In the wedding industry it is typical that you step back at the end of the season and look at what you have done. You review photos, the details, the moments. You flashback to times that were bleary with tears, soaked with sweat and speckled with hurdles of stress or frustration.

When you review, you judge. You judge and define your successes for the year. To each of us in the wedding industry it is a measurement that is personal. Is it how many weddings you had published in a magazine or on a blog? Is it that no one tripped down the aisle? Is it that you didn’t work your staff to the brink every weekend? Is it that you created as little a carbon footprint as possible in all of your planning and executing? Is it the sheer number of weddings tallied? Is it that you received a sincere hug from the Bride in the middle of the day? Is it that you worked with new and different wedding compadres? Is it that you actually had energy for your family all season long?

For me, the definition of success changes every year. I have been in this business long enough that I now search for different ways to challenge and push myself to grow.

For the 2013 wedding season I raised the bar and challenged myself to not work at the same venue twice in the same year. Why? It is a creative exercise allowing me not to get “comfortable” in a space doing things “the same way” for different couples. It is about looking at each space with a fresh set of eyes.

So how did I do? Nailed it.

I was fortunate to not only work at some amazing locations known for fabulously good times, but also at some pretty stunning private properties. Even though I have had an event at many of these spaces before, it did not happen twice this past year.

Here are some of the places of spectacular celebrations in 2013:

I consider myself fortunate. Each place got one trip on the b merry merry-go- round. It was fun. By all accounts I consider it winning. What will the new year bring? What golden ring is up for grabs? Tune in the same time next year.

And by the way: my challenge EVERY year is to have focused energy for my family in the season.

Photos: The trusty b merry iPhone  |  A Love Supreme Photography | Maria Northcott, A Sweet Start |  Cauchon Photography  |  Fat Orange Cat Studio  |  Fidelio Photography  |  Meredith Perdue  |  Stacey Kane

Well, this is what we got: a brand new shiny baby boy. Yes, another little boy.

Scout McCaffrey Torrieri came into this world three weeks early on Valentine’s Day in a very quick and sudden manner. Here we go, mama. It’s time. And his Thug Brothers were thrilled, for they had been ever so anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Despite the early debut everyone is healthy, happy and well. What a day of love.

We are a truly fortunate family. 

And I am a very lucky mama to have the opportunity to raise three amazing gentlemen.

Soon. Soon two will become three. My two boys will welcome a new sibling. Soon we will be a clan of five. Here we go again.

In a couple short weeks the loud and lovely craziness that makes me laugh and shake my head daily will welcome its newest partner in crime. I cannot wait. I am grateful for such a full life … each and every day.

Starting February 21st I am planning to duck into “the baby bubble” and rally my troops around our new family dynamic. I will not be completely inaccessible, but my professional focus will be primarily on the  issues and details that need the most immediate attention. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

b merry will be back running at full throttle and anxious to start the 2014 wedding season on April 7th.

Until then, cheers!

Absolutely flattered that Maine Magazine is as wild about Marcy + Dan’s modern orchard wedding as I am. The fabulous team of creatives who combined efforts on this celebration is only outshone by the awesome couple themselves.

Very proud to have it featured in the February Wedding Issue of Maine Magazine.

lt’s not calm but it sure is bright.

Back each other up.
And may your new year be filled with Peace, Love & Understanding.

b merry,
Meghan (and boys)

b merry office will re-open on January 2nd.