Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Renewal :: An Interview with Intrigue Design & Decor

Before I get to my interview with Intrigue Design & Decor — the fab florists who will be doing all the flowers and decor for the renewal — you should know that I went dress shopping today!!!!! And, I said yes to the dress!!! It was such a fun day and I can’t wait to share it with you next week (hopefully)!!!!! Thanks to Flavia and her mom at Annapolis Formal for being so wonderful! And, thanks to my personal photographers — Liz and Ryan — from Elizabeth Ryan Photography for capturing all the moments. Finally, I want to thank Brittany and Kaitlin for being with me today and making it such a fun and fabulous day!

So, onto the goodness…Intrigue Design & Decor!!! I’ve known Sarah for so many years. I don’t know if she even remembers that she came over to my house YEARS ago when my twins were about two. At that time, she owned Historic Events and was meeting other vendors in the area. I clearly remember sitting in my den and chatting with her about all things weddings. Now, so many years later, I have grown to love working with Sarah (and Melissa – aka “the flower queen”). And, I can’t wait to see what they “cook up” for the renewal.

Sarah (left) & Melissa (right)
Photo by Hamilton Photography

If you don’t already know Intrigue, you need to! And, here is my interview with Sarah…

Q: I’ve known you for many years, so I know this story, but I don’t think everyone knows how you got into the “flower business”.  Can you share?
A: While running Historic Events Wedding Planning I saw a need for a high end Floral Design Firm that would think outside the box and have the ability to do everything from flowers to lighting and overall event styling. When the opportunity to build Intrigue was presented to me, I jumped at the idea of creating my own Floral Design Company using the knowledge I gained as a Wedding Planner.

Q: What makes Intrigue different from other floral design studios?
A: Intrigue customizes each event to our client’s specific style and personality.  By keeping up with design trends and new products across the globe we stay on the cutting edge of design style assuring that we have an endless flow of new ideas trend setting design concepts to help us create custom designs for our clients.

Q: What is your favorite flower and why?  And, now I want to know Melissa’s favorite flower too.
A: At heart I am a girly girl and I cannot resist blooms with layers of petals creating a ruffled feel. I am currently crushing on English Garden Roses.

Melissa is the party girl and tends to gravitate towards fun flowers with unique shapes and lines.  Most recently she was head over heels in love with Giant Oncidium Orchids shipped direct from Hawaii.

Q: And, know that I’ve mentioned her name, perhaps you should tell everyone a little bit about Melissa and the fabulous team you have!
A: Shortly after the launch of Intrigue I hired award winning floral designer Melissa Huston. Melissa’s expertise in floral design has lead her to design for the Philadelphia Flower Show, The Tournament of Roses Parade and winning numerous design competitions.

Q: Do you have a favorite style of wedding?  Vintage? Nautical? Modern?  Romantic?
A: My favorite style is Eco Chic.  I love using local growers, handmade products and recycled items to create events that are both stylish and eco-friendly.  I once heard Melissa say that her style could be defined as “Clever” as she is always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to re-purpose items in her design.

Q: What question should every bride ask their florist?
A.”Do you love what you do”?  It is vital that the designer responsible for bringing your wedding day to life not only loves their job, but, also loves the design he/she is creating for you.

Q: Are their any trends in bridal bouquets right now OR a trend you would like to see?
A: We are seeing an increase in cascading bouquets.  Bride’s are looking for bouquets with a bit of movement to complement their gowns.

Q: Do you have a favorite photo from one of your weddings?
A: Did you have to ask?   The photographer (Elizabeth Ryan Photography) truly captured the essence of the styled shoot.  This image is exactly as I remember seeing it in person. [Allison's Note: this photo is from a shoot that Sarah and I did last year - Vintage Glam!  I LOVE this shoot, have pictures from it hanging on the walls in my studio and this photo is the first photo you will see when you walk into the doors of Intrigue.  By the way, for those that don't know, the model in the photo is Kaitiln, my assembly queen!]

Q: Describe Intrigue Design & Décor in five words.
A: Stylish – Interesting – Unique – Clever – Wow

So there you have it! I’m so excited to have them aboard the “dream team”! Next week, it will be all about the dress!!

Posted by Allison at 7:00 AM | 3 Comments »

Categories: flower, real wedding, renewal

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Catering by Uptown Tasting Events

I have to admit that it takes a lot to get me out on a weeknight. I spend a lot of time in the studio and away from my family, so I do cherish my nights at home with everyone. BUT, I have made an exception on two nights over the past two months. That is because Catering by Uptown invited me to be a featured vendor at their Tasting Events on January 18th at Celebrations at the Bay and last night, February 15th at The Villa.

What a great experience!! Brides, grooms and their families can come to the venue, get a tour, enjoy cocktails, try all of the amazing food, taste cakes, pick out linens and even meet amazing vendors too. It’s a highly effective and productive event that really impressed me. At both events I met some really great brides and grooms and got to reconnect with some of my vendor friends too.

And, I have to admit I did indulge in the food…two words…Lobster Bisque!!! And, there might have been a few appetizers and a piece of coconut cake thrown in the mix too. It’s a tasting…and I tasted and loved! I’m already looking forward to my next night out!! Come see me! March 21, 2012 – to be held at Celebrations at the Bay from 5-9 pm. Please RSVP by calling Catering By Uptown 301.572.7744.

Here’s hoping I’ll see you there!

Posted by Allison at 7:34 PM | No Comments »

Categories: real wedding

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Renewal :: Lunch and Flowers

So, you all know that a few weeks ago, I announced that Intrigue Design & Decor would be doing my flowers for the renewal.  Well, I have to admit that Sarah (from Intrigue) and I have been sending back and forth pictures over email, Facebook and pinning like crazy!  So, when Sarah asked me to lunch to “start talking about the flowers and decor” for the renewal, I was so excited.  I know we’ll probably continue the amazing discussion we started at every bridal show, in every email and even during late night pinning sessions, but I know my flowers and everything else decor related will be awesome!!

So for this first meeting, I came armed with lots of pictures…in the form of my Pinterest boards…oh, how did anyone ever plan a wedding without Pinterest?!?!

I showed Sarah the types of flowers I liked — ranunculus, english garden roses and grey hued greenery.  I wanted a lush look but no high centerpieces or hanging florals.  We also discussed using a lot of different pink colors — darks, lights and even soft peaches — in the flowers.   I also told her what I didn’t want — mason jars, vintage cans or suitcases!   I also have been hesitant to put a “theme” to the renewal.  But, when I told Sarah we were incorporating books and stories into everything — we decided to call it “Storybook”!

We touched on ideas for a lot of other decor too…like, the amazing ombre aisle, perhaps a ribbon wall behind where the ceremony will take place, hanging books, strung lights, grey patterned linens and even ghost chairs!!  (For those of you who don’t know what a ghost chair is — I didn’t know — it’s the clear ones!)

I could keep rambling on and on about this meeting with Sarah.  It was fun, exciting, filled with laughs and lasted way longer than we thought it would!   Just a tip for brides, come armed with ideas, but also be open to what the “experts” offer up to you also.  I know that Sarah and Melissa are amazing at what they do, so I’ll share my ideas and know that I will be utterly speechless on the day of the renewal.  I’m really looking forward to that moment!!!!

Posted by Allison at 9:50 AM | 2 Comments »

Categories: Uncategorized, real wedding, renewal

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

The Renewal :: Books, Paper & Fun!

As some of you I have a “little” obsession with books. Well, perhaps it’s not little and perhaps it is not just books…it’s books, reading, paper and well, anything printed. Okay, I’m obsessed!!! I admit it!!! And, I also admit that I get really excited about anything that feeds my addiction. So, imagine my “glee” when Liz (the famous Liz, of Elizabeth Ryan Photography) informed me that their very own intern, Caitlin, was a fine arts major at the Maryland Institute College of Art and that, best of all, she was concentrating on Book Arts!!!! After a few chats over Pinterest and drooling over her website, I got the chance to meet this famous Caitlin in person!!!

And, to my utter joy, she brought books with her!!!! And, not just any books, she brought the most fabulous books that had been turned into amazing paper creations…works of art! I think I might have drooled a little bit, and there were squeals of delight, but mostly, there was just awe at someone having the patience, talent and vision to create so much with books and paper!! I’m still giddy about the whole experience and definitely living vicariously through Caitlin!! Check out her portfolio of paper here!

In addition to meeting Caitlin in person, I got to pick her brain on bookmaking! Why? Well, because I’m working on the design for my renewal save the dates right now…hmm…should I surprise you or share with you? Okay, I’m so excited that I have to share a little….

I’m not going to give it all away in this post, so enjoy the teasers above and be waiting for more “book goodness” soon!

Posted by Allison at 7:00 AM | 2 Comments »

Categories: real wedding, renewal, save the date

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The Renewal :: Up Do’s for I Do’s

Well, the family is back from Disney and we all had a blast!  Now, it’s back to my BIG list of things to do for the renewal.  One thing that I have already checked off my list is “hair and make up”…and that is because I have chosen Up Do’s for I Do’s to take care of making me beautiful on the big day!

Today, I’m sharing my interview with Ashley Riddle, owner and beauty mastermind!  Not only is Ashley the sweetest person on the planet, but she is amazing when it comes to hair and make up and has a whole team of extremely talented artists that come to you on the big day!  I can’t wait for my hair and make up trial session.  I already have some ideas in mind…waterfall anyone??  I’ll let you guys think on that and share the interview now!

Q.  How did Up Do’s for I Do’s get it’s start?
A. Up-Do’s For I Do’s started in 2004 after I got engaged. I noticed the lack of on-site hair and makeup artists in the Baltimore/Annapolis area. I was currently working in a salon where I was 1 of 4 out of 50-something hair stylists that LOVED to do formal hairstyling.  I decided to put my cosmetology license to work in a different area other than a salon and expand even further into the wedding industry.

Q.  What makes Up Do’s for I Do’s unique?
A. All we do is weddings. We aren’t a full service salon juggling haircuts or color clients.  We specialize in wedding and formal hairstyles, long-lasting looks and natural yet photogenic makeup. We also try to give back to the earth while using sustainable and eco-friendly products and tools.   All of our artists train and educate themselves strictly on weddings. We have some of the best educators come to our studio to help us learn the best techniques to make sure our brides look flawless.

Q.  Do you have a favorite hairstyle for brides?  Why?
A. Right now we are loving the soft and romantic styles that look effortless but still require a professional to create. Loose waves and “messy” curls can easily be swept up into an up-do or left completely down.   We are also loving the continuing trend of flowers in the hair and often these styles are paired with a birdcage veil. We are loving these looks not only because they photograph well but the soft look keep the focus on the bride.

Q.  Are there any make up trends for weddings that you are seeing now?
A. Our favorite trend that we have seen over the past year is that most brides are opting for false lashes. There are so many options and we have one for each type of bride. We offer temporary lashes that last for the wedding day. They can be applied as a strip or individually. My personal favorite is the semi-permanent option. These lashes are applied with a medical grade glue and last from 4-6 weeks. This is perfect for the bride who still wants to have the lashes during her honeymoon.

We also love that brides are upgrading from traditional cream or powder foundation to airbrush. The difference is incredible and the results are priceless. The airbrush makeup technique is especially wonderful for brides who tend become oily quickly or for brides who are tying the knot outdoors on a humid day.

Q.  You have a wedding focused family, since your hubby has Beat 2 Beat DJs.  Did you both always love weddings?
A. Ironically enough we didn’t enter the wedding industry until we were engaged and married ourselves. We had a whole new appreciation for what a wedding day meant. It truly is the happiest day of your life and the vendors that a bride and groom hire can make the wedding day wonderful or disastrous. We want to offer customized service, personal attention to every detail and keep every element of what we do for our brides stress-free.

Q.  What is your favorite moment from your own wedding?  Or even a favorite picture?
This is tricky. There were so many wonderful moments that run through my head when I think of my own wedding day. It was waking up with my best friend Julie and sister Amanda in my hotel room, walking down the aisle with my Dad, literally jumping up and down at the altar as I was so excited to marry my soul mate, making a commitment to God and my new husband, the first kiss, taking photos on the Raven’s football field and dancing the night away with everyone who is so important to me.

Posted by Allison at 7:00 AM | 1 Comment »

Categories: real wedding, renewal