Interview With Jeff Stillwell, Founder of Stillwell Events

Jeff Stillwell, Founder of Stillwell Events – Andre Maier Photography – courtesy of Stillwell Events

“If the band stops abruptly, the lights come on while some of your guests are still eating dessert and the party doesn’t have a smooth ending, this last impression will overshadow the beautiful decor and heartfelt moments of your wedding. My job is to make sure this doesn’t happen.” Before starting his company Stillwell Events, Jeff Stillwell’s invaluable training was obtained by being the Director at some of New York City’s most luxurious venues. Thanks to the hospitality learned from a Southern upbringing coupled with a drive to continually cultivate new skills and knowledge, Jeff quickly established himself as one of the best in the industry. Stillwell Events plans and executes life’s most important events – anniversaries, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, and of course weddings. “I love doing weddings,” Jeff says. “Tailoring every detail so the day of is expressed as an authentic signature of a couple is really rewarding.”
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Chrysanthemum - via new plantsandflowers.com

Planning & Inspiration

Fall Wedding Décor Ideas With Chrysanthemum Flowers

by Kate Murphy

Chrysanthemum – via new plantsandflowers.com

Do you know which flower to give to friends and family born in November? Chrysanthemum, the month’s designated birth flower! Festive, eye-catching, and versatile, it’s also a wonderful bloom to incorporate into fall weddings. From bouquets to wedding cakes, we’ve rounded up pretty floral décor ideas with chrysanthemums, this month’s BB Bloom in Spotlight.

Chrysanthemums (commonly known as “mums”) were first cultivated in China where the flower was documented in writings as early as 15^th century BC. Around 400 AD, the bloom was introduced to Japan. So taken by the flower’s beauty, the Japanese adopted it as the emperor’s crest and official seal. After being introduced to Europe in the 17^th century, the chrysanthemum received its present day name, which derives from the Greek words “chrysos” meaning gold (its original color) and “anthemon” meaning flower. Cultivation over the years has produced various types and colors including white, red, and purple. In the language of flowers, the chrysanthemum represents longevity, fidelity, joy, and optimism. With attributes like these, it’s no wonder couples want the flower close by on their wedding day!
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Kristen & Joe Wedding - High Centerpieces - Trumpets at the Gate - by Kim Mancuso

Weddings

Kristen & Joe Celebrate With A Beautiful, Fun-filled Reception

by Kate Murphy

Kristen & Joe Wedding – High Centerpieces – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

“We had the most laid-back, fun reception. The whole party danced the night away, from the flower girls to the grandparents!” Here, our featured bride Kristen shares the final chapter in her Real BB Wedding story.

Part 4: Reception, Centerpieces, and Surprise Moments

After a joyous cocktail hour, guests made their way to the reception where they were greeted by a gorgeous welcome table arrangement of peonies, roses, ranunculus, snapdragons, and stock set in chic cylinder vases of various heights. Trumpets at the Gate’s dining room is marked by large, open windows and elegant chandeliers On this day, the space was awash in natural light, casting an airy, romantic atmosphere.
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Claire & James Wedding - Centerpiece - Capitale - Susan Shek Photography

Weddings

Claire & James Dance The Night Away At Capitale

by Kate Murphy

Claire & James Wedding – Bride Groom – Capitale – by Susan Shek

The scene in Capitale’s Grand Ballroom looked like a luxurious party from the Gilded Age of New York. But the excited mood was very of the moment and the event about to unfold was all about celebrating a modern day love. Here, our featured bride Claire shares the final chapter of her Real BB wedding story.

Part 4: Reception, Décor, and Special Moments

After taking their seats, guests waited for the newlyweds to make their party arrival through the venue’s downstairs doors. But Claire and James had bigger plans. She recalls, “No one expected us to make an entrance from the balcony catwalk! It was perfect. ‘Signed Sealed Delivered’ by Stevie Wonder played as we walked down the spiral staircase and met all of our family and wedding party on the dance floor. We all immediately started dancing!” And with that, the tone was set for the rest of the night.
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Weddings

Claire & James: A Timeless New York Love Affair At Capitale

by Kate Murphy

Claire & James Wedding – Bride & Groom – Capitale – by Susan Shek

Claire and James’ love story begins at the start of their freshman year in college. “We were actually introduced by one of my bridesmaids and her boyfriend, who is now her husband. She asked me to come and hang out with their friends one evening and that is when I first met James.” They hit it off immediately, but there was one small problem. Both were seeing other people at the time. Claire looks back and says with a little laugh, “Our relationships didn’t last too much longer. We went back home for Thanksgiving break and told our significant others that we had met someone. That was nine years ago, we’ve been inseparable ever since.”
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Jean & Bryan Wedding - Bride & Groom - Bronx Post Office by Karen Wise

Weddings

Jean & Bryan Celebrate Saying “I Do” With A Romantic, Fun-filled Reception

by Kate Murphy

Jean & Bryan Wedding – Bride & Groom – Bronx Post Office by Karen Wise

After Jean and Bryan exchanged vows, guests gathered in the iconic lobby of the Bronx Post Office for cocktail hour. Everyone enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres amidst the backdrop of the famous murals by artist Ben Shaun. Once the newlyweds made their happy entrance, celebrations really got underway.

Part 4: Reception, Heat Table, and Centerpieces

As everyone entered the reception area, an atmospheric evening light had just started filtering through the venue to beautiful effect. Jean and Bryan along with thirty guests took their seats at the head table where they were welcomed by a magnificent floral display evoking a mood of enchanted romance. A gorgeous mix curly willow, blush cherry blossoms, white hydrangeas, roses, snapdragons, delphiniums, burgundy scabiosas, brunia berries, and greenery were arranged on tall metal stands. Accented by teardrop-shaped glass bubbled, the blooms gave the impression of a floral chandelier hanging above the tablescape. Complementing petite floral arrangements brought an intimate feel to the dining space.
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Planning & Inspiration