So, we’re back in the office and recovered from our biggest wedding ever this weekend… Over 1200 guests attended, we had 75 Soiree staff alone, 45 bartenders, 125 servers, and millions of flowers. Weather held out for us just enough to get through cocktail hour and get all guests under the tent!

Since you usually only see pictures of the pretty finished product with everything perfect, I thought it would be neat to see shots throughout the production stage…

The newest addition to the fleet- the Mama Soiree

Our staffing coordinator lining the wait staff up to greet guests for cocktail hour. I missed this part, but heard it was one of the most impressive sights of the night

Cocktail hour on the front lawn at Boone Hall Plantation

Millions of flowers before….

More flowers before…

Flower wall in progress…

This flower wall was a surprise for the bride and family…

We built this flower at the front entrance into the tents. We had our photographer, Liz Banfield, blow up two of our favorite prints from the bridal portrait session.

The band/lounge tent still in set up mode.

The band/lounge tent pre guests.

Sneak Peak...

Here are just a few quick little detail previews…

Our acrylic cake display had the large main cake in the middle so that the bride and groom could have their own area to go in and cut, and then it was surrounded by 10 smaller cakes. We also had “to-go” cake bags for guests to take pieces home for a late snack or to tuck under their pillow- A southern tale that says you’ll dream about the person you will marry.

The food tent (pre flowers) with 3 huge tapas stations, a marble topped sushi bar, and several 45 foot long bars

The restroom tent- we had 5 trailers!

Fun modern “sputnick” lights over the bars…

Tara, Nicki, and The Lettered Olive girls were in our New York office last night for the opening party. Lots of industry heavy hitters were there including Darcy Miller (Editor, Martha Stewart Weddings), Antonia van der Meer (Editor, Elegant Bride and Bride’s Magazines), and Linda Hirst (Editor, Modern Bride Magazine). Dennis Smith, the genius behind some of the great bands out there like Party On the Moon came all the way from Atlanta. Two of our best vendors, Liz Banfield (fabulous photographer) and James Burns (former New Yorker and owner and chef at JBC Catering) were also on hand. Even one of my favorite bloggers, Maria with Ritzy Bee Blog came- you can see photos on today’s post. Some of our past brides and mothers of brides were there, and it’s always so nice to continue that relationship after the wedding…

Thank you to all that attended and for your continued support!

Hiatus

I will be taking a week or so break from posting, as we are headed into the biggest wedding weekend ever- over 1200 guests! My attention is elsewhere, obviously. Please keep your fingers crossed for us for NO RAIN!

Check back after Memorial Day for more stories… Everyone, have a lovely holiday.. Bisous…

Spooks ‘n Spirits

At this Halloween rehearsal dinner and costume party- we really got to play up the theme. The bride’s mother is famous for her Halloween parties, so we had a lot to live up to!

Black widow drinks made with red vodka; all of the staff was even in costume; view at night at the supposedly “haunted” location

Foil stamped invites, and a custom bird design that carried over into the wedding theme; butler cards were displayed on white pumpkins.

The couple’s monogram carved into a silver pumpkin, the centerpieces (silver pumpkins in white beans, and pillar candles); and a view of the dining room- I love that black can be that elegant at an event!

Our candy station, complete with real antique skulls, candied cockroaches, brains, and black and white cupcakes; “deviled” eggs, and a cemetery that we constructed.

The happy couple being toasted…

Trendsetters

Tara was in New York last night for the annual Modern Bride Trendsetters dinner- she received this honor in 2005 and is attending again for what she says is one of her favorite events. This year, our favorite cake extraordinaire, Jim Smeal was honored. He so deserves it!

Tara reported in this a.m. about the shindig and had an amazing time. She was seated at a fab table front and center with other guests Bethenny Frankel (natural food chef, and creator of SkinnyGirl products), Kristin Davis (um, yes, Charlotte), Preston Bailey (grand poobah of wedding planning), and “Queen Bee” Bee Kim (fellow blogger and creator of www.weddingbee.com). We’re so thankful to Antonia van der Meer (editor in cheif of Modern Bride and Elegant Bride magazines), for always taking care of us.

I’m Loving This…

Anyone who does not love Krispy Kreme donuts is not being honest! I LOVE that they are now doing boxes of minis… These will be so fabulous on “dessert” bars or Brunch and Rehearsal After Party celebrations…