PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Kristin Spencer t w i n s tr i p p a n d q u i n n g ot a ll d r e s s e d u p to b o o g i e d o w n w ith th e i r f r i e n d s at th e i r ba llo o n - f i lle d b i rth day c e le b r ati o n .
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or two little guys who love to dance what better way to celebrate turning three than with a dance party celebration with family and friends. “The twins love to dance,” shared mom Kristin, “and since they were constantly reminding us of their newfound “Big Boy” status, I thought it would be fun to have the kids come all dressed up in their party best for a pint-sized toddler prom.” Festive argyle, polka dot and stripe patterns in bright turquoise and green set the mood for this fun get-together. Adorable mustache and necktie decorations left no doubt in anyone’s mind that this bash was designed with little men in mind. Guests had a great time boogying down in the balloon room and an adorable treat display by Sweet Indulgence was filled with enough cake pops, cookies and cupcakes to keep the dancers fueled for hours. Refreshments were served at the Milk Mustache Bar and Confectionery Designs created separate custom cakes for each boy – Tripp’s featured his favorite pal Mickey Mouse and Quinn (who according to his mom is obsessed with cars) had a replica of his grandfather’s antique silver Porsche. Kids and parents alike enjoyed snapping pictures in the photo booth and at the end of the day everyone took home a cute handcrafted tie t-shirt that Kristin had made as a favor. According to Mom, “Quinn and Tripp got a kick out of seeing their friends wearing them at school later that week.” A sure sign that this bash was a really big hit!
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VENDORS sweets display
Sweet Indulgence cakes
Confectionery Designs lighting
Ormonde Productions rentals
Rentals Unlimited floral design
Flowers by Semia photographer
this page: 1 | Tripp samples a chocolate-dipped Oreo treat from
Kristin Spencer Photography
Sweet Indulgence on his way to the balloon room for some fun. 2 | Pint-sized guests enjoyed refreshments at the adorable Milk
Mustache Bar. 3 | Fun patterned and personalized cookies from
See resources for additional vendors.
Sweet Indulgence played off the party’s bright palette and boyish theme. 4 | Handcrafted tie t-shirts were hung from a clothesline ribbon as a cute backdrop to Tripp’s custom-designed Mickey Mouse cake from Confectionery Designs. 5 | Quinn and his little girlfriend Calla boogying down in the balloon room. A labor of love designed by mom Kristin, the field of green below and blue sky above with pops of bright white clouds took hours and hours to create.
opposite: The amazing treat table by Sweet Indulgence was a huge hit with partygoers! Cookies, cake pops, cupcakes and candy were displayed within easy reach of little hands so they could select their own favorites and sneak a few more every time they passed by.
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WONDERLAND
Turning back the clock
TO T H E H E Y DAY O F D I S CO, G U E S T S S T E P P E D B E YO N D T H E V E LV E T R O P E S A N D I N TO A 5 0 T H B I R T H DAY PA R T Y F I L L E D W I T H A L L T H E E XC I T E M E N T A N D E XC E S S T H AT M A D E S T U D I O 5 4 FA M O U S . P H OTO G R A P H E D BY E R I N M C G I N N , A N D U P S T U D I O S
right lights, paparazzi, glitter, glamour and a pulsating disco beat. Back in the day it was all about “getting in,” so guests were thrilled to find out that they were all on the A list for this fabulous 50th birthday party that captured the electricity and extravagance that made New York’s Studio 54 the place to be and be seen. Decked out in their disco finery, guests were kept waiting outside as Felicia’s white stretch limo rolled up and she stepped out to a resounding round of “Surprise!” Down the red carpet and beyond the velvet ropes a collaboration of the areas best event designers and planners immersed guests in a spectacle of sights and sounds that epitomized the legendary 70’s nightclub that defined the era. “Kelli De Beau of Exquisite Events came up with the master décor plan that transformed the Varnum Memorial Armory in East Greenwich, Rhode Island into an incredible disco palace for the evening,” explained Event Planner Wendy Joblon of Wendy Joblon Events. “Tony Ormonde of Ormonde Productions found the original Studio 54 marquee lights that had hung outside of the famed New York club and installed them inside for instant atmosphere.” Ormonde’s additional theatrical lighting coupled with the kitschy décor styling of John Orton of John Orton Flowers and Events completed the authentic club feel. Staying true to the original hedonistic vibe that Studio 54 was known for, shirtless bartenders kept the drinks flowing at the bar and Chanterelle Boutique Catering provided tray after tray of amazing party tidbits for guests to indulge in. Luke Renchan Entertainment manned the DJ booth that overlooked the multi-level dance floor, illuminated with a replica of Studio 54’s trademark logo. Aerialists performed over the packed floor as famous local Drag Queen Kitty Litter belted out a few saucy tunes and partygoers bumped, hustled and boogied the night away to their favorite disco tunes.
opposite: 1 | In true Studio 54 fashion, partygoers are kept waiting outside the club by two beefy bouncers, hoping they are on “the list.” 2 | The original Studio 54 marquee lights and the club’s iconic logo by Ormonde Productions helped create the authentic vibe of the famous 70’s disco. 3 | The guest of honor arrives and gets the VIP treatment by the paparazzi as she makes her way down the red carpet. 4+9 | Guests came decked out in their disco finery. 5 | Images of celebrity regulars from the club’s hey day decorated the cocktail tables. 6+10 | Guests indulged in a variety of delicious passed tidbits by Chanterelle Boutique Catering. 7 | Aerialists performed over the packed dance floor to the amazement of partygoers. 8 | The original Studio 54 logo was customized in honor of Felicia’s 50th Birthday. this page: Beyond the velvet ropes, the event space was filled with all the excitement and excess that made Studio 54 the place to be and be seen. Original column lights from the iconic club and a replica of
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VENDORS event planning
Wendy Joblon Events event décor
Exquisite Events John Orton Flowers and Events lighting
Ormonde Productions catering
Chanterelle Boutique Catering rentals
Rentals Unlimited entertainment
Luke Renchan Entertainment stationery and party goods
Folia
videographer
Artistic Wedding Films photographer
Erin McGinn Photography
its trademark logo from Ormonde Productions transported guests to Studio 54 in the heyday of disco.
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p h o t o gr a p h e d
by
Amy
Dykens
fond summer memories and dreams of a romantic seaside wedding drew molly and conor to the chatham bars inn for a captivating cape cod wedding getaway with family and friends.
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aving spent many a summer at her parent’s beach house in Chatham, Molly dreamt of one day having her wedding at the Chatham Bars Inn. For the many who live and vacation on Cape Cod, the luxury seaside resort has been a renowned and beloved landmark since the turn of the century. “The setting is so exquisite and I love the romantic feel of it,” shared the bride, “the weekend after we became engaged we went to Cape Cod to visit the resort and once we realized that they could accommodate our big families with a lovely tented reception we booked the date.” Soon after, Molly and her mother met with Event Planners Stasia Anthony and Kelli DuBeau of Exquisite Events and Floral Designer Karen Taddei of Lilacs and began a sharing of ideas that would culminate into a classically elegant seaside soiree befitting the bride’s beachchic dreams. Inspired by the fabulous collections of vintage furnishings, antique vases and charming eclectic finds at Lilacs’ Cape Cod studio, the vision expanded into what Taddei called “a fusion of French country and romanticism.” Guests entered the tent through antique painted doors that held the couples initials crafted from pink rosebuds and moss and stepped into a surprisingly intimate room draped in billowing fabric anchored by elegant crystal chandeliers and rich wood floors. Flawless lighting by Ormonde Productions imparted a candlelight glow lending an ethereal quality to the space and a muted palette of cream, blush and soft pink accented with green and silver flowed seamlessly throughout. A mix of long and round tables filled with collections of lush floral arrangements of garden roses, hydrangea, orchids and amaranthus in tall silver urns, mercury glass vases and moss-lined vintage wire baskets added to the romance of it all.
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this page: 1 | The bride and her father arrive at the church for the ceremony. 2 | The couples’ beach-chic invitations by M. Smith & Company featured an elegant starfish design. 3 | ”Just Married” and heading to the reception in classic Cape style. 4 | A seaside portrait of the happy couple. 5 | Inspired by the French country theme, the bridesmaids’ vintage blue dresses and the flower girl’s blue sash were the perfect complement to the pale pink and cream bouquets and floral head wreath designed by Lilacs. 6 | The couple’s floral initials, hung on vintage wooden doors, welcomed guests to the reception tent. opposite: After pictures on the beach, Conor and Molly enjoy a quiet stroll together on their way to the reception.
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VENDORS venue and accommodations
this page: 1 | Silver beaded chargers with delicate linen napkins from Be Our Guest
Chatham Bars Inn
hold the evening’s menu and a simple, single starfish. 2 | A delicate vintage wire bas-
event planning and décor
ket filled with spray roses and moss from Lilacs is the ideal flower girl accessory.
Exquisite Events
3 | The tent décor designed by Exquisite Events featured dramatic draping and elegant
floral design and decor
crystal chandeliers that gave the tent a romantic, intimate feel. Lighting from Ormonde
Lilacs
Productions cast a warm candlelit glow throughout the space. 4 | The stunning wed-
rentals
Be Our Guest
ding cake prepared by the Chatham Bars Inn’s pastry chef. 5 | The newlyweds pose
lighting
with the bride’s parents at the beautiful Chatham Bars Inn. 6 | A mix of high and low
Ormonde Productions
floral arrangements, coupled with a variety of candles added layers of texture and
tent
visual interest to the reception tables. opposite: Long Tuscan wood tables dressed
Newport Tent Company stationery
with white linen runners and lovely silver place settings from Be Our Guest set the
M. Smith & Company
stage for lush floral tablescapes from Lilacs. High and low arrangements created layers
videographer
of texture and a multitude of candles added a romantic glow.
Artistic Wedding Films
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See resources for additional vendors.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY SNAP! WEDDINGS
A 30th birthday BRINGS FRIENDS
TOGETHER AT HISTORIC F O R T A DA M S I N N E W P O R T FOR A SUMPTUOUS “ P R I M E O F YO U R L I F E ” D I N N E R PA R T Y B E F I T T I N G THIS MILESTONE PA S S AG E .
“SOME SORT OF quote “A CREATIVE L I G H T I N G
here FROM THE BRIDE, OR PLANNER, OR P L A N I S K E Y TOTRANSFORMING
A R AW E V E N T S PAC E L I K E F O R T A DA M S .”
tony ormonde O R M O N D E P R O D U C T I O N S
THE
VISION Intriguingly inviting with a smoky, mellow vibe, the hallowed halls of Fort Adams took on an intimate, mystical quality as candlelight illuminated the casemates and the late autumn sun set over Newport Harbor for a special dinner with friends, celebrating Carter’s “big” milestone birthday. They say with the transition to thirty comes added wisdom and an appreciation for the well-earned finer things in life that define your adult style and a more refined way of entertaining. This “prime of your life” dinner party honored that notion with a sophisticated sampling of food and drink designed for more mature tastes. A mouthwatering menu prepared by Blackstone Caterers started with Matunuck oysters complemented by an impressive bourbon bar that served up Blackstone’s modern take on the classic Manhattan. Magical uplighting from Ormonde Productions highlighted the well-worn charm of the Fort’s interior and set the tone for a sitdown dinner at the long, dramatic banquet table styled in a masculine aesthetic with a modern meets gothic sensibility. Elegant, textured table runners, sleek white leather chairs and stately place settings from Rentals Unlimited created the perfect backdrop for a handsome eclectic tablescape. Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design blended industrial-style metal containers filled with chic variegated foliage and succulent plants with an unexpected mix of weathered antlers and vintage bottle candleholders that added texture and warmth to the table. As the evening progressed friends gathered for the ceremonious cutting of the incredible customdesigned birthday cake from Confectionery Designs, then the bar beckoned them back for another round of drinks and a rousing rendition of happy birthday with the night’s honoree.
DESIGN DEFINED at left: Inspired by the moody, mystical feel of Fort Adams’ arched brick ceilings and granite walls, the idea was to create a refined 30th birthday dinner that marked the milestone with a modern meets gothic sensibility layered with luxurious touches. The warmth of candlelight and exquisite uplighting from Ormonde Productions set the tone and Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design crafted an eclectic, tablescape from industrial style corrugated metal containers filled with variegated begonias, succulents and moss mixed with weathered shed antlers and vintage spirits bottles as candleholders that influenced all of the other stylized details. more >
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DESIGN DEFINED this page: Confectionery Designs crafted an amazing custom birthday cake inspired by the antler dĂŠcor details of the tablescape by Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design and the invitations
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Emphasis on the event’s color palette and a rustic, modern presentation provided a connectedness to the rest of the event. opposite: 1+8 | Keeping the guest list small and personal
creates a more intimate atmosphere and allows for a luxurious level of entertaining that guests will appreciate. 2 | Invitations set the tone and this formal suite created by Coral Pheasant Stationery + Design was designed to impress. 3 | Simple hanging wooden shelves were styled to echo the party’s design aesthetic and to add additional lighting to the back bar. 4+7 | Special occasions are an excellent time to pull out all of the stops when planning your menu. Blackstone Caterers prepared an amazing starter of Matunuck oysters with green heirloom tomato and watermelon-chili mignonettes followed by a delicious main course of togarshi-seared tuna with a wasabi-yuzu glaze and a mango and scallion jasmine rice timbale.
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5 | Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design used in-
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dustrial metal containers filled with organic florals and variegated plants that lent a masculine feel to the table. 6 | A creative lighting plan is key to transforming a raw event space like Fort Adams and Ormonde Productions did just that with a combination of decorative overhead elements and magical, mood-setting uplighting.
Repeating at least three key design elements helps to give your event a unified feel. We chose industrial metals, glass and organic materials such as antlers, moss and plants to link the dining,
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dessert and bar areas together.
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THE
FEATURED VENDORS Fort Adams Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design catering Blackstone Caterers rentals Rentals Unlimited lighting and bar Ormonde Productions cake Confectionery Designs stationery design Coral Pheasant Stationery +Design fashion accessories Bridal Finery videographer Artistic Wedding Films photographer Snap! Weddings event styling Claudia Seyffert
venue
floral design
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See resources for additional vendors.
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DESIGN DEFINED this page: 1 | Simple, yet stunning place settings are all that any well-dressed table needs. We layered a selection of chargers and china from Rentals Unlimited with crisp white cotton napkins then added a few unifying décor elements to tie it all together. 2+3 | This “prime of your life” dinner party celebrated the well-earned luxuries that define a more refined way of entertaining. Blackstone Caterers prepared a gourmet menu and an impressive bourbon bar that spoke to that very notion. 4 | The casemates at Fort Adams were resplendent as night fell over Newport Harbor. 5 | Inspiration surrounds us, so always be searching for the things that bring your vision to life – our faux deer head was a fabulous junkyard find! 6+7 | Fun, unexpected treats make guests feel special so include a few that they
might enjoy. Blackstone Caterers created these sweet and savory maple bacon French macarons that everyone raved about while some enjoyed a cigar at the bar as they read fun facts about the year the birthday boy was born from these clever trivia cards designed by Coral Pheasant Stationery + Design. opposite: This long metallic wood banquet table from Rentals Unlimited provided comfortable seating for 20 without sacrificing the intimate feeling of the event.
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F L O R A L D E S I G N E R K A R E N TA D D E I O F L I L A C S R E D E F I N E S
QUINTESSENTIAL CAPE WEDDING STYLE F O R O N E N E W Y O R K C O U P L E ’ S M O D E R N S U M M E R N U P T I A L S AT T H E B E A U T I F U L WEQUASSETT RESORT & GOLF CLUB.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Amy Dykens
1 arah had grown up summering on Cape Cod and the Wequassett Resort & Golf Club was one of her family’s favorite spots to enjoy a delicious meal and the incredible views of Pleasant Bay so when she and Zach began to make plans for their wedding day, naturally it seemed the ideal venue. “When we sat down with Amy Farrell and Kalson Pang to discuss having the wedding at Wequassett, their professionalism and talent for planning beautiful, detailed events was apparent and that coupled with the modern amenities that Wequassett Resort had to offer made it a perfect fit,” explained Sarah. “We also had a guest list of almost 300 and Wequassett, with their beautiful tented area overlooking the water, was one of the only venues on Cape Cod that could accommodate our large party with ease.” The couple, having lived in New York City for the past seven years, also wanted a look for their wedding that captured the casual elegance of the Cape, but with a more modern city-like feel so they enlisted the expertise of Floral Designer Karen Taddei of Lilacs to help define their vision. They decided on softer blues and greens for the ceremony and cocktail hour and then surprised guests with a palette of vibrant orange and fuchsia for the tented reception. A mix of long wooden Tuscan tables and skirted rounds with a variety of different centerpiece styles provided the nontraditional feeling that the couple had envisioned. Taddei’s masterful blend of natural wood finishes, sleek glass elements and contemporary florals resulted in a chic, oceanside style, perfectly matched to the resort’s elegant appointments, that is subtly redefining the look and feel of the quintessential Cape Cod wedding.
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VENDORS
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venue
Wequassett Resort & Golf Club floral design
Lilacs
rentals
Be Our Guest lighting
Ormonde Productions tent rental
Chase Canopy rehearsal dinner catering
Chapin's Restaurant & Catering See resources for additional vendors.
this page: Natural wood tables and chairs from Be Our Guest paired with sleek modern floral arrangements from Lilacs redefined the look of a quintessential Cape Cod wedding. opposite: 1 | The waterfront tent from Chase Canopy at Wequassett Resort & Golf Club offered Sarah and Zach’s guests stunning views of Pleasant Bay by day and cool ocean breezes for dancing the night away. 2 | Pretty place cards perched in a bed of wheatgrass by Lilacs. 3 | Wequassett’s cocktail hour raw bar, described by the bride as “divine,” overflowed with lobster, shrimp, oysters and more. 4 | The stunning couple just before heading to their reception. 5 | Elegant white draping and crystal chandeliers by Ormonde Productions helped transform the tented space into a chic, modern setting for Sarah and Zach’s reception. 6 | The flower girls pose for a photo. 7 | Beautiful blooms and an abundance of candlelight created an intimate ambiance in the reception tent. 8 | Soft blue and green bouquets by Lilacs lent an air of oceanside elegance to the ceremony. 9 | Signature drinks served in Mason jars with fun striped straws were a refreshing way to kick off the cocktail hour.
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B R E A T H T A K I N G B E L L E M E R I N N E W P O R T WA S T H E D E S T I N A T I O N O F C H O I C E F O R J E N N Y A N D M I C H A E L’ S R O M A N T I C S P R I N G W E D D I N G . PHOTOGR A P H ED BY SNA P ! WED D I NGS
enny and Michael knew that they wanted a destination wedding and had heard about Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island from friends. The location seemed ideal. They were living in Manhattan and their families were in New York and Connecticut so it would be an easy drive for guests and they could all enjoy Newport for the weekend. The couple made plans to see the venue in February and immediately fell in love with it. The only problem was that there was one opening left for the 2012 season (due to a cancellation) and it was three months away in May. Michael looked at his bride-to-be and said, “Let’s do it!” In record time, the couple went to work to make their wedding day dream come true and Jenny credits the natural beauty of Belle Mer and some very talented vendors for making it all possible. “We had no interest in taking away from the natural beauty at Belle Mer by over-decorating,” explained Jenny. “Joyce from Stoneblossom made the vision a reality with amazing flowers in shades of white, pale green and blush and we spent a lot of time perfecting the coloration of the uplighting with Ormonde Productions so the room would reflect the natural sky at sundown rather than a night club.” The result was a soft, elegant palette accented with shades of silver, which, according to Jenny, achieved the chic, romantic almost vintage-like look that she had envisioned right from the start. A mild New England spring allowed for a beautiful outdoor ceremony and family played an intricate role in the wedding, making it a day that the couple will always remember.
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this page: The happy couple captured beautifully by Snap! Weddings. opposite: 1 | Jenny and Michael exchanged vows under
a gorgeous floral-laden chuppah designed by Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design in an interfaith ceremony that included traditions from each of their religions. 2 | One of the adorable flower girls waits for her cue. 3 | “Our ring bearer definitely thought I was a fairy princess of sorts when he saw me in my dress,” shared Jenny. 4 | The newlyweds head down the path to their reception. 5 | Gorgeous arrangements by Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design fill the room. 6 | The bride’s palette of white, pale green and blush is the epitome of romantic chic.
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VENDORS venue
Belle Mer floral design
Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design lighting
Ormonde Productions
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cake
Confectionery Designs videographer
Mike Picard Videography transportation
Viking Tours & Transportation photographer
Snap! Weddings
this page: 1 | Elements of the bride’s wedding dress artfully interpreted into a stunning wedding cake from Confectionery Designs.
2+3 | The talented ladies of Snap! Weddings captured
every moment and every detail of the couple’s beautiful day. 4 | The place card table lined in springtime splendor by Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design. 5+6 | More lovely details captured by Snap! Weddings.
opposite: Beautiful silver containers filled with delicate spring blooms and surrounded by shimmering candlelight, by Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design, lend an air
of romance to the reception in the ultra-chic Salon at Belle Mer.
See resources for additional vendors.
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