At Evantine, we’re tremendously inspired by interior design and how it can be incorporated into party planning, personal gatherings and home entertaining. Like residential interior design, we, too get very personal with each and every client as we design their party. For Spring celebrations, like this golden delicious wedding at Urban Outfitters in Philadelphia, where traditional appointments like crystal, satin and silver played off raw, urban textures, interior design played a large role in creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

{Photos: Cliff Mautner}

Timeless elegance. Two words we hear often when it comes to weddings but this chic wedding illustrated the words to perfection. From the sophisticated, fashion-forward bridal gown and long white gloves to the vibrant tones of yellow worn by the bridal party, this wedding was stylish with a capital “S”.  Working closely with the bride and her mother, two of Philadelphia’s most fashionable ladies, we created a dramatic event that took advantage of the grand urban warehouse and made it rich, with luxurious interior details.

Celebrated wedding photographer, Cliff Mautner, captured the beauty and romance of the bride during her preparations at her parents’  townhouse in historic Society Hill.

The international headquarters for Urban Outfitters, also known as URBN, is located in the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. The almost-unreal backdrop of decommissioned Naval ships provided a movie-set quality to the bridal couple’s formal photographs taken before the wedding ceremony.

Mixed bridesmaids bouquets of vibrant yellow ranunculus, roses, tulips and sweetpeas were fragrant accessories against the fabulous yellow gowns the ladies wore. The bride carried a garden-inspired bouquet of white peonies and lily of the valley.

To say the URBN warehouse is enormous would be an understatement. But having space cannot be underrated when it comes to event design. Certainly for many social events it may be too overwhelming to entertain in with intimacy and warmth. Yet, it’s absolutely possible. As Evantine’s Creative Director, Brian Kappra, knows so well, breaking up the space into dedicated “rooms” brings focus to each segment of the celebration. Starting with the floor plan itself, or the map, as it were. A cleverly designed floor plan is the way you help the guest experience the celebration, one step or space at a time. You want them to notice the small personal details in each space but then walk away understanding the big message loud and clear. The first of four party segments at this Springtime wedding was the wedding ceremony which took place in the first section of the long warehouse. Although the ceilings in the warehouse are 45 feet high, the ceremony area was divided from the rest of the warehouse with a wall of drape. Guests were not able to see beyond until we invited them to do so. Large white urns were filled with flowering Forsythia branches that we had kept on ice (literally) for the May event. We then suspended a Chupah, made entirely of baby’s breath like a floating cloud, over a raised white stage to complete the ceremony setting.

Each ceremony detail, from the Ketubah to the ceremony program, was thoughtful and sentimental. Not to mention, stunning in artistry.  But it was the candle-lighting ceremony that proved the most endearing to all the guests in attendance. Generally, a “unity candle” ritual takes places in Christian wedding ceremonies. However, the symbolism was admired by the bride and groom’s Jewish families and they were determined to create their own ritual.  We provide two large lucite platforms that held 365 candles which represented the exact number of guests attending the wedding. During the ceremony, the bride and groom each lit a candle from these platforms “taking the love and support from their friends and family” and then together lit their own family candle. It was truly beautiful, and together with the emotional words expressed by the Rabbi, not a dry eye existed in the room.

After the ceremony ended, and timed to perfection by remote, our backdrop of drapery slowly rose to reveal the next segment of the party. COCKTAILS! Guests were invited to make their way down the center aisle and up-and-over the ceremony platform to the festive cocktail reception waiting on the other side.  Food stations were placed on either side of the existing koi pond and textured lighting across the large walls and floors added dimension to the utilitarian aspects of the building.

When event design comes into play – happily, dramatic spaces such as the modern urban loft setting don’t require major adornment. We do, however, believe in the power of a single striking focal point. Using back-to-back incredible weathered wooden farmhouse tables was perfect for a large display of flowering forsythia branches, limoncello garden roses and golden ranunculus blossoms. We also love to personalize tables as we did here with unique treasures such as creamy ceramic flowers holding hand-calligraphed place cards, cut crystal bowls and depression glass vessels, and collections of vintage silver candlesticks. All sitting gracefully under a ceiling of glamorous twinkling crystal chandeliers that were suspended from the high industrial rafters. Dramatic lighting completed the picture, illuminating entire walls with texture and color, and highlighting the finer details and floral displays.

At the end of the evening, guests were given a small wrapped box with ivory ceramic roses initially used as place card holders.  Below, billowy panels of gossamer drape created breaks in the dinner room, separating the large bar lounge from the dinner seating. The wall of windows on the far end of the warehouse became a fabulous decorative backdrop to the pale yellows and soft ivories used in the event design.

Almost too perfect to be believed, Naval battleships docked right outside the URBN warehouse most definitely enhanced the dinner table conversation.

An important element in the event design from the beginning, each dinner table showcased a formal, crystal chandelier or statuesque candelabra. Etched glass compotes and silver vases held compact floral arrangements on traditional satin-covered round and bare rustic wooden tables.  Together with URBN’s salvaged Americana, the space was a the ideal mix of modern elegance the bride envisioned.

Although 365 guests were in attendance, by intentionally placing dinner tables close to each other the space was intimate and engaging as if the celebration was in the hosts’ dining room.

Throughout the event, the bride and groom incorporated family heirlooms into the design such as placing the bride’s parents’ cake topper on top of the wedding cake. Serving as only a nod to tradition, the wedding cake was just one of many decadent desserts and bites available on a large dessert station placed in the middle of the bar lounge.  As the orchestra ended in the dinner space, a friend’s rock band started up in the lounge for an after-hours party.

{Photos: Cliff Mautner}

Join us tomorrow, April 27th at 8:00 PM for the Donors Are Heroes’ 10th Annual “THE Party” at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. All proceeds go directly to help maintain the Gift of Life’s public awareness programs, school summits and teaching initiatives. All of which are geared to educate and dispel the myths surrounding becoming an organ donor and the need for life-saving, life-enhancing transplants.  This year, Donors Are Heroes is proud to honor Joan and Bernard Spain as their 10th Anniversary Honorees!

Tickets are still available, so COME ON! Spend your Friday night out on the town at this stylish cocktail-style celebration! Along with Evantine Design and the Four Seasons Hotel, the following Philadelphia businesses have donated their time, service and staff in support of the celebration: Cashman & Associates, WT Graphics, DJ Eddie Tully, Betty the Caterer, Bredenbeck’s Bakery Ice Cream Parlor, Bistrot La Minette, Ciao Bella Cakes, Fountain Restaurant, Night Kitchen Bakery, Rouge, STARR Events, Table 31, The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company, Village Belle and Water Works Restaurant and Lounge!

For ticket information, please CLICK HERE but if you want to wing it, tickets will be available at the door as well.  No tuxedos or ball gowns are required, just fashionable attire.

Last night we were honored to donate 25 floral centerpieces to the Women of Faith and Hope’s “Hope Gala” fundraiser at Williamson Hospitality Hall. Since 1996, Women of Faith and Hope educates and supports women faced with breast cancer, especially African-American women. Since its inception, WOFAH has touched the lives of over 38,000 women in the Philadelphia area. We congratulate them on the success of their fundraiser, particularly when we know the monies raised benefit the lives of so many.

For more information on this incredible organization, go to http://www.wofah.org/.

As the focal point of every type of event, the stage is oftentimes the last element to be designed or decorated in the party space. For some events, a simple stage works just fine. But we’ve found that the appearance and functionality of a custom-designed stage not only heightens the performances, but also raises the energy in the room. As a result, we tend to plan the look of an event and the use of the space from the stage out.

We’re terribly spoiled at Evantine, as we have experienced scenic artists and technical directors on hand to ensure our stages are both visually appealing and reflective of the show’s concept. Most stages are built up, in elevations off the floor, with tiered platforms for performers, but others may have dramatic backdrops, digital walls, projection screens, and light up steps.  Others may simply be a centered space on the floor with a ceiling of chandeliers suspended over a grand piano. But absolutely, no matter where or why we’re producing the event, the stage will be dramatically lit to bring dimension, focus and pace to the party.  Below are just some of the stages we’ve produced…

{Photo credits, top to bottom: John Armich; Phil Kramer; Charles Maring; Phil Kramer; Phil Kramer; Susan Beard; Susan Beard; Ed Knight; Phil Kramer; Cliff Mautner}

Once again, we managed to transform the Grand Ballroom at The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia into something FABULOUS!!! (we’re so humble). But seriously, you know you’ve really done an incredible job when the first person who walks into the room is so thrilled that she cries with joy! It’s that unscripted reaction that keeps us juiced week after week of planning parties all over Philadelphia. We truly love what we do!  Saturday’s bar mitzvah celebration was hip, cool and transparently BLUE. Crisp and contemporary lines in white, lucite, metal and glass gave the event design a masculine edginess in the usually traditional setting. Architectural floral designs with imported flowers, like purple King Allium, blue Delphinium, green Goddess Calla Lilies and chartreuse Cymbidium Orchids. Not to mention the light up furniture, lucite chairs, white fringe draping and dramatic lighting effects complete the design. There really is nothing like seeing your design vision come together!

{Photos 1, 3 and 4: Susan Beard; Photo 2: Evantine Design}

In 1982, American soprano Jessye Norman made her United States operatic debut with the Opera Company of Philadelphia.  Thirty years and five Grammy Awards later, Jessye Norman returns to Philadelphia to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.

With such an illustrious career, it’s no wonder that Miss Norman is the recipient of many awards and honors. In December of 1997, she was invested with the United States’ highest award in the performing arts, the Kennedy Center Honor, making history as the youngest recipient in the Honors’ 20-year existence. Her many other prestigious distinctions include honorary doctorates at some 35 colleges, universities, and conservatories around the world. In February of 2006, Jessye Norman became only the fourth opera/classical music singer in the 48-year history of the Grammy Awards, to be presented The Lifetime Achievement Award for Classical Music. Creating her own place in this legendary list of awardees, Miss Norman joined the illustrious company of Enrico Caruso, Marian Anderson, and Leontyne Price.

On April 14th, renowned Philadelphia art patrons Carole and Joseph Shanis, together with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia’s Board of Directors, will add another Lifetime Achievement Award to Miss Norman’s impressive list with a gala evening of celebration at The Westin Philadelphia. Evantine Design is thrilled to be a part of this incredible tribute, and make no mistake, we’ll be filling the Grand Ballroom of The Westin with simple, beautiful (and fragrance-free) Spring flowers blooming just for Jessye.

{Photo: Carol Friedman}

Just because you’re hosting a gala doesn’t mean it has to be a formal, sit-down dinner. This year, Brian Kappra worked with the Gala Committee for the Cooper Hospital Gala to design a lounge-style setting for their 125th Anniversary Celebration. Founded in 1887, Cooper Hospital provides world-class medical care to the entire Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region. Honoring a tradition of outstanding achievement and ensuring a future of continuing medical advancement, monies from this year’s gala attendance supports the new Cooper Cancer Institute. Cooper University Hospital is constructing a new state-of-the-art, 4-story, 103,050 square foot mulitdisciplinary care center just steps away from the hospital and the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden. A worthy cause, indeed. {Photos: Paul Loftland}

The Hyatt at The Bellevue provided the spectacular two-tier setting for 800 guests to enjoy fabulous food, magnificent music and legendary entertainment.  Guests were encouraged to explore the entire space at their leisure, where lounge-style seating areas, intimate cocktail tables and rotating food stations awaited them. Tuxedos were not required, but dancing shoes were and the dance floor was lively all night long!  We congratulate the gala committee and honorary co-chairs, George and Sandy Norcross, on the success of another spectacular event!

{Photos: Paul Loftland}

Tease me, please me… We just had to share these GORGEOUS photos from Jessica’s glamorous Bat Mitzvah celebration from this past Saturday night at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia.

Black draping, Black Micro Sequin Linens, White Vinyl Chairs, Magenta flowers and exquisite details all blended beautifully together for a luxurious Chanel-inspired celebration! One of the most fantastic details of the night was the letterpressed, die-cut perfume bottle menu from Two Paperdolls!  Shown below, guests were greeted by stunning black and white photographs of the bat mitzvah, a budding fashionista just like her stylish mother! The photos were framed above mirror-topped “makeup counters” dressed with houndstooth fabric and which held mirrored compacts that served as seating cards.

There is just so much to share on this event as our wonderful client enjoyed clever details as much as we did… if not more so!  As soon as more photos become available, we’ll have them up to share!

{Photos above, including the fashion photos at the event, taken by Susan Beard}

Some brides and grooms seek out the most dramatic venue they can find for their wedding. Thankfully, Philadelphia offers quite a few grand historic buildings to choose from, from The Franklin Institute to the Crystal Tea Room. But The Great Hall at the Please Touch Museum, with its classic Beaux-Arts architecture, soaring, 60-foot ceilings and majestic glass dome, stands in a class all its own.  At an early March wedding, guests enjoyed a whimsical cocktail reception in the glass-enclosed Carousel Hall before moving into the Great Hall for a Springtime-inspired dinner dance celebration.

Spring weddings are synonymous with flowering branches of some sort, with the fluffy powder pink Cherry blossoms as the most requested by savvy brides. This year, Mother Nature brought Spring to us a little earlier than normal.  Yet, managing to get our hands on an orchard of flowering Cherry in mid February was not an  easy task. Why mid February? Because these branches need time to warm up and open in full before they can be shown off in public!

Classic round dinner tables dressed with hot pink satin layered with red chain sequin overlays held romantic Cherry blossom “trees” that offered a natural, yet romantic softness to the enormous space. Metallic gold accessories, such as napkin rings, charger plates with gold and red glass, gilded table numbers, were added to the table settings for a layer of traditional elegance.  We even changed out the chair cushions to vibrant deep pink satin for a monochromatic look. As a key element to the design of the wedding, we provided all of the lighting for the event as well as the dinner tables, the latter proving to be quite challenging with such widespread table designs. Wide washes of light and dramatic uplighting of the architecture in hues of magenta, pink and amber enhanced the grandness of the South Foyer and Great Hall.

The South Foyer offered an impressive entrance and exit for the event and our 18 foot long rectangular place card table added a pop of color and fragance to the space.  Like the dinner tables, flowering Cherry branches added height to the table but other Spring flowers such as hyacinth, tulips and peonies danced down the center of the table in modern crystal vases.  Later in the evening the table was used as a wedding sweets table for guests as they departed the celebration.  Love was definitely in bloom at the Please Touch Museum!

{Photos: John Armich}

This weekend we’ll be installing another glamorous bat mitzvah celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. As the second mitzvah we have designed for this particular client, a stylish family who enjoys entertaining with modern, sophisticated parties, we’re as excited as they are to see the event come to life!  While we can’t yet divulge the event design or party details for this weekend’s event, we can share the spectacular soccer-themed bar mitzvah we created for the family two years ago.  {Photo: Susan Beard Design}

Although the mitzvah theme was technically soccer, we didn’t overwhelm the party design with sports paraphernalia. Instead, a black and white repetitive design scheme was put into play, dominated by a “referee-inspired” black and white striped fabric that was used on vases, chair backs, pillows and lampshades. Keeping the floral displays to a “masculine level,” green flowers such as Limona Roses, Anthurium, Green Goddess Calla Lilies, Cymbidium Orchids, and Viburnum were used in tightly compacted arrangements anchored with tropical leaves and wheat grass.  The adults were seated at white vinyl upholstered light up tables whereas the kids were placed at long black satin covered high community tables with white bar stools. Black and white photos taken of the mitzvah boy at a soccer match were used throughout the event: as life-size photos in the entrance area, as table numbers and on the plasmas screens suspended over the white dance floor.  Crisp and contemporary, the event was truly dramatic! But it was the sensational soccer bag bar mitzvah cake that scored all the points!  Stay tuned for photos from this weekend’s bat mitzvah celebration, it also promises delicious details every mitzvah mom will love!

{Cake:  Truli Confectionary Arts; Logo, Invites, Menus, Artwork: Two Paperdolls; Location: Green Valley Country Club; Lighting: Eventions Productions}