Introducing Jim Hjelm at the Wedding Library

It seems like every day we have great news to share with you. Today, the news is that our full collection of Jim Hjelm Just Teas and Occasions is finally in the house and ready to go. It's a new line for us, but we know it's a favorite with brides. At market this spring Jennifer and I were really impressed by the styles, colors, fabrics and price of these pretty dresses. Another bonus is that they often can deliver much quicker than is standard. But that does not mean procrastinate. To give you a push to get started we are offering a 10% discount on all orders shipping after April 1 '09 -- now there's an incentive to cross off this shopping item from your list! Make your appointment now as the offer is good until December 1. Email lindsay@theweddinglibrary.com for fastest service! Buzz Bonus: Our Jim Hjelm trunk show begins October 30.

Amy Atlas Dessert Tables

The details.  Dinner table napkin treatments, escort card table themes, signage.  These are some of the details that brides collaborate on with their floral designer, planner and caterer. You hire experts to make your food, design your florals and to pay attention to the details -- now you can hire an expert to make design-direct distinct dessert tables.  Amy Atlas creates personal installations that will leave an indelible impression -- what a lovely way to top off a wonderful night. 

Words for a Wedding Planner

Modern Bride TrendLeaders on Tour

When we were asked to assist with this Modern Bride event, we couldn't say no. What fun, an evening of wedding planning with hors d'oeuvres, wine tasting, makeovers and cake sampling. All at a cool party space in Chelsea. Some of our favorite vendors will be on hand, and it's all complimentary. We'll be there, so join us at this year's Trendleaders.

Hotel Healdsburg

Perfect area for an outdoor wedding, don't you think?

Courtyard of the hotel, it evokes a modern piazza.

Delicate flowers in the gardens.

I love the juxtaposition of the natural, raw and luxurious.

A little installation I observed at the front desk.

Beautiful arrangements fit the color scheme perfectly.

The hotel lobby and great room where we had breakfast every day.

Jennifer and I whisked off with our husbands to San Francisco and Sonoma last week to taste local wines, brush up on some west coast wedding resources and enjoy California cuisine, landscape, sun and big skies. We find inspiration to bring to the weddings we plan wherever we go, and our stop in Healdsburg is no exception. A slip of a village with a positively European town square, we stayed at the Hotel Healdsburg -- a brilliant California creation. Tranquil, modern, earthy and luxurious, it's also co-owned by one of our favorite chefs, Charlie Palmer. An idyllic headquarters for a full weekend wedding, it's a destination locale without the Euro. If that's not in your future, the earthy palette, shades of olive and green, and oversize furniture is easily re-interpreted in NYC. Stay tuned to future blogs with our wine reviews, San Francisco Buzz and dinner at the famous MacMurray Ranch. (Buzz Bonus: Coincidentally, Palmer owns one of our favorite small wedding/rehearsal dinner spots in New York, Astra.)

Fashion Tape

We've planned hundreds of weddings. We've had couture gowns, hand-me-downs, dressers on hand and seamstresses and dressmakers on call. But we've never attended a wedding where we didn't find a use for Hollywood Fashion Tape. It's that good. We use it to hide a bra strap, position a bodice, hem a skirt, hold up a shoe strap, mount a photo, hold together a seam, hold down an aisle runner...you get the picture. We're McGyver with this stuff. We sell it but you can also find it on line. Go get it. Now.

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

We were delighted to attend the opening of Gabriella Risatti's bridal boutique last week. There are few truly personalized services left; Gabriella is seeking to remedy this with a beautiful assortment of gowns at her light and airy Meatpacking District salon. She carries exclusive designs by Matthew Christopher, Renella De Fina, Sassi Holford, Amy Kuschel, Michelle Rahn and Carmela Sutera. As you make your bridal appointments, you'll want to have this charming salon on your list. (The gown shown above is a show stopper!) Buzz Bonus: We heard from Gabriella that Angel Sanchez will be offering a small selection of special occasion dresses here soon!

Bride's Head Revisited Grand Opening

Of course, there will be drinks and nibbles and a gift of a 10% discount card to be used at the event or at a later date! See the collection at Bride's Head Revisited.

Great Performances Salumeria

We were at an industry party recently where Great Performances presented the best new idea for hors d' oeuvres that we've seen in a long time. This salumeria station certainly captures the NYC foodie zeitgeist -- clean foods simply prepared from fresh, local, delicious ingredients. A server can slice prosciutto di parma while guests nibble on chunks of parmesan, marinated olives, salamis and other antipasti. Yum. A favorite restaurant to see the salumeria in action -- Lupa Osteria Romana.

For Those Who Love Their iPhone

This funny little application provides a countdown 'til your wedding day -- the years, months, weeks, days, minutes and even seconds.  For .99 cents you'll know exactly how many days you have to hire all your vendors, pick color schemes, taste food, find your dress, purchase your invites -- and get married!  Wedding Day can be ordered on line and sounds easy to set up.

Keepsake Boutonniere

I love the idea of a special boutonniere.  Sometimes it's difficult to imagine how special it can be.  Well Laurie Cinotto makes it easy.   She creates these keepsake nosegays from millinery leaves, vintage flower stamens, tiny white seashells, feather accents and striped ribbon.  And this one for $17.  A perfect finishing touch.

For Charming Bridesmaids

We received these lovely necklaces from a favorite floral designer with the initials of our children on them, but brides and their maids might be ready for their own.  These are a perfect, personalized gift for your favorite girls and we love them for their charm (pun intended).  From $95 in silver to $420 in yellow, pink or white gold with diamonds.  Customize with your girlfriend's birthstones or favorite gems.  View them at the Wedding Library or see options on-line at Dyanne Belle's web site.  Check out her other beautiful jewelry while you're there....

Blade Board: Guastavino's

"The inspiration started with the “Save the Date” card designed in silver and royal blue. The space, Guastavino’s under the 59th Street Bridge needed something dramatic and the bride wanted LOADS of candlelight throughout the space. Deciding on a simple white and silver color palette we ended up creating tall centerpieces with curly willow branches and the often underestimated baby’s breath! I created “clouds” of baby’s breath resting atop clear glass cylinders and a similar design adding curly willow branches that rested atop birch pedestals. TONS and TONS of hanging glass votives, pillar candles and votive candles completed the look. It was BREATHTAKING to see the entire room aglow with candlelight!" -- Anne, Blade

1st row: hanging bud vases, Jamali Garden; cake, Cake That
2nd row: hanging votives and branches, Nettle Ton Hollow; pewter crushed shimmer linen, royal crushed shimmer linen, Cloth Connection; glass cylinder vases, Jamali Garden; swirled calla lily, Blade; baby’s breath bouquet, Real Simple
3rd row: white calla lily, crushed glass nuggets, pillar candles, white dendrobium orchids, white votives, Jamali Garden; standing glass candle holders, Accent Decor

Introducing Guest Blogger: Blade Floral and Event Designs

While working with Anne Kilcullen of Blade Floral and Event Designs on a wedding we discovered that she creates amazing "real life" inspiration boards to help bring her proposals to life. We are so impressed by how this helps her clients visualize how her wedding will look and feel. We've asked Anne to share some of these story boards with you, they are more than inspiration -- they are the foundation of the environments she creates. Check in for Anne's posts -- I know she'll inspire you too.

"I created Blade to use my love and passion for flowers and beautiful designs. I find inspiration in everything around me and use my years of experience to incorporate these everyday things into my work. I work closely with every bride to style the wedding of her dreams and I listen to her wish list to create these storyboards. The boards help the bride visualize my ideas for the design of the decor. It's so important to me that the personality of every bride comes through in the design." -- Anne

L'Arte Del Gelato

We love serving gelato at the end of a party. And we can't think of a better way to end the evening. A scoop for guests leaving the reception, as a dessert station or at an after-party -- this adorable cart is available for hire from our favorite gourmet supplier -- L'Arte Del Gelato. The details are: $1,600 for 2.5 hours, 9 flavors, all the fixin's and a server. Love it.

Yummy Fall Accessories

Two problems, two great solutions. A simple wrap to keep you, the bride, warm as you take outdoor photos or run from limo to ceremony. A modern and sweet ring pillow of softest cashmere for your favorite little boy. Fall is fast upon us and we are happy to offer these soft solutions to these accessory dilemmas! The wrap is cashmere, and $175. The ring pillow is available in petal and cream for $50. By special order at the Wedding Library. (Buzz Bonus: Wraps are available in a rainbow of colors for a great bridesmaid gift--multi-piece discounts apply!)

Meet Your Photographer/Videographer!

Big reminder to rsvp for Meet the Artists. There's a lot of research that goes into hiring a photographer or videographer -- Wednesday's cocktail party gets 5 interviews out of the way in one fell swoop. With a cocktail in your hand.

We're delighted to showcase Missy McLamb, Jenny Ebert, Karen Cunningham, Tanya Tribble and Anna Davis of Elan Artists.

We love 'em, we think you will too. At the Wedding Library. This Wednesday, 6-8:00pm. Call 212.327.0100 for a spot or email claudia@theweddinglibrary.com to rsvp.

Belle Marie Belle

If you love chocolate, you know that all chocolates are not created equally. These are particularly unequaled. The flavors are sublime: dulce de leche, passion fruit, lavender and my favorite -- pistachio. But what makes this chocolate wedding-worthy is the super stylish designs on the chocolate's surface. This candy is eye candy. I delight in the opportunity for chic perfection in your favor or end-of-the-night treat. If you can, don't resist visiting Marie Belle's Cacao Barr in SoHo.

Lynn Lugo Promotion

As if these dresses aren't superb enough, Lynn Lugo is offering this amazing promotion: Place your order for bridesmaid dresses from September 30-November 30 and receive $20 off per dress. This discount is in addition to the quantity discount of $25 per dress if you are ordering 3 or more dresses total. (That's $45 off each dress!) But don't forget to allow 12 weeks delivery time from the time you finalize your order. We love her. You'll love the dresses. Your bridesmaids will love the price.

Bespoke Maps and Illustration

Siobhan Donoghue reached over the pond to see if we could use her beautiful maps and illustrations for our brides having destination weddings. Could we ever. She creates precious spot artwork and exquisite maps as you can see for yourself. A bit pricey and it's in pounds -- but well worth it (from 200-2000 British Pounds).

Sign It!

Think beach ceremony, barn reception. Jennifer often uses Country Sign Design for the many destination weddings she plans. When a direction sign is needed to lead guests to the reception, ceremony site or the after-party, a reasonable (and fitting) solution is often hard to find. These are reasonable, have a quick turn-around and have a lot of shabby chic charm. There are great colors to choose from too. I want to order one for my country house, I just have to name it first...

Bridal Emergency Kit

We're constantly in search of the perfect bridal emergency kit. After assembling many, many ourselves -- we've found this mini-kit that has it all, almost. Perfect as is, if you want to service your entire bridal party from one kit add extra mints, sharp scissors, a whole packet of double sided tape and masking tape. Voila! For $25 it's less expensive than assembling all the pieces yourself. Available at the Wedding Library.  Call 212.327.0100

Great Brunch Spots: From the Archives

I ran across this article I wrote for New York Magazine, Weddings last year and reminded myself of these great brunch spots. If these don't work, try the hotel where most of your guests are staying. It's convenient, most likely reasonable and should be easier than your other options.

1 New Leaf Café: “After your formal wedding, this restaurant in Fort Tryon Park (at the Cloisters) is the perfect casual retreat. With the park’s view of the Hudson, it’s a great way to get a little of the outdoors into your cosmopolitan wedding. It’s a beautiful stone building that’s fully restored and was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park.”

2 Pastis: “There’s no better place to nurse a hangover than this French bistro in the meatpacking district. Hipsters and parents alike will love the food, patina, and the Bloody Marys.”

3 Rainbow Room: “This gem of a space also has a gem of a view. Old-school and old-world, the Rainbow Room is surprisingly cozy and offers Cipriani service, food, and great Bellinis.”

4 Top of the Rock: “An amazing outdoor brunch or a view from on top of the world: you can wow your guests two ways at this newly opened venue. They’re definitely going to be the talk of the town soon.”

5 Madison Room at the Palace: “With food from either Gilt or the Palace banquet kitchen, this gorgeous landmarked room overlooks both Madison Avenue and the Palace courtyard. It’s like a secret, amazing jewel box that’s so perfect and pristine, and you’d never know it was there.” (Pictured in the photo above).

Ice Sculptures We Love

Okamoto Studio creates fantastical ice sculptures that can enhance any wedding. But if you're wary of the nortorious wedding ice swan, a simple and effective place to start is with their simple ice box. Uplit from below, you can fill the box with icy vodka, chilled shellfish or yummy gelato. The cost is from $275 to $325 for a 20X20 inch box. Great if you are looking for a sophisticated focal point or a unique conversation piece.

A Successful Party

So our first week of blogging is over and we've had over 1,000 views. Now that's a good party. We look forward to bringing you all the newest, latest and greatest in wedding information -- as well as great events, promotions and discounts! Thanks for joining us on the journey.

A Great Wedding Gift

ACRIA, the Aids Community Research Initiative of America has been a favorite organization of mine for over a decade. One great way to give is to purchase a limited edition artist original that museum-grade artists have contributed for sale. This one, by Donald Baechler, is called The Lucky Ring, and is a silkscreen on paper. It's Published by ACRIA and is 19X14.5 inches. It's in an edition of 67. Hurry as we've already purchased two...

Adornable

Sometimes you don't have to own the serious bling -- it's just nice to wear it for the day. The ladies at Adorn Brides have figured out the perfect way to make you red carpet -- I mean white aisle-ready! For a fraction of the price of purchase, you can rent the pieces you choose on-line and they mail it to you; mail it back after the big day. This truly is the easiest way to wear the perfect piece, without the big commitment. I personally would like to borrow these beauties for a few days...

Bride's Head in the House

Eight years ago we fell in love with Alex's and Emily's beautiful veils, headpieces, garters and ring pillows. That two girls can be so versatile and so talented amazes me. They've always had a home in our store but now it's official -- Bride's Head Revisited has opened a flagship boutique at the Wedding Library. Although you should still have an appointment, the best part is you can find their entire collection under our roof, and work with the designers directly to create a one-of-a-kind stunner. Call for an appointment to find that perfect heirloom piece 212.465.2613

Our New Paper Doll

We are delighted to announce that the talented Linda Hays has joined us as Director of our Stationery Library. Linda arrives with years of experience in the worlds of stationery, fashion and art. Most recently she created and directed the custom printing salon for Michael C. Fina, where she was affectionately known as "the etiquette queen". Previously she was with Kate's Paperie and Papyrus after years as a fashion director. Linda delights in helping each couple create a paper trousseau that uniquely reflects them and their celebration. We delight in having Linda on board to help all our brides reach their full stationery potential! (Buzz Bonus: Mention this blog when ordering with Linda and receive a special gift from her!)

Come Meet the Artists

We are delighted to host our second Meet the Artists cocktail event at the Wedding Library on Wednesday, September 17 from 6-8pm. It's a great opportunity to meet several photographers and videographers and get an understanding of the market. Better yet, you may find the vendor you've been looking for. We're delighted to showcase Missy McLamb, Jenny Ebert, Karen Cunningham, Tanya Tribble and Anna Davis of Elan Artists. There will be hors d'oeuvres served and our own Christine will serve her famous apple martinis. Space is limited, so rsvp to 212.327.0100 or email me at claudia@theweddinglibrary.com and I'll save you a spot. Image courtesy of Missy McLamb.

Cheers, We've Launched!

Today is THE BIG DAY. No, not the wedding day. I am actually talking about the launch of Wedding Library Buzz, our blog devoted to the vendors and products responsible for the most amazing weddings happening right now.

I will share all (or at least many) of the tips I've learned over the last eight years as owner of the Wedding Library. Co-owner Jennifer Zabinski will share some of her amazing destination weddings and our associate planners and vendors will keep you in the loop of all the latest and greatest projects they are working on.

Our mission at the Wedding Library is to make wedding planning easy, and to provide you all the best products and services under one roof. Now our roof has expanded to our blog -- we hope you enjoy our virtual home!

Join us every day as we update you on wedding news,
Claudia and Jennifer and the
Wedding Librarians