Darcy Miller Designs

My friend Darcy Miller (Weddings Editorial Director, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia) launched an amazing show of her artwork on Wednesday at the Andy Spade creative space, Partners & Spade. In conjunction with the show, Darcy's put up a web site of her work: Darcy Miller Designs. In the next days I will provide a sneak peek at the preparations for the show, but I know Darcy will be posting and tweeting about it next week. Also, Martha Stewart TV and Martha Stewart Weddings will be covering the show in upcoming issues.

I simply ask, how does she do it?

One talented and busy woman.

Hamptons Rehearsal

We recently worked with Kostas from Floralies on a stunning and transformative rehearsal dinner at Savanna's in Southampton. The client was looking for a hot, steamy, tropical feel -- and the restaurant has an all-white, open, airy, beachy atmosphere. Here are some of the tricks we incorporated to achieve the final look.Kostas' team creating a bamboo framework for the escort card table. It was used to "disguise" a reception desk that could not be moved.Driving in from Manhattan, the team unloads exotic plants and all the equipment needed to set up the event.

The paperie was customized at the Wedding Library. Table names echo the dark green of the centerpieces, menu card stock echoed the acid yellow of the orchids, the burnt orange ink matching the alternating table cloth color.We used the covered terrace for half of the guests. Here it is before the set up.

Here's the terrace midway. We expected rain so we had the tent sides down. The draping turned a drab tent into an exotic retreat.

Wedding Library staffers Roey and Laura took a moment to pose before the party began.

Here's the dining room as it's normally set up. Our client had amazing vision to believe it could turn into this super sexy and romantic space.

Here you can see the orange cloths, the menu cards, simple table set up, centerpieces and hand lettered table names.

I am placing these two shots (above and below) together to show what an enormous difference lighting makes. First, they're taken day and night. Second, Kostas provided lighting and draping. Finally, he was genius enough to change all the lightbulbs in the restaurant to a warm amber -- instantly heating the space up, at minimal expense.

The final result. Hot, hot, hot.

Elan Artists provided an amazing Latin band whose music wafted out of the restaurant. As guests approached they heard the salsa beats and were enticed by the red glow of the party.

twobirds Bridesmaid at the Wedding Library!

We were impressed in 2007 when Ariane Goldman showed us her clever and pretty dress that can be worn 15 different ways. I don't know what took us so long to start carrying them!

Let me count the ways in which it's great: 1. One size fits all, need I say more. 2. Each of your bridesmaids can wear the dress in whatever way they feel comfortable -- and you've still only had to pick out ONE dress. 3. The colors are really pretty. 4. There are matching shawls and ties for your groomsmen -- genius! 5. The material is yummy. 6. The price is great, especially for 15 dresses in one! 7. The web site has mesmerizing video demonstrations on how to tie the dress. 8. NO alterations! 9. There's a clever bandeau that you can purchase separately for those of you who want more coverage. 10. They come in long, too. 11. They don't wrinkle easily. 12. You really can wear them again.... 13. The two birds on the web site are darling. 14. The dress really looks different when tied differently so you won't feel like you're wearing the same dress twice. 15. It's super clever.

4 more reasons it's great....

Here's one more reason -- we're having a twobirds Trunk Show and you'll get an extra 10% off an already great price!

Trunk Show dates: Friday and Saturday, September 25 & 26, 11-6pm. Make your appointment now with Kristen@theweddinglibrary.com or call us at 212.327.0100 Untamed Petals bloom accessories and Gerard Yosca jewels will be on hand!

Chateau de Massillan Eye Candy Part 3 of 3

Birgit Israel, owner of the Chateau and Babylon Design in Fulham Road, London, placed unique furniture and accessories in every room of the hotel. Locally sourced antiques are sumptuously upholstered and every piece of furniture perfectly placed. The color scheme is subtle and understated. I took pictures of the shades of lavender (matching the ubiquitous plant of Provence), Gustavian gray, pale peaches, greens and tans. They all blend seamlessly. I wanted to take a photo of every lamp and accessory, but I think you’ll get a sense from these. What a great inspiration for a wedding color scheme!

The simple and ornate balance perfectly in the light and airy hotel.

For those of you who love modern, the mid-century accents and a cool vibe to the interiors.

The international clientele is mostly European -- I met Dutch, French, British and German guests during my stay.

One of the loveliest rooms of the Chateau.

This indoor-outdoor room is open to the courtyard -- sumptuous!

Birgit's color sense is impeccable. This crushed velvet couch is in the most elegant shade of lavender.

Another purple couch in the reception area melds with the beautiful local stone floors and walls. (Who would guess I would fall head-over-heels with purple?)
An interior sitting room is quiet and refined.

The alternate reception room with fireplace would be a perfect after-party spot.

A final view of the gorgeous antiques, colors and styling in the Orangerie.

Weddings at Chateau de Massillan Pat 2 of 3

So you've seen the exteriors of the beautiful Chateau de Massillan. Now to the amazing food and wedding offerings.

There are 13 rooms in this gem of a luxury hotel housing up to 29 guests. For 2009/2010 weddings of 40 guests are still available, all bigger weddings (up to 80) are sold-out – you can easily see why. Andreas Schmid (General Manager) and his staff can help you find tents, florists, rentals, cake, entertainment and more. Weddings can be held from April to June and September to early October. More details on pricing can be found here. And Mr. and Mrs. Smith, one of my favorite luxury hotel finder sites, says this about holding a wedding at the hotel.

Note that Vaucluse and the Provence region offer ancient local churches, amazing Roman ruins and plentiful bed and breakfasts for guests to enjoy.

But now for a little tour of the food I tasted -- I give it 5 stars!
Chef and General Manager Andreas Schmid sources all farm fresh local meats, fish and produce, and serves local wines. His international experience as a chef includes: Relais & Chateaux in Canada, a hotel in Oslo, private clients in St. Tropez, eight years in the Black Forest and Berlin in 5 Star hotels and stints in Spain and Denmark. I found the influence of Germany and France most prevalent in my meal – but delicious in any language.

From a guest room window -- the herb garden of the restaurant and pond in the distance.

Olives in a wonderful mercury glass bowl – a simple, impactful presentation.

A selection of Provencal cheeses with a home made berry confiture.

Braised pork with Cotes du Thone and garden herbs. A risotto of potatoes and grilled asparagus. In my case made complete with a glass of Chateau neuf du Pape.

A cured filet of beef “a la gravlax” with Coquille de St. Jaques and a crème fraiche. Perfect when coupled with Cote du Rhone.

Vichy Sois with fresh truffles from the nearby Luberon. I had it with a marvelous regional rose.

An amusee bouche of grilled quail leg on pickled onions.

Local liqueurs and wines abound.

For a wedding Andreas suggests a 6-course menu with beverage by consumption. All meat in organic, the fish controlled and 80% of the seasonal produce organic. As the Chateau is perfect for a weekend event, Andreas recommends a casual dinner or barbecue with lobster and steaks for the Friday evening meal; a meal similar to the one I tasted for the wedding and standard hotel breakfasts for guests. The Chateau is perfect for the foodie with the highest standards for regionality and freshness.

Don't take my word for it, here what Luxury Explorer has to say about the Chateau.

Destination France Part 1 of 3

My summer vacation became an excuse to explore a destination wedding venue I have been dying to visit. The Chateau de Massillan, in Provence, is my idea of a perfect hotel. It's small, discreet, luxurious, filled with history, great design, delicious food and a well-stocked wine cellar. The staff is uber-friendly, the GM charming and earnest and the experience sure to be unique for every one of your guests. If you are planning a wedding for 40-80 guests and you’re looking for a castle that feels like home, here’s your spot. Chateau de Massillan is a boutique luxury hotel located in Provence. The Chateau is a unique and magical property, built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge by Henri II for his mistress Diane De Poitier. The Chateau only changed hands a few times over the centuries until 2000 when German interior designer Birgit Israel redesigned the interiors in a modern, classic style. The décor includes 19th century crystal chandeliers, antique furnishings revamped in 21st century silks and velvets. 1950s lounge chairs and ultra-modern sconces sit comfortably in this ancient building.

Here's a view overlooking the internal courtyard and fountain. This is the perfect place for a summer wedding dinner for up to 80 guests. Imagine music wafting down from the balcony -- and it's a great place to toss your bouquet!

A close up of the fountain.

One of the spots where you can choose to have your ceremony -- what a fabulous aisle.

The lavender and mature trees create a bucolic backdrop for ceremony or cocktails at this completely private chateau. Perfect if you are looking to escape the paparazzi.

The front entrance, looking like a fortress. Luxurious both inside and out.

An interior courtyard photo-opportunity.The lavender growing in the circular entry-way provides a fragrant Provencal greeting for you and your guests. The 24 acres of park land with pine woods, a small lake, open fields and a walled vegetable garden offer at least a half-dozen picture perfect backdrops for a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour or dinner.

A lounge chair or two set apart from the pool, overlooking the courtyard. Yet another charming spot for a ceremony or cocktail.

Poolside you look upon the walls and towers of the chateau.

See what I mean?

My car upon departure -- I promise you I did not want to leave! Stay tuned for more posts on weddings at the chateau, food, interiors and more...
For more on wedding venues in France, check out Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Dash for a Diamond & a Cure

I love this idea. Michael C. Fina and Tacori are sponsoring a treasure hunt for a $20,000 diamond, a honeymoon and additional gifts. The registration deadline is September 2 and the "Dash" is on September 12, culminating at Michael C. Fina where you can meet additional sponsors such as Ron Ben-Israel and the Wedding Library. Join us in supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and join in the hunt!

Mark your calendars! Amsale Trunk Show this weekend!

The entire Amsale bridal collection, including the new Spring 2010 line, will be available for viewing this weekend, Friday August 21st and Saturday August 22nd.  Amsale will be making a special guest appearance on both days, which will be a great opportunity to work closely with the designer herself.

Amsale's Flagship Salon is located at 625 Madison Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets.

Appointments for the trunk show are required and availability is limited so call soon to get in on this weekend’s event.  If you need any further information please email Emily at Emily@Amsale.com.

Metropolitan Club Wedding

Stacey Ilyse, a wonderfully talented Wedding Library photographer, shared this slideshow of a beautiful couple's wedding at the Metropolitan Club. Check out the bride's shoes -- love it! (Also, turn up the volume on your computer, the music is so fun.)

Speakeasy at the Museum of the City of New York

With the dog days of summer upon us, are we the only ones looking for new ways to cool off?

The Museum of the City of New York recently opened its Speakeasy at 1220 Fifth (@ 105th Street). Come join us on the terrace next Wednesday as we enjoy a summer evening sipping a spirit (or two) and listening to tunes from the 1920s.

Wednesday, August 5^th 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Catering by Sterling Affair

Music by Elan Artists

Wedding Library vendors, don’t miss this opportunity to check out a unique New York City space and spend an evening with fellow Library Members.

Getting married? Contact us now to get exclusive access and a personal tour of the spaces available for weddings and special events at the Museum of the City of New York! This unique space dedicated to the history of the city is a landmark in itself and will keep your guests talking. Get more information on booking the Museum on our blog.

A $12 donation is required upon entrance and will get you a free drink and access to the first-floor galleries.

RSVP to Roey@theweddinglibrary.com to get the secret password!