{Bad Bloggers}

We've been working hard on gorgeous weddings, updating the website (check it out - update is live now!), and a fun new project...  Hence our spotty blogging lately.  Promise we'll be back soon with a few real weddings and a couple of exciting announcements.  So, stay tuned! In the meantime, here's a little peek...

Ryan & Clara's Hoboken Wedding

(Photos by the lovely ladies @ Hart + Sol)

Nicole & Jon's Jersey City Wedding

(Personal photos - pro pics coming soon)

Cheers!
LaVERE

{La Traditions - The South Philly Serenade}

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of attending a really unique (to us) tradition - the South Philly Serenade.  Our groom, Michael, a South Philly native, explained to us that the tradition stems back to the old country when young men would gather up their courage and sing love songs to their future wives the night before the wedding.  As Italians settled into the area of South Philly, they brought with them a very strong sense of community and of course their serenades. 

Photo by Kate Triano.

South Philly is comprised of small one way streets.  As soon as you set foot on a block and you get the feeling that the people are just as close together as the row homes that they live in.  And when it's time for one of their own to celebrate a wedding, everyone on the block comes out to support the young couple (and party, natch).  Unlike yesteryear in the old country, when a groom accompanied perhaps by a musician or two made his way to the bride and declared his love via song, modern serenades are an honest to goodness block party.  Lights are strung across the street (which is closed to traffic, of course), and neighbors start bringing out tables and chairs.  Women start appearing with tray after tray of delectable Italian dishes - from homemade pizzas to salads to sandwiches, and the cookies.... of course, the delicious cookies!  In the meantime, a full bar has been set-up as well as a DJ.  Before you know it, the block is filled with friends and family, laughing, dancing, eating, and drinking. 

Photo by Kate Triano.

As if that's not enough, some families hire Mummers to provide additional entertainment.  If you're not familiar with what Mummers are, Wikipedia can probably do them more justice than I.

Photo by Kate Triano.

Although incredibly exciting and entertaining, the Mummers are just the warm-up act.  The actual act of Serenading does still occur during the festivities.  The bride is brought to the top of the front steps, and the groom takes the mic.  The crowd closes in and waits with anticipation...  And then it begins...  just like his forefathers, the groom looks up at his bride-to-be and belts one out!  Our groom, Michael, chose to sing a very apropos song to his NJ born fiance - Jersey Girl by Bruce Springsteen.  It was sentimental and sweet, and we are thrilled to have been able to attend. 

Photos by Kate Triano.

Luckily, those South Philly guys come pre-wired with the confidence, guts, and charm to keep the tradition alive in this day and age of social media.  Yes, the video was up on youtube that night, and no, we're not going to share the link. 

Cheers!
LaVERE

{La Good Ideas - Bouquet & Garter Toss}

Ah the bouquet and garter toss...  Love it?  Hate it?  Either way, we won't judge.  But for those on the fence, here are some unique twists on this old standby.

Photo by the ever fabulous Tim Eng

From personal experience, as a single lady, I always detested going out into the fray to catch the bouquet. And my how I would have been mortified to have some random single dude put a garter up my leg if I accidentally caught the bouquet!  However, as a bride, I really wanted to hurl some flowers at my single friends, hoping to chuck some happiness their way.  So, I chose to do the bouquet toss.  We chose some very tongue in cheek music for the event - Move B***** by Ludacris (censored), to be exact.  My groom & I followed tradition and did our tosses, but, that's where we stopped playing by the rules.  Instead of having the single lady who caught the bouquet sit down to be "gartered" by the single man, we had them switch roles.  That was our little way of avoiding any mortification & having a good laugh.

Natalie & Luis opted for yet another variation on the bouquet/garter toss at their May 7th reception. Let's take a look, shall we? 

{Following photos by the talented Mr. Richard B. Flores.}

Traditional bouquet toss...

Let's blindfold the single gentleman "to make things interesting".

Unbeknown to the single gentleman, things are definitely going to be interesting. 

The garter went higher & higher...

Until the single gentleman figured out that something just didn't seem right...

A good time and a good laugh was had by all.  

Regardless of whether you decide to have a bouquet/garter toss or not, it's important to not be afraid to add some levity and humor to your big day!  It's the party of your lives, right? So, enjoy it! 

Cheers!
LaVERE

{La Real Wedding - Natalie & Luis}

We are so pleased to have been a part of Natalie & Luis' special day.  Whenever you're around this fabulous couple, you really do feel the intense love that they have for one another. Natalie and Luis decided to make it official on May 7th, with a ceremony at the Church of St. Joseph the Carpenter in her hometown of Roselle, NJ, followed by a reception at the lovely Galloping Hill in Union, NJ. 

Their day was filled with romance, tradition, and a whole lot of love.  Over the next few days, we'll be back with more specific details and unique ideas that this couple used to tell their story.  For now, enjoy the photos, courtesy of the wonderful Richard B. Flores. 

You can see even more gorgeous photos of this amazing couple in the Traditional Romance gallery on our site. Thanks again to Richard B. Flores for the photos. 

Congratulations, Natalie & Luis!  We wish you all the best of the best!
Cheers!
LaVERE