Blade's Blogging

We love Anne from Blade for her uncanny ability to create a distinct voice through design. At the Wedding Party she used a palette she'd never used before, yellow, buttercup and deep navy blue with touches of silvery gray. In the navy, gold and yellow Henry room, it worked perfectly. It was fresh, elegant and distinctive in this formal dining room. Kudos to Anne and congratulations on her new blog, too. Check it out for inspiration.

Love the buttercup dupioni cloths with deep navy runners.

Square plates and banquet shape make the display more modern.

Silver brunia somehow tied the "seriousness" of the room into the design.

The very formal Henry Room at the New York Palace (perfect for a rehearsal dinner).

Flavor of the Month

At the Wedding Party on Saturday we had lots of great bakers and sweet makers, but Amy Atlas was the only one with a sweet buffet. It included a crystal wedding cake adorned with sugar snowflakes, opalescent barber poles, billowy marshmallows and fondant snowflake petit fours. The talented Karen Mordechai photographed the lavender loveliness, and this collage is the result.

I think lavender and white make a surprisingly fresh, wintery combination.

Wedding Party Fashion Show Highlights

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, Temperley London and Gabriella New York Bridal Salon all contributed to making our fashion show for the Wedding Party a huge success. Here are a few shots of our favorite styles from the catwalk...

Our own Kristen Carnie modeling an Amsale Little White Dress, Ally

Coren Moore, Rose, at the Wedding Library

Badgley Mischka, at the Wedding Library

Temperley London, Long Jean

Temperley London, Honeysuckle Lace

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, Oscar de la Renta

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, Oscar de la Renta

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, Lela Rose

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, Monique Lhuillier

Wedding Library Bridesmaids (assortment)
All photography courtesy of Stacey Ilyse Photography, at the Wedding Library

Classic Bride, Classic Bouquet

This image is from a beautiful wedding we planned in June at the Harvard Club. The bride wore a gorgeous Vera Wang gown and carried this perfectly classic bouquet by Artfool. This image is featured in our Guide for the Classic NYC Bride issue and in our Wedding Party marketing material. The warm, evocative and romantic photo is classic Karen Hill.

Favorite Winter Wedding

Every once in a while there is a wedding I use as a touchstone for all things beautiful. These images belong to one of those kinds of weddings. Holger Thoss was the photographer, Jennifer was the planner and the venue was the Metropolitan Club. I loved every detail and refer to it often. Here are a few images to get you in the mood for a winter wedding. New York Magazine covered this event a while back.

CECI New York did all of the stationery, including these lovely pinecone escort cards.

The elegant design was thanks to Matthew Robbins of Artfool.

Wedding Party Photo Tour

I'm all a little exhausted from our Wedding Party so I took a little honeymoon yesterday. But I'm back with a few photos from the event. Click the image below. More re-cap is sure to come. Hope you all had fun!

Be Our Guest!

We are delighted to partner with The Glazier Group to discuss one of the most difficult parts of planning a wedding -- finding your venue. Along with acclaimed wedding expert Cheryl Kahn-Brocco we will explore ways to make it a simpler and more enjoyable experience for you. This is the first of many wonderful events and activities that Wedding Library Card holders have first access to.

Email weddings@bullfrogandbaum.com for reservations to this complimentary champagne luncheon now. There really is such a thing as a free lunch!

The Gifts Keep Coming!!

Our Wedding Party participants heard that we're having a raffle. And so they've outdone themselves with magnificent goodies for our guests.

Adorn Brides brings true red carpet elegance to your wedding with a $400 Gift Certificate towards a rental of the finest bridal jewelry available.

Exhale Spa, (The secret to Kelly Rippa’s fabulous body) offers a 10 pack of Core Fusion Session or Yoga Classes with a value of $280.

Four Season’s Maui for Valerie Wilson Travel / Travel Siblings is offering a 2 night stay with full breakfast and taxes included. (Priceless!)

Tejani is providing a pair of the best selling earrings in their collection. (A perfect accessory for any black tie event!) $220 retail value.

Feeling lucky? Join us on Saturday...

What are the Odds?

One of the amazing parts of the Wedding Library is that I have been lucky enough to work with many of the same vendors and artists who I hired for my own wedding 14 years ago. I've watched them grow, become more glamorous and do amazing things. I see them all loving weddings more than when they first started. Mimi So took on the (challenging) task of designing my engagement ring, and created a beautiful and unique object that I still love and cherish today. Now Mimi is designing for Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz, Courtney Cox, Drew Barrymore and Anne Hathaway. But her amazing attention to detail and interest in brides is stronger than ever.

So I feel very fortunate that Mimi will be sharing her jewelry with you at the Wedding Party on Saturday, and even more grateful that she is making an amazing donation to a lucky raffle prize winner. The odds are much better than Vegas here. Don't forget to go by the Mimi So room and learn about the company yourself!
One pair of custom designed Mimi So “Anzia” Collection dangle earrings, set with the highest quality white diamonds in colorless E,F, VS clarity, and a combined weight of approximately 1.00 carat in 18karat white gold. Retail price =$6,000.00. For one lucky girl, free. Buzz Bonus: Jennifer and I will both be wearing Mimi So at the Wedding Party, so if we're especially sparkly, you know why!

Letterpress, Engraving and Offset Printing

Hmmm. Don't know the difference? Well, you can find out at the Wedding Party with our VIB (very important bride) and guest speaker Lisa Hoffman of CECI New York who will tell you all about these techniques. She'll also describe some of the trends she's setting in alternative printing methods like laser cut design. This couture designer works with the likes of Katherine Heigl, Billy Crystal, Diddy, etc. Stationery lovers, this is an event you won't want to miss.

Sample of Lisa's new laser cut design. Wow.

Do Your Bridesmaids A Favor

Brides, do your friends a favor and bring them to our Amsale Bridesmaids Trunk Show weekend. It's going on Thursday, January 29-Sunday, February 1. Your maids will thank you when they see Amsale's brand new 2009 fabulous crinkle chiffon styles.

And to sweeten the pot, treat yourself to free airbrush makeovers from Bridal Gal. Tejani Jewelry will style your choices with their bridesmaid jewels and baubles. Don't forget to start with a great foundation with Blue Tux Shoes, (and our favorite Spanx). There'll be sweet treats by Billy's Bakery and Scratch Music will be our in-house DJ to get your maids in the mood.

Order at the trunk show and save 15%. Call 212.327.0100 for an appointment. Buzz bonus: the new 2009 Bridesmaid Collection will be available pre-trunk show from January 22nd! Make an appointment now to beat the crowds.

Members of Our Wedding Party

I thought you might be interested in all the vendors participating in the Wedding Party. I re-printed our program for the event, with the participants listed by the New York Palace Room where they can be found. As you can see, you'll find all the best vendors for your perfect wedding right here!

If for some unfortunate reason you can't make it on Saturday, Wedding Library Members are noted with an asterisk. You can find out more about them at the Wedding Library by appointment! (Ask for Kristina, 212.327.0100)

SECOND FLOOR
Reception
*Wedding Party Check-in and Gift Bags
Colin Cowie (book signing)
Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier (bridal gowns)
Lela Rose (bridal gowns)
Temperley London (bridal gowns)
Gabriella New York Bridal Salon (bridal gowns)
*Nina’s Music Book (classical music performance)
NYCphotobooth/Pikabooth!
Silver Star Limousine (courtyard)
*Manhattan Swing Orchestras (band)

Reid Salon
*Elan Artists (band showcase)
*NYC Productions & Events (band showcase)
*Scratch Events (DJ showcase)
*MatriMony Mony (choreographed dance showcase)

Spellman
*Matthew Robbins of Artfool, Inc. (floral design)
*Ash & Robbins (fine gifts)
*Sabine Scherer Photography (photography)
Michael C. Fina (registry)
*Mr. Boddington’s Studio (stationery)
*Lifefilm (film maker)
*Levy Lighting/NYC (lighting)
*Stacey Ilyse Photography (photography)
The Glass Houses (venue)
*Olivier Cheng Catering and Events (caterer)
*Arak Kanofsky Studios (stationery)
*Gifts for the Good Life (fine gifts)
*JETSET World Travel, Inc. (travel agency)
*Taylor Creative (rental)

Spellman Featured Vendors
*MatriMony Mony (dance choreography)
*Vali Entertainment (band)

Fahnestock
One Girl Cookies (sweets/favors)
*Milk & Honey Productions (film maker)
*CECI New York (stationery)
Valerie Wilson Travel/Travel Siblings (travel agency)
Flower School New York (floral design)
*Elizabeth Ryan Floral Design (floral design)
*Karen Mordechai Photography (photography)
*Stephanie Caplan Ketubahs (ketubah/artwork)
*The Delicate Pen by Jane Labanz (stationery)

Hubbard
*Bardin Palomo (floral design)
620 Loft & Garden (venue)
Dana Michele (fine jewelry)
*1.artbeautylife: jenny ebert photographer (photography)
*Ruth Drennan Cakes (wedding cakes)
The Mayflower Inn & Spa (venue and spa)
*Flowers of the World (floral design)
*Dauphine Press (stationery)
*Jayd Gardina (photography)

Hubbard Featured Vendors
*Bernard Maisner (stationery and calligraphy)
BluePrintCleanse (health and diet)

Campbell
Victoria’s Secret (lingerie)

Garrison
The New York Palace (host/venue)
*Floralies (floral design)
*Ron Ben-Israel Cakes (wedding cakes)
Classic Party Rentals (furniture and tabletop rentals)
*Well Spun Wedding Films (film maker)
*Todd France Photography (photographer)
NYCphotobooth/Pikabooth! (photobooth)
The Leading Hotels of the World (honeymoon and venue)
*Mantas Wright Photography (photography)
*Fleurs (floral design)
*Julie Holcomb Printers (stationery)

Garrison Featured Vendor
Silver Star Limousine (vintage auto and limousine hire)

Henry
*Blade Floral & Event Design (floral design)
*Mel Barlow Photography (photography)
*Open Eye Media (film maker)
*Elan Artists (bands)
Gabriella New York Bridal Salon (bridal gowns)
*Real Card Studio (stationery)
*Calligraphy by Carol (calligraphy)

Henry Featured Vendors
The Glazier Group (caterer)
Paper + Cup (stationery)
*NYC Productions (band)

Edison
Elegant Bride (host/editors’ room)
Vera Wang Wedgwood (tabletop)

Edison Foyer
Elegant Bride (host)
Payless Lela Rose (bridal shoes)
Barbados (destination venue/honeymoon)

Edison Ante-Room
Gumuchian (fine jewelry)
Varela Imports, Ron Abuelo Mojito Bar (liquor purveyor)

Fifth Floor Foyer
Great Performances and CPS Events at The Plaza (caterer)
*Madame Paulette (gown preservation)
*Nina’s Music Book (classical music)
Amy Atlas Events (sweets tables)
L’Arte Del Gelato (gelato cart)

Fifth Floor Foyer Featured Vendor
Blue Star Jets (private jet)
*Amsale (Little White Dress)

Winslow
*Carolyn Gregg Flower Design (floral designer)
Samuelle Couture (formal gown designer)
*Tejani (fashion jewelry)
*Adorn Brides (fine jewelry/rental)
Mimi So (fine jewelry)
*Once Upon a Bride (hair/makeup)
*BridalGal, Master Airbrush Makeup (makeup)
*Bride’s Head Revisited (headpieces/veils/accessories)

Winslow Featured Vendor
*Scratch Events (DJ)
Temperley London (bridal gowns)

Wannamaker
Guerlain Spa (spa services)

Chairman’s Office
*Wedding Library Stationery
*Wedding Library Planning
Stationery Talks

FOURTH FLOOR
VIP Luncheon (VIP ticket holders)

Buzz Bonus: Raffles. Please enter the valuable raffles at the sponsors’ desks generously donated by: Vera Wang Wedgwood, Barbados, Lela Rose for Payless, Four Season Maui for Valerie Wilson Travel/Travel Siblings

1001 Ideas...

You may only need a few, but Colin's got 1001 Ideas for a chic wedding. And his latest book will be on hand at the Wedding Party ready for Colin Cowie's personal inscription.
And here's another great idea. Bring a friend, your mom, your maid of honor or even your fiance to the Wedding Party, on us. We have a few tickets left and we want you to be able to bring a guest. So we're offering the next 20 ticket purchasers a free ticket ($50 value) when you buy a ticket. Don't wait, I don't think the offer will last until the end of the week! Write in 2 tickets, use discount code BringaGuest. See you at the Wedding Party!

Lela Rose Introduces Bridal Shoes

They're new from Payless, and quite a bargain. I lean towards Giuseppi Zanotti and Prada, but a good basic white shoe is often the most comfortable -- especially after dancing all night. And now you can find a stylish shoe, too. Payless and Lela Rose are generously donating their brand new styles for our fashion show on January 24 at the New York Palace. (I'll let you know how the models rate them on comfort!)Buzz Bonus: Lela Rose and Payless are raffling shoes for a bridal party of eight at the Wedding Party!

Vera Wang Wedgwood

The Vera Wang Tabletop Collection is generously raffling off 6 place settings of your choice at the Wedding Party. I think I'd like the Lace Bouquet, or maybe the Blue Duchesse....Lace Bouquet Blue Duchesse

Top 20 Reasons I'm Loving the Wedding Party

1. Luxury spa treatments 2. Bridal bouquet-making demonstration 3. An authentic Italian gelato cart 4. Sugar flower-making demonstration 5. Custom candy bar 6. On-site calligraphy demonstration 7. Top notch stationery designers' talks 8. Live "mannequins" 9. Signature cocktail mixology lessons 10. Pages of Winter Elegant Bride "brought to life" 11. Photo booths 12. Air-brush makeup on site 13. Caterer treats 14. Raffles of Barbados honeymoon and Wedgwood china 15. An amazing live band showcase 16. A simulated, full-size private jet segment 17. VIP luncheon with premium gift bag 18. Mojito bar 19. Top-notch bridal fashion show 20. Cool DJ and classic music showcases. And I could go on, and on...

Haute! Haute! Haute!

It's rare that we get to see our masterful stationers in person. And it's seldom that we have them all at one event. And simply extraordinary to have the likes of Lisa Hoffman of CECI New York, Bernard Maisner and Heather Arak of Arak Kanofsky share their design process, inspirations and trends for the coming year. A stationery lover's dream, we are proud to present these designers and many more at the Wedding Party on January 24.

Here's a sample of what you'll learn from Arak Kanofsky: "A behind-the-scenes peek at the art of creating a couture stationery wardrobe, Heather will walk you through the evolution of a comprehensive wardrobe. She'll discuss the evolution of the inspiration and the drawing board to the press and beyond. Trends in palette, imagery and narrative will be brought to life."


Samples courtesy of Arak Kanofsky Studio

Lela and Colin

We can't wait to meet Lela Rose and Colin Cowie at the Wedding Party. Lela's showing new bridal gowns selections with Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier and we just confirmed that Colin is signing his new book, 1001 Ideas for Every Moment of Your Celebration. And our dear and wonderful friend Antonia van der Meer from Elegant Bride is pulling it all together. We hope you'll join our party...

Lela's new bridal shoe line for Payless will be on our runway models. Elegant Bride's editors will be on hand to answer questions and to recreate pages of the magazine. Buzz Bonus: Sounds like there are surprise treats for those of you with Platinum tickets, too...

Need a Venue?

Do as the insiders -- turn to BizBash's brand new 2009 National Venue Guide. BizBash is geared to professional party planners, so be prepared to do your research. But the issue is comprehensive and offers lots of creative venues. Click on the image below to view the entire book, or sort by the 16 major city markets that they cover.
For a more conventional source for wedding venues, check out Locations Magazine, our go-to resource for the NYC market. (Available at the Wedding Library.) We're expecting their new issue soon!

Navy and Buttercup -- It's Essential!

I've been showing you some of the amazing editorial pages from the winter edition of Elegant Bride that are being re-produced at the Wedding Party bridal event we are hosting at the end of the month. Well here are a few more pages -- almost all of these elements will be shown at the event. Navy and yellow are such a clean, classic combination -- it's hard not to smile when you see them together. But now, along with some of our other favorite combos, it's been elevated to a truly sophisticated combination. I can't wait to see these essentials in real life as I've never had the luck of having a bride embrace this combination for her wedding! If I don't get to plan someone else's event with this palette, maybe I'll throw my own party...

Milk & Honey Wedding Library Videos

Milk & Honey sent us a unique holiday gift this year -- a video compilation of some of the weddings we've worked on together. It's a great memory keeper for us and a wonderful way to show potential clients some weddings we've coordinated at a few of our favorite locations. You can link on the photo below (from a wedding at a private estate in Michigan) to see weddings at the University Club, Metropolitan Club, Museum of Natural History and a destination tent wedding. In addition, there's a rehearsl dinner photo montage video for those of you considering creating one. Thank you to the film makers at Milk & Honey, and enjoy! Buzz Bonus: See Milk & Honey at the Weddding Party on January 24!

Social Stationery Savings

Crane's and William Arthur both want you to finally get that personal stationery you've been wanting. Crane's is offering free engraving dies ($98) value with personal stationery orders until February 17.

William Arthur is offering free return address printing until February 28. Both are on orders of $100 or more.

I calculated that with the promotion, engraved personal stationery is almost the same price as flat or themography -- so you get a much better quality card for the same price. Now that's a deal.

See It At The Wedding Party

Hot off the press from the editors at Elegant Bride. This amazing editorial page from their current issue will be re-created at The Wedding Party with the beautiful screen back-drop, ice sculpture vases and lovely white arrangements. Stay tuned for more news on the fun elements at our upcoming event. Ice sculpture by Okamoto Studio (our favorites)!

Amsale's Little White Dress

Amsale Aberra, wedding gown designer extraordinaire, has done it again. How marvellous to change into one of these little numbers when the dancing gets crazy at your wedding. Or for a saucy little wedding gown for that stylish event you're planning. Available now!