Bliss 2012 Features

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fabulous

PARTIES

stunning

+EVENTS

WEDDINGS

smashing

A regional resource for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Cape & Islands, Connecticut and New Hampshire

blisscelebrationsguide.com 2012

B LI S S color story

blues august

With the “August Blue” hydrangea at their peak, Laura envisioned a wonderland filled with them for her and Martin’s waterfront wedding at Castle Hill Inn & Resort in Newport. From the lush and lavish florals to the divine sweet treats, Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design and Raina Dawn Events worked closely to capture the breathtaking views at Castle Hill in every single detail of this summer seaside stunner.

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vendors venue & Catering

Castle hill Inn & Resort

floral design & lounge

Stoneblossom Floral & event Design Cake

Confectionery Designs rentals

Rentals Unlimited lighting

Ormonde Productions tent

Newport tent entertainment

Beantown of Wilson Stevens Productions transportation

Viking tours & transportation

aCCommodations

Newport Marriott Castle hill Inn & Resort valet serviCe

Valet Connection Carrie Rodman Photography.

Courtesy of Raina Dawn Events.

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See resources for additional vendors.

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MODERN Mirrors and crystals reflect the sleek city style of a glamorous couple at the Westin in downtown Providence.

this page: 1 | The towering four-tier cake from Scrumptions

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was overflowing with fuchsia peonies and phalaenopsis orchids, two flowers that repeated throughout the reception. 2 | The vibrant bridesmaids’ bouquets in varying hues of magenta popped against their lovely gowns. 3 | In addition to her veil, Krista wore

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a beautiful handmade hairpiece made of Swarovski crystals and

HIGHLIGHTS

When city girl Krista got engaged she turned to some of the area’s leaders in event design to execute a cutting-edge evening full of glamour and sparkle. “I made sure to select an A+ team of vendors,” explained Krista, “when you’re in good hands, there is nothing to worry about.” First up—flowers, and Joyce Holland from Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design was a big part of the inspiration. “We first created a fabulous, lush peony and orchid bouquet that mimicked her ruffled Marchesa gown,” Holland raved, “then we added Swarovski crystals for a bit of extra bling!”

When deciding on décor for the ballroom, the bride turned to Tony Ormonde of Ormonde Productions. “We draped the perimeter of the ballroom in sheer white fabric and illuminated it in various colors throughout the evening to provide multiple experiences for the guests,” Ormonde informed. To further enhance the sleek city vibe, mirrors were used everywhere. “We hung eight elegant mirrored chandeliers in the ballroom which picked up and reflected light so beautifully,” added Ormonde. A mirrored cityscape of flowers was also used to create the escort card table. Many levels of mirrored blocks, along with tons of sleek mirrored vases brimming with orchids and candlelight, created the stunning focal point as guests arrived. In addition, each place setting was adorned with an exquisite orchid detail, adding a little extra glam to this chic city gala.

vendors

rhinestones created by Nancy Rodrigues Spirito of Bridal Finery.

4 | The mirrored chandeliers from Ormonde Productions sparkled

photography

brilliantly from above, and dramatically reflected the LED uplight-

Kristin Spencer Photography

ing around the space. 5 | The bride was high fashion from head to toe in her Manolo Blahnik pumps. 6 | The model-esque couple

venue & catering

Westin Providence

had fun posing on Westminster Street with playful photographers

floral design

Kristin and Jared Spencer. opposite: 1 | The lovely bride and

Stoneblossom Floral & event Design

groom were all smiles on their wedding day. 2 | A stroll around

cake

downcity Providence captured the city chic vibe of the wedding.

Scrumptions

3 | A towering mirrored “skyline” created by Stoneblossom Floral

lighting

Ormonde Productions

& Event Design grabbed the attention of guests as they found their escort cards. 4 | Tall candlesticks and slender crystal vases

rentals

Rentals Unlimited

accented the head table, while glitzy chargers, linens, and white

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bridal accessories

slipper chairs from Rentals Unlimited completed the look.

Bridal Finery See resources for additional vendors.

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pure brilliance Adeline & Grace Photography

Luminous, light, radiant whites captivate and enrapture.

virtuous vellum

CUSTOM HAIRPIECE BY BRIDAL FINERY IN DREAMY SILK AND CHIFFON WITH SPARKLY ACCENTS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS AND RHINESTONES ADD DRAMATIC ELEGANCE TO ANY UPDO.

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vision in white

Innovative seating adds sophisticated style to any soiree. From AFR exclusively through Rentals Unlimited.

crystal clear

Lots of glamour and glitz in this magestic wedding cake designed

by I Dream of Jeanne Cakes.

Brian Phillips Photography.

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These glimmering chandeliers from Ormonde Productions are a clear choice for adding a romantic glow to any event.

Pair them with special effects lighting for a total mood altering transformation. Kristin Spencer Photography.

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mood lighting

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sweet as sugar These all-white cake pops

by Sweet Indulgence are confection perfection.

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The finishing touch for any special occasion, the elegant Ava bracelet from DuGan Custom Jewelers features baroque pearls, diamonds and oval faceted aquamarine stones.

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pearl finish

dream in cream

A stunning all white centerpiece by Twigs adds dreamy definition to the ethereal elegance of the Salon at Belle Mer.

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He’ll get the shivers when you shimmer by in these ice white duchesse silk peep-toe platforms with Swarovski crystalencrusted heals by Benjamin Adams at Shoes to Dye For.

Left: Gossamer folds of ivory organza are pure beauty. Chelsea by Wtoo at Occasions Bridal Boutique. Right: A vintage inspired column dress by Amy Kuschel, in rose garden lace and pleated netting, is grace personified. Available at The White Dress by the Shore.

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B LI S S style

pure imagination

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VENDORS EVENT DESIGN

John Orton Flowers VENUE

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet LIGHTING

Ormonde Productions CATERING

Russell Morin Fine Catering See resources for additional vendors.

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Floral and Event Designer John Orton of John Orton Flowers transformed Rhodes on the Pawtuxet into an interactive “Imaginarium” for the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island 10th Anniversary Gala. | Inspiring the imagination is a hallmark of John Orton’s style and the 10th Anniversary Gala for The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island is a perfect example of his flair for creating parties that are truly unique and engaging. “Imagine” was the theme of the evening and Orton set out to transform Rhodes on the Pawtuxet into what he called an “Imaginarium”—a place where art becomes entertainment and you can’t help but be drawn in by the magic and possibility. “Fabulous parties are all about memorable surprises,” shared Orton, “so we set out to create an event with fantastic elements and high visual impact. Lighting was key to the vision and Tony Ormonde of Ormonde Productions pulled out all the stops!” A glowing tornado made out of spandex towered over guests in the lobby and intriguing, color-changing orbs decorated the bar. Partygoers entered the dining area through two brilliantly lit, fog-filled magical tunnels of gossamer fabric and patterned light projections added color and impact to the room. Visually stunning abstract performance artists enthralled and entertained, embodying the event’s theme and encouraging guests to imagine.

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Serengeti Sojourn

A couple recounts A beloved trip to AfricA And florAl And event designer John orton brings it to life for An AmAzing sAfAri-themed reheArsAl dinner thAt invites guests on their own speciAl Journey, to explore the sights, sounds And textures of this

magical continent.

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“creative professional lighting has such

“Imagine sunset over the Serengeti, the inky silhouette of gnarled Acacia trees against a fiery orange sky. Majestic animals freely sauntering across the horizon in this vastness of untouched beauty.”

John Orton of John Orton Flowers vividly recalled his own African safari journey. So when Event Planner Barbara Beckwith of Excelebrations consulted with him for a rehearsal dinner party for her clients, he drew upon his own amazing memories of a place of fascination for him, and set out to recreate as much of that experience as possible for guests.

Working closely with Tony Ormonde of Ormonde Productions, they first focused on the essential element of the design – lighting. “Lighting was key to the theme of the party because it had such an impact on the mood and environment,” explained Ormonde, “we painted with light and imagery on the canopy of the tent to create a realistic and breathtaking safari landscape that set the mood for this event.” Orton then attended to the finer details by adding layers of texture, color and pattern to the space.

Long wooden tables were dressed with linen runners, lanterns, twisted vines, and brightly colored exotic florals, and then bathed in candlelight. Canopies of gossamer mosquito netting, vines and more lanterns were added above the tables. Aromatic spices filled the air from the food stations as the beat of African drums echoed in the distance.

Arrangements of exotic grasses lined the tent entrance and carved masks, antique baskets and other souvenirs from Orton’s travels, dotted the space and underscored the theme, transporting guests on their very own safari sojourn to Africa.

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impact on the mood of an event.

the blank canvas that is a tent canopy can be utilized to completely

transform

the environment, creating something

breathtakingly beautiful.” tony ormonde

o r M o n d E P r o d u Cti o n S

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John Orton Flowers lighting

Ormonde Productions catering

Russell Morin Fine Catering

linens

table toppers transportation

Viking tours & transportation Erin McGinn Photography.

Courtesy of Excelebrations.

See resources for additional vendors.

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pana cotta and crab spoons by Russell Morin Fine Catering.

3 | Unique elements from John Orton’s personal collection

add authenticity and interest to the event. 4 | Trolley shuttle service by Viking Tours & Transportation delivered guests to the celebration. 5 | Dramatic lighting and décor set the mood for a genuine African safari experience for guests.

opposite: 1 | “A successful themed event transports and surprises,” explained Orton. Surreal, interactive zebra creations were a hit—especially with the children! 2 | A custom-designed bar of hand-painted canvas and textural branches by John Orton is an intriguing focal point in the space. Dramatic lighting by Ormonde Productions provides breathtaking realism, transporting guests to the Serengeti at sunset. o

floral & event décor

this page: 1 | Exotic florals by John Orton Flowers added vivid color and texture to the tables. 2 | Enticing avocado

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