Within a matter of hours, we transformed the streamlined, efficiency of a conservative Jewish synagogue into the glamorous, complexity of an elegant wedding celebration.

 [Photo:  Ash Imagery]

The bridal party gathered at the bride’s parents’ home in Ventnor, New Jersey to leisurely prepare for the wedding day festivities.  With all the flurry of activity and non-stop pre-wedding excitement, having the opportunity to insulate themselves from the commotion was a sentimental (and stress-free) luxury.  The stylish bride and groom chose the royal tone of purple as their dramatic signature color for the celebration.  The bride glided down the aisle in an ivory strapless lace gown, a gossamer finger-tip veil and, of course, shimmering Christian Louboutin slingbacks.

The GORGEOUS bride carried a monochromatic bouquet of purple parrot and plum fringe tulips wrapped in aubergine double-faced satin ribbon and detailed with crystal pins.  The lovely bridesmaids wore black matte jersey evening gowns and carried tightly composed bouquets of plum-colored miniature calla lilies.  Small boutonnieres were designed for the groom, groomsmen and fathers of the bride and groom with flowers taken from the corresponding ladies’ bouquets. The stems of the gentlemen’s boutonnieres were wrapped in black satin ribbon to completely disappear into the black label of the men’s elegant tuxedos.

As guests are seated in the sanctuary for the ceremony, the bridal party and families gathered for the traditional ketubah signing.  Afterwards, the champagne corks were popping and glassed were filled to mark the momentous occasion.

The simply stunning white organza chupah was sheer sophistication! The bimah was soft and romantic with the beautiful bridal couple as the only adornment. (Well, almost.)  Finishing touches are vital.  A long, wide, white aisle runner ran from the back of the aisle and all the way to behind the chupah for a clean look and lavender rose bouquets anchored the drapery sashes.

Orchids, Orchids, Orchids! After the ceremony, champagne drapes were pulled back to welcome wedding guests into adjacent rooms where cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and specialty food stations awaited.  A large mirrored cocktail bar held gold circular shelves filled with purple flocked candles.  Low and high cocktail tables were dressed in plum velvet linens, gold chivari reception chairs and purple candle lanterns.  Small upholstered seating areas with purple velvet sofas and modern gold tables were placed throughout for pops of lounge-style groupings.

The everyday function of the synagogue’s event space was freshened up with miles of floor-to-ceiling champagne drape and washed with dramatic purple lighting.

As most party hosts know, a beautifully dressed table is a key element in any wedding celebration.  It reveals just how much thought and care has gone into making the party a success.  Rectangular dining tables were covered with aubergine satin linens to the floor and overlaid with jeweled lavender lace for an opulent look.  Champagne satin napkins were slipped into a plum velvet sash and secured with a Swarovski crystal buckle.  The centerpieces were composed using several designs including faceted glass lamps holding white linen drum shades with low lush design of flowers; and tall glass stemmed hurricanees filled with water and floating candles flanking square glass and mirrored vases filled with mixed bouquets of purple flowers.  The flowers used in all of the dinner table designs, and throughout the event itself, included tulips, roses, dendrobium orchids, cymbidium orchids, phalaeonpsis orchids, Italian carnations, hydrangea, hyacinth, lisisanthus and mini calla lilies.

From the spirited Jewish hora to the sentimental father-daughter dance, at one time or another, everyone took a turn on the dance floor!

The soft lighting around the room and on the dancefloor created a dreamlike quality that actually emphasized the the deep purple floral creations and highlighted the fun dessert food stations that appeared late into the night.  Yet, as the bride and groom expected, the energetic dance floor and sexy lounge area were popular with their friends all night long.

The warm tones of terra cotta, amber and pumpkin look lovely in a casual mixture of roses, sweetheart roses and pincushion protea. Playful wisps of brown and cream-spotted quail’s feathers add a touch of autumn whimsy to the posy.

And although you can’t feel it, the stems of the bouquet were wrapped in soft sable brown velvet ribbon. Rich, vibrant and ready for Fall Weddings.

{Photo: Leah MacDonald}

Ohhhh yeah, some of the younger designers out there in the industry may not remember, but we do.  We remember the good old days, when chair covers, chair caps and tailored chair backs and frilly chair skirts weren’t something you could just order in a jiffy online from a reputable rental company.  Oh no my darlings, that’s not how it went down.  These decorative accents had to be made-to-order with a seamstress you had to hunt down and pay handsomely to diligently sew 300 of the same exact design in less than a week.  But not anymore!  Thankfully, times have changed.  Talented event accessory companies, like our dear friends at Wildflower Linens, have revolutionized the way event designers and party producers are able to get their greedy paws on such delectably stylish chair covers as you see here.  From Parisian black and white bustled stripes to tailored orange grommeted leather and feathery peacock blue ribbons, anything you can imagine in the way of chair decor is now available for short-term rental.  {if you listen carefully, you can hear the sounds of an exhausted seamstress sighing in relief}.

This stylish graduation party did take place in the backyard, but gone are the balloons and banners.  Instead, colorfully “hot” flowers in red, hot pink, orange and yellow played well together with crisp white and natural wood for a stunning celebration under the stars.

[Photos:  Tyler Boye]

A sensational sailcloth tent from EventQuip provided the light and airy summertime space for the celebration.  Dozens of iron shepherd’s hook and lanterns dotted the landscape around the tent and along the walkways leading to and from the house.  California rattan furniture groupings, mushy bean bags and cocktail tables were tucked along the existing terraces and out on the lawn for guests to enjoy throughout the casual evening of dining and dancing.  Guests were encouraged to graze on food stations from Leslie Rosen Catering that included: classic sushi, Asian noodles and steamed edamame as well as a fun mini-taco bar with grilled Mahi Mahi, steak and chicken with fresh pico de gallo. Passed trays of lemon-basil martinis and minted-lemonade circulated throughout the crowd along with traditional hors d’oeuvres such as pigs-in-a-blanket, grilled lambchops and chicken quesadillas.  An early Summer supper was served family-style on long feast tables laden with artisanal breads and bottled water.  Cutting Edge DJs kept the dance floor hopping and the announcements short-but-sweet. Favorite desserts were served on wooden farm tables and included a large selection of homestyle cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop, organic frozen yogurt and gourmet ice cream sundaes.  Seating areas surrounding multiple firepits were outfitted with the makings for s’mores:  graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows.  And of course, no party would be complete without a coffee bar! Not one but two large coffee bars were offered to both kids and adults as the finishing touch on the evening.  Coffee, cupcakes and bean bags under the stars on a gorgeous summer night just might be the perfect place to hang out with friends.

Event Planning and Design:  Evantine Design; Catering: Leslie Rosen Catering; Tenting:  EventQuip; Music: Cutting Edge DJs; Photography: Tyler Boye.

When it comes to planning your special event, wedding or bar/bat mitzvah menu, invariably the question “what are the most popular food stations at parties?” gets asked.  The answer, at least on the East Coast, is an enthusiastic “SUSHI!!!!”  In one form or another, sushi stations or sushi bars, are a guaranteed win-win choice for cocktail receptions for discerning palates.  Sushi and sashimi are even served at children’s parties for the kids to enjoy!  Over the years we’ve designed and styled many a sushi presentation using carved ice, glass vessels, running water, river rock, custom-made wooden planks, light up tables, lucite shelves, red lacquered boxes, gold vessels, Asian statuary, and on and on.  Below are just some of the sushi stations we’ve created for weddings, parties and social gatherings.  [Above, Catering:  Leslie Rosen Catering; Photo:  Philip Gabriel]

For a modern white and purple 25th wedding anniversary we worked with Leslie Rosen Catering to create a stylish Seafood Crudite with colorful mixed sushi, salty steamed edamame and a large ice bowl filled with cocktail shrimp.  [Above, Photo: Paul Loftland]

Multiple light up tables were placed in a row to create a large sushi display that would allow a large group of guests to graze all at one time.  Each table was composed of multiple mirrors in silver metallic frames that held monochromatic displays of sushi, sashimi and seaweed salad. [Above, Caterer:  Wolfgang Puck Catering; Photo: Susan Beard Design]

For a tented cocktail reception for a bar mitzvah at a private home, this floating ice sushi station presented multiple sushi rolls on glass and metal platters.  [Above, Catering:  Leslie Rosen Catering; Photo:  Phil Kramer]

Sushi isn’t just for cocktail receptions. Why not serve it as a surprise second course during a sit-down dinner?  That’s exactly what we did for a bar mitzvah at Peche at Sherman Mills.  Just as the first course was ending, a wall of drape opened on one side of the ballroom to reveal a forty foot sushi station laden with gold vases filled with purple orchids and plate-after-plate of sushi! [Above, Catering: Leslie Rosen Catering; Photo: Susan Beard Design]

Sushi Cabanas built with tents inside a building gave the adult guests at this bat mitzah a fun activity to enjoy while they watched the kids dance below.  [Above, Catering:  Peachtree & Ward; Photo:  Phil Kramer]

Bamboo, black beans, sushi mats and vintage Asian elements combine to make this sushi stationa hit at a boy’s bar mitzvah celebration at Peche at Sherman Mills.  [Above, Catering:  Leslie Rosen Catering; Photo:  Philip Gabriel]

In a Jewish wedding ceremony, the bride and groom as well as their parents, stand under a chuppah, or wedding canopy, while the ceremony is performed.  The chuah is generally interpreted as a symbol of the home that the bride and groom are about to create with their marriage; as well as the creative and religious expression of the hope that their new home will be filled with God’s presence.  For many, the fact that the chuppah remains open on all four sides symbolizes the welcoming nature of the newlywed’s home to family and friends as Abraham’s tent was to passing strangers as told in the Bible.

{Photo:  Phil Kramer; Location: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia]Traditionally, the chuppah was made using a family prayer shawl called a tallis tied to sticks, branches or simply held over the bride and groom’s heads.  Nowadays, the chuppah is constructed out of drapery, fabric, flowers, greenery, crystals, candles, potted plants, twigs, trees, chandeliers and clear acrylic.  In our thirty years of designing weddings from Boston to Florida, we’ve had the pleasure of creating some memborable wedding canopies for our clients.  Here are just a few of our favorites:

{Photo: Clair Pruett; Location: Westin Philadelphia}

{Photo: Michael Leslie; Location: Hotel duPont}

{Photo:  Cliff Mautner; Location: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia}

{Photo: Susan Stripling; Location: Hotel duPont}

{Photo: Ash Imagery; Location: Westin Philadelphia}

{Photo: Cliff Mautner; Location:  Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia}

{Photo: Marie Labbancz; Location: Trust the Venue}

{Photo:  Susan Beard; Location: Loews Hotel Philadelphia}

{Photo:  Cliff Mautner; Location: Urban Outfitters}

A tried and true start to a successful wedding reception is to have the bride and groom introduced and then head straight to the dance floor for their first dance! Better to have the guests’ full attention early in the evening, rather than to wait until after dinner. But when it comes to which song you choose, think about a song that holds special meaning for just the two of you. Does that mean it has to be a tune you heard on your first date? Of course not. It might be a song or a medley of songs that symbolize your relationship today, and what your hopes and dreams are for the future. Certainly songs like “At Last” and “What a Wonderful World” are lovely and forever popular, but why not take a listen to something else?

As usual, we’ve got opinions and suggestions for first dance songs you might just love.

To be fair, you may know what your first dance song is already, some know it as soon as they hear it. But the world of music is vast and deciding on the perfect song can be a journey savored over the course of your engagement. Consulting with your bandleader on what they recommend or what they already play in their repertoire is tremendously useful. Describing the mood or style of dance you’re comfortable with is a must. Most couples prefer a slow song, but more and more are embracing a faster beat because it better fits their taste. Many bandleaders will learn a special song if they don’t already know it, or, are able to create an entire first dance performance customized just for you! For instance, one of our clients started their first dance to a “corny” slow song that shocked and horrified their friends. (You could hear the “They picked THIS SONG?”) Ten seconds into the song, the groom stopped, turned to the bandleader and acted like the wrong song was playing, only to have the bride embrace him from behind in a dramatic Latin dance move as the music changed into a sexy samba. The guests went wild as they figured it out and the dance went down in history! The point is, that entire routine was designed in collaboration with their willing (and fun-loving) bandleader and as a result, it perfectly reflected the newlyweds’ playful personalities.

But if a staged intro into your first dance is going one step too far (pun intended), at least consider a song list outside the norm. Here are some of our favorites:

Classic Oldies but Goodies :: From Soulful Swing to remake’s of 70′s Classic Rock

• Comes Love (Billie Holiday)
• Our Love is Here to Stay (Billie Holiday)
• This Will Be, An Everlasting Love (Natalie Cole)
• Betcha By Golly Wow (The Stylistics)
• Wild Horses (The Rolling Stones)
• Cruisin’ (Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow)
• You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You (Dean Martin)
• Chances Are (Johnny Mathis)
• Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Ashford and Simpson)
• I Only Have Eyes for You (The Platters)
• Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps (Doris Day)
• You’re in My Heart, You’re in My Soul (Rod Stewart)
• I Will (Beatles)
• In My Life (Beatles)
• Something (Beatles)
• May This Be Love (Jimi Hendrix)

Modern Day Music :: Sexy Blues to California Pop Rock and Alternative Rock

• 24/7 (Kevon Edmonds)
• Marry You (Bruno Mars)
• Blue Eyes (Cary Brothers)
• You and I (Lifehouse)
• Finally Forever (Chris Cornell)
• You Want to Make a Memory (Bon Jovi)
• This Never Happened Before (Paul McCartney)
• A Million Ways (The Nylons)
• All That I Am (Rob Thomas)
• Angels (Robin Thicke)
• The Way I Am (Ingrid Michaelson)
• If I Ain’t Got You (Alicia Keys)
• Glitter in the Air (Pink)
• So High (John Legend)
• Beloved One (Ben Harper)
• Wonderwall (Ryan Adams)
• Somewhere Only We Know (Keane)
• Everlong (Foo Fighters)
• When I See You Smile (Bad English)
• Marry Me (Train)
• Underneath it All (No Doubt)

Country Twang :: Classic Country and Contemporary Nashville

•  Here (Rascal Flatts)
• There You Are (Martina McBride)
• Look at Us (Vince Gill)
• She’s My Kinda Rain (Tim McGraw)
• Crazy (Patsy Cline)
• Your Everything (Keith Urban)

A sensational creekside home just outside of Philadelphia marries modern architecture with vibrant color and stylish foods for this sophisticated bridal shower.

[Photos:  David Mielcarek]

A European-style gravel drive and wide descending stone steps greet guests as they arrive at the bride’s mother’s home, a stunning modern villa carved into the rocky creek beds of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.  Lush gardens designed by celebrated landscaped designer, Vincent Smith-Durham, surround the home with a contemporary English garden setting.

The bride fell in love with the whimsical custom-designed calligraphy of Leigh Wells and in addition to the playful tangerine and coral invitations, Leigh provided a welcome sign, note cards and menus for the bridal shower.

The bride had a specific vision of how she wanted to celebrate her bridal shower:  bringing a contemporary and colorful garden into the minimalist interiors of her mother’s home.  That meant, upholstered furniture that usually resides in the living and dining rooms was placed in the screened in porch.  Iron patio furniture and bamboo chairs from the 1960′s and 1970′s were then placed in the living and dining room amongst potted perennials and shrubs brought in for the party.  Brightly colored silk pillows in fuschia, chartreuse, sunflower and tomato were placed throughout the home and terraces for additional pops of color.

The bride as she greets her little guests.

Peter Callahan designed a light and fresh summer menu for the party balancing his signature miniature passed hors d’oeuvres with beverage bars and food stations.  Guests enjoyed a “help-yourself” beverage bar that included a choice of watermelon and mint, Meyer lemonade, sparkling water with verbena, and white peach iced tea.  Classic American favorites were cleverly presented on starkly modern trays, including breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs and bacon, smoked salmon on bagels, blueberry pancakes and strawberry smoothies; as well as tongue-in-cheek savory bites like fish tacos paired with mini Patron sippers, “potted” chicken salad in edible potato pots and zucchini frites in paper cones. (Below, from left:  caprese salads in pita, Maine lobster salad on cucumber “under glass”; and mini milk & cookies.)

Although guests did bring gifts to the bridal shower, the bride planned to open them in private after the event ended rather than stop the flow of the party for the traditional “unwrapping” ceremony.  Guests were encouraged to mix and mingle, sitting inside the house or on the terrace overlooking the pool below.  Of course, no one could avoid having their photos taken by the flower girls!  Multiple instant cameras were placed on a black marble-topped table with patterned paper note cards and colorful pens to offer messages, anecdotes and memories for the bride-to-be.

From one side of the house to the other brightly hued monochromatic floral arrangements enhanced the colorful theme, many placed in the homeowner’s extensive collection of blown glass vessels:  orange roses in cobalt blue glass vases, hot pink roses in turquoise pottery, happy yellow roses in raspberry swirled glass, green hydrangea in tall glass vases, blue delphinium in forest green urns, and purple irises massed together in salvaged aqua blue glass vases.

A summer lunch buffet offered a variety of light salads and savories: grilled lemon chicken, whole cold poached salmon with cucumber dill sauce, grilled herb oil ficelle slices, grilled summer vegetables, shaved fresh corn with olive oil and butter, heirloom tomato salad, and a grilled peach, feta and arugula salad.

A dessert “mosaic” was placed in the living room for guests to sample at will with bite-sized brownies, key lime pies, summer berry tarts, “peanut butter & jelly” cookies, and sugared donuts. White square platters lined with various colorfully-patterned papers were placed precisely on the table for a clean, modern presentation.  In the center of the six foot glass coffee table a collection of tomato red vases filled with single stems of white snapdragons provided a modern floral display.

One of the sweet flower girls finds the perfect spot in the screened in porch for an afternoon nap as the party continues on without her.

We pride ourselves on serving as a creative melting pot that blends art and function into engaging experiences.  But, what’s in the secret sauce? An amazing idea for an event can come from anywhere, take any shape or form – but making that brilliant idea come to life in an inspired, efficient and organized fashion is a whole other thing.  Frankly, it’s that complete package that makes Evantine different.  But we’ve created something truly special – our homebase and #1 party design resource - the Warehouse.  Take a peek inside to see how we use it, share it and work it.  Everything we need to produce parties is right here.

THE TEAM

No matter what, it all starts with a talented team of creative individuals. Having a diverse group of professionals, with different talents and skill sets, means there’s always someone who can be called upon to either come up with the creative spark or figure out a way to make someone else’s bright idea happen.  Lead by our fearless leader and Creative Director, Brian Kappra, the trick is to have a deep well of places, spaces, and experiences to draw from at all times.  And we have that experience from many useful angles:  theater, vocal arts, fine art, landscape design, floral design, fashion, retail, production, marketing, accounting, culinary arts and God knows what else.  It’s that type of serendipity of acquired knowledge that leads to great CREATIVE!

THE ZONE

Sure, it’s not the sexiest box-shaped building from the outside but whoa-daddy, just wait until you see what’s inside!  Welcome to the “zone” – better known as the Showroom.  From the first moment guests step inside the front door it’s like stepping into an unexpected and surprisingly peaceful oasis.  Almost like a spa, you know, those wonderfully calm places where sight, sound, smell and touch transform the world into a beautiful place? It’s true, we hear it, OFTEN. Today, in fact. Designed to provide inspiration and focus to overwhelmed party planners, our stylish showroom sets the tone for what’s to come in the design process.

THE DETAILS

Diving further into the showroom leads us to rooms filled with linens, stationery, party favors and current rentable tableware items, such as: stemware, barware, china, chargers and flatware from companies all around the country.

THE TOYS

From the initial spark to fleshing out the details, there’s no better playground for party planners like our “Home Depot for Parties.”  {strangely enough, something we’ve heard from several clients}.  Indeed, a jaw-dropping 50,000 square feet of meticulously kept party props, furniture, decorative elements, linens, plants and design elements await their opportunity to come out and play.  A short walk from the showroom into the warehouse leads you past floor-to-ceiling shelves of vases, vessels, containers, candles, chandeliers, lamps, thematic merchandise and endless notions.  Always changing like the tide, each new visit to the warehouse introduces new additions and fascinating combinations.  {That creative team we mentioned? They’re always figuring out clever ways to use things too.}

THE FROSTING

Once we’ve conceptualized and fleshed out the big picture elements it’s time to frost the cake.  In this case, the frosting represents the gorgeous floral décor that’s invariably the showpiece of every event we’re designing.

THE MACHINE

Once the floor plans, drawings, floral designs and production elements have been nailed down and agreed to on paper – it’s time for the machine to take over with inventory, preparation, build out, scheduling and delivery.  Successful event design MUST mesh efficient production with artistic expression or it just doesn’t get to the next level.  Really and truly.

P.S. Did we mention we have a greenhouse? or that we grow our own flowers?  No?  Next time.

[Photos courtesy of Cliff Mautner and Laura Novak]

Some bride and groom’s find the label “classic” off-putting in relation to their wedding, as they believe it implies severity or an old-fashioned styling that doesn’t reflect a modern lifestyle. Of course, none of that is true! Erica and Jeremy’s wedding at the Four Season’s Hotel in Philadelphia was  a classic, elegant event that celebrated Jewish traditions but also had a refined but appealing sense of individuality.

[Photos courtesy of Cliff Mautner]

The gorgeous bride wore a creamy silk gown and carried a stunning hand-tied bouquet of gardenias, roses, spray roses and French stock.  With the exception of her maid of honor who wore a deep claret gown, Erica chose to dress her bridesmaids in strapless black duchess satin gowns.  Each lovely lady carried a mixed bouquet of Classic Red, Bacara, Black Magic and Hocus Pocus Roses, Ruby Amaryllis, Raspberry Cymbidium Orchids, red Coxcomb and burgundy fall leaves.  The stems were wrapped in black satin to blend into the bridesmaids’ gowns to keep their silhouettes elegantly uniform.  The Grand Ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel was first set as the dramatic ceremony setting complete with a suspended round Chuppah.  Layers of white Hydrangea, ivory and champagne Roses, white Dendrobium Orchids, red Roses and greenery covered the entire Chuppah frame all the way around so that guests seated “in the round” could admire it from all angles. The entire room was draped in a champagne fabric and soft amber lighting added a candlelit romance to the space.  After the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony ended with the groom stepping on the glass, guests sampled a wide range of hors d’oeuvres and beverages in a draped tent on the Ballroom Terrace and in the Ballroom Foyer.  An elaborate red floral tree made using hundreds or red Roses, Spray Roses, Amaryllis and Hydrangea blossoms served as the place card table.

As guests enjoyed cocktails, champagne and delicious hors d’oeuvres, the Grand Ballroom was redesigned into the dinner dance setting!  Round dinner tables were dressed with antique ivory ribbon table cloths, crystal and silver vessels filled with ivory, white and champagne flowers with pops of deep red.  Tightly composed formal table arrangements were designed using a blend of ivory, white and champagne roses, dark red dahlias, white stock, red berries and varieties of red roses in every hue.  Dark mahogany elements were placed in the room, including an antique mahogany cake table and Chivari dinner chairs. Tall vintage and polished silver taper candles mixed with cut crystal and faceted glass hurricanes on each tablescape.  Red cut glass votives added a soft glow from the surface of the tables and gave a little more red sparkle to the settings.   Just behind the bride and groom’s table sat the fondant draped three-tier wedding cake.

After dinner, guests were invited to grab a quick nibble or fill a monogrammed box of delicious confections!  We re-set the place card table with multiple silver pedestals, trays and compotes filled with tasty treats such as:  milk chocolate-covered figs, dark cherry cordials, hazelnut macarons, mini-chocolate cupcakes, monogrammed sugar cookies, swedish fish and licorice.   As the dinner dance in the ballroom came to close the bride and groom invited their guests to join them for an After Hours Party where bar snacks, a martini bar and DJ could be enjoyed.

We thank our additional event partners: The Papery of Philadelphia (wedding paper suite), EventQuip (cocktail tent), LA Stars (orchestra), Blossom Productions (documentary film), DJ Howard (after hours entertainment), and King Limousine (transportation).