Thursday, December 9, 2010

And the new hot hue for 2011 is.....

Today Pantone announced the top color trend for 2011 is the vibrant reddish-pink hue "honeysuckle" (Pantone 18-2120)

Such a fabulous color for Spring and I'm looking forward to seeing this in some of our upcoming events. Here's Lulu's Inspirational Honeysuckle Board ♥



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Monday, November 22, 2010

Candy Buffet Centerpiece

As you may know, I absolutely adore candy buffets. In fact for this Friday's Wedding, the Bride, has allowed me to design and set up a candy buffet as a centerpiece for a kids table. How perfect! What kid wouldn't love sitting at a table full of candy. So this past Saturday me and my Lulu went into the city and happen to eat at a restaurant right across the street from M&M World.


Thankfully I had my little partner and she filled up two large bags, one of Green and the second Green & Black M&M's. The colors of this wedding are my dream; Black/White (Damask) and Green...I'm in love!
Here are photos of some of the candy we chose for this centerpiece. I'm getting excited to see the final centerpiece all put together.

Putting together all of the candy inspired me to put together this Green Inspiration Board. Designing events is one of my true passions and all of the color combination options are endless.

What are you favorite color combos???
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Monday, November 8, 2010

A Very Happy First Birthday


Yesterday we went to my husband's niece's first birthday party. Alicia was such a cute little girl and most of her presents were bigger than her. When we first arrived her little thrown was set up and this little princess greeted her guests. I've become so involved with Weddings that I have forgotten what made me become a party planner. When I was in school I use to work at Neiman Marcus and use to coordinate their Galas. That is when I realized I loved planning parties (plus how can you not when you work at Neiman Marcus). Anyway, it slowly grew into children's parties, baby showers and then weddings.

The room was full of family, friends and their children (something that you don't usually see at weddings). Everyone was so relaxed and truly enjoying themselves. It's sometimes nice to be able to sit back and enjoy a party and not be all dressed up in a gown. Plus having our kids there was nice. Usually at weddings you don't see many kids and when you do they are always getting in trouble for running around having fun. It was so nice to watch the parents of this little princess hold her and sing their very first Happy Birthday song to her. The mom's face just glowed as she held her little girl.

I know when it was my little guys 1st birthday party I sat there in shock, one because I cannot believe how fast a year has passed. It's truly amazing how much he has learned and grown. Then I thought about my 9 year old little girl. I remembered her first birthday party and how after all the guests left we let her sit on the kitchen floor and just eat her birthday cake...of course it was a mess BUT so worth the photo (Ashleigh on the left on her first birthday, 05/25/01 & Aaden on the right on his first birthday, 06/25/09).

Here are some adorable 1st Birthday Cakes courtesy of Pink Cake Box located in Denville, New Jersey!


Hope you enjoyed this week's blog. It's funny, when I first started blogging and even now reading other blogs they are so "straight" forward and have very little "feeling" in them. I would just blog ideas or photos. I'm now realizing that that's not ME, it's not the feel I'm going for when blogging. I'm a very passionate person & need to put more of my heart in my blog. I read The Maddy Chronicles , a friend that I met on Facebook. Her blogs are personal and have true meaning. To me that is worth reading. So thank you Maddy for being the inspiration to this week's blog :) My life isn't all event planning and in fact it's a small part of it. My family is and always will be number 1 and top priority. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and I am extremly thankful that I have a husband who allows me to follow my dream and that I'm able to do this as my job but it's not my life. My two kids are so why not include them in my blog...


So I end this week's blog with a quote from my daughter "Relax Mommy, we're at a party...have fun" and a photo of my little Aaden being able to blow on his party favor for the first time :)

xoxo,

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Monday, November 1, 2010

Happy Monday & Happy November!!!

What a fabulous October and Halloween!!! My two adorable kids (who are my daily inspiration), Ashleigh (9 yrs old) was a leopard & Aaden (16 months) was Baby Frankenstein. I just adore these two little love's; I cannot imagine my life without them!

We made our Halloween Cupcakes and instead of adding our normal spider rings and fingers, I found & fell in love with these Halloween Cupcake Sticks by Lemon & Lavender. They were perfect and everyone loved them! I am so thankful I found Ashley because she sells such beautful paper goods that I'm sure I will be ordering our Holiday Christmas Cards from her soon.

I know normally I write about event decor and ideas but I had such a lovely Halloween I just had to share with you some photos and of course, it made me love orange. So I put together a quick Orange Inspiration Board. I'm realizing now that there are so many different options with colors. Orange is such a beautiful, vibrant color and adds so much flare to an event!


Hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween and October. November is going to be a fabulous month!!!
xoxo,

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Pure Beauty

Fell in love with this photo. Check out Heather Waraksa Photography for more of her beautiful shots.

xoxo
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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Elegant Burberry Themed Wedding

Recently we were asked to put together some ideas for a Burberry themed wedding. Not so much the actual print but more or less the Burberry colors. This bride has very specific taste and loved the inspirational photos we chose for her. Still early in the planning stages but she thinks she's leaning more towards the black colors...what do you think?

For the Bride/Ladies we chose this absolutely stunning dress...LOVE it!!! She also liked the black dress for her Bridesmaid's with the subtle burgundy touches. She plans on having all white flowers which will go perfect with both her dress and the Bridesmaid's dresses. So wish I did black dresses for my girls.

For the Groom/Men we went with the standard black Burberry print tie with a classic black tux. The Groomsmen will wear the lighter print tie. She adored the matching cuff links for her Groom :)

Now lets move onto the Reception...all photos took our breath away and felt they matched this Bride's personality. The right top & bottom photos have the chocolate brown table cloth so these inspirational photos would fit the brown/beige Burberry style.

We just loved these unique ideas for table numbers. How lovely are the table numbers on the back of the chairs? Just love it!!! The place cards are fabulous too! Love the rhinestone for the sparkly touch.

Now we move onto the Menu's. There is something just so classy and elegant with the menu's slipped into a folded napkin; even love the added flower in the first photo. The touch of burgundy around the second menu is perfect for this Bride's theme.

There's always room for dessert...For the cake ideas we chose an all white/off white cake for that elegant feel but we also added some cakes with color.

Chair Labels...you know we had to add our favorite obsession (aside from flowers)

Hope you enjoyed our "Burberry" Themed wedding ideas...will keep you up to date for which way this Bride decides to go...the black or brown. Which do you prefer?
xoxo
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

My Floral Obsession

I've been doing research on flowers, because as you may know...I'm beyond obsessed with them! I'm convinced that flowers make everyone happy and will brighten up any room. I'm even more fascinated with the meanings of each flower and find it to be such an inspiration when brides chose their bouquets based on the flower meanings. Below is a list from The Knot on a few flower meanings. My new obsession...the Ranunculus, is not listed...boo...but below is a picture (courtesy of I.WED.STYLE.) I have this hung up in my office as my weekly inspiration...Enjoy!!!



Anemone - Meaning: Expectation; Price Range: Moderate
Baby's Breath - Meaning: Innocence; Price Range: Inexpensive
Calla Lily - Meaning: Magnificent beauty; Price Range: Expensive
Carnation - Meaning: Pink represents boldness, red symbolizes love, and white indicates talent; Price Range: Inexpensive
Chrysanthemum (or mum) - Meaning: Wealth, abundance, truth; In Price Range: Inexpensive
Daffodil - Meaning: Regard; Price Range: Inexpensive (in season)
Daisy - Meaning: Share your feelings; Price Range: Inexpensive (in season)
Delphinium - Meaning: Swiftness, lightness; Price Range: Moderate
Freesia - Meaning: Innocence; Price Range: Inexpensive (in season)
Gardenia - Meaning: Purity, joy; Price Range: Expensive
Hydrangea - Meaning: Understanding; Price Range: Expensive
Iris - Meaning: A message of faith, wisdom; Price Range: Moderate to expensive, depending on variety including purple ones.
Lilac - Meaning: Love's first emotions; Price Range: Moderate to expensive
Lily - Meaning: Majesty, truth, honor; Price Range: Moderate to expensive
Lily of the Valley - Meaning: Happiness; Price Range: Expensive
Magnolia - Meaning: Love of nature; Price Range: Expensive
Orchid - Meaning: Love, beauty; Price Range: Expensive
Peony - Meaning: Bashfulness, the American spirit of ambition and determination; Price Range: Expensive
Rose - Meaning: Love, joy, beauty; Price Range: Moderate to expensive
Stephanotis - Meaning: Marital happiness; Price Range: Moderate
Stock - Meaning: Lasting beauty; Price Range: Inexpensive
Sweet Pea - Meaning: Pleasure; Price Range: Moderate
Tulip - Meaning: Love, passion; Price Range: Expensive

I came across the Ranunculus on Fleurs designer, Jessica Wolvek's, website/blog and I'm absolutely in love. Her work is not only amazing but her website/gallery is gorgeous! "She was trained in the classical art of flower design (ikebana) in Japan (how cool!!!). Her works are influenced by traditional European styles with hints of Asian influences to bring the perfect combination of old world elegance with zen modern simplicity." Below are some of our favorite images off of her site. Please go check out this local NYC florist!!!





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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Bride & Groom Chair Labels

My latest obsession are the Bride/Groom Chair Labels. They are absolutely fabulous! They are so easy to make and create such an elegant touch. Here are some of my absolute favorite labels.





These Fabulous Wedding Props made by My Primitive Boutique can hang on the back of your chairs during your Rehearsal, Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding. You can also bring them with you on your Honeymoon so you can hang them on your beach chair (Love it)!

You can even hang them in your home after the BIG DAY!! They would look great hanging above your towels in your bathroom or perhaps hanging from your bed posts!! How Romantic!!

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Monday, August 16, 2010

Lulu's Black & White Inspiration

I love Black & White together for a Wedding (almost as much as navy blue and pink...my latest obsession). Here are some photos that we fell in love with.

Plush sofas and coffee tables were grouped together outside the ballroom to create multiple mini lounges.

Pinspot lighting drew attention to each table’s centerpiece. Hydrangea, garden roses, French lilac, and sweet pea were arranged in crystal square bowls and surrounded by votive candles. Photo courtesy of The Knot labels this as A Castle Wedding in Tarrytown, NY...Could it be the same Castle we got married in?

Jennifer’s seven bridesmaids can actually wear their dresses again! They were allowed to select any style they wanted as long as it was black. Yellow parasols added a pop of color and protected the girls from the very hot sun.

Guests took home black boxes filled with Koufeta—an Italian and Greek traditional wedding candy. Stephanie put the favors together with her mom and 93-year-old Greek grandmother, and sealed each box with a lime green ribbon and sticker with the couple's monogram.

Each bridesmaid donned a black strapless dress and had different bouquets of white blooms. The groomsmen wore pinstripe ties and floral and feather boutonnieres.

Though Alli didn’t change out of 
her Pronovias gown for the reception, she did switch her hairstyle -- and shoes. To match Jeff, she slipped on a pair of white Vans sneakers.

Ashli and her twin sister, Amber, created the black and ivory programs and program pockets. Rock created a personalized sticker for the cover, and they tied them to the guests’ chairs with black satin ribbon.

A Moroccan-Themed Wedding in New York City, NY
Peri and Marcus wanted the cake to look like Henna designs and match their stationary. The striking combination of dark brown detailing on rolled white fondant was complimented with red sugar roses on top.

You know we had to save the best for last...the dessert, lol. How gorgeous is this cake. All of these Black & White photos make me wish I chose these colors for my wedding...I see a "Renewing the Vows...Again" in our near future.

Hope these photos inspire some of your special events

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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Top 90 Wedding Songs


Thanks to Bridal Guide, whether your taste is traditional, trendy or somewhere in between, they have published this great list of wedding songs to suit every style. Never heard that song? Just click on their link and you can hear a short clip =)

Pre-Ceremony
Traditional
1. Water Music (Handel)
2. The Wedding Song (Paul Stookey)
Popular
3. Bitter Sweet Symphony (The Verve)
4. A Day Without Rain (Enya)
5. By Your Side (Sade)
Modern
6. Clocks (Coldplay)
7. Rainbow Connection (Sarah McLachlan)

Bridal Party Entrance
Traditional
8. Canon in D (Pachelbel)
9. Trumpet Tune (Purcell)
10. Autumn (Vivaldi)
Popular
11. Café del Mar (Nalin & Kane)
12. Clair de Lune (Ocean’s Eleven)
Modern
13. Forrest Gump Suite (theme from the film)
14. Now We Are Free (Zimmer and Gerard)

Bride’s Entrance
Traditional
15. Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
16. Hymne (Vangelis)
Popular
17. Flora’s Secret (Enya)
18. Trumpet Tune & Air (Purcell)
19. Fantasia On Greensleeves (English folk song)
Modern
20. You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban)
21. The Prayer (Bocelli and Dion)

Recessional
Traditional
22. La Rejouissance (Handel)
23. Allegro Maestoso (Handel)
24. Spring (Vivaldi)
Popular
25. Is This Love (Bob Marley)
26. Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Modern
27. Beautiful Day (U2)
28. All You Need Is Love (The Beatles)

Reception Music: Couple’s Entrance
Traditional
29. Grand March from Aida (Verdi)
30. Love’s Theme (Barry White)
Popular
31. Pick Up the Pieces (Average White Band)
32. Chariots of Fire (Vangelis)
33. We Will Rock You (Queen)
34. Baba O’Reilly (The Who)
Modern
35. When I Get You Alone (Thicke)
36. Let’s Get It Started (Black Eyed Peas)
37. Crazy in Love (Beyoncé /Jay-Z)

First Dance Wedding Songs
Traditional
38. At Last (Etta James)
39. This Will Be (Natalie Cole)
40. Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers)
41. All I Ask of You (Phantom of the Opera)
42. When I Fall in Love (Nat King Cole)
Popular
43. Crazy (Patsy Cline)
44. Let’s Stay Together (Al Green)
45. Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison)
46. I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You(Elvis Presley)
47. Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton)
Modern
48. You’re Still the One (Shania Twain)
49. Come Away with Me (Norah Jones)
50. I Could Not Ask for More (Edwin McCain)
51. Truly Madly Deeply (Savage Garden)
52. I Love You (Sarah McLachlan)
53. Making Memories of Us (Keith Urban)

Father/Daughter Dance
Traditional
54. Daddy’s Little Girl (Al Martino)
55. Thank Heaven for Little Girls (Maurice Chevalier)
56. Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler on the Roof)
Popular
57. My Girl (The Temptations)
58. Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)
Modern
59. Hero (Mariah Carey)
60. My Little Girl (Tim McGraw)
61. I Hope You Dance (Lee Ann Womack)

Mother/Son Dance
Traditional
62. What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
63. You Are My Sunshine (Bill Henderson)
Popular
64. You’re the Inspiration (Chicago)
65. Times of Your Life (Paul Anka)
66. In My Life (The Beatles)
67. Through the Years (Kenny Rogers)
Modern
68. Kind & Generous (Natalie Merchant)

Cake Cutting
Traditional
69. Love & Marriage (Frank Sinatra)
70. Sugar Sugar (Archies)
Popular
71. How Sweet It Is (James Taylor)
72. Lips Like Sugar (Echo & The Bunnymen)
Modern
73. Love You Madly (Cake)
74. Sweetest Thing (U2)

Bouquet Toss
Traditional
75. She’s a Lady (Tom Jones)
Popular
76. Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)
Modern
77. Hollaback Girl (Gwen Stefani)
78. Hey Ladies (Beastie Boys)

Garter Toss
Traditional
79. James Bond Theme
Popular
80. Bad Boys (Inner Circle)
81. I’m Too Sexy (Right Said Fred)
Modern
82. Gettin' Jiggy Wit It (Will Smith)

Last Dance Wedding Songs
Traditional
83. Last Dance (Donna Summer)
84. New York, New York (Frank Sinatra)
85. Almost Like Being in Love (Nat King Cole)
Popular
86. Happy Together (Buck Wild)
87. What a Wonderful World (Joey Ramone)
Modern
88. Good Riddance (Green Day)
89. Save the Last Dance for Me (Michael Bublé)
90. Closing Time (Semisonic)

This is a good reference but you should always use songs that have a special meaning to both you and your groom. Our wedding song was Selena's "Dreaming of You". We chose that song because that was our song in High School. Corney I know, but it's funny because going back to that point watching the movie and listening to that song we would have never thought that would be our wedding song, lol. Hope this list helps and we're glad we were able to pass along to you.

I hope you dance
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
- Lee Ann Womack


xoxo
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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Escort Cards

Escort Cards are a fun & fabulous way to get creative and it doesn't have to be $$$. It's one of my favorite parts about a wedding. It truly showcases the couple's personality. Here are some fun photos of escort cards (courtesy of The Knot)

A French wire urn filled with hydrangea, hybrid roses and phlox stood in the center of the escort card display. The cards were arranged in vertical rows and separated with white rose petals and glowing votive candles, creating a warm scene for arriving guests.

Antique-inspired brass compasses tied to luggage tags paid tribute to the couple’s love of travel, doubled as favors and told guests where to sit.

The escort cards were displayed in framed pockets that hung from an easel. Ashley’s creative maid of honor helped design the display with frames the ladies found in an antique shop.

Table assignments were written in a formal script font on tented cards, which were displayed on a bed of light blue and green hydrangeas.

Delicate flower head pins were used to attach the DIY escort cards to displays made by the bride. Victoria wrapped boards with gray silk and displayed them in white painted frames.

The bride used green paper with a variety of patterns to make the escort cards and then hung them from string with clothespins inside the barn.

For a nontraditional spin on escort cards, the couple gathered smooth stones from the beach and wrote the guest’s first name on one side and the table name on the other.

The couple’s planner wrapped a thick pink ribbon around a tree and clipped the escort cards with wooden clothespins. Amy and John printed the cards themselves with supplies from Paper Source.

Cardstock with a cross-hatch design and vintage font were tucked into envelopes with guests’ names handwritten in white ink. Each card contained a table name that honored one of the locations important to the couple.

Brown card stock was printed with lyrics to the couple’s three ceremony songs -- Journey’s “Faithfully,” Lionel Richie’s “My Love” and Phil Collins’ “A Groovy Kind of Love.”

Have fun!!!

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