Bride & Blossom Venue Spotlight: Battery Gardens

Kate & Alex Wedding – Battery Gardens – couple – orange, peach bouquet – by Susan Shek Photography

When it comes to choosing where to get married in New York City, each couple is different from the next. Some couples want a venue with a view while others want one that is rich in history and tradition. Access to a picturesque backdrop for taking photos is always a plus. And let’s not forget about cuisine. A guest’s wedding experience is always shaped by the food that is served.

Located at the Southern most corner of Manhattan’s Battery Park, Battery Gardens offers all of these things and more to the couple looking for their perfect wedding venue. New York City’s history began in Battery Park when Dutch Settlers landed there in 1683. Today, it is a 25-acre public park exuding a tranquil beauty that makes visitors completely forget they are actually in bustling metropolis. Nestled within this urban oasis, Battery Gardens has stunning indoor and outdoor spaces that accommodate the wedding from the start of the ceremony to the end of the reception. Esteemed veteran chef Ari Nieminen heads the kitchen, which offers delectable menus designed to meet the highest culinary tastes. And breathtaking vistas of New York Harbor are ever-present through out the wedding festivities.
Read More

Planning & Inspiration

Interview with Marcus Mordachini of Fusion Productions

by Kate Murphy

From ceremonial structures, centerpieces, and linens to entertainment and cuisine, there are so many aspects that go into planning a beautiful wedding. All of these features are lost without amazing lighting. Lighting can be used to completely transform the look and feel of a venue, creating a breathtaking setting where memories that last a lifetime are made.

Image Courtesy of Fusion Productions

Marcus Mordachini founded his company, Fusion Productions, in 1997. For the past 20 years, he has been making couples’ wedding wishes come true through innovative techniques in lighting and event design. We had the pleasure of talking with Marcus about how he got started in the industry, what it is like to work in New York City’s top wedding venues, and the latest trends and technologies couples are using to illuminate their special day.
Read More

Ruchi and Chirag Wedding - Sweetheart Table - Gustavinos -Photography by Sheheryar Shahid

Planning & Inspiration

Gorgeous Wedding Decor Ideas For Your Sweetheart Table

by Kate Murphy

Ruchi and Chirag Wedding – Sweetheart Table – Gustavinos -Photography by Sheheryar Shahid

The vows have been exchanged and now it’s time for the newlyweds enjoy the celebrations at their exclusive table for two. These days, more and more couples are opting to have a sweetheart table set up during the reception. Not only providing a romantic space to relax after an exciting, but admittedly busy day, the sweetheart table also serves as a unique decor feature where you can get really creative with flowers, linens, and furniture. From simple elegance to high impact glamor, here are gorgeous sweetheart table decor ideas that will make your wedding memories all the more special!
Read More

Dasha Varshavski, Co-Founder of CryoEmpire

Planning & Inspiration

Interview With Dasha Varshavski of Cryo Empire

by Kate Murphy

Dasha Varshavski, Co-Founder of CryoEmpire

On the afternoon we stopped by CryoEmpire to talk with cofounder Dasha Varshavski, a cluster of silver mylar balloon letters were floating in the spacious lounge where clients relax after being treated. Turns out, the letters spelled out FROZEN and were left over from the party that CryoEmpire had just hosted for cast members of the Disney musical on Broadway, which officially opened this month.

Located just blocks away from Bryant Park, CryoEmpire is a state-of-the-art rejuvenation center that combines anti-aging services with the latest technology to tailor services that focus on beauty, performance, and recovery. As Dasha showed us around and explained the various equipment and procedures, we could really sense that a lot of thought was put into creating a welcoming and tranquil space. The interior is painted in airy shades of blue and white illuminated by crystal chandeliers with elegant decor. “Everyone who comes here says they never want to leave. That means a lot, because we really wanted to create a unique and beautiful environment that provides an escape from the city.” We couldn’t help but think how fantastic it would be to have a bridal shower here!
Read More

white tulip centerpiece - via snippetandink.com

Planning & Inspiration

Spring Wedding Decor Ideas With Tulip Flowers

by Kate Murphy

No other flower announces the arrival of spring more than the tulip. With its pretty layered petals and cheerful character, the tulip is an ideal flower choice for the bride who is have her wedding between March and June. There are over 3000 varieties of tulips available in a spectrum of colors ranging from crisp white with to soft pastels to vivid hues of purple, yellow, pink, orange, and red.

white tulip centerpiece – via snippetandink.com

Originating in Persia and Turkey, the tulip’s name derives from the Turkish word for gauze, the fabric used for turbans, and refers to the flower’s turban-like shape. Introduced to Europe in the 16th century, tulips became incredibly popular. In the Netherlands, the flower’s demand caused “tulip mania” where the price per bulb became so high that the markets crashed!
Read More

Lauren Bohl White - courtesy of A White Cake

Planning & Inspiration

Interview with Lauren Bohl White of A White Cake

by Kate Murphy

Lauren Bohl White – courtesy of A White Cake

Finding your dream job is not always a linear path. Getting there is a journey full of experiences that can act as stepping-stones toward realizing what you are truly meant to do. Just ask Lauren Bohl White of A White Cake. As one of New York City’s most sought after wedding cake designers, Lauren creates magnificent desserts for couples to enjoy on their special day. Just one look at Lauren’s jaw-dropping creations and it’s hard to imagine her doing anything that doesn’t involve baking stunning cakes and sweets!

We’ve had the pleasure of working together with Lauren on many weddings. So we were especially excited when she agreed to be interviewed for Bride & Blossom’s Women Paving the Aisle series. To our surprise, we learned that Lauren had a career as an interior designer before starting her business. Here, she talks about her decision to go back to culinary school, what goes into to making her dazzling floral adorned wedding cakes, and how she stays creatively inspired.
Read More

Planning & Inspiration