Event: The Wedding Boutique at The Wadsworth Estate

The Wedding Boutique was held at The Wadsworth Estate on Sunday, October 23rd.  Guests enjoyed intimate private tours of the event space while meeting quality wedding professionals and passed hors douvres by Heaven Sent Catering.  The Carriage House including  tablescapes with design and floral by Event Fantasies. Katie (EF) also spoke to couples about "Creating a Professional Color Pallette" as they were served chilled mimosas. A warm and special thanks to the businesses that participated, partnered, and/or sponsored.

Birdie Buffet
Brelli
Charlotte Premier Bride Magazine
Crumbs Couture
Event Fantasies
First Impression Linens
Ice Sensations
Heaven Sent Catering
Nordstrom  South Park
Perfect Place Setting
Posh Event Firm
Simply Unique
The Bridal House
The Wadsworth Estate
Thirty One Gifts
Three Little Birds

Venue Profile: The Wadsworth Estate

While it's not officially autumn, it's the beginning of what wedding professionals refer to as the kickoff of the "Fall Wedding Season".  We're preparing for an outdoor wedding at The Wadsworth Estate and while cloudy, you cannot ask for more wonderful weather.  The bridal suite is set and the groom with his attendants are sitting back in The Carriage House partaking in pre-wedding refreshments. If you're looking for a unique yet sophisticated venue,  The Wadsworth Estate is a hidden gem just minutes from center city Charlotte. 

 

Inspiration: Purple Romance

There's something about the color purple that expresses romantic, soothing, yet fun.  YUMMY!!

Stationary: Conversation with Royale Amethyst Invitations

With social media and texting now being the primary form of communication, we miss out on the personal touch we feel when a hand written correspondence comes our way. A hand-written note says: "time was taken to write, seal, affix a stamp and mail just so that the person on the receiving end can feel warm".

 Event stationary is the initial impression of what guests expect to experience at your event.  Kisha Kingston, of Royale Amethyst Invitations, has shared some great information with us that we are, in turn, sharing with you. 

Kisha believes that it doesn't get more personal and exclusive than a hand written note. Kisha Kingston, says "that it's not official until it's written on paper". That reminds her that no matter how tech savvy our society may become, stationery and beautiful papers will not disappear.

Q: What are important items to include in an invitation suite?

Your invitation suite should consist of all the details needed to keep your guest informed about your event.

1. Invitation: Detailed information pertaining to the honored guest and the event being hosted.

2. Response Card :: A corresponding addressed and postage paid response envelope should be included.

3. Inserts :: Great for additional information that could not fit on the invitation i.e. Accommodations, Direction Card, Reception Card
 
 

Q: What do you say to those contemplating custom versus print yourself?


Unlike DIY invitations, with custom work you have the confidence in knowing that your invitation/stationery will be designed to fit your preference and prepared by a professional who understands the industry trends and standards.

Your invitation is a very important stationery piece and a lot of detail goes into creating the perfect one. Details include choosing the right invitation style, envelope size, color, paper, invitation wording and print set up.
   
Share as much information as possible with your stationer and designer to allow them to fully absorb the concept.  Kisha's design process is quite simple but detailed. Her main goal is to "design with the client's vision in mind". Because her designs are custom to fit each clients preference, she makes it her duty to gather specific details pertaining to their personal style and their vision for the event.

"What I enjoy most about the design process are the fresh perspectives that are presented to me. Each client is unique in their own way; their vision in addition to my overall concept creates such an amazing piece of work. " 

Kisha Kingston is the Creative Director and Owner of Royale Amethyst Inviations. Kisha's philosophy is making service, quality and creativity the number one priority. "With this combination I wouldn't be able to build relationships with my clients, produce value work as well as capture my client's vision from conception to completion."

Royale Amethyst Invitations is a growing custom stationery company that specializes in designs with the client's vision in mind. In addition to invitations, and event stationery. While most of their clients are based in New York; services are available Nationwide. Royale Amethyst Invitations also offer design services and business stationery.
Special thanks to Kisha and  Royale Amethyst Invitations for providing us with photos of their work.  Find them on the web at http://www.royaleamethystinvitations.com/

Signature Cocktail: Crantucket Mojito

Add  a personal touch to your wedding or event with a signature cocktail.  A creative name will have guests remembering your event for months to come. Consider having waitstaff ready to greet guests upon their arrival  with a cool, refreshing glass. Cheers to the first day of summer!

Drink Recipe Preparation:
Rim highball glass with Stirrings Cosmopolitan Rimmer.
Fill with ice, add Myer's Platinum Rum, Mojito Mixer, and Cosmopolitan Mixer.
Garish with a sprig of mint and serve.




Drink Recipe Ingredients: 1 serving

• 1.5 oz. Myers's Platinum Rum (25 oz. per bottle)
• 1 oz. Stirrings Cosmopolitan Cocktail Mixer (32 oz. per bottle)
• 1 tablespoon(s) Stirrings Cosmopolitan Rimmer
• 1 sprig(s) mint
• 1 cup(s) ice
• 1.5 oz. Stirrings Mojito Cocktail Mixer (32 oz. per bottle)

Recipe Provided by:  TheBar.com

From unused to RENEW!!

When I heard about this new service by The Dessy Group, I was literally jumping for joy.  The Dessy Group recently introduced a new service,  NewlyMaid, which allows you to take your old bridesmaid dress or social occasion dress and trade it for credit toward a new little black dress.

The process looks fairly simple, and for a limited time they are offering their return mailer at no charge for you to send them one dress. Click here to visit the site for details about How It Works.

I am trying out the new service so that I can share my experience.  Be sure to check back to see how it goes.

Photo Courtesy: Dessy Group

Brooch of Style

Cake, gown, hairpiece, bouquet, shoes -- The brooch has made its way back as a trendy accessory.  Timeless and classic, but easily transforms simple to chic.  

1 - simplyposhdesign.com
2 -  vanillabakeshop.com
3 - eco-artwear.com

The sense of smell: Creating memories for years to come

Many memories are triggered by a single scent.  While putting together your ensemble (gown, shoes, jewelry, etc) do not forget the one single item that your new husband may always remember.  Your signature wedding day scent will bring back happy wedding memories for years to come.

The perfect scent to wear when you say, "I do" should be soft and unabashedly romantic — think traditional floral notes like rose, gardenia, and jasmine. - Marie Claire

Your fragrance should match your wedding day attire, location, and style. While floral scents are recommended, do not select a heavy flowery scent on a hot, day or outdoor wedding because it may attract insects or bees.    If you typically do not wear fragrance, a body lotion will suffice. 


If you'd like to create your own special touches, why not have a blend custom mixed to fit your personality and add a fresh memory of your day.

Scent Choice By The Season

Spring or Summer


A spring or summer wedding calls for a light scent, such as a verbena or honeysuckle. Look for a fresh fragrance that will not be excessive on a hot day.  A gentle floral perfume such as bluebells or lilac would be sweet for a spring bride wearing an organza gown with pearl bridal jewelry. If a festive summer celebration is more your speed, a fun upbeat green apple or citrus fragrance will be terrific.


 Fall or WinterFor a fall or winter wedding that is more relaxed, look for a perfume with hints of vanilla, orange, or amber. The eco-friendly bride may enjoy a fragrance with a hint of patchouli, but don’t use the single note essential oil, it is too overused for a bride.


A richer fragrance is appropriate in the colder months. Perfumes with musk or spice bases are always a good choice.If you favor sophisticated scents, look for perfumes classified as “oriental”. If you were wearing a trumpet gown and stunning jewelry, an intense, exotic fragrance would be an excellent choice.

Sources:
Marie Claire
Scents of Attraction

Rain, Rain, On Your Wedding Day!

There's a superstition that says rain on your wedding day is to be considered "good luck".  Of course, our brides often hope for a nice day and often check the weather reports for days before the BIG DAY praying for sunny skies. 

Our advice: Things happen! Make the best of it with some great photos. 

Photo credit: Bubbly Bride

And don't forget the flower girls and ring bearers!  How cute??

Inspiration: Lucky Charm

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we wanted to send some "luck" your way. 

Enjoy!

Bridal Show: 8th Annual A Tradition of Excellence Bridal Fair"

Real Weddings: A Custom Bride

I'm trying to do a better job of posting pics of our events. But, I just received a photo from our New Year's bride that I could not resist sharing. Idowu contacted me in September wanting a custom bouquet for her January 1st wedding.  She showed me a few photos of what she had in mind with a picture of the fabric from her gown (the dress was not complete, at the time). I then designed a rose composite with a custom holder to coordinate with the rest of her custom designed ensemble.  As you can see, she was simply stunning. Thanks so much for sharing, Idowu. 

Hello there,

I just wanted to say thank you again for the beautiful bouquet :)
Idowu.O

Wedding Inspiration: A Magazine Designed For You

I'm frequently challenging myself to come up with unique and creative suggestions for announcements and invitations for our destination clients. Knowing that each wedding is different, I like to recommend suggestions that will have guests so excited about the "Big Day" and befitting of the bride, groom, and their guests.

I want to introduce to you our new friends at Wedzines. They were so kind to send us some yummy samples and images to show you how you can WOW! your guests and add personalization to your wedding. I just love the idea creating your own magazine full of pages  about you, your wedding party, activities, and other  important weekend information. Who wouldn't enjoy seeing their face on the cover of a magazine?  With so many uses, these magazines can serve as destination wedding announcements, welcome bag stuffer, ceremony programs- the list goes on.

Pam and Howard decided to use the cover to include their wedding date and city.  They highlighted some of the information inside as "Sneak Peaks" or "Things To Do". Another idea is a "How we met?" or "Guess what's cooking?"

 

Your wedding zine could also be used as a mini tour guide, providing information and "must see" spots or local eateries.  Going "Green"?, no problem, digital options allow you to post the pages on your wedding website or share with a CD. You could also share acknowledgments and kinds words to your guests.  Imagine a page with a map highlighting the different states or cities that your guests traveled from to make it to your wedding. The content is totally up to you.

A special thank you Hilary, Ed, and Wedzines for the beautiful images and sample magazines. They're even allowing me to share a free digital magazine ($20 value) with you.  So visit the link here and enter the code THANKS to redeem.  For more information be sure to visit www.wedzines.com.

xoxoxo

Fall In Love...With Designer Fashions

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, many of you are looking for that perfect "date night" ensemble.  Well, I have been so in love with this company since we met this past November in Phoenix. If you're like me, you spend days looking for the perfect outfit for an event only to find that it is such a statement piece that you do not desire to wear it twice.  RentTheRunway.com is the solution. 

Milly Almond Rosette Dress

 Rental $75 - Retail $695

You get to shop from current styles of over 95 designers for your next gala, black tie, date night, or wedding from designers such as Nicole Miller and Badgley Mischka.  There are even accessories to complete the look (you know how I am about details). Rent your size and receive a backup size for free.  Even return the outfit and accessories for free and tah-da.  It's that easy!! You have a high-end picture perfect look and do not have to worry about that dress just hanging in your closet. So strut your stuff, Ladies!!

Proenza Schouler

Kaleidoscope Cut Out Dress

rental $150 - retail $1,390

Nina Ricci 
rental $200 - retail $1,690

Brides- RentTheRunway.com even has a bridesmaids line.  Save your girls the pain and the headache of another unworn bridesmaid dress.
Hurry over to RentTheRunway.com and enter to win a $1,500 package gift package including a Herve Leger dress, a Hanky Panky gift set, and a $250 gift card to RentTheRunway.com.  Contest ends at midnight 2/8/2011.

Fall in Love..."With Hearts" - Chocolate Hearts

I just "heart" this concept.  If you're looking for a tasty way to add personalization to your wedding or special event.  I have just the treat -- a double treat.  How about spreading your message in your favorite chocolate. 

Couples can opt to use this idea as a favor to thank their guests for sharing in their special day or have their monograms engraged in the chocolate.

If you're looking to send your love some chocolate - we've got a Valentine's Day promotion for you - We've partnered with some of the cities best to bring you specialty chocolate, fresh flowers and wine.  Show your special one how much you care or decide to treat yourself.  Visit our promotion at www.eventfantasies.com/vdaypromo.html

Photo credit: Chocolate Graphics

Announcing "Celebrate Love" Theme

As part of the February series of "Celebrate Love" theme, Event Fantasies announces Fall in Love... "With Hearts" Week! Aisha and Katie are going to feature content, inspiration, and promos designed to help you "Fall in Love" all over again the entire month of February. 

XOXO

Book Recommendation: Atlanta Weddings for the Modern, Stylish, Chic Bride

On my way to Birmingham this past weekend, I stopped in Atlanta and visited with the lovely Gail and Hester who are also authors of Atlanta Weddings for the Modern, Stylish, Chic Bride. Even if you aren't getting married in Atlanta, there are pages of inspiration and  tips for every bride.
 

Now available on Amazon.com.

Real Design: A July Glam Wedding