For anyone looking for the quintessential New York City engagement, this is IT! 

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center has just announced the start of the Engagement on Ice season!  For a cool $250 you get front-of-the-line access - as the skating session ends and the other skaters exit the ice, your song will begin to play.  As soon as the lucky person says “Yes!” the rink staff will deliver a bouquet and the newly-engaged couple can take a final ”victory lap” around the rink.  To complete the romantic proposal the couple heads to a reserved, rink-side table at Rock Center Cafe for a champagne toast to their future together!

Make sure to drop off the music and bouquet ahead of time (they’re not included in the package)!   For more info on this engagement package, check out the Rink at Rockefeller Center website.

Feast your eyes on these amazing engagement photos courtesy of the experts from Tuesday’s blog on engagement photos!  In order:  Critsey Rowe, 5 West Studios, Fatchett Photo and Blue Daisy Weddings.  Enjoy! 

Who better than a professional photographer to give you tips on how to take amazing engagement pictures?  We recently contacted some of NYC’s most sought-after photographers for their tips on what to wear in your engagement pictures, how to choose your location and how to be comfortable during your session.

1. Stick to solid colors, no distracting patterns - perhaps a splash of color but not too much as it will be a distraction. (Casey, Fatchett Photography)
2. Casual is a plus.  Being able to sit or even lie on the ground can add a variety of shots. (Spencer Lum, 5 West Studios)
3. Think classic.  You want pictures that you can hang in your home for years to come. (Michael, Michael Meyer Photo)
4. Even if you want heels for your pictures, bring a pair of flats for walking in between locations. (Mariann, Blue Daisy Weddings)
5. Don’t focus too much on your location, some of the best photos I’ve done were taken in a parking lot! (Sophia Jasnowski, Fotofia)

The last piece of advice comes from Sophia of Fotofia… “What matters in the shot is YOU, the couple, in love with each other.”  Check back on Thursday for some of the photographers’ all-time favorite engagement shots!

Ok brides…here’s an important question that requires your advice!  What are your thoughts on pictures - before or after the ceremony?  Should you take pictures before the ceremony and sacrifice the “seeing her walk down the aisle” moment?  OR should you take pictures after the ceremony and miss some of the cocktail hour?

What do you think?

Here’s some more ideas from Mike and Katrina’s ceremony inspiration board!  We were lucky enough to confirm the amazingly talented banjo player, Steve Srubas, and his band to entertain guests during the cocktail hour.  What a perfect addition to this “fancy family picnic” wedding!

For those in the New York City and Los Angeles area who are like me and find throwing away gorgeous centerpieces and flowers at the end of the evening absolutely heartbreaking, check out Flower Power!

Flower Power is a charitable organization who will pick up any flowers after your event, re-assemble them and give them to the elderly or sick and terminally ill in your area.  The pick up is free (paid for by donations to the charity) and you’ll be on cloud nine knowing that your flowers made your event stunning and also made someone’s day!  Recipients in the NYC area include: the Ronald McDonald House, DeWitt Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and the Veterans Hospital.   

To find out more about how to sign up for this wonderful service, go to the Flower Power site. 

Recently, a couple asked me what options could they consider for their buffet selections outside of the typical “chicken, beef or fish.” The answer is: stations!  Instead of having one long buffet line of silver serving trays, go for 4+ stations that offer unique cuisine options and decorative motifs.  Check with your caterer to see what they offer and what they can accomodate.  

Overwhelmed by options?  Select 2 stations that represent your hometown and 2 that represent your favorite vacation destinations. Here’s a long list of suggestions to get you started:

1. Bruschetta Station
2. Macaroni & Cheese station
3. Gourmet Pizza in mini sizes
4. Slider bar
5. Sushi station
6. Sweet & Savory Crepes
7. Mashed Potato bar
8. Chicken Wing bar
9. Pasta bar
10. Sitr-Fry station
11. Yogurt Parfait bar
12. Fajita or Taco station

If your event takes place during the week, in the afternoon, or needs to be non-alcoholic, consider featuring a juice bar.  A table piled high with assorted fruits vegetables and special add-ons will provide your guests with their own personal Jamba Juice.  Most caterers are able to accomodate a juice bar with a few weeks’ notice and you can offer anything from a traditional fresh-squeezed orange juice to a protein and wheatgrass-infused blackberry banana smoothie.

This proposal is for: The Romantic Girl.  She loves fairytale endings and Cinderella stories.

Cost: $$$$

Set the stage: A surprise trip to New York City

The place: A tiny hole-in-the wall NYC restaurant, sparsely lit with a few flickering candles and packed with people. You come in from the cold weather and find the perfect table in the far back. 

The Proposal: Unbeknownst to your girlfriend, all of your fellow diners are your hired accomplices.  As the waiter clears your main course, you give him the signal.  Softly, the entire restaurant beings to sing her favorite song.  At first - she doesn’t notice - but as the music grows, she turns around.  She looks back to find you down on one knee.  As she nods “Yes!” the diners complete their serenade and toast to the newly-engaged couple!

One of our favorite ways to make your guests feel ultra-special is to send them breakfast in bed! Instead of the typical day-after brunch, let your guests relax and sleep in by sending them breakfast in bed! Have your hotel arrange to send up a full breakfast along with a lovely card thanking them for coming. It will allow you to nurse your hangover and snuggle with your new spouse while making your guests feel like they’ve gotten the “red carpet” treatment!

Having a destination wedding? Arrange for breakfast in bed on their first day of arrival to welcome them to the destination and start their trip off on a positive note.