Let your imagination grow..mine....

Image by Corinna Raznikov

There is a quote by John F. Kennedy that goes, "One person can make a difference, and every person should try." These are very powerful words...Yet they are very true and I am very lucky to have met such a person in my life.

New doors open all the time in one's life..some good some bad..But I have learned to always open them no matter what, because you never know what lies on the other side...treasures and gifts may be there waiting for you..

Without knowing it, she has inspired and changed the face of weddings on the Connecticut Shoreline. She inspired me to open Chocolate Creative Design. Without her..there wouldn't be a True and Wesson or a Wedding Row...So This is MY story of how it all happened....

I know exactly when this particular door opened...September 2003. First it was a phone call, then an email, then a phone call...We were renting at the Island as our beloved house was being renovated, the Monster was 3 months old and I was very hard to track....I should have known then that her powers transcend..She finally found me. She wanted to know EVERTHING about the Island..most importantly..the availability. However, she couldn't give me a date or even a year as when this momentous occasion would happen...she hadn't received the ring yet..Then, she left as quickly as she came...3 months later, another email.."Was it rented yet?"...No..but we crossed our fingers and there was hope that she would receive the ring over the holidays...but it didn't happen. Finally, May 24, 2004..it happened..I think, I was in the top five to get the news....this is how our relationship began..

I had been planning and designing weddings for a few years and then it happened...the Monster came. During my pregnancy and after, I was unable to doing anything creative...my mind was in a fog and sadly it was hard to even pick up my beloved camera. I was almost ready to take a break from weddings...until she came. Ours was a creative collaboration from the start. It was a collaboration filled with laughter and imagination. She was as crazy as I. She gave me back my voice, my mind and my creativity. Her energy was infectious. As coordinators/planners/designers, we really are like Mary Poppins...We carry our creative bag of tricks, make everything better with a spoonful of sugar and then we leave with the wind, umbrella in hand...This time..she was my Mary Poppins..but with a pink umbrella. Her bag was a pink and green grosgrain ribbon clutch and her songs of choice were from Neil Diamond. She is the only bride that has ever wanted it to rain the day of her wedding. This is because she had an amazing song she wanted to sing..

It was through her that I met and collaborated for the first time the following ladies: Beth Chapman from the White Dress by the Shore, Christine Toner from Stonington Design and Paperie, Anna Lathrop from Gourmet Galley and Yumiko Fletcher from Hana Floral Design...thus the "team" was born. She challenged us, allowed us to do what we do best and now five years later landed a spread on Style me Pretty. Looking back on it today, I can't believe it was that long ago...it has certainly become a timeless wedding..

Images: Corinna Raznikov

Modern Mary Poppin's clutch...It was the color inspiration for the entire wedding.

Image by Corinna Raznikov

A little something Blue...Fabulous Louboutains'..I think she even wears them to bed..

Image by Corinna Raznikov

Peonies...That's all she ever wanted..even to this day..

Image by Chocolate Creative Design

Before the wedding, we sent this crazy homemade book and an invitation to Martha Stewart in hopes that they would come...At MSW, is was known as the "Green Book".

Image by Chocolate Creative Design

Image by Corinna Raznikov

After the ceremony, people arrived slowly over the causeway and were greeted by these handsome gentlemen underneath the apple trees.

Image by Corinna Raznikov

She was the perfect mother of the bride...full of grace, a sense of humor and pure love for her daughter..

Top image: Corinna Raznikov, Bottom image: Sarah Crawford

It is a tradition in the "Island Family" to have a flag made for the couple getting married. It was the first time that I had ever been invited as a guest to a rehearsal dinner...I was to present it to them then..Unfortunately I was so choked up that my husband had to do it...Months later I received this image from them on their boat...it was certainly well loved..

Images by Corinna Raznikov

Top image found on Brides.com

She was obsessed with adirondack chairs, so she decided to make them their guest book.

Pans filled with grass and miniature chairs held beautiful escort cards designed by Christine Toner of Stonington Design and Paperie.

Images by Corinna Raznikov

She wanted everyone to be included in the event. Her Sister and Brother-in-Law own Zavalas Restaurant in New London and Milagro in Stonington. Both restaurants have the best margaritas EVER...Hibiscus Margaritas..Yum!!

Image by Corinna Raznikov

With those tasty margaritas and a honeymoon set for Cabo San Lucas,,,how could you not have a mariachi band?

Images by Corinna Raznikov

The paper was delicious...Christine Toner of Stonington Design and Paperie certainly out-did herself!!

Images by Corinna Raznikov

Peonies fillled vintage milk glass compotes and vases that she feverishly collected and borrowed from family. Flowers were by Zuzu's Petals.

No cake for this couple..just miniature fondue pots at every setting filled with chocolate and adorned with fruits and pound cake..

Image by Corinna Raznikov

It was the most inspiring, fun wedding weekend ever!!

So the pink umbrella was here to stay....I took a break in 2007 and she designed, produced and coordinated 2 of the most beautiful weddings ever on Island Farm.

This is when Chocolate Creative Design opened (inspired by her) and then Ms. True walked into our lives..Shortly thereafter True and Wesson began..

It was at these weddings that Sarah True and I met the super talented Miss Jennie Fresa...who has forever changed my life with false eyelashes..

Images by Craig Paulson & Sarah Crawford

Ashley & Elliott

Flowers by Hana Floral Design, Paper by Stonington Design and Paperie and dresses by The White Dress by the Shore.

Images by Jamie Collins

Alice & Brennan

Flowers by Hana Floral Design, Paper by Stonington Design and Paperie and dresses by The White Dress by the Shore.

So she had to leave as quickly as she came...her job was done for now...she had a new one coming..one that involved 8 paws, 4 hands and 4 feet...

Images by Corinna Raznikov

And the pink continues....

Images by Corinna Raznikov

I miss her every day and I am eternally grateful for her gifts...

And who knows, maybe the pink umbrella might just make another appearance again...and if it does, I will surely let you know..as it always brings laughter, song, creativity , inspiration and imagination...

Love to the Crawfords..Sarah, Chris, Phoebe, Charlotte, George and Loo-Loo.

LSW

A Memorable Day in CT... Open House Recap and Launch of Wedding Row

The Red House

110 E. Main Street, Home of True Event and Jennie Fresa Beauty Library

True Event

True and Wesson Portfolio. Some of our favorite events this season, collaboration of Chocolate Creative Design and True Event.The adorable Bruce Plotkin towering over meWesson & True

Jennie Fresa Beauty Library

Spa Room at the Beauty LibraryJustin Marantz, Jennie Fresa and Mary Marantz

On Sunday we opened the doors of the Red House and home of our new studio in Clinton, CT for a celebration that brought together brides, friends, family and industry experts for a truly memorable day. Not only an incredibly special day for True Event but for the other new businesses opening with us, Jennie Fresa Beauty Library (my housemate in the red house) and Beneath the Gown (Second Floor of 110 E. Main St.).

In collaboration with these incredibly talented, wonderful ladies and the ladies of Stonington Design and Paperie (110 E. Main St.) and the White Dress by the Shore (110 E. Main St.) we launched Wedding Row... Great Style, One Destination. Stretched between the historic properties of 104 East Main Street (Red House) and 110 East Main Street we have established a wedding community offering the best in events, bridal attire, lingerie, beauty, paper and design. The creative energy floating between the two houses is incredible and we are so excited about all that is to come over the next year on Wedding Row.

We feel so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends in the industry that supported us in this huge celebration to toast with us as guests and as sponsors of the event and would like to give an extra special thank you to all of you for making Sunday a huge success.

Collaboration:
Betty Parri of Perfect Parties, and her amazing crew crafted an incredible display of stationary and passed savory Hors D'oeuvres and sweet treats throughout the afternoon. Also showcasing the talents of her in house pastry chef, with a gorgeous collection of cakes that were designed and presented in the spirit of the four seasons.

The uber talented, Yumiko of Hana Floral Design, totally went above and beyond to decorate each one of our spaces and the tent. The arrangements were crafted in the theme and design of each space and season. Absolutely gorgeous!

Geof Gordon of Photobooth Planet kept the crowd entertained as they got together to take photos in his old school, fabulous photobooth. A huge hit at every event!

Chamard Vineyards treated guests to a tasting of their impressive portfolio of local wines. The winery is just a short trip up the road from the Red House.

Rentals Unlimited provided the fabulous linens and rentals throughout the properties and Sperry Tents set up two of their tents in between the houses, showcasing their gorgeous blue star tent.

Elan Artists and the talented ladies of Loukoum, an accordion and violin/cello duo, played as guests came in and out of the tent. They were not only absolutely adorable and super sweet but the sound that they created was brilliant. With a unique sound and combination of instruments they are the perfect accent of music for any special occasion and we were so lucky to have them be a part of our opening.

Lastly a huge thank you to Anna Sawin who captured all of the details so perfectly in a portfolio of pictures that will always mark November 1st as a day to remember.

New Studio Open House...

We are so excited to officially be in our new studio in the Red House at 110 East Main Street in Clinton, CT. And we are welcoming all of you to share in our joy and celebrate with us as we open our doors for an open house. I know I have been promising pictures of the design of the new space so now you can see it for yourselves.

Jennie Fresa Beauty Library, and True Event are under one roof in the Red House, right next door to The White Dress by the shore, Stonington Design+Paperie and Beneath the Gown. We couldn't be more excited about our neighbors!

Join us to toast the launch of Wedding Row, where each of the five shops will be open for merriment. Mix and mingle with brides, friends and the industry's finest experts while enjoying savory treats from the talented gourmands at Perfect Parties and the latest vintage, compliments of Clinton’s own Chamard Vineyards. As you step inside the historic properties at 104 and 110 East Main Street, you'll fall in love with your wedding. . .

104 East Main Street

About Beneath the Gown
Beneath the Gown, is a bridal lingerie boutique offering an exquisite collection of exclusive designer lingerie labels featuring French European couture fine laces and exquisite hand-made silks perfect for honeymoon, special events or every day. Services include complimentary, professional bra fittings and an in-house custom design service where Josie Jolon, the company’s founder can customize or custom create the perfect foundation to suit any body type, gown type or personal style.

About The White Dress by the Shore
The White Dress by the shore, an upscale bridal boutique offers couture gowns and chic accessories for brides, mothers, and maids in the quaint atmosphere of an antique home. Beth Chapman, former vice president of merchandising for Ann Taylor, opened the boutique in 2004.

About Stonington Design + Paperie
Stonington Design+Paperie is a full service graphic design studio that specializes in creating couture invitations and announcements celebrating life’s landmark events. In addition, the firm has over twenty years of experience creating communications that range from logos to entire identity programs, marketing brochures to special event promotions, blogs to websites.

110 East Main Street

About True Event
True Event was founded by Sarah True, an event designer who began her career in New York City and has years of experience working and exploring all areas of the event industry. True Event is a full service event design and coordination studio. We are designers who coordinate events, not just coordinators who oversee the logistics of an event. At True Event we believe each client is unique and create custom packages for each of our clients through a personalized process. Experienced event design and coordination, custom packages, personalized planning, a comfortable and fun experience and the production of successful and unique events -- that's True Event.

About Jennie Fresa Beauty Library
Jennie Fresa, formerly a New York city Trainer and Regional Makeup Artist for Trish McEvoy, brings her trained eye in bridal beauty to the shoreline of CT. The Beauty Library is a makeup studio and mini spa created especially for the bride to be. At the Beauty Library, brides can expect customized makeup and skin care services in a calming atmosphere. Jennie specializes in a natural look and uses her signature makeup line-JF Minerals.

Additional Event Sponsors
We are also grateful for the generosity of the following talents-
Hana Floral Design
Sperry Tents
Elan Artists
Rentals Unlimited

Photo credits: Carla Ten Eyck | Daisy Schenk | Carrie Roseman | Toby Morris

To join the Wedding Row festivities on Sunday, November 1st from 1-4, kindly click here to RSVP

Friday Business Cards.....wood

This morning, I was joyfully handed this card  by the fabulous Ms. Anna Lathrop who owns Gourmet Galley.  I have had the privilege of working on many weddings with Anna over the years.  I am so happy for her to have collaborated with another friend of ours, Christine Toner, who owns Stonington Design and Paperie, to rebrand Anna's amazing company. Christine and her sidekicks always seem to get it right.  This is a perfect example of knowing your client and producing pieces that will get you noticed. Using extra extra thick paper and letterpress printing, Christine and her crew were able to tell Anna's story.  And if you don't know Anna's story,  please check out Gourmet Galley and if you're lucky enough, a handmade scone at her kitchen table.  Bravo Ladies!!!

An EVENT you wont want to miss!

Our friends at Stonington Design and Paperie and the White Dress by the Shore are hosting an incredible event this Sunday at the newly renovated second floor of the White Dress in Clinton, CT.

Details: March 1st from 1:00-3:00 PM

Featuring: Karen Bussen, event planner and celebrated author of a series of wedding related books entitled ‘The Simple Stunning Collection,’ Justin and Mary Marantz Photography, Beth Chapman from the White Dress by the Shore and Christine Toner of Stonington Design and Paperie. And Flowers by the super talented Yumiko of Hana Floral Design.

Moderated by WTNH anchor Ann Nyberg the panel discussion will focus on the topic of personalizing your Wedding. The discussion will last about an hour and give brides the opportunity to ask the experts their own questions.

It will be followed by a champagne book signing sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers of Madison, featuring six of Karen Bussen’s Simple Stunning Book Collection.

You must RSVP if you would like to attend as I know space is limited. 860.669.4596