Stylish Tuesday - An Evening at the Walters

I had the pleasure of working with a busy couple. I helped them to plan and design their wedding.

Enjoy!




Photographs by Rachel Smith

Happy planning!

Happy it's HUMP day! Woohoo Wednesday!

Not that I'm looking forward to the weekend - with two more wonderful days to go - but things are really exciting around here. At least to me! :)

We have finally made the commitment to dust off our website. Boy, was there a lot of dust! The website will look much the same - but will allow us to give you fresh content much more often - which is a fabulous thing!

Also, we are going to move our blog directly onto our website! Bye Bye Blogger! Yes, it's going to be a big transition - and I'm not sure it's always going to be smooth. We will do the best that we can. Make sure you continue to visit us here. We will let you know when we are ready to make the transition.

The most fun change, is that we are rolling out our "video blog" series - which will be premiering this weekend! Yes, we are moving into the 21st century (slowly). Every weekend, we will be offering a DIY project, a tip, or an update on happenings in the industry - which will be done by MOI (and my hubby) on video. I'm totally excited!

Make sure to come back and take a look-see this weekend.

This week, we will be making a simply elegant unity candle - and more! Here is little preview!

Just as a side note, the invitation in this picture is absolutely fabulous. It's printed by hand in calligraphy. there is a hand painted peach rose on each invitation. Simply fabulous and simply elegant - which is what we are all about!

Happy planning!

We Happily plan Commitment Ceremonies!

We love working with same sex couples! Check out our profile on

We look forward to helping you celebrate one of life's greatest moments!

Happy planning!

Helping Men, Women and Children - One Step at a Time

Part of having a strong belief in Family is doing my part to make sure that each part of the family unit (whomever that may consist of) remains healthy.

My interests in Breast Cancer are not new. It began many years ago while I was studying for my PhD in the Department of Cellular and Molecular biology at Brown University. I spent a number of years working with a protein that we thought was acting as a tumor suppressor in Breast Cancer. Even though my time there is finished, I still want to take an active part in keeping women healthy so that they can further realize their dreams - just as I have.

Maimah Karmo started the Tigerlilly Foundation whose goals are the following...

• To educate, empower, advocate for, support and inspire young women affected by breast cancer
• To end isolation among young adult breast cancer survivors
• To improve the quality of life for young adult breast cancer survivors by creating vigilant self-advocates
• To promote ferociously fearless females

Read more about Maimah here.

The Tigerlily Foundation has the opportunity to win a $25,000.00 grant to support their efforts to increase breast cancer awareness. The additional monies would help achieve additional outreach and services to young women in need. In order to do this, we need your help.

There will be a public online vote for the National Women of Worth Starting November 9th and ending November 24th. Maimah needs your vote to help further the foundation's efforts.

You can vote by going here

Thank you for your help! We look forward to following Maimah and offering her continued support though the coming years!

Home Wedding - More Pictures

It was truly a gorgeous day - picture perfect really! I would love to share more pictures with you.

The cocktail hour took place in an enormous field. Guest tables were placed on the field as well as by a private pond- giving them a quiet place to reflect and enjoy. A trio of chamber players provided a number of classical selections










































We used a mix of square and round tables and tall and short centerpieces. The colors were chocolate and celadon. After going to a whole sale florist, we learned that she love peonies, hydrangea, roses and viburnum. For the cocktail hour, light celadon linens were used. Chocolate satin with natural Chivaris draped the room.








































The large tent was placed in one of the fields. Poles draped in fabric and covered with lights provided the most elegant setting for a most terrific evening.





























Congratulations Adrienne and Brian






















Photography by Thomas Graves

3 Recent Weddings

Take a look at this short video of 3 recent weddings. These weddings represent our style.

2 weddings were in Baltimore and 1 in Kansas City.

Enjoy




Jennifer and I look forward to speaking to you about your upcoming wedding!

Credits
Music - Half Acre by Hem

Photography
A Walters Wedding - http://www.rachelsmithphoto.com
Kansas City - http://www.paulvphoto.com
A Home Wedding - http://www.thomasgraves.com

How are we different?

I realize that there are a lot of wedding and event planners out there. How are you to filter through, what seems to be an endless amount of choice?

I want to spend a few moments sharing with you how Elegant Event Planning and Design is different - and the different approach I take in planning/coordinating your wedding.

There is absolutely nothing cookie cutter about Elegant Event Planning and Design and our experienced Planners/Consultants. I believe that each of my clients is an individual with different requirements. I take pride in being able to customize our services to meet the needs and budget of each individual. In fact, I do not offer packages. I personally spend the time getting to know you so that the package we create for you will be perfect, the first time.

All of our clients are equally important, whether "day of" or "full event management". We take each wedding seriously and take great care to make sure everything is perfect. We encourage "day of" clients to contact us as soon as possible. We do not restrict the initial contact in any way - whether it's a month prior or a year prior to the wedding day. I always say - the better I know you and your wedding, the better I can advocate for you on your wedding day.

I (Lisa) work personally with each and every client. You will meet with me, and I will be the person working with you during the planning process and on the day of the wedding!

Most importantly, my assistants, planners and I go above and beyond for you and your family. We believe in going the extra mile to not only ensure a successful planning process and seamless wedding day - but that you and your family are happy and stress free.

A Beautiful Summer Evening at the Walters Art Museum

So rarely do you meet a couple who are wholly dedicated to their life’s passions. From the moment I met with them, they were very clear on the fact that they wanted a magnificent wedding that not only they, but more importantly, that their family and friends could enjoy. Because of the dedication to their work, they did not have the time or energy to plan the wedding themselves. They were looking for someone who could incorporate their love, create their vision, and bring it to a reality. Both the Bride and Groom were from the continent of Africa, and it was important for them to have a western wedding with an African flair. After producing an elaborate proposal, I immersed myself in planning an intimate affair with the sole purpose to entertain the Bride and Groom’s loved ones – all of whom will have flown around the world to celebrate this union. The venue had to be unique, opulent, distinguished, discerning, open, and light filled – and it was clear to me that there is only one Baltimore venue that would fit their needs. The Walters – a beautiful museum situated in picturesque Mount Vernon, provided all of this and more in one complete package.

Orchids abound, I used bold colors to create the backdrop to this simple yet stately affair. The Bride wore a simple silk satin gown. Simple orange Mokara orchid blooms were placed elegantly in her hair - creating a simple but unique headpiece. The custom arbor, made with a sheer ivory fabric – gathered and tied at both ends with a cluster of red hypericum berries and orange orchids hanging in the background - provided the focal point for the traditional Catholic ceremony, and later housed the sweetheart table during the reception. The Bride and Groom chairs were marked with simple wreathes made from vivid yellow button mums, tied with an orange coordinating ribbon.

While guests took pictures and enjoyed signature cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres among Greek and medieval art, the ceremony was transformed into an elegant reception. Two long rectangular tables, covered with yellow overlays and finished with tall and short centerpieces of submerged orange Mokara orchids, and white Manzanita branches, provided seating for 85 guests. Each place setting was finished off with an orange folded napkin containing a custom-printed menu card – on which the Bride described her and her new Groom’s relation to each invited guest - and a single red gloriosa lily.

The food was made up of two bountiful displays of American and African fare. The, 3 tiered, 3 flavor cake was accompanied by fresh fruit, chocolate covered strawberries and an assortment of African delicacies.

Upon exiting this spectacular affair, guests were treated to a monogrammed bag containing a silk fan, personalized mints, couture Godiva chocolates, a shot glass and a customized bookmark.

Every detail was carefully considered – down to the custom designed monogram which was placed on the menu cards, bar cards, programs, cake and favors.

Floral Design by Wicked Willow, LLC - www.wickedwillow.com

Photography by Rachel Smith – http://www.rachelsmithphoto.com

Waste Not-Want Not

I know I have alluded to this in past entries, but I think it’s important enough to mention again. It’s all of our responsibility to protect the environment, be mindful of waste, and be socially responsible. Additionally, in these tough financial times, I think most would be interested in saving some dough! Of course, like everyone, I too have my hang-ups! When it comes to the wedding budget, I help my clients prioritize and define where they want to spend their money. Same holds true being conservative on waste, choosing items that are environmentally friendly, and offering budget friendly ideas. Many of my clients want to conserve on certain aspects of their wedding, but also, like us, don’t want to completely say “bye-bye” to all those beautiful extras. We guide our clients in where to conserve and give them ideas on how to do so, while maintaining the look and feel of the wedding. So, that’s what I want to do. I want to discuss just a few areas where you can conserve and give you great resources on how to do so.



Favors – Anyone who knows us, knows that we are not fond of wedding favors. We have had couples offer favors, and we have had couples not offer favors. In our experience favors offer nothing to the event. I did not conduct a scientific study, but it seems to me that the guests not getting the favors were just as happy, and felt just as loved. Surprisingly, 95% of the time, the favors are left behind, for me to pick up and throw in the trash.

If you do not like the idea of going without favors, and many couples do, Why not put your money towards something important? There are a few charity registries in which you can donate money to a charity that’s important to you. You could donate the money in your or your guests’ names. What’s better gift than giving back on your wedding day? This way, you are giving your guest something that’s meaningful to both to you and to them. www.idofoundation.org is an excellent resource. They will allow you to not only create a foundational favor registry, but also will allow you to create a gift registry as well.

Transportation – I don’t know about any of you, but I hate buying gas. Wedding transportation is one of those sticky situations in my mind. One, couples want to get to and from their wedding in style. Limos are the standard choice, but this may be an area where you can cut down significantly. Many couples are opting to get married at a location that offers the ceremony and reception at one location. One huge advantage to this is that everyone can “get there” and you do not have to hire specialty cars and such. For those where their ceremony and reception sites are in different locations, you can opt not to transport the wedding party, cutting down on limos, gas, and cost. Often times, wedding party members and/or their dates have their own cars (rental or otherwise) that they can use and you can use your money to rent a classic car – or better yet – hire an hourly airport shuttle. The Lincoln town car will cost you less, and offer you one way transport (rather than the expensive 3-4 hour minimums that most limo companies offer).

Horsepower is a nice way to come and go in style – and better yet, no gas consumption. How about contacting a valet company to drive you in a hybrid or electric car? There are many options and many possibilities that are “green” and budget friendly, and not take away from the elegance of the day!

A few small changes by many couples add up to a lot of energy and money savings!
Happy planning!

Brides and Grooms Expo - Pier 5 Hotel, Baltimore

Mark your calendar for this year's Charm City Brides and Grooms Expo coming to Baltimore this year at the Pier 5 Hotel, Harbor Magic on Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 5:00pm to 8:30pm.

The Expo features a bridal fashion show, door prizes, and tour of the stunning 124' yacht, Duchess of Pintail; anchored next to the hotel. The Expo is located in the beautiful Pier 5 Hotel with it's lovely waterfront view, adjacent to The National Aquarium in Baltimore, and within walking distance of Little Italy and Power Plant Live. Make it a date night by attending the show and dining in downtown Baltimore.

Proceeds will be donated to http://www.caringcommunities.org/, a local charity helping people with disabilities. Admission is only $3 when you register online at http://www.bridesandgroomsexpo.com/register.html.

We cannot wait to see you there! Make sure to stop by our booth. We would love to talk about your upcoming wedding.