Of course, we all know that the Ritz Carlton is world renowned when it comes to service, location, and food and bev standards, but when Tara brought me their “Weddings” magazine back from the Grand Caymans, their appetizer and cocktail spread proved to me that their creativity is unabashed as well.

Fresh Off the Press…

I’m so excited that I can start featuring all of the new collection pieces from The Lettered Olive.  The first one is called the Middleton Collection, I love the femininity of this, and the letterpressing make it uber luxurious…

Tara’s Tidbits

I love what I do and I love this color combination! I will keep working very hard everyday so that I can one day have this car of my dreams (I’ve wanted this one since I was 14!)… I hope a bride comes to us soon that loves this palette so we can design the entire wedding based on this…

Pattis Trunk Show in Charleston

Maddison Rowe is bringing the first debut of this exquisite new collection, August 6, 7 & 8
~ tax free weekend ~
gown prices starting at $1500
call for an appointment
843.720.7979

From Nicki in New York…

Speaking exquisite dresses and collections- for the bride that wants something totally different and unique, check out Kate Towers designs- amazing stuff!  Even if you are just a wedding guest…

Tucker Ervin would disagree. The after rehearsal party for his recent wedding to Ann E. Rice glowed pink… at his request!

Invitations were printed on acrylic squares, and envelopes were lined in custom printed “AT” logo paper- a theme used throughout the weekend; our Groom and his Bride; the venue hallway was transformed…

The bar ran the entire length of the ballroom wall; the courtyard provided a mixture of traditional seating, and super modern white leather furniture, complete with black and white cowhide ottomans

Desserts were a big focus, so we lined an entire walkway with shelving displaying all desserts on the custom lined “AT” logo paper; hot pink AT petits fours (there were black and white ones too); Father of the Bride’s favorite Glazed Krispy Kremes

Late nite food like sliders and grilled cheese were displayed on wooden tired shelves built by Soiree; plain and Watermelon Mojitos (the groom’s fave) were passed on trays lined with the same paper from the invites

The couple, now living in NYC wanted an urban chick lounge vibe- flat screen plasmas played their slide show; bar seating surrounded the perimeter of the room; the parents of the bride cutting a rug on the dance floor!

What’s New in New York?

If anyone is considering a trip to New York for dress shopping, or just because, Nicki and Tara are raving about the new place to stay, The Greenwich Hotel. The restaurant, Locanda Verde, connected to the Hotel is also getting some serious attention.  Tara and her family just returned from a fabulous trip there and have been talking about it non stop…

All photographs by NIck Solares unless otherwise noted. Exterior photograph by Robyn Lee via Serious Eats, New York

Also, Liz Banfield was up there recently shooting some stuff, and got some “professional” shots of our office… One jumps out at me… just because…

Birds of a Feather

It seems to me that hair pieces are the hot trend in wedding fashion, thankfully with the explosion of Etsy, there are as many styles out there for as many brides as there are…These are from the Wildspirits shop.

how about this for your “something blue”

Portobello’s Etsy shop has headpieces, veils, and jewelry- one stop shop!

I want this one just to wear whenever I feel the urge!

So, we just returned from our site visit to Gorham’s Bluff- where we have a wedding in May 2010. Lovely spot, the wedding will be gorgeous! It’s in the middle of nowhere, though, so we may have some interesting logistics to deal with. We’re just excited to work with a new venue- keeps the creativity flowing. Here are some planning shots for you…

This is the front view of the Lodge, here they have about 7 rooms and suites for guests to stay in, the dining area and a “living space” with a huge fireplace and sofas…

This is the back lawn area overlooking the bluff, great spot for morning coffee

The view from the Bluff

Here is the lawn area we’ll be flooring and tenting, for dinner and dancing.. The view for the guests will be spectacular!

This is the town “Meeting House” where the rehearsal dinner will be held- beautiful interior with the wood floor and high beams.

This is a cute little gazebo on the back lawn area that most people use for their ceremony.  Since this is where our Cocktail hour will be, we’re keeping it open and guests will be able to walk out in the Gazebo to admire the scenery…

Here is our ceremony site.. it’s a little rustic wooden deck/amphitheater overlooking the Tennessee River Valley… We’re obviously “gussying” this up and doing some cool creative seating for a breathtaking service.

House of Lavande

Nicki from our New York office shared this website with me, which is a great source for fabulous, vintage cocktail jewels. These are pretty special pieces that are perfect for wedding day and beyond…Some of my favorites:

Tara’s Tidbits

While I do often find inspiration and ideas from wedding and other event publications, most often I find myself developing ideas from traveling, restaurants, my favorite stores and boutiques and books on all subjects.  Right now the story of wedding dress innvoator and overall Couture maven, Carolina Herrera, has me obsessed.  Her story is so interesting and to me, she is truly an icon of grace and style. The photography and portraiture in the book is pretty fabulous as well.

Carolina and her husband on her wedding day- for the brunch (on left) and the ceremony (on right)

Craft Corner

We all know Midori ribbon is a favorite of event designers, crafters (i.e. Martha Stewart), and paper pros everywhere- but their new “tidings” line is so fresh and fun for baby and bridal showers, gift wrapping, children’s parties, weddings, etc. I love the owl print, and the Daschund print- you can even make your own custom tiding ribbon!