Acrylic Mandap

A MUST HAVE for your next event is our Acrylic Mandap. It is a 10ft x 10ft clear Lucite structure and can really be used for any occasion. It was last used for an Indian wedding where it was adorned with hanging orchids and votive candles. It also can be used in a club decor design and really for most any theme you can think of. It will be set up in the Gala Events Design Center throughout October so come in today and work with one of our event planners to see how it can be worked into your next event.

by Tom Kemp

Fashion's Night Out

When asked how we should help stimulate our economy you might answer with more jobs, tax cuts or increased aid to struggling localities. Well, how about with events?

Fashion's Night Out is a worldwide event that strives to boost the global economy through the fashion industry. U.S. and International editors of Vogue coordinated celebrations in their respective fashion capitals in hopes to aid customers lacking confidence in the fashion and retail industries. On September 10th, over 700 retailers and designers across the five boroughs of New York City participated in the event. Neither tickets nor invitations were required to attend any of the Fashion's Night Out activities. Retailers implemented creative ideas in order to promote the fun in shopping once again. For example, shops in Brooklyn surprised customers with a pop-up block party and cook-off. Celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Blake Lively, and Victoria Beckham made guest appearances at stores throughout Manhattan. In addition to encouraging retail shopping, proceeds from Fashion's Night Out t-shirt and tote bag sales went to a charity benefiting a 9/11 rehabilitation project.

Hopefully worldwide events like Fashion’s Night Out will become a means of breaking out of our current economic recession, while having a lot of fun at the same time!

by Jessica Marzelli

Say Cheese, Please!

Who doesn’t have fond memories of those black and white photo strips that we posed for in booths at fairs, on boardwalks, and in malls? Maybe you were being silly with your best friends or smooching with your ‘honey.’ You might still have one of those strips (faded and yellowed, no doubt) tucked into the corner of your bedroom mirror. Well… those ‘old fashioned’ booths have become popular at parties of all kinds, of recent.
Take a look at the very modern and eye catching photo booth pictured above. This is sure to wow any and all of your guests at the next party you throw. This very high tech, digital, partially inflatable, and artistic version of the old boardwalk push button model, was designed by two Melbourne- based photographers. Why not invite your guests to document your event with fun photos that they can either leave behind in a guest book for the host, or to take with them to remember all the fun they had? Grab your fifteen minutes (or seconds!) of fame and say cheese, please!
Julie Pike

(photo via photobooth.com.au)

Fall Events

Fall is my absolute favorite season. Autumn colors and the season's overall crispness inspire me to redecorate my home each October. I pull out my favorite spice scented candle, my wool pillow shams, and my fluffy down throws. I head to the basement to bring up my boxes of pine cones, faux cranberries, autumnal wreathes, and my favorite fall inspired table runners. I unwrap each piece lovingly while becoming increasingly excited about the arrival of three months of cooler days, leaf filled sidewalks, and wreath strewn doors. This fall, I am especially excited because I am planning my first autumn inspired wedding. The inspiration for my design is organic and will feature brightly colored leaves, wheat, berries, sunflowers, and pops of brilliant persimmon. I hope that the design will inspire the guests and get them as excited as I am about this special season.

by Laura Miller

Tree Tables

Once again we have managed to outdo ourselves with our latest and greatest decor; our tree tables. These are an original creation we made for an "Enchanted Forest" event and look absolutely amazing-not to mention incredibly realistic! The tables have hand wrapped and painted tree trunk bases topped with giant 5 foot round high-gloss top that looks like you took a slice out of an enormous tree. Come in to our Special Events Design Center in Rockville to see them in person!

Be Our Guest

To promote our planners’ effectiveness and necessity in helping plan and produce special events, we often say that our staff will be on site to ensure that our clients are guests at their own parties. It’s not something that all people immediately understand when they are considering whether or not to hire a planner for their event. Without professional help on site, hosts are often presented with issues or difficulties as they arise throughout the duration of their event. Dealing with or worrying about problems during such important affairs can sap the enjoyment and fun out of any occasion.

I was witness to a small example of this effect this past weekend. I attended the wedding of two dear friends that was sure to be a wonderful time for all involved. The bride and groom had staff from the venue to help them facilitate the proceedings. It was a beautiful wedding and all joy abounded. When I spoke to the bride the following day at brunch, she mentioned that her only regret was having to worry and deal with a few electrical shortage issues. It was nothing major, but lights and music went out several times during the cocktail hour and then other house lights failed during the dancing. None of the guests minded and most probably didn’t notice (I can’t help but see these things at events I attend, due to the nature of my job), but that was the one low point of an otherwise dream wedding. And it was something that could have been avoided with an on-site, dedicated day-of wedding planner.

A good wedding planner anticipates those types of issues before they crop up, bringing in the extra generator, for example, and knows how to deal with them before the host or hostess is even aware of a problem. Having a professional guide the event from start to finish should be a very comforting feeling for a host. We will allow you to be a guest and fully enjoy the experience from beginning to end. It’s something you may not have considered before, but we always do.

Something Blue

We all know how when we were little kids and believed in fairy tales, we often daydreamed of what our lives would be like. These day dreams often centered around ones fairy tale wedding. The white dress, prince charming and of course ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.’ Eventually we all grew up and that fairy tale for the most part disappeared. However the old something blue adage is something many brides still try to incorporate into their wedding day- whether it be for luck, in honor of a family tradition, or sometimes to simply please ones mother! Upon closer examination it turns out there is a lot of history to back up this adage. “In ancient Rome brides wore blue to symbolize love, fidelity, and modesty. Christianity has historically dressed the Virgin Mary in blue as a symbol of purity, and before the late 19th century blue was a popular wedding gown color because wearing blue on your wedding day was thought to bring your good luck.” Today the possibilities are endless; there truly are so many ways to incorporate something blue into your wedding day. It is just a matter of adding that something blue that suits your personal style. Whether it is hiding from view or seen boldly by others- the secret is you will know that you are wearing your blue for good luck!

Julie Pike

*Historical references from Kate Spade Occasions and MSW
*Images from Manolo Blahnik and MSW

Eco-Conscious Event Planning

Let’s face it events, although usually joyous, generate waste, overuse natural resources, and produce emissions. Extra transportation miles are clocked by attendees travel and deliveries. To supply enough tableware and save efforts in post-event clean-up, disposable items, made from paper and plastic are commonly used. Other packaging containers like glass and plastic bottles,
plastic bags, cardboard, and aluminum and steel cans all add to increased waste, especially if recycling receptacles are not provided.

To be eco-conscious your planner can appropriately plan and execute certain
guidelines:

• Provide carpooling and alternative transportation to and from the event

• Correctly estimate the amount of reusable, recyclable or compostable tableware needed

• Educate guests about their role in composting and recycling waste by providing instructional signage.

With thorough planning and forethought, a zero-waste event is possible, and the resulting clear conscience is a nice bonus!

by Howard Radis

Asian Theme decor

Jaime Greenwald recently designed an Asian themed event at the Mandarin Oriental. As a result, Gala Events, Inc. now has a lot of magnificent Asian themed decor including a 16ft long red bar and back bar set that is truly stunning. The front of the bar lights up, the bar top is made from reflective plexiglass, bamboo shoots up from the sides and it has a Torii backbar. Contact an event planner for inquires about using this bar or any Asian decor for your next event!

by Tom Kemp

The Week before your event

Let’s talk about how the week before your event should feel

It should be exciting

All the I’s should be dotted
All the T’s should be crossed

All the strings should be released
The event planner should be ready to roll

All the seating charts should be finalized
All the escort cards are ready to print
All the hotel baskets are being completed and are almost ready to bring to the hotel
All the billing is settled
All décor is almost finished

No more worries

Floor Plans are done
Lighting and draping are set to go
Venders are contacted, time lined and ready to go

It is time to breathe- It is time to enjoy what’s ahead

Remember this is a party that everyone has been working on for quite some time

It is time to enjoy

This is an exciting time
Enjoy what’s now
And what’s ahead

by Nancy Radin

Themes

Theme (noun) - a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc., as in a work of art.

I often am asked by prospective clients as they plan the decorative elements of their event whether a theme is necessary. My response is generally that, while not “necessary”, it is something that helps turn a run-of-the-mill party into an event - at least from a visual perspective. At a properly decorated party, one’s eye should dance over the individual decorative elements and be marveled by the array of related designs. A theme helps achieve that kind of effect.

A theme should be relevant to the party and once one has been chosen, the individual elements involved in the party become cohesive and unified. This cohesiveness makes for a visually pleasing room or event space and enjoyment among partygoers as guests discover more and more elements that are designed using the theme in mind. It is fun to see ordinary event elements like bars, buffets and entrances creatively tied into the theme of the event.

Colors can be used as a motif. Different colored fabric, ribbons, paper, linens, chargers and more can be used to reinforce that type of motif throughout the event space. This usually results in a sophisticated look, uncomplicated by theme-y kinds of images and representations.

For most parties, however, a theme provides an overarching concept that makes planning and designing the individual elements much easier. It helps bring an event vision to life and give guests an atmosphere in which to enjoy themselves. And that’s the idea, right?

by Noah Steurer

For Once, Be a Wall Flower!

Nothing says dull like four plain white walls in your bedroom. It can be difficult coming up with a creative solution for a boring room--decorations and artwork can really rack up the bills. So, what can you do? One fun idea is wall decals. My mother recently came to stay with me in my DC apartment, and was appalled when she walked into my bedroom and saw the blandness emanating from my four white walls. The next day, I came home from work and my room had been totally transformed into a bright and inspired place. It was welcoming, cozy, and suddenly colorful--all this for about 30 dollars! She had enhanced my room with splashes of color around my mirror, behind my bed, and even put a few bonus decals in my bathroom. They came in many different patterns, from florals to damasks, and everything in between. And the best part is--once you can finally afford to splurge on posh artwork, the decals peel right off, leaving the paint intact!

by Jessica Marzelli

Vintage Stamps

The first real impression your guests will have of your wedding will be from your invitation, most likely. Why not set the mood before they even open the envelope? Let’s face it; in this global age where most communication is done through cyberspace or satellites, it is a treat to get ‘real’ old-fashioned mail. And if that mail is pleasing to the eye from the outside, it will make your friends and family that much more interested in what is on the inside. Set the stage, reflect your personality, or simply make it pretty. Vintage stamps can be used to lay the foundation and to beautify those many envelopes your guests will be receiving. It may take some time, but vintage stamps that haven’t been cancelled can be found and purchased and then a beautiful combination of those stamps can be used to amount to the correct postage for your invitations. Do you love camping, or did you meet your fiancé when you were backpacking? Maybe some wildlife stamps would start to tell your story. Are you having a beautiful garden wedding in the spring or summer? Vintage flowers and garden scenes can grace your lovely invitations. Or maybe you want to reflect the adventurer in you…did you meet your special someone abroad, or do you have dreams of traveling the world with him? Whatever you want your message to be, vintage stamps may add just the right touch. And, yes, it is all in the details!

by Julie Pike

Fall '09 Open House

As folks return home from summer vacations, our industry gears up for the rapidly-approaching fall season. Summers are an opportunity for us to regroup, reorganize and recharge our batteries, because when Labor Day passes, Gala is full steam ahead. This year, even with all its difficulties and unusual economy-related phenomena, is no different.
To kick off our fall season, we have redecorated our showroom – actually, we’ve decorated our entire warehouse! Gala is opening its doors on Tuesday to several industry guests and we’ve dusted off and have on display bunches and bunches of our themed décor and decorations. Last week was quite a week (it had to be one of the hottest and most humid of the summer) as our whole team sweated through our work clothes pulling together several vignettes to showcase several of our fantastic bars, tables, drape, and assorted other décor elements. We now have a Holiday Bay in the floral area, a Wedding Feature near our Pepsi machine and a Mack Truck Bar in our conference room. It’s been quite a transformation.
Check back with us to see some pictures of our setup. Or, if you are in the area on Tuesday, stop in to check out the selection of décor that is on display.

It's all about the details

Before I became an event planner and I attended lots of events,
from Weddings to Bar Mitzvahs and I never used to pay attention to the details,
everything just looked pretty and I was just enjoying the festivities. This past weekend I attended a friend’s wedding and I noticed a lot of things that I never would have noticed before. The linens were not covering the table legs and they were wrinkled. The flower centerpieces were clearly too small for the table size and most importantly the room lacked in ambient lighting. I said to myself with my new trained eye, that this is not acceptable to me; the bride clearly did not get top notch décor service and lighting. I wish I would have known ahead of time, I definitely would have made a difference.

Ladies that is why planners are so important to hire, because they know how to bring your wedding space to the ultimate level of perfection. This is clearly one of the most important days of your life; do not leave it to chance.

Since the day I woke up and started planning events, I have learned to train my eye to a whole new world of details. It’s the small details in making an event that will stand out with a flawless presentation.

A good planner looks at the space, the placement and of course the design, but most importantly that special little detail that will make you stand out from the rest. Whether it’s your chair placement; the linen length is perfect or just making sure your centerpieces
are perfectly symmetrical with the tables. Finally the room cannot talk to you until you have the proper lighting in place.

Please call us here at Gala and let us be your experts in designing your room and just
kick back and relax and leave the details to us!

by Rosie Goulette

Bubbles!!

Our newest, coolest decor item here at Gala Events is our light-up bubble tubes. We currently have 2, 6' tall x 4' wide machines, but we can custom design these for you at different heights and different colors (water and case colors). You can also have custom signage on these if you want. Stop by our Special Events Design Center today in Rockville, MD to see them in person!

Southern Wedding

Last Saturday I attended a friend’s wedding reception in Lafayette, Louisiana. Both the bride and groom are from the deep south and I was excited to partake in their unique rituals and style of entertaining. The event was held at a Cajun heritage center. As we approached the venue, the first thing we noticed was the LOUD live music! My friends didn’t just have a band; they had a 10 piece brass ensemble performing all evening. The music and entertainment were amazing and really set the tone for the evening. The cuisine was entirely local and featured red beans and rice, gumbo, catfish, and other traditional Louisiana fare.
My absolute favorite part of the evening was the second line. A second line is a simple dance where you grab a napkin or handkerchief and dance around in a line waving the napkin in the air. This tradition is popular in New Orleans at weddings, balls, Mardi Gras events, and even jazz funerals. The bride and groom lead the procession (it really looked more like a parade) around the ballroom and out into the street. The bride carried a “southern belle” style umbrella and all the guests trailed behind the couple. It is a unique way to end a wedding on a high note and I’m sure I will remember it for years.

by Laura Miller

Frederick Fashion Week

The Frederick Arts Council presents Frederick Fashion Week 09

Thursday September 17th - Student Designer Showcase. Tickets to this event are $3, the show starts at 7pm, dancing follows the show till 9pm.

Friday September 18th - AJ from Social Study will be launching his new clothing line. DJ and drinks available. $3 donation to attend this event and takes place 8pm to 11pm.

Saturday September 19th - Salons and Boutique Fashion Shows. Total of 8 Fashion shows with a VIP cocktail hour between 7pm and 8. Colonial Jewelers will be modeling their jewelry. There is also a promotion where three to five people via Key 103 will come and have a professional makeover. VIP tickets at $20 and that includes a goody bag, a seat, and one beverage during the VIP Cocktail hour. General Admission tickets cost $5.

DYI Lighting Decor

Lately, I have been trying to think of cool new ways to light up my events. As we all know, lighting is the most important element to any party. Over the weekend, I did a whole lot of nothing. Enjoying my lazy Sunday, I watched a lot of HGTV. On the show ‘Design on Dime’, they had some amazing concepts that were very cost effective. Take a look at this lighting fixture- I think it’s awesome! You can find replicas everywhere, but I am sure it would cost you. On a tight budget? If you feel you have the time to design, here is a little DYI art project for you. This fixture was actually made by hand and it only cost $60 bucks!! You take a beach ball and any kind of string, this one is actually made out of raffia. You paper mache the strings onto the beach ball in any design you like. Wrap it around the beach ball and let it dry. Deflate the beach ball and there you have it your own new lantern. I think they would look amazing hanging in clusters over a table, a dance floor, or any other focal point in your event space. This is a great cost effective way to add lighting to your party. Moreover, it is a cool look!

by Tala Farr

My Interpretation on The 2009 Fall/Winter Pantone

I love the new colors for the upcoming Fall/Winter. They are exciting, bold and sophisticated. Here is my take on each.

Crème Brulee
Pantone 13-1006



Inspiration: The past, old world elegance with a twinkle of sassiness.

This color evokes: Lush sexiness, intense drama (when paired correctly), polish and sophistication.

Pair with: Iron, black, icy tones, red and of course pink.


Rapture Rose
Pantone 17-1929



Inspiration: The pink vein running through an orchid petal, a shabby chic antique tin ceiling tile.

This color evokes: Old world nobility, and the return of lavish yester years.

Pair with: Camel, black and all shades of pink

Iron
Pantone 18-1306



Inspiration: Love this color; it is my new black. I just designed an entire party around this color so my inspiration would be Nick’s Bar Mitzvah.

This color evokes: sophistication and simplicity

Pair with: White, icy blue, orange, black and tones of gray.



Burnt Sienna
Pantone 17-1544



Inspiration: My childhood box of crayons.

This color evokes: The true sense of Fall. I would also love to see this color on Jess, one of our event planners – stunning with her complexion.

Pair with: Nomad, Majolica blue, brown and brick red

Nomad
Pantone 16-1212



Inspiration: Silly putty (one of my favorite things)

This color evokes: Strength, and the perfect palette for deep, rich, bold accessories.

Pair with: Tone on Tone, black, red, burnt sienna, and shades of green.


Warm Olive
Pantone 15-0646



Inspiration: The transition from summer to fall. A fabulous accent color for décor.

This color evokes: freshness and optimism.

Pair with: orange, purple, Nomad and Iron.


Majolica Blue
Pantone 19-4125



Inspiration: I am normally not a blue fan but, I adore this color. This blue reminds me of rainy fall morning and the coziness of reading the paper in bed.

This color evokes: moodiness, drama, comfort and is fashion forward.

Pair with: Crisp neutrals, black, magenta and Honey Yellow


Honey Yellow
Pantone 16-1143



Inspiration: Tuscany and family dinner around my farm planked table.

This color evokes: Old world warmth

Pair with: brown, Majolica blue, peacock green, cool purple and ivory


Purple Heart
Pantone 18-3520



Inspiration: My mother (it is her favorite color) and the sky just before a storm

This color evokes: sophistication, warmth and love.

Pair with: deep red, black, green and ivory.

American Beauty
Pantone 19-1759



Inspiration: The orient and my favorite lipstick. This color is the perfect red for a dining room.

This color evokes: drama and decadence

Pair with: black, deep purple, gold, turquoise, and greens

by Jaime Greenwald

Wedding Bowl

Of course you want a guest book at your wedding…I mean, you want to be able to open it up and remember who was there on that special day, right? But guest books are so…well, boring. And will you really pull it out and read all those signatures that were entered as your guests arrived to share in your nuptials?

Take a look at this beautiful Steuben bowl that has been designed with the simple elegance that is typical of Steuben, but also comes with a special diamond tipped pen that your guests may use to ‘leave their mark’ on your bowl. How fabulous is that? Your guest book can be a beautiful accent piece on display in your home, and you can look at the signatures of your wedding guests every day of the week. Your guests’ signatures inscribed on a true piece of art for you to enjoy day after day, year after year. C’est magnifique!

by Julie Pike

Hangin' with my Gnomies

Gnomes- You know the ones those tiny, mythical creatures, topped in pointy hats, undoubtedly always up to mischief. They peek around flower stems and garden rocks, their rosy cheeks glowing. I’ve always had a thing for gnomes. A few years ago at a friend’s birthday dinner, I brought some gnomes out of the garden and on top of the dinner table, creating a fun and festive tablescape. That night, we chose a small wine bar in our quaint college town of Granville, Ohio. Not surprisingly, I was greeted with nervous and suspecting glances from the restaurant staff when I arrived early at 3pm with six gnomes gathered in my arms. We used a long strip of sod as a table runner and strategically placed the gnomes in playful positions: hiding behind wine glasses, peeping out from around the bread baskets. Each little gnome has his own personality, and the figures added a uniquely fun and silly flair to what would have otherwise been a plain, unexciting table. By the end of our dinner, all the gnomes had been named and adopted by a new caretaker.
Tablescapes, like my scene of gnomes, are a fantastic way to make a dinner party instantly more exciting. Pick a color, pick a theme…you can create a tablescape out of virtually anything. But if you choose gnomes, be sure to keep one eye on your salt and pepper shakers—those little guys can be quite the trouble-makers!

by Jessica Marzelli

Annapolis Wedding

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working on the Isip wedding in Annapolis, Maryland. When it came to décor, the lovely couple turned to Gala Events Inc. for inspiration. However, the Isip’s were not the only ones who were inspired, Rhea and Dennis inspired me as well.

Rhea and Dennis, the bride and groom, knew exactly what they wanted to help make their big day extra special. They had a unique escort card treatment that consisted of two freestanding poles that were draped in hot pink fabric. Five strands of black string were tied to the poles and hanging from them were postcards that were used as escort cards. It was cool. Each postcard was attached to the black string by a tiny silver clothespin. It was a very unique idea, which I loved.



Not only did their escort card treatment inspire me but their table numbers as well. If you have a pet, you know how much a furry little friend means to you. Our pets not only mean something to us but also naturally become part of the family. Rhea and Dennis had taken ten pictures of their dog, and mounted them on black cardstock, labeling each picture with a number. These pictures of their cute Westie dressed with a black bowtie were their table number treatment. I loved it!

I wish the couple the best of luck, and I congratulate them, once again, on their marriage.

Smile like you mean it!

For many years we have all been looking at TV commercials,
actors and actresses with beautiful white teeth.

We have been seeing ads for whitening toothpastes, and
bleaching systems in the dentist office that can cost thousand of dollars.

We have also inquired about the time involved to have our teeth whitened.
It is very time consuming.

I personally had it done in our office last week for under $200.
The vender started with matching my teeth color to a chart. I was projected to
have my teeth lighten two shades.
The process was easy.
First step was a mouth guard filled with the whitening system.
The second step was placing the guard in my mouth, putting on glasses and sitting
in front of an ultra violet light.
The last step was sitting for 15 minutes (probably the hardest for me - no chatting, sitting still)

What an incredible idea
There are so many great times to want to have Pearly Whites.
We seem to all have so many reasons that make our teeth change from
their original color. Soda, coffee, chocolate, red wine we all truly enjoy the
things that do not do well for our teeth.

This was fabulous it took 15 minutes! My teeth are 2 1/2 shades lighter
today and it lasts 6 months.
What a great idea for a Wedding party.
What a great idea before a Bar Mitzvah
What an all around great idea!!

How did you meet your fiancé?

Everyone has a story to tell, right? Certainly some stories are more interesting than others, but whatever that story may be, it got the people in it to where there are now. One of my favorite questions to ask a client who is planning a wedding is, “How did you meet your fiancé?” I want to hear their story. That story can reflect so much about the people involved and can even be eye opening to them as they look back on their journey to their engagement and the dreams they have for their wedding day and their lives together in the future.

The wedding invitation pictured here tells the story of how Jill and Matt met and offers a great deal of information about their courtship and how they ended up together. When I came across this on the Internet I couldn’t resist sharing! It is fun, it is different, it tells a story, it breaks tradition and the happy couple is even from Delaware (my home state!)

When planning a wedding it is important that every aspect of the wedding – including the invitation – reflects the style and personality of the bride and groom. And in some cases, the invitation may tell a story – a very important story. Ask yourself a lot of questions when planning your wedding and figure out exactly what you want to say to the people you invite to share in your joyous celebration. Simple, traditional wedding invitations will never go out of style. They can be lovely and elegant – and give all the necessary facts; however, we no longer live in a simple and traditional world. So I encourage my clients to ‘think outside the box’ and to tell their story. It is probably a great story that is worth sharing.

(photo credit- http://olivialeighweddings.com/blog/2009/06/fantastic-wedding-invite/)

By: Julie Pike

Dutch's Daughter -- Upscale event space in Frederick

Consider Dutch’s when planning your next private event. The upper level is designed to serve 20-300 guests in an elegant,
yet comfortable atmosphere. Private rooms are equipped with audio-visual, public address system hook-ups and built in
projection screens. Whether it’s Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, they offer a variety of menu entrees that may be customized to your
liking, buffet or seated. From a business dinner to a grand reception, Dutch’s can accommodate your needs.

Dutch’s Daughter is the ideal setting for your special day. Whether you are looking to host an intimate gathering or grand affair,
their upper level can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests. Their elegant décor serves wondrously as a romantic backdrop
to any reception.

Check out their website for more information http://www.dutchsdaughter.com/events.htm

A Garden Grows in DC

As an event planner you will come across lots of brides looking for that fairy tale
wedding in a beautiful large garden setting. Oh did I mention that it has to be in Washington DC. Let’s be honest, there are not a lot of options out there but nestled right in our own back yard in a land not so far away is the Omni Shoreham. This beautiful DC landmark emulates history, not to mention the amazing “gardens.”

You will be dazzled by the lush green landscape and the beautiful gazebo in a wide panoramic view. The spacious open air will take your breathe away and is perfect for saying your vows, followed by a short stroll to the patio for cocktails. The ballrooms talk to you with their historic murals and opulent colors. With a top notch staff, and a service that is second to none, stop by and take a look at this DC jewel and ask for William Grace. Every bride deserves that happily ever after…

By: Rosine Goulette

Visual Aids Help

“I’m a visual person . . . I need to see what you’re describing.” ~ Countless clients and planners, upon hearing the décor options for an upcoming event.

In order for an event to really be successful, it has to fulfill a vision, or a combination of visions that originate from the organizer or organizers. It can be difficult to transfer that vision from the creator to those responsible for making it come to life. Language can be a blunt tool when trying to describe how you visualize something in your mind’s eye. That is why it is extremely helpful to have a visual aid, because while pictures may be worth a thousand words, objects in real life are worth at least twice that.

I realized this again last week, when some potential clients came to visit our warehouse and showroom to see some of the elements that I had described in a proposal. The pictures I had included in the proposal were helpful, to be sure, but the clients needed to see the elements to really understand their effect and size. In one particular case, I had included an oversize table with an Astroturf top, custom-painted to look like a football field. “Oversize” doesn’t really describe the size of this table. Even giving its dimensions, 18’ x 5’ doesn’t fully explain how much room it will take up within the ballroom. Seeing the small picture in the proposal, even with 16 dinner plates on it, was also not enough to really convey the size of the immense table. It wasn’t until the clients saw the actual table, large enough to cover two pool tables, end-to-end, set up on two of our work tables in our warehouse, that they realized that this piece could act as an anchor piece of décor for one entire side of the ballroom. Upon seeing it, they were convinced it was something that would enhance their event and they had to have it.

Of course, I was fortunate that we had the table already built to show them. This kind of visualization is also aided by our graphics department, when we are selling a concept that is not yet built. With the help of cutting-edge software, we are able to design and “photograph” individual elements or entire room layouts in three-dimensional space. This really helps with explaining the full effect of a décor treatment.

So, if you are a visual person or need help understanding just what the décor or other treatment will look like, please just ask us to show you.

Maison Moschino

I love fashion…design…architecture…transforming people, things, places into things they have never been…things they want to be…things they only dream about. I am extremely intrigued with the new Moschino hotel opening soon in Milan. It is fashion – it is design – it is architecture -- rolled into one marvelous experience…or so it seems it will be. To be housed in an old railway station, the exterior façade may contradict the very modern Moschino style that will be reflected inside. It is a fantasy world that real people can escape to and this environment will truly reflect a bold, creative and brave sensibility. As the hotel’s website explains, “The common thread connecting the rooms is a fairy tale theme because to sleep is perchance to dream, and dreams are fairy tales that we are allowed to experience first hand, the fables of a fantasy world that we have created. This is an alternate life in which we direct and stage the scripts of our very own play. The hotel interior reflects Moschino’s distinctive style where the ordinary world is painted with a brush of surrealism.”

How lovely it might be to enter this enchanted world. Does anyone want to go to Italy with me for some inspiration????

by Julie Pike, Event Planner

Endless Inspiration

Working as an event planner requires one to have endless inspiration. All the planners in my office have pictures, patterns, flowers, and colorful items surrounding their desks at all times. I recently stumbled upon a designer who offers products that can add even more inspiration to your desk. Dabney Lee designs stationary and invitations in fun, bright colors. Her newest creation is her Dabney at Home line, which includes products such as monogrammed Lucite trays, coasters, notebooks, and ice buckets that will surely add flair and pizazz to your home. My personal favorites are the file folders, the mouse pads, and the notepads. These all come in a variety of patterns and colors that can spice up anyone’s desk. I especially love how the mouse pad ingeniously doubles as a notepad--how many times have you tried to write something down while you’re on the phone? Thanks to Dabney Lee, your problem is now solved. Dabney Lee’s products will be sure to make your desk the snazziest in your office!















by Jessica Marzelli, Event Planner Intern

East Hotel in Hamburg, Germany

Last winter, I went to Hamburg, Germany to visit my family. If you ever get the chance to travel there, I would highly recommend that you to go check out East Hotel. Located in Repabaun, it is the place to be seen. It is my favorite place to be when in Germany. The architecture of this building is not only stylish and modern but also inspirational. I had never seen anything like it. There is no other word to describe this awesome venue than futuristic. If the modern look is what you are into, let this place be your inspiration.














The columns are carved with curves and up lighted to extenuate the modern feel. Every napkin is garnished with a purple wild orchid, used as a napkin treatment. Their unique and exquisite taste just blew my mind. The restaurant uses crystal glassware that was just simply gorgeous. They used glass bubble curtains, like the ones in the shoe department in Saks Fifth Ave., New York, to distinguish apart rooms in the hotel restaurant and bar.















As an event planner, you always want to think outside the box. Jordan Mozer, the Designer of this building, just blew it out of the water. Not only was the architecture of the building amazing but also each furniture piece looked like a piece of art. The restaurant is three floors, which turns into a lounge bar at night. What makes this place so different from any other place I visited was not only the design of the building but the lighting as well. Neon colors were used at different bars on different floors. Bright tones in pinks, yellows and oranges lit up the place after dark. It truly was breath taking.













My FAVORITE part of this venue was the distressed brick walls. It was so sophisticated it just looked magnificent.













Anywhere you step foot looked as if you were in a “Cave of Wonders.”













Oh and if I may add, the food was just excellent. Let’s just say that was an added BONUS!

by Tala Farr, Event Planner

Harbour View- A Unique Wedding Venue

I had the pleasure of visiting Harbour View on the river’s edge in Northern Virginia and I am happy to say I was so impressed with this lovely space. It was quite an exciting and fun wedding venue. A bride’s total dream, where she can be whatever she wants to be in creating her fantasy wedding. The spacious open air veranda is perfect for saying your vows or just for having cocktails.

I loved the open concept of floor to ceiling windows, which are overlooking the beautiful Occoquan River, surrounded with a warm ambiance. The wrap around porch is a great spot for cocktails as well as just socializing and enjoying the view, and what a view! The neutral palette allows you the flexibility of creating your vision in this event planner’s dream. I am looking forward to working in this space and creating your fairy tale wedding with memories that will last a lifetime.

by Rosie Goulette, Event Planner