Design & Technology Trends

Ok, I admit it.... I'm a closet Techie. No surprise for those of you who know me, after all, technology plays an important part in graphic design, animation, and media - all of which are areas I've dabbled in prior to the events industry. And as an Event Designer I still use a great deal of graphic software and tools to organize many layout ideas, print projects, event materials, website and other designs. Having said that, when I saw the video below my inner Techie squealed with awe and excitement.

It showcases an animated rendering of an uber cutting edge laptop design in the works. This is one of the most amazing innovations in practical technological design, portability, versatile, and general "Wow Factor" I've seen in many years. Yes, even the long anticipated "iPad" should watch its back. Orkin Design is developing the "Rolltop" - a flexible 13" laptop, touchscreen 17" design tablet, or 17" computer display... all in one! This German designed device will literally roll-up around a sleek, tube-like shape detachable Hub containing everything from your power adapter, web cam, and more all carried by a (dare I say it) super chic and stylish shoulder strap design... Genius!!

I feel like celebrating!!

Spring is here (kinda) and if you didn't know it, well, I absolutely adore the Spring and Autumn seasons. Perhaps it's the graceful, almost lyrical transformations. The world re-invents itself with new color, texture, and forms. The landscape of the everything around us changes and suddenly, it's Spring... the renewal and warmth of life.

Ah Spring, perhaps (for me at least) it's the transition of color that really lifts the spirit, ignites the imagination, and unleashes the creative juices. That said, I feel like celebrating. Specifically, it's time to offer a special promotion to some of local Brides and Event Hosts in my area. I'm cooking up a special promotion for the month of April... a fun gift... a "thank you" for your support and for thinking of Vivid Expressions LLC when it comes to making your wedding or special event fabulous! The catch, yah, there's one... you have to be join our Facebook Fan Page, "Art of Creative Celebrations - Vivid Expressions LLC", to find out what it is and how you can get it. Oh don't look at me that way. I'll be posting the details on our fan page 1st - just visit the page, become a fan, check out "what we're doing", and then keep an eye out or the announcement. Come, it'll be fun... you know you're curious.
Cheers!

"Hey Mr. DJ"

Have you ever heard someone say that "the reception felt like it took on a life of it's own"? That's because in many ways they do. Every event has it's own beginning, then it grows, it features many highlights and, like all things, it comes to an end. Some of the best parties (or wedding receptions) can easily die before their time thanks to a bad DJ. Come on, you've seen it happen. The dance floor is packed, everyone is having a great time and then... boom, the wrong song or an inappropriate comment (sorry Grandma). They struggle to gain control... to save it but it's too late. The party's time of death, 9:38 pm... (sigh) tragic.


If a Client is interested having a DJ for their event I always remind them that a good DJ is an investment in their guest's experience. A DJ does more than just "play music". At their very best they entertain and execute the sequence of events during a reception while interpreting and even facilitating the tone of the crowd.


One of my favorite local DJs is Rodney Charles (above). With the tag line "It's all about you" he has developed a Client experience designed around each event. I've had the pleasure of working a couple of events where Rodney Charles was the DJ and I have a confession... I had to consciously stop myself from dancing. His ability to create a mood with the proper selection of music and timing while seamlessly incorporating the events of the evening was flawless!

2010 brings exciting news for Rodney, his company has grown to enhance the services they provide to discerning clients. In January the company re-branded itself for the new year with a new look however, it still holds on to the professionalism and passion that makes them exciting to become Arch Entertainment Company. Be sure to check out their website and, of course, tell Rodney and his team that Janel said "Hi!"

Top 5 things about DJ services:

1. First Steps - When considering a DJ it's important to schedule a "face-to-face" meeting. This will not only help you determine details like deposits, available service options, and preferences but it will help you see if they will be able to express "your" personality through the music.
2. Ceremony Services - Most DJs offer separate Ceremony services at a separate fee. Ceremony services can include not only ceremony music but provide "mic" or sounds system services for the ceremony. This is especially important for outdoor Ceremonies were the voices of the Bride and Groom may not carry far enough for guests to hear.
3. MC = Master of Ceremony - Reception DJ services are different from Club-like DJ services. They do more than just playing music, they usually work very closely with your Wedding/Event Coordinator to conduct announcements, facilitate the many highlights or functions of the evening and maintain a smooth overall flow.
4. Reception/Event Services - Most DJs offer packages which include a block of hours, set-up, break-down, etc.
5. Other Options - Many DJs can provide a wide range of additional services to enhance the reception experience for you and your guest such as a "Photo Montage", videos screen rentals, etc.

Contact your Professional Wedding/Event Planner and/or your DJ to discuss the many options available and what will be the best fit for your event.

The Chrysler Museum of Art Bridal Event: The Party and The Pros!

Oh, you know how I love a good party and the Bridal Event at the world renowned Chrysler Museum of Art on Friday March 12 was just that... a simply fabulous party! Tantalizing food, drinks, and visually striking displays... all of the senses were engaged and enticed at this fun and fantastic event.

The tranquil and sophisticated Museum was transformed that evening into a vibrant, intimate, soiree - pulsating with the energy of our enchanting vendor friends and colleagues. Guests were treated to complementary Valet parking, their coats were checked and wonderful delights like champagne and even beer tasting (a hit with Grooms). Gorgeous models adorned in breathtaking gowns strolled and stunning tablescapes and lighting created an ideal environment to celebrate. If you haven't considered the Chrysler Museum of Art as a reception location, here are somethings to know about this outstanding venue.


The Place to be:

The Chrysler Museum of Art is one of the top Art Museums in the United States. As a formally trained Fine Artist I can honestly say this venue offers chic, romance and classic, elegance like not other. The Chrysler offers an exquisite canvas to envision, create and celebrate your special day.

A few things you should know about having your event at the Chrysler Museum of Art:

• Capacity - This venue has a number of rental space options however, the largest area, Huber Court, can comfortably accommodate up to 220 guests for a seated reception.
  
• Availability - Facility rental is available on Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
  
• Rental Prices - The average evening space rental can range from $3,500 to $4,500. Tuesday Afternoon Luncheons are $1,000.
  
• Restrictions - There are number of unique restrictions ranging from the use of the Museum's exclusive caterer (Cuisine & Company) to mandatory Insurance for events. Please contact the Chrysler Museum of Art or your professional, licensed and insured Wedding Coordinator to learn about facility rental details.
  
• Contact - Mia Byrd, mbyrd@chrysler.org or call her at (757) 333-6233

Next: Spotlight on The Pros - featured...

• "Hey Mr. DJ"
• Phenomenal Photographers
• Fellow Facilitators, Visionaries, and Coordinators
• Fabulous Floral Designs
• Creative Cakes & Catering
• Seeing the Light (Lighting Design)

Trend Forecast 2010

It's that time again... our "Event Trend Forecast"! This is the time of year when we look ahead to forecast a few trends and ideas we expect to see flourish in Special Event and Wedding Planning, Design, Fashions, etc during this event planning season and throughout the year to come. Ok, there is a lot to cover so let's get to it.

Color:

Gray is the new Chocolate Brown - This neutral color is very versatile and can complement any color scheme. Gray can offer a wide range of characteristic from deep, smoldering undertones like a Smokey gray which will work well with warm hues to soft or even bluish undertones like Silver or Slate gray... ideal for cool colors.

Other Event and Fashionable Colors - Shimmer Pastels and Metallic tones like Pearl Pink, Buttercup, and Champagne in the Spring. Also, thanks to the dazzling colors seen in movies like "Avatar" and "Alice in Wonderland" expect to see Vibrant Jewel tones such as Sapphire blues, Garnet Red, Turquoise, and Jade Green in both event designs and fashions as the year progresses... delicious!

Fashion:
The Oscar's Red Carpet often serves as a crystal ball - highlighting some of the newest trends in fashion which may translate into some of the most highly sought after Bridal looks. Here are a few observations:

Texture, Texture, Texture - The Red Carpet was practically overflowing with lush and eye-catching textures. Oh how I love this one - it's all about textural embellishments, flowing fabrics, bold Ruffles, and elegant Lace.

Silhouettes - In addition to the continuing popularity of the one-shoulder and asymmetrical neckline you'll be sure to see a return to carefully tailored yet retro and classic silhouettes like Mermaid, Empress and A-Line silhouettes. Fashion as Art - A new and very exciting fashion trend, which more unconventional Brides may be drawn to, is the Sculptural Gown. Yes, I know, it's not for everyone but on the right Bride this will be stunning.
Are you being served?:

Eating Green - The "Green Trend" will continue at the reception table with Chefs and Caterers offering more fresh, seasonal, locally grown, and organic menu options. Creative Cuisine Pros will delight in developing scrumptious creations featuring the flavors of the local region and the freshness of the season... yum!

Family-style Service - For Brides looking for an alternative to the Buffet-style service but want something more casual than a Sit-down dinning the "Family-Style" food service trend may be a fantastic option.
"Mini" just for me - The "One bit", Amuse-Bouche, and Individual Serving-size item will continue to be popular in catering.

Food Magic - I've been on this trend for a while now and I know, this is not for your average Bride (or Caterer for that matter) but when technology, Food and Art come together I can't help but take notice. Molecular Gastronomy is a cutting edge food trend where advances in chemistry and gadgetry are used to prepare (and even change the property) foods to create unique dishes. Cleaver Chefs can be change something normally served in a liquid (like a soup) into a completely different form like a foam, sculpted into edible sheets or caviar-like beads that melt in your mouth. Another example would be taking salad dressing and transforming it into droplets encased in grape-sized edible shells. Way cool.

Raising the bar - The Candy Buffet will continue to be a popular treat at receptions but, as they have been doing over the past year, they will evolve into more of a Dessert Bar featuring cookies, mini cupcakes, etc with Milkshake Shots or a Gourmet Coffee bar. The most notable change to the "bar" concept will the trend of sophistication. Some Caterers may offer freshly made hot donuts, cooked on spot. Also be on the look out for Artisans and Craftsmen hired to create Hand-rolled Cigar, Micro-Brew Beer Bars, or a Cognac Bar.Making a comeback:

Retro Inspiration and Themes - From "Mad Men" to Lilly Pulitzer... the kitsch and chic, sophisticated and swell 40's, 50's and 60's stylized look will be seen in "hip" and trendy events, weddings and Brides. Expect to see its' influence in cocktails, accessories, decor, photographic styles and props, and even hairstyles.

Head tables - For a number of years the Head table has been replaced by the more intimate Sweetheart table for wedding receptions. However, with reception designs creating a main focal point in specific areas of the room instead of elaborate tablescapes on all table (see "Center of Attention" below) it looks like the Head table is making a comeback.

Cascading bouquets - The Cascading bouquet is making a comeback. The design will feature premium flowers and take a more reserved, sculpted and defined look.

Center of Attention:

Floating flowers - Floating and submerging flowers will continue to grow as a popular choice for centerpieces. Also, expect to see reception designs with mostly low centerpieces and only a few tall, elaborate centerpieces strategically placed throughout a reception hall such as at the Head table.

Design Elements:

Pomanders - You've seen them on chairs, hanging from arches, or even from tall centerpieces - yes, the pomander will continue to be a favorite. The simple design is decorative, versatile and good choice for Brides and Designers interested in incorporating slighting Mod, geometric or even carefree, whimsical look without being too floral. Charming and Sentimental Touches - I love this trend. Well, I love any excuse to embellish. Expect to notice tons of little personal details like decorative pins, charms, lockets, framed pictures of loved ones, and other small personal statements. Ribbons (but beware the bow) - No, no, no big, poofy, round gift bows! Designs featuring the linear flow of multiple ribbons or sashes streaming across tables, the back of chairs or suspended from the ceiling and backdrops will gain popularity. Ultra chic, stylized, and sculpted Bows (not those shiny round, holiday wrapping-like bows) will be seen in dresses and use very sparingly in decor.

Laid out - Long Banquet tables and Square tables will continue to gain popularity as an alternative to your traditional 10 top round reception table but also expect to see unconventional configurations and unique layouts like "Clover leaf" table designs. Although the design below is a demo table a design using 6' rounds could accommodate 18 to 24 guests very comfortably.

Phew!! Told you it was a big one. Well, if you have questions or need any help navigating through the trends and idea to create a cohesive vision for your event... don't hesitate to contact us. Cheers!!

The most wanted man in Hollywood...

Hollywood's most desired man has a "golden" tan but stands less than 15" tall. This weekend he's being desperately pursued by everyone from a French Cuisine Icon to an 8 ft tall Blue Alien! The anticipation is building as the fashion, glam and spectacle of Oscar night rapidly approaches. Having an Oscar party? Be sure to include this cleaver delight for you guests:


"Avatini"

1 oz Pomegranate Smirnoff Vodka
1 oz White Cranberry juice
1/2 oz Triple sec
1/2 oz. Blue Curaçao
squeeze of lime juice (and a slice to garnish)
Shake with ice, strain and serve in a chilled Martini glass... Cheers!

A Touch of Spring

If you're like me you just can't wait for Spring to arrive. Oh, the warmth and color of Spring - how we miss you. An after another cold, snowing day I thought I'd share a little kiss of Spring. A "before" design illustration and the final creation - a fresh, romantic bouquet of roses and tulips adorned with an elegant and enchanting jewel. More pics to come but for now... enjoy!