Thursday, January 31, 2008
Crate & Barrel advertised a new event in the most recent issues of Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides magazines. They are calling it The Wedding Parties. Their knowledgeable staff will assist engaged couples with completing their wedding registry. Newlyweds will get some great home entertaining ideas. So join them for food, drinks and music 9am-11am on February 10th, 17th, 24th or March 2nd.
What’s a party without a gift (favor) to take home. You’ll receive a handblown glass bowl just for attending. Call a store near you to RSVP.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
 
Okay, I’m exaggerating but I did get to meet them. I’m referring to renowned wedding planner Preston Bailey and the queen of wedding cakes Sylvia Weinstock. Today I attended the Engaged! Magazine’s Bridal Event at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC. Although it was a bridal show for the best of the best wedding vendors to showcase their services, I was there to meet Sylvia and have Preston sign my book. Mission accomplished!
Attendees enjoyed a wonderful four course tea in the beautifully decorated ballroom as we listened to the wonderful sounds of the string quartet. Click the picture below to get a closer look.
By the way, tomorrow is Sylvia’s birthday. Happy Birthday!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Friday was the last day of the conference. So I started with the last round of classes. The picture above shows the set up for a cocktail hour, dinner, dessert table and a lounge area all using the same color scheme. They are 4 completely different looks but all of them work together and compliment each other well in the same room.
Later that evening was the Gala Awards. I did not attend them. Instead I was off to the airport for my flight home. Although I had an awesome time at TSE 2008, I was ready to go home and sleep in my own bed. Below are a couple of pictures from nominees.
That’s it for TSE 2008. I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. Join us next week as we return to our regularly scheduled programming 
Thursday, January 24, 2008
 
On Thursday I attended the 3rd day of educational courses and visited the tradeshow exhibit hall. This year there were over 300 vendors and tons of exciting products to see. The above pictures feature products from various linen, chair rental, lounge furniture and accessory companies. I was like a kid in a candy store…I didn’t know what to look at first. There was a lot of buzz on one particular vendor. Their booth was drawing a huge crowd. The company is called Butt Sketch. The artist sketches you from the back in about 2 minutes. It was such a conversation piece. I had one done and gave it to my husband as a thank you for having my “back”…get it. He loved it!
I was so tired after walking around the 5000 square foot room. Thankfully they had a lounge area set up so that you could take a load off and relax. They even had a live band perform.
Later that evening, I had dinner at McCormick and Schmicks with several east coast planners. It was great networking with the ladies of Elegant Engagements, Elizabeth Bailey Weddings, Isha Foss Events, Posh Events, LLC, Preeti Exclusive, Premiere Event Management and Simply Savvy Events.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
 
Wednesday was the second day of educational sessions but the biggest most popular event of the day was the Wedding Luncheon and the Wedding Gallery. The luncheon featured such speakers as Ed Libby (produced the fabulous launch party for Baby Phat’s Goddess perfume) and David Beahm of NYC. The first montage of pictures is from the luncheon and were photographed by Picture This! Photography. To see more of their pictures from both events click here.
The second montage of pictures (shot by me) is from the Wedding Gallery. Both the luncheon and the gallery were designed by local event professionals and their design concepts were inspired by four themes…Breeze, Sizzle, Cosmo and Dahlin’. Breeze had a nautical yet elegant feel which incorporated beach elements such as shells and star fish. Dahlin’ was all about “bling” and featured crystals dripping from everywhere. Both Sizzle and Cosmo were all about vibrant colors.
Click the pictures above to get a closer look at the details.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Tuesday marked the beginning of the conference. In my very first educational session I met Sasha Souza (attendee not speaker) who has appeared on Whose Wedding Is It Anyway. She was very friendly and very pregnant. Congratulations Sasha.
The montage above (click the picture to enlarge it) is from another class which was geared toward food presentation and table design. Who says a buffet station or appetizer table can’t be beautiful. Just in case you weren’t aware yellow will be everywhere this season. It is the new it color. And I don’t mean pale or butter yellow either. I mean sunshine, lemon yellow.
Later that afternoon was “Pimp My Party”. The presenters showed us inexpensive ways to decorate for an event. Unfortunately I do not have a lot of pictures from this class because it was practically standing room only which made it difficult to get good shots. The pictures below show white carnations (yes carnations are making a comeback) inside $4 containers which were sprayed black. How perfect would they be lined down a long table with candles separating each centerpeice? You’ll also see a basic shelving unit decorated with florals and flameless candles. Lastly, you’ll see yellow pomander balls made from silk flowers incorporated into a centerpiece with manzanita branches sprayed silver placed inside a vase. Notice the pomanders are yellow…did I mention yellow is the new color trend.
Later Tuesday evening, while most of America was watching the first episode of American Idol auditions, I attended the “TSE Starts Here” event. It was held at the Georgia Aquarium. Below are a couple of pictures. Sorry there aren’t more but I was trying to mingle. It was a great networking event. I met planners from Cincinnati, Chicago and Virginia just to name a few.
Visit tomorrow where my post will feature pictures from Wednesday which includes the Wedding Luncheon.
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