"





I love this moment!

So happy!!!

Michelle's veil is so beautiful.

Next we are off to do some scenic Newport pics on our way to Oceancliff.

Romantical... you'd never know there are cars speeding by right behind me.

The whole family and bridal party is joining us at Bretton Point.

Michelle & her parents.

John and his parents.

Who doesn't love to be at the beach? The surf was insane due to Hurricane Bill, thanks Bill.

Love this one.

Classic.

This is one of my fav moves.

I exclaimed, "This is the best bridal party photo EVER!" Sometimes it just all comes together.

Beautiful ladies in the breeze.

I told the guys... "Not too smiley, you know, do your handsome face."

Check!

These guys were workin' it! Love them!

Right?! I think they appreciated my extreme photoing moves to achieve this angle.

... and Raina- too pretty to be behind the scenes all the time!....

We arrived at Oceancliff to find the lounge all set up for cocktail hour... again, rentals by Rentals Unlimited and design and florals by Perfect Surroundings.

MMM. Oceancliff always does such an amazing job with the food.

Ditto.

A hairstyle change, a new accessory & a few more portraits of our bride and groom.

You can't have too much romance. I love this photo.

Practicing the swirl factor.

Time for some cocktails with friends....

Coming up next?.... all the amazing reception details and the party!