For Keepsakes!

I am not a keeper of things…especially things with no practical use.  However, the more weddings that I am involved with, the greater my desire for the couple to have a memorable keepsake (besides each other of course!) after the nuptials are over.

Brides are choosing such fun accessories and décor these days. Here are a few things that I have run across that can be amazing mementos of the special day.

This dupioni sash was used at a recent affair as a tie on a cocktail table.

When applied to an amazing pillow, it becomes a fabulous touch on the couples’ guest bed, and a lasting emblem of the details of the day.

This monogrammed bengaline runner perfectly topped off the sweetheart table at the reception.

Now the pair proudly displays this souvenir on their dining room table as a continual reminder of their fabulous time with family and friends.

A sweet father-of-the-bride made this arbor for his daughter's wedding ceremony.

The couple was then able to place it in the backyard of their new home.

What other ideas do you have to keep the precious wedding day symbols alive well after the "I do"?  I would love to hear from you.

-Lori Bova
Festivities

Little teaser...Lucy McCulloch Semple's spectacular wedding reception

I have been chomping at the bit to share some of the scrumptiousness of Lucy McCulloch Semple's wedding extravaganza.  Amy Hannon of Sincerely Yours had the privilege of being a guest at the wedding and snapped a couple of teaser shots for us.  Once the photographer has worked their magic, we will post more.  Enjoy!

Guest tables covered in beige dupioni silk table linens accented with celadon lamour napkins. 

Ga. Ga.

One of the floral designs on the guest tables surrounded by fabulous mahogany chateau chairs. 

Heavenly.

Cake table covered in a puckered silk taffeta. 

Lucious.

Major props to the entire team:
Festivities
J. Bailey Occasions
Sincerely Yours
Distinctive Designs by Tanarah
Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe

Here Comes the Bride 2010...Whimsical twist on fall reception decor

Call me crazy, but I LOVE bridal fairs.  They are the time when the creative juices can flow freely.  The sky is the limit.  This show Festivities paired up with the fantabulous Signed, Sealed, Delivered crew for a whimsical twist on fall reception decor at the annual Here Comes the Bride Bridal Experience.  Anyone else tired of the long "head table"?  Check out our unique twist...a couple's table flanked by two sepentines attached to two larger rounds for the bridal party.  I'm thinking this is a winner.  Bye bye Mister Head Table.  It's been nice knowin' ya!

When you pair a rustic centerpiece (compliments of SSD) with burlap, moss shimmer crush, cranberry lamour, and great tabletop accents, what do you get?  Scrumptiousness.  Is is fall yet?  There were even custom placecard holders for George Clooney and the likes thanks to SSD!

This couple's table is my favorite yet.  The flocked taffeta linen was TO. DIE. FOR.  I loved the custom place card holders from SSD and the moss covered container for the florals.  Can you say PERFECT?

I love ceiling treatments.  I saw some inspiration on the web and the gals at Signed, Sealed, Delivered translated it perfectly.  It created the perfect chandelier for our couple.  Love is in the air.  Literally!

The giant urns connecting our head table added major drama.  They towered around 10' tall.  The layered look of the linens created a touch of elegance.  Texture and color were key to this overall design.

The Festivities' bunch would love to help you come up with your one-of-a-kind reception design.  Call them today to set up your very own VIBEconsult at 479.750-8981.  They have everything you need to pull off your dream look.  The talented team at Signed, Sealed, Delivered can add lots of exciting touches from paper to florals.  Check them out too.

I know that Spring is springing...but Fall will follow.  Enjoy the view!

Lori Bova

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.