First editorial published...What's Your Vibe? by Lori Bova

I was tickled today to see an article that I wrote published in the Spring 2010 edition of Wedding Dreams.  This was my first venture into the editorial world. 

I felt privileged to be included as all of the other articles were written by the magazine's editorial staff. 

Cool.  Stuff.

After producing, designing, aiding, and assisting thousands of clients on their special events, it has become clear that it is often difficult for them to pick a look (and stick with it).  I have developed a system at Festivities to help the client determine what their VIBE is.  Clients purchase an 1 hour consultation to get started, then I work my magic.  At the end of the process they receive a fabulous VIBEboard complete with photos, fabric swatches, and tons of inspiration to get them moving down the path to a unified event.

Vibe is much more than just color.  Fabric choice, decor details, chair style, and venue, are some of the elements that play crucial roles in communicating your vibe.  Taking the time upfront to plan will ensure that your event is the truest expression of what it was intended to be.

What's your vibe?

-Lori

Giving back...A Murder in the Wild West

Festivities loves to give back.  For the past 5 years we have enjoyed working with the Ryan Gibson Foundation on their annual One Particular Harbor (OPH) fundraiser.  While Ryan lost his battle with leukemia, his family and friends continue to work tirelessly in an effort to raise money for a cure.

For the past 4 years, Craig and myself, along with friends Randy & Christine Meier and Darren & Susan  Cunningham have donated a dinner party for the auction at OPH.  The first year we produced an 5-course plated, gourmet meal.  Next we did a big pasta party for a large group.  Last year we did a 'Nawlin's style Mardi Gras murder myster dinner.  This year we stayed with the mystery theme, but went to the Wild West.

We girls sure enjoy the planning of these events.  It's a great excuse for us to have lunch together.

We go all out!  No caterers here.  We do it all!

Even the fellas have their roles.

There is a great resource on the web if you want to host your own murder mystery.  Visit mymysteryparty.com.  They don't miss a detail.  The cost is minimal and the benefits are huge.  Below is an excerpt of what you get when you download the party.

 MURDEROUS TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Characters

General Instructions for the Host

How to Play a Murder Mystery – Guests Instructions

Optional Pre-game Round

Round One – Cocktail Hour

Round Two – Dinner Hour

Victim Sign

Murder Mystery Investigation Sheets

Round Three - Solution Round with Coffee and Dessert

Name Tags

Menu Suggestions

Optional Bonus Game

4 Hidden Codes

Maps of Gravestone Cave

The timeline...

The clues...

The crew from Signed, Sealed, Delivered provided the theme specific decor with the help of Festivities on all of the rental items. 

The menu consisted of upscale steakhouse foods.  The fellas kept the grill going all night from the jalapeno shrimp poppers to the ribeyes!

Twice baked potatoes...

Blue cheese lettuce wedges...

Ohhh and the desserts.  Mini apple tarts, flourless chocolate cake, and homemade vanilla ice cream...

This was the motley crew that we served...

 Jim and Merry Lee Phillips were the ring leaders of the bunch.

He did it!

 Take time to enjoy all of life's festivities.  Make time to give back.  It will greatly enrich your life.

-Lori Bova

Heavenly floral color...

I had to blink twice after seeing this photo on the non-stop wedding idea express...Style Me Pretty.

Might just be me, but I'm thinking heaven must look something like this!  The soft and subtle greens, yellows, and blush tones are yummy.

Can you say hydrangea?  Quite possibly God's most perfect creation.  The blooms are so billowy and delicate.  Ever need a gift idea?  Oh sorry, I digress.

Now check out how they amped up the color for the reception by adding taupe, blue, and coral.  Still stunningly sophisticated. 

Goodness.  Gracious.

Blink.  Blink.  I do believe that I have just witnessed a little bit of heaven.

-Lori-loo (nickname courtesy of A. Hannon)

Published! Sweet Jaclyn Tucker weds Brad Julian

Festivities was so pleased to be part of Jacyln Tucker and Brad Julian's wedding day.  It turned out to be a unique expression of Jaclyn's (and her mother Monica's) sweet charm.  Celebrate Magazine, with the help of editorialist and paper queen extraordinaire, Amy Hannon of Sincerely Yours, chronicled the love story.  Visit Amy's blog for photos of the lacy and shimmery invitation that perfectly encapsulated the entire mood. 

The fabulous photography by Jason and Kori Hudson of the Hudsons Modern Photography captured every detail.

The cake from Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe was a real show stopper!  Wish I had tasted it.  I know that it was scrumptious.

As always, we enjoyed working with Lisa Rose of One Fine Day.  She always keeps the mood light and stress-free.  I can't wait until she has her new outdoor venue, Creekwood Gardens, up and running this spring.

My favorite part of Jaclyn and Brad's big day was the ceremony itself.  Jaclyn had a great vision of a warm amber glow to fill the ceremony site.  Using uplights and gels on both sheer and bengaline draping, we were able to create a romantic and heavenly atmosphere.  Guests were surrounded by the warmth and glow of the day. 

The reception was equally as lovely with Jaclyn's elegant style.  She chose scrumptious bengaline cloths in ivory, gold chiavaris, and continued the theme from the ceremony with more draping and lighting.  The floral details created by Julie Mendenhall of Jules Designs added a spark of fall color and drama.

             

The one memory that I will never forget from this wedding was the kind nature of the young couple.  They were so thoughtful, considerate, and gracious the entire day of setup.  Their sweet dispositions will take them far in life.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Julian from the entire Festivities' crew!

Can we talk fabric?

Alright friends, can we talk about fabrics?  I know, to many of you, fabric sounds fairly mundane.  However, in event decor, a fabulous tablecloth can totally set the tone for your shindig or soiree.

There are the BASIC...

Basics, like polyesters and cotton twill, are most budget friendly.  They are readily available in gobs of colors and can be paired with an overlay or runner to snazz them up a bit.  These cloths tend to lean more to the casual end of the tone spectrum.

There are the MID-RANGE...

Mid-range fabrics could be a shimmery lamour or bengaline.  These fabrics usually boast a little sheen to add that extra ambience.  In the rental market, these are truly becoming the mainstays and are most definitely worth the extra expense.  If you can't cover your entire table in one of these fabrics, consider an overlay, runner, or napkin on a basic cloth.

...and then there are the SWANK.

Okay, now we're talking.  Obviously this fabulous crinkle taffeta doesn't belong in any 'ol shindig, but it definitely has a place at your next soiree! 

Just met with a bride today that chose a dupioni silk. 

Goodness gracious!  I wanted to wrap myself up in all of its natural nubbiness!  While at the higher end of the price scale, a little of these luxious fabrics can go a really long way!  Think focal point and WOW! factor.

Consider the tone of your event before choosing your table linens.  The table tops typically end up being the largest surface area in the room.  Special thought on the front end regarding color and texture can go a long way to creating your signature look.

L.

Cross my heart...

I heart crosses! 

I have never considered myself a collector of things, but I certainly have lots of crosses around.  I love what they represent in my Christian faith.  I love how they look in any setting.  They warm my soul. 

I like 'em rustic and tucked on a bookshelf.

I like 'em silver and hung in the hallway.  Notice the really cool large one made by an artist in New Mexico.  She hand sculpted hammered silver onto mesquite wood.  Very unique.

I like 'em intricate and centered over my bed.

But most of all...I like 'em handmade by me and the mister.  We have had so much fun creating a new line called Rugged Cross Designs.  We just set up our exclusive launch at the fabulous East Meets West getWAXED! location at the NWA Mall.  Better hurry!  Supplies are limited.  Hope to be shipping some to a store near you soon!

Each one is handmade and one-of-a kind with crystals and glass.  We hope that you find some hope in these Rugged Cross designs.

-L

Valentine's Decor Meets Asian Fusion

I recently made another appearance on the Inger Show (http://www.theingershow.com/) to talk about romantic dinner decor in celebration of Valentine's Day. 

To tell you the truth, I have never been a fan of red roses and taper candles.  I don't fall in that traditional romantic category.  My aesthetic tends to lean towards more contemporary designs with a twist of whimsy.  Solution...a tablescape featuring Asian fusion that incorporated the traditional red and black color scheme, but updated with sticks, gelly dots, submersible LED lights, and square dinnerware.

Another fun touch to your special evening would be the creation of a signature cocktail.  There are gobs of internet resources for libations.  You an even google by color!  Who knew?  We chose a Rasmopolitan from http://www.marthastewart.com/ for our setup.

All that's left to do is to serve up some fabulous food (take-out works), dim the lights, and enjoy.  Your sweetheart will be loving you.  Watch out...Cupid's drawing back his bow!