8 Trends for 2023 Weddings (and 6 Trends That Are Out!)

Wedding trends change year after year. Check out what’s new for 2023, and what you should skip.

Let’s face it, planning a wedding is stressful enough. But when you start looking at different wedding trends and what’s ‘in’ or ‘out,’ it can add on more stress. If you’re looking to add something new this year for your wedding, don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork to seek out eight trends for 2023 weddings (and six trends that are out!)

Trends for 2023 Weddings

1 – Midday or morning ceremonies
Sure, you may have imagined a twilight ceremony. But the trend for 2023 weddings is to have a morning or midday ceremony. This will give you more daylight hours (no matter the time of year) for photos. Plus, the earlier you start, the earlier your reception can start – giving you the maximum party hours (and after-party, if you so choose).

2- Decorating Ceilings
Table decorations, check. But what about the ceiling? Depending on your venue, ask about bistro lights or twinkle lights on the ceiling. Or maybe your DJ offers a cool light that creates fun designs on the ceiling. Fill the room with balloons. Whatever you do, just think (and look) up!

3 – Crazy Cakes or Cake Toppers
OK – maybe you don’t want to go as crazy as Cake Wars (or maybe you do!). But think outside the box from just a plain cake. Find a bakery and design something that means something to you and your future spouse. Do you love Disney? Put it on the cake. And don’t forget the cake toppers! The more unique, the better.

4 – Chill After-Parties
After getting up early, smiling for photos, mingling with friends and family, and tearing up the dance floor, you’ll probably be exhausted. But that doesn’t mean you need to skip the after-party. Instead of something crazy, keep it chill. Maybe head to your favorite haunt. Or ask if your venue offers some fun munchies or a space for you to hang out with your friends and family.

5 – Color!
Add color everywhere you can! Pick seasonal colors. Bright colors. The possibilities are endless. And we’re not just talking about flowers and bridesmaids’ dresses! Add a little bit of color to your wedding gown too!

6 – Sustainability
Save the planet while celebrating your love. Ask your venue about what they are doing to keep things eco-friendly. Or think about cutting some costs. Or maybe just shop locally to stimulate the economy.

7 – Destination Weddings/Wedding Experiences
Does the thought of coordinating a huge wedding day make you super nervous? Consider a destination wedding! There are so many options when it comes to a destination wedding. And there are even places on Long Island that you can turn into a destination wedding – like Atlantis Banquets and Events! You can get some planning help from some of BOLI’s incredible destination wedding and honeymoon experts.

When it comes to wedding experiences – there is nothing too big or small. Everything from a live painter or aerialists and more! Think big and hire a mascot to take photos with guests.

MORE: Why We Chose to Have a Destination Wedding

8 – Disposable Cameras
We love bringing these back! Leave the candid photos to your guests to take. There are plenty of websites that will develop your photos!

Trends That Are Out

1 – Wedding Hashtags
Stop stressing out by trying to think of cute hashtags for your 2023 wedding! If your friends and family post on social media, just have them tag you!!

2 – Welcome Bags
Another stressful thing that you need to ditch for 2023. A lot of hotels offer water bottles in rooms now. Most people carry Advil. And those cute bags you spend hours custom-making? They get thrown out in the end. Save your money and your time.

3 – Crazy Escort Card Tables
Keep it simple! People just want to know what table they’re at. Make use of the generic escort cards that your venue gives you. Take the time to fill them out and let the venue lay them out on a table. Again, save your time and money!

MORE: How to stick to your wedding budget

4 – Naked Cakes or White Cakes
With crazy cakes being in this year, of course plain white or naked cakes are out. If you’re still in love with a naked or white cake, think of adding some cool colors to make it stand out!

5 – Bridal Parties
Instead of stressing about who of your friends you want by your side – skip it! Save them the money they would spend on hair, makeup and a dress they’ll never wear again. If you want to get ready with your besties, you can still have them with you. Not having a bridal party takes the stress off of everyone – including you!

MORE: Not having a bridal party? Here’s why that’s awesome

6 – Doughnut Walls
If you want doughnuts, skip the wall and have a fun dessert table. What was the purpose of a doughnut wall anyway

If all of this is making your head spin, just buck the trends and do your own thing! If you want that naked cake, go for it. Your guests are there for you and your future spouse – adding your own simple touches that aren’t over the top are sometimes the best things to have at your wedding. This is your day! Do it your way!

While all of the BOLI preferred vendors are awesome, only a few can be crowned winners.

For the last three years, we asked you – our coveted BOLIs to vote on your favorite preferred vendors. We know it’s hard – as they are amazing, but only a few can be crowned winners in the third annual Brides of Long Island Diamond Award competition.

It’s the most coveted (OK, we think it’s the most coveted) award a vendor can receive – the Diamond Award.

There were 24 different categories that could be voted on.

And now we reveal the 2023 Brides of Long Island Diamond Winners!

Venue: Fox Hollow

Hair and Makeup: North East Bridal

DJ & Entertainment: Absolute Entertainment

MORE: Get Your Party Started with Absolute Entertainment

Transportation: Allstar Limo

Photography & Videography: Silverfox Studios

First Dance Lessons: Xtreme Rhythm 

Bridal Salon: Kerianne Meehan Bridal 

Beauty Prep: Smile Bar 

Invitations & Stationery: Red Letter Day Invitations & Design 

Catering, Food Trucks & Apes: Dolce & Gelato Catering 

Honeymoon Specialists: Melissa Patane Trip Guy Travel

Jewelers: Elegant Jewelers by Mike 

Alterations & Preservation Specialists: Bridal Alterations Studio by Kirstyn

Bands & Musicians: Crossing Midnight

Boudoir Photography: Alli Murphy Boudoir

MORE: A Look Inside Alli Murphy Photography’s Boudoir Manor

Wedding Cakes & Baked Goods: Campbells Bakery

MORE: From Wedding Cakes to Doughnut Walls, Campbell’s Bakery Satisfies Every Sweet Tooth

Hotel Blocks: Kleinfeld Hotel Blocks

Wedding Officiant: LI Officiant – Michele LaRosa Decor

Rentals & Accessories: East Coast Party Co.

Florist: Tom’s Towers Flowers

Wedding Planners & Day of Coordinators: Events by Shannon

Fun Extras: Don’t Toss the Bouquet

Photo Booth: LI Mirror Booth

MORE: Create a Unique Experience for Guests with Long Island Mirror Booth

Bridal Showers, Rehearsal Dinners & Bachelorettes: The View

Mens Formal Wear: Esquire Tuxedos

But what do they win? Bragging rights as a top BOLI preferred vendor, of course!

Since its inception, Brides of Long Island has had not only the best members ever, but the most amazing, talented and beautiful preferred vendors.

Being a BOLI preferred vendor means they’ve been handpicked and vetted by members and the BOLI team. You can’t go wrong with any of the preferred vendors when planning your wedding day. And just like BOLI, our preferred vendors are part of our community and family.

Click here to see all of BOLI’s preferred vendors.

And congratulations to all of the winners!

Are wedding guest dress codes a total “bridezilla” move? Or is it a way to ensure everyone looks and feels their best?

Black-Tie, White-Tie, Upscale Casual – there are a million ways to say (more or less!) the same thing: show up to my wedding looking good. But does enforcing a dress code seem a little …you know…bridezilla-y? Or is it a helpful direction for your guests to follow, so they won’t feel out-of-place among the crowd? As with most wedding-related choices, wedding guest dress codes have their plus sides and their downfalls. We’ll go over a few of them here.

• MORE: The Pros and Cons of an Unplugged Ceremony 

What are common wedding guest dress codes?

Depending on the overall vibe of your wedding, you may want your guests to pull out their sequined gowns and long coattails, or dance the night away in fun cocktail dresses and sport coats. Here are some frequently-requested dress codes you may find on your next invite:

• White-Tie: Super duper formal. Think straight-up elegance, like state dinners or royal banquets. White-Tie is also sometimes called “Full Dress” – which is what you’ll need if you’re invited to one!
• Black-Tie: Less formal than White-Tie, but you’ll still want to look fancy. Tuxes and floor-length gowns are expected. 
• Formal Attire: There’s a lot of room for interpretation with Formal Attire. You still have the option of Black-Tie, but a shorter dress (or even a nice pantsuit) and coat with tie would work well too.
• Cocktail Attire: Here’s where you can wear that amazing dress that seemed too over-the-top for the company party, but not nice enough for the Black-Tie wedding. Men can get away with no tie and a coat, or a tie with no coat. 
• Beach Formal: Saying “I do” on the sand? Guests can wear flow-y sundresses, linen pants, and comfy (FLAT!) shoes like sandals. 
• Upscale Casual: Ever been to an after-work Happy Hour? Where everyone still looks professional but a few buttons are undone? That’s your Upscale Casual. A similar idea would be “Business Casual.” 
• Color-Specific: The bride(s) or groom(s) may want guests to wear the same color, like all red or accents of blue. This is usually requested for picture uniformity. 
• Cultural or religious customs: Some cultures or religions require a certain manner of dress for weddings. The invite might go into detail on what’s expected, but it’s always best to reach out to the bride or groom with any questions or clarification. 
• Casual: Show up in whatever! Jeans, everyday dresses, even a nice pair of shorts are all game here. Most people will intuitively dress a little nicer than everyday wear for a wedding, so if it’s important to you that guests come not dolled up, you may need to make that fact well-known.

PRO: Dress codes give your guests guidance on what to wear

We’ve all been there – standing in front of the closet, combing through every dress you own trying to determine what to wear for that daytime wedding. Should you go long and black, even though the wedding is at 1pm? Will you look underdressed if you choose a knee-length skirt and blouse? With a dress code in place, your guests will have a better idea of what to pull from their wardrobe. Even a dress code with more ambiguity, like Cocktail Attire or Upscale Casual, will help your guests narrow down their choices and stress less about an appropriate outfit.

This is especially true if your dress code is cultural or religious in nature. The more explicit you can be about your expectations, the better!   

CON: Your guests may have to spend money on a new outfit

If you choose a more specific dress code, like White-Tie, Black-Tie, or certain color requests, chances are a number of your guests will have to spring for a new (or rented) dress, suit, or tux. When you factor in that expense with a nice gift, travel arrangements and accommodations, childcare…the cost of attending your wedding can get quite high – possibly too high for some.  

• MORE: 10 Alternative for a Traditional Guestbook

PRO: Everyone will look great in the pictures, with no one “standing out”

Let’s be real: wedding photography is expensive. And when you’re forking over the equivalent of a college semester for pictures, you want them to look AMAZING. And to you, “amazing” means all your guests are decked out in a certain color palate, with the crisp, clean lines of a coat or floor-length gown. If consistency and homogeny is important to you, then go for it! It’s your wedding, and you make the rules. 

CON: Your guests may be uncomfortable

Imagine wearing a wool coat in the summer. Or a sequined dress when you basically live your life in leggings. Sure, most of us love getting super dressed up from time to time. But if you want a Black-Tie wedding in the middle of July, your guests may be so uncomfortable that it prevents them from having a good time. This goes for non-neutral color requests too – not everyone looks good in red, coral, or yellow, and they usually know it. 

And speaking of those all-important pictures again – if there’s one thing that ruins a good shot, it’s the body language of someone who’s really uncomfortable. 

PRO: You won’t be distracted by the guest who’s under (or over) dressed

You’ve just said “I do.” The officiant’s given you the cue for that first married kiss. But instead of focusing on your new spouse, you can’t take your eyes off the front row – where you see a guest in a cotton polo and cargo pants.

There are some brides that wouldn’t think twice about an under (or over) dressed guest. But there are others that would find it hard to focus on other aspects of their day. You know yourself, and you know which of these categories you’d fall under. Make decisions on a dress code accordingly!

CON: Your guests may ignore the dress code 

If you’ve not provided a dress code, a guest in a cotton polo and cargo pants may catch your eye. But what if you HAVE provided a dress code? Would it be MORE distracting to see someone who has just ignored (or overlooked) your requests?

Listen, you’ll always have the guests that don’t RSVP, show up without gifts, or break other time-honored wedding customs. It’s highly likely that at least one or two of your guests won’t abide by a dress code – either by accident or on purpose.  And that may irk you even more. 

Whatever your decision on a wedding guest dress code, it’s the right one! Remember – it’s your wedding, and you get to make the decisions. 

• MORE: The BOLI Store fits every dress code

Looking for a wedding dress can be so exciting! But don’t forget these things while you shop.

Every part of wedding planning can be exciting. But there’s something about looking for a wedding dress that sort of makes it all feel real. And when you put on your first gown – even if it’s not the one you end up with – it could bring a tear to your eyes.

In order to have the most amazing wedding gown shopping experience, here are six things to wear when dress shopping.

1 – Different Underwear
You’re going to want to bring out your best panties here. You know, the ones that are seamless. A neutral color. If you’re unsure of what style of dress, bring different styles of underwear, thong, bikini cut, etc. Or bring the pair that you love and know you’ll wear on your wedding day because it is comfortable!

MORE: What you feel when you find THE dress

2 – Different Bras
Even if you know exactly the kind of dress you’re going to get, you still want to give yourself options. This is why it’s important to bring different styles of bras. Strapless, regular, plunge, push-up, one-strap, crossed in the back. Really the possibilities are endless when it comes to bras and your wedding gown. Pro Tip: If you plan to wear your regular bra under your dress, ask that hooks be sewn into the dress straps to keep the bra straps in place!

3 – Spanx/Shapewear
If you know you’ll be wearing any sort of Spanx or shapewear under your gown, make sure to wear it the day you go shopping. This way, you’ll get an actual idea of what the dress will look and feel like on the big day.

4 – Wedding Shoes
OK – We know you might not have your wedding shoes until after you find your dress. BUT, it’s important to bring a similar style – particularly in the heel. If you know you’re going to wear high heels, bring them. If you know you’re wearing flats, or a small heel, bring something similar. AND, if you plan to wear high heels and then change at some point throughout the night, bring both styles to see how they’ll look!

MORE: 6 of the Most Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes – Which One Should You Choose?

5 – Hair Ties
Throw some hair ties or clips in your purse. If you know you’re going to wear your hair up on your wedding day, you can toss it up while trying on dresses. Plus, you might be nervous and sweat while trying on gowns. And you’ll be happy to throw your hair up and off your neck.

6 – Veil/Headpiece
Bring your veil or headpiece to make sure they go with the gowns you try on. If you don’t have them yet, bring something similar. Or ask the bridal salon if they have a similar veil. This will give you a great sense of your full look that day.

What you bring dress shopping is just as important as what you wear! Don’t forget these essential things before you head out to your bridal salon. (And if you need help deciding where to go – check out our preferred vendor list!)

Pictures of Your Dress Inspiration
It’s important to have at least some sort of idea of the style of dress. You may not know the designer, but you should know if you like A-line, ball gown, mermaid, etc. If you bring photos with you, it will give your stylist an idea of what you want. But remember to keep an open mind!

Your Phone
Or a camera. Sure you can see yourself in the mirror, but it’s important to take photos to see what you look like. This way, after you leave, you can look them over to really see what you like and don’t like. Just remember to hide them from your fiancé!

A Notebook
Or some place to jot down ideas, designers, what you like and don’t like, etc. You can also jot down prices at different places to see what’s in your budget.

An Entourage
OK. Maybe not an entourage, but you should bring your bestie or mother or future mother-in-law, etc. Someone who can “oooh and ahhh” with you. And share in your happiness when you find “the one!”

A Budget
This one is probably the most important. If you’re on a strict budget, it’s important to let your bridal salon know. This way they won’t bring you beautiful gowns out of your price range. And that way, you can fall in love with one that’s perfect for you and your wallet.

And remember BOLIs, you’re beautiful! And you’re going to be beautiful on your wedding day.

MORE: What to Do With Your Dress After Your Wedding

Don’t miss these hilarious groomsmen photos that will make you laugh!

You’ll want to make sure your wedding photographer captures all the basics: your dress, your bouquet, and your new spouse! But don’t forget to include a few sure-to-be hysterical moments from your day. If your groomsmen could easily join the cast of Saturday Night Live, catch these 7 groomsmen photos that will make you laugh:

• MORE: 16 Must-Have Photos With Your Bridesmaids

1. The sock reveal

We know your boys will rock some awesome socks on the big day. Have them show a little leg for the lens! Bonus points if you’re saying “I do” around a holiday – they can show some holiday spirit with their footwear!

2. Business in front, party in the back

Marriage is serious business, right? Nah, it’s a party! While your future spouse focuses on the vows, let the guys get loose in the background.

• MORE: Stephen Mayo Photography Tells the Story of Your Wedding

4. Piggy Back

No cold feet here – but maybe some weak knees! If one of your groomsmen needs to take a load off, have them hop on your future spouse’s back for a quick ride (or vice-versa!)

5. Tie-tying Train

Brides aren’t the only ones who need a little help getting ready – those bowties can be tricky! But your groomsmen will get the job done, with some laughs and smiles while they’re at it. 

6. Bro hugs

When your future husband’s buds together, it’s instant laughter. No fancy set-ups needed – maybe just a “bro” joke or two!

7. The First Look Fake-Out

The best man loves a good prank, so tap him in for the first look! A big laugh will ease your future husband’s nerves. Just make sure he get his own dress 😂 

• MORE: You need some BOLI gear, girl!

Whether you’re engaged, newly married or married for 10 years, here’s how you can keep Valentine’s Day special.

Valentine’s Day. You either love it or hate it. No matter where you are in your relationship – engaged, newlyweds or married for a while now, sometimes Valentine’s Day can get lost in the shuffle of everyday life. It’s the kind of holiday that sneaks up on you during the cold winter months. But there are plenty of things to do to keep the spark alive on Valentine’s Day. Here’s how to keep Valentine’s Day special – even after the wedding.

Put It On Your Calendar
If you’re always on the go, sometimes you and your significant other could be like two ships passing in the night. Mark Valentine’s Day on your calendar. Make sure there’s no other plans that day or night so that the two of you can spend it together.

Make Dinner Together
Skip the restaurant reservations, stay in and make dinner together. It could be as simple as boiling pasta and a jar of sauce, or an elaborate three-course meal. Either way, cozying up in your kitchen is a great way to create memories and spend time together.

DIY Gifts
Save some money and make your own gifts for each other. Find things around your house. Make old-school cards with construction paper and markers. Bake a delicious treat.

Themed Gifts
Instead of trying to figure out what to get each other, pick a theme or a store and set a budget. For example, only spend $10 at the Dollar Tree; head to Target or Walmart and pick out each other’s dinner outfits; Disney gifts; the movies, etc. The possibilities are endless, and could keep you laughing for years to come.

MORE: 5 unique Valentine’s Day gifts for your fiancé

Pretend It’s Your First Date
What better way to recreate that spark, then literally recreate it? Pretend like it’s your first date. Introduce yourselves, talk about things to impress each other. Bonus points if you actually recreate your first date – where you went, maybe even what you wore, etc. The only difference? At the end of the date, there’s no question if you’re going home with each other.

Get Active
If being romantic isn’t your thing, why not do something different on Valentine’s Day? Maybe hit up an ax throwing place, try a paint class or even take a gym class together. Just something that gets you out of the house. Even if it’s just taking a walk around your neighborhood (weather permitting, of course).

Dress Up
It can be very easy to fall into that ‘Netflix and chill’ routine. You both come home from work, immediately change into sweats, eat dinner and watch TV on your couch. Ditch that routine! Whether you stay in and have dinner or go out, dress up! Put on your sexiest dress and heels. Keep the make-up on. Have him dig up a suit jacket. Dress to the nines – even if you just hang on the couch!

MORE: 7 great restaurants for Valentine’s Day

Spice Up the Bedroom
Valentine’s Day can be a great way to spice things up in the bedroom. Try a new position. Introduce toys. Wear some sexy lingerie. Leave the lights on. Just something different from your tried-and-true bedroom routine.

Unplug!
The best way to keep Valentine’s Day special? Unplug from your devices for the night. Truly take a few hours to just focus on each other in whatever you do. Don’t check your phones, answer work emails or post on social media. Trust us, we’ve all seen plenty of Valentine’s Day photos over the years, we won’t miss it if you don’t post one this year.

The key to keeping Valentine’s Day special – even after the wedding, is to make the time for each other. And make sure to express your expectations to each other as well. If you’re really into Valentine’s Day and want to do it up to the nines – think flowers, chocolates and a fancy restaurant, make sure you let your spouse know! And if it’s really not a holiday for you, but you still want to do something special, let them know that too! Communication and making the time to spend together is really all you need for a great Valentine’s Day.

Click here to get yourself the best Valentine’s Day gift ever from the BOLI store. 

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Bianca Johannes about the one thing she did for herself on her wedding day that she’ll never forget.

Bianca and Eddie Johannes had the perfect wedding day. From the beautiful venue to their amazing day of coordinator, Bianca says nothing went wrong and everyone had an amazing time at their August 2022 wedding.

Back to Where It Began

Bianca says she and her now-husband Eddie met in law school in 2013. They started dating in 2014, and in November of 2020, Eddie proposed. She explains that Eddie brought her back to the law school where they met. “It was where we parked on our first date,” she says. “That’s where he proposed.”

Smooth Planning

And just like their easy and simple engagement, Bianca says the planning process went smoothly too. A few months after they got engaged, they started to look at venues. Bianca says she doesn’t like to shop around. So what did she do? She and Eddie researched a bunch of venues online, and “devoted a weekend to seeing as many venues as we could!” They looked at eight venues across Long Island, and eventually settled on Sea Cliff Manor.

But what was she looking for in a venue? “To be honest, I really didn’t know what I was looking for! My husband wanted something by the water, though,” she says. She adds that she wanted a venue that had good food. The decision maker? “Sea Cliff really fit because we listen to old timey jazz music,” she explains. “And we found out that Sea Cliff used to be a restaurant that Frank Sinatra frequented! So, we were like, ‘oh, it fits.’”

When it came to the rest of her vendors, Bianca says she and Eddie worked off of the preferred vendor list that Sea Cliff Manor recommends. She says she used the Brides of Long Island Facebook group to research all of the vendors she eventually booked. “Even though they were on Sea Cliff’s preferred vendor list, I wanted to see what people thought about them.” She adds that she had no trouble booking any of them, as they were lucky that all of the vendors had their date available.

MORE: 6 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner

The Perfect Day

Aug. 27, 2022 was the most perfect day for Bianca and Eddie’s wedding. And even though the Sinatra singer they booked for dinner got COVID at the last minute, she says everything went according to plan. And that was mostly in part to her day of coordinator Cassidy, of Cassidy Coordinates. “I really appreciated her because I felt really comfortable to ask her questions,” says Bianca. “She’s incredible.” Bianca says she was able to go to Cassidy with any and all questions.

Bianca says she was so comfortable with Cassidy, that at one point during the day, her underwear wasn’t placed correctly under the dress. So what did Cassidy do? “She went right under my dress and re-positioned it for me!” She adds that Cassidy also helped her put her contact lens in! “This is why you have a bridal bestie!”

Other vendors who went above and beyond for Bianca and Eddie include Photo Envy, their photo booth, and Mike’s Delights, the after wedding food truck. Bianca says she contacted both vendors at the last minute, and both came through for them. Stephanie, of Photo Envy, gave them a photo album at the end of the night that included photos and messages from their guests! “It was a really nice touch.”

Mike’s Delights featured three food items from fast food restaurants, an array of candy, chips and soft drinks. Bianca says they arrived an hour before the reception ended, and stayed an hour after so all of their guests could take treats to go. “It was a great setup. And they didn’t make people feel bad for going back multiple times.” She adds that since she and Eddie didn’t actually get a chance to visit the truck, they packed them up a to-go bag with everything that was featured!

Those Standout Moments

While everything was perfect, there were several moments that Bianca says really stood out to her. The first? When Eddie started crying as she walked down the aisle. But what did she do? “I started laughing hysterically! I didn’t understand why he was crying.” The second moment was a more serious moment. “My dad is not a big talker, and out of nowhere, he requested to make a speech during the reception,” she says. “It was really sweet and heartfelt. I will always remember that.”

MORE: The Pros & Cons of a First Look vs. Meeting at the Altar

Do Something For Yourself

What piece of advice would Bianca give to another BOLI? “Figure out something that you want to do that day for yourself, so that you’ll remember it,” she says. “And do it.” As most brides will tell you, the day goes by very fast and you want to do something that you won’t forget. “For me, that was eating everything during the cocktail hour!” Bianca explains that she was so excited for the appetizers and when picking the menu, that she just had to try everything. She says her bridal attendant literally stood guard over a table during the cocktail hour while she tried everything. “It was great. I felt like a king!”

MORE: At Variety Music Your Wedding Is A “Once In A Lifetime Celebration” 

Vendors:
Venue: Sea Cliff Manor
Church: St. Mary’s Nativity
Photographer/Videography: The Glenmar Studio, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photo Booth: Photo Envy
DJ: Variety Music, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Florist: Black Dahlia
Makeup: Sam Ruh
Dress: Bridal Salon of Dix Hills, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Alterations: Alterations by Gina
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Cake: Saint Honore Pastry Shop – Port Washington
Tuxedos: The Black Tux
Limo: Camelot
Day of Coordinator: Cassidy Coordinates
Food Truck: Mike’s Delights

Whether intimate or lavish, travel concierge Christine Earls of You and Me by the Sea brings all of your travel fantasies to life

Picture it – standing with your fiancé on white sands, staring out into a pristine sea after saying “I do,” surrounded by clear blue skies, sunshine, and the love of your closest family and friends. 

Or relaxing in your own private villa, soaking in that “just married” feeling as you enjoy the tropical, picturesque scenery as far as your eyes can see.

With boundless creativity and unmatched passion, travel concierge Christine Earls of You and Me by The Sea (a BOLI Preferred Vendor) can make these dreams – or any destination wedding and honeymoon – a stunning reality.

• MORE: 7 Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding

“Let me just do things my own way.” – You and Me by the Sea

For Christine, a lifelong dream eventually pulled her away from the corporate sector. “I had always wanted to work in travel,” she remembered. “But I ventured off into the accounting world. I was a department head for a big box company, but it just wasn’t fulfilling me.”

Deciding to make a change, she ventured onto a new career path – but things still felt off. “I started working under a well-known travel company, but I always liked to color outside of the box and be creative. And working under them it was very structured. I like to go the extra mile for my clients, and I wasn’t really allowed to do that there.”

So Christine took a leap of faith and decided to branch out on her own. “I said ‘you know what? Let me start a new company. Let me just do things my own way.’” 

“Making travel arrangements is like having a blank canvas, and you’re creating a piece of art.” – You and Me by the Sea

What exactly does a travel concierge do? “Making travel arrangements is like having a blank canvas, and you’re creating a piece of art,” Christine explained. “You’re creating a wedding or honeymoon from start to finish, tailoring everything to each person’s specific wants, needs, and desires. Securing dates, getting in touch with the venue or resort, booking your trials so that you know you’re going to love everything on the big day.”

It’s true that Christine irons out all the important details like airfare, transfers to your resort, lodgings, excursions, and spa appointments. But as an expert in the field with a keen eye for refinement, she specializes in those extra special touches to your getaway – which you may miss when attempting to book plans on your own. 

“By using a travel concierge, you can elevate your experience,” she explained. “The intimate details like gifts in your room or your guests’ rooms, those are the things you wouldn’t find doing everything yourself.” 

• MORE: Why We Chose To Have a Destination Wedding

“It’s kind of like its own marriage.” – You and Me by the Sea

Your relationship with You and Me by the Sea always begins with a conversation. “I start with a complimentary consultation, which takes between 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many questions someone has,” Christine described. “I will tell brides – think about how many people are in your wedding party and in your immediate family. Because that’s the core of who you’ll want there, so you’ll need to figure that out first.”

After the initial conversation, Christine begins building your itinerary piece by piece, continually checking in to see that the plans are what you imagined. “It’s a little like a tug of war. I’ll send something and I’m pulling the rope closer to me – do you like this hotel, this resort, this area? And a bride will pull the rope their way and say ‘this is not really what I like’ or ‘this is really what I like.’ It’s like its own kind of marriage – I give ideas, and brides reciprocate.” 

It’s in these moments that Christine’s true passion shines through. “I put my clients’ needs first. By working together my goal is to create your destination wedding or honeymoon how you always envisioned it to be.” 

“Think forward, because this is going to be fun.” – You and Me by the Sea

When it comes to planning your destination wedding, Christine reiterated an incredibly crucial point. “Think about the people that are instrumental in your celebration, and think about what is and isn’t possible for them,” she advised. “Maybe your grandmother can’t fly for five or six hours, or can’t get onto a bus easily – things like that will impact where you should consider having your wedding.” 

She also suggested getting an early start and planning ahead for your honeymoon. “Get with your partner and discuss where you want to go, what your wants are. Check your passports to make sure they’re up to date. And book early! You don’t want to be disappointed because the room you really wanted is already booked. This is time for yourself. Think forward, because this is going to be fun.”  

• MORE: Tropical honeymoon? Don’t forget your swimsuit!

If you’re looking for a ‘destination wedding,’ but don’t want to travel very far, Atlantis Banquets & Events is the perfect Long Island wedding venue for you.

If the thought of having a destination wedding excites you, but you love Long Island, then Atlantis Banquets & Events, a BOLI preferred vendor, is the Long Island wedding venue you need to check out ASAP!

From its spacious Sea Star Ballroom to saying ‘I do’ next to the sea lions, Atlantis Banquets & Events has everything you need for the most unique and perfect destination wedding right here on Long Island. Located along the Peconic River, the venue shares its space with the Long Island Aquarium, which brides can take over for their wedding if they choose. The property also includes the Hyatt Place Long Island, the Preston House & Hotel and the Howell House, which are across the street. Couples can invite friends and family to stay the weekend and enjoy the East End of Long Island, while celebrating their wedding day.

BOLI recently sat down with the team at Atlantis Banquets & Events to find out what the venue has to offer and learn more about why it’s the perfect resort destination on Long Island.

Getting Married With the Fishes

Atlantis Banquets & Events offers so many choices for brides when planning their dream weddings. Any space at the aquarium is available for a ceremony and cocktail hour. Some brides have had their ceremony in the Sea Lion Stadium, where they can be surrounded by their loved ones, as well as several California sea lions. Others choose the beautiful Riverside Pavilion located on the tranquil Peconic River. “There’s a lot of different options,” says Director of Sales Tony Cotignola. “One of the main things that makes us very unique is, let’s say you wanted to do a cocktail hour reception in the aquarium. People can linger around, get some food and see the animals. Then, you can move into the Sea Star Ballroom to have more of a sit-down, formal meal.” Yes, that’s right, you can utilize the entire aquarium and the ballroom, if you so choose.

However, according to Director of Marketing Darlene Puntillo the majority of their brides do choose to have their weddings at the aquarium. “You can put your tables around where the fish tanks are,” explains Tony. “And there’s a separate area for dancing that’s connected to the coliseum.”

The aquarium can fit up to 270 guests, while the Sea Star Ballroom can host up to 340. The ballroom overlooks the Peconic River and the marina. “There’s also space where there can be a ceremony, as well as cocktail receptions right in the Sea Star Ballroom,” says Tony.

Penguins And Sea Lions And Sharks! Oh My!

If you really want a unique wedding, consider a shark dive wedding! “You can get married inside our shark habitat!” says Darlene.

Those who’d rather stay on dry land can meet with some penguins, say ‘I do’ beside the sea lions, and even take photos in the beautiful butterfly exhibit! “No other venue can you go into a butterfly exhibit and take pictures with butterflies flying around,” says Tony.

The size of the aquarium allows for different things too. “We’ve had people bring in acrobats, where they hang from the ceiling and pour champagne,” explains Tony.

And, of course, Atlantis does offer various packages for couples. “We have vendor packages that you could add on that would include a florist, DJ and photographer,” says Tony. They also offer all-inclusive packages at certain times of the year with some parameters. In addition, each couple gets a complimentary overnight stay at the Hyatt Place the night of their wedding. And for your guests? Atlantis couples get priority when it comes to room blocks at the Hyatt Place. But make sure to get those blocks early!

Never-Ending Fun

At Atlantis Banquet & Events, your wedding doesn’t have to be just five hours. You have the opportunity to create an entire wedding weekend experience for you and your guests. You can arrive on a Friday night, and unwind with your close friends and family for a small gathering or rehearsal dinner at Preston’s.

The day after your wedding, your guests can take a canoe or kayak on the river at Long Island Canoe Kayak Rentals, or perhaps plan a trip out to Long Island’s wine country. In the summer months, you and your guests can plan a beach day in the Hamptons. But if relaxing the day after your wedding is what you have in mind, you can plan an after-wedding brunch at the Sea Star Ballroom or the Preston House Restaurant.

“We really consider it a resort destination here on Long Island,” says Darlene. “You can have your destination wedding, but you’re still at home. And you’re only driving as far as the expressway.”

What About the Food?

Atlantis Banquets & Events isn’t just a unique, beautiful venue. It features locally sourced, delicious food. The menu is always changing to stay up to date with what guests are requesting and interested in. “Our executive chef has been here since Atlantis Banquet & Events opened, over 20 years ago,” says Director of Food and Beverage Danny Lanieri. “He is very good at what he does. And he has a tremendous number of compliments on our food.”

Right now, Danny says the most popular cocktail station is the bacon bar. Tony adds that they have a large selection of seafood, as well. “Being an aquarium, we do practice the best choices for sustainable seafood,” explains Danny. “We partner with Seafood Watch, but we also speak with local fishermen in the area.”

In addition to the local seafood, Danny says they purchase their produce from farms on the East End of Long Island. He adds that they carry craft beer from Long Island breweries. And Tony explains that the house wine is actually from Raphael Vineyards, because Atlantis’ ownership also owns the vineyard. “We like to support local businesses,” says Danny.

Trust the Team

If you’re still not convinced that Atlantis Banquets & Events is the perfect space for your wedding, why not hit up their showcase on Feb. 16? It’s the perfect opportunity to tour the aquarium and envision your dream wedding. It’s also “a good opportunity to test our food and give it a sample!” says Darlene.

And once you’re booked? Tony explains that when brides tell them what they want, they can be assured that it will happen, and it will be perfect! “Trust the team,” says Darlene. “Your wedding is super important to us. Trust us to help you make it the best day ever.”

Tino Sicha and the team at Tino Photography value diversity, efficiency, and artistry to create stunning imagery of your “best day ever.” 

Any bride-to-be longs to find vendors who are truly passionate about their work, who consider each wedding they’ve booked as an opportunity to create beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moments.

No one better exemplifies that passion than Tino Sicha of Tino Photography.

“I began to play with the camera.” – Tino Photography

Surprisingly, Tino’s career beginnings didn’t take place behind a lens. “I was actually working for a US Senator in New York City, but once I began working, I realized that I didn’t like it. So instead I began to play with the camera. And through that process I discovered my passion for photography.”

After shooting his first wedding in 2011, Tino began to expand his professional horizons. “I used to shoot maybe 15 or 20 weddings a year,” he estimated. “Now we shoot 180, 200 weddings a year.” 

Just as Tino Photography was growing exponentially, Tino met an invaluable member of his team – his future wife, Ericka. Marrying (literally!) his photography knowledge with her 15+ years as a bridal consultant, Tino and Ericka have an invaluable understanding of what makes each couple special, and know exactly how to capture that essence on camera.

• MORE: 40 Questions to Ask when Choosing a Photographer

“You want to recreate a moment.” – Tino Photography

Every wedding photographer has their own style, and Tino describes his as both editorial and documentarian. “With editorial style, you want to recreate a moment,” Tino explained. “But we choose the location, we choose the lighting, we choose the background, we choose what to do.”

Once the party starts, Tino steps back from the action while staying present and focused. “We basically document what happens without interfering,” he described. His speed and efficiency help him catch each intimate detail without drawing out the process. “I’m a very fast photographer. Once the opportunity comes to take pictures, we want to get it done.”

“I’ve done everything and because of that, I’ve experienced different things.” – Tino Photography

For a wedding professional with over a decade under his belt, it’s difficult for Tino to pick a single favorite memory. “I’ve done Nigerian weddings, Russians, Japanese, Chinese weddings, anything you can think of. The Greek weddings I’ve done have been very different from the way Nigerians celebrate, and so on. I’ve done everything, and because of that, I’ve experienced different things.”

• MORE: 16 Must-Have Photos with Your Bridesmaids

“What can I do to still get beautiful results?” – Tino Photography

A challenge early in Tino’s photography career provided a realization, and helped him to develop a motto he still uses to this day.

“One day I was doing a wedding, and it started raining,” Tino remembered. “I ran under the roof and sat down on top of my equipment. But then I heard someone in the background say, ‘where is the photographer?’”

“That was a wake-up call for me. Yes it’s raining but I still have to work. So now, every single time I have a challenging situation, I ask myself ‘what can I do to still get beautiful results?’”

• MORE: It’s time for a BOLI Store break 🙂