Hot Off the Presses!

"A Certain Grandeur" (pp. 78-85) covers the breathtaking marriage of Vannessa Abreu to Patrick Deyhle at the Venetian in New Brunswick, NJ. Olde-world class was seamlessly accented with modern elements in this palatial show-stopper. Watch for a variety of table shapes & sizes, along with a mirrored sweetheart table fit for a queen. What a magnificent ballroom! Featuring the incomparable photography of Josh Lynn.

We are honored to have not one, but three, Real Weddings featured in this edition of New Jersey Bride!

"Tropical Extravaganza" (pp. 172-173) highlights Ashley Newborn and Anthony Bertolini getting hitched at the Palace at Somerset Park, in Somerset. This event gets my vote for most PIZAZZ of the year - vibrant tropical flowers, twelve-foot palm trees, and a rock-and-roll back story. An animal theme was supported by a "kissing lovebirds" cake, live fish in the centerpieces, and having "Juicy" the Yorkie as a flower girl. All of these eclectic elements were woven together with whimsy by event planner extraordinaire, Jenny Orsini, owner of Pampered Brides Weddings.

"I Carry Your Heart with Me" (pp. 176-177) is the poetic story of the romantic wedding of Claudia Kim and Andrew Wu at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. The romanticism found in the grand ballroom of the Crystal Plaza was played upon perfectly with mostly black-and-white fashion and flowers, with the addition of hot pink for a trendy signature touch.

"Enchanted Garden" (pp. 180-181) is the must-see magical wedding of Dorian Muench and Kevin Fritze at the Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown. The scope of this vision knew no bounds as we spun a fairy tale with talented planner, Samantha Goldberg. Our largest production to date, the entire venue from ceiling to floor was covered with fresh flowers, greenery, and real trees. Even the chargers, napkin holders, and menu holders were customized out of oak and birch trees. Without a doubt, one of my favorites!

Congratulations to all four of our featured couples; may you continue to be happy and prosperous in 2011 and the years to come!

An Enchanted Garden... for Two!

It's not every day that we completely transform a country club into an indoor 'Enchanted Garden', but for Dorian & Kevin's June 19th wedding reception at the Springbrook Country Club, that's exactly what happened! Production started earlier that week at Delaware Valley Wholesale Florist's Edison warehouse, where pallets of flowers were used to create an enormous array of arrangements. A second design team worked from our Rockaway location, where Trish climbed onto the work table to reach the top of a huge topiary design.

Our task was to bring in a lush overgrowth of greenery and beautiful flowers, so that the space felt like a vast garden, infused with the wild and mystical forces of nature. Designers climbed ladders to adorn brass chandeliers and hang a semi-transparent organic "drapery", which blocked most of the invasive sunlight without blocking the spectacular view outside.

Two long tables flanked the dance floor and displayed a miniature forest of tree-inspired centerpieces.

Two square tables for Honored Guests were positioned prominently as bookends to the sweetheat table, and each was housed in its own black metal gazebo. Our designers customized floral chandeliers to perfectly hang inside the structures and provide overhead candlelight.

The rest of the tables were round and featured magestic colorful arrangements on black iron stands, crested with birch branches and lit from beneath by hanging votives in petal-lined glass cups.

Elaborate place settings brought the party theme within the guests' touch with real birch napkin rings and menu holders, as well as the surprising velvet texture of authentic maple chargers, all especially prepared for this event. Fresh florals accented gathered linens and natural wood chiavari chair backs. Even small details, like votive candles, became 'enchanted' with real moss.

Remember those topiaries Trish was working on? They were positioned as triplets in all corners of the room to bring floral spectacle up to the ceilings at every turn. Even the club's wall sconces were floralized - basically, if it didn't move, it was covered in flowers!





Foreshadowing of a metal gate motif was introduced to the guests at the seating card table, where a bed of colorful gerbera daisies cheerfully greeted them.






The sweetheart table became the focal point of the room by backing it with an incredible mantel display and a hand-made floral work of art, complete with picture frame. Inside the hearth, logs were replaced with a vignette of bright flowers and burning brown and green candles.








The anticipated reveal of the ballroom resulted in what every event planner and designer hope for: amazement and joy!! Moments later, Kevin and Dorian paused for a picture with planner Samantha Goldberg (left) and Designer Lisa Plociniak (right).









Impressive wrought iron gates opened from the cocktail space into the ballroom for a soiree that was, in a word, ENCHANTING!

Event Planning: Samantha Goldberg (http://www.goldeventsplanning.com/)

Lighting: Infinity Studios (http://www.infinitystudioslightingandevents.com/)

Venue: Springbrook Country Club (http://www.springbrookcountryclub.com/)

Flowers: Delaware Valley Wholesale (http://www.dvflora.com/)

Floral Design: A Touch of Elegance (http://www.njweddingflorist.com/)

Menus: Cherese Rambaldi (www.facebook.com/.../The-Honour-of-Your-Presence/42360368565)

Candelabra/Gazebos: Regal Candelabra (http://www.regalcandelabra.com/)

Entrance Gate: Ruth Fischl Rentals (http://www.ruthfischl.com/)

Westin Bridal Show - Jersey City

We brought a trio of different looks to the Jersey City Westin for a Sunday bridal show last weekend. Shows are fun for the designers because we get to play around a bit and try out some new ideas - like this massive mirror tower! Great for getting attention at a show, this show-stopper would be more appropriate for a seating card table, or it could be scaled down to work as an actual centerpiece.

In stark contrast, a classic garden feel permeated the neighboring table, accented with mossed candle holders and real birch branches holding napkins and menus.

A surprising pop of yellow at the base of a damask lampshade defines this modern design. Check out the incredible menus and napkin treatments on all the tables, provided by Cherese from Honour of Your Presence.

Some fab bouquets to accessorize the models working the runway...

These ladies knew where to find the finer things!

Stunning Winter Wedding

The A Touch of Elegance army stormed the Venetian yesterday for a 600 guest wedding set-up; the break down lasted well into the wee hours of the night. Our team of 23 designers and movers used a fleet of trucks to transport fresh florals for installation throughout the venue. Hawaiian dendrobium orchids were tiered and towered up for a seating card table beneath the gorgeous Dale Chihuli glass sculpture.

Other areas were adorned with all white flowers and vases, with gold candles as accents.

Descending the staircase for their reveal of the Palazzo Ballroom, the newlyweds couldn't have been happier with the incredible decor!

Younger guests were seated at long Tuscan-inspired tables flanking the expansive dance floor, to place them at the center of the action. Tall gold candelabra were draped with crystals and the tables shown brightly with candlelight at various levels.

Several square tables added interest to the room layout. They had unique tableware and linens, and featured smaller floral arrangements atop graduated mirrored columns.

The majority of the tables were round with gorgeous crystal candelabra and hanging spheres of hydrangea and spray roses. The stars of these impressive arrangements were perfectly-opened pristine white amaryllis blooms.

For a modern twist, the sweetheart table was completely made of mirrors, with mirrored columns flanking and a monogrammed mirror backdrop. White padding and fabric behind the table, and plush white carpet beneath softened the raised sweetheart table focal area.

Gold laden tableware, runners, and vases matched the ballrooms gold accents and added a richness to the celebration.

Congratulations to Vanessa and Patrick!! Many thanks to them both for including us in on their wedding day. Lisa and I were honored to attend as guests and experience the energy and joy of an incredible evening.