Spring has Sprung at last!

Hello wonderful readers!

Yesterday, we had a most amazing time at a bridal showcase, at the beautiful Highlawn Pavilion. First, we must say a huge "thank you" to the team, who treat us like no other every time we visit and work there. We are truly fortunate to have them as not only colleagues, but as friends.

For this showcase, our table was a display of contemporary, modern design, featuring the colors black, white, and yellow (to celebrate Spring)!

We must also thank our wonderful team of vendors, who continue to help us bring our vision to life!

Oheka Castle Bridal Show!

OMG! The bridal show at Oheka Castle last night was absolutely fabulous! Congratulations to all the brides and grooms-to-be!

While the preparations for these shows are no small feat, I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed myself yesterday! We humbly say a huge "thank you" to all (vendors and brides alike) who stopped by our table to say hello or to pay us compliments on a great tablescape!

Thank you to the wonderful team at Oheka Castle for having us!

We also must say a HUGE "THANK YOU" to all the wonderful vendors who helped us carry out our vision (from the menus, rentals, flowers)!

Below are a few pics of our table...

Oheka Castle Bridal Show!

CALLING ALL BRIDES!

Next week, 03/04/10 is Oheka Castle's extravagant Bridal Show! Yours truly (AVS Events) will be a participating vendor at the show! Don't forget to stop by our table for some fun prizes! be sure to register at http://www.oheka.com

MENgagement ring? What's that?!

As engagement season starts to wrap up you may have a shiny new ring to display, but what about your other half?

It’s the trend that’s been hitting the pages of The Times, NY Daily news, and even ABC News: The MENgagement ring. Contrary to the traditional one-ring per couple, many love-birds are changing their minds.

“He actually brought up the idea,” confessed bride-to-be Caitlin. “Dean and I both have a career in international business which requires us to travel often. Once engaged, I loved the feeling of being able to look down at my ring and be reaffirmed of our love and commitment even though we were miles apart.” That connection is what started the conversation. “We began to realize that the symbol of one belonging to the other is outdated. Now we’re symbolizing the love we share and our intent to revere that love for the rest of our lives.”

Couple psychotherapist , Paula Hall, gave her input on the MENgagement fad. “I can certainly see positives in this,” she says. “It’s clearly symbolic, but what it potentially does is demonstrate a shared commitment to the process and journey of being a couple at an earlier stage. Showing mutual commitment is important, and at the moment it can be a one-sided thing."

So what is a MENgagement ring? Toss out all your traditional ideas of a feminine diamond ring. MENgagement rings are often more subtle and understated; though in true engagement ring fashion… there has to be some bling! The fun of a MENgagement ring is that it doesn’t necessarily mean diamonds. Think sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. You can even ditch the regular gold of silver for colored titanium. Or take traditional metals and go flat or textured, single or two tone. It truly is up to your fiancé's taste.

Clearly, the rising trend is not for every couple, but Caitlin & Dean seem to be happy with their decision. I think Dean put it perfectly when he said, “I wanted a ring because we’re in this together, forever.”

Introducing... The Invite!

This tiny piece of paper may not seem like much in the overall scheme of weddings. But to guests, the invite is a first introduction into your vision. A good invitation should sum up the feel and look of your wedding. Most of all it should be reflective of you as a couple.

Keep your guest guessing and excite them for the event to come with these great picks below:

Make a statement! I am heads over heels about this vendor. We could not be more excited to feature Carciofi Design. The owner, Caroline, produces the most elaborate and visually stunning invitations to date. Each design is adorned to the max with different combinations of rhinestones, ribbons, elegant fonts, flowers and wax seals. Receiving this invite is sure to create anticipation and conversation. Put a Carciofi Design in your guests’ hands and you will already receive compliments.

A great trend in invitations is the letterpress. Using a heavier card stock, invitations are literally pressed with design and text to make a textured invite. To speak about letterpress is not enough; it is a look and feel you must experience. Order a sample from one of the best, BellaFigura. Choose from their many styles and customizable coloration.

Publicide has been producing amazing art for years. Now bring a piece to your wedding. Tell your love story! Every couple has one, and who better to share it with than loved ones? check out this super intricate design below


Save the Date! Guests are sure to adore this idea also from Publicide. This letter-pressed save-the-date looks like an elegant postcard. The personalized touch of handwritten script is sure to make guests feel special. This postcard is a conversations piece whether it’s kept on the household fridge or at the workplace desk.


Looking for something a little different? Check out these ‘Coney Island Invites’ from RoyalSteamLine at Etsy.com. The old-time carnival feel of these invites are a perfect fit for a couple looking for a wow factor. Guests who receive this invite will instantly know they won’t be attending an everyday wedding.

A more light-hearted feel to your wedding? Check out TearDrop. These fun designs are guaranteed to make you smile. Best part is TearDrop is incredibly customizable; From artwork to invite shape, color, wording, and font; to custom designed envelopes, save-the-dates, and RSVP cards. This is can really showcase your fun-loving side. TearDrop has seen every couple from scuba diving, ‘metro’-ites (above), boating and baking. Definitely checkout TearDropWeddings.com and get your creative juices flowing!

"Charlotte" has a simple design but don’t let that fool you. Inside the invite is packed with every tidbit of information your guest will need to know. The beauty is not only in the presentation, but this invite is visually charming. So much information can be overwhelming, but this design keeps the peace. JaneeseLiteDesigns (Etsy.com)



Last minute touches! Going vintage for your wedding? Check out this witty vintage save-the-date by PowerandLight at etsy.com. Don’t forget the bridesmaids! These adorable “Will you be my bridesmaid?” cards are available by MariaElenaJewelry at etsy.com. What a charming way to ask someone special to be a part of your big day. Also, check out this ‘Lovebird Stamp’ by NoteTrunk at etsy.com. An adorable and easy way to perfectly reproduce your return address on every invite.

What are Tapas?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wordridden/2469966877/

Tapas hold a Spanish origin; the name is fondly used for a wide variety of large snacks. Think the traditional hors d’oeuvres just bigger! Recently tapas have transformed as chefs begin to use their imagination to take these delightful bites to the next level. These morsels are not only delicious; they are often colorful and elaborate turning them into a conversation piece. Tapas can be found in every genre of food from Italian to Spanish to Asian.

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Why tapas?

The recent trend in tapas seems like it is here to stay. Opting for a tapas reception is a great new twist to the traditional sit-down or buffet. Tapas can be served, plated at stations or both! Because of this, brides have been kicking aside the stress of seating charts and plotted tables for the casual comfort of a lounge feel, bringing their wedding to life! The feel of an open seating area with plush couches and stylish décor sets guests free to mingle and enjoy each other’s company. This also allows you to create your own room, from top to bottom, which can reinforce your wedding theme. From mod white leather loungers to rustic brown suede couches or romantic white iron tables, there is perfect furniture for every type of occasion.

www.cococozy.com

The tapas itself can also speak about you as a couple. Do you and your hubby have a love for sushi? Constantly crave pad-Thai? Or melt for the all-American mini-burger? Brides and Grooms often put their personal tastes aside for the customary ‘beef, chicken, or fish’ menu. By choosing to have tapas you can have your favorites and please the crowd at the same time. The convenient size of tapas allows for a variety of food to be served. So stop worrying that Aunt Linda hates seafood, or cousin Jim is vegetarian, there will be something for everyone (even yourself!).

www.davinciflorist.com

Is it cost effective?

Tapas are a great option from the most elaborate to the most budgeted bride. With an unlimited budget, you can really run free with your imagination. Think worldly foods, stir-fry stands, and conversational presentation. For a bride who is more budget conscious, this is a great way to cut a cost and without having to go buffet-tapas can be served and passed around the room similar to hors d’oeuvres. It is a sure way to get a big bang for your buck!

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