Behind the design: Lovely and Low

In case you didn't know I love educating and facilitating. It's true! In fact, my 1st job as a teen was for the State of Virginia as Museum Services Assistant - giving demonstrations of 18th Century children's toys and helping with Revolutionary History Museum tours. Needless to say my focus now is more Fine Art and Event Design oriented and I'm more than happy to share theories, techniques and principles.

Ok, last time we talked about the "Power of 3" in creating visual interest on a table. Today I'd like to continue dissenting table-scapes but talking about a common mistake when choosing Centerpieces for an event. In general, centerpieces (floral or non-floral) fall into two categories; Tall and Low. Tall centerpieces tend to create a more dramatic look - giving the observer a feeling of full space and proportion by drawing the eye vertically. Low centerpieces are usually more intimate (and yes, less expensive). The reason low centerpieces create a more "intimate" feeling is because they do not draw your eye up and down, instead they keep your focus low - drawing your eyes horizontally across the table.

One of the most important things to remember with low centerpieces is they should be approximately than 10 -12 inches tall (or less). This is to make sure the design is functional (as all good design) and doe not disrupt with the guest's line of sight. An example of a bad low centerpiece design is one that obstructs the view of the guest. And although you many want to avoid your Cousin Fred, hiding behind the centerpiece should no be the way to do it.

Ok, so you don't have a ruler hand. Want a quick and easy way to check the height of a centerpiece? Don't let Mom see you do this but forget your manners for a moment and put your elbow on the table. From your elbow to your wrist or top of your fist is approximately 10' tall and roughly the maximum high for a "Low" centerpiece. Exception to the rule? There are always exceptions. If the centerpiece is clear, translucent or has design/materials with a lot of negative space but we will talk about that when we explore "Tall" centerpieces next time. Until then... Cheers!

Celebrating 10 stylish years!

For 10 years "Vow Bride" magazine has been the region's foremost wedding-style resource for trendsetting, Bridal Fashionistas. Twice a year readers drink in the simply scrumptious articles and stunning images designed to reflect all things weddings in the industry and Hampton Roads. Editor-in-Chief, Stylist, Make-up Artist and one of Hampton Road's Premier fashion mavens Kim Wadsworth is the creative mind and driving force behind the "Vow's" vision and success. With vital planning information, gorgeous models, breath-taking gowns, and the absolute best locations the magazine's pages showcase the works of some of the area's top photographers such as Keith Cephus, Eliese Thuer, David Schwartz, and Ramone Permel. In short, the Vow Bride is a must have for any Bride planning her special day in Hampton Roads.

Join Vow Bride in celebrating its 10th anniversary at the fabulous Vow Bridal Show. Over the years the show has become established as one of the area's signature Bridal events. To add to the splendor and exciting of this year's event Vow has announced the tremendous honor of hosting the talent of famed Couture Designer Romona Keveza. Come out to see, taste, and experience the Vow Bridal Event at the chic and modern Virginia Beach Convention Center on February 21st.

Behind the Design: The Power of 3

Tall Centerpieces are dramatic! There's no surprise why Brides & Grooms and party hosts love them. They capture your attention and draw your eye vertically - taking advantage of the proportion of a table or even a room. Of course there's a price to pay for such drama... it's also no surprise that smaller, low centerpieces tend to be less expensive that tall, fuller centerpieces. How can you use a lower centerpiece design without loosing visual interest? Here's the solution - remember your design principles! One of the best ways is to achieve visual interest with lower centerpieces is by creating rhythm or "a visual flow" horizontally across the table instead of vertically. This can be accomplished with smaller, low centerpieces by using multiple decorative items or floral arrangements on a single table in odd numbers - usually in 3s. Here are few examples:

More posts about using Art and Design princples in event designs are coming soon!

Portfolio Video...

Have you seen the video? It's a little jazzy collection of some of our favorite "Before" wedding/event illustrations and "After" completed Wedding/Event & Floral Design... enjoy!

Free up some memory... in your life!

Ok, this may not replace my long standing goal of eventually hiring a Personal Assistant but this free online tool will certainly do for now. If you'd like to have someone remind you of all those dozens of little items on your "To do" throughout the day just give this a try. http://www.task.fm/ offers a free online tool which allows you to send a brief "tweet-like" message to yourself.

Once you've set-up an account you can enter a simple reminder message (example: "Dinner with Bob at 6pm tonight") that can be emailed, text, or even sent to you in a voice call at a scheduled time and date. The basic tool is available free online or you can upgrade to the "Pro account" which offers more features. Will it replace your good old post-it notes? Maybe not. And no, it can't run to the Post office for you or pick-up the dry cleaning but if you just need a little reminder this can be a very helpful tool. Let me know if this helps you... enjoy!

Caricatures and Celebrations

I'm just back from an evening of performing Caricatures at the scrumptious Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center. Over the past few years this venue has gone through a bit (o.k. a major... down right extreme) makeover and she look stunning! Gone is the "old world nautical" feel and instead the hotel is sporting a new look of Modern-elegance. In short, it is a splendid place for a celebration.

To make things even more delightful I had the pleasure of working with two fantastic event pros - DJ Rodney Charles and, florist extraordinaire and inspiring colleague, Daevid's of Norfolk - both created an absolutely fun, festive and fabulous environment to be in. Lots of fun! Pics coming soon... Cheers!

In Front & Behind the lens: Jade Tablescape Details

Your wedding day will seem to defy the laws of physics because it will feel like the fastest day of your life. Serious, with all the months (or sometimes years) of anticipation the actual day really flies by and if you're not careful you'll miss so many moments. I always tell Clients that one of the best investments you can make in your wedding is a great photographer. Remember, after the cake is cut, the dance floor is empty, the candles are blown out, and the entire event is over it's the pictures that remain. You'll look back in a few weeks, months, years and even decades to see family, friends and so many remarkable moments. The sights of the day will never be duplicated and a professional, talented photographer will be able to capture every smile, mood and detail.

I recently had the pleasure of having some of my designs photographed by Bill Murray of ONON Digiography in Virgina Beach, Virginia. Bill's work always convey a vibrant story and each Bride is presented flawlessly. His creative eye, technical knowledge, easy-going personality and passion for his work makes he just wonderful to be around and preserve the beauty of day.

"I guess you could say I just love people, and I REALLY love being around people that are in love. I've been told many times that people can see my soul in my work and I would have to agree that I put my heart into it. I truly believe that my connection to the wonderful people that trust me with their once in a lifetime events makes a huge difference. I TRULY care about every moment, because once that moment passes, it will never happen again. I capture those moments, reverently, while laughing, with tears in my eyes at times. I feel everything that I see."

Enjoy some of our work seen through the lens of Bill. You can contact him at ONON Digiography in Virginia Beach, Virginia... and tell him I say "Hi."