Elegant Events by Maureen

Posh Desserts

2011-11-24T23:07:00.000-06:00

Want a change in the way of desserts-
try a
Dessert Table

Last weekend Catherine and Andrew were married. They had their reception in San Antonio at the McNay Art Museum. Catherine and her mother put a lot of energy into the little details ~the things that make your wedding different from everyone else. Catherine knew that her groom had a favorite dessert – and it wasn’t cake. So, we approached our caterer and asked if they could make Andrew’s favorite dessert of bread pudding. Veronica Esparza from Absolutely Delicious Catering loves to please. (She has her own kitchen as owner of the Old San Francisco Steakhouse.) Veronica was happy to make bread pudding. We had a tasting of the different types of bread pudding, and loved every bite. Catherine had so much fun tasting – that we tried different desserts for her too. Her end result was cheesecake for the bride’s dessert. Yum!!!

Put these fabulous desserts together with her vintage design ~ and you come out with a knock out table. We had the table pin spotted from above, and back lit for greater ambiance ~ and wow – see the picture below! The dessert table was beautiful and a great success. (Some guests were taking 4 desserts☺)

Vintage Wedding - Accent Items ( San Antonio Wedding Planner)

2011-10-16T14:42:00.002-05:00

Ideas for a Vintage or Old World Wedding Style

Every bride wants her wedding to be a "one of a kind" event. She would love for her guests to be talking about her wedding - long after it is over. It is in the details - that makes your wedding a "one of a kind" affair. At Elegant Events, I love to scout around for new products on the market, or items that will fit your style. In this article, I have found some items that would go well with a vintage or old world wedding.

The first item is a vintage typewriter than either can be rented or even found at a thrift store. Elegant Events also has a vintage typewriter that can be rented, or this one can be rented from a company in New York called KashbahMod.com. The New York typewriter is fully restored and functional. They do have a selection of about 10 typewriters on line, and they come in various styles and colors. Have fun! I do have an up-and-coming bride who is using a vintage typewriter for her registration table’s sign-in. I will take some pictures and post them after the wedding! I think it is a great way to get out-of-the-box with the ordinary sign-in book. (After the wedding, the bride will place all the typed notes in a vintage scrap album! How cool is that!)

The next item - is a stunning little accent. If you are having a dessert station with some cupcakes - these vintage cupcake wrappers from paperorchid.com will work very well! It certainly adds that little extra vintage touch!

Lastly, when I saw this tack frame - I thought "wow"! The escort / seating assignment area is one of the hardest places to think unique or something different. I love the shape. It is so vintage – plus economical! It comes in two different colors from Mioculture.com. You can get it in tan or chocolate. I like the chocolate. The tack frame is made from 100% granulated cork - a by-product of the wine stopper industry. So, it is very "green" too. So, what a different way to present your escort cards. Just pick out little retro or vintage styled cards, and have all the guests’ names calligraphied onto the cards. This will make an extraordinary vintage display!

Happy planning ~ or just call us, if you need some help :)

Baraat - Here Comes The Groom

2011-10-08T23:59:00.000-05:00

Baraat – Another Fun Part of an Indian Wedding!

Today we had Pamela and Avin’s Hindu wedding service.

I don’t know if it’s that I live on a ranch ~ or that I have three sons, but I love the baraat. This is the first event of the day. It is high energy. The music is contagious ~ and here comes the groom on his white mare ~ riding to meet his bride. "Riding", I say – or might I say, “walking” very slowly ~ for his friends and family are dancing about him ~ leading him to his bride.

Grooms have many choices on their mode of transportation in the baraat. Here in San Antonio, we do have a white mare available, but we do not have any elephants for rent. Some grooms are bit more contemporary in their arrival, using a trendy car. I love the white mare!

Avin did wear his wedding attire during the baraat. You see that he is wearing a turban or saafa, and a neru jacket ~as he heads to the ceremony site. The horse was decorated with a blanket and a garland.

The groom and the baraatis had a great time as they traveled to the ceremony site. Take a look at the large crowd waiting to receive the groom:) Then, once the groom arrived, he had great fun dancing with the baraatis!

Mehndi~ Fun Times!

2011-10-08T22:45:00.000-05:00

Mehndi ~ Pamela & Avin’s Wedding

Pamela and Avin are getting married in San Antonio this weekend.

Last night we had Pamela’s mehndi. Many family members and friends were present. Rani, from Perfect Touch, was present to apply henna to all the ladies. The ladies relaxed, had a lite supper, and enjoyed watching Rani as she placed wonderful, artistic designs on everyones hands, and Pamela’s hands and feet. Pamela even had Avin’s name hidden in a design on one of her hands☺. ( On the other hand ~ his name was quite clear to see!)

I have to attach a picture of the beautiful cookies that we had for dessert. Julie Evans made them. They were so pretty – and they tasted great too!

Indian Weddings - Mehndi

2011-09-23T00:04:00.000-05:00

Indian Weddings

This is part of a series on Indian Weddings.

There are many parties to consider when planning an Indian wedding. One of the first gatherings or pre-wedding parties is the Mehndi. At this party, the ladies gather either at the bride’s home or at a reception site. Here the henna is applied for the wedding – making a beautiful, temporary body decoration.

Henna is usually done on the hands and feet of the bride. The guests may choose to have the henna only on their hands. San Antonio has limited vendors that can apply henna, so it is good to visit with the artist – as well as discuss the number of guests that will have henna applied – and the time frame in which this will be done. I would also advise that the bride do a small skin test many months prior to the wedding – just to check to see if her skin will have a reaction to the henna paste.

The reason that the henna is applied at one of the first parties – is that it takes time to dry or cure. Many times a bride must sit for 3- 6 hours – while the henna is curing. At first the henna is dark orange in color, and then cures to a reddish brown. The henna can last between one to three weeks.
This is a good time for everyone to focus on the bride and treat her like royalty– for she has no hands to eat or hold a drink.

This spring we coordinated an Indian/American wedding for Katie and Rocky.
We had the Mehndi the first night – which was a Friday night. It was coupled with the Sangeet at the Pearl Stable.
The bride had her henna applied a day earlier – for her henna was much more intricate, and as I stated earlier – and takes times to dry. The bride wanted to be able to celebrate with her friends and family – so applying henna one day earlier made a lot of sense. The Mehndi was planned two days prior to the Hindu ceremony.

We have another Indian/American wedding coming up next month. Our bride is having her Mehndi the night before the Hindu ceremony.
Traditions vary throughout India and the world – as to how and when things are done. So culturally, when you are from the Caribbean, you can have your Mehndi the night before the Hindu ceremony.

All of the Indian parties are very festive and colorful! They are also steeped in much tradition. The music is very upbeat and contagious! One can’t help but have fun at an Indian wedding.

Stay tuned to my series to hear about all the great parties, and how each area of the world celebrates marriage in it’s own way!

2010-11-01T20:43:00.004-05:00

Red Berry Mansion, San Antonio, TX
October 30, 2010

This past Saturday was Amy and Gary’s wedding at Red Berry Mansion in San Antonio, TX. We had spent over a year planning this glorious wedding, and Amy was totally ready to be married! The day was beautiful, and the temperature was perfect!
We arrived at Red Berry Mansion bright and early in the morning and started an all day set-up. The ceremony was at 4:00pm.

The guests entered Red Berry estate by coming through the mansion. We had a gift table and registration table inside the house – giving the guests a glimpse of the life of Red Berry. The guests then proceeded outside to sit in white garden chairs over looking the lake. Amy and Gary had a short Christian ceremony – with a stringed quartet playing throughout! Instead of a typical unity candle service, Amy had a combination communion/unity service. It represented the two families coming together and was quite special. The ceremony ended with all guests being invited to shower the couple with red rose petals ~ and they were showered with petals!! What fun!!

Following the ceremony, the guests returned inside the mansion for cocktails and appetizers. The guests were welcome to visit the different rooms of the home – exploring and learning about the life of Mr. Red Berry. Once pictures were finished, the bride and groom joined their guests inside.

Next, we were ready for the reception ~where the guests were invited outside. We had open seating around the massive swimming pool that overlooks the lake. It was stunning! The bride and groom entered to a naval sword ceremony – it was very impressive!!

Amy’s color choices were contemporary and stunning. Amy just loves color, so we had purple and silver bengaline linen on our tables. (We had a combination of table shapes as well.) Lounge furniture and a contemporary bar were added in the make the scene look contemporary and very South Beach.

The flowers that were placed on the table were like icing on a cake! What a stunning combination! Planning and designing tables, plus adding things like paper choices and napkin colors – just add to the overall beauty of the event! Everything was just gorgeous and Amy was very happy.

The dinner was buffet style around the fountain area. Elegant Events went from table to table chiming guests – to let them know it was their turn to go through the buffet. The dinner was great, and then everyone was ready for cake!

Amy is quite the cake aficionado– so – for the bride’s cake, she had a local baker display about 7 different flavors of cake. Yum! Amy was also very excited about her groom’s cake, for she wanted to honor her new husband his navy career! So, she had a carrier plane ship as the cake – and then had a jet and flight crew on board as the décor. Amy really got into the details on this cake!
Everyone had a blast exploring the variety of cake flavors.

Then, of course – it was time for the dancing, and we had a live band on deck – performing for the rest of the evening! Everyone had such a fun time dancing – enjoying the fall weather – and the mansion and all that it had to offer!

Amy and Gary had a great time. It was so much fun – making memories with friends and family!!! (That is what it is all about!) I can’t wait to see the photos from the photographer!!!

If you are interested in having a coordinator, planner and designer for your wedding, please call us at Elegant Event,s and we will make your dreams come true!

Camp Waldemar, Hunt, TX

2010-10-11T18:40:00.006-05:00

We have just completed a most fabulous 3 day weekend at Camp Waldemar in Hunt, TX. Our bride, Lindsay, had attended camp for many years, as well as had been a camp counselor. So, camp life was very important to this bride! Lindsay also loved showing her guests the camp; as well as sharing the Texas Hill Country to many of her friends and family.

Not only did we have a spectacular event. To add to the fun, the guests were invited to stay in the cabins and each day partake in camp activities. Some of the things that the couple has planned were: volleyball, kickball, canoeing, swimming in the Guadalupe River, croquet, horseback riding, tennis… and even a golf outing was planned by dad! You name it, and it was available!!

We started this fabulous weekend with the set-up of a 60 x 60 pole tent on the camp’s lawn on Wednesday, plus the delivery of all the tables, chairs, linen ….

So, this was a big day!!!

Thursday was the Rehearsal Dinner in the Dining Hall of the Camp, hosted by the groom’s parents. We had about 55 guests for a scrumptious four course “wild game” dinner. There were many a toast and a good time had by all. I must say that the linen colors chosen fitted this room and the theme perfectly! The walls of the dining hall are limestone and quartz; and the bride’s colors of orange and brown looked spectacular in this space. We had up lighting of the walls and flowers to die for ~ to make a fabulous room. (My pictures can’t do the room justice! I can’t wait to see what the photographer has for us!)

The next day, or Friday, we had a welcome dinner – called the "Howdy Party” for about 236 guests in the Playhouse of the Camp. This party had a welcome to Texas theme. We had huge cowboy boots as a backdrop to the area. There were wooden tables with TX star tin lanterns, as well as additional tables with floral and cactus centerpieces. The buffet had Texas stars on them, as well as a menu chalk board that had the nights barbeque listed on it! A Dj was present to keep the party flowing – as well as a line dance instructor! A montage of the couples life was also shown ~ making the moment a trip down memory lane.

Everyone had a blast dancing and drinking Texas longnecks!

Saturday was the wedding for 255 guests!!! The ceremony was in the camps outdoor – Tejas Chapel. Cushions were placed on the stone steps so that all the guests would be comfortable. The guests looked down at the couple as they said their vows – with a backdrop of a large iron cross and he Guadalupe River. (Several horses were interested in the covenant of marriage, and intently listened from across the river.)

Following the ceremony, the guests were lead by local mariachis to the pier, where they enjoyed cocktails and appetizers– while the bridal party were taking photos.

As the sun was setting, the guests were lead into the huge tent for a wonderful dinner. Guitar music filled the air ~ as guests enjoyed the meal and the ambiance of the Texas Hill Country. What a setting~ with a juxtaposition of the natural setting and elegance!

The party did not end here! Next we moved into the camp’s Lodge – were the party continued with live music and dancing ~ well into the night! A luminary paths lead the guests from the tent into the Lodge. We had bride and groom’s cake, and two late night snacks (pigs in a blanket and ice cream)!! Everyone had so much fun! Between staying in the camp cabins, and having breakfast and lunch together each day; add in all the fun, special parties ~ this was an event to remember for all!

2009-11-12T00:16:00.004-06:00

Destination wedding – Italy

Are you looking for the most fabulous, intimate place in Italy to have your destination wedding? This summer my husband and I spent some time touring northern Italy and wondered upon the most stunning, romantic villa in Tuscany. If you look at the attached pictures – you will see that it is truly a magnificent place. The villa does come with a chapel – so you don’t even have to leave the grounds.

The sleeping rooms – well – there are 27 to choose from – varying in price and size. The estate does have a swimming pool for summer visits.

There are two restaurants, but the inside restaurant reminds me of the old cave feeling establishments- even though it once was a stable. It is just stunning!

The villa was built in the 1300’s. The rooms overlook the Val di Chaina valley. The scenery is just like all the paintings you see of Tuscany with the rolling hills and Italian Cypress trees – dotting the landscape.

If you are a foodie – then this area is just superb for that also. Everything is grown fresh – served wonderfully tasteful and healthy. Some of Italy’s best grapes are grown nearby. Olive trees abound! What more could you ask for?!

If you are up for a most fabulous destination wedding in Italy, please do call for details!

New and Fun Desserts

2009-11-02T19:59:00.008-06:00

I wanted to chat with you about some new things out there in the wedding world.

I had a wedding on Sept. 6^th, and we had cake balls as part of the dessert. You say cake balls – what’s that? It’s a new trend in desserts. Many times we have this glamorous, huge cake for the bride, and we don’t know what to do for the groom. His cake or dessert is usually something fun. Well, cake balls are now in!! They are so in – that at Steven and Leslie’s wedding, we weren’t sure how many to buy. So, Leslie purchased 2 per guest. (With 230 guests – that was quite a display of cake balls!) Leslie and Steven had about 8 flavors of cake balls. WELL --- the cake balls were such a success that the guests did not wait for dessert time to get started. They were drawn to this unusual looking table. Ladies were shoving cake balls in their purses for the grandchildren – and they were all gone in no time flat! ( Each one is individually wrapped - so guests didn't have purses full of icing!!) I am not sure if cake balls have made it to San Antonio yet, but Leslie and Steven purchased theirs in Austin at Holy Cacao.

Being in the wedding business – I get all kinds of magazines, and I have recently seen an article about Ice Cream Lollipops. So – we have this new concept of having a lollipop for dessert– plus we have interesting flavors inside. What do you think of raspberry chocolate chili or salted caramel pecan or orange pistachio? So – we have fun on the outside plus unique inside!! This totally should get the guests up and talking!!! You can find these desserts at Philip R’s. They are all handmade – and should be very good!

Curtain Call

2008-12-09T10:25:00.004-06:00

Beaded curtains typically conjure ideas of hole-in-wall gas stations or 1960's orange shag rugs and wood panelling. But certainly, with the reemergence of mid-century style, the beaded curtain has taken its curtain call - and the final act is a plethora of styles and shapes.

Recently, I introduced 4 massive, iridescent beaded columns as a major creative element in a wedding at The Pearl Stable in San Antonio, Texas. Our goal was to develop a design that fused the bride and groom's Philippine heritage, with their love for color and all things tropical. We chose a bright blue as our base color, adding floral accents of cymbidium orchids, golden yellow tulip and hot pink roses. The bride wanted to add an element that glamorized the tropical feel - that's where we added the columns. There are several large supports throughout the ballroom at The Pearl Stable - we purchased custom beaded columns the we attached at the ceiling and that hung around the columns to the floor. The columns were lit with bright blue from the top.

Guests gasped as the entered the space and saw the massive glimmering curtains that looked like crystal rain as they poured down the columns to the floor - they conjured images of a tropical monsoon. They were absolutely stunning as well as versatile and hope to use them in various designs in new and creative ways.

Botanical Gardens Wedding and Reception

2008-10-26T00:26:00.002-05:00

I am just home from Jessica and Ryan’s wedding at the Auld House of the Botanical Gardens in San Antonio. If you want an outdoor style wedding – but yet be in the city – then the Botanical Gardens is the place. They have several sites to choose from.

Since Jessica and Ryan were having a small and intimate affair, they choose the Auld House – which fits about 50 guests. The were allowed to have a DJ and have outdoor amplification – which many places downtown San Antonio do not allow. They definitely had the garden feel as well as a country feel in the Auld House – which is a chinked log cabin. ( It has heat and air conditioning too – as well as a fireplace at one end!)

The RK Group of San Antonio catered the event – and they did a fabulous job! The staffing was tremendous and the food displays were awesome!

Jessica and Ryan were very pleased! As event planners and coordinators in San Antonio– that is all we really want to hear at the end of the night!

Congratulations to another happy couple!

2008-10-19T23:29:00.005-05:00

Back Yard Soiree

As event planners and designers, we love to do events in our own backyard! Here in the Texas Hill Country, we have majestic oak trees and sunsets that are spectacular! We recently did a back yard dinner for a crowd of 65 guests. A “French country” theme was chosen – and we decided to serve a hearty country meal. We started with a mozzarella and heirloom tomato salad. For the entrée, we served lamb bucco, polenta and a vegetable. There was so much food there, we couldn’t eat it all! For dessert, we had an amazing Texas Trio of Luckenbach Pecan Cheese cake, Mexico flourless Chocolate cake and a caramelized Fredericksburg peach crème brulee.

To compliment this theme – we ate family style using the new 8’ x 40” tables that are now available in San Antonio. We are always looking for something different – and this new extra width – really made the guests comfortable! It was so cozy and romantic. We ate and watched the sunset over the hills. The flowers on the tables were long and low – as well, we had many candles on hand for great ambiance!

It was a great party – everyone loved the food from Azuca World Cuisine – and the party was a great success!

Black and White Themed Wedding

2008-10-14T14:23:00.009-05:00

Kaitlin and Brady were married in June at Kairos in Fredericksburg Texas. Kaitlin and Brady both live in North Dakota, but wanted to come home for a fabulous Hill Country wedding. A small and intimate guest list was prepared – and all details were made for a black and white themed wedding. We kicked off the weekend by having a fun rehearsal dinner at Hondo’s in Fredericksburg.

Then, onto the actual wedding! The ceremony was held outside by the enchanted pond. The reception was kicked off by a cocktail hour on the patio, followed by an indoor reception. Pizzini Designs did a wonderful job with Kaitlin’s flowers, making her dream come true. We added BBJ linen to the table as well as specialty china from a local vendor – all aspects came together to make a dynamite table!

As for the cake ~we have one of the best cake bakers around! Here in the Hill Country you can get cake that tastes good as well as being a real work of art. Kaitlin provided the baker with sketches of her cake – and it was just stunning!

Everyone enjoyed the intimate setting. Kaitlin and Brady visited with everyone! Kaitlin was adopted, and her birth mother was in attendance ~ which made the day even that more special!

Hyatt Hill Country Elegance

2008-05-14T21:47:00.005-05:00

BJ and Guy were married on Saturday, May 10th at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in the Texas Hill Country. An outdoor ceremony was planned and decorated magnificently by Pizzini Designs of San Antonio. The entire theme for the ceremony was based on a photo from Grace Ormonde. The design team did a great job making the ceremony lush and attractive. We used the Hill Country live oak trees as a backdrop. The aisle was of red rose petals, and it was lined with florals. It was magnificent! If you are a flower person – roses, anemones, dahlias, orchids, and lilies – you name it – all were there in their blazing beauty.

The wedding reception was at the Hyatt Hill Country’s Luckenbach Pavilion. Our design team eloquently decorated it with curtain walls, and flowers everywhere. The Hyatt Hill Country provided a spread of food fit for a king and queen.

BJ and Guy left to a rose petal departure, and then they drove off in their golf cart – waving farewell to family and friends.

Every bride has aspects of her wedding that are very important to her. I can certainly say that the florals and linens gave this wedding added texture and style, making this Hill Country wedding totally exquisite! Please do call Elegant Events – if you need help designing or coordinating your wedding day!

Club at Sonterra

2008-02-26T10:53:00.004-06:00

Club at Sonterra

Are you searching for a venue that is on the north side of San Antonio? Maybe one that has a lovely ballroom – holding a capacity of 300 guests? The Club at Sonterra will fit your desires nicely! The room is large, and has great architecture. This past Saturday night we had a wedding for a lovely couple – Sara and Jonathan. The guests had complimentary parking. Then, when each guest entered the club, they were directed to a large and spacious ballroom. The ballroom has a pre-function area – which the couple used for appetizers and drinks. The main part of the ballroom was curtained off and had the bride’s cake on display. When it was time for dinner, the curtain wall was drawn, and the guests flowed into the ballroom. The pork entrée was great with a side of roasted vegetables and potatoes. The evening flowed seamlessly with the very attentive staff headed up by Randy – the captain for the evening.

The bride had red and gold as her accent colors. There were many antique gold pieces provided by her family to add to her theme. Sarah and Jonathan had a coffee bar – along with a hot chocolate station. Everyone loves candy, so the couple had a surprise favor of a red candy buffet for all to fix a bag to take home. It is so nice to see all the lovely accents that each bride chooses – to make the event special and unique!

Sonterra is a great site! Sara decided to embellish the room with gold up lighting. You can see that it added a warm glow to the room. The lighting also tied in with her colors.

I highly recommend Sonterra to any bride – especially those that are having a large wedding, and needing a place where all the guests can fit comfortably!

Wedding Decor and Design

2008-02-14T16:18:00.007-06:00

Design and Wedding Decor

We have just planned and coordinated two weddings – one in San Antonio at the Southwest School of Art and Craft and one in Bastrop at the Hyatt Lost Pines. Both were fabulous weddings. Both were small weddings. When a wedding is small, that allows the bride to have freedom with her budget and do exciting things in the way of theme and décor.

At the Southwest School of Art and Craft – a bride is at a historic venue that speaks so well of San Antonio. Outside, the site has two manicured garden areas plus a courtyard. Inside the chapel is wonderful. It has dark hardwood floors and high limestone walls. Since it was a chapel – it has beautiful stained glass windows and wrought iron chandeliers. When a site has all this architecture, not much is needed. This couple – Melissa and Lance – decided to add the contemporary colors of red and blue – to make an absolutely stunning statement. Ilios Lighting of Austin up-washed the walls with blue lights. Natural Journey Florist of San Antonio had stunning deep red flowers – orchids, roses, dahlias, callas – atop clear glass cylinders that were pin spotted. It was absolutely gorgeous.

The chapel is in “l” shape form. The guests dined in the upper area, and the lower area was transformed into a lounge area with a floating bar, and the bride’s cake display area. All that I can say is “wow”!! The guests danced all night under the massive chandelier – and made memories that will last a lifetime!!

The Bastrop wedding of Emmie and Aaron at the Hyatt Lost Pines had an aqua and white theme that was trendy and refreshing. We set the guest tables up long wise – ad we got away from the traditional round tables. Emmie had her long tables draped to the floor with white linen with a Nile blue runner down the center of each table. All linen was from BBJ linen. Emmie purchased silver candlesticks from Pottery Barn in two varying heights. She also purchased aqua glass Christmas ornaments from Restoration Hardware. We placed an aqua candle in each candlestick. To top off the décor – we potted white cyclamen in white ceramic planters and placed them in between the candlesticks. Each guest family took a cyclamen plant home with them as a favor from the bride and groom. I felt that the tables were stunning. I love the long clean lines look!! Emmie and Aaron had wanted to have their wedding outside. At first the weather was not cooperating, but at the last moment (2 hours before the ceremony) the sun broke out and the hotel was able to set up the ceremony chairs outside on the lawn. Emmie and Aaron had a lovely gathering with immediate friends and family – at a place that speaks of Texas and it’s history.

Our desire is that your wedding wishes- do come true. Every bride has different taste – which is a reflection of who she is!! It is our pleasure to work with each of you, making your day spectacular! Please do call upon Elegant Events so that we can help make your wedding – a dream come true!!

Big Wedding - Small details

2007-12-17T12:52:00.001-06:00

Cherished Friends

I always approach a wedding as if it is a dinner party at my house – just on a much larger scale. Consider all the things you might prepare for a weekend guest. Perhaps it is a welcome basket with a hand-written thank-you note and grandma’s famous cookies – or maybe a casual wedding-day breakfast with an opportunity to have a last minute giggle with the soon-to-be Mrs.
These little touches can be carried into the reception. I wanted to make my guests feel welcomed even when I was having pictures taken during the cocktail hour. I decided to make iced-tea stir-stix with a little orange flag on the end that read “enjoy”. I also included a unique favor – Colorado honey packaged in tiny mason jars and tagged with tiny hand-written labels.

Don’t limit yourself – the ideas are endless.

Big wedding - Small details

2007-12-11T14:04:00.000-06:00

There is nothing like an opulent soiree to mark the transition into coupledom. Where once close family and friends gathered for cake and punch, we now have elaborate towering displays of flowers and fondant and willy-wonka worthy chocolate dessert displays accompanied by a rainbow of signature drinks, French-pressed coffee and liquor syrups. That’s not to mention plush lounge furniture, lighting displays and departure by helicopter. These event s are celebrity-worthy and oh so much fun.

The truth is however, that as I have approached the big-day I wondered if maybe we are missing out on something. Certainly, these events are worth their cake-induced sugar-rush or Columbian coffee high, but maybe sometimes we loose the heart.

I’ve put a lot of thought into this – and I have planned my own wedding with intention so that at the end of the day my guests feel honored as witnesses, loved as friends and treated as royalty.

I think this is accomplished through the smaller details. The “wow” is just the cherry on the top of that gorgeous cake.

Throughout the next week or so, I plan to post my thoughts on this – keep visiting - this topic is close to my heart

Honored Witnesses

During the ceremony all eyes are on you – you are the symbol of love and your guests are your witnesses. I believe it is important to honor them as such. Maybe this is through a simple note thanking them for their commitment to support your marriage or maybe it is an opportunity for them to write their own love quotes or marriage advice.
I encourage you not to neglect the traditions and rituals that have been established over the years. They are a crucial element of connection for your guests. As you make your covenant to each other – your guests will remember and confirm the love-commitments they have made in the past
It is always fun to include your personality and your guests will enjoy insight into who you both are and your lives together. Perhaps you both write your own vows or decide to incorporate a new tradition that is meaningful to you both.

Orange – Fired-up and Re-introduced

2007-08-23T12:01:00.000-05:00

This year, the color orange will no longer be ignored! For years, it has been swept under the shag carpet as a fashion faux pas of the 60’s and 70’s. But with the re-emergence of retro inspired furniture, fashion and floral prints – orange is taking a stand in the wedding planning industry as the color of youth, strength, fearlessness and curiosity.

So who are its counterparts?

Firstly – acid green.
This intensely saturated color can surely hold it’s own against the fight of a fiery orange.

For Bryan and Samantha Sines there was no color combination that spoke better of their future lives together. With Bryan in the coast guard and Sam as an accomplished athlete, the two wanted a color scheme that was elegant and fearless. Sam chose to push the acid green to the limit and added vivid orange detailing that made the room come alive.

Secondly - chocolate brown.
Chocolate brown is an old faithful in the event planning industry, but its subtle maturity allows orange to be young, playful and curious.

In October, I am planning my own wedding at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Winterpark Colorado. With and elegant mountain theme, I have chosen both sunset and salmon orange to add a kick to the quieter chocolate brown.

Thirdly – natural textures.
Orange, in every shade and hue is most definitely a color of the earth. Think, African desert, autumnal New Hampshire, Aboriginal war paint or Californian poppies. Texture adds significant luxury to a wedding tabletop – try chunky un-died linen with a luxury silk Duponi runner.

Lastly – Toile, Floral and retro inspired prints.
Introducing a print allows a wedding planner to solidify a theme that can be carried through from beginning to end. Prints are incredible to work with in that they can be both trendy and playful as well as elegant and sophisticated.

The Wedding Paper Divas is a contemporary site that offers inexpensive wedding invitations that are fun and unique. Check out this simple floral print design:

http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/products/ProductView_177.htm

SaimaSays is one of my favorite invitation designers – she introduces several print-inspired design elements that she then repeats in different colors, sizes and orientations.
In her wedding gallery – view the invitation for Puja and Rabin:

http://www.saimasaysdesign.com

Try BBJ for toile prints:
http://www.bbjlinen.com/Site/search.cfm?ViewAll=0&CurrentPage=1&proid=1609&Type=Linen

Photography by: ColinCowieEvents

Lighting – the newest, hottest trend in weddings!

2007-07-18T22:35:00.001-05:00

Well, you have booked the venue, decided to stretch the budget and rent chivari chairs, you have the most gorgeous linens and spectacular centerpieces – how do you bring these items to life? The historical scenario would be that once the bridal party is seated and dinner served – that we would turn down the lights for ambient dancing. It is romantic – true! You cannot really see the linens or the centerpieces anymore though! Everything goes away in the dark! So – the newest hottest idea is to have specialty lighting. Some of our clients are doing pin spotting. That is where the lighting specialist – who is very good on a ladder – attaches lights high on existing poles and pin spots your fabulous centerpieces. While we have the specialist with us – you can discuss ideas such as having your monogram on the dance floor or on a wall. The lighting specialist also has the ability to up light the walls with a wash of color that blends with your theme. They can also project things – like tree patterns – on the walls. You can take any ballroom and turn it into whatever your dreams ~with the help of a lighting specialist!

Please check out the picture from Christine and Tyler’s wedding at the Pearl Stable on July 7, 2007. They had every other table pin spotted; a monogram on the dance floor; plus tree patterns on the walls! Quite spectacular!

Is an outdoor wedding possible in San Antonio or in the Texas Hill Country?

2007-07-09T23:32:00.000-05:00

We have many brides that love the outdoors or gardens. You may ask, “Can I have a garden wedding here in San Antonio or in the Hill Country?” The answer is definitely “yes”! We would like to congratulate Catherine and Whit for their lovely garden wedding at the Witte Museum. The Witte Museum has a butterfly garden for the ceremony, and an outdoor, grassed courtyard area for the reception. The Prassel Auditorium is there for the indoor part of the reception – all equipped with tables, chairs, stage, and dance floor.

You may ask how did Catherine and Whit dodge the rain drops with the San Antonio weather these last few weeks! It was truly heavenly that all stayed dry just at the right times. The Witte Museum also has the Memorial Auditorium for brides that need a rain back-up plan.

As a wedding planner, what trends are we seeing today?

2007-07-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

We are seeing many brides wanting a ‘vintage wedding’. There was much romance and mystique in the Gatsby era! Vintage may mean many things to a bride. Here are some of the things that she might be looking for. An old rock church that is warm and inviting ~ possibly stained glass windows, great architecture and color. For receptions, some are looking for the older type building/ball room that might have been built one hundred years ago. The Anna Griffin feel could definitely be in! Some of our brides like the glitz or bling of yester year. We are using candles, mirrors, crystals and pearls as part of the décor. We are not going vintage over the top, but in subtle ways.

The bride’s gown will look ‘contemporary vintage’ such as a gown from Melissa Sweet. She may wear a feather piece in her hair. For flowers – soft colors and peonies work well.

She may book a B&B instead of a hotel. Its vintage character and charm~ as well as enabling her guests to be all-together in a cozy home ~ attract her.

How do you accomplish this vintage feel in other ways – possibly have a ‘heritage table’ with pictures of great grandparents, grandparents and parents ~ in vintage frames. Choose a site with balustrades and vintage architecture. Hire a driver in a vintage car to drive you about! Have a butler distribute the seating assignments on a silver tray.

Tell us your ideas; we’d love to hear them!

Congratulations to Ashley and Szymon on their vintage wedding. Please look for their wedding story to come shortly on Elegant Events gallery page!