Wedding Color Inspiration
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Vintage soft pink and silver color palette designed by The Elegant Petal
When planning your wedding selecting the right color palette truly sets the tone. After choosing the perfect color combination for your wedding, the rest of the details will fall into place… from dress selection, venue, floral design, invitations and lighting just to name a few. What is your vision? What mood are your trying to create? What time of year are you getting married? The answers to all of these questions will help narrow down your color scheme. Think about your venue; are you looking to “warm” up the space, or “brighten” it up. Warm tones include browns, ambers and golds. While bright rich tones may include purples, blues and magentas.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your colors. Design an inspiration board of pictures and various color combinations and share these inspirations with your florist, bridal party and lighting designer.
When brides and grooms contact our Lighting Designer Jay at Elegant Event Lighting, the first question he asks is “what are your colors.” He can then build from there and bring your lighting vision to life with the perfect colors to compliment your already existing palette. The same goes for your floral and invitation designer who will work closely with you. For more ideas and inspiration on color, please visit our photo gallery at www.eleganteventlighting.net.
Beautiful amber uplighting provided by Elegant Event Lighting will warm up your wedding venue
Tags: Elegant Event Lighting, The Elegant Petal
Hotel Baker Wedding Showcase
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues
Beautiful vintage design and custom chair covers by The Elegant Petal
If you are looking for a unique venue to hold your wedding reception the historic Hotel Baker in St. Charles will exceed all of your expectations.
We had the pleasure on Sunday to showcase Something 2 Dance 2 and Elegant Event Lighting at Hotel Baker‘s Wedding Tasting & Showcase. Over 40 brides attended along with amazing vendors from the Fox Valley including The Elegant Petal, Elizabeth Wray Design, Town & Country Gardens, Wallflower Designs, Alex Claney Photography, Oak Mill Bakery, Cold Stone Creamery, Lou Malnati’s Pizza, and many more
Hotel Baker is definitely a hidden gem in the Fox Valley!
2012's hot color Tangerine Tango! Design by The Elegant Petal.
Elizabeth Wray Design Inspiration Table
Tags: Alex Claney Photography, Elegant Event Lighting, Elizabeth Wray Design, Hotel Baker, Something 2 Dance 2, The Elegant Petal, Town & Country Flowers
Vendor Spotlight: Cynthia’s Sweets
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Delicious chocolate treats from Cynthia's Sweets
Happy 2012! I know that I post quite a bit about sweets, and yes I am obsessed with chocolate, so when I was sent a box of Cynthia’s Sweets last month to sample I was blown away! If you are looking for something really special for your Wedding sweets table or candy bar, you must give Cynthia a call. Cynthia and her husband Doug handcraft every piece of chocolate and it shows, not only in taste, but in presentation. I felt like one of those kids in the Willy Wonka movie when I opened Cynthia’s sampler box: chocolate covered caramel pretzels, handmade toffee, chocolate covered caramels, chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate covered oreos, homemade fudge, peanut butter cups and my absolute favorite…chocolate covered sponge candy. If you have never tasted sponge candy…it is crunchy, creamy and delicious and you must try it! Cynthia took the time to answer some questions for us so you can learn more about her and her delectable sweets!
Tell me about yourself and your business: I graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Health Care Planning and Administration – the obvious first step to starting a chocolate business! I met my husband and business partner, Doug, in college. After college we both took jobs in our respective fields and began our careers. In 1994, our daughter was born and I was able to quit work and become a stay-at-home mom. Two years later our son was born. Taking after my mother, I enjoyed my role as a mother and homemaker and loved to cook, bake and create in the kitchen.
When did you open your business? In December of 2004, we started Cynthia’s Sweets out of a small store located just a few blocks from home so that the kids could come and go easily. I am responsible for the creative presentation of the chocolates and confections and Doug is responsible for making about 98 percent of the stovetop candies including the English Toffee, which is our single most popular confection.
How did you get started in the Chocolate Business? I learned to make these wonderfully delicious caramel- and chocolate-dipped pretzels and began to give them to people as gifts and used them as favors for wedding and baby showers. Everyone always asked for “just one more.” Our terrific family recipes for English Toffee and Peanut Brittle were also quite popular with friends and family. One day my friend Kim asked me to make her a gift basket of chocolates and then another and another. Between those gifts and the shower favors, people learned about my yummy treats. Inspired by the popularity of these treats and the fact that we could no longer eat in our home kitchen because it was always filled with chocolate and candy-making supplies, we decided to take a risk and turn the passion for creating beautiful and yummy treats into a real storefront business.
What type of events makes up your business? We make traditional chocolates and custom treats for any occasion. We specialize in making just the right treat for each and every customer. We make chocolate centerpieces and trays for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays and bat and bar mitzvahs. We also create favors for birthday parties, weddings, bridal and baby showers, as well as bachelor and bachelorette parties. We’ve worked with wine tastings, corporate events…just about anything you can think of. In addition we have been very popular with brides and grooms who decide to provide chocolate desserts instead of or in addition to the traditional wedding cakes.
What sets Cynthia’s Sweets apart from other companies? We use only high-quality couverture milk and dark chocolates. Many chocolate shops, especially those making custom-molded chocolates, use compound chocolate that substitutes cocoa butter with oil. We also make everything by hand, so we can create more specialty items. We make everything here in our shop, so our customers know they can rely on our quality and creativity. While we have several popular items, clients aren’t limited to those. I love brainstorming creative ideas that help make someone’s event everything they hope for. So when you work with Cynthia’s Sweets, you’re really working with Cynthia — and obviously that’s a great experience.
What are some of your favorite chocolates for wedding receptions? I love creating an entire table of chocolate treats and seeing the reaction of the bride, groom and guests when they take inventory of all their delicious options. Doug and I have been guests at several weddings where we’ve set up a chocolate table, and it’s such a great feeling when you see people going up to the table repeatedly. We fill vases with chocolate and caramel dipped pretzels rods, bowls with English Toffee, platters with truffles, creams and chocolate-covered orange peel as well as large candy jars filled with non-pareils and mini oreo cookies. Everything looks great and tastes even better.
If you had to choose your last dessert, what would it be? That’s a hard one. It probably depends on the day, but today I’d have to say it’s a dark chocolate truffle. Tomorrow it might be a caramel- and chocolate-covered pretzel. During the holidays, it’s a toss up between peanut brittle and dark chocolate peppermint ice.
How can my readers purchase your delicious confections? We are located at 206 N. Route 83 (Barron Blvd) in Grayslake, Illinois (just North of Center Street). They can also order through our website at www.cynthiassweets.com.
Let Cynthia's Sweets create your Wedding Sweet Table!
A beautiful butter toffee apple makes a great favor for your Fall Wedding.
Tags: Cynthia's Sweets
Happy New Year!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Colleen & Geoff ringing in the New Year with DJ Jay Sims.
I hope you had a wonderful 2011, and that you are looking forward to an even better 2012. Something 2 Dance 2 had the honor of ringing in the new year with 5 couples. Our Brides & Grooms all added there own special touches to their New Year’s Eve themed Weddings including Uplighting, Photo Booths, Party Favors, yummy Late Night Snacks and even beautiful Sugar Sculpture Centerpieces!
Some of my favorite photos came from Colleen & Geoff’s Ceremony & Wedding Reception at Herrington Inn in Geneva. Elegant Event Lighting created a romantic and warm ceremony space using amber Uplighting against ivory draping that perfectly complimented the Herrington’s decor.
We also provided Pin Spot Lighting to highlight the gorgeous Sugar Sculpture Centerpieces created by award-winning pastry & sugar artist Chef Alain Roby, owner of All-Chocolate Kitchen in downtown Geneva, IL.
It was a beautiful celebration with friends and family and one wedding that we will remember long into 2012.
The ceremony space at Herrington Inn was brought to life with romantic amber uplighting, ivory draping and flower pedestals
Pastry Chef Alain Roby's adorable Penguin Sugar Centerpiece
Tags: All-Chocolate Kitchen, Chef Alain Roby, Elegant Event Lighting, Herrington Inn, Something 2 Dance 2
Eat Dessert First!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Delicious Custom Cookie Bar from Dessert First
My motto has been and always will be to “eat dessert first!” And that’s the name of a new sweets company that Jay came across while performing at a Holiday Party at Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows. Andrea De Simone is the owner of Dessert First in Elmhurst and her sweets are top notch. From chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes to red velvet cake lollipops, her creativity and homemade touch will be the perfect addition to your wedding sweets table. Andrea can customize a cookie bar, cupcake tree, or candy table that is absolutely mouth watering. She likes to say that you are “One call away from the first thing on your mind!” And if any of you are like me (especially this time of year), dessert is always on my mind! If you are looking for a “sweet ending” to your wedding reception, please contact Andrea at: adessertfirst@gmail.com or 630.973.6662. And of course if you are looking for extraordinary Wedding DJ Entertainment, Something 2 Dance 2 is always here to help you create amazing memories
Cake Lollipops from Dessert First
Tags: Dessert First, Meridian, Something 2 Dance 2
Farewell to Rolf’s Patisserie
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
Our Hotel Baker Brides always loved the beautiful wedding cakes from Rolf's
Being a huge fan of anything sweet, I was saddened to hear that one of my favorite wedding cake bakeries, Rolf’s Patisserie was closing. Their website reads: “With deep regret Rolf’s Patisserie announces the closing of its business in Lincolnwood, IL, effective immediately. We thank you for your patronage and we apologize for any inconvenience.”
It is always sad to see a business close, especially during what should be a joyous holiday season. I wish all of our Something 2 Dance 2 brides and grooms who were using Rolf’s for their wedding cake and pastries the best of luck in their search for a new bakery. Please be in touch with your catering manager at your venues or with any of our staff if you need assistance. Being the sweet lover that I am, I am very happy to assist, especially if you need a taste tester!
Tags: Rolf's Patisserie, Something 2 Dance 2
Tangerine Tango!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
The hot new color for 2012!
During this sometimes “gloomy” time of the year in Chicago, it is always refreshing to see bright colors, so you can imagine my excitement when Pantone announced the “hot new color” for 2012 as Tangerine Tango!
We love this color for all kinds of things…flowers, bridesmaids dresses, invitations and of course lighting!
And it has already begun to pop up in fashion and cosmetics, with a strong showing in New York’s fashion week this fall.
Feeling bold…consider using this hot new color at your upcoming wedding!
Our team at Elegant Event Lighting can create beautiful Tangerine Uplighting to enhance your wedding reception venue. Contact us today to learn more. www.eleganteventlighting.net
Tags: Elegant Event Lighting, Pantone
Vendor Spotlight: Kristin Ashley Events
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
The lovely Kristin Weis of Kristin Ashley Events
After a long day at the ISSE Conference, I had the pleasure of meeting Kristin Weis, of Kristin Ashley Events in St. Louis. We totally bonded over truffles and cookies (among other things), and I had the chance to interview her for my blog.
Tell me about yourself & your business: I first started planning with Engaging Events by Ali from 2008-2010 and relocated to my husband’s native town of St. Louis, MO where I started Kristin Ashley Events, LLC. I love doing weddings in St. Louis, Chicago and Indiana (where I was born and raised). I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Retail Management. Kristin Ashley Events offers professional advice and guidance throughout the wedding planning process, my goal is to be inpsired and enlightened to design and coordinate events that best reflect our client’s needs and wishes.
How did you get started in Wedding Planning? I started with visual merchandise in Chicago and wanted to try something different. I contacted Ali Phillips and had a few interviews, got the job and the rest is history. She still remains a best friend and a wonderful mentor.
We know Ali from all of her work with Wish Upon a Wedding…she has a wonderful reputation here in Chicago. What a great person to have as a mentor!
What sets you and your company apart from other wedding planners in St. Louis? My personality; I make the process fun!
What are some 2012 Wedding Trends? Metallic, patterns, textures and lounge inspired decor.
Since we met enjoying delicious desserts at the ISSE Conference, what are some of your favorite menu items for wedding receptions? I love customizing menu’s based on the season. August, farmers market (we have the best fresh veggies in the Midwest so use them!) Offering a butternut squash soup for fall or mango salad for summer.
I totally agree! Farm to table dining is huge here in Chicago as well!
Do you have a favorite color palette? Nope, I get inspired by my brides. One day I might not like a purple palette, but after talking to my client I get to use things that she is inspired by and sometimes I end up loving the color I used to run from!
If you could only have one song on your I-pod, which song would it be? Rihanna-Live Your Life
If you are a bride living in St. Louis, Chicago or Indiana who is in need of a fabulous wedding planner, please contact Kristin at: http://www.kristinashleyevents.com/
Tags: Engaging Events by Ali, ISSE, Kristin Ashley Events, Wish Upon A Wedding
Vendor Spotlight: Kristine Galli of In Love, Engaged
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
The fabulous Kristine Galli of In Love, Engaged Wedding Planning & Marriage Preparation
As a business owner, it is so important to attend conferences and seminars to learn from other experts in the wedding industry. And so many times when we attend these conferences you end up meeting so many amazing people that you just want to share their business with everyone. This was definitely the case when Jay & I attended the ISS (Inspire Smart Success) Conference in Chicago last month. During lunch I sat next to Kristine Galli, owner of In Love Engaged Wedding Planning & Marriage Preparation, and I wanted to share her unique business with all of my soon to be brides.
Tell me about yourself and your business. The short of it is that I run a wedding planning and marriage preparation business. The wedding planning piece is pretty straight forward—I help brides and grooms-to-be plan their weddings. But I also believe that a couple should use their engagement to prepare for marriage and their long life together. So I offer marriage preparation as well—I have a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and I am certified in Prepare Enrich, an assessment and counseling tool for engaged couples. Education is key—learning about yourself and your partner and how the two of you relate to one another—as is communicating about topics that may cause conflict later on. In addition to the planning and preparation business, I also write a wedding blog providing inspiration, planning tips, and relationship advice. In a way I play three roles—planner, counselor, and writer. Those three words describe my personality very well!
How did you get started in the Wedding industry? Like so many planners and bloggers, I got started in the industry after my own wedding. But for me it was more than just enjoying the planning aspect {which I definitely did!}. I was working as a therapist for a group practice at the time and feeling like I wanted to do something different. While I was planning my wedding, I realized that I could combine my talents—my organized, detail-oriented, Type A side with my counseling, love for people and relationships side—by starting my own wedding planning and marriage preparation business.
Where is your business located? I am located in Chicago but I work with couples all over the Chicagoland area as well as Northern Indiana and Western Michigan.
What type of event makes up the majority of your business? Weddings! I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What sets your company apart from other wedding planners? I believe I offer something unique to couples planning a wedding. For couples who choose to use my planning services, I attempt to keep the wedding day in perspective for them and encourage them to enjoy their engagement and focus more on their relationship instead of the details of the wedding {since that’s why they hired me!}. For couples who choose to use my marriage preparation services, I walk them through the Prepare Enrich assessment and help them learn about one another and communicate with each other about important past, present, and future topics in their relationship.
What are some 2012 Wedding Trends? Oh gosh, there are so many trends out there at any given moment. I actually think there’s going to be an increase, or comeback if you will, of classic, elegant weddings. And I really loved all the dresses that were revealed at this year’s Bridal Market—especially the lace sleeves (modeled after Catherine of course!), colors (blush pink!), and beautiful details like layered tulle. But I think the real trend is doing whatever you want with your wedding! Your wedding is a celebration of your marriage and should be all about you and your to-be spouse.
What are some of your favorite menu items for wedding receptions? It’s funny, I love going to weddings with a traditional meal like salmon, green beans, and mashed potatoes (because that may just be my most favorite meal to eat!) but I also love when brides and grooms do something different—BBQ or family-style or even brunch. I think it’s great when couples get creative. I always love seeing those s’mores bars and milk and cookie shooters. And it’s great when the season is incorporated—like pumpkin pie for a Fall wedding or hot chocolate and donuts for a winter wedding. There are just so many options out there!
Do you have a favorite color palette? I think I have to say no to this one. There’s no way I could choose a favorite. I go back and forth every day, with every new wedding I see! I love colorful weddings or weddings with a color that really pops like orange. But I also love, love, love muted palettes and all-white weddings. There’s something so romantic about blush pink, light blue, and soft gray. In fact, those were my wedding colors! So maybe I do have a favorite?
If you could only have one song on your I-pod, which song would it be? My favorite song to dance to is I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston. There’s no other song that gets me the dance floor faster. My husband requests it whenever we attend an event with dancing—he knows I can’t resist it!
To learn more about Kristine & In Love, Engaged please visit her at: www.inloveengaged.com
Kristine transformed a historic barn for her very own wedding reception!
Kristine's travel themed wedding complete with a Map Seating Chart for the guests.
Who wouldn't love a homemade Pie Dessert Station...yummy!
Kristine's travel themed Gift Table complete with a suitcase for her wedding cards.
Tags: ISSE, Kristine Galli
11-11-11: The Perfect Wedding Date!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
TIffany & Drew Say "I Do" on 11-11-11!
11-11-11 has finally arrived in much anticipation for so many of us in the wedding industry! The perfect date for so many Brides & Grooms around the country. But for Jay’s bride & groom Tiffany & Drew the number “11″ has a much deeper meaning in their journey together.
Tiffany and her best friend from college had started a fun game where they would text one another at 11:11 am or 11:11 pm and they would each make a secret wish. Tiffany’s wish was simple…she always wished that things in her life would work out the way they were supposed to. On October 11, 2009, Tiffany caught the bouquet at a friend’s wedding, and at the time she never really thought much about it, as she wasn’t dating anyone. Fast forward a few months later when Tiffany and Drew’s high school friends helped connect them on Facebook. Tiffany was living in Nashville and Drew was living in Naples, Florida, and when I asked about their first date, Tiffany said she flew out to visit Drew in February. At that moment, a light went off in Drew’s head and he went to his phone to look up the date of the visit…sure enough it was on February 11! Neither of them had realized that there was yet another connection to the number 11 until now! They fell head over heels in love and Drew proposed on September 11, 2010, exactly 11 months to the day that Tiffany caught that bouquet. And as no surprise they selected 11-11-11 as the perfect date to say “I Do.” I think we can all agree that 11 is a beautiful and magical number for this couple!
And another added bonus on this date as Tiffany reminded Drew, “No excuses for forgetting our anniversary!” Congratulations to all of you who are saying “I Do” today!
Tags: Jay Sims
