tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68203252740832604592024-03-14T11:50:46.902-07:00Kate Parker Weddings BlogFollowing the Wedding Planning and Floral and Event Design firm located on the Seacoast of NH. Serving NH, MA, ME, CT, RI, VT, and NY.kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-7605782867860984722010-06-28T07:02:00.000-07:002010-06-28T08:02:17.797-07:00Chicago Out of Town Welcome Basket- the ingredients<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4741864129/" title="Kate Parker Weddings Chicago Welcome Basket by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4741864129_7ee3ff5227.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Kate Parker Weddings Chicago Welcome Basket" /></a></div><br />We love making custom wedding welcome baskets for clients across the country and this past week we put together and shipped 25 baskets for a client getting married in Chicago! I wanted to show you the finished product and some some of the fantastic items that filled it!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4741864593/" title="garret popcorn Kate Parker Weddings welcome basket by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4741864593_b40b358f50.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="garret popcorn Kate Parker Weddings welcome basket" /></a></div><br />First, this is the BEST caramel popcorn I've ever had in my life... In fact, we over ordered purposefully and we have a giant metal bucket full of this stuff in our office. Check out all of the amazing products <a href="http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/">Garrett Popcorn</a> has to offer- a staple for a Chicago welcome basket.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4741864313/" title="Kate Parker Wedding Metropolis coffee chicago welcome basket by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4741864313_f0c020a4c1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Kate Parker Wedding Metropolis coffee chicago welcome basket" /></a></div><br />When we started designing our line of out of town welcome baskets I knew I wanted a great coffee or tea in each of them.... we tried many many different companies and varieties and out of every city and state basket we offer, <a href="http://www.metropoliscoffee.com/">Metropolis Coffee</a> is by far the best coffee I've ever tasted... great people to work with, great packaging, great all around and the coffee is amazing!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4741864455/" title="Kate Parker Weddings custom welcome map by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4741864455_afc99b1704.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Kate Parker Weddings custom welcome map" /></a></div><br />Finally, we always have a custom welcome map in each of our baskets which includes 5 points of interest of your choice. We used to have a graphic designer in our office so we were able to produce these on our own... Now that we don't have a graphic designer, I attempted to make the map on myself before quickly realizing I was way over my head in Adobe Illustrator and I had to call upon an expert to help finish the project... enter <a href="http://www.gusandruby.com/">Gus and Ruby Letterpress.</a>... Whitney and Sam graciously moved a few things around for us last week to tidy up and beautify this custom map for Maria and Sam! Thank goodness too, there's looks SO much cuter than mine did :)<br /><br />There you have it, adding personalized and hand-selected products in our welcome baskets is one of the main reasons ours stand out. We think they're pretty well designed too, if we can say so ourselves! Happy planning! KP<br /><br />To learn more about our line of <a href="http://www.kateparkerweddings.com/">Out of Town Welcome Baskets</a>, check out <a href="http://www.kateparkerweddings.com/">our website</a>! We always make new custom baskets for any city/state/wedding destination!kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-47344762244711082212010-06-16T07:17:00.000-07:002010-06-16T07:51:11.315-07:00Getting your marriage license in New England<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4705829749/" title="marriage license by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4705829749_0ceaca2f52.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="marriage license " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Now I don't want to throw any of my past clients under the bus, so I won't mention any names in this brief but very important post. I have had more than one client come to me the week or so before their wedding asking if they need to get a marriage license in order to get married. Perhaps I'm assuming people are more aware of their responsibilities than they actually are, but I'm writing this to tell you one thing YOU, the people getting married, are responsible for:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">1. A marriage license. You can't just say you're married and it's official. Check with the state you're getting married in to find out their specific requirements. Every license has a small fee and some require blood tests, birth certificates, etc. Your wedding planner can't get your license for you, and it's literally the only legal document and most important part of getting married....</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">For our New England clients, here is a list of website for each state and their marriage license requirements to make it a bit easier for you:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><a href="http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/connecticut/index.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Connecticut Requirements</span></a></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><a href="http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/maine/index.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Maine Requirements</span></a></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'times new roman';"><b><a href="http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/massachusetts/index.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Massachusetts Requirements</span></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/massachusetts/index.shtml"></a></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a href="http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/new_hampshire/index.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">New Hampshire Requirements </span></a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'times new roman';"><b><a href="http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/rhode_island/index.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Rhode Island Requirements</span></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'times new roman';"><b><a href="http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/vermont/index.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Vermont Requirements </span></a></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><p class="h1" align="left" style="text-align: center;margin-top: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#333333;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="h1" align="left" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">For those reading this blog getting married outside of New England, here's the link to the entire list:</span></span></span></p><p class="h1" align="left" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><a href="http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/index.shtml">US Marriage Laws</a></span></span></span></p></span></div>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-74175234556915649022010-06-08T09:21:00.000-07:002010-06-08T09:43:19.518-07:00DIY- Tissue Paper Flowers<div style="text-align: center;">We have SUCH a fun rehearsal dinner/welcome BBQ for this weekend's wedding! One of our DIY projects for the event was making 200 over-sized tissue paper flowers to fill mason jars down the length of 8' banquet tables. This project TOTALLY brought me back to my 7th grade semi-formal where we made 1000 tissue paper flowers and hung them from the ceiling of the gym to recreate a 1950's prom theme. What's slightly more comical is that three of my male music major college graduates made the flowers for me this week and we wanted to share with you how to make them!<br /><br />1. Select your tissue paper colors. We went with a multi-colored theme of royal blue, orange, pink, and purple.<br /><br />2. Decide on the size of your tissue flowers. We took a 20" x 36" tissue paper sheet and cut it down the middle, length wise, creating two 10" x 36" long strips of tissue paper.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682038275/" title="IMG_1267 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4682038275_52764cd232.jpg" alt="IMG_1267" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />3. Decide on the scale of your flowers. We used 5 sheets of tissue paper per flower.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682039317/" title="IMG_1266 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4682039317_d9cda86fb6.jpg" alt="IMG_1266" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />4. Fold the paper "petals". Folding back and forth, create a set of equal pleats down the entire length of your tissue paper strip.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682667896/" title="IMG_1268 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4682667896_3c21a3e748.jpg" alt="IMG_1268" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682668034/" title="IMG_1269 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4682668034_a49900421e.jpg" alt="IMG_1269" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />5. Cinch the pleated paper in the middle of the strip. Using a pipe cleaner, twist tie, or wire of any kind, grab the center of your pleated strip and twist your wire until it's tight and you have a clear center.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682668774/" title="IMG_1271 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4682668774_7530b7ccde.jpg" alt="IMG_1271" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682668628/" title="IMG_1272 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4682668628_d30cc8f941.jpg" alt="IMG_1272" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682669054/" title="IMG_1273 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1300/4682669054_8d4d95308e.jpg" alt="IMG_1273" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />6. GENTLY unpleat each of your tissue paper sheets. Start on one side and work your way to the other side of the flower. Try to get the paper as open and separated as possible, especially as you get close to the wire twist in the middle of the flower. The more tissue you can open up the more full your flower will look.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682669158/" title="IMG_1274 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1266/4682669158_568e2b4880.jpg" heig="" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682040025/" title="IMG_1275 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4682040025_460cdfa8b9.jpg" alt="IMG_1275" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682669498/" title="IMG_1276 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4682669498_16a07dd6ea.jpg" alt="IMG_1276" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><br />7. You have one completed tissue flower! You can add a stem using a pipe cleaner if you'd like, or make a full bouquet of these flowers! Enjoy the project!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682040475/" title="IMG_1279 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4682040475_c4f1a0e4af.jpg" alt="IMG_1279" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4682669862/" title="IMG_1278 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4682669862_df77ca1915.jpg" alt="IMG_1278" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />KP<br /></div>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-80631061163895539962010-06-06T17:30:00.000-07:002010-06-08T08:22:01.573-07:00Destination Weddings- things to consider<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4325392417/" title="myKPW by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4325392417_376bd5537b.jpg" alt="myKPW" height="370" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Since we plan mostly New England weddings, with many of our clients coming from CA and NY, I thought I would mention a few of the things you should really consider when having a destination wedding.<br /><br />The first is what actually defines a "destination wedding". In our opinion, any wedding that asks more than 50% of your guests to drive more than 3 hours in one direction is a destination wedding. Because of the distance, a significant amount of your guests will need to make travel plans which is one of the reasons a destination wedding requires more preparation.<br /><br />In general, the most important thing to consider when planning a destination wedding is TIME. If you plan ahead you can reserve everything you need to reserve and you can communicate the appropriate information to ease the travel planning process for your guests.<br /><br />Many couples plan their destination weddings around their guests' experience. They want to make things as easy as possible in terms of their guests' travel plans, and they want to provide as much information and activities for everyone to enjoy once they arrive for the wedding.<br /><br />1. Overnight accommodations- we did just write about this and you can read the details here, but make sure you offer different price point options and room blocks if you can.<br /><br />2. Transportation- if your wedding is in a remote location in general, and/or if your ceremony and reception are in two separate locations, consider offering transportation for your guests from their hotels to your ceremony and reception.<br /><br />3. Save The Dates- creating a Save the Date is a major piece of the destination wedding puzzle. You can include as much information as you'd like in your Save the Date, including the wedding weekend schedule and accommodation and transportation information. Getting a Save the Date out to your guests at least 6 months before your wedding date gives them time to make the appropriate travel arrangements, as well as requesting any work days off for your wedding.<br /><br />4. Wedding Website- in addition to your Save the Date, consider creating a wedding website to provide even more details about your wedding plans. This can include things to do for the weekend, specifically planned activities,- golf outings, tennis, kayaking, etc. and any additional accommodation or transportation information you didn't include in your printed Save the Date.<br /><br />5. Welcome Baskets- yes, we make adorable out of town welcome baskets, but they really serve an important purpose. We try to fill them with local goodies and amenities for guests to enjoy but we ALWAYS include a local chamber of commerce map as well as a welcome letter from our clients and any additional schedule or itinerary they want to include. Something to consider including is any news on the day-after Brunch.<br /><br />6. Rehearsal Dinner/Welcome Reception- when planning a destination, many of our clients struggle with their rehearsal dinner planning as they know many of their guests have traveled large distances and many arrive the day before the wedding. Some clients decide to continue the tradition of their rehearsal dinner including only the members of the wedding party and their immediate families. Others decide to include out-of-towners after dinner for welcome drinks, and sometimes we create events where the entire guest list is invited to a welcome dinner the evening before the wedding. A great idea to include everyone, be prepared to adjust your budget according as feeding 80-100% of your guests is much more costly than your wedding party alone.<br /><br />In the end, many of these considerations apply to a non-destination wedding, so plan in advance, keep your guests experience in mind, and happy planning!<br /><br />KP<br /></div>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-34522456858411022032010-06-03T09:48:00.000-07:002010-06-03T12:20:29.063-07:00Out of Town Accommodations<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4667194992/" title="42-15655163 by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4667194992_1712050eb6.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="42-15655163" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When we get hired to plan a wedding, 95% of our clients are planning a <a href="http://www.kateparkerweddings.com/">New England destination wedding</a>. Because of this statistic, one of the first things we do for our clients is find them overnight accommodations for their guests. The quicker you can take care of this to-do item, the better, since there are many factors affected by these decisions. Here are a few things to think about when reserving your accommodations for your out of town guests:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. ROOM BLOCKS- some hotels will offer room blocks that you can reserve and offer your guests. Often times there is a reduced room rate with your block, but that's not always the case. In the height of the summer season in New England, many hotels will offer you the courtesy of reserving rooms because they will otherwise sell out. Some hotels will require attrition on the room block which means you are required to fill a certain % of the total block, often times it's around 80%, and if you don't, you are responsible for paying for the rest of the rooms. Make sure you check in with your hotel to see how your block is filling up. Many hotels start their room blocks at 10 rooms and then will continue to add to it as you fill the rooms. If and when you reserve your room blocks, make sure you include the name of the block on your Save The Date or your wedding invitation to make it easier on your guests.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. PRICING- we always suggest trying to get room blocks at three hotels around your wedding location that reflect three different price points to help your guests. Some people at your wedding might have just graduated college and don't have the means to spend $300/night for a hotel room. Some of your parents guests might want to make a mini-vacation out of it and splurge on their accommodations for the wedding. No matter the reason, try to find three different price points to make it as convenient as possible for your guests. One other thought, especially if you can't get a reduced rate for your room blocks, is to ask about a AAA or AARP rate. This can often be up to $10.00 cheaper than the going rate for hotel rooms.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. STATIONERY- please try to take care of your guest accommodations as soon as you can in order to include this information in your Save the Date and/or Invitations. We suggest including the hotel name, address, phone, website, room block information and pricing if you have that information. Also consider including whether or not there is a 2-night minimum.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">4. WELCOME BASKETS- if you'd like to include welcome baskets or welcome itineraries for your guests you will need to know where everyone is staying. Getting a room block at a hotel is the easiest way to keep track of your guests, since everyone will be in the same area. For the hotels that don't offer blocks, you will have to contact your guests directly to find out where they're staying. Write an email asking people to let you know where they're staying, include some sort of check box on your wedding website, or go old school and make a few phone calls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4667197672/" title="Maine welcome bakset by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4667197672_a9b9ebf987.jpg" width="360" height="460" alt="Maine welcome bakset" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">5. TRANSPORTATION- similar to your welcome basket situation, you need to know how many guests are staying at each hotel in order to reserve the appropriate vehicles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4667197624/" title="shuttle bus by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4667197624_82a217be37.jpg" width="500" height="370" alt="shuttle bus" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting this item checked off your list soon than later will help keep you organized and will help get your other vendors involved the information they need. Good luck with your planning and have a happy wedding!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">KP</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-38740618930677097342010-04-05T10:41:00.001-07:002010-04-14T12:44:38.878-07:00Amy and Sean Get Married<p style="text-align: center;">Hi everyone! We are back in action here at the KPW blog. my Kate Parker Wedding has taken up a lot of our time (in a good way) If you want to check out our new online wedding resource, feel free to visit <a href="http://mykateparkerwedding.com/">my Kate Parker Wedding</a>! We are hoping to post once a week here on KPW to keep things going.For our first time back in a while, we thought we would post about one of the weddings we are planning in June!</p><p style="text-align: center;">This year we are planning a wedding for a fabulous couple who's style is rustic meets vintage meets something fun and new. We were so in love with their amazing stationery designs that we decided to have some fun! We took a mini photo shoot of the invitations, map, announcement, envelope, and also their flowers (minus the craspedia) to show off their amazing wedding design and awesome style. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> This wedding has so many details, but in the best way there could be. There is baking twine wrapped around the invitations with two owls threaded through the twine and perched on the outside of the envelope. We have decided to continue the twine and owl design throughout the wedding and onto the napkins. By wrapping the napkins with baking twine and beading the owls through, we can keep the wedding design flowing, from invites to the reception! The couple also had the coolest stamp designed for them which is two little squirrels holding a heart. How awesome! The squirrel theme is quite venue appropriate since the couple is getting married at <a href="http://www.rdcsquam.com/">Rockywold Deephaven Camp</a> in New Hampshire. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The color scheme for this wedding is something new, different, and very cool. The couple chose an aqua-ish blue, red and a perfect shade of yellow for their invitations. For the centerpieces we designed a terra cotta flower pot and found the perfect shade of blue to paint over it in order to match the wedding invitation colors. We then glazed it to get a nice, finished look. Another aspect of the table scape is the cool fabric that the couple picked out to go under the centerpieces and over the off white table linen. The floral and polka dot designs of these fabrics are in great shades of red, yellow, green, and and blue. A perfect mis-match of patterns that will go great with the wooden aspects of Rockywold.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We are also very excited and proud to say that one of our myKPW photographers, <a href="http://mykateparkerwedding.com/vendors/NH/Photography/Studio-Nouveau.aspx">Studio Nouveau</a>, is shooting this wedding!</p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4494410028/" title="Amy and Sean get Married by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4494410028_4af1072e09.jpg" alt="Amy and Sean get Married" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a photograph of the inside of the invitation. The map of Rockywold and the directions from North or South are a great addition to the invites that help guests out when planning how they are getting to the wedding.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4493770141/" title="Amy and Sean get Married by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4493770141_6fca8d7c45.jpg" alt="Amy and Sean get Married" height="500" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a Save-The-Date for Amy and Sean. Notice the baking twine at the top!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4494410172/" title="Amy and Sean get Married by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4494410172_89ca7e4856.jpg" alt="Amy and Sean get Married" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the full set of the invitation. The pocket holds the invitation filled with info about the wedding, maps, what to wear, directions, and of course a place to RSVP. This invitation was printed on some pretty awesome paper that is made to look like tree bark. How cool!?</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4493780121/" title="Amy and Sean get Married by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4493780121_72a06f3d4e.jpg" alt="Amy and Sean get Married" height="500" width="375" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I love love love these owls (and the squirrels in the background)! The twine wrapped around the invitation was all done by hand by the bride. What dedication. I so appreciate the creative, skilled, hands on DIY kind of bride.</div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4493770297/" title="Amy and Sean get Married by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4493770297_4cce33daec.jpg" alt="Amy and Sean get Married" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello Campers! This is the opening of the invitation, a welcome greeting from Amy and Sean, the bride and groom. You can see the little squirrel stamp at the top of the page, tying the inside of the envelope to the outside.<br /><br />All of Amy and Sean's wedding stationery was designed and created by <a href="http://www.strongstudio.com/">Strong Studio</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">.written by allie.</div>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-25739598220292822922009-07-21T07:49:00.001-07:002010-01-14T12:07:29.029-08:00Danielle and Matt- a details video<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3491422631_2565443450.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3491422631_2565443450.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Check out this great video from Maple Loft! Danielle and Matt had great weather last July and we really enjoyed looking back on these details. Thanks to Claris Photography for the fabulous pictures as well! Both vendors are members of the MY KPW family!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mapleloftstudios.com/DanielleMatt/">http://www.mapleloftstudios.com/DanielleMatt/</a><br /><br />Check out <a href="http://www.mapleloftstudios.com">Maple Loft </a><br />Check out <a href="http://www.clarisphotography.com">Claris Photography</a>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-22369407935666617542009-07-16T02:53:00.001-07:002009-07-16T10:38:09.032-07:00Calligraphy- what you need to knowWe have worked with some very talented calligraphers over the past several years and have had the pleasure of meeting some fresh new faces recently as well. It made me think about how many clients actually know about calligraphy and how beautiful and affective it can be to incorporate its cost into your overall paper products budget. Today we will review where you can use a calligrapher and the costs involved. Yes, you don't have to spend any money to have someone else write everything out for you but that can take hours and hours and your time is very valuable, so you might want to consider a calligrapher! <br /><br />Calligraphy: n. <span style="font-style:italic;">the art of writing beautifully</span><br /><br />There are a few ways to calligraph using different nibs- yes that's a technical term. Depending on the type of font, a calligrapher will use a different nib to create a thinner, more flourished font or a thicker, more chiseled font. Some fonts are so thin and delicate that an ink well can't be used and a calligrapher will use an actual pen to create the lines of the font.<br /><br />Here are some examples of calligraphy in a more chiseled font:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/3726966008_8ac4a587e6.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 377px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/3726966008_8ac4a587e6.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/3727022786_fc095d441e.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 377px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/3727022786_fc095d441e.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The above two calligraphy samples provided by <a href="http://www.calligraphybyjennifer.net">Calligraphy by Jennifer</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/3726213681_50416b938c.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 376px; height: 179px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/3726213681_50416b938c.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3726213641_38033ce490.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 175px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3726213641_38033ce490.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Here's an example of a thin font that Jan has created:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3726966240_41386180f3.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 174px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3726966240_41386180f3.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The above three calligraphy samples provided by <a href="http://www.janboyd.com">Jan Boyd Calligraphy</a><br /><br />These simpler fonts would be great for a more casual wedding reception or maybe even a rehearsal dinner invitation.<br /><br />For a more traditional, formal font, take a look at these options:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3726160281_0389929e32.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 377px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3726160281_0389929e32.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3726160207_265c807b3b.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 377px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3726160207_265c807b3b.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The above two calligraphy samples provided by <a href="http://www.calligraphybyjennifer.net">Calligraphy by Jennifer</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3726966282_7ee7009ca1.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 437px; height: 204px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3726966282_7ee7009ca1.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3726160337_9241277fba.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 411px; height: 167px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3726160337_9241277fba.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The above two calligraphy samples provided by <a href="http://www.janboyd.com">Jan Boyd Calligraphy</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3726966466_b125e135e6.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 292px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3726966466_b125e135e6.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/3726966398_051f424e45.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 292px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/3726966398_051f424e45.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The above the calligraphy samples provided by <a href="http://www.tedclausencalligraphy.com">Ted Clausen Calligraphy</a><br /><br />You can hire a calligrapher to take care of the following items:<br /><br />Addressing Save the Dates<br />Addressing Invitations<br />Custom Invitations- they create one calligraphed invitation and send your printer a printable version<br />Place Cards<br />Escort Cards<br />Table Numbers<br />Addressing Thank You Cards<br />Specialty Signs- well wishes containers, signature drink menus<br />Custom Favor Tags<br />Custom Programs- they create one calligraphed program and send your printer a printable version<br />Custom Menus- they create one calligraphed menu and send your printer a printable version<br /><br />Cost for each of these items greatly depends on each calligrapher, how many years experience they have, and usually the style of font you select. Here's a ballpark of what you might expect to pay for each of the above items:<br /><br />Addressing Save the Dates-$1.25-$10.00 a piece for outer envelopes<br />Addressing Invitations- $1.25-$10.00 for the outer envelope, $3.00-$15.00 for outer and inner envelope sets<br />Custom Invitations- most calligraphers will charge a single flat fee of anywhere from $50-$150.00 for this artwork<br />Place Cards/Escort Cards- $.75-$1.95 depending on if the calligrapher includes just the guest name or adds the table number. Also if they have to calligraph an envelope and inner table number card that will be on the higher end of the price range. <br />Table Numbers- $5.00-$25.00 depending if the calligraph provides the paper and the level of detail of each table number<br />Addressing Thank You Cards- I HIGHLY recommend having this done for you so you don't have to deal with it after your wedding. The list is the same as your wedding acceptance list so send it to your calligrapher to not deal with the hassle! $1.25-$10.00 each envelope.<br />Specialty Signs- $5.00-$25.00 depending on the size of each sign and how many words need to be calligraphed<br />Custom Favor Tags- ask your calligrapher about this, their prices will vary<br />Custom Programs/Menus- similar to Custom invitation artwork, plan on anywhere from $50.00-$150.00<br /><br />Now on to the timing of things..... you should schedule at least 2 if not 3 weeks for your calligrapher to get your invitations completed. They usually have specific ways they like to receive your lists, but excel or word documents are fairly popular and usually okay with most calligraphers. For place cards and escort cards most calligraphers can get those completed in 2 weeks. A rush fee can be applied to most orders to get them done in less time, and figure a 10-15% charge of your total bill in order to accommodate a shorter completion period. <br /><br />Calligraphy is an added expense for sure, but it can be the finishing touch to all of your design elements- from your paper products, tabletop decor and even special extras. It saves you plenty of time too as it takes hours to write out everyone's addresses. Most of you who have attempted to write out 100 addresses know that after a while your handwriting doesn't look quite as good as it did when you started your project. Some people ask a family member or friend to address everything for them as well and although that would be very generous of that person, some people are very intimidated by such a task, worrying that it won't look perfect. So after all is said and done, consider working with a calligrapher to make your life easier and make your wedding design that much more special.<br /><br />Here's a list of noteworthy calligraphers we either know or have worked with in the past and we HIGHLY reccomend:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.janboyd.com">Jan Boyd Calligraphy</a><br /><a href="http://www.tedclausencalligraphy.com">Ted Clausen Calligraphy</a><br /><a href="http://www.calligraphybyjennifer.net">Calligraphy by Jennifer</a><br /><a href="http://www.lhcalligraphy.com">Laura Hooper Calligraphy</a>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-21427715698737593882009-07-15T16:30:00.000-07:002009-07-15T16:39:08.786-07:00KPW product line has been blogged about!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXNbUaGR9onQku51GsQd4d0GAzPziwUaBJQu2VNlqGfIRnIhc-ek9rn60qnNnlgfKQclgQlvbGZwStsY5SaCnYbuTHyaYoaLZu0Bkcll0aDzY9amX7_KqBWLpuCv_soTFnaQkmg5NI7M/s1600-h/logoblog+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXNbUaGR9onQku51GsQd4d0GAzPziwUaBJQu2VNlqGfIRnIhc-ek9rn60qnNnlgfKQclgQlvbGZwStsY5SaCnYbuTHyaYoaLZu0Bkcll0aDzY9amX7_KqBWLpuCv_soTFnaQkmg5NI7M/s320/logoblog+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358835246454180050" /></a><br /><br /><br />I am honored to share this great blog post about some of the KPW products we offer to our clients written by So Chic Events!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://sochicevents.blogspot.com/2009/07/welcome-your-guests.html">http://sochicevents.blogspot.com/2009/07/welcome-your-guests.html</a><br /><br />Thanks so much Shelby for blogging about us!<br /><br />Take a look at So Chic Events website when you have a chance at: <a href="http://www.sochicevents.com">www.sochicevents.com</a>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-78606377420976741982009-07-15T13:03:00.000-07:002009-07-15T13:17:40.057-07:00Meet the ladies of KPW<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3723967919_60006b9fc5.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3723967919_60006b9fc5.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />I thought it would be fun to show you who you talk to when you call the KPW office. Kate Mann has been with KPW for a few years now and we just welcomed Liz Sullivan to the KPW family. Lola, VP of operations, has been on board for almost 4 years now. Sometimes it's nice to put a face to a name. Thank you to Emilie Sommer of <a href="http://www.emilieinc.com">Emilie Inc. Photography</a> for taking such fabulous photos!<br /><br />Kate Mann, wedding planner, graphic designer, welcome basket customer service<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/3724776068_2acaa6e41a.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/3724776068_2acaa6e41a.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3724774966_5eefb6ba99.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3724774966_5eefb6ba99.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3723965431_60a0bb4793.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3723965431_60a0bb4793.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Liz Sullivan, wedding planner, MY KPW customer service<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3724775782_8083d0c379.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3724775782_8083d0c379.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3724775458_88160acc1f.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3724775458_88160acc1f.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Lola Parker, VP of operations<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3724777100_d31222ebfd.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3724777100_d31222ebfd.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kateparkerweddings.com">Kate Parker Weddings</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kateparkerflowers.com">Kate Parker Flowers</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mykateparkerwedding.com">MY Kate Parker Wedding</a>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-32460828200284583832009-07-06T13:14:00.000-07:002009-07-06T13:14:23.514-07:00My Kate Parker Wedding: The Wedding Budget- Tents<a href="http://mykateparkerwedding.blogspot.com/2009/07/wedding-budget-tents.html">My Kate Parker Wedding: The Wedding Budget- Tents</a>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-54288492989004267392009-07-01T08:48:00.000-07:002009-07-01T09:39:46.925-07:00How to make an Out of Town Welcome Basket- a tutorialWe have expanded the Kate Parker Weddings brand to include a number of products, most notably our custom Out of Town Welcome Baskets. We have been blogged numerous times showing off our products and occasionally someone comments on how expensive our baskets cost. While OOT welcome baskets are often a DIY project for many brides, I wanted to show you our process so you get a better sense of how involved they can be from the ordering through shipping of each individual basket. We will ship to as many hotels as a client requests, contacting each hotel in advance to let them know our baskets are coming. In addition we send each box with a list of guests as to minimize any confusion. I hope this tutorial gives inspiration for the DIY brides and maybe even some expert secrets and tips of the trade! Enjoy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3678078135_680d14d172.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3678078135_680d14d172.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br />The first step is laying out all of the containers and filling them with whatever filler the client has requested. We have a number of containers available on our website but are always open to finding the perfect item if a client is looking for something a little different. The same goes with our filler- paper shred, crinkle paper, tissue paper, natural burlap...you name it, we can find it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3657110472_8c69cdc231.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3657110472_8c69cdc231.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Next we add the heaviest of the items, usually the waters. We use local water companies within New England and then we use Fiji waters for the rest of the country. Sometimes we have them next to one another, other times we will separate them to make room for other larger items.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3656316417_824bc8ed4f.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3656316417_824bc8ed4f.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />For this Chatham, MA basket, we wanted to include a Cape Cod travel guide as well as a map of the area for each guest. We usually get this from the local Chamber of Commerce and often times we create custom welcome letters and maps for our clients.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3678077235_91781f10b5.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3678077235_91781f10b5.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Because this basket wasn't very tall we needed to roll up the map and local guide. It ended up being cuter this way!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/3678891958_d370e1c832.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/3678891958_d370e1c832.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />A KPW welcome basket isn't complete without our signature medicine kit which includes Tylenol, Advil, and Pepto Bismol. You never know how traveling will treat your guests.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3678891892_edeefd51a9.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3678891892_edeefd51a9.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Here is a photo of a completed basket. We like to include the following in each of our baskets: A sweet snack, a salty snack, 2 waters, a medicine kit, chamber of commerce guides and map, and an adorable container with filler. Some clients like to add additional items, some like a few less. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3657110532_951da0ddc7.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3657110532_951da0ddc7.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Sometimes we have to put items together in order to accommodate the size of the basket. Here we are creating bags of salt water taffy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/3678893250_0bc071b1f0.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/3678893250_0bc071b1f0.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Here we are making small 2 cup bags of the BEST caramel popcorn in the world, Garrett's Popcorn in Chicago... it is so fabulous!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/3678078583_c2d87861a1.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/3678078583_c2d87861a1.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />When the baskets are completed they are lined up to check for symmetry and to double check all the contents are included in each basket. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3656316853_a8e4232cd9.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3656316853_a8e4232cd9.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Packing baskets is not an easy thing, since we have to make sure the contents don't move or get destroyed in transit... we like to start with a large 30"x30" box filled with some biodegradable packing peanuts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3678893618_c1100cc23f.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3678893618_c1100cc23f.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Each basket is wrapped in bubble. We don't like to use cellophane for each basket- it's a waste of money and it's not easy for your guests to deal with.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3678078849_39ed42b166.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3678078849_39ed42b166.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Once the baskets are placed in the box they are covered in more peanuts and bubble wrap, ensuring their safe delivery to each hotel.kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-56554984739081804122009-06-14T07:09:00.001-07:002009-06-20T05:44:39.904-07:00How to make a bouquet- a tutorialThere is a LOT of labor involved in making a bouquet, especially for the bride. The size and shape have to be perfect, the flowers have to be the highest quality you can find, and the construction is very intricate. Then you have to add the usually complex ribbon wrapping to complete the look. I asked my floral designer to photograph the steps it takes to make a bridal bouquet and I wanted to share them with you. I hope this provides some insight to how much work is really involved in making beautiful personal flowers! Enjoy the tutorial!<br /><br />1. Processing flowers: Flowers are ordered from numerous countries around the world and are delivered to the studio in large boxes. They are packed either in 10 stem bunches or if they're roses, they will be packed 25 to a sleeve. Each flower will have to be stripped of its leaves and thorns, cut and placed immediately in water to hydrate, and then they will be ready to use. Depending on the type and number of flowers you're working with, processing can take anywhere from an hour to one or two days.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3639379670_8b760fb557.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3639379670_8b760fb557.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3638517257_bdd4af31d5.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3638517257_bdd4af31d5.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3639379578_5da3cf656b.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3639379578_5da3cf656b.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3639398184_6f246b73f9.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3639398184_6f246b73f9.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3639379816_4c738c0c26.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3639379816_4c738c0c26.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3638569521_af5bf49970.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3638569521_af5bf49970.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />2. Selecting the flowers: For a bridal bouquet, you can only use the very best blossoms. I usually like to over order my flowers by about 5% to guarantee we'll have a great selection to go through when it's time to pick the bride's flowers.<br /><br /><br />3. Creating the shape: Some bouquets are easier than others. If hydrangea is involved, it creates a base for the other flowers to be placed within. If you're using smaller blossoms- roses, tulips, lilacs, etc, they have to be individually placed to form a small cluster. Once you've gotten a base to work off of, you pick alternating types of flowers and place them around the bouquet in the open spaces, trying to keep the bouquet as evenly round as you can. Sometimes it's easier to wrap the bouquet in floral tape in multiple stages for better handling. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3639327412_6f06a45c36.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3639327412_6f06a45c36.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3638517331_40f0b63dbc.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3638517331_40f0b63dbc.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3639327552_eb80672ca2.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3639327552_eb80672ca2.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />4. Completing the shape: Once you've used all the flowers you need, check the bouquet in a mirror to make sure it's completely round- or the shape you're trying to achieve. Sometimes I'll catch Kate Sauer- our floral designer- asking someone in the office to hold the bouquet to get an even better sense of its shape and size. If there's a gap somewhere, now is the time to fill it in with an additional flower.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3638517081_9771ed42d9.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3638517081_9771ed42d9.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3639327374_06e00b4d4e.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3639327374_06e00b4d4e.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />5. Wrapping the bouquet: We like to use rubber bands first to get a nice tight grip on the stems. Next, we'll wrap in green floral tape to create the smooth surface the ribbon will cover. Finally, we will wrap the bouquet with ribbon, starting at the top of the stems and working our way to the bottom. We will always glue the end of the ribbon over and then attach it to the rest of the ribbon with pins. If there's a special ribbon embellishment- a ballet wrap or a simple overlay- we will attach that now as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3639327152_d2216fc849.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3639327152_d2216fc849.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3638516927_966c68bff3.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3638516927_966c68bff3.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />6. Spray-down, storage, and presentation: I might be a little over the top when it comes to spraying flowers with water, but it is a policy in my studio to constantly keep our flowers hydrated both from their stems being in fresh water and by spraying the flower blossoms themselves. We keep all of our personal flowers in the cooler in vases of water and present our brides with their bouquets still in water until the last minute to keep them as fresh as possible. We always bring a towel to dry the stems off before everyone walks down the aisle.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kateparkerflowers.com">Kate Parker Flowers</a><br /><a href="http://www.kateparkerweddings.com">Kate Parker Weddings</a>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-83842161575839394242009-05-28T12:22:00.000-07:002009-07-01T11:23:58.669-07:00Bands vs. DJs- a Band's perspective<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3639604902_e3f1ba165e.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 314px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3639604902_e3f1ba165e.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Keyboard player Mark Shilansky of the Hip Pocket Orchestra in Boston,MA offers some great advice when deciding on your entertainment for your wedding.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.Hippocketorchestra.com/">Hip Pocket Orchestra</a><br /><a href="http://www.musicmanage.com">Music Mangement</a><br /><br />Bands vs. DJs.<br />As a keyboard player who has been a full-time and sub member of some of New England's finest wedding bands (currently a member of Hip Pocket Orchestra, have played with Moment's Notice, Night Rhythm, Stardust), I'm obviously in favor of you hiring a band for your wedding or other event.<br /><br />Our singers interact with the crowd, often dancing with guests and leading dance contests and the like. As instrumenalists we can interact, as well, upping the intensity as the dancing becomes more intense... having seen a band like Earth Wind and Fire live, I can tell you it's much more fun to dance to them live than in my living room. A couple gets an even more special feeling if a human being stands before them and sings their favorite song, than when a human being pushes a button on a CD player or an ipod. And, with a band like Hip Pocket that has choreography and great soloists, the members of the crowd who don't feel like dancing get treated to a concert. <br /><br />Not to discount the value of DJs. They can play up-to-the-minute current stuff, and can also get crowds worked up. And I wouldn't recommend working a Bar Mitzvah without a DJ (and dancers) for the kids, as well as a band for the adults. But, if you have the money, it's worth the expense to have the extra warmth and energy a band can generate.<br /><br />You need to choose a band that is capable of playing the music you want to hear, or is capable of playing the widest diversity of styles imaginable, to meet you and your guests' needs. Ask if the band plays specific tunes by specific artists; a good band almost always includes in its basic pricing one or two special requests, with more available at a small fee. Try and hear the band live to see if you want to spend several hours with them. And, back to the diversity issue: our band can play the latest tunes from the pop charts (we're currently seeing the dance floor fill up to "Single Ladies" by Beyonce, and Lady Ga Ga's "Just Dance"), and disco and 80's classics (EWF's "September" and, surprisingly, the novelty hit "Come On Eileen" are huge for us), but then play jazz and James Taylor for the cocktail and dinner sets, and even provide musicians for the ceremony.<br /><br />So, thanks for reading, and consider weighing these options when choosing entertainment for your event! Congratulations!kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-49336162692235865312009-05-22T05:34:00.000-07:002009-07-01T11:21:35.952-07:00Innovation meets A Very Unique RequestI had the pleasure of working with Jen and Erik on their wedding last weekend at the <a href="http://www.wequassett.com">Wequassett Resort</a> on the Cape. I actually worked very closely with Jen's mother, Ronnie throughout the entire process, never meeting either the bride or her mom before the wedding. We did everything through emails and phone calls and Ronnie allowed me to design almost everything I wanted, with a few color and style parameters. One of the things I enjoyed most about working with Ronnie was her sense of humor. Kate Mann and I would be laughing out loud almost every time she sent us a new email. My favorite conversation about her flowers was preceded by an email from Ronnie asking for a special surprise for Jen. Jen and Erik have a dog named Tiegen, a Welsh Terrier. Ronnie thought it would be great to "include" Tiegen in the wedding festivities so she asked me to create a life-sized Tiegen for the place card table. Better yet, she asked that we used items that would give Tiegen her actual features and fur coloring, instead of a traditional flower topiary. Well, after saying YES as I always do, I had to figure out how to make this dog and get her to the Cape in one piece. After many KPW staff members' hard work and creativity, Jen and Erik loved see their dog at the wedding! Here is Tiegen before the ceremony.... ahh the things we do for our clients :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3678479265_7e0dcf1d56.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3678479265_7e0dcf1d56.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Thanks to the fabulous<a href="http://www.staceykane.com"> Stacey Kane</a> for taking the time to get me this image!kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-91180635606823495602009-05-21T03:04:00.000-07:002010-06-06T17:06:17.145-07:00Bands vs. DJs- a DJ's perspective<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40491122@N03/4595759714/" title="Brown Photographic by mykpwedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1153/4595759714_e88b0e327a.jpg" width="500" height="370" alt="Brown Photographic" /></a> Image from Brown Photographic<br /><br /><br />Dave Dionne, a DJ in Maine who has been in the wedding industry for the past 23 years has given some great insight to this subject. Here's what he has to say about the ongoing discussion!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.djsmaine.com/">Dave Dionne</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">One of the great wedding debates is whether to have a band or a DJ at your wedding reception. In either case you’ll want to get an experienced wedding DJ or band! A really good wedding DJ will have quite a few advantages over a band.<br /><br />Music:<br /><br />The total number of songs available to a DJ has no limits (especially for those DJs using a laptop computer and having access to the internet). A music playlist for your cocktail hour, dinner and the dancing portion of the reception can easily be put together by your DJ. That means having music customized to your reception reflecting your tastes. Bands on the other hand are very limited in their potential song selections. They follow their playlist and are completely limited to the songs they know (and practice) as a band. Your DJ will supply music continuously throughout the reception. Bands are notorious for their breaks. There’s nothing worse for the party than the sudden silence that accompanies a band’s break!!<br /><br />Emcee:<br /><br />Your experienced wedding DJ will be an excellent master of ceremonies. With experience at wedding receptions comes the knowledge of how to keep things flowing and when to make specifics events (introductions, cutting of the cake, garter & bouquet toss, etc) run smoothly. Clear speech and command of the microphone will make each announcement easily heard and understood by everyone! I’ve known of many instances where even the best wedding band didn’t have a member of the band who was an effective emcee!<br /><br />Cost:<br /><br />Here’s where the DJ has yet another major advantage over a band, cost!!! Here in Maine an experienced wedding DJ will probably cost you around $1000-$1500 for a prime Saturday between May and October. The cost of an experienced wedding band will be three to four times as much!!! </span>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-50454927454087370632009-05-20T02:40:00.000-07:002010-06-06T17:08:16.906-07:00Lighting- An essential design elementAfter working on the Cape this past weekend with one of my favorite photographers, Stacey Kane, we were chatting about a few moments in the wedding that we wished I had used some lighting for. The ceremony was under a beautiful Sperry Tent at 6 pm so although it was still daylight, it was difficult to capture the remaining natural light because we had a "ceiling" over us. One of my favorite decor elements of the wedding was a life-sized sculpture of the bride and groom's dog, Tiegen. She was the showpiece for the place card table and unfortunately she was in a very dark part of the cocktail hour tent and wasn't given her full glory. So after thinking about all of the lighting we've used in the past, from our studio or from hiring our absolute favorite lighting company, SBL Lighting, I thought it would be helpful to show you some images of weddings that used lighting as an important design element as well as a few shots without lighting so you can see the difference. Enjoy the images!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sbllighting.com/">SBL Lighting</a><br /><a href="http://www.longwoodevents.com/">The State Room<br />Belle Mer</a><br /><a href="http://www.sperrytentsseacoast.com/">Sperry Tents</a><br /><a href="http://www.staceykane.com/">Stacey Kane</a><br /><a href="http://www.clarisphotography.com/">Claris Photography</a><br /><a href="http://www.nelsonhancock.com/">Nelson Hancock</a><br /><br />The reception space in the middle of the afternoon.<br /><br />Images by <a href="http://www.clarisphotography.com/">Claris Photography</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3547778519_c56bf3b7a2.jpg?v=0"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3547778519_c56bf3b7a2.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Belle Mer with LED lighting elements in the ceiling an on the dance floor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3547778743_c70811b074.jpg?v=0"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3547778743_c70811b074.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />A stunningly dramatic cake during the day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3548589956_37b2fee185.jpg?v=0"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3548589956_37b2fee185.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />An image of the cake with lighting from SBL Lighting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3548591012_016bb4f092.jpg?v=0"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3548591012_016bb4f092.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The entrance to the State Room with lighting elements to add drama and the client's color palate.<br /><br />Images by <a href="http://www.staceykane.com/">Stacey Kane</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3547779443_56e4639a5d.jpg?v=0"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 332px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3547779443_56e4639a5d.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The State Room reception before it was evening.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/3638801697_0c93321fe3.jpg?v=0"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/3638801697_0c93321fe3.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Uplighting in pinks and oranges with round paper lanterns<br /><br />Image by <a href="http://www.nelsonhancock.com/">Nelson Hancock </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3547778269_9160b80906.jpg?v=0"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3547778269_9160b80906.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A shot from outside a Sperry tent with uplighting in oranges and deeps reds.<br /><br />Image by<a href="http://www.staceykane.com/"> Stacey Kane</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3547778281_08c07b2375.jpg?v=0"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3547778281_08c07b2375.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-26261708834397045432009-05-12T13:16:00.000-07:002009-06-18T13:26:53.698-07:00Vendor Interview Series No. 16, Julie Dunfey for the White ApronJulie might be one of my favorite vendors although I've only done a few weddings with her and her staff. Their food is unbelievable, their staff is incredibly easy to work with, and Julie is basically a complete riot to hang out with and I spend just as much time laughing as I do setting up the reception! Take a look at some of her photos and enjoy the interview!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thewhiteapron.com">Julie Dunfey for the White Apron</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3526639660_1424d5c484.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3526639660_1424d5c484.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3526639784_ae4bfa2c50.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3526639784_ae4bfa2c50.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3525832055_3922e07fc6.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3525832055_3922e07fc6.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3526640668_9efb6f99b7.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3526640668_9efb6f99b7.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3525833127_4a490ac246.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3525833127_4a490ac246.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />KP: What is your favorite part of the wedding process?<br /> <br />JD: Planning the menu. It's a curious thing. Usually when we are clearing dinner or cutting the cake I will try to figure out "why did that one work so well?" or "what would I change to make that better?" It always goes back to the menu planning. The perfect menu, makes the perfect reception.<br /><br /><br />KP: What do you love most about your job in the wedding industry?<br /><br />JD: The fun behind the scenes. I know I should say "oh the happiness of the bride", or love this or that. But we do have a lot of fun. I also know the guests are fascinated in the goings on behind the curtain. We strive to keep it seamless and get to that glass of wine at the end of the night.<br /><br /><br />KP: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?<br /><br />JD: That we have some super secret store where we get food cheap or free. And that our food cost is just what we spend or don't spend at that super secret store.<br /><br /><br />KP: How did you get into the wedding business? <br /><br />JD: I started catering on boats(20 years ago). That led to catering weddings on boats a short step to land.<br /><br /><br />KP: Tell me one vendor other than in your industry that you highly recommend. Why?<br /><br />JD: Kate Parker. I swear I say this all the time "That girl makes me look good"<br /><br /><br />KP: Favorite wedding story- funny or serious?<br /><br />JD: At the cutting of the cake the grooms turn to feed the bride and he grabs about 1/2 the 2nd tier of the cake with his hand and smashes into her entire face, She slaps him so hard across the face, I have never seen a quite settle over 200 guests like that.<br /><br /><br />KP: What other part of the industry would you not want to work in? Why?<br /><br />JD: None, I would only do this part. All the other jobs don't look as fun.<br /><br /><br />KP: What differentiates you from the rest of your industry peers?<br /><br />JD: I can't speak for my peers and what they offer. I feel that it goes back to the planning. If I let a client persuades me as to an amount of appetizers, or they don't eat sweets so their guest won't either. I need to bring to the table 20 years of "this is how much people eat" If I haven't made that clear and I get to the event with "not enough" the only one that looks bad is me. So I make sure that doesn't happen. I always have extra and take it on the chin(my pocket) if I have made an error in planning.kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-54833181627273736602009-05-05T16:41:00.000-07:002009-05-06T06:07:48.800-07:00Vendor Series Interview No. 15, Arie Kidder Custom CakesI met Arie at the Expert Panel meeting for Seacoast Bride Magazine this winter and she graciously brought us some cake samples to enjoy... what talent she has, in both baking and designing her cakes. Check out her website and enjoy the interview!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ariekidder.com">Arie Kidder Custom Cakes</a><br /><br />Arie Kidder<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3505323041_9a9633f867.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 432px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3505323041_9a9633f867.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Some of her incredible creations!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/3505322827_8c6f9d5e44.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 368px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/3505322827_8c6f9d5e44.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3506131664_b82909bf04.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3506131664_b82909bf04.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3505322917_227cba4fe2.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3505322917_227cba4fe2.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3506131778_54ae48288b.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3506131778_54ae48288b.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />KP: What is your favorite part of the wedding process?<br /><br />AK: My favorite part of the wedding process is collaborating with the bride and groom on the flavors and design of their wedding cake. I most enjoy having the opportunity to bring my experience to the table and feature their unique personalities and tastes in my work.<br /><br /><br />KP: What do you love most about your job in the wedding industry?<br /><br />AK: I love being able to contribute to a couple's very special day, plus it is such a happy occassion (the wedding)!<br /><br /><br />KP: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?<br /><br />AK: The biggest misconception about wedding cakes is that it is "easy" to do. Having your cousin or aunt make the cake may sound like a great idea, but then I get the frantic last minute call when the relative backs out or the bride suddenly loses faith in their abilities! Go ahead and let your relatives make a children's birthday cake, but your wedding cake is a one-shot-deal. Leave it to a professional!<br /><br /><br />KP: How did you get into the wedding industry?<br /><br />AK: I started decorating cakes as a young girl in my grandmother's bakeshop. As I got older and better at it, my grandmother let me work there and decorate all the birthday cake orders. Not long after, it made sense to handle wedding cakes too. After culinary school, I sought out to train specifically in the field.<br /><br /><br />KP: Tell me one vendor other than in your industry that you highly reccomend. Why?<br /><br />AK: I wish I could recommend more than just one wedding vendor! We who are in the wedding industry, love what we do, and just hope to make a living doing it. Support local vendors, especially the small ones who really take pride in their work!<br /><br /><br />KP: Tell me one vendor in you industry that you highly reccomend. Why?<br /><br />AK For wedding cakes in the Seacoast area, I like the work of Owen from Confection Art. I also like Owen himself! He is very talented.<br /><br /><br />KP: Favorite wedding story- funny or serious.<br /><br />AK: One of my favorite wedding stories is this: When I was pregnant with my youngest child (now 4), I had been careful to schedule my last cake order well in advance of my due date. Well, the baby decided to arrive 6 weeks earlier than planned, and caught me with a wedding cake that was not quite finished! As I was recovering from an emergency c-section surgery and on morphine, all I could talk about was my cake! Luckilly, my husband who also has a culinary degree, had seen me make hundreds of cakes, and was brave enough to take on the job of finishing it! The cake was not exactly what it should have been, but it still turned out beautiful, and the bride's family was so understanding of the situation. The best happy ending was that we had a healthy baby girl!<br /><br /><br />KP: What other part of the industry would you not want to work in? Why?<br /><br />AK: I dont think I can choose a field I dont want to work in, but I do know I do not have the patience of professional photographers. The amount of time they put in during (photographing) the event is just the tip of the iceberg. People do not know how much time they put in after the event, going through all the photos and editing. I have much respect for the Photography field.<br /><br /><br />KP: What differentiates you from your other industry peers?<br /><br />AK: To differentiate myself in my field, I really take pride in putting my best work forward. The cake has to be fresh and delicious, and the decorations and details have to be perfect. It helps that I am a perfectionist!kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-9249846140811360452009-05-05T13:30:00.000-07:002009-05-05T13:39:22.623-07:00Bands vs. DJs- a Band's perspectiveHere's another expert's opinion on music for your reception.<br /><br />Amy Serrago of Nite-Time band in NYC agrees that if you can afford it, having both the band and DJ is the best of both worlds! Check out their website for more information on Nite-Time!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nite-time.com">Nite-Time band</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3504835859_487a384e2a.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 406px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3504835859_487a384e2a.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3504835895_bbfcb693f1.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 432px; height: 288px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3504835895_bbfcb693f1.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />A live band brings an air of excitement to any event. There is something about watching and listening to live people making music right in front of you that takes the whole experience up a notch, and your wedding is a once in a lifetime event. A professional event band should be able to cover all types of music, but this is an especially great choice if you are into rock, swing, Motown, alternative, and genres generally utilizing live instruments to create their sound. If your fiance proposed to you at a Bruce Springsteen concert, trust me, you’re band people.<br /><br />However, if you are into club music, hip hop or techno, and you and your fiance never miss a Saturday night out at the club, then a DJ might be a better fit for you. A great DJ can play his or her turntables like an instrument, and this way you will know exactly what the songs are going to sound like. If you practiced your first dance to the CD for all of those months, you can dance it exactly the same way that night.<br /><br />I agree with Anne about price, a live band costs considerably more than a dj - we have more people to pay. However, I disagree with her statement that "most bands can't play from grandma's era to today's top hits" a professional event band can and has to play music from all eras. If you find one that can't, you should keep looking.<br /><br />Of course, for the bride that wants it all, you can always hire one of each and have them trade off, or start with band, end with dj. I find that to be a fun night. We've been asked to "dj" certain songs or sets of songs. We can save people a little money that way too, by letting the musicians go early and then turning on the tunes through our system. We can custom design playlists and music packages for all tastes, styles and almost all budgets.<br /><br />My husband and I started running Nite-Time - New York City's Premier Party Band! in 2002. We serve NYC and the tri-state area. We opened a Hudson Valley office in 2007 and are starting to get more work in that area as well as some in New England. We have a combined experience in the wedding/event music business of 42 years, and we're not even that old! We both got started very young, I guess.kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-58144366626685745312009-05-01T04:42:00.000-07:002009-05-01T05:00:14.724-07:00Bands Vs. DJ's- A DJ's perspective- Anne Turgeon, All 4 you DJ in Rhode IslandRecently I joined<a href="http://www.bridaltweet.com"> BridalTweet.com</a>, a new community for wedding vendors and brides to discuss everything about weddings. I met a Rhode Island based DJ, Anne Turgeon and asked her to chime in with her two cents on this subject. Here's what she had to say:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3491303996_aa1c97beca.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3491303996_aa1c97beca.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3490490127_24ed38eb58.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 215px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3490490127_24ed38eb58.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); line-height: 18px; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We always tell our brides and grooms that if they can afford a great wedding band, then go for it! A band offers a certain excitement that a DJ can't. But, at least in our area, a great wedding band can run 5 or 6 times the price of a DJ. It all depends on the size of your entertainment budget.<br /><br />However, we hear more couples say that they want to hear songs they love at their wedding. When a great song starts to play, you see people rushing for the dance floor, and dancing and singing along with their friends and family to songs they love. Brides want to dance with their Dad to a song that has meaning for them, they way they remember it. And, of course, there's the variety. Most bands can't play from grandma's era to today's top hits. We can also provide those ethnic songs or specialty dance tunes that a band can't.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'times new roman';">I certainly agree with Anne in terms of the actual artist performing a special song. I have heard bands from across the country, some costing upwards of 50k, and I still think there's nothing like the original artist. In terms of versatility, I have seen a lot of bands who know the realm of the 50'-70's really well and then the 80's to Top 40 gets a little challenging. There are SO many songs for them to learn, especially with new hits coming out almost every week. I would suggest finding a band that caterers to the most popular style you're looking for and then consider even hiring a DJ for band breaks and maybe the last hour of the event so you can get the most out of your band and you can also enjoy the original versions of some of your favorites songs. To have the excitement factor of a band and the ability to hear original versions of your special songs is a great combination! Thanks Anne for your insights! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Check our Anne's website, <a href="http://www.all4youdj.com/">www.all4youdj.com</a> to learn more about her services. Based in RI, Anne travels throughout New England for weddings and other events!</span></span></span></div>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-38342974464448475742009-04-30T09:08:00.000-07:002009-04-30T10:57:45.559-07:00A Fall 2008 Martha's Vineyard WeddingWe had SUCH a great time on MV and Chappy for our clients Serena and Ted. Although this wedding involved more planning than any other wedding we have ever coordinated- especially in the realm of transportation- we had a blast with both their families and friends and were so happy to be a part of their wedding week.<br /><br />The wedding events really started on Wednesday, and we have photos of Thursday's Welcome Lobster Bake and the Wedding on Saturday. Here are the fabulous vendors we worked with on MV:<br /><br />Planning: <a href="http://www.kateparkerweddings.com/">KPW</a><br />Floral and Event Design for the wedding: <a href="http://www.kateparkerflowers.com/">KPW</a><br />Florals for the Welcome Clambake: <a href="http://www.flowersonthevineyard.com/">Flowers on the Vineyard</a><br />Event Design for the Welcome Clambake: <a href="http://www.kateparkerweddings.com/">KPW</a><br />Photography: <a href="http://www.nelsonhancock.com/">Nelson Hancock Photography</a><br />Catering: <a href="http://www.vhamlincatering.com/">Jaime Hamlin and Sons Catering</a><br />Tents: <a href="http://www.bigskytent.com/">Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals</a><br />Lighting: <a href="http://www.protekmv.com/">ProtekMV</a><br />Rentals: Be Our Guest available through <a href="http://www.kateparkerweddings.com/">KPW</a><div>Linens: Indigo Moon available through <a href="http://www.kateparkerweddings.com/">KPW</a><br />Ceremony and Cocktail Music: High Range available through <a href="http://www.cuzinrichard.com/">CREA</a><br />Reception Music: Pete Saunders Orchestra available through <a href="http://www.hanklane.com/">Hank Lane Music and Productions</a> and <a href="http://www.djryanparker.com/">Ryan Parker, DJ</a><br />Wedding Cake: Val's Cakes<br />Favors: <a href="http://www.trufflesforacause.com/">Truffles for a Cause</a><br />Restroom Trailers: <a href="http://www.csportablerestrooms.com/">C&S Portable Restrooms</a><br /><br /><br /><br />A festive yet casual themed Lobster Bake. Custom stained picnic tables and benches adorned with nautical striped runners completed with multiple colored star lanterns.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3485920367_eaf68a2ce8.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3485920367_eaf68a2ce8.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/3486735254_faf3652eb6.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/3486735254_faf3652eb6.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Corn Hole- a game I was unfamiliar with until this wedding, is hysterically fun and very addictive!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3486735460_5cd63cee9c.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3486735460_5cd63cee9c.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>All of the adirondack furniture was custom stained and created for this wedding by Be Our Guest. Custom cushions were made from Indigo Moon Linens.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3485920185_87bc36ea87.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3485920185_87bc36ea87.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3486735404_3a8edb61e1.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3486735404_3a8edb61e1.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The Wedding Ceremony and Reception- All white ceremony flowers followed by all white linens at the reception with orange, magenta and red flowers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3485920419_44ff734327.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3485920419_44ff734327.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Serena and Ted created a few of these adorable wooden signs throughout the property.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3486736138_93a1b0552d.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3486736138_93a1b0552d.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Staying with the theme, we ordered pink and orange parasols for the ceremony.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3393/3485921139_358e786471.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3393/3485921139_358e786471.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>High Range- FABULOUS blue grass band serenading guests prior to the ceremony.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3486736304_2c6154d4c4.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3486736304_2c6154d4c4.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Our famous Flip Flop Valets!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3486736488_71329332c2.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3486736488_71329332c2.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>We brought out the flooring used in the dining tent to create a platform and aisle for the bride and groom. Simple white-washed planters filled with all white hydrangea, larkspur and beach grass completed the ceremony design.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3485921893_ab76ca5dcd.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3485921893_ab76ca5dcd.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Bride's bouquet consisted of pink mokara orchids, poison roses, orange mini callas, black baccara roses, dark milva roses. The bridesmaids bouquets consisted of white garden roses, white dendrobium orchids, white spray roses, white hydrangea, and white mini callas.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/3485922573_578408e6e8.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/3485922573_578408e6e8.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3486738034_6e712272cd.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3486738034_6e712272cd.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>The wedding cake was covered in orange and pink mokara orchids with a chocolate branch effect on the bottom of each tier.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3486738164_dea2693463.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3486738164_dea2693463.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Custom orange titan silk napkin ring with a covered button.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3486735790_fa385638fd.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3486735790_fa385638fd.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Truffles for a cause favors were placed on a bed of pink hydrangea.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3485923391_3ed746a60d.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3485923391_3ed746a60d.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>The dining tent prior to guests arriving.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3486738518_fac068700f.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3486738518_fac068700f.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>The centerpieces varied from a single multi-colored arrangement to three separate vases containing one color and type of flower. All vases were double banded in orange and pink taffeta ribbon.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3486738570_894613954e.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 499px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3486738570_894613954e.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>KPW classic paper lantern installation complete with pink uplighting on the tent ceiling.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3486738690_df864e718c.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3486738690_df864e718c.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Luminaria bags were placed to help lead guests to the restroom trailers.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3486738742_0844a98978.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3486738742_0844a98978.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>A view from outside the two dinner tents in the evening.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3486738794_022eac6fe0.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3486738794_022eac6fe0.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a></div>kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-90365193142926941682009-04-29T15:59:00.001-07:002009-04-29T15:59:23.704-07:00Podcast Episode 1 -- The Guest Experience<br /><div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Take a listen to the first of many podcasts! Today we're discussing the many ways to enhance your wedding guests experience.</p><br/><a target='_blank' href='http://www.box.net/index.php?rm=box_download_shared_file&blog&file_id=f_282015306&shared_name=buuq6urtgd'>theguestexperience.mp3</a><object align='middle' id='player_v04' height='52' width='364' codebase='https://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0' classid='clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000'><param value='sameDomain' name='allowScriptAccess'/><param value='http://www.box.net/mp3player/player.swf?playlistURL=http://www.box.net/index.php?rm=box_v2_mp3_player_shared%26_playlist%26node=f_282015306' name='movie'/><param value='high' name='quality'/><param value='#ffffff' name='bgcolor'/><param value='transparent' name='wmode'/><embed pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowScriptAccess='sameDomain' align='middle' name='player_v04' height='52' width='364' bgcolor='#ffffff' quality='high' src='http://www.box.net/mp3player/player.swf?playlistURL=http://www.box.net/index.php?rm=box_v2_mp3_player_shared%26_playlist%26node=f_282015306' wmode='transparent'/></object></div><br />kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-19212145196002061092009-04-28T12:19:00.000-07:002009-04-28T13:20:09.437-07:00Why should brides hire professionals...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3483500957_d4cd71566e.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3483500957_d4cd71566e.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Photo by John Santerre for <a href="http://www.davidmurrayweddings.com">David Murray Weddings<br /></a><br />I know this sounds like an obvious subject, but there are many brides who do not understand the importance of hiring professional wedding vendors and how each vendor should be treated once they've been hired. I thought I would explain why brides should hire professional vendors and what the BRIDE's role should be once she's hired them.<br /><br />1. You are hiring professionals because as a bride, you are NOT a part of the wedding industry. We understand how everything works, what things should cost, how to schedule our services, what to expect and how to deal with the unexpected... the list goes on and on. If you take the time to find the right vendor for your style, price range, and overall esthetic, you will create a fantastic team of individual to help guide you through an often difficult and stressful wedding planning process. <br /><br />2. With all of this being said, I want to reiterate again, you are NOT a part of the wedding industry. If you decide to hire a vendor after doing your research, please let them do their jobs. Please TRUST your vendors judgement and their insights as we have worked with hundreds of brides before and we know what we are doing. We are here to HELP and ASSIST you, providing our expertise and advice from our many experiences prior to your event. <br /><br />3. Second guessing your vendors all the time doesn't make any sense at all, and it begs the question as to why you hired them in the first place. You hired each vendor for their merit and talents and you should listen to what they have to say. This doesn't mean that your opinions shouldn't be voiced and heard. Your opinions are the MOST important opinions throughout the planning process. I'm just suggesting that once you decide on something you stick to it. There is SO much information available to brides on the internet that I feel as if they worry that they are going to miss the next best idea if they aren't constantly searching for new designs, signature drinks, bouquet wraps, photo booths, etc. Once you select your theme and overall style, embrace it and run with the concept.<br /><br />4. Please also understand that as much as we want to make you the center of our attention as much as possible, you are most likely not the ONLY client your vendors are dealing with. Vendors should respond to your questions in a very timely manner, and should be as accommodating as possible when it comes to meetings etc, but there are probably up to 80 other brides they are juggling at the same time and that is certainly not an easy task.<br /><br />5. Please respect your vendors. Their time is as valuable as yours and they are available to help you. Asking for unreasonable price reductions, especially in this economy, is not appropriate. EVERYONE has been affected by the economy so if you have less money in the bank, your vendors have less money too. They still have to pay their employees, cover their travel expenses, and work with their personal vendors who all need to be paid according. Most vendors are very aware of the economy and how it is affecting the wedding industry, but now is not the time to take advantage. Don't forget, your wedding would not be taking place without their hard work and dedication!<br /><br />Finally, perspective is ALWAYS important when planning your wedding. Things will go wrong, you might need to use your rain plan, and drama will arise. Something always happens throughout the planning process that makes a bride feel like the world is coming to an end and the wedding is going to be ruined. Coming from personal experience- Type 1 Diabetes, Thyroid Cancer, and a new baby, I have gained new perspective on life. You are getting married to someone you are (hopefully) madly in love with and you want to celebrate that love with your friends and family. Your wedding should reflect that and you should plan it according. Worrying about the color of the napkins and how they might clash with the bridesmaids dresses is probably not the best use of your time and will only stress you out. Enjoy the planning process, let the professionals help make it fun an stress-free, and always remember why you are planning this big party in the first place!kpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820325274083260459.post-42816974694645804552009-04-22T13:45:00.001-07:002009-04-22T13:47:15.906-07:00Out of the office- St. John weddingWe will not be blogging from Thursday April 23rd to Tuesday, April 28th. We will return with lots to post, including some exciting podcasts!<br /><br /><br />KPkpweddingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965195668734826005noreply@blogger.com0