Tablescapes + The Newlywed Cookbook at BHLDN

One of our favorite parts of the style and design process is designing the tablescape. Each is unique to the bride, her personality and style. And with so many key players - china, glassware, flatware, napkins, linens and stationary - the possibilities are endless! So we were thrilled when BHLDN asked us to share our tablescape secrets alongside the amazing food expert and author Sarah Copeland, as she launched her newest book, The Newlywed Cookbook, for a book signing and tablescape soiree! Let us just say that Sarah Copeland is so kind and gracious - there is no doubt she is making NYC a sweeter place! We really enjoyed getting to know her and want to wish her a huge congratulations for selling out her book at this event. (Go Sarah!) If you haven't already, get out and purchase The Newlywed Cookbook, a darling book full of yummy recipes every married couple needs to try.

Our role in this fabulous event was 'Tablescaping with Two Be Wed' likened to Build A Bear but better! Attending guests were given the choice amongst an array of china, glasses, flatware, napkins  and calligraphy place cards by Rachel Nieman, to mix and create their very own custom tablescapes with our help. It was a first for us and so much fun! We loved seeing how one piece could inspire each person so differently. A few tips and tricks to remember when putting together your own tablescape:

1) Find an inspiration. Determine the kind of meal you are designing for, i.e. breakfast, lunch, dinner and the formality of the event. Next, choose your inspiration - it could be a fun pattern, a colorful napkin, a favorite platter or glass, or the place card.

2) Don't be afraid to mix and match. Patterns, napkins, the newly registered china and the old china passed down from your grandmother. Even the random pieces that came with your husband from college.

3) Be creative with your place card. If you are going with an organic theme - use a sprig of an herb from your fridge, a piece of bark or fruit. Try and use items you already have in a new way or something unique hidden in your kitchen drawers. Another option is to simply wrap a belly band around a napkin.

3) Most of all, have FUN with it. Let loose and try something different. Experiment and explore. If you don't like what you've designed, then you have 365 days until next year to perfect your custom tablescape.

We put together some fantastic tablescapes that day and each different from the last! And it wouldn't be possible without our amazing team of vendors - Acute Catering and Events recreated some delish treats from The Newlywed Cookbook and Sociologie Wine dazzled us with some stylish concoctions. Tamara Menges Designs outdid herself on the organic floral centerpieces and the lovely Christa Elyce Photography is always a doll to work with! Thank you BHLDN for having us and for letting us use your accessories, and Rachel Nieman for the phenomenal job on the calligraphy place cards. Enjoy this photo recap by the lovely Christa Elyce!

 

 

 

Emerald Regency Styled Shoot

When Pantone releases the color of the year, us planners go into a frenzy. We immediately begin to dream up events and tablescapes centered around a particular color. This year the chosen color was Emerald and it was a gem to work with.

The inspiration for our Emerald Regency shoot was an emerald vintage glass set that our friend and photographer Christa Elyce purchased. Our concept was driven by a mash up of styles: modern art deco meets Hollywood glam - we loved mixing the vintage pieces with lots of eclectic flair. Our favorite highlights of the shoot - the sequin tablecloth that screams glam, Art Deco invitation suite by pH design shop that roars 20's, the DIY platter installation that served as our ceremony backdrop and became a piece of art on it's own, and last but not least the stunning sequin gown by BHLDN that our very own Lauren wore beautifully.

Be sure to see more of this shoot featured on RuffledBlog today!

 

 

//////

 

Photographer: Christa Elyce Photography / Event Designer and Planner: Ashley Joseph of Two Be Wed / Floral: Tamara Menges Designs / China, Flatware: Aztec Events and Tents / Furniture and Linens: Swift and Company / Invitation Suite: pH Design Shop / Calligraphy: PenDance Calligraphy & Engraving / Makeup and Hair: Jen Marine Makeup Artistry / Dress: BHLDN / Cakes: Luxury Creations / Personal Stylist: Ashley Dunn

Recap: 2013 Weddings Trends Seminar at BHLDN

Hello ladies and happy 2013!! Big things are happening this year and what better way to kick off the new year than an amazing event! Last weekend we teamed up with BHLDN for the highly anticipated wedding workshop, highlighting the wedding trends for 2013. It was a smash! We gave you a little preview of what to expect but the event itself was better than we could have imagined! (Funny how things always work out that way!) We met some lovely brides-to-be and are excited about what's in store for this year's wedding trends!


For all of you who weren't able to make it, no worries, we have provided you with our own personal notes from the event. Including trends from all areas of the event industry - cake, decor, floral, stationery and more! Plus a photo recap by Archetype and Kelli Elizabeth Photography - thank you ladies for these beautiful images!

At Two Be Wed, the saying "It's not how you start, rather the way you finish" does not necessarily apply to wedding planning. It's so very much about the way you BEGIN the planning process. Our insights for 2013 are:


Two Be Wed's, Danyett Baxter setting the tablescape. Delegating on your big day is the key to enjoying every moment, that's where we step in; Image by Archetype

The inspiration for this tablescape was the custom fuchsia napkins,
from which the color palette and floral were designed around;
Image by Archetype

• Work with a consultant to help you with style and design and to connect you to the right people - creative, professional, reliable, suitable to your style and budget. A resourceful wedding consultant is worth their weight in gold, literally.
• Be thoughtful with your design. Find something that inspires you - a piece of fabric, a shoe or a pattern, and build a strong foundation from it. From your inspiration you should find your color palette or colors that compliment well, and go from there.
• Start from scratch - don't be a copy cat. That's for all of you Pinterest addicts out there. Sure, we love Pinterest but don't plan your wedding exactly like someone else. Be original, choose wisely and add/edit when necessary. Pinterest can be too overwhelming when it comes to design, and sometimes it is better to stay away from it until after the big day to avoid questioning your style and design.
• Brass is back! Don't be afraid to mix up your tablescapes and add a little brass to your centerpieces, dinnerware or accessories.
• Eclectic vessels are the way to go, avoid being too matchy-matchy. Make your design interesting by choosing eclectic pieces that will make an impression rather than get lost in your overall design.
• Incorporate a custom element on the tablescape, i.e.: napkins, stationery, lighting, etc. Go bold and do something that represents your personalities as a couple.
  
  
  

  

  Natalie Dawley, Owner of Two Be Wed, sharing our wedding trends and tips for 2013; Image by Archetype

  

More insights from our selective team of talented wedding professionals...




"Think outside of the box for your menu design" - Acute Catering, something along the lines of these whimsical hand stands by BHLDN; Image by Archetype



A timeless stunning gown featured in BHLDN's
new spring line;
Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Catering - "Out of the box thinking for your menu design, food savvy items rather than generic buffets, and American "comfort" foods presented in a new way," - Acute Catering

Photography - "Styled shoots for engagement sessions, and continuing the trend of outdoor bridal sessions," - Archetype Photography
"Brides including animals in engagement and wedding portraits, Film is back! - Photographers are switching to medium format film, and editorial style detail shots are a must have - no more posey traditional portraits," - Kelli Elizabeth Photography



"Our clients are food savvy and watch Food Network,
so they prefer specific menus vs. generic buffets" - Acute Catering,
Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

"Mix your china patterns and add a custom napkin" - Aztec Events and Tents; Image by Archetype

Tablescapes - "Mixing china patterns, create a custom napkin and integrating a color palette for linen selection instead of one linen for every room," - Aztec Events and Tents


"Mix and match bridesmaids' dresses in various color,
prints and shapes" - BHLDN,
Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Bridal Fashion - "Create looks that really highlight the bride's personal style, dresses in different hues and colors other than the traditional ivory wedding dress, and mix and match bridesmaids' dresses in various color, prints and shapes," - BHLDN

Stationery - "3 core elements to a good design - color, shape and texture, incorporate those 3 throughout your wedding design; embellishments - ribbon, silhouettes, monograms - set your design apart, and design a full & complete invitation suite for a consistent and cohesive look," - Hello and Co.

This invitation suite by Hello and Co. is full of lavish embellishments; Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Mali of Hello and Co. explaining her three core elements theory and how it applies
to your invitation suite and overall wedding design;
Image by Archetype

 

Stunning suspended floral arrangement by Something Special in Flowers,
positioned above the head table and sure to be a conversation piece
for all guests to admire; Image by Archetype

Floral - "Suspended floral over key places like the head table, bold colors paired with soft hues, ex:fuchsia and pastel pink, and a variety of flowers arranged in different combinations - no more matchy-matchy centerpieces," - Something Special in Flowers



Cake - "Multiple single tier cakes rather than one large cake - each cake can either stand alone, be removed from the group, or grouped together for a creative and cohesive stor; painted cakes or brighter saturated colors such as oxblood, raspberry and mixed metals, and very detailed cakes are trending, simple cakes are out," - Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique


"By using multiple tier cakes rather than one large cake - each cake can either stand alone, be removed from the group, or grouped together for a creative and cohesive story." -Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique; Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Two Be Wed's custom style and design board full of inspirations for
this years wedding trends; Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

We don't know about you, but we can't wait to see some of these trends in action! A big thanks again to all of the participating vendors, Acute Catering, Archetype Photography, Kelli Elizabeth Photogaphy, Aztec Events and Trends, Hello and Co., Something Special in Flowers, Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique and the lovely ladies at BHLDN.




We love how all of these decor elements came so beautifully together! It wouldn't have been possible
without the help of the participating vendors who are so talented in their craft!
 Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Be eclectic, BE eclectic! Brass is back and here to stay. - Natalie Dawley, Two Be Wed
Image by Archetype

Guests soaking it all in as vendors share their wedding trends for 2013; Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography