RW: Nick & Nikki | Private Residence, Candlewood Lake - Connecticut

I don't even know where to begin with Nick & Nikki's amazing wedding weekend. The planning process was always a blast, always intense, but the one thing that was beyond evident every time I spent time with Nick, Nikki and their family was how much love they all had for each other. Nothing about this wedding was simple, the property - which is incredible - was situated on a well manicured, but basically cliffside property overlooking Candlewood Lake. For a wedding of 175 for dinner, dancing, ceremony and cocktail hour was certainly a challenge. Our friend Jeff, at Durkin Tent crushed the roadblocks, tented every little square inch of available space. we had Plan A, B, C, and probably D depending on weather and we certainly lucked out, it was hot but but was sunny.  

Execution was also a challenge, there was very limited parking near their house, making shuttles imperative. We shuttled guests from hotels, shuttled staffing from parking lots off site to the event, coordinating delivery trucks so everyone could set up and not get locked in, you name it. Then the flow of the event...moving 175 people smoothly from one location to another is never easy and we utilized (and decorated) every inch of the sprawling property. The ceremony began at the top of the lawn overlooking the water and included the wedding party a choreographed cross of the wedding party by boat before walking down the aisle. Cocktail hour was down the hill in an open air tent beneath a giant tree, and the reception was a walk around the water to the opposite side of the lawn. 

Nothing about this wedding was easy, except falling in love with Nikki, Nick and their family. They made what could have been a tough project fun and enjoyable.  The most important thing they did was trust us. We knew it would work but it's hard to see and understand on paper. They allowed us to do our thing and no detail was overlooked. The weekend was flawless.

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the vendors that were involved with this event. Everyone is listed and showcased below and I have to say, every single company was on point. Everyone went way above and beyond, everyone pushed their limits as far as a typical event. It was the best crew you ever ask for. Putting together this blog reminded me of the awesomeness that occurred that weekend that I was too busy to appreciate on the day. Thank you guys. Thank you Nick, Nikki and Fam, this event was a challenge but incredible, it will certainly be tough to top. xo

Just a bride and her bestie. Four legged and two..

CALVIN!! 

Literally, every little area was decorated.

Coordinating the guests arrival, bus 1, bus 2, bus 3, ok.. once guests are sitting, stay on time, two boats in the water getting the cue at the same time, crossing in the water, bringing the boats in, docking, stay on time, unloading, not falling in the water, lining up, rings to the ring bearer, flower petals to the flower girls, stay on time, cue music for wedding party, cue music for bride, hold bride's train, stay out of photos, fluff dress, and quickly learn to evaporate Alex Mac style and get out of the frame in a millisecond. Yeah, I would stay the start of the ceremony has the ability to be a tad stressful. ;)

Thank you, Nick, Nikki, Dolores and Rick - I miss you all so much all of the time. So thankful for social media to keep up with your always entertaining shenanigans. xoxo, Amy Jones

A giant thank you to the incredible vendors:

Photography: BSC Photo| Event Planning and Design: Amy Champagne Events | Floral Design & Floral Canoe!: Forever in Bloom | Makeup: Daniel B Rabenou | Catering: Marcia Selden Catering | Wedding Cake: Sugar Therapy | Farm Tables: Broadway Party Rental | Rentals & Chairs: Party Rental LTD |  | Tent: Durkin Tent | Lounge & Tree Swing: Gather + Lounge | Linens: LaTavola Linens | Lighting + Draping: Shindig Lighting  | Band: Entourage Band| Invitations & Day of Paper:  Unica Forma | Wood Signage & Table Numbers: Sweet Carolina Collective