Unveiled
As a bride, it’s your job to be relaxed and radiant, letting others sweat the details of your big day so you don’t have to. By the time you and your guests walk into your wedding venue, the “magic” has happened, the pieces of the puzzle are perfectly in place. But how did it happen? In the following pages, one of New York State’s most experienced and respected wedding pros—Kim Klopstock, owner of gourmet caterer, The Lily & The Rose—offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the planning, creative decision-making, and plain hard work that went into creating a sophisticated “winter wonderland” reception for the wedding of Megan Lynch and her fiancé, Kerry Mayo, last February at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs. We hope that seeing what they did—and how—will give you not only some new ideas for your big day, but also a new respect for the pros who somehow make sweating the details look like fun.
“There is such pleasure when I have the opportunity to work with beautiful flowers, a beautiful space, and a wonderful family,” says Klopstock. “The tall vases are a signature of mine, and they worked well with the Casino’s high ceilings. Also, with this style of vase, guests were able to see everyone else at the table.” The bride’s mother loves flowers—and even thought of doing them herself—so Klopstock was sure to include her in the aesthetic decision-making.
Marlene Stipend, a floor manager, fills jars for a candy table that guests will visit on their way out. “It’s a great, fun touch,” says Klopstock, “something that is good for all ages.” Klopstock sources many of her props from flea markets and thrift stores. “Since my background is in the arts,” says Klopstock, “creating a look and feel is so inspiring—it really gets the creative juices flowing.” The final execution of her vision is often left to her trusted colleagues.
“The candelabras are a favorite of mine,” says Klopstock. “I have collected them over the years, they are all old, in mint condition, and part of my personal collection. So I only use them on very special occasions.” Their vintage glitter was a perfect match for the wintry theme of this wedding—and for a bride who loves candles. Votives on the table enhanced the sparkly décor.
“I love what I do, and I love my team,” Klopstock says. Here, she gathers everyone together for a ritual she likes to do about a half hour before show time. “We hold hands and I thank them for being there,” she says. “It is nice to decompress for a minute, and to remember everyone who has contributed in some shape or form to our team.
We say grace of some sort, and then I tell everybody to remember to live life and kick some ass.”
Remember the theme. Creating an outdoor “winter wonderland” feel without the actual cold can be a challenge, but Klopstock has a big bag of tricks. Among them, incorporating crystals into table settings and other décor elements to recreate a wintry sparkle, and using branches to fashion candelabras that mimic the look of trees after an ice storm—an elegant way to bring nature indoors.
Know your space. If you’re blessed with a venue that has fabulous architecture, don’t compete with it. Instead, enhance the space by adding subtle accents and, of course, a variety of soft lighting. Candles can have a really magical, transformative effect.
Decide what is most important. Ask yourself why you are spending all this money on the wedding, and what the ultimate goal is—besides sharing your joy at being together, of course. Is great food the priority? Entertainment? A fairy-tale setting? Identify your priorities, and communicating them to your professionals, is the key to a successful event.
Share your passions. Wedding pros get excited when their clients are. If you’re fanatical about food and wine, let your caterer know—it will inspire her to go all out for you. “When I meet with a client, I feel out what they are looking for and how I can fit in, say Klopstock.
“I love when I meet a couple that I am inspired by, who trust me to create an experience and vision for them and their guests.” Professionals are sure to have advice for you—make sure to keep an open mind.
