What I've Been Up To!

Well, this past weekend I took a trip to Greensboro with a client to a tasting at "Maria's Gourmet Catering". Maria was quite impressive, as I had no doubt she wouldn't be after reading her impressive bio at http://www.marias-to-go.com/575265.html on her website. She is one the most talented Chefs I've met and you can instantly sense her passion for what she does. Once we arrived we had to inform Maria that we were doing a 360 from the original menu idea and she was able to walk us through a brand new tapas menu in minutes, walk back to the kitchen to ensure we would be able to taste our new menu items. Needless to say the Mini Crab Cakes, London Broil and Artichoke Dip was delectable!

I have also been working on putting together plans to pull off these to looks for a 2010 Wedding/Ceremony.



Awesome, I know! This super chic warm lounge is sure to wow guests as well as the Icy White Urban design for the ceremony. So far its coming together nicely, but this will be no easy task and I am looking forward to the challenge.

Swank Photo Studio-Smithfield

WOW! Is all I can say about Swank Photography Studio in Smithfield, NC. I visited the studio yesterday along with a client that was having a Boudouir Photo Session. I had an amazing time and met two wonderful industry professionals. I worked with a wonderful skilled makeup artist yesterday from KTouch Artistry, Lekisha was simply amazing, she was fun to work with and fast.
The studio was rented out by Miranda of In The Grain Photography and althought I haven't seen the pictures yet I KNOW they are incredible! The looks, the poses were to die for. Miranda didn't waste any time directing the session, she was so organized and orderly and had an amazing eye for fashion.
I don't even know where to start on the studio. If you are looking for somewhere to take some real Couture pictures then this studio is the place. Each setting was Artfully Designed. The use of color was amazing, the fabrics, the paints and flooring with different textures (furs, knits and a host of others) gave you so much to work with, not to even mention the studios inventory of props and accessories. There were feather pins, super cute jewelery, and heels that you couldn't even imagine. No corner was left untouched, the bathroom had a Chandelier, not just any Chandelier but a awesome crystal chic breathtaking Chandelier.
I can't wait to work in this studio again and was grateful for the opportunity.
I deemed that this studio would also make a wonderful setting for a Bridal Shower, Bachelorette Party. I have some wonderful ideas for those parties, so if you are interested let's get to planning!
Can't wait to post a picture from the session!

T&J May 2010 Wedding Planning Update I

Well, I have been looking high and low for a nice paisley's pattern to go along with this couples wedding colors and theme. I would have preferred to find a roll of fabric to use but, instead I found a nice spool of ribbon and some very nice cardstock. Check it out:

If they are feeling this look and color scheme we may design the stationary based on this ribbon pattern and incorporate the ribbon through out the decor. What do you think?

Unbelieveable End of Season Specials

We have 2 great specials going on now!

Baby's 1st Birthday: For only $250.00 (special will also include birthday's 2-5)

You will recieved:

Personalized event design

Coordination

Catering for 20 guests including children and adults

Decor

Invitations
Cake or Cupcakes

We specialize in Elmo parties, but can design any themed party.

Bridal Shower/Baby Shower: For only $300.00

You will receive:

Customized Event Design

Custom invitations to coordinate with the theme

Catering for upto 30 guests

Decor to include Fresh Florals

Shower Coordinator to assist with games or activities if desired

You couldn't these 2 events for less yourself! We know exactly what vendors to use to be able to offer such low prices. You can expect a professionally designed and coordinated event that your guests are sure to LOVE!

Venue space not included in rate special rate, however we will help you locate a venue to host your event that fits your budget free of charge if neccessary.

Check out some pics of some of our favorite party inspirations!

Just For You- T&J May 2010

Well, I was inspired by my latest clients colors and thought I would put a little something together that would highlight what I was thinking. An inspiration board of sorts, just with captions. The colors: Purple, Pink, and Green. Ok, so 3 colors I know, but this is so doable, with one main color and 2 accent colors. I planned an amazing reception featuring 3 colors. I went with Turquoise, Hot Pink and Lime Green to create a Caribbean theme. Here is a few pics from the wedding.
Anyhow, back to the subject at hand. So for this upcoming wedding my client is so laid back and fun to work with, the couples main concern is just having a nice affair that the guests will enjoy. Simple, Elegant yet fun. So were are working on finding some inspiration to bring everything together. When I first heard of the color scheme I thought "paisley's, that's it paisley's" I searched high and low for a pattern that would feature paiselys in the colors and I found this:
Just for inspiration, I copied a pattern that mac is using for its new laptop design.

Next I searched for ways to incorporate the paisleys theme and found this wonderful table setting:

I love the way they made the chairbacks out of the cloth, and the color usage here is lovely. An elegant way to work with bright colors. The centerpiece is right along the lines of what the couple is seeking, a simple cylinder with a single stem or something along those lines.
I also found this really cool cylinder centerpiece, a nice touch to bring an element of green is to add apples. The flowers on top are a bit more than this couples liking but yet still really pretty

I will add more of my ideas, inspiration and notes on this wedding as it progresses.

Escort Card Ideas

What is an Escort card?

An escort card is a card that the guests get typically during cocktails and it directs them to their tables. Alot of times Escort cards are confused with Place cards, a place card directs guests to their specific seats. Place cards can be alot more work because you have to figure out who is sitting next to whom. At the very least you should opt for Escort cards to offer guests some sort of direction, it usually helps things flow smoothly.

Here are some pictures of my favorite escort card displays taken from http://www.theknot.com/

Venues and Ideas just for you! K&D May 2011

Well I might as well share this with the rest of you too. I searched high and low to find the perfect venue and ideas to create the perfect mood for a couple seeking a wedding that is Sophisticated and Classy yet Modern and Edgy. A combo that will fit both the future Brides personality and taste as well as the Grooms. To give me an example of their style they told me to check out "The House of Blues" in Myrtle Beach and The "Liberty Hotel" in Boston. I checked out both which gave me grand ideas as to what I could put together for them. Oh and they both love Castles, but the interior can't be dreary and dull and places with lofts/ interior balconies and Grand Staircases. Check out the photos that I am using for inspiration as well as real venues that they may be interested in.

Picture of map is in reference to the a "escort card" setting idea. This couple loves to travel and I thought it would be cool idea to have a nice looking framed map hanging with photos of them places they have been and markers on places they want to go. The markers will be little flags with names on them placed on the map at different locations, the tables at the reception will be named with places such as cities. So guests will be able to search for their name on the map and sit at the table that matches. Done correctly this could be such a memorable part of the event.

The Bride to be Birthstone and engagement ring is actually Peridot which happens to be a favorite color of the couple so I thought it would be cool to go with that, and a very affordable way to tie it all together would be to go with something sleek and modern like wheatgrass centerpieces in a very edgy rectangular holder.