Event Pros & Partners: Williamsburg Wedding Design

One of the things I love about this industry is the opportunity to meet and work with people who are professional, fun, talented and a joy to be around. Well, I recently had the pleasure of "doing coffee" with just such a person.

For several years now Shayna Walker, of "Williamsburg Wedding Design", has used her expertise in the hospitality industry to establish herself as one of the Williamsburg area's premiere Wedding Planners. As someone who grow up in the tourism industry myself (working for the state of Virginia for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation as a teen) I can certainly understand the unique challenges she faces. Shayna uses her ability to develop relationships with historic venues, understanding their needs and restrictions to determine the best solutions for her Clients. Shayna is a delight to chat with and has a profound talent for the intricacy involved in the logistical aspects of wedding planning and coordinating.

The Colonial Williamsurg area is one of America's top travel destinations - welcoming thousands of visitors from across the world visit Williamsburg, Virginia year round. Unlike some tourist destinations, which are seasonal and may close during certain times of the year, Williamsburg transforms with each season. From blossoming springs to candlelit holiday celebrations, the area offers breathtaking historic, elegance and beautiful venues that will sweep Brides, Grooms, and their guests away to a place of old world romance.

During our lunch, Shayna shared some very exciting news with me. First, "Williamsburg Wedding Design" will soon evolve to offer comprehensive Destinations Weddings Management for the Williamsburg area. The company's services will cater to Brides and Grooms who wish to travel to (and host) a splendid wedding experience in Colonial Williamsburg.

Secondly, I'm delighted that Shayna would like to invite Art of Creative Celebrations - Vivid Expressions LLC and I to participate in creating fantastic wedding designs for their Clients. I'm thrilled to be able to provide our exquisite custom drawn event design illustrations, custom designed decor, floral designs, and more for her Clients. From an Event Designer's perspective, I looking forward to collaborating with Shayna to create many wonderful weddings in Williamsburg, Virginia!

To learn how Shayna and her team can help you plan your dream Williamsburg wedding please visit them at http://www.williamsburgweddingdesign.com/

Oh, and don't forget to tell her Janel said "Hi"!

Top 5 Wedding Day Emergency Kit Must Haves

Have you ever heard the old Cub Scout motto, "Be prepared". Now, I've never been a Cub or a Scout but as a coordinator I, like most professional coordinators, come to a wedding armed with an emergency kit. My kit, of course, is a collection of products and tools I find essential for dealing with any unexpected situations that pop up and turning potential issues into achievements. Usually, every kit is different because every kit should have the tools the professional feels work best for them. Would you like a peek into my kit? I'll forgo my funky favorite items (i.e.: duct tape, staple gun, etc.) but I will share my top 5 list of "must haves" for a Bride's big day:

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

It's moments before you walk down the aisle. The dress - gorgeous, hair - perfect, and the make-up is flawless. You are a stunning, vision to behold and you should remain so the entire day. Unfortunately, especially for Bride's with oily skin, that may not be so easy as it sounds. Every Bride should glow on her special day but perspiration could destroy beautiful make-up and a shinny face doesn't take the best picture. I keep Oil Absorbing Sheets by Clean & Clear close by so the Bride may discretely blot the her face before pictures and throughout the event.

Tide to go

Is your wedding gown White, Ivory, Cream, or even Blush? Most Brides dream of the perfect dress however, one drop of soda or wine could taint the most breathtaking gown. If find the small "Tide to Go" minis easy to carry. I keep them and a small hand towel on hand just in case wedding cake finds it's way to the train of the gown.

Bounce Dryer Sheets

O.k., I know it sounds funny but yes, I keep Bounce Dryer sheets in my emergency kit. And no, I don't plan on doing laundry during the reception but for outdoor weddings these sheets are great. Rub a sheet over a gown or tuxedo, stuff a sheet in a back pocket, or nestle one discretely in your undergarment. The dryer sheet will repel insects without the smell of bug sprays or messiness of lotions that stain.

Scotch Lint Mini Rollers

Like the song said, "Every Girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man". I admit, I love the way men look in a well made and fitted tuxedo. Of course, nothing takes away from that look than dozens of little white spots on a crisp, dark jacket. It only takes a few seconds and a couple of quick swipes with the Scotch Lint Roller to give the Groom his swagger back.

Colgate Wisps

"You may now kiss the Bride!" Breath mints are great to refresh your breath during the day but after a meal a quick brush may be in order. From the first kiss as 'Husband and Wife' to the first kiss after the reception dinner I've discovered that Colgate Wisps are a handy little item to quickly keeping my Client's teeth bright and breath fresh... smooches!

O.k., that's enough... can't give away all my secrets.

Cheers!

Why the Dancing Wedding Precession (entrance) was a hit!

If you haven't seen it, don't worry you will. Check your inbox at work and your emails from your family or friends - odds are someone has forwarded it to you... "JK Wedding Entrance" video. Almost overnight the video (which can be found on YouTube.com) has become a worldwide hit! This video featured an ultra energetic Bridal party turning the aisle at a wedding into a not so impromptu dance floor as they performed a semi-choreographed routine down the aisle to Chris Brown's "Forever". The video of the precession has even made to mainstream news and media outlets like Today on NBC.




So why has this wedding processional video created fans all over the Globe? I believe it boils down to one idea... we are sick and tired of bad news and people like feeling good! Weddings, by their very nature, are usually joyous occasions designed to nurture feelings of a new beginning, care-free fun, of hope, reassurance, and of course love. These themes are no only showcased in the video but seem to be amplified by the participates (including the wedding guests who immediately join into on the fun).



Oh, don't get me wrong, there is something timeless, romantic, and enduring about Cannon in D major playing softly in the distance to herald the coming of the Bride but we seem to live in a time when we are all bombarded by News Casters and Politicians pouring out an endless stream of economic statistics that seem to focus on the worst. Most of us have "economy information overload" and as we impatiently (very impatiently) try to ride-out the global changes there is something up-lifting about seeing people having so much unrestrained fun. Family and friends letting go and sharing in the unbridled gleefulness of the moment, of the day, and having fun - it's simply infectious. No wonder the video has been seen well over 6 million times in the short 6 days it's been posted.



I've seen it at least 3 times myself and I have to admit, I still get a smile every time I see the Bride dancing down the aisle at the end of the video; bouquet held high in the air, meeting her Groom midway, and the two of them two-stepping their way to the Officiant. The lesson: Let's stop worrying so much about life's (and the economy's) temporary status. Things are going to get better... there's hope, comfort, and great times to be had right now so enjoy love, family, friends, freedom, and life with reckless abandon!


Cheers and blessed wishes!












Janel B. Keen
CEO & Artistic Director

Romance in the Sun - Table in bloom!

Nestled away in the rolling landscape of Historic Williamsburg Brides and Grooms recently gathered to experience a little "Romance". I had the sincere pleasure of participating in yesterday's "Romance in the Sun" Show Brides Bridal Show at the elegant Colonial Heritage Club in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Colonial Heritage Club, moments away from fun and fabulous outlet mall shopping, hosted a delightful wedding show. Our booth, featuring a fresh and deliciously exquisite color combination of vibrant tangerine, lime and lemon, was the talk of the event.

Before

As always I began with a concept illustration laying out the design to created. I displayed this "Before" drawing on an easel in the corner of the booth I called "The Gallery" and invited Brides to come in look at the "Before" and "After" and participate in a survey for a chance to win a fantastic gift!

After

A vivid lime green cloth was draped with a crushed orange overlay and the table was elegantly accented by the rich gold ballroom chairs.

The place settings were layered in gold, white, lime green and burnt orange. The luxury accent? Handmade napkin rings adorned with a stunning, live sunset colored roses in full bloom and embellished with a crystal.

The centerpiece was an lavish arrangement of fresh fruit and flowers. Lanterns not only added a romance element but delicate, warm light. Three tiers of robust cluster of roses, lilies, and mums created height and a floating, cascading effect over the table. This feeling of height was only enhanced by a handmade hanging chandelier adorned with flowers and suspended candles.


Did you miss us at this show? If so, I invite you to come out and see us on August 30th at the up-coming "Endless Summer" Bridal Show at Great Wolf Lodge Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. For more information or to purchase online tickets visit http://www.showbride.com/... see you there!

Of Wine and Waterford (4 of 4) Everyday Celebrations!

Of Wine and Waterford (3 of 4)

Of Wine and Waterford: Part IV Everyday Celebrations!

As we come to the last in our four part series featuring our Fine Crystal Education Resource Waterford Crystal, "Of Wine and Waterford", I can't help but take stock in this splendid time of year and of summer entertaining. A season that seems ideal for casual and chic outdoor entertaining and all the fun that can can bring.

I admit, I've cherished many of those relaxed yet stylish gatherings. A cool comforting breeze greeting guests on a warm summer evening. The sunset painting the sky a delicious array lavender, pink, and orange as a group of joyful friends laugh and lounge on a patio or deck - indulging in cocktails. This is the season of the outdoor cocktail party. Planning a fun, sophisticated and even funky cocktail party has many components including knowing which glassware will complement the beverage and theme party decor.

Here is a quick Everyday Glassware Guide which will take you through the various cocktails and alike specialty beverage drinks for summer celebrations:

- Cordials & Liqueurs
- Decanter & Carafe
- Martini & Margarita
- Hiball & Goblet

Cordial & Liqueurs:

Specifically designed to enhance the body and bouquet of dessert wines or your favorite liqueurs. They can be fruity or even flavored to taste like candy.

Martini & Margarita Martini:

Delicate with a wide, shallow bowl. Also known as a cocktail glass. Margarita: Shaped to allow crushed ice to fall into the well while offering a wide rim for salt.

Hiball & Goblets:

Hiballs are cocktails that are made of 2 beverages (example Vodka and Cranberry juice). Hiball glasses can also be used for one soft drinks as well as one mixed drinks. Hiballs hold 12-16 ounces and are also good for iced teas. Like Hiball glasses, Goblets are used to serve non-alcoholic drinks such as water or ice tea. Goblets (also referred to as Water Goblets) are usually the largest glass at a table setting and mot basic glassware you'll find on a table.

Decanter & Carafe:

A decanter is a container for keeping and/or serving spirits or wines. Decanting enhances many wines. Typically decanters have a stopper to prevent air from entering the chamber. A carafe is an open-top container with sides fluted outward at the top. Perfect for serving wine or even sangria - the fabulous summertime beverage!

I hope you've enjoyed our series "Of Wine and Waterford" and I encourage you go out this summer, visit a local wineries, to responsibly explore wines, and feel confident.

Cheers!

We'd like to thank Waterford Crystal for being our education partner and resource. I look forward to more opportunities to work with them in the near future. We invite all our followers to visit Waterford.com to experience their full range of exquisite crystal products.

Of Wine and Waterford (3 of 4)

Of Wine and Waterford: Part III - Champagne

I once again begin another installment of our "wine world" exploration (and more specifically Champagne) by asking a question...

What’s in a name?

Think about the last time you had a sip of crisp, champagne. Maybe you toasted a blissful newly wedded couple at a wedding reception. Perhaps it was in the form of a refreshing mimosa during a delightful Sunday brunch or you had a glass over a candlelit dinner at the end of a romantic evening. In most cases what many people were enjoying wasn’t actually champagne - it was more than likely “Sparkling Wine”.

Champagne, like many things in life, was invented as a happy accident. The discovery was made by French Benedictine monks Dom Pierre Pérignon (1639 – 1715) and Frère Jean Oudart (1654 – 1742) in a beautifully lush region of France called Champagne. The region’s climate, with its short and cool growing season, along with a process that involved a secondary fermentation period resulted in the creation of those signature tiny bubbles in the wine. For hundreds of years since the monk’s invention the name "Champagne" has been associated with (and marketed as) wine processed to have bubbles. Although the method of creating carbon-dioxide bubbles in wine has been duplicated for centuries, in order to be consider true “Champagne” the wine must be made in the Champagne region of France – otherwise, it should just be considered “Sparkling Wine”.

Coupe or Flute:

Traditionally there are two shapes of champagne glasses – Coupe and fluted. The Coupe or Saucer style glass features a small, wide bowl-shape with low sides. Legend has it that the Coupe-style glass was molded to resemble the breast of Marie Antoinette. This style of glass was very en vogue with society crowds in the 20’s but slowly lost popularity beginning in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Over the past few decades the Coupe or Saucer champagne glass has taken a back seat to the Flute Champagne glass however; progressive designers like Marc Jacobs have given it their un-mistakable twist by re-inventing the look (see Left, David Champagne Saucers).

Perhaps it’s the long, graceful lines which allow the delicate bubbles to dance and race upward the glass but the tall, narrow Fluted glass currently remains the most popular style of champagne glass. Although most Fluted glasses flair at the top (as seen in the Engraved Lismore Toasting Flutes, Right) Fluted glasses may also possess an elongated tulip shape. The longer surface of the Fluted glass offers space for exquisite designs to be cut into crystal.

Trend alert!

As "Jewel-tones" continue to be the hot color trend this year creative designers may find new inspiration in the vibrant color palate of crystal Flute stemware offered by Waterford. Dazzling crystal Flutes in Ruby, Sapphire, and Smoky Topaz allow designers to add brilliant, shimmering hues to complement gorgeous table-scape concepts. To see the full range of Waterford Flutes and Saucers visit http://www.waterford.com . As always, free to contact me with your event design questions.

Of Wine and Waterford (2 of 4)

Of Wine and Waterford: Part II - White Wines

As we continue exploring the "wide world of wines" I'd like to start with a quick question...

True or False

"White Wine comes from White Grapes and Red Wine comes from Red Grape?"

The answer is False. The truth is there are a veriety of grapes grown for different wines (each having distinct flavors and characteristics of wines) but any color grape can make red or white wine. If the skins of the grapes are left in during certain parts of the wine making process for red wine, it will give the wine a darker color. On the other hand, the grape skins are removed at a particular point in the wine making process for white wine. The result - a lighter colored wine in white wines and a heartier, deeper color wine in red wines.

Tasting the difference:

The intense taste of red wine is also thanks to something else given to red wines from the skin called Tannins. Tannins are the natural substance in grapes (especially the skins, seeds and stems) that gives it that strong, tart sensation on your tongue as you taste it. Because the skins, seeds, etc are removed in the early part of the white wine making process, white wines tend to lack Tannins and have a very difference (often crispter and lighter) taste.

As you compare white wines to red wines, reflect upon the aromas you smelled earlier – you’ll find white wines will tend to have brighter scents as well as flavors. They may include; pear, fig, melon, apple, lemon, apricot, vanilla, lavender and more. Here are few examples of Light-bodied, Medium-bodied, and Full-bodied white and what you may experience.

Shapes - White Wine Glass:

Ask someone to close their eyes and picture "a wine glass" and odds are they will envision the classic shape of a white wine glass. Traditionally this shape consists of a "tulip-shaped" container atop a tall, slender stem. The design is classic - developed to allow the wine to aerate and "breath" in the glass when swirled. One of the most famous and elegant Crystal collections offered by Waterford is the Lismore Collection. For over 50 years this collection has captured the hearts of Waterford collectors with its beautifully designed patterns and exquisite engravings. The line is recognized for its stunning crystal frames, perfume bottles, vases, and even chandeliers but it is the Lismore Crystal Stemware (example Lismore Essence White Wine, right) that truly helps to create phenomenal table-scapes.

Design Trend Alert!
There is something about the traditional look of a gracefully, long stemmed wine glass that we will always love. They seem to embody the sophisticated feeling of a formal dinning experience. However, recently we have seen a very "non-traditional" evolution in the design of wine glasses.

A new trend in stylishly, contemporary table-scapes that feature “stemless” wine glasses. Seen here (left, Lismore Nouveau Stemless White Wine Crystal) this crystal-ware innovative offers savvy event designers an opportunity to add an interesting new twist to the old formal place-setting. Available in Wine Glasses, Water Goblets, and even Champagne Glasses "Stemless" Crystal can convey a geometric, modern look to a table - adding fullness, weight and deepth to the surface of a table design. Stemless Crystal lowers the eye - allowing guests to focus on low laying centerpieces and floral designs, dramatic clusters of candles or even notice the details in luxurious linen designs, china and flatware.

These unique "stemless" glasses may be used in an unconventional formal table-scape design, causal dinning table design setting or even as decorative elements such as individual flower vases - resulting in a creative and beautiful place-setting of each guest at the table.

to be continued...

For more information on the Lismore collection and other stunning fine crystal and designer collaborations from Marc Jacobs, Robert Mondavi, and more please visit http://www.waterford.com/. Looking for ideas or have questions about entertaining, event planning or designing a breathtaking event? Feel free to contact me!