So what are you going to do with this information? You are going to listen to the wedding coordinators who know best. I asked Arizona’s top wedding coordinators what they would pair this lively color with and here’s what they said:

Jennifer Thye of Imoni Events: I would probably pair it with a peach or something soft yet orangey like that. Since Tangerine is such a bold color, you don’t want too many bold colors competing for attention. Or I would get all Cuban on ya and do a bunch of bold colors paired with rusts and browns.

(Photo from: Project Wedding.com)

(Photo from: BHG.com)

Victoria Canada of Victoria Canada Weddings and Events: Pinks would look great….. Greens- go vibrant. For the daring- I would go with a bold black and white pattern with it- NO, not for the faint of heart but it’s like wearing an all black suit and then popping with some red shoes. Could be fab!

(Photo by: Austin Gros Photography)

(Photo from: Ashley’s Wedding Guide.com)

Amy Mancuso of Amy Mancuso Events: So many choices. Probably a Tiffany Blue with Gold accents, or a really Hot Pink!

(From ZenadiaDesigns.com)

(Photo from: WeddingsontheFrenchRiviera.com)

Margaret Van Damme of VanDamme Weddings: Love this color and love it with slate and turquoise!

(Photo by: (l) Elizabeth Messina, (r) f8 Photo Studios)

Monica McQueen of Tres Chic Events: My immediate thoughts are pale yellow and blush. Feels summery. OR turquoise for a fall feel.Would love it!

(Photo from: WeddingWire.com)

(Photo by: Emily Snitzer Photography)

 Heather Crabtree of Outstanding Occasions would pair it with Pewter, like this:

(From Snippet and Ink via Modern Romance)

Of course I have my own favorite color combos for Tangerine- I love it with purple…yes, purple! Here’s how to do it without making it look Halloween-y.

(Photo from: TheWeddingGuy.com)

(Photo from: ElementsofStyleblog.com)

And for a less bold more elegant look, olive green is a great choice

(Photo from: ElementsofStyleblog.com)

OK, now that you know what we like with Tangerine Tango, what would you pair it with?

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

Here is what they designed for the wedding in Twilight  Breaking Dawn (Part 1):

Spectacular, right? I lean towards green (always) so these linens are undeniably swoon worthy. Here are some movie premier party pictures:

(Linens: Wildflower Linen Bars, Bar Staffing:  Wolfgang Puck Catering | Cake:  Cake and Art | Carpeting, Astroturf, Decking, Rentals,Tenting: Classic Party Rentals | Catering: Along Came Mary Productions Inc. | 
Chairs: Chameleon Chair Collection | D:J Manny Lehman | Fabric, Flowers: La Premier | 
Furniture Rentals: CHE Rentals | Furniture Rentals: Designer8
Greenery | Beach/Ocean Fabrication, Rocks: Jackson Shrub Supply Inc. |Moon: Balloon:  Airstar America
Power | Distribution: Cat Entertainment Services | Design, Event Management, Production, Sponsorship Procurement, Staffing:  Chad Hudson Events | 
Furniture Rentals, Scenic Fabrication, Renderings:  Angel City Designs | 
Sound: AuntieM
Lighting | Rigging, Projections:  Kinetic
Staffing | Venue: Event Deck at L.A. Live | Photography: Line 8 Photography)

Now to switch gears a bit, I asked Wildflower Linen what they think of Pantone’s 2012 Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango, and what they would do with it at an event like a wedding.  They are looking forward to seeing it in the upcoming year and have developed several linens that are in line with this bright color. 

Wildflower pairs a subtle version of Tangerine Tango with pinks and creams for a soft and fresh feel:

(Andromeda Mango Table: White Lilac Inc, Exquisite Events, Wildflower Linens, Joy Marie Photography)

(Curly Willow Linens: Wildflower Linens, Image courtesy of Barbara Llewellyn Catering)

This is just the start of the Tangerine Tango craze and selfishly, I am excited for it. I look GREAT in tangerine!

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

This table is from the Binns-Boughan wedding. Why we love it: the succulent floral boxes are perfectly matched to the Desert Botanical Garden’s natural surroundings and the pops of color add a touch of drama.

(Image by: Hollye Schumacher Photography, Floral Design by: Petal Pusher )

This table is from the Fienberg- Cutler wedding. Why we love it: the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North has a ballroom of grand proportions that needs substantial centerpieces to anchor the tables. These beauties from The Flower Studio are just right.

(Image by: Eyes2See Photography)

This  table is from the Gong-Wong wedding. Why we love it: fresh lemons stand out against the white decor and the blue compliments the yellow nicely to create a cheery but modern look.

(Image by: Melissa Jill Photography, Floral Design by: Petal Pusher)

That’s it for now…the new issue hits stands next week!

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

Lauren had 2 rings for the day: the square ring (her wedding ring) is from Jesse- it’s from the Frank Gehry collection at Tiffany’s. Jesse scored big points with Lauren for choosing this ring since she is an interior designer and Gehry is her favorite architect. Good job Jesse! The rectangular ring is one from her mother- when Lauren was a little girl, she loved it and apparently asked her mother for it. It only took her mom a few years to part with it! This special memento served as Lauren’s “something old and something blue”. Lucky girl!

The couple, who is creative to the core (Jesse is also artsy- he’s a video game designer), took matters into their own hands and designed the day to suit their style. Lauren handmade many of her wedding details including the boxes that contained the gifts for her bridesmaids, the boutonnieres, the flower girl basket, the invitations, and the centerpieces. Phew! Lauren was a busy bride-to-be!

Lauren tells us, “My favorite part of the day was finally seeing Jesse for the first time. We spent the night before apart and spent all morning and afternoon the next day preparing for the wedding so I definitely missed him. I was so excited to have him see me in my dress so when the time finally came I suddenly felt at ease. Emily created a “first look” moment for us before the ceremony and I’m so happy we went this route. I had to walk down the corridor of Inspirador with Jesse’s back to me, then I tapped him on the shoulder so he could turn around and see me. It was very romantic and personal.”

The reception tables are so sweet- the small pumpkins and simple centerpieces with rich fall colors are elegant and inviting

Lauren and Jesse chose to forgo the cake for donuts. Lauren tells us, “We really wanted our wedding to be unique, casual and most of all fun. I read about a wedding that did coffee and donuts and was instantly in love with the idea because not only was it way more affordable than a cake, but we both love coffee and donuts–who doesn’t?”

Lauren and I chatted a bit…

KG: Tell us about your honeymoon

L: The only place we registered for our wedding was Honeyfund, so we were able to enjoy our honeymoon and not have to worry about expenses! Our honeymoon was in San Francisco. I had only been to California two times before, one of which was a year before our wedding when he proposed to me on the Port of San Francisco. I fell in love with SF and it seemed like the perfect place to spend our honeymoon. We stayed in the same hotel as our time when he proposed to me, which is my absolute favorite! Hotel Des Arts is right by China Town and The Irish Bank-an Irish Pub which we love. Every room is designed/painted by a different artist, and with Jesse and I both being artists it’s the perfect choice. (Lauren loved using Honeyfund but advises that couples explain the process to their guests; some of her guests were confused about how to use it)

KG: What advice would you give couples planning their wedding?

L: The best advice I can give for the actual wedding day is to forget about all the little worries in the back of your mind and focus on enjoying your big day! I was positive there were little details I had forgotten, but I finally told myself — if I really did forget something, what the heck am I going to do about it now?! The day goes by so fast you really have to stop and soak in all the little moments as much as possible.

Planning the wedding can definitely be stressful, and in my case the expenses were the only stressful parts, so I honed in on my creative side and utilized it! I love being crafty and to me it gives more of a personal touch, not to mention it’s much less expensive in most cases.

KG: What is your favorite thing about each other?

L: My favorite thing about Jesse…It’s hard to pick just one thing…I love that he can ALWAYS make me laugh, but most of all I knew he was the one when I realized that being with him made me feel that I could be myself 100% of the time, and I was, and he loved me for it.

J: My favorite thing about Lauren is that not only does she laugh at all my jokes, but she is the sweetest, kindest, and most lovable person I know. That’s a couple things but for me it’s all part of the same beautiful package.

Congratulations Lauren and Jesse and thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us!

Lauren and Jesse’s Real Wedding Team:

Ceremony and Reception Site: Inspirador

Photographer: Emily Snitzer Photography

Florist: Avant Garde

Bridal Gown: Suzanne’s Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Tuxedos: Suzanne’s Bridal Boutique

DJ: Direct Sounds DJ’s, Jeff Jones

Officiant: Ed West, family member

Make-up Artist/Hair Stylist: Allison Houseman, family friend

Jessica’s eye for design is unmistakable- you can see that she successfully blended light blue, white, eggplant and fuchsia to create an elegant yet exciting feel. I love how the paper products, dresses, flowers and reception decor are not matchy-matchy but all come together in a uniquely beautiful way.

Jessica explains her color palette: The colors were a combination of the light blue and whites that remind me of a classic “Hamptons Wedding” – we began dating after running into each other in the Hamptons in New York and then got engaged on the beach in East Hampton a year later and had our engagement there so I wanted to incorporate that into the decor. On the other hand, I wanted to embrace the desert setting with the bright fuschia pinks and eggplant purple shades that we used throughout the floral design, invitation suite and the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids dresses. The sun setting over Camelback while the guests entered the reception space really brought out the vibrant colors and mirrored the shades of blue, pink and purple of the sunset.

Dave’s blue eyes are stunning

The Sanctuary Resort is chic, no matter where you are!

The gorgeous Jessica

The girl’s shoes add the perfect pop of color against the deeper shade of the dresses

You don’t get many churches that look like this in Arizona!

The table numbers are images of New York locations that are dear to Jessica and Dave (for example,  the Third and Long building picture is used for table number 3- very clever!). The reception decor blended warm and cool tones seamlessly….I’m just a little teensy bit in love!

During the cake cutting, Jessica’s cousin sang “At Last” by Etta James-  a special touch that Jessica really loved

Jessica tells us: The best part about our day was having a great party with all our friends. The Walkens were unbelievable! They remembered songs we requested when we saw them at a bar 9 months prior to the wedding, they knew my mom’s favorite song and played it twice for her, they were seriously outstanding! They made the party ~ I would have kept dancing for three more hours!

Jessica surprised Dave with an ice cream bar from SubZero Ice instead of a traditional groom’s cake. They offered a “Bride’s Choice” and a “Groom’s Favorite” combination for guests to try, sort of like the signature drink idea but sweeter! The guests could also build their own sundaes using several toppings and flavors and the dry ice added a bit of fun  

Jessica and I talked wedding recently and here’s what she has to say now that she’s officially a newlywed:

KG: Now that you have had some time to reflect on your wedding, what is your favorite memory from the day?

J: I think my favorite part was the cocktail hour and intro to the reception. After the ceremony and portraits were over it was so great so just enjoy everybody and relax and get the party started!

KG: What was the smartest planning decision you made?

J: Honestly, hiring great vendors! Between The Sanctuary, Rhonda, Melissa Jill… we never had any worries about things not running smoothly on our wedding day and since we don’t live in Phoenix (even though it is my hometown Dave and I are in New York) that was a HUGE plus!

KG: Did you go on a Honeymoon?

J: We went on a two week honeymoon to St. Lucia and Barbados immediately after the wedding weekend. We chose to go to a place we’d never been but that was relaxing and low key at the same time and not too far to travel. We were able to fly Jet Blue right there from Phoenix so that was great! We spent a lot of time reading and hanging out on the beach – a great way to recover from all the wedding chaos!

KG: Now that your day has come and gone, what advice would you offer brides-to-be?

J: First of all, stick to your vision (you don’t have to please everyone and they might not see the vision you have for that day… don’t let it dissuade you), don’t over think the decisions, and don’t sweat the small stuff… once the day arrives… there’s no use worrying about the little things… just enjoy it! Also, hire great vendors… especially the planner and don’t skimp on photography… you will regret it! Get a cheaper dress and spend money on great photos… you’ll have them forever! I also highly recommend videography… there are so many great options out there at all different price points. The day goes by so fast and it’s over before you know it… the video is a great way to relive all of the moments and especially the speeches from all the important family and friends. We added videography to our rehearsal dinner as well for all the great speeches that happen the night before.

KG: What has surprised you most about being married?

J: I don’t know if there have been any big surprises about being married… I think it’s just a big adjustment to reconcile 2 people’s daily habits from the laundry to cleaning to food and cooking… you can’t just leave your stuff around and get to it another day since someone else is living in the same space… those little things are always comical to navigate together!

Jessica and Dave, congratulations and thank you for sharing your day with us!

Jessica and David’s Real Wedding Team:

Wedding Coordinator: Impact Events, Rhonda Rush

Ceremony Site: Saint Mary’s Basilica

Reception Site: Sanctuary Resort and Spa on Camelback Mountain

Photographer: Melissa Jill Photography

Videographer: My Wedding Film

Bridal Gown Store: Destiny’s Bride

Bridesmaids Dresses: Twirl

Tuxedos: Tom James

Florist: Avant- Garde Studio

Invitations: Jessica for MJ Paperie

Caterer: Sanctuary Resort and Spa on Camelback Mountain

Cake: Julia Baker Confections

Ice Cream Bar: SubZero Ice

Band: The Walkens

Ceremony Musicians: Saint Mary’s Basilica, Gordon Stevenson

Cocktail Hour Musician: Miguel de Maria

Make-up Artist: Barney’s, Maureen Cosovich

Hair Stylist: Spark Studio Salon, Mandy Samford

Officiant: Father Michael Muhlen

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Linens: Wildflower Linens

Transportation: Lexani Limo

What we found is a simple approach to an often complicated process. The bold move to create 4 distinct wedding experiences for brides is nothing short of genius since the focus is on the bride and her priorities. This approach screams “Destination Wedding” to me since the planning seems very streamlined.

The first experience is  “Green” and although we hear this term often these days, the entire experience is designed by Troon for a couple who seeks an eco-friendly wedding. Many of the menu items are from locally grown sources such as Four Peaks ale mustard, Arizona Heritage beef and Fossil Creek goat cheese. The bar options are all organic and/or practice sustainability; the “One Bottle, One Tree” program sponsored by Trinity Oaks winery tells you Troon is serious about maintaining the green elements brides want.

Next is the “Modern” experience which is for a couple who wants a cutting edge and trendy wedding. With this choice your guests enjoy food stations that include a Bruschetta Bar (yum!) and made to order Caprese Salad  station. The trendy vibe continues with swanky liquor options and a “Prohibition” Cigar and Cocktail bar.

If you are more of a laid-back and fun type of couple, the “Social” experience may be right up your alley. This is for the couple that wants to have a great time with their guests at a beautiful location with delicious eats but doesn’t want to fuss over the details.

(All Images Courtesy of Emily Carroll)

And finally, there’s the “Traditional” experience that caters to the bride who wants no classic wedding detail forgotten. It’s a pretty straightforward experience but there are cool enhancements like the Bubble Bar (a champagne bar that offers fruit purees to add to your bubbly) and a Venetian Table, which is a decadent sweets spread.

So one questions lingers: what if you want the appetizers from the Social experience, the bar from the Green experience and the enhancements from the Traditional option? Don’t worry! Troon wants you to have the wedding you envision so they have created an option to mix and match! Perfect.

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

Our recent Moulin Rouge inspired event at The Venue Scottsdale was nothing short of fabulous, just like the real Moulin Rouge,  thanks to the many people who helped to make it an evening to remember. We are so anxious to share our adventures with you!

It all started with a buzz about the invitations from Celebrations in Paper… the red feather, vintage aesthetic and fishnet detail made them gloriously flirtatious. The RSVP’s came rolling in!

The Venue Scottsdale was the ideal location for our event since it has distinct areas- we used the main courtyard for the large and raucous party, the bar nooks (otherwise known as the catacombs) for the more intimate entertainment and the Billiards room for dining . This is the main party hall with a dramatic high ceiling and a stage we couldn’t resist.

This is Ashley Richardson of Ashley Gain Weddings and Events. This gal worked her tail off to make our event as spectacular as it was and we are so grateful to her. She always looked at ease which is quite a trick when planning an event of this magnitude!

Here are the girls- this is probably the ONLY time they sat all night! Aren’t they a gorgeous crew?

On to the party!

The linens and centerpieces elicited oohs and ahhs- you can see why!

Here is our much admired Publisher, Fran Samuel, alongside our Marketing and Sales Director Jennifer Rabito, who is always a crowd favorite. Below them is Bob Messinger of Applause Entertainment who acted as MC for the night and provided us with the entertainment for the entire evening. It was quite spectacular- the catacombs of The Venue Scottsdale were occupied with all sorts of eccentric talents such as Lip Readers and Tarot Card Readers. And of course, not to be forgotten, we had an aerialist, can can dancers and a crooner in the main courtyard!

Of course there was food…oh the food!

Photographer Sarah Hagerty of Hagerty Photography was able to relax a little, then it was back to work capturing more beautiful scenery and people!

We ended the night the best way we know how- with chocolate! Bedazzle my Bon Bons made these decadent and sparkly delights especially for our event and they were completely sinful…

Here we all are! The Phoenix Bride and Groom Team thanks all of the vendors who gave so generously of their time and talents to make the Moulin Rouge Event a success. It was wonderful connecting with so many wedding industry professionals and we can’t wait for the next party!

We also enjoyed a Live Photobooth by Keith Pitts- these are always so fun!

Here is a slideshow from Hagerty Photography that shows even more pictures!

If you enjoy time lapse videos, you are going to like this quick one of our set-up created by Serendipity Videography:

Phoenix Bride & Groom Timelapse by Serendipity Videography from Serendipity Videography on Vimeo.

We could not have enjoyed ourselves and entertained our guests without the following people/companies. Their contributions and hard work made this THE event of the year!

Thank You…

The Venue Scottsdale/ Ashley Gain Weddings and Events/Hagerty Photography/Serendipity Videography/Celebrations in Paper/BBJ Linen/Wildflower Linen/Quest Drape/Sound Lighting F/X/ Events by Showstoppers/ Classic Party Rentals/Designer8* Furniture Rental/ Applause Productions & Entertainment/ Encore Creative/Heidi’s Events and Catering/Fabulous Fine Food Catering and Events/Santa Barbara Catering/Marcellino Ristorante/Creations in Cuisine Catering/Ciao Baby Catering/Bruce Brown Catering and Events/My Goodness Cakes/La Dolce Pesca/ Creative Cappucino/Honey Moon Sweets/ Bedazzle My Bon Bons/Live Photobooth by Keith Pitts/Lip Story

A friend told me about Susan Woodward  and I knew instantly that I needed to be the friend who tells YOU about her work. They are simple and powerful at the same time.  Check out Susan’s paintings:

Here’s a bit about her process: I start with either taking the photo myself or using a photo that the client submits to me. I draw the image with pencil onto cotton fiber watercolor paper. I lay in light washes of watercolor paint and build up to heavy darker tones. It usually takes 1-5 hours to complete a painting. I sign the bottom with the name of the subject,the year and of course, my signature.

Here’s a really sweet one of a father and daughter…perfect Dad-of-the-Bride gift, no?

I would be remiss if I didn’t steer you towards Etsy, the fantastical wonderland of all things creative. I found these really cool and modern wall art pieces in the Etsy shop NiceDay4AWhiteWedding ; they make a lovely backdrop to an altar, can be used as reception decor and will ultimately be part of your new home decor. They also make a perfect anniversary gift. It’s impossible for me to choose which I like best- I’ll leave the hard work up to you!

Idea #3 is to combine artwork and your wedding vows. Art Vows has a ton of design options so no matter what your decor, you can probably find a design that fits in with your style. I think this makes a great housewarming gift to give the newlyweds. Here are just a few of the designs available:

(Katagami- Indigo, Artist:  Temma Gentles)

(Gustav Glimt’s “Fulfillment” , Artist: Michelle Rummel)

(Argyle-Precious Metals)

(Love’s Mosaic: Marble and Sandstone, Artist: Robert Saslow)

Part of the planning involved with your wedding is planning to preserve your memories from the day and I see these ideas as beautiful and heartfelt enhancements. Enjoy!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

(Photo By: Eyes2See Photography)

(Photo By: Chris Richards Photography)

Many couples plan for children to be at their weddings and I am all for it. Families are blending, flower girls and ring bearers have wedding duties and children love a party just as much as adults do but how can you keep kids happy and entertained so they don’t become unruly? You must be very clever and plan ahead.

(Photo By: Marriott Photo)

(Photo By: Chris Richards Photography)

During my years in the wedding world, I have seen couples plan fabulous fun for the kids and I have seen couples shun this idea (only to pay the expensive broken vase price later). Check out these ways to keep kids (or even adults) busy:

1. The kids table! I loathed being banished to the kids table at Thanksgiving but if you make it a fun and kid-friendly table, I’m sure you won’t hear any complaints

(Photo By: Phyllis Lane Photography)

(Photo By: Jennifer Bowen Photography)

2. Activities are key; even the littlest ones can play I Spy (with the help of someone who can read of course), Word Finds and Wedding Word Scrambles

(Photo By: Jennifer Bowen Photography , Concept By: Victoria Canada Weddings and Events)

(Photo By: Marriott Photo)

Crossword puzzles keep all ages occupied

(Photo By: Sergio Photographer)

3. Go super-creative and set up a kids’ game station. This Tic Tac Toe game from our Seven Canyons photoshoot in Sedona can easily be modified to fit any wedding decor.

(Concept By: Sedona Luxury Weddings and Events, Photo By: Sedona Bride Photographers)

If you plan to entertain several children over the age of 6 and you want to go down is history as the VERY best wedding hosts, bring in a portable Game Truck. The kids will go in to play all kinds of games but I must warn you: you probably won’t see them the rest of the night!

(Photo Courtesy of Games2U)

4. Instill a little competition: by posting trivia games at the table, you are appealing to kids’ competitive natures. This is appropriate for older kids and adults depending on the trivia. Include a prize for the most correct answers and you will really get them going!

(Concept By: Butterfly Petals, Photo By: Ten West Photography)

5. Set up a separate kids dance floor. You can use your own ipod pepared with kids dance music or even bring someone in to be the kids’ DJ- they can do the chicken dance, hokey pokey, etc. Don’t be surprised if some of the adults wander over to “check on the kids”!

(Photo By: Something Blue Photography)

6. And finally, keep them fed! You know how cranky you get when you are hungry? Kids are the same way! You can offer easy to eat kids’ food like mac and cheese or chicken fingers but if you want to really keep the kids happy, set up kid friendly food stations like a taco bar, hamburgers and hot dogs or a pasta bar. And of course, don’t forget a sundae bar.

(Photo By: Jennifer Bowen Photography)

Surely these happy kids had some fun at the wedding…and behaved too!

(Photo  By: Chris Richards Photography

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Here I am with the group- we really enjoyed each other and had a great time together!

We stayed at Sandals Montego Bay; this is the beach cabana situation…

A private dinner on the beach

The first night I was there we were treated to a “reception” dinner complete with cocktails, dinner and a steel drum band. The table decor is from the Sandals Wedding by Martha Stewart Collection (more to come on this later!)

We enjoyed some tourist excursions; this was at Mystic Mountain and it’s a bobsled ride that is completely fun! My hair was lovin’ the humidity (I use “lovin’” loosely)

A Jamaican favorite- the pattie. This light and flaky goodness is filled with meat, cheese or seafood. Delicious!

We visited the Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios where we took a tour of the gorgeous property, sampled reception appetizers, listened to a Mento Band and had a lovely lunch

These sweet guys played “Here Comes the Bride” for us!

The Jolly Boys are the most famous Mento Band- we did not see them but I am sure their sound will be familiar to you:

We then had lunch at a table set with Martha’s “Chic and Natural” wedding decor. This was my favorite!

We also went to Tensing Pen which is a boutique hotel in Negril; it has a more secluded feel to it, beautiful water, a scary bridge that would be totally illegal in the states and cliff jumping. Yes, I walked the bridge AND jumped at the cliffs!

Jamaica has some of the most entertaining signage I have ever seen!

Sunset at Tensing Pen…

That’s it for now! I have so much to share with you so watch for our official Destination Monday post featuring Jamaica.

Many thanks to the Jamaica Tourist Board for hosting us- it was simply wonderful!

Chatting Soon~Kelly