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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Lorenza & Pete Wedding - Bride - New York Botanical Garden - by The Hons

Weddings

Featured Bride Lorenza On Her Breathtaking Pnina Tornai Wedding Dress

by Kate Murphy

Lorenza & Pete Wedding – Bride – New York Botanical Garden – by The Hons

With just six months between getting engaged and the day of her wedding, Lorenza had to move fast on major decisions that take most brides over a year to make. She knew this. So when her mother made an appointment at Kleinfeld, her goal was to walk out having said ‘yes to the dress’. Here, Lorenza talks about her breathtaking Pnina Tornai ensemble and the personal touches that made her wedding day so special.

Part 2: Wedding Dress & Personals

“I knew there would be so many gorgeous dresses that I could love,” recalls Lorenza. “I narrowed down one dress on Kleinfeld’s website before going in.” At her appointment, she was presented with three dresses including the dress she found online. Lorenza looks back and says with a laugh, “Sure enough, when I tried on that dress, I knew it was “the one. I was undoubtedly Kleinfeld’s fastest sale.”
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Lorenza & Pete Wedding - Bride Groom - New York Botanical Garden - by The Hons

Weddings

Lorenza & Pete: Winter Magic At The New York Botanical Garden

by Kate Murphy

Lorenza & Pete Wedding – Bride Groom – New York Botanical Garden – by The Hons

Heading into the holiday season, we couldn’t think of anyone better to have as our featured bride for December than Lorenza. She and Pete celebrated saying “I do” on an enchanted winter’s day at the New York Botanical Garden. Here, Lorenza shares the first part of their love story.

Proposal & Planning

In a time when casual dating via social apps is like a sport, Lorenza wanted something with more substance. Looking back, she says, “It was the busiest time of my professional career. I was a producer at CNN covering the 2016 election. Despite my busy work-life, I knew I was ready to meet someone special.” So upon the suggestion of a colleague, she joined, with some apprehension, the paid dating website, Match.com.
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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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Kristen & Joe Wedding - Wedding Ceremony - Trumpets at the Gate - by Kim Mancuso

Weddings

Kristen & Joe Say “I Do” In A Breathtaking Waterfront Ceremony

by Kate Murphy

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

With its charming cottage-like building, scenic waterfront atmosphere, and breathtaking views of Moriches Bay, Trumpets At The Gate looks like a postcard come to life. Kristen says, “When my sister Rachel found the venue just six weeks from our wedding date, it completely changed our plans in the most amazing way.” After seeing the wooden walkway leading to the water, Kristen and Joe knew it was where they would have their nuptials. Here, Kristen talks about her beautiful outdoor ceremony at Trumpets At The Gate.
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Kristen & Joe Wedding - Bride - Trumpets at the Gate - by Kim Mancuso

Weddings

Featured Bride Kristen On Her Gorgeous Martina Liana Dress

by Kate Murphy

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

The process of finding a wedding dress isn’t always linear. You start with a clear picture of what you want to wear in mind and then make an appointment. After explaining your style to the bridal salon, you are presented a rack of choices they think you will like. But every time you step out of the fitting room and look in the mirror, the excitement you should be feeling just isn’t there. “I had tried on so many dresses I really thought that ‘the one’ was a myth,” Kristen remembers. Not to worry. Her “say yes to the dress” story does have a happy ending. Here, Kristen talks about how her wedding day look came together.
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Planning & Inspiration