June 2, 2010

Table Top Contest

The 3rd annual table top contest was held this past March at the beautiful Columbia Winery in Woodinville. The Association of Bridal Consultants also known as ABC along with the International Special Events Society, also known as ISES participated in the contest. There were 16 entries.

Judges choice, our esteemed judges, Laura Cassidy from Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, Blair deLaubenfels of JunebugWeddings.com, and Jenny Klimenkoff of Far 4 selected Stephanie Salemann’s entry for their choice. Stephanie represented Twelve Baskets Catering, and named her table “Something Old, Something New. She had the only table that used pillows for chairs! Very unique!


Peoples choice, first place was awarded to Viennese Waltz designed by Stacy Kvam of SK Wedding and Event Design. Her co-designer was Patty Holder of Brittany Flowers. 2nd Place was awarded to Something Old, Something New! Stephanie Salemann of Twelve Baskets Catering. Third place was fun. There was a 3-way tie between Sherry Smith of McKenzieKate Weddings and her co-designer Lana Spagnoli of Seattle Flowers. Brian Dale of Wave Link Music and his co-designer Jillian Cook of Wave Link Music and Lacie Powell of The Bellevue Collection for the Garden of Eaten’. After a round of applause, members and guests selected Lacie Powell’s Garden of Eaten Nancy Shaw, owner of AA Party Rentals received accolades for their involvement. At least 80 percent of the tables used complimentary items from AA Party Rental.

So much talent and every table was award winning! Check out the photos by Jack Young Photography, he did a fantastic job capturing all the details.

February 12, 2010

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?

One of the most valuable things that a bride (and her groom and immediate family) has to anchor her through the entire wedding process is her sense of well being. A wedding planner’s main focus is to maintain that great sense of well being from the first meeting until the happy couple is off to HoneymoonLand!

She maintains your budget while maintaining your sanity.
An immediate way that a wedding planner can aid in supporting your financial well being is by utilizing their extensive knowledge of vendors, processes, locations, and people. Because the planner can go directly to sources (and have multiple options to choose from), she/he can get things moving faster, more efficiently, and avoid costly mistakes. In addition, your time is used more effectively, freeing you up to attend to life beyond wedding.

She artfully conducts the 10-ring circus with her great expertise.
Just as you would hire a general contractor to build your house, or hire a lawyer to defend yourself in court; by hiring a wedding expert, you get a day where you don’t have to worry about anything but being in the moment of one the most memorable days of your life. Today’s weddings are similar in scale and complexity as some movie productions. The caterer’s not able to find the right kind of electrical outlet? Squabbling family members? You need a good director so that you and your spouse not only walk down the aisle with each other, but with the Academy Award for Best Wedding!

She attends to things that you would never have thought of (she’s almost like magic).
From negotiating all vendor contracts to establishing the couple’s vision for the wedding, much of what a wedding planner does is in the details. Her ability to anticipate what is coming next, or to create many, little solutions over time; provide a buffer to the potential snowball effect of approaching deadlines and over-stressed people. Consider her your virtual fairy godmother!

She is the person you want on your team.
She may be perfectly warm, friendly and well-mannered, but when it comes down to getting what is needed for your wedding day, she is here to be your virtual border collie! Since everyone else is busy, she makes sure that everyone (and every thing) is in place, and that everyone has all the information that they need. If any barking is required, she will do it with persistence AND style!

She will be your partner in the moment.

February 1, 2010

Writing Your Wedding Vows

Advice from Annemarie Juhlian on writing your wedding vows. When it comes time to write your wedding vows, this can be a very daunting task. I hope Annemarie’s advice will put you at ease and comfort knowing that there are no rules these days. Wedding couples are really taking the time to create and personalize their vows, have fun! Truly make it your day to celebrate each other!

Annemarie Juhlian, Wedding Celebrant & Officiant
www.wedbyannemarie.com

In this work that I do, I get lots of questions and lots of "angst" from engaged couples about their wedding vows - whether the ceremony is traditional, contemporary or "out there." I thought my perspective below on wedding vows might be helpful to the brides/grooms - the keyword "wedding vows" is also one of the most searched keywords within the "wedding world."

Wedding Vows – a little personal perspective.

Personal wedding vows – written together by a couple together before a wedding ceremony or saved as a surprise for the wedding ceremony – are often the heart and soul of a wedding ceremony. Wedding vows are so much more than “I promise this until the end of time,” and “I will always do this and never do that.” Vows between a loving couple are more about their love, respect and appreciation for each other, what they promise to bring to their marriage, what they can expect from each other and perhaps something that they want to share about their Sweetheart publicly with their family and friends. In some ways, vows can be a mini-love letter.

Wedding vows are a very personal statement between two people. Vows are also a public statement of love, commitment and respect. It’s a gentle and delicate dance to craft a set of vows - similar or different – that truly celebrate a couple’s relationship and at the same time are publicly respectful and inclusive so family and friends feel they have a tiny peak into their loving relationship.

So my best advice, having witnessed hundreds of vows exchanged?

1) Go to lunch. Discuss your vows and get on the same page. Talk to your partner about what's possible and what's comfortable for your wedding day.
2) Take your time. Don't wait until the 11th hour to write your vows. Start weeks if not a month or two before.
3) This is not about performance. This isn't about doing it "right." It's about doing what's right for you.
4) Create an outline/find your voice and craft your message. Go to the internet for inspiration. Read your vows aloud and time them.
5) Save the very intimate words. Surprise your new husband/wife with 'private vows" on your wedding night or the next day.
6) And most of all, elegant humor is good, good and good!






December 30, 2009

SK’s Top Ten List of Ways to Maximize Your Time at the 2010 Seattle Wedding Show

Your time is precious. And yet you want all the elements of your wedding to be spectacular. Check out these quick tips that will help you get all you need from the Show.
 
1.      Get plenty of sleep the night before the Show.

2.      Buy your tickets in advance. You can purchase them right here on the Seattle Wedding Show site under the tickets tab. While it’s great fun to chat with your girlfriends or fiancé in line, wouldn’t you rather spend your time looking at beautiful cakes, dresses or stemware?

3.      Comfortable shoes and a bottle of water will be your next best friend at the Show—don’t leave home without them. After sampling a few different cake options, the water will provide not only a quick palette cleanse, but the energy to check out the next thing on your list.

4.      Plan to attend the Show both days: Saturday and Sunday. The Show has such a great array of specialists and unique items to choose from that it is well worth returning on Sunday.  By going back the second day, you can revisit specific wedding specialists in case you came up with additional questions overnight. Or maybe you need to bring a friend who is great at brainstorming through hard-to-reach decisions.  Whatever the case may be, plan on attending both days; you will be glad that you did!

5.      Arrive early.

6.      Bring your business cards or print out sticker labels with your name, wedding date and contact information so you can give them to prospective wedding specialists or raffles to win special prizes. Save your hands from getting tired of writing your info at every booth by bringing these timely tools.

7.      Bring your beloved, or bring someone who has a clear understanding of your wedding plans.  It is easy to lose focus when there are so many great things going on around you.  Be prepared to make decisions about hiring a specific specialist at the show or soon after.  Many of the specialists will get reserved at the show or within a few weeks. It would be a shame to miss out on the specialist that you really want.  Now is the time to put your plans in motion!

8.      If you remember any of these tips, remember this one for a truly successful wedding show experience!  Meet with your wedding planner or whoever is working with you to plan your wedding to come up with a “Game Plan.”  Questions that will help you arrive at a Game Plan are: How far along are you with your plans?  Are you starting from scratch?  Are your needs more specific, such as looking for the perfect DJ, baker or florist?  No matter what stage you are in, do your research by checking out the wedding specialists before coming to the Show. Establish an A-list of must-see vendors and any questions you might have for them. Once you’ve narrowed the field of specialists, find out where their booth is located. By having a Game Plan, you avoid getting lost in all the excitement and hubbub.

9.      Pick up a Wedding Show guide at any of the participating wedding specialist locations. The guide is key to maximizing your time at the Show.  It is filled with great information on Seattle’s Top Wedding Specialists.  Team up Tip #8 with this one, and you will be in great shape for hitting all the places you’re interested in. Make copies of the floor plan located on page 57. Then use a highlighter to mark the specialists from the A-list you made in your Game Plan. Now you not only have a mental picture of what’s important to you, but you also have a visual guide to get you just where you want to be.
10.  It goes without saying that THE most important tip for the Seattle Wedding Show is to have FUN!  Planning for your wedding is such an incredible adventure.  You learn so much about each other’s likes, dislikes, fashion, etiquette and more.  You are setting the foundation for your life together as husband and wife.  Always remember, the hard part is done, you have found each other!






October 2, 2009

Seattle Met Bride & Broom Magazine

See an elegant expression of my creativity on the stands now in the Seattle Metropolitan Bride and Groom Magazine! I had the true pleasure of designing a table that represents fall in the Northwest! The Pacific Northwest provides such a rich and colorful palette to be inspired by.
 
Fall brings a time to harvest…leaves are changing colors and start to cascade to the ground. It’s time to select the perfect pumpkin for Halloween...or for a gorgeous centerpiece.  When I first laid my eyes on a white pumpkin I was beyond inspired.  I saw cream cabbage and red apples all piled together to create an organic centerpiece, as if you had just picked them straight from the garden.  Thanks to Patty at Brittany Flowers in Kirkland, who transformed the dusty, little pumpkin from my “harvest” into a very elegant display!  
 
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory added sheen and sugar to my hand picked, Washington red apples with their tantalizing cherry coating.  The candy-coated apples were good enough to bite into on the spot, or take home for a savory late night treat.  By topping each apple with a veneer, leaf shaped name card, the apples not only provided an enticing sweet for the guests, but they also let the guests know where they were sitting. Who knew functionality could taste so good!




September 2, 2009

Canlis

When people ask me where to go for the ultimate special occasion, Canlis always comes to mind. Synonymous with Seattle elegance and style, Canlis offers three private dining rooms, accommodating two to 90 guests. The ultra-chic property features floor-to-ceiling windows with 180-degree views of picturesque Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains.  

Beyond the captivating drama of Canlis’ surroundings, you’ll also find their bartender, James MacWilliams concocting the equally breath-taking Proserpina Margarita (hear the “ohhs” and “ahhs” when it changes color), and the Declaration Cocktail.

But you may find yourself declaring more than and “ohh” and “ahh” after you’ve tasted a meal from Canlis’ nationally recognized, Executive Chef Jason Franey. He and his staff provide the best of what’s local and fresh: sumptuous oysters from Taylor Family Shellfish to just-picked produce from Full Circle Farm. And for the ultimate in an intimate dining experience, Chef Franey can prepare an amazing evening of culinary delights right in your own home.

www.canlis.com






August 1, 2009

Butter By Nadia, the perfect bridal dress, check it out for yourself!

The Butter by Nadia “miracle” signature wrap dress and gown finally puts an end to bridesmaid dress drama. It’s versatile, flatters all body types, and no alterations are required! Have a vision of your ladies dressed strapless, backless, cap sleeved, or all three? This dress makes anything possible with the ability to be wrapped in dozens of different ways! It is maternity friendly and most importantly, your ladies will be thrilled that they finally get to own a bridesmaid dress they will be able to wear time and time again!

Designer Nadia Tarr, who is well renowned for creating the versatile, comfortable, and flattering Butter by Nadia clothing line has also become the go-to designer for brides with her incredible Signature Wrap Dresses. She has been producing them for years with an outstanding reputation, not only because of her brilliant design, but because her fabrics are specially made for the dresses to provide ultimate quality. Since the introduction of her line she has gained a celebrity following with clientele including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jordin Sparks, and Naomi Watts and has been featured in magazines worldwide.

www.butterbynadia.com

July 01, 2009

Georgetown Studios

Welcome to SK Wedding and Event Design’s inaugural installment on the Seattle Wedding Show Blog! I’m thrilled to bring you the latest information on trends, fashion, what’s hot, what’s not in the wedding world and beyond.

The latest buzz has been brewing in the up and coming neighborhood of Georgetown. Renowned photographer, Kathryn Barnard and master smoothie blender (of Pulp Catering), Tim Tichurst are giving the old Rainer Building in Georgetown a new day to shine for all of us. The two-story height arched windows provide remarkable natural light to any event. Kathryn and Tim have created a great juxtaposition of old and new by highlighting the exposed brick yet honoring the modern with lots of clean, white spaces. The newly named Georgetown Studios are a must see!
 
To truly show and tell the story of this great space, I threw an open house party for Kathryn and Tim. We invited some of Seattle’s finest to help get the word out and get the party started for Georgetown Studios:
 
Tim, afore mentioned master smoothie blender owns and operates Pulp Catering. Tim employed his master mixing skills by crafting one of the best peach, apricot and pear smoothies I’ve ever tasted — they’re like potato chips — you can’t have just one (thankfully he provides non-alcoholic versions). The ladies of Ravishing Radish provided a fresh, local, and organic spread of the tastiest of treats. No party can be without USnaps photo booth, and since Georgetown Studios knows a need when they see one, they will have a USnaps booth permanently available for you to use at your event. Bamboo Beats had us all tapping our feet and movin’ to the beat. All the beautiful chavari chairs, tables, plates, and glassware were provided by Grand Event Rentals who can handle any event, large or small. The gorgeous pin tuck linens were provided by Pat from Linens by Alice. The tables were topped off with mesmerizing Glassybabies. Glassybabies have transformed many of my events and weddings with their lively splash of color and their soft, animated glow. Sugar Rush donned us with some of their sweet, bite-size cup cakes that were instantly adored (and most likely pocketed home for a late night snack).
 
Thanks to all the fantastic vendors who participated, and to all the festive people who came to see, hear and experience what all the buzz was up to. Welcome and Congrats to Georgetown Studios!

July 01, 2009

Fabulous Give Away: Glassybaby Trio!

In Celebration of the Seattle Wedding Show website launch, Glassy Baby is giving away a trio!

Just visit their site: www.glassybaby.com, pick out your favorite trio (or build your own), and write a comment on our blog about which trio you must have and why.  A lucky winner will be chosen on July 13th! You don't want to miss out on this!

They emit such a romantic glow and are perfect on your wedding reception tables, as wedding favors, as gifts for your friends and family, and as corporate gifts.

I think my favorite trio would come in snow, chartreuse, and dolphin!

*the winner will be announced on our blog on July 13th, check back then! The drawing will be random!

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