Within a matter of hours, we transformed the streamlined, efficiency of a conservative Jewish synagogue into the glamorous, complexity of an elegant wedding celebration.

 [Photo:  Ash Imagery]

The bridal party gathered at the bride’s parents’ home in Ventnor, New Jersey to leisurely prepare for the wedding day festivities.  With all the flurry of activity and non-stop pre-wedding excitement, having the opportunity to insulate themselves from the commotion was a sentimental (and stress-free) luxury.  The stylish bride and groom chose the royal tone of purple as their dramatic signature color for the celebration.  The bride glided down the aisle in an ivory strapless lace gown, a gossamer finger-tip veil and, of course, shimmering Christian Louboutin slingbacks.

The GORGEOUS bride carried a monochromatic bouquet of purple parrot and plum fringe tulips wrapped in aubergine double-faced satin ribbon and detailed with crystal pins.  The lovely bridesmaids wore black matte jersey evening gowns and carried tightly composed bouquets of plum-colored miniature calla lilies.  Small boutonnieres were designed for the groom, groomsmen and fathers of the bride and groom with flowers taken from the corresponding ladies’ bouquets. The stems of the gentlemen’s boutonnieres were wrapped in black satin ribbon to completely disappear into the black label of the men’s elegant tuxedos.

As guests are seated in the sanctuary for the ceremony, the bridal party and families gathered for the traditional ketubah signing.  Afterwards, the champagne corks were popping and glassed were filled to mark the momentous occasion.

The simply stunning white organza chupah was sheer sophistication! The bimah was soft and romantic with the beautiful bridal couple as the only adornment. (Well, almost.)  Finishing touches are vital.  A long, wide, white aisle runner ran from the back of the aisle and all the way to behind the chupah for a clean look and lavender rose bouquets anchored the drapery sashes.

Orchids, Orchids, Orchids! After the ceremony, champagne drapes were pulled back to welcome wedding guests into adjacent rooms where cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and specialty food stations awaited.  A large mirrored cocktail bar held gold circular shelves filled with purple flocked candles.  Low and high cocktail tables were dressed in plum velvet linens, gold chivari reception chairs and purple candle lanterns.  Small upholstered seating areas with purple velvet sofas and modern gold tables were placed throughout for pops of lounge-style groupings.

The everyday function of the synagogue’s event space was freshened up with miles of floor-to-ceiling champagne drape and washed with dramatic purple lighting.

As most party hosts know, a beautifully dressed table is a key element in any wedding celebration.  It reveals just how much thought and care has gone into making the party a success.  Rectangular dining tables were covered with aubergine satin linens to the floor and overlaid with jeweled lavender lace for an opulent look.  Champagne satin napkins were slipped into a plum velvet sash and secured with a Swarovski crystal buckle.  The centerpieces were composed using several designs including faceted glass lamps holding white linen drum shades with low lush design of flowers; and tall glass stemmed hurricanees filled with water and floating candles flanking square glass and mirrored vases filled with mixed bouquets of purple flowers.  The flowers used in all of the dinner table designs, and throughout the event itself, included tulips, roses, dendrobium orchids, cymbidium orchids, phalaeonpsis orchids, Italian carnations, hydrangea, hyacinth, lisisanthus and mini calla lilies.

From the spirited Jewish hora to the sentimental father-daughter dance, at one time or another, everyone took a turn on the dance floor!

The soft lighting around the room and on the dancefloor created a dreamlike quality that actually emphasized the the deep purple floral creations and highlighted the fun dessert food stations that appeared late into the night.  Yet, as the bride and groom expected, the energetic dance floor and sexy lounge area were popular with their friends all night long.