Just a sneak peek- I was so honored to work with Shawn and Jason- they were married at the Benchmark restaurant in Park Slope and had their flowers designed by Rebecca Sheperd, my favorite floral designer!
For all my weddings, I show up early- I say I'll be there between 45-60 minutes early but I am usually even earlier. This serves a few purposes- 1. the bride and groom know a member of their team is there and in place 2. I get to see the bride and groom 3. I get to take pictures and the most important to me, 4. I get to see the family, and interract with the most important people to the bride and groom.
For Shawn and Jason, I knew I would like their families because I liked them so much. When Rebecca sent them my way she said simply "you will love them", and she was right. They are laid back, kind, welcoming and easy. They are also very open with how they feel about one another and this wedding which makes my job easier! When I get compliments after a ceremony as I did tonight, I attribute it mostly to the couple and how easy it is to work with the couples who find me. Jason was BEAMING the entire time before the wedding. He was floating. And Shawn was calm and happy- just this perfect blend of exactly who she is just also a bride today.
Today's wedding had a side effect of being early- I got to see Rebecca at work. I know how much she loves her work and her clients- her ability to read a client's ideas and personality and come up with ideas with them is astounding- she's like a flower psychic. To walk in and see such a perfect blend of design and flowers, especially after getting to know Shawn and Jason a bit- it was very touching.
Benchmark is a new venue for me, and it was a really great place- Ryan, the chef and owner, spent some time talking to me. What I loved about his approach is that he spends time with EVERY couple- and really listens to what they want. You aren't handed a catering menu and asked to figure it out on your own. It's obvious how much he loves his work. The manager, Jerrad, was professional and on top of everything and the entire staff really seemed to LOVE their jobs.
A very happy post-ceremony groom!
Shawn and Jason spent some time at Loki, the bar owned by the same owners and right next door. I think it's important a couple spends some time alone after their ceremony, and it's a good time to connect with them before they enter the group.
Beautiful ceremony..Shawn you looked beautiful..Love the dress..Had a great time.
Posted by: Aunti B | August 02, 2011 at 05:52 PM
Thank you so much! What a lovely family Shawn and Jason have.
Posted by: carissa templeton | August 03, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Carissa-
We are so grateful to have had you perform our ceremony. Rebecca was right! You love your work. It was more than perfect and exactly what we had in mind. So many people have complimented your work and we can only agree. You are warm, easy to talk to, and excellent at making couples feel comfortable. There was absolutely no stress involved- even though it was short notice! You had so many great, personal ideas and touches that made our ceremony truly ours.
Thank you.
Posted by: Shawn Galvin | August 06, 2011 at 12:06 PM