A year ago on October 28th, I wrote this post.

Which inspired the email below to arrive just a week later on November 4th … {click to enlarge it…}

After I pinched myself at the prospect, I contacted this lovely bride to be.  Her “many interests” revolving around her wedding covered everything from her alma mater ( Yale), and his (Princeton), their love of the Northeast, “old school style”, tradition, handwritten letters, F. Scott Fitzgerald, classic cocktails, elegance with a twist and Fall.

What else would good old Gatsby do but host a Ball?

And she did…. exactly a year to the date of my initial post we both realized a dream.  Black Magic Indeed.

The new Mr. & Mrs. arrive at their reception.

The lawn of The Cap and Gown Club greeted guests with a twinkling walkway speckled with albino pumpkins, luminaries, and votives.

The Father of The Bride in his Skull and Bones bow tie orders a cocktail.  The two cocktails of the evening were “The Handsome Dan” and “The Old Naussau” as an homage to their beloved Yale and Princeton ties.

F.Scott Fitzgerald quotes about each of the schools were printed on cocktail napkins and passed with their coordinating cocktail.

The entry way to The Cap and Gown Club was illuminated with loads of candlelight and flanked with gold monogrammed painted pumpkins.

Stunning, swirly Spencerian calligraphy by Stacey Shapiro made the escort card table magical and luxe.

In the tent three different table looks were created using black velvet, ivory silk and gold bengaline linen.  Gold mercury glass containers were filled with vendela roses, trios of white milk glass with combinations of gardenia, roses, magnolias and waxy greenery and large gold candleabra with custom black lampshades made up the three centerpieces offering a combination of luxe materials, varying heights creating the perfect balance of candlelight and floral.

The black water goblets, gold beaded chargers and satin napkins tied off with turkey feathers make all three table looks cohesive and “finished”.

The bride’s bouquet above was the perfect mix of elegance, style and still worked with the black and white theme of the entire event.

The guests danced and had desserts in the main dining room of The Club.  A black and white dessert buffet with ice cream cake, black and white cookies and custom Yale and Princeton Chocolates provided the perfect “Sweet Sendoff”.

This magical evening was held at and catered by The Cap and Gown Club in Princeton, NJ.  The floral, decor and lighting were beautifully executed by Viburnum Designs, Princeton.

Other magical details and services provided by:

1. Planning, Design and Execution, Anne Book Signature Style
2. Photography- John Gillooly of Professional Event Images, Kristi Rae Gillooly
3. Tent- L & A Tent Rental
4. Rentals- Something Different Party Rental, NYC.
5. Linen- Cloth Connection
6. Paper- Magnificent Milestones, Chicago
7. Calligraphy- Stacey Shapiro Calligraphy, Chicago
8. Wedding Cake- Chez Alice, Princeton
9. Band- Phase One, Craig Scott Entertainment