LSW
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesdays are for Mood Boards.....MidSummer Night's Dream...
As the tempertaures continue to soar here in the Northeast (it's only July!!), there seems to be a hazy film that is lightly dusted over everything...On the shoreline, we tend to get fog which blankets anything and everything..even making Islands disappear...When I saw this Vintage Poster, I couldn't resist playing off the muted tones and recreating a Midsummer Night's Dream wedding..
Doesn't she seem so perfectly cool and dry? I am not sure about the man in the tux!
MidSummer Night's Dream
Shoe image:weheartit, Tie image:goingtothechapel, Dress: J.Crew, Flower image:dailybitsofbeauty, Chair image:weheartit
Girl in Boat:Everythingfabulous Girls image: thefrenchmouse, Chair Image: ffffound, Strawberry Shortcake:goingtothechapel, Bed image:
Monday, July 12, 2010
Turning 13, a Very Special Birthday Party!
I recently had the opportunity to work with Josh Friedman of Elan Artists in planning the most spectacular 13th birthday party in Greenwich. Kids were treated to a night of entertainment from the minute they arrived. Greeted by a rock wall, and bungee jump, jousting, boxing, craft stations (where they could design their own football jersey or flip flops) basketball hoops, and the most incredible surprise "stomp" style performance that set the tone for a night of dancing. Eric Visa was a master behind the table spinning the hottest music, mixed in with the lead singer of the Hudson Project, and electric violins from three of the most talented ladies I know. Music rocked well into the night! It was a celebration I am sure they will never forget.
Peter Callahan and his incredible team were amazing, the way the food is presented is always a wow! They are true masters in the art of food. I especially loved the mini fish tacos and tiny patron margarita shooters that were passed to the adults. Brilliant!
Collaboration:
Floral and Design: True Event
Entertainment and Coordination: Josh Friedman, Elan Artists
Photography: Allan Zepeda, Elan Artists
Catering: Callahan Catering
Furniture: Rentals Unlimited
Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.
Lighting: Levy Lighting
Monday Typefaces...Cacti..
It has been so hot here in the Northeast that it feels like we are living in the desert.....
LSW
Friday, July 9, 2010
Inspiration to Wedding on Style Me Pretty...
This week has truly been one of the best to date. I have been so completely honored and humbled by the overwhelming response of brides, colleagues, friends and people I have never met before on our featured wedding on Style Me Pretty.
When Abby and I decided to team up to do this I was so excited at the opportunity to share with readers the process of designing a wedding from inspiration to reality for a real bride. The design process is one that I think is essential in making a wedding unique to the couple but also memorable for guests. I am always asked the question after everything is set in place, "was that your idea or the brides?," "who came up with the colors, was that you?" For me it is always a combination of details, I love taking a client's vision and helping to refine it. We often start at one place and in the end the finished result is even more spectacular than I could have ever imagined, and that was the case with this Nashville wedding.
Working with Libby and Patrick, was truly amazing! They completely trusted us, and gave us total freedom to create the wedding of their dreams, never once doubted or questioned whether or not it would be exactly what they wanted. That is the relationship between a client and a designer that truly is the recipe for complete success. And for me a dream! Tapping into what was important to them, listening to them talk about their favorite things, and really getting a sense of their personalities set the tone for all that was to come.
With all of the gorgeousness that appears on Style Me Pretty on a daily basis I really wanted this event to be special and in partnering with the extremely talented Abby Larson, there was no doubt it would be. The team of vendors that I had the opportunity to work with in this incredible adventure was the opportunity of a lifetime. I was blown away by the energy, talent, and passion that surrounded me from the minute we all got together in the board room at the hotel surrounded by buckets and buckets of flowers, and the laughter never stopped. It is why I love what I do so much! And why I am so blessed to be living my dream!
Style Me Pretty did such an absolutely incredible job of documenting the behind the scenes, the design, details, raw emotion, and photos from this incredible project so I won't try to recreate what has already been done and seen on the blog, but I do want to highlight some of my favorite moments. Thank you Abby for letting me be a part of this incredible project, it is a memory I will always cherish and can't wait until our next collaboration!
(an extra special thank you to the girls on my team, Adrienne for sweating along side me for two days as we built this dream wedding, and Kate for the DIY behind the scenes work, the yo-yos came out absolutely beautiful!)
A few Favorite Nashville Moments that you didn't see on SMP:
A birthday dinner to remember, lots of dancing and karaoke! Nashville I heart you!
Elysium Ladies, J&M Marantz, Chase Rivers and Adrienne
Photos by Justin & Mary Marantz
A Behind the Scenes Look at the building of this dream wedding!
Collaboration:
Event Design: Sarah True of True Events / Photography: Justin and Mary Marantz / Cinema: Julie Hill of Elysium / Floral Design: Chase Rivers of Flair / Invitations and Save the Dates: Laura Hooper / Rentals, Furniture, Linens: Classic Party Rentals / Chair covers: Wildflower Linens /Wedding Planning: Jacki Wickersham and Angela Proffitt of Elegant Weddings by Angela / Catering and Noodle Bar: Zumi Sushi / Cake Flower: Estilo Weddings / Mercury Glass: Borrowed from Yumiko at Hana Floral Design / Welcome Bags: Melangerie NYC / Wedding Photography (to be seen tomorrow): Arlund Imagery / Venue: Pinnacle, Nashville
When Abby and I decided to team up to do this I was so excited at the opportunity to share with readers the process of designing a wedding from inspiration to reality for a real bride. The design process is one that I think is essential in making a wedding unique to the couple but also memorable for guests. I am always asked the question after everything is set in place, "was that your idea or the brides?," "who came up with the colors, was that you?" For me it is always a combination of details, I love taking a client's vision and helping to refine it. We often start at one place and in the end the finished result is even more spectacular than I could have ever imagined, and that was the case with this Nashville wedding.
Working with Libby and Patrick, was truly amazing! They completely trusted us, and gave us total freedom to create the wedding of their dreams, never once doubted or questioned whether or not it would be exactly what they wanted. That is the relationship between a client and a designer that truly is the recipe for complete success. And for me a dream! Tapping into what was important to them, listening to them talk about their favorite things, and really getting a sense of their personalities set the tone for all that was to come.
With all of the gorgeousness that appears on Style Me Pretty on a daily basis I really wanted this event to be special and in partnering with the extremely talented Abby Larson, there was no doubt it would be. The team of vendors that I had the opportunity to work with in this incredible adventure was the opportunity of a lifetime. I was blown away by the energy, talent, and passion that surrounded me from the minute we all got together in the board room at the hotel surrounded by buckets and buckets of flowers, and the laughter never stopped. It is why I love what I do so much! And why I am so blessed to be living my dream!
Style Me Pretty did such an absolutely incredible job of documenting the behind the scenes, the design, details, raw emotion, and photos from this incredible project so I won't try to recreate what has already been done and seen on the blog, but I do want to highlight some of my favorite moments. Thank you Abby for letting me be a part of this incredible project, it is a memory I will always cherish and can't wait until our next collaboration!
(an extra special thank you to the girls on my team, Adrienne for sweating along side me for two days as we built this dream wedding, and Kate for the DIY behind the scenes work, the yo-yos came out absolutely beautiful!)
A few Favorite Nashville Moments that you didn't see on SMP:
A birthday dinner to remember, lots of dancing and karaoke! Nashville I heart you!
Elysium Ladies, J&M Marantz, Chase Rivers and Adrienne
Photos by Justin & Mary MarantzA Behind the Scenes Look at the building of this dream wedding!
Libby & Patrick Behind the Scenes from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.
Totally humbled by the response! Kind words from readers of SMP...
Sarah True of True Event, who I respect and adore on an entirely new level after this wedding. She is the most level headed, totally design savvy, can-do anything designer I’ve ever met…literally climbing on tables to hang votives and bussing tables during the reception. Not to mention her insanely gorgeous styling. Yep, she’s officially THE BEST… (Abby Larson- Style Me Pretty)
Everything about this makes me happy. Those chairs are amazing, the tables are perfection, the peonies are out of this world pretty ....I just love how everything ties together so perfectly! I love today on SMP!!
i can honestly say i have never seen an event so lovely. and how...how?! did Sarah manage to squeeze in all of that gorgeous bubble gum without it feeling over-the-top or girly? truly amazing.
My favorite SMP wedding to date! I am literally in tears! This is how I've been envisioning my future wedding! Perfection.
This is absolutely AMAZING!! The designs are so inspirational and full of creativity. I think the details are my favorite to date! (and I'm usually a lurker and don't comment on here!)
I simply love the contemporary look and how all the DIY elements are so creative/original yet 'accessible' and do-able at the same time. Everything is just oozing with style. Even without knowing the background story, based on the photos alone, this is truly, truly one of my favorites!
This makes me feel so happy! Thank you SMP!! :)
**Here is a Link to all of the goodness on SMP from our Inspiration to Wedding Feature.**Collaboration:
Event Design: Sarah True of True Events / Photography: Justin and Mary Marantz / Cinema: Julie Hill of Elysium / Floral Design: Chase Rivers of Flair / Invitations and Save the Dates: Laura Hooper / Rentals, Furniture, Linens: Classic Party Rentals / Chair covers: Wildflower Linens /Wedding Planning: Jacki Wickersham and Angela Proffitt of Elegant Weddings by Angela / Catering and Noodle Bar: Zumi Sushi / Cake Flower: Estilo Weddings / Mercury Glass: Borrowed from Yumiko at Hana Floral Design / Welcome Bags: Melangerie NYC / Wedding Photography (to be seen tomorrow): Arlund Imagery / Venue: Pinnacle, Nashville
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Friday Wine Tasting... Fourth of July Favorites
I have to admit since the start of summer I have been totally addicted to Rose. Recently having a few that were just brilliant and local finds. Last Friday Alicia, one of my brides, surprised me with a bottle of Rose from a local winery, Maugle Sierra Vineryards, here in Connecticut, and it was such a treat as we went into the weekend.
This weekend you must check out the calendar for the local wineries, there are so many spectacular things going on, from music series, to farmer's markets to having a picnic and sipping wine on their beautiful grounds. Thanks to Alica I have discovered a new winery that I must check out on the CT Wine trail. Their Rose was a real treat!
In addition to Rose, Zinfandel is a great wine to pair with food off of the grill. And one of my favorite cheapies is Gnarly Head, Old Vine Zinfandel, $9.99.
Lastly while searching the web for what the experts were saying about Fourth of July wines, I discovered a really interesting suggestion. That will be on my list for the weekend. Happy Fourth Everyone!
I’m going to take a pragmatic view here. Let’s say you are going to start getting ready in the afternoon, for whatever you do, meaning cracking a bottle of wine open and drinking it throughout the day. It’s probably going to be pretty warm out and there is a good chance that you might throw back a few drinks. This lead me to think, low alcohol, after all, heat stroke and dehydration are not very good ways to spend a paid day off.
This weekend you must check out the calendar for the local wineries, there are so many spectacular things going on, from music series, to farmer's markets to having a picnic and sipping wine on their beautiful grounds. Thanks to Alica I have discovered a new winery that I must check out on the CT Wine trail. Their Rose was a real treat!
In addition to Rose, Zinfandel is a great wine to pair with food off of the grill. And one of my favorite cheapies is Gnarly Head, Old Vine Zinfandel, $9.99.
Lastly while searching the web for what the experts were saying about Fourth of July wines, I discovered a really interesting suggestion. That will be on my list for the weekend. Happy Fourth Everyone!
I’m going to take a pragmatic view here. Let’s say you are going to start getting ready in the afternoon, for whatever you do, meaning cracking a bottle of wine open and drinking it throughout the day. It’s probably going to be pretty warm out and there is a good chance that you might throw back a few drinks. This lead me to think, low alcohol, after all, heat stroke and dehydration are not very good ways to spend a paid day off.
Quick and dirty, Vino Verde, which means ‘green wine,’ is made in northern Portugal near the Spanish border. There are different styles including a red version but the region is known for its slightly frizzante wine that has 10 – 11% alcohol. It is usually made from one or a combination of Alvarinho, Loureiro and Trajadura. You want to get a wine from a recent vintage, preferably 2007, as it should be super fresh. My pick is Muralhas de Moncao Vinho Verde, 2007 ($13). It’s super clean and refreshing, with lime and a slightly salty minerality. Get two bottles as it goes down way to easy." - Pamela Busch, Owner & Wine Director at CAV Wine Bar & Kitchen, San Francisco
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Let your imagination grow..Sticks, Fluffernutters & Stones..that's what little boys are made of...
Image by Anna Sawin Photography
First Fluffernutters-2010
Do you remember your first Fluffernutter?
The perfect mix of white bread, gooey marshmallows and sticky peanut butter?
Image by Anna Sawin Photography
It was like heaven in your mouth....How could it be possible that a sandwich like this existed?
I love that something so simple can bring such joy.
I can't remember mine ( I just pray that I leave the house with pants on) but it's the little monsters in our lives that help relive those moments and allow our imaginations to grow..
Sadly, I will never be able to dress a little girl in sparkly shoes, pink sundresses or beaded barrettes,
but I do know boys...For the past 7 years and 9 months ( I certainly count in utero...) I have delved into the psyche of little boys and men ( I am outnumbered in my house 3 to 1). They certainly are interesting creatures and VERY different from the rest of us ladies, women and girls. As I look at my husband, I now understand why men are they way they are...
They are born that way..and honestly, they don't change very much as they grow up.
I am constantly having to use my imagination in order to keep up in the world of the male species..
Below I have listed a few facts and tips that just might give you a little insight...
Images by Anna Sawin Photography
1. " The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" This is probably the truest statement of all time! It starts at birth
(I had to put cereal early in his formula to keep up with his appetite) and continues throughout their lives. They absolutely, positively appreciate a home cooked meal (no matter what it tastes like). It seems so simple but they will love you forever. Just make sure it's hot and there's a lot of it.
2. Using the word "Race" in any sentence will get you to where you want to go. I found that making anything into a race, "who is the fastest cleaning up", "who can run to the car first" can certainly end those classic fits of moving to the next destination.
3. Boys and men love rocks. They can't walk by one without touching it, picking it up and usually throwing it. Might I suggest using #2 to move them to the next destination or you could be at the same place till sundown.
4. Boys and men love sticks. I think it offers balance to the species, much like a tightrope walker. Later as they grow up, they will find other sticks like golf clubs and fishing poles to satisfy their "stick" need.
5. Everything can become a weapon. We don't allow guns in our house but I have seen many a paper toilet roll, stick, pencil you name it, it has become a gun. They are like mini MacGyvers turning anything found inside or outside into a weapon.
6. Boys and men love to touch. You name it they touch it...themselves, others..etc..This is how they express themselves..I certainly don't get it as I love my personal space, but as you see on the football fields, patting someone's behind is like us hugging or side kissing each other.
7. Boys and men like to jump. They like to jump off of tall things..very very tall things...I have learned that babies do bounce but at some point there will be a broken bone. It's a right of passage in the male world so step back, watch and make sure you have your insurance card in hand at ALL times.
Finally...
Image: Anna Sawin Photography
8. They form amazing, long lasting friendships...They know how to forgive and move on...No grudges..No drama...
Just Fun!
Enjoy your men & boys...They certainly are quite different from the rest of us, but they definitely show us how to live in the moment, stop thinking so much and enjoy life to the fullest.
LSW
Fourth of July Wedding Weekend Begins... Deanna & Dini
images by Justin & Mary MarantzWe are gearing up for a BIG holiday weekend of weddings (Branford House Mansion, Saltwater Farm Vineyard and Connecticut River Museum in Essex), which start tonight with Deanna and Dini's rehearsal. This morning I was so excited when I opened my inbox to find their engagement session was featured on the Marantzs' blog, only the beginning of all of the fabulousness that is in-store for this weekend. The pictures from their engagement shoot are absolutely gorgeous!
So to all of our Fourth of July couples, Congratulations!!! Deanna & Dini, Kerry & Andrew, and Theresa & John! Looking forward to sharing all of their incredible details.
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