Wedding In A Week

Couple Plans And Has One, With Help Of Colin Cowie, Others, In Special Early Show Series

(CBS)  Ever think you could put together a big wedding reception in only seven days? Sounds impossible, right?

Don't tell that to The Early Show events planner supreme Colin Cowie, author of the new book, "Colin Cowie's Extraordinary Weddings: From a Glimmer of an Idea to a Legendary Event."

He and others lent Lisa Mayo and Stephen Wilfong a hand as they planned the ultimate walk down the aisle! Cowie offered his advice on every detail.

"I think everything is important," Colin told the lucky couple. "The idea of a great wedding is when you can identify the very best of everything, and seamlessly put it together and make sure that great taste finds its way throughout."

We brought you all their steps on the way to the altar, the wedding itself, and the reception, in a special series, "Wedding in a Week."

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2007

RECEPTION RECAP, HONEYMOON TALK, MORE

Tracy Smith offered a look back at the reception that followed the plaza ceremony. Stephen had a special treat for Lisa: a song he wrote about her. Colin surprised Lisa and Stephen with an elegant -- and hastily prepared -- webbing album. Then, an even bigger suprrise -- word of a honeymoon in -- South Africa!

The grateful couple couldn't thank Colin and The Early Show enough. Stephen said it was all everything they'd hoped for "and then some!" Lisa said she "couldn't have even dreamed that up on my own. I t was amazing."

To watch this segment, click here.

Special thanks go out to:

Pictage

Molori Safari Lodge and Spa

Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

South African Airways

Ava Lounge at the Dream Hotel

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2007

THE CEREMONY

Colin and Tracy showed a summary of all the preparations for the big day.

To see it, click here.

Then, Lisa and Stephen tied the knot on The Early Show plaza, and Lisa, Stephen and Colin reflected on the whirlwind week.

The reception was held at the Morgans Hotel Group's Hudson, in New York..

To see the ceremony click here.

Special thanks go out to:

Chrisette Michele (Vocalist/Ceremony Music)

Harpists Bridget Kibbey and Jacqui Kerrod (Harpist/Ceremony Music)

Harlem Gospel Choir

DJ Donna D'Cruz (Reception Music)

Bentley Meeker Lighting (for Reception)

Richard Parker Photography (Photos)

New York County Clerk Norman Goodman (Officiated)

Veuve Cliquot (Champagne)

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2007

MENU SAMPLING

With the big day only a day away, Colin and chef Katy Sparks from Great Performance for Hudson gave Lisa and Stephen a taste of their wedding menu, a preview of all the delicious dishes their guests will enjoy at the lunch reception to take place Friday at Hudson in New York City.

Not only that, but they chose their wedding cake from master baker Margaret Braun.

To watch the segment, click here.

The rehearsal dinner was to be held at The Boathouse restaurant in New York's Central Park.

For complete details about the menu, and comments on it from Colin and Katy, click here.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2007

FLOWERS, TABLES

With Tracy Smith continuing to look on, Colin, Lisa and Stephen turned their attention to the dream wedding's floral arrangements, and the tables for the reception.

The bouquet is a must-have accessory for every bride.

Olivier, the creative genius at L'Olivier Floral Atelier in New York, is providing all the floral arrangements for the wedding. Olivier's style is very clean, modern and chic. He created seven amazing options for bridal bouquets for the nuptials, along with coordinating boutonnieres, and he displayed each of the choices. To see this portion of the segment, click here.

For word on Olivier's approach to bridal bouqets, and for details about the choices he presented Lisa with, click here.

As for the tables for the reception, Colin showcased three different options for what they could look like. Colin used the colors Lisa and Stephen liked, then coordinated the linens, place settings, votive candles and of course, floral centerpieces.

To watch this part of the segment, click here.

For details on the tables Colin set up, click here.

Promotional considerations provided by:

Bruce Thompson Creative Services (Props and Decor)

Creative Intelligence (Escort Cards, Menus & Table Names)

Indigo Moon Linens

Party Rental LTD. (China & Glassware)

Seda France Candles (Guest Favors)

Casue (Guest Favors)

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2007

FASHION OPIONS

The planning by Lisa, Stephen and Colin continued unabated, though The Early Show's coverage of it was interrupted as the show turned its attention to the Virginia Tech tragedy.

That coverage resumed Tuesday, April 24, with Lisa, Stephen and Colin selecting what they'll be wearing to their big event, and a look at hot trends, in general, in wedding attire.

The segment began with a peek at Lisa and Colin visiting the posh Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, where Lisa picked out her dress. We saw several Lisa tried on, and Mark offered a lesson in the latest and greatest tendencies in wedding dresses.

To see the video of that visit, click here.

Then, it was back to The Early Show studios, where Tracy Smith revealed that Lisa's dress will be worn with jewelry she chose from H.Stern, including beautiful earrings, and with shoes from Stuart Weitzman.

After that, attention turned to attire for the bridal party.

Colin worked with Lord And Taylor and pulled three trendy options for grooms today. The third, a light tan suit, will be what Stephen wears on his wedding day. Lord and Taylor also outfitted the groomsmen. Colin and J.Crew Weddings and Parties Collection picked three popular and trendy bridesmaid options. The third option, a brown espresso empire waist dress, is what Lisa's two Matrons of Honor will be wearing. All six outfits were modeled in-studio.

To watch that portion of this segment, click here.

For complete details on the fashion show, click here.

[rothka]

i really loved the song that was played at the beginning of the wedding today. Golden by Chrisette Micheal. I am getting married in 4 weeks and wonder where i can find that song. any help?

[malone2746]

They were able to wed in a week because they had CBS and The Early Show pulling strings and doing all the work. I am getting married in a week and believe me...there would have been no way to pull together what they have done in week for my Fiance and I...it took several months in advance just to book halls, and caterers. On top of everything...I am sure CBS spared no expense for the strings that they pulled to help boost some ratings.

[scarletunc]

Well, I'll be the only one who feels differently as of yet. I'm just utterly confused as to why someone's wedding needs to be showcased and on the EARLY SHOW. It's as if the producers feel that this is "BREAKING NEWS". I disagree. There are way more important issues in the world, and I think someone's wedding is personal. It's their business, not mine. Quite frankly, I could care less about any of it. I'm really exhausted by the media's surge towards stories over "who's getting married" "who's dating" "who's pregnant" and "who's adopting the next African baby". It'is totally ridiculous and so is this obnoxious wedding.

[anro54]

I was so excited to see Stephan and Lisa's wedding on The Early Show. I've been looking for Stephan's Mom and Dad for a few years and when I saw his name (Wilfong) I was so excited. This isn't a usual name so it had to be him. I think this is the little boy (along with his brothers) that I used to babysit. I rode the commuter train/subway with his Dad, Steve, every morning. We've lost touch and I was wondering what happened to him, his wife, those boys and the first Wilfong girl! I have some great pictures of Stephan when he was little.

Knowing him personally makes me so delighted to see him find a lovely woman to marry. He's grown into a terrific young man! I sure wish him God's very best as they begin a new life together. Greetings to your Mom and Dad!

[nadream70]

I am so looking forward to the culmination of the "Wedding In A Week" series to see it all come together and to see the music selection that the bride & groom, along with the devastatingly beautiful and inventive Donna D'Cruz, come up with. Being from New York, I have been to some events that Donna D'Cruz and her label Rasa Music have presided over and her parties are always fun and her choices musically always fabulous and unexpected. This experiment will be a testament to Donna's skills to put together a set that is fun for everyone both attending and at home. I can't wait for the big day!!

[lamont215]

My name is Lamont and I just proposed to my girlfriend and longtime high school friend Amanda. I'm writing this because men always get the bad rap of never taking the time out and really planning something special. I asked a client of mine who owns a spa would she help me to propose there. I set it up to Amanda that the spa owner had this package where couples would learn how to give a massage. I wanted get everything on tape but the issue was how am I going to get a videographer in the massage room? So I told Amanda the owner wanted to know if we wouldn't mind being on film because she wanted to promote this package on her website. We arrive at the spa and begin to proceed with the massage. I told Sam to say, "we are trying something new by placing elastic bands around each finger to relieve stress." Sam put one on the right pinky and then I did her left...Then I slipped on the real ring instead of the elastic band! She gets up and does not notice the ring on her finger. She takes bands off her left hand and notice there is a real ring on her ring finger. She takes the ring off and says to Sam "This isn't mine." Sam had to turn her around to see me on one knee. I asked Amanda if she would marry me and she says, "YES!" The camera is capturing every moment. As we leave the spa and I had a limo waiting for us outside! This Saturday all of her family and friends came to watch the video! The famous actor Morris Chestnut was in the video! It will be on youtube soon