Real Wedding: Kelli + Jason 10.8.11

(Imagine this being said by the guy who does all the movie trailer voice-overs)

On a beautiful autumn afternoon... 

In and around the Independence Seaport Museum...

At the Philadelphia waterfront known as Penn's Landing...

2 families blended as Kelli and Jason said "I Do". 

My first meeting with Kelli and Jason actually took place on a park bench at Rittenhouse Square. I later found out that Kelli purposely had us sit where she and Jason met for the first time. They are an adorable couple. Although Kelli is a doctor, she doesn't carry herself with a sense of superiority. She is very earthy and bohemian. Jason is also a casual, laid back guy. The most important aspects of this wedding were food and fun.  

I was hired to help with the design and day of wedding coordination. Kelli and Jason found the venue and most of the professionals on her own. Based on Kelli's style and personality, I recommended Necoh at Royal Design Flowers & Events. It turned out that Kelli and Necoh share an affinity for Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters, like Chococat. Necoh surprised Kelli on her wedding day with a bonus bouquet. 

The ceremony was set to take place on the museum's outdoor rotunda which overlooks the river. To take advantage of the circular structure, we created an intimate seating area with the wedding party and minister in the center. 

Kelli wanted to use a lot of fall colors for her wedding: chocolate, green apple, wine, burnt orange, and ivory. The bridesmaids wore chocolate brown dresses. We dressed the outdoor cocktail tables and food stations in apple green. The reception tables were set with chocolate brown table linens and apple green napkins. We used ivory chairs to keep the space from appearing too dark. Necoh created centerpieces which incorporated flowers in orange and wine, plus an essential feature in the wedding decor, green apples. (The apples represented Jason. His nieces and nephews call him "Uncle Apple".) She also carried this concept over to the cake. 

The DJ made sure there was fun. Brulee Catering (the exclusive caterer for Independence Seaport Museum)  made sure there were plenty of tasty morsels for Kelli and Jason's family and friends. I even heard one of the guests say "There's still more food coming?" 

During one of our meetings with the catering sales staff, Kelli and Jason mentioned that they wanted to get funnel cake before they left Penn's Landing. Unfortunately, they didn't find any. On the wedding day, we made sure they found the truck. 

The mother/daughter photography team of Joyce & Jess at Casual Candids Photography did an amazing job capturing the details and fun of this wedding. 

From jumping the broom...

... to boys being boys

(I love that picture.)

We wish Kelli and Jason a long and FABULOUS marriage. 

To see more photos from this wedding, visit the gallery on our website. 

Muchos Smooches!

Punch Bowls

Great for outdoor events, including wedding receptions. Present your refreshing punch (spiked or virgin) in beautiful vessels. If you are not using the kind with a spout, be sure to provide a ladle so your guests can help themselves. Dress your punch bowl with pretty flowers, as shown above, to make the punch bowl a part of the event decor.

Photo Source

Fall Wedding Ideas

As with any theme, your invitation sets the tone for the upcoming event. Decide on your color scheme and/or theme early so you can find all of the elements you want to incorporate before the invitations go out.

Use a rich shade of brown instead of black. Add rich shades of red, orange, and golden yellow. If you want to use a metallic accent, then go for gold, bronze, or copper.

Include natural signs of autumn like fallen leaves, berries, and acorns. Scatter leaves instead of flower petals.

Serve freshly harvested fruits and vegetables like apples, pumpkins, and squash. For a sweet treat, add caramel corn and candy apples. For some great menu ideas, visit event jubilee.

Autumn is the perfect time of year to get married at a winery (or to have a wine-themed wedding).





All photos from FavorIdeas.com

Favors for Winter Events

"Mark the Date" Snowflake Bookmarks





Box of Snowflake Chocolates or Soaps





Snowflake Candle Holders
Mix and match these frosted white and glacier blue tea light holders for your winter wedding theme. *Note: Candles not included.





Peppermint Tea Lights

Outdoor Summer Wedding Tip

{photo from Nordstrom.com}

If you are invited to an outdoor wedding, then it is likely you will worry about what shoes to wear. High heels may sink into the ground. Ballet flats are cute, but may not work with the dress you chose to wear. Thank goodness for the wedge. It gives you the stability and comfort you need to walk around outside but they are dressy enough to wear with an adorable dress.

Watermelon Salad Recipe

Photo from Food Network; Recipe from Family Circle magazine

Hollow out 1 small, seedless watermelon and save the rind.

Cut the watermelon flesh into 1-inch rounds with a small cookie cutter.

Add additional melon rounds (honeydew & cantaloupe) and pineapple for a total of 8 cups.

Place fruit in a large serving bowl and set aside.

In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves (5 minutes).

Remove from heat.

Add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Let cool.

Pour mixture over fruit.

Refrigerate.

Spoon into watermelon rind and serve.

** For an adults-only party, add a little rum to your syrup mixture.

I Haven't Got a Thing to Wear

Do you find yourself saying this a lot even though you have a closet full of clothes? So do I. It doesn't help that we are experiencing an early summer either.

As I often do, I started searching the internet for cute and cool outfits that I can wear for various occasions throughout the summer. Dresses are wonderful summertime staples. I found these on Net-A-Porter. I can wear these to business meetings, to a friend's party, and out to dinner with my husband.

What to Wear to a Winter Wedding

Today is one of the coldest this winter so it got me thinking about what to wear to a wedding in freezing temperatures.

A fabulous coat in cashmere or fur will allow you to look great and stay warm.

If the wedding is not formal, then go ahead and wear your sexy tall boots with a skirt or dress.

For a semiformal wedding:

{All photos from Nordstrom}

Remember... cold is not cute!

Holiday Entertaining

Just because today is Christmas does not mean the holidays are over. There is still more partying to do before the New Year begins next week. Kwanzaa starts tomorrow. Then there is New Year's Eve on Monday.

Pier 1 Imports posted this very helpful holiday entertaining guide on their website.

1. Just add punch.
For guests who don't imbibe, serve a non-alcoholic punch from our Clear Glass Decanter. Hang colorful Wine Charms from the top so guests can choose their fave.
2. Make it a double.
Our Shot Glass Set doubles as a dessert topping station. Just fill the bucket with jelly beans or mints, the bottle with sauce and the glasses with sprinkles.
3. Take your best shot.
For fun and games even designated drivers can enjoy, fill our Tic Tac Toe Shot Glasses with colored candies. Then let the games begin.
4. Break the ice.
Our Clear Glass Ice Bucket doesn't need champagne to set a festive mood. Try using it as a trifle dish. Or fill it with candies and have guests guess how many it holds.
5. Stir it up.
Think our Swizzle Sticks are just for cocktails? Serve up the unexpected by using them as skewers for cheese and melon kabobs or other bite-sized canapes.
6. Funner runners.
Who says you’re allowed only one runner per table? Use your imagination to arrange several identical runners (our Silver Sparkle Table Runner is dazzling) or mix & match complementary colors and patterns.
7. Sweeter than wine.
Remember that trifle in the Clear Glass Ice Bucket? Now that you’re getting the hang of this double-duty thing, why not serve your fancy dessert in our diamond-cut Starburst Stemware? Choose martini, flute, goblet or a mix of all three.
8. Serve them on a silver platter.
Want to impress your guests? Spoil them by serving up your yummiest made-to-order drinks and hand-made hors d’oeuvres on our gleaming Silver Lacquer Tray.
9. Works like a charm.
Here’s a fun idea for your next after-5 party: Use our whimsical glass Wine Charms as tiny napkin rings for our cocktail napkins.
10. Party napkins 101.
Fold a napkin in half diagonally to form a triangle with the fold along the bottom edge. Next, hold your finger at the center of the bottom edge as you fold the right and left corners up to the top corner. Turn the napkin so the open ends are at the bottom. Slide our Silver Mosaic Napkin Ring down over the top. Voilà!

Hostess with the Mostess

As I am strolling thru the world of wedding blogs, this dessert display of meringue topiaries and coconut snowballs caught my eye at The Hostess with the Mostess

{The picture came from Domino magazine's White Christmas Party feature.}

I think I found a new favorite blog. It's full of great ideas and links for entertaining. The colorful photos are very magazine-esque.

What to Wear to an Autumn Wedding

WOW... it's September already. Kids are headed back to school. Summer clearance sales are almost over and the stores have fully stocked racks for autumn and winter. A wedding is always a good reason to go shopping.

This time of year can be pretty difficult when it comes to deciding how to dress for a wedding. Assuming you live in a moderate climate, these tips should get you through this time of year looking FABULOUS! (Thanks to Nina Callaway @ About Weddings)

For a Black Tie Wedding:
For men, this is simple. Throw on a tux and head out the door.
Ladies, you should wear a formal floor-length gown or an evening suit.

For the sometimes dreaded Black Tie Optional Wedding:
As usual, men have it easy. You can wear a tuxedo or a black suit with long tie.
Ladies, you can either dress the same as you would for the black tie wedding mentioned above or wear a cocktail dress with beautiful detail in a luxurious fabric.

A tip for plus-sized women: wear an empire waist for comfort and elegance. The dress will gracefully drape your curves.

For a Formal Daytime Wedding:
Women can get away with a shorter dress or dressy suit. Stick to bright colors and light fabrics. Stay away from black or beading, which are more appropriate for evening events.
Men should wear a dark gray or navy suit. Again, black is best kept for evening.

For a "Casual" Daytime Wedding:
Daytime weddings give you more room to be creative. Wear a funky little dress with metallic shoes and cool jewelry.
Men can wear a business casual look with slacks and a button-down shirt.

For a "Casual" Evening Wedding:
Remember it is still a wedding, not a picnic or a rock concert.
Fellas, you can leave the suit jacket at home. Wear a dark button-down shirt, dark pants, and dress shoes.
Girls, wear a simple dress in a great style and color.





If the invitation calls for "Festive Attire", this means dress for a party.
Men should still wear a suit, but the ladies should wear something they can dance in.

What if the wedding is scheduled for late afternoon/early evening?
Technically it isn't daytime or evening so dress for both. Wear something that would be suitable for both times of day and you'll be stunning. The key elements are clean lines and the right accessories. If you want to, you can change your jewelry from day to evening without having to change the entire outfit.

Be prepared for a change in temperature.
Sure, it is still pretty warm in the daytime, but what do you do when the sun sets and the night air brings a chill? Carry a stylish jacket, shrug, or wrap.

Have a FABULOUS day!

Summer Weddings

You've been invited to a wedding in August. The average temperature is probably 90 with high humidity. What do you wear?

Well, first, let me tell you what NOT to wear. Rule #1 for any wedding, never wear a white dress.

Ladies, pantyhose are not your friend in the summer. I don't care what your mother told you when you were growing up. They are the most uncomfortable piece of clothing you can put on when it is hot outside. Wear strappy sandals to show off your great pedicure.

Unless the wedding is a black or white tie affair, you can be sassy, stylish, and comfortable in a sleeveless, flowy dress made of a light fabric. Men can wear a lightweight suit (linen or cotton).

It is also a smart idea to wear minimal makeup, delicate jewelry, and an updo.

Exotic Cocktails

Summer is fast approaching. Time for outdoor parties with friends and great drinks. While most of the guys will be happy with an ice cold Corona, we ladies prefer more sophisticated libations. Recently, I read about exotic cocktails such as green tea margaritas, watermelon coconut martinis, and black currant cosmopolitans. They sound really fun to make and incredibly delicious. Try a new spin on your favorite drink at your next soiree.

Fabulous Winter Wedding Colors
(from yourwedding101.com)

Having a winter wedding doesn't mean limiting your wedding colours to traditional holiday red and green. Brides can choose from countless classic, elegant and modern winter wedding themes.

Of course, the traditional red and green is a natural choice for a Christmas-time wedding. For couples who love the traditional holiday feel, red and green creates a festive ambiance for your winter wedding. For brides on a budget, traditional tones and Christmas décor will likely already adorn your ceremony and reception site, which makes decorating easy and affordable. But don't feel limited to the Christmas palette. For a twist on the traditional, dress your wedding in classic burgundy, gold, and forest green. For a more personal touch that compliments classic reds and greens, add silver or gold accents.

Clean and crisp as fresh snow in winter, a classic silver and white wedding theme is an automatically elegant winter décor choice. The pairing of classic white and bright silver with accents in black will make your wedding feel like a romantic black and white movie. Love the glimmer of gold? For an elegant winter wedding celebration, gold and white are ideal winter wedding colors, too. Consider a New Year's wedding and festivities in silver, black, and white.
A stylish and wintry tone on tone wedding theme is an instantly memorable combination for any winter wedding. Navy blue and light blue hues lend a romantic winter's eve feel to your wedding. Cool and classic with a holiday shine; the pairing of shimmering silver and blue hues is a classic wintry combination for your winter wedding.

White on white is a new winter wedding classic in the making. Create elegant white on white layers; buttery white united with ivory hues create a warm glow, while pairing a true white with a marshmallow white creates a crisp wedding atmosphere. Add white winter flowers, white chiffon, white fur and white lights to continue the theme. Bring the beauty of the great outdoors into your wedding gala by using white on white with green accents like ivy, evergreens, and holly. Afraid to go too stark and snowy? Add warm white lights everywhere to brighten your big day.

Create a rich, comforting environment by using nouveau neutrals in your winter wedding plans. These soft tones are rich, buttery and elegant, and add a touch of luxury to your wedding ceremony and reception. Creamy vanilla and warm cinnamon tones welcome your guests into an instantly cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Elegant and modern, purple and blue are a great choice for adding a modern splash of color to your winter wedding. For that matter, feel like royalty on your wedding day! Rich purple and shimmering silver create a truly majestic wedding theme for you and your guests. Purple tones and shimmery blue accents will add an exciting and enchanted feeling to your winter wedding color scheme.

Wrap your guests in trendy tones. Luxurious holiday color combinations like cranberry and cream create a warm and plush atmosphere for winter wedding guests. Create an ultra-modern sophisticated atmosphere by combining sumptuous chocolate brown and creamy vanilla tones. These rich tones will add a luxurious ambiance to your reception.

Create a midwinter night's dream with trendy citrine green shades - a whimsical and luxurious twist to traditional green. Coupled with gold and white, glimmering gemstone tones add flair and fancy to your winter wedding theme.