An Evening with the Mandarin Hotel

Let's just say this wasn't a typical Allow Me Event Design wedding.  But it certainly was a stunning affair!  With a lovely concept of quince, phalanopsis orchids, an abundance of candlelight, all set in a beautiful venue, you simply cannot go wrong. 

The client asked me to do this wedding only a few months before their date.  That's normally something that makes me a tiny bit nervous, but their simple vision and contagious excitement sealed the deal for me - I was in!  The wedding was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and experiencing that view and getting to work with The Mandarin's exceptional staff made the entire journey well worth it.  And it was a journey, to say the least.

As the planning process began to gain momentum, I started to realize that their simple vision was much more of a precise and detailed vision - with very little wiggle room - than I had originally thought.  And, although we executed their vision beautifully, it wasn't until midway through the planning that I found myself thinking, "Hey, I don't think I can do a wedding like this again." Don't get me wrong - it wasn't bad. But I found that I was missing our style. I was searching too hard to become passionate for their vision. I started to feel like an intern for a stylist as opposed to a confident and accomplished designer.  

I realize it's walking a fine line when you pride yourself on being able to execute a client's vision, but I do this with the hope that the client has researched our work and has resonated towards it for a particular reason.  It's cool though, it was a well learned lesson and I was able to work with some great and talented folks as well as collaborating again with LI SOUND DJ and Lighting.  They did an awesome job as per the usual.   Margo from Classic Party Rentals really pulled through for me with the gorgeous linens and chairs.  The client also insisted on a lounge area, which Classic Party Rentals supplied as well.  

I was able to sneak in quite a  few Allow Me Design touches by using sweeping pahalanopsis orchids, a ridiculous amount of candlelight and just creating an overall feel of romance, which of course is a vibe I aim to achieve with each of my events, regardless of the client's vision - it's just what we do organically.

My friend, Ivie Joy, who also freelanced for me, had her friend and event photographer Angelica Yabenez Criscuolo come over (on very short notice - thanks Angelica!) to snap a few shots of my work.  She did one lovely job.  Take a look for yourself.

http://www.markjosephcakes.com/

The end.