"New York Love Affair" Engagement Session Giveaway

Hey there lovelies. Sorry for the radio silence these past couple of days. We've been gearing up for some fun and exciting changes to the site, while also working on some great styling projects and weddings. But we're back, and excited to share a fabulous giveaway with you...
If you haven't already heard, Sofia Negron Photography has caused quite the buzz around the blogosphere with a fabulous engagement session giveaway for New York City couples. Unlike other blog giveaways, the rules are simple: email her your unique New York Love Story, and you're automatically entered to win.The engagement session will also include fashion and prop styling by the Merci New York team, make-up by NYC Faces, an online gallery of all the finished images and a disc of photographer’s favorite images from the session by Sofia Negron Photography. Valued at $1200.00
For more information on the contest rules and details, visit Sofia's blog. And remember, you don't need to comment here to win. Just shoot her an email with your details.

Video by Madison Waters
Sofia Negron Photography is a Merci New York sponsor.

Grand Details from a Plaza Wedding | Lawrence Scott Events

In addition to owning Merci New York, I think I may have mentioned that I also have a lovely time writing as The Plaza's wedding correspondent. Every month, I have the pleasure of viewing a gorgeous Plaza wedding in all its glory and reporting on the details for their newsletter and other media outlets...
While every Plaza wedding is truly a feast for the senses, the transformation that occurred last month was beyond the scope of most imaginations. The celebration was grand in every sense of the word, from the opulent floral and décor, to the expansive menu, decadent treats, and amazing energy that surrounded the evening. {Read: I just had to share some of the details with you}.
To be honest, Fred Marcus's photos were so spectacular, they speak a thousand words beyond what I could verbalize. Take a peek...
With a 750-person guest list, and a 47-person bridal party, the wedding required a great deal of space to showcase so many wow-factor details. Above, Lawrence Scott Events transformed The Palm Court into a lavish cocktail area.
Lush bunches of amaryllis are placed in elegant vases in the Palm Court. At right, the bride and groom stand beneath an astounding, uplit chuppah.
The chuppah was composed of thousands of green cymbidium orchids and ivy; it greeted guests boldly and climbed to the ceiling with a wonderful presence.
The ballroom awaits the guests’ arrival, complete with vintage cut crystal and stunning floral arrangements in lush shades of reds, all elegantly designed by Lawrence Scott Events.
Beautiful crystal centerpieces sparkled on long banquet and intimate round tables alike, inviting guests to sit for a bit of conversation and delicious cuisine. The 6-foot tall wedding cake was baked by none other than Ron Ben-Israel. It was a vanilla confectionery delight with layers of hazelnut crème and praline crunch, finished with a smooth fondant and a glistening band. In addition to its grand design, the cake was raised an additional six feet above the floor – from across the room, it appeared to be kissing the base of the chandelier. For more on the cake, be sure to check out my interview with Ron Ben-Israel, here.

In addition to the amazing Ron Ben-Israel wedding cake, gorgeous, gilded desserts, sweet confections and monogrammed cakes graced the long tables for guests to nibble on into long into the evening. Darling monogrammed treats and tiers of goodies for a late in the evening sugar high {this particular wedding lasted until the early morning hours}.
A custom built bar, dance floor and staircase married back to The Plaza's ivory walls and gilded accents.

All photos courtesy of Fred Marcus Photography

Merci New York in The Knot Spring 2011 Issue

Last month, the lovely editors of The Knot asked Merci New York to share some of our favorite wedding planning details with their readers... The story was just released in the Spring / Summer 2011 issue, and it's packed with some really great ideas... take a peek!
From food trucks to bridal beauty to engagement shoot hot spots, Merci New York's Jacqueline Weppner shared some of her favorite ideas, alongside the ladies of Poppies and Posies and Ambiance Chic... There are tons of details and goodies to be had, so be sure to pick up your copy and start planning!

Photos courtesy of The Knot

Real Wedding | Becky + Brian at the Park Avenue Club

Story by Amelie Mauduit
Valentine's Day may be over, but that's not stopping us from spreading some love with this gorgeous RED and white wedding. Becky and Brian's romantic winter wedding is positively gorgeous. We love the contrast of the hot red color on the snowy background in these stunning images captured by Jen Huang Photography.
Ceremony site: Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Plainfield, NJ
Reception site: Park Avenue Club, NJ
Photography: Jen Huang Photography, NY
Flowers: Nancy Kitchen from the Flower Loft, Clark NJ
Cake: The Pink Cake Box, Denville NJ
Bride’s Gown: Marisa, bought at Hannelore’s in Alexandria, VA
Bride’s Shoes: Mootsie Tootsie
Bridesmaid Dresses: Anna Elyse Dresses, bought at Garnish Boutique, in Baltimore, MD
Groom and Groomsmen suits: Joseph A. Bank

Becky and Brian wanted to evoke a warm winter feel to their January wedding. The color Red has always been the bride’s favorite, so it seemed natural to choose a red and black palette with gold and silver tones. Luckily, it was a snowy day and the couple enjoyed a beautiful white winter wonderland background, and some playful shots in the snow!

The bride carried a gorgeous, round bouquet with red ranunculus and roses, which set a perfect contrast against her classic a-line gown and chic fur shrug. Her six bridesmaids wore strapless red silk dupioni dresses and contrasting bouquets of white hydrangeas.

The ceremony took place in an old Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, NJ, with a reception following at the Park Avenue Club, {a spacious, restored dairy barn!} with beautiful fireplaces and lofted ceilings. The decor followed the same red and white palette with seasonal touches such as red apples and pine cones. This wedding was certainly a warm and lovely red fete, a perfect winter celebration!

Photos courtesy Jen Huang Photography

Meet Our Sponsors: PostScript Brooklyn

Time to show some V-Day love to a sponsor that makes Merci happen - the amazing team behind PostScript Brooklyn!
If you are on the hunt for chic, NYC-centric wedding invitations, chances are you have seen the gorgeous work of PostScript Brooklyn... From urban inspiration to artful design, the inventive invitation line channels the creative energy of Brooklyn to create bold and playful invitations for hip, distinctive, contemporary weddings.
But as much as we love their BK-based designs, as Manhattan girls, we're even more excited about the styles that reflect upon our corner of NYC, too... The beautiful architecture of landmark buildings such as the San Remo and Chrysler Building have made their way into the PostScript Brooklyn collection, and we're pretty much obsessed... {hint: click the photos to enlarge}The San Remo Suite: Classic Manhattan in all its glory! This wedding invitation features the famed San Remo building, as visible from Central Park. This whimsical suite from The Nic Studio includes a glimpse of a New York City street as well as the majestic skyline peaking over the canopy of the park, evoking the true romance of the city. Avail- able with or without the dancing couple. Perfect for any New York City wedding or any event that wants to evoke that festive feeling. The Gramercy Park Suite: Sweet and whimsical, two wee lovebirds adorn a delicate branch while a charming birdhouse gently dan- gles from another in this fresh new wedding invitation collection. Perfect for the spring or summer wedding and designed by Jane Buck of Foxy and Winston.
The Park Avenue Suite: Elegant sophistication with the perfect touch of vintage. Created from the details of paisley lace, this wed- ding invitation suite speaks to a lush, formal affair.
The Lexington Avenue Suite: Inspired by the classic art deco style of Manhattan’s Chrysler Building, this wedding invitation suite sets the tone for a sophisticated and modern event.
The Nethermead Suite: A border of delicate leaves house sweet birds who herald the news of your big day. A versatile design that could work for the park or the tropics, Jane Buck of Foxy and Winston has created an utterly charming wedding invitation suite.

Designed in collaboration with celebrated local artists and designers, these stunning invitations highlight imagery found within urban landscapes – metropolitan skylines, bold graphics, remarkable architecture and bursts of nature.

“By collaborating with the extraordinarily talented graphic artists who helped create our first collection we have been able to offer our most popular invitation designs to brides and grooms in and outside of New York,” says Melinda.

PostScript Brooklyn features 30 amazing invitation suites by Lion in the Sun’s creative staff and adored artists such as Mallory Larson, Foxy & Winston, Linda & Harriett, Moontree Letterpress, Serimony, Sesame Letterpress and The Nic Studio.

All invitations are printed on the highest quality 100% cotton or recycled paper and use digital and letterpress printing options. In order to suit each customer's budget, brides can select their paper weight and printing style, order the complete suite, or simply choose key pieces, including the invitation, RSVP card, reception card, direction card, thank you card and save the dates.