Inspiration Board: Chocolate Twist

It's still Spring and in no way am I attempting to hasten the year, but our upcoming holiday season is going to be filled with weddings! I'm working with a couple planning an early November wedding who've chosen to design their event from the foundation of "chocolate" (one of the most elegant staples of wedding color palettes). To complement the deep browns and golds of their color scheme, the bride and groom may elect to infuse Burnt Sienna and perhaps a hint of Merlot. Here's my first inspiration board for this couple's nuptials.

CHOCOLATE TWIST

Credits (top, left to right): Flower/Twig/Branch Centerpieces atop Chocolate Linens; Staircase Wrapped Fountain at The Venetian, Garfield NJ (photo courtesy of Stephen Tackeff Photography); Monogram Glass Transfer - Wonderful Graffiti; Seated Bride w/ Chignon & Crystal Hairpins; Gourmet Caramel Apple Favors - Mrs. Prindables Handmade Confections;Photo Booth Rental (photo courtesy of Best Wedding NJ; "Grace" Ribbon Adorned Multi-layer Invitation by Jean M; Autumn Palette Floral Centerpiece (photo courtesy of LaCour Photography); Autumn Splendor Wedding Pen Set - Impressions Are Everything; Crystal Monogram Topped 4-tier Wedding Cake (photo courtesy of LaCour Photography); Candlelit Staircase (photo courtesy of Flickr); Hand painted Monogrammed Aisle Runner - Artistic Aisles; Custom Gobo Dance floor Lighting; Twig Votive Holders - Beau Coup

(NOTE: The photos from LaCour Photography happen to be from a wedding I am very familiar with. The bride and I were among a small group of women who planned their weddings together, on the Internet, nearly corresponding each and every day. And her special day was SPECTACULAR! Even 5 years later, we still keep in close contact. One of our nearest and dearest celebrated a baby shower just yesterday, which we attended and enjoyed wishing her all the best with her baby-boy-due-in-June.)

Comments

scam (skām): A fraudulent business scheme

Y esterday, I received my first wedding scam attempt (guess my latest marketing and advertising efforts are starting to work). I received an email from an "Irish" bride-to-be whose fiance was offered a job in the U.S. and needed help planning a small wedding in New Jersey. I vaguely remembered hearing of certain swindle attempts on wedding vendors (especially photographers and videographers), so my radar peaked immediately, however, I didn't jump to any conclusions right away. I responded to the email, drew up a preliminary proposal, quoted cost of service and submitted an invoice for payment. Nonetheless, when it became apparent that the bride-to-be and her French fiance only intended on mailing a cashier's check, I knew right away what I was dealing with ... a scam! I happen to know that international cashier's checks are not fully validated for 90 days. So even though the check may clear at first, if found to be phony, the money is later deducted. I must say, i

"Farm Sweet Farm" 1st Birthday Party

My husband and I celebrated our baby twins, Jonah & Gia's, 1st birthday with a "Farm Sweet Farm" party last weekend. The party was held at our home (aka The Anderson Farm ) and our closest family and friends excitedly attended. Honestly it's still difficult for us to believe a full year has gone by since they entered our lives, but one thing was clear from the beginning --- we had a lot to celebrate and we intended to do just that! Everyone had loads of fun; they would've partied until the cows came home if we let them. And since the guests of honor LOVE animals, the theme proved to be absolutely perfect for them and their guests. To most, I'm known for planning amazing weddings and bridal celebrations by means of THE BRIDAL PARTY , so it was really a lot of fun to step outside of my comfort zone and show off my versatility and range. I can't deny, this was FUN! I'm still quite "giddy" about it all. * * * * * * * * * * INVITA

New Beginning, New Life...Newlyweds, find your StyleScope!

Surprisingly I'm not ashamed to admit how much I adore shopping at HomeGoods (known for being packed with an ever-changing array of one-of-a-kind, and unexpectedly incredible finds from all over the world). There's just something about perusing their aisles and discovering those diamonds in the rough . So, to my husband's dismay, I am frequently "HomeGoods happy"...even recently taking advantage of an amazing sale on Lacoste bath linens! (yep, still somewhat giddy about it) Anyhow, as many of our readers are soon-to-be married or newly married, you'll have to take on the task of figuring out how your new home will be decorated. Unless you're a professional decorator, it may be somewhat difficult to figure out how yours and your hubby's styles will fuse, so just for fun take the HomeGoods StyleScope quiz . Find out what your decorating style really is and note the really great tips that will help you make the best decor decisions. Let's face

After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

Search This Blog