Urban Art & Romance: Could this be a trend?

No surprise how much I loooooooove this!! As you may know our mission at Vivid Expressions has always been to incorporate "Art" into "Special Events" but this creative emerging trend just makes me smile... artful, imaginative, and uber cool Urban Art proposal! In the last few days I (and thousands and thousands of others) have seen these 2 Urban Artists create vibrant murals to woe their beloved into marrying them. Maybe that's the street she walks ever day to work or Scabble, cherry blossoms or the puppy must be important to the couple but using art and Artists (in a proposal, ceremony, reception, cocktail party, etc.) allows you to incorporate themes and concepts that are signifigent to the host. Enjoy these two examples of Urban Artists helping to create unforgettable marriage proposal that have occured in just a mater of the last few days.

Graffiti Proposal from Alex Luster on Vimeo.

Behind the Design/Design 101: Color Theories Pt 3

As an Artist I looooove color (as if you didn't know). Well, I do. Almost as much as I love working with Brides, Grooms, and other Clients who are open to working with color. I find that one of the reasons some people shy away from using multiple color combinations in their events is that they are afraid of it looking too bright, overdone or even "circus-like". Have no fear! Done with the proper techiques, using more than one color will not end with a rainbow explosion. If you are comfortable with the science and theories color it isn't a problem. I guess that's why I started this series.

Today I'm continuing with another installment of our on-going Educational design Posts - "Behind the Design/Design 101". Over the past few weeks we've explored the concepts behind certain Color Theories. Specifically we looked into a few ideas, the psychology and yes, the science behind some very basic Color Harmonies like Monochromatic and Complementary design color palette selections. Well, now it's time to discuss my personal favorite (and admittedly "Go to") of the very basic Color Harmonies... Analogous.

Using this harmony will incorporate multiple colors in a way that will convey a feeling of smooth, flowing transition. It, just like the other color harmonies, begins with the Color Wheel. Analogous colors schemes are simply up to 4 colors next to each other on the Color Wheel. Start with one color and then select up to 4 colors in a row (or in this case in a curve) on the wheel. Now, there are tons of Art & Design tricks and techniques to create a wide range of difference styles, feeling, etc. For example; a dramatic look may be achieved by changing the intensity of some colors (tint and tone as discussed in Monochromatic hues). Take a look at some tablescapes below done in analogous colors... enjoy!!

Colors: Orange, Yellow, Green

Colors: Blue, Purple, Red (Well, Pink actually)

Colors: Red-Purple, Red (Actually more of a intense Pink), Orange

Visit a "Clue Location" for a chance to win a Tiffany Bracelet

5 years of "Creative Celebrations" here at Vivid Expressions! Ready to celebrate with us for a chance to win a Tiffany Bracelet? Grab your *Smart Phone, visit one of the following "Clue Locations", scan the QR Code on the "Clue Card" and complete the form to win!


Special thank you are our participating "Clue Locations":

The Chamberlin
Hampton, Virginia
(Ask for Special Events & Wedding Office 757-637-7200)

Waterside Marriott
Norfolk, Virginia
(Ask for Wedding Office, 757-627-4200)

Maya Couture
Norfolk, Virginia
(757-461-1690)

Just Cupcakes
Town Center
Virginia Beach, Virginia
(757-671-2020)

Just Cupcakes
Hilltop
Virginia Beach, Virginia
(757-425-1010)

The Boardwalk Photo Booth Company
Virginia Beach, Virginia
(757-510-1508)

Shockley's Sweet Shoppe
Virginia Beach, Virginia
(757-284-9817)

Chef by Design Catering Co.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
(Please call, 757-496-3900)

The Bridal Dish
Virginia Beach, Virginia
(757-689-8082)


If you have any additional questions please contact us... cheers!

*Please Note: You will need a "Smart Phone" to scan the "Clue Card". You may need to download a FREE QR Code app from your Service Provder.

5th Anniversary Tiffany Give-away... Wanna play?

In recognition of 5 unforgettable years of "Creative Celebrations" here at Vivid Expressions, we are giving away a Tiffany & Co. bracelet! It's not just a contest, it's a fun, interactive activity including some of our favorite vendors. It's 1... 2... 3 steps - wanna play?

Well, here's how. We will post the names of location Vendors that are participating "Clue Locations".

1.) Visit one of these special locations and find a "Clue Card".

2.) One each "Clue Card" is QR Code you can Scan from your *Smart Phone.

3.) The Code will take you to a "Secret Page" on our website where you can enter to win.

We will post "Clue Card Locations" on our Facebook Fan Page or this blog this week. So... are you ready to play? Have fun!!

*You may need to download a free app to your Smart Phone from your service provider.

Peak inside our process: Style vs. Theme

So, while remarking on the gown worn by the newly wedded Duchess of Cambridge (a.k.a. Kate Middleton) someone said, "I thought it [the gown] was going to be a little more glamorous". Now considering that the Queen of England (her new Mother-in-law) is the head of the Church of England, the etiquette and the style of the occasion (a formal, high-noon church wedding) the drama, flash and bling of a "Glamorous" look just wouldn't have been appropriate. This got me thinking about the roles that "Style and Theme" play in the Wedding or Special Event Design process.

There are a lot of my favorite Planner/Designer colleagues who know how to design beautifully. They know how to create a flawless, consistent and streamline look for their Clients. Their skills and experience come through in every event they create. When I conduct a Design Consultation with a Client I like to take them through a few exercises that I've developed to help us both understand their "Style" as well as any "theme" that may come into play.

Unfortunately, it seems like there's a number of Planners/Designers out there that don't practice this step or have any kind of design structure that takes these concepts in mind. I've noticed a few mis-matched styles desperately (and usually randomly) tossed together with the Theme being the only thing in common. This is done in hopes that the "Theme" would somehow tie everything together. More often than not the result is a slightly off to overwhelmingly disjointed look. An interesting look but lacking a since of linear flow and visual consistency.

Here's the problem.

If you create an overall event design look with a theme but do not take the time to identify and develop a structure involving the actual style, the look is usually not cohesive. With lost of interesting but varying components, the overall look is as if several different parties (with a lot of nice elements) just "crashed together". A bit of a visual mess.

The solution...

Develop an event design and concept using your Theme and Style in mind. Let's start by understanding what a Theme is and then identifying Style.

What is Theme? Well, Theme is easy - It's the broad concept, message or idea of the event. In Event Design, Theme is the "message" or "idea" that will be carried throughout the look and feel of the event. It may be a signal topic, season, element, destination, Holiday, etc. Themes can range from subtle to over the top and there are literally hundreds of Themes to choose from; Winter Wonderland, Alice in Wonderland, Beach or Tropical, Hollywood Glamour, English Garden, so on and so on.

Now for Style. Funny, Style is one of those words that almost everyone has used but very few understand a formal definition of. Style is the artistic category, prevailing mode, aestheic value and/or structural composition in which an idea is carried. It can also refer to the phystical techniques used. It's what I consider to be one of the key developmental steps that some miss during the event design process. Style is the vehicle in which your theme will be delivered. The type of materials, flowers, accents, fabrics colors, etc. can all reflect the Style. In Design there are generally 7 distinct Styles. The type of materials, flowers, fabrics, accents, etc used can all create convey a specific "Style" as it presents a theme. Depending on the type of event, like that of a wedding, we may have to merge more than one style. Here are just a few examples of the same "Theme" (Tropical) reflected in a few different "Styles" ranging from Modern to Eclectic.

Behind the Design (Design 101): Color Harmonies Pt II - Complementary

Ok, so you thought a Monochromatic Color Scheme was easy (and yah, it is). Once you understand the depth and drama that a range of "tints" and "tones" can create (two terms that can play a part in every color harmony... more on that later) you'll never look at a "______ and White" as a color scheme, wedding colors or party decor the same way again. Great! Then you're ready for another popular color combo concept... Complementary Color.

Again, this is such a simple Color Harmony that can so easily go wrong if you don't understand how color really works . So, here's the basics. Selecting a Complementary Color scheme starts, as most do, with a Color Wheel (see below). Start with one color and look directly across the wheel to find the color which is opposite from it and "Voila!" You have your Complementary Colors. Now, if you look around you've probably seen together before. Think about it, right around the Holiday season. Red and Green are directly across from each other on the color wheel. Historically "Purple and Gold" have been used to depict Royalty. Slide slightly over a little more on the wheel and you have "Plum and Sage"... and so on.
Easy right? Ok, now here's were many people go wrong. Most people only look for those "Two Colors" however, they don't consider the multiple tints and tones they could use to create a more polished or professional look. They simply pick the two colors and use them (the exact colors) together throughout the design. Unfortunately, if not done just right the result is a very flat feel.

Unless the design specifically requires a stark, crisp contrast consider using a slight variation of the colors in lighter and darker shades. This will add more visual interest to designs. Let's look at this great example. Look at the tablescape below. It's the old standard of "Red and Green" however, the "Red" takes the form of a tint of "Pink". Also, take a look at the subtle variation in the shades of Green in the Chair cover and the table overlays.

Did you also notice the different tints of pink in the overlay flowers and place setting too? Notice how the layering of colors adds a richer, more lush feel? Remember, it's the same colors just a little darker and lighter. Hope you enjoyed this portion of Behind the Design/Design 101... more Color Harmonies to come.

Bride's Reception Quesitons: Place Card vs Escort Card

I recently had a consulting session with one of our simply fantastic Brides. She was so excited to chat with me and learn about the many options to choose from for the layout of her up-coming wedding reception. I was later told by her Fiance that "HE" was looking forward to my session with her because I put her mind at ease and she always feels better afterwards. So, what was the big concern? Seating the Guests.

Seating Charts and Place Cards have been a traditional way to direct Guests to where in the reception hall they'll be experiencing the Couple's wedding reception. These "Cards" or Seating Charts can also be helpful to Catering Staff when identifying and serving Guests with specific dinning needs. For example; perhaps a Guest has dietary restrictions or you are having a Plated Dinner where Guests have selected a particular meal like Chicken or Fish.

This topic can be a tricky one for some Brides & Grooms. After all, there's a lot of family members and friends (and of course their personalities) to keep in mind. Who should sit with whom? Should you encourage new family members to meet? Should you sit friends who know each other together? And you know Cousin Pat doesn't get along with Aunt Betty... where should they sit? Then once you've decided which 8 to 10 people will sit at which table, then comes the detail of deciding exactly where they sit and next to who? Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Brides can refer to the guidance of their Planner or use other planning aids to assist in the logistics of these tasks. In the past few years many couples have also embraced the options of Escort Cards. While both Place Cards and Escort Cards feature the name of Guests they each have slightly difference purposes and benefits. Which one may work best for you? Compare the differences between the two:

Place Cards: Usually a small card (sometimes held in a decorative holder) with an individual Guest's name placed at the place setting at the Guest's table. Place Cards convey a formal element. Guests often feel as if the Host (Bride and Groom) have thought specifically about them - as if it's like a personal "Welcome, please have a seat".

Escort Cards: This is a little more informal yet still a delightful way to convey a scene of elegance. Cards that identify a Guest's Name and their table are displayed before the Guests enter the reception hall. Guests then find their card and carry it with them to their table. Guests then seat themselves where they feel comfortable at the table. A benefit of Escort Cards will be the reduced step of determining exactly who sits next to whom while still insuring that the right Guests sit together. It also offers another design option for the look of the wedding. Many Brides and Event Designers take advantage of creating an additional focal point out of where the Escort Cards are displayed.

Consider the look, the feeling and style of your wedding when choosing how to seat your Guests.