How did you choose your venue, The Vineyards at Chappel Lodge?
We needed something which would allow us to stay at the venue past 11 PM. Polish weddings go well into the night, so we needed something which would allow folks to party on past midnight. Also, we needed something which had accommodations on site. Many of my family members flew in from Poland and it would be easier just to have everyone in one place rather than be transported around town. Also, we wanted to have something that was bucolic and room both outside and inside. This venue was perfect for that, as it has rooms for guests to stay in and plenty of space both indoors and outdoors.
Describe your decor and how you chose it?
I really didn’t focus much on the decor – I just wanted to create an atmosphere where people felt comfortable and happy. To make this happen, I chose bold, lively colors for my flowers and provided hookahs for people to smoke in case they didn’t want to dance and just wanted to hang out outside. I didn’t want to have a wedding where people felt like they couldn’t touch anything, so I had plenty of activities for people to do – from fun photo props, to Polaroid selfies, fun activity cards to fill out (i.e. they had to answer questions like “where do you see us in 20 years?” etc.), and photos of me and my husband with family and friends throughout the years so they could take home as favors. We also passed out blankets and flip flops for those who wanted to stay warm and comfortable throughout the night.
We decided to have the tables outside so people could dance under the stars – we ended up needing to set up a clear tent since it got a bit cold at night but it all ended up working out! We honestly didn’t need to add too much of anything else because the venue was that beautiful with the large oak trees and gardens all around.
Why did you choose me, Jenny, to be your wedding photographer?
We wanted to have photographs which were more avant-garde in nature. We didn’t want any run-of-the-mill wedding photographer who does the same round of photos at each and every wedding. We have very emotional, expressive families and we wanted those moments to be caught on camera right when they thought no one was looking. We also wanted to have a photographer who looked at things at bit differently than anyone else, and we felt that Jenny was perfect for that!
What was one of your favorite moments from the your wedding day?
Oh my gosh, there are so many!
– We had no idea that there was a shooting range next to our venue’s property until (literally) right when our ceremony started. Gun shots which sounded like bazookas and machine guns started firing off which at first mortified me but then made me laugh. As I walked down the aisle, there would be a huge BOOM every few seconds which actually made the ceremony quite memorable. As we exchanged rings and said “I thee wed”, more shots would go off which only seemed to make the moment seem that much more memorable! Towards the end, when we were announced husband and wife, our dog let out a huge yelp and tried running to us – it was like she was wanting to be right next to us during that beautiful moment!
– The Havana Gila (Chair Dance) was insanely fun. I thought I was going to fall off the chair and die but it was so worth it.
– We had a family rabbi come to pray for us – he is a cantor at Agudas Achim and brought tears to our eyes he sang so beautifully!
– Everyone dancing their heads off and enjoying my vodka infusions!
– my friend, Jarvis, doing the splits in the middle of a song.
– Having the perfect mix of Polish, Jewish, American and our own traditions at the wedding. People said they felt like they had two types of cultural weddings in one!
– Right after the ceremony, our dog ran to us and literally jumped into our arms, thrilled that we had finally and officially became a family. It was a wonderful moment – as if she knew exactly what was happening and she was waiting for this moment all of her life.
– I loved moving the party indoors at 3 AM
– The Polaroid camera and photo props were awesome to dance with.
What was your favorite image from your wedding day?
Oh gosh, another tough question…
But I have to say it was the photo of our dog jumping into our arms right after our ceremony, thrilled that we had tied the knot!
Did any of your other vendors go above and beyond for you?
Beth from Exquisite Petals knew EXACTLY what I wanted and delivered above and beyond my expectations!
I had no idea my chef, Monica Pope, would prepare SO much food for us. It kept everyone’s bellies full and the food was absolutely delicious.
My wedding planner, Stephanie Yandell from Your Wedding, Your Way made my day go without a hitch.
Do you have any tips to share with other couples?
Expect the unexpected to happen the day of your wedding and just roll with it. Nothing will come out perfectly, but the imperfections can actually be the most memorable and bring a smile to your face 🙂
Venue: Vineyards at Chappel Lodge
Event Coordinator: Stefanie Yandell at Your Wedding Your Way
Florist: Exquisite Petals
Cake Artist: Michelle’s Patisserie
Musician/DJ: Flipside Productions
Hair Stylist and Makeup: Adore Makeup Boutique and Salon