Weddings the Creative Process.... Schedule Announced

Saltwater Farm Vineyard, image by Zoe Photography

We have put together an incredible schedule of workshops that will run throughout the day on Sunday, from 1-5pm at Saltwater Farm Vineyard. Workshops will be limited to 25 people and will be filled on a first come basis. When you arrive we will have sign up sheets for the workshops and you can sign up for the ones you wish to attend, you will not be limited to the number of workshops you can register for.

While you are not participating in a workshop you will have the chance walk around on the lower level and meet the other vendors and view and taste samples of their work at their tables.

Workshop Schedule
Weddings the Creative Process 1-5:00pm

Touch
1:15pm-1:45 The White Dress by the Shore & Twobirds Bridesmaid
“How to wear one dress many different ways”

1:50pm-2:10 Stonington Design & Paperie and Josh Chalmers, Chalmers Creative Group
“The creative process behind designing custom couture invitations”

Smell
1:50-2:10 Hana Floral Design
“Incorporating the sense of smell into your event and how it affects the mood”

2:15pm- 2:35 The Copps, justice of the peace
“When we say I do, the art of the ceremony”

2:40pm-3:00 Jennie Fresa Beauty Library
“The sense of touch--the application process of makeup for your wedding day. {I.e. giving skin a flawless finish, longevity of makeup, the art of crafting a look that is custom, and the overall positive feeling one has when they are perfectly enhanced}.

Guest Speaker (Abby Larson from Style Me Pretty)
3:00pm-3:30 Style Me Pretty and True & Wesson
“Finding Inspiration everywhere; the creative process in putting together a design board of pictures and how to translate that perfect picture in your head into a day that will make you smile for years to come."

Mind, Body & Spirit
3:40pm-4:00 Mystic Yoga Shala

See
4:00-4:15 Buzz Media Company
“Tapping into the rhythm: music and moving images. Each wedding has its own rhythm. Finding music to compliment the film is one of the most creatively rewarding parts of putting "it all together."

4:15-4:40 Adeline and Grace and Maggie Conley Photography
"Presentation | Designing your Heirlooms"

Taste
4:40-5:00 Gourmet Galley Catering
“Working with your caterer to customize a menu that creates a sensory experience for your guests”

The first 50 guests to buy tickets in advance of the event will receive a gift bag, filled with amazing gifts from all participating vendors and will be registered for a chance to win one of many prizes in the raffle. (some of the prizes include, a Tocca Bath & Body Beauty Set, dress from Twobirds bridesmaid, vintage broach from White Dress by the Shore, Gift Basket of products from Life is Good, and many more. You can purchase tickets directly online via paypal.

Dining out for Life...

116 Crown, New Haven, CT

This Thursday, April 30th, 116 Crown, one of my absolute favorite restaurants in New Haven, is participating in the Dining Out For Life fundraiser benefiting AIDS Project New Haven. On Thursday they will donate 25% of their sales to APNH. So all you have to do to help, is to stop in and enjoy yourself!

Dining Out for Life is an international event that has raised over $4.5 million since 1990 to help AIDS service organizations. It's an incredibly important event that not only helps nourish the community... but also the soul. We sincerely hope you will dine with us at one of our participating Dining Out For Life restaurants when at least 25% of your check will be donated to support the work of AIDS Project New Haven.

TRUE & WESSON Philosophy # 14

I'm still learning......

Found via FFFFOUND.

A TRUE collaboration...

Photos by Denise Creiger

This past Saturday night was an incredible evening for True & Wesson and Chamard Vineyard. As we hosted our first event together at the winery since the launch of True Event. For me it was extremely special to be back at Chamard, after being hired almost 3 years ago as the Director of Special Events along with Bridget Riordan as the Director of Sales and Operations, under the new ownership of Jonathan and Bonnie Rothberg. During my time at Chamard I developed a love of the vineyard and really felt vested in its success not only while I was there but after I left to pursue my own business.

It was truly a special moment to stand up in front of the intimate group of guests and toast to doing events at the winery with Bridget, once my partner in crime, right by my side. We are so excited to be working together again in promoting this truly unique space to host all of your special events.

The night began with Butlered Hors D'ouevres by the fabulous chef Jonathan Rapp of River Tavern & Dinners at the Farm, a wine challenge competition led by wine expert Henry Ponzio, Music from Small Town Concert Series that kept the energy alive in the room throughout the night, and finished with an absolutely amazing 4 course dinner by Gourmet Galley.

Thank you to everyone that helped to make this event such a huge success. Especially, Doug of Power Posse and Yumiko of Hana Floral Design for their collaboration with us on the decor and Denise Creiger for her incredible talent in capturing this memorable night in pictures.

Wesson & True

Ruth Tomalski, Beth Chapman (White Dress by the Shore),
Carrie Casper (Priscilla of Boston)

ET Evarts (Hot Petunia), Debbie Grazier (Jordan Caterers)

The Rothbergs and Friends

Lucinda Wesson, Ruth Tomalski, Marissa McCue (Jordan Caterers)

Marco, Beth Zemetis (Studio Blush)

Bridget Riordan (Chamard) and friends

Weddings the Creative Process

Saltwater Farm Vineyard at night, image by Joshua Behan Photography

We are gearing up full speed ahead for our event this Sunday (Saltwater Farm Vineyard) with some of the most talented people in the industry, including guest speaker Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty! We have just posted the schedule of workshops that will run throughout the day on Weddings the Creative Process Blog.

The first 50 guests to buy tickets in advance of the event will receive a gift bag, filled with amazing gifts from all participating vendors and will be registered for a chance to win one of many prizes in the raffle. (some of the prizes include, a Tocca Bath & Body Beauty Set, dress from Twobirds bridesmaid, vintage broach from White Dress by the Shore, Gift Basket of products from Life is Good, and many more. You can purchase tickets directly online via paypal.

Central Station

The past week has been an exciting whirlwind of events for True and Wesson. However, Monday was one of those "Murphy's Law" days for me. Fortunately, I have a magic little bird in my life who emailed  this fantastic video to me. I am truly lucky to have a mom-in-law who shares my affinity for the Sound Of Music, all things theatrical and learning to stop and smell the roses.
Thank you Momee!!

(Posted By Wesson)

Monday Typefaces...Old Bones

After a very busy week getting our space done for the Junior League of Hartford's Showhouse, Sarah and I put some serious strain on our bones lifting giant stumps and 200 lb. slate slabs.

This one's for you True!

Created by Bjorn Johansson.

Friday Wine Tasting... Bring out the bubbly its time to celebrate.

Wine of the Week
Lunetta Prosecco
$8.99

The other night Beth (White Dress by the Shore), Miss Jennie (Jennie Fresa Beauty Library) and I ventured into the city for the launch of Karen Bussen's latest Book, Simple Stunning Parties at Home. Karen was glowing with excitement and the room was filled with energy as the servers greeted us with the most delightful prosecco. There is just something about sparkling wine that makes an event feel extra special, and puts you in a celebratory mood. It was definitely a night to celebrate as Karen launched the fourth addition to her amazing collection of books.

Jennie Fresa , Me , and Beth Chapman
photo on my very own point and shoot, by Jeremy Lips Photography

Tasting Notes: Meet LUNETTA PROSECCO, a bright new introduction from northern Italy that makes it easy to add sparkle to every occasion. Lively, refreshing and just plain fun to drink, sparkling wine should not be banished to special occasions only!

Lunetta -- Little Moon -- Prosecco is produced in northern Italy’s Trentino region by Cavit, winemakers of America’s Number One Pinot Grigio and Number One Pinot Noir, at their spectacular state-of-the-art sparkling wine facility. This stylish, delicately sparkling wine is fragrant, with enticing aromas of apple and peach. On the palate it is rich, refreshing and harmonious, with crisp fruit flavors and a clean finish. Perfect for summer sipping! (Via Lunetta Prosecco)

Take Great Leaps...

In the middle of setting up for two big events this week and returning to my desk after a really long day, a great friend just reminded me to take a break and remember all of the amazing people out there who take great leaps in many forms, just as Lucinda and I did with the launch of True & Wesson. This video is so inspiring and truly amazing! Always remember to soar, take chances, and go after your dreams!

TRUE & WESSON Philosophy # 13

Wise words that often came from my Dad.

Poster created by Anthony Burrill. For purchase at Concrete Hermit.

Found via FFFFound.

At Intimate Cocktail Fete at Gabriella's...

Josh Friedman, Elan Artists, Darcy Miller, Gabriella Risatti

Gabriella's Collection of Dresses

Elan Artists

Callahan Catering

Blooms by ArtfoolSylvia Weinstock & Josh Friedman, Elan Artists
A room filled with incredibly talented people in the industry

twobirds bridesmaid

*images by Allan Zepeda for Mel Barlow Photography

Last Thursday I was invited by Elan Artists to an intimate cocktail party at Gabriella's Bridal Salon, on the top floor of a building in the Meat Packing district, across the street from the Hotel Gansevoort, and home to the most adorable bridal boutique in New York City. Gabriella has put together an incredible collection of dresses and designers that are not only incredibly unique but range in style. As I walked through the studio, I couldn't help but look at all of the dresses that lined the racks, I had a hard time taking my eyes off the Mathew Christopher dress that glowed at me from across the room, and Gabriella is just a doll.

The room was filled with the most incredible energy, with music and performances by Elan Artists, that blew me away, food by the incredibly talented and uber creative Peter Callahan, gorgeous blooms by the amazing Mathew Robbins of Artfool that brought in the perfect amount of color and the essence of spring, dresses by Ariane of Twobirds bridesmaid, sips by Moet & Chandon, and Levy Lighting NYC created the perfect mood with lighting. It was truly a rockstar collection of people in the industry, and the perfect spring evening in the city. Did I mention I love what I do?!

Fat Pig Chocolate

This just makes me smile......

Created by the fabulous Brooklyn Brothers.

Chamard Challenge Wine Dinner

Invitation by Chocolate Creative Design

This Saturday night we are teaming up with Gourmet Galley, and Dinners at the Farm to host an incredible evening at Chamard Vineyard. We are so excited to introduce you to this incredible venue to host private parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings and corporate events. The event on April 25th will feature Chamard wines in a blind tasting against French wines before a panel of wine experts, cocktail hour with passed Hors D'ouevres by Dinners at the Farm, live music by the Small Town Concert Series, and a five course dinner created by Gourmet Galley paired with Chamard wines. It is going to be an incredible evening!

If you are interested in puchasing tickets email me at sarah@trueevent.com by 4.22 (only a few spots left)

Monday Typefaces...Books

A simple dream....1 day, a freshly washed extra-large beach towel, sun on my back, toes in the warm sand, glass of ice water with lemon and a really really good book.

Found via FFFFOUND.

Friday Business Cards.....mother & child

Trying to visually incorporate two businesses under one name is very difficult. These stunning tags were created by the folks at Aloof Design for the maternity and children's clothing store Elias & Grace. With a hint of symbolism and a dash of creativity, they have not only succeeded but have inspired.

Dave Robbins Photography...

Yesterday Lucinda and I had lunch at Caseus, a newly discovered favorite on Whitney Ave. in New Haven. It is a restaurant dedicated to cheese! You can't get any better than that. We were meeting a photographer friend that we first were introduced to just about 2 years ago when his images graced the pages of New York Weddings Magazine. Lucinda and I send each other a million emails a day but this was an email that stood out with an image that provoked me to check out his complete portfolio online.

Dave Robbins is truly a photographer that stands out. He is not only the most laid back, easy going person I have met in a long time but he is genuinely nice and incredibly talented with an amazing sense of humor in the way he captures your event. His images are bold with color and personality and it is easy to see a story being told as you flip through his portfolio.

Dave lives in New Haven with his wife and two kids.

TRUE & WESSON Philosophy # 12

Found at Orignauxmoose.

Custom Cake Toppers- Middleburg Folk Art Studio

I am in love! I am always searching for a unique gift for my friend's children, and now I think I have finally found it! At Middleburg Folk Art Studio, they create one of a kind Papier-mache figurines that can be customized by the color of your child's skin, hair, and eyes. They would be perfect on top of a cake or simply as a beautiful piece of art. They also make wedding cake toppers to die for, that can be customized as well. Even better, they have created a new series called "Handmade for the Cure" to help raise breast cancer awareness. They will be donating 20% of each sale to the Susan G Kolman for the Cure Foundation.
Sculpture with a heart!

Engagement Gifts... Some of my favorites

I often get asked by friends and family ideas for engagement gifts, favor ideas, bridal party gifts, etc. So I thought I would share with all of you some of my responses, starting with engagement gift ideas.

Some of my Favorites:

1. Ring Holder (It is so nice to have a place that you always put your ring when you take it off)

2. Gift Certificate for manicures for a month and hand cream (I remember as a newly engaged bride to be, everyone wants to look at your hands, well really the ring)

3. His and Her, monogrammed towels (My sister gave us monogrammed towels when we got engaged and just love this idea, especially when you start to share a bathroom and all of the towels are the same color)

4. Champagne or Prosecco and Toasting Flutes (Such a nice gift to be able to toast to the newly engaged couple, and I believe you can never have too many toasting flutes, especially when you ring in the New Year)