frankly speaking

This years TSE Wedding Luncheon (the highlight of the Conference  for me) was so well done.  James Clawson and Sarah Hall , our co-chairs did a great job! We enjoyed the music of the Soul Rebels, a great New Orleans Band, and we fixated as our keynote, Darcy Miller from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine, shared her highlights as the magazine celebrated it’s 10th Anniversary.   The tables were done in Earth and Water themes.  The tables creating the river in the middle of the room were round tables of different sizes set in a meandering pattern, to resemble a river. Blue Delphinium joined the different sized round tables.  The “Land” tables were done very organic, and were all on raised platforms at each side of the room.  These were all done by Urban Earth Studios.  Lunch was wonderful0– enjoyed the following menu:

                                      Cucumber Wrap Salad of Organic Lettuces with sliced Creole Tomatoes, Mississippi chevre and sweet basil infusion

                           Abita Beer Braised Bison Short Ribswith Baby Root vegetables with an asiago and white truffle polenta cake

Untraditional Wedding Cake of Vanilla Sponge Cake with toasted almond cream with mixed berry compote

It was a delightful afternoon.  Before (VIP guests) and after the lunch all invited guests were able to visit the Wedding Gallery (see previous blog). 

I was thrilled to be asked to share my talent in this year’s Wedding Gallery at the Special Event. This year, we were all given an element to base our designs on –Glass, Metal, Wood and Paper. I as in my previous post showed that I did Metal.  Sasha Souza did wood, with a great woodland themed gallery, and Janet Flowers did paper, complete with cardboard table and chairs (that hold up 500 lbs!)  The person doing glass was not able to attend a the last minute.  Pastry chef Tariq Hanna, who has been featured on the Food Network’s Challenge, did a cake to match each elelment. It was interesting to see how each of us interpreted the theme were we given.  

Every year, I speak the the Special Conference, and for the 8th year (I think Ive lost count) I opened the wedding track of education.   Courses are divided so attendees can follow one track or go to several.  They are Food, Design, Managment, Marketing etc.  I presented “So, yo want to be  Wedding planner/Coordinator/Consultant.  It was a 2 hour session that covered the basics of going into my industry.  I was very honest, and shot from the hip, explaining that this all not fixing flowers and fluffing trains.  I got great comments from the audience, and pretty much everyone stayed for the whole seminar. I have done things like “60 favors in 60 minutes”, “Adding Retail to your busniess: the good and bad” and What’s new in the Wedding Word” in years past.

After sitting through numerous runway shows at the Bridal Markets both here in Chicago and New York, I have seen alot of gowns!  Here are the highlights of what I am seeing as the new trends:

. Strapless is still strong, but I am seeing a slight shift from this.  One Shoulders are huge!  Also Tank silhouettes, and V necklines are strong.

. Jackets and boleros are popular.  This way you can cover up for the ceremony and have a whole new look for the reception

. Embellishments such as Swarovski Crystals and beading are used in alot gowns, but sparingly.

. Pockets!!! I was thrilled to see some have hidden pockets for the bride in the skirt. 

. Subtle Color.. Ice Gold, Cappucino, light blue, pink, cinnamon,  are under the light see thru fabrics to give just a hint of color.

. Speaking of color, I didnt see much in stark white. Ivory seems to be number one.

. Ribbon Sashes and Belts are on alot of gowns.  This can be added for the reception to give a touch of glam.

.Layering Fabrics and mixing different fabrics .

. Lace is back in a big way

. The A line is shown alot.

. Ballgowns are making a comeback.  call it “Soft Drama”

. Veils are being used only for ceremony, if at all.  Feathers and hair jewelry are being shown. Again, different look for ceremony/reception.

. I saw a number of short dresses.  (Reminded me of my Mom circa 1962).  It’s really sophisticated.  Also great look for a change for the party. 

No matter what the trend the advice I give every bride is you will know the right dress when you put it on.  You need to feel special and spectacular.  Try on things you don’t think would look good.. you’d be surprised.  Great dresses are available in all price points.  So get the wedding dress of your dreams!

I was thrilled to be asked to particpate in the Designers Gallery at the Special Event’s Wedding Luncheon. I was never so worried as to how this was going to come out,as this is where I go every year to be wow’ed, now I was the one doing the wowing.  But, I pulled it off. Each of the four Wedding pros were given the Designers Challenge.  We each were assigned an element to work with— Glass, Metal, Wood or Paper. I got metal.  My first thought was a play on words, and go with Billy Idol’s “White Wedding”.. a heavy metal wedding themed gallery.  But then thought this was fun, but not anything most wedding pros attending could ever use. It is always cool to see things over the top, but I really like to take back things I could use, and be real.  From here I thought, metal tables, hanging metal chandeliers etc.  But then, I decided to just go with my tag line of “there is no such thing as a small detail, and go with my usual tradtional with a twist style, with alot of neat metal details.  So, I started putting it together.  I decided to go with the “X” shaped table I did about a year ago for a wedding, that won a Chicago Excellence Award for.  I used Chameleon Chairs, since they are metal in the raw, undressed state.  I used simple metal chargers.  I also love the use of color, so decided on using multiple colored flowers with metal accents. I also brought in the color concept by mixing colored stemware, something I brought into vogue about 8 years ago, but this time, mixed it up even more, by making all the placesettings have a different colored water glass and champagne flute.  I used 8 different colors and shapes.  The irredescent peacock blue/silver linen was the perfect base to start with.  All of the containers were metal. Metal flower arranging “Frogs” were used to collar the roses, and I hung many as “ornaments” from wire in the large center arrangements.  Wire candleabra and murano glass (that looked like metal) votives completeed the look. But the big hit, and most asked about element of the table was the metal menus I had made.  People were blown away with this, and this was the first obvious thing I thought of to detail the table with.  I was thrilled with the results, and the numerous comments I recieved.  AND Darcy Miller, editor in chief of Martha Stewart Weddings loved it.. I can’ t ask for more.

This would not have been possible without the suppport of my partners in putting this together.. Classic Party Rental, who gracisouly provided all the tabletop and chairs.  Also, Big thanks to James Clawson (Roland and Tonja too) who assisted me with all the floral.   Enjoy!

The Drake Hotel asked me to design and produce their wedding event to showcase the hotel.  I’ve done this very different from most “Wedding Expos” as you will get to experience this awesome hotel with the help of some of my favorite wedding vendors.  I’ve designed 10 new tabletops, created an ultra lounge, picked some awesome food (and cockails!), showcasing the latest in Bridal Gowns, Bouquets and Wedding Cakes.  You will also get to hear a variety of musics, from Orchestra to jazz to guitar and violin. I will be around all evening as well to answer any wedding planning questions you might have.  In addition lots of extra details and twists on Tradition that you can incorporate into your big day.  Each Bride will receive a Swag bag! Photos shown, courtesy of Garbo Productions, are just a few of the dozens of weddngs I have planned at this awesome hotel.  I want to show that your decor can go either very traditonal or go  ultra contemporary, and even a little of both.

Featured Vendors are:  Al Sofia Orchestra, Anthony Gowder Designs, Frost, BBJ Linen, Hall’s Rental, Elenteny Designs, Mangel Florist at the Drake Hotel, Vanessa’s Modern Bride,  Classic Party Rental, Artists Events and Entertainment, Anna Held Flower Shop, Adams Magnificent Music, Botanicals-A Division of HM Designs, Rolf’s Patisserie, Record-A-Hit and O’Dea Entertainment.   The Drake’s chef Joshua Young will be preparing some incredible food.  (Oh, and I forgot me!)

The event is the 21st of January from 5pm to 8pm.  Stop in after work, or take a ride over when you get home.  It’s really going to be a special and unique evening.

Tickets are complimentary, must be reserved.  Call the Drake at 312-932-4334 to make the reservation.  I hope to see you there!

I will be heading to New Orleans on Monday to attend the Annual Special Event Conference.  I have not missed this amazing conference for the past 14 years. It always inspires me. I am able to find some unique products and services, as well as the latest in linen, floral, and ideas.  It is a non stop week filled with education, a Trade show bringing the latest and greatest in Event Products and services, to over the top events such as the Wedding Luncheon, Welcome Party and Brunch for Masters Only. 

On Tuesday, I will open the wedding track of Education. I have been the “opening act” for so many years I have lost count.  This year I am presenting ” So, you want to be a Wedding pPanner/Coordinator/Consultant”.  It is a very basic Wedding Planner 101.  I get a call a day (seriously) from those wanting to do what I do–because it looks like so much “fun”.   I explain to them, this is not as easy as it looks, there is so much more to this before you get to fluff the train and fix the flowers.  I am being very realistic and showing them the blood, sweat and tears, the countless hours, and the wads of capital you need to be successful.  Reality check indeed!  Lots of great info to share. 

The Wedding Lunch is always the highlight of the conference for me.  One year I walked in and cried (SERIOUSLY) because I was beyond overwhelmed. But this year, I have been asked to be on the of 4 Designers of the Wedding Gallery.  I am so beyond thrilled to be asked to to this, I can’t put it into words.  This year, they are doing the “Designers Challenge”.  Each of us were given an element, Glass, Wood, Metal or Paper, to work with as our starting point. Kinda like Iron Chef!  I chose metal.  My first thought was “Heavy Metal Wedding”, making it a play on words as opposed to just using metal as the design element.  ( and I could  hear Billy Idol singing White Wedding.. thought I might have this on a continous loop!) SInce I knew this was not what they wanted, I immediately got to work on a design working with this element.  I think you will be all happy with what I came up with. 

Looking forward to the Welcome Party on Wednesday night.  It will be t Mardi Gras World.  It’s after my session and the Wedding Lunch, so show me where the bar is!  Also attending the Masters Brunch (Thursday I think) .

SInce I will have my laptop with me, I will try and blog a bit everyday.  If not, expect lots of photos and info when I get back.   It’s a full non stop week, so will be totally vegging on Sunday and Monday before returning back to the studio on the 19th.  Wow, where did January go?

If you don’t know this great Men’s spa, you need to.  Halo has one of the best one stop shops for Men.  It is very comfortable, and decor done very masculine.  For those guys who want to partake in haircuts, nails, waxing and variety of other services, Halo is for you.  With now over a dozen locations, Halo is just “comfortable”.  It so unlike going to a Women’s spa that does service men.   From their rich darkly toned decor, to great movies playing in the waiting area with big oversized theater style/watching the game chairs,  (Ordinary People was on yesterday) they just plain take care of you. Their staff is a “well groomed” staff of trained pros, who know their stuff.  I recommend to every groom to pay them a visit on wedding day or day before.  They offer a variety of packages.  Also makes a great groomsmen gift.  Was at their Gold Coast location yesterday for Manicure and Pedicure, and an impromptu brow wax.  For more info www.halochicago.com   

I had an another wonderful couple exchange vows, but this time on New years Eve.  What a wondeful night for a celebration!  We chose the Trump Hotel to host the wedding.  The bride wore an awesoem Vera Wang Gown, strapless in style but had a huge flower acting as one of the straps.  The maids wore a simple floor length black dress.  The Bride carried a simple but stunning bouquet of a cascade of white Phelenopsis orchids, and the maids carried green cymbidium orchids and green hypericum.   berries, wrapped in black ribbon.  The decor for the ceremony was simple and had no flowers.  The ceremony was flanked by two towering Dragonwood trees holding candles, while the aisle was created with long and low/tall and think mirrored pedestals, all holding candles and large vases filled with branches and floating candles. Two candle towers with branches were a the start of the aisle (not shown in this photo). 

The Reception was just magical.  Tables were done with alternating linens and centerpieces.  Linen was black crinkle crepe and a white lamour with a black with white ribbon overlay that I had custom made just for this wedding!  Centerpieces were glass vases with calla lillies and floating candles,and combo of two mirrored vases holding monobotanical flowers of green and white featuting cymbidium orchids, casablanca lilies and hydrangeas.  The other design took all these flowers and mixed them into one green and white arrangement. A sparking diamond pattern adorned the big pole in the room (that everyone hates, but I like to make part of my design) and this pattern went down from the pole, and covered the whole dance floor.

Dinner was wonderful. We started with plated appetizer of Lobster Filled Ravioli, and the entree was a duet of short ribs and shrimp.  We ended the meal with wedding cake.  Chocolate and White cake with chocolate and creme brulee mousse.  YUM.  Guests danced to an orchestra till Midnight when we counted down the end of 2009.  We brought in 2010 with a confetti shower on dance floor, and the beautiful Fireworks from our stunning view of the Chicago River, over Lake Michigan.  The evening sky was clear with a full moon. What a great way to start 2010!