When you think of November, don’t you wish for delicate dogwood blossoms and the sun’s golden rays?  Our Bat Mitzvah girl had such a bright smile that event designer Brian Kappra was only too happy to provide the joys of  Spring for her Fall Bat Mitzvah.

Photos courtesy of Phil Kramer.

As guests arrived, they walked under a canopy of branches, vines and flowers holding suspended dogwood place cards (hung in alphabetical order, of course!).  We suspended the flowers from our specially designed vine “hooks” so that guests could easily pick their seating assignments from the arbor.

The adults’ cocktail tent was filled with intimate seating groups of modern white leather, crystal bars and ornately mirrored tables.  Our custom dogwood lanterns draped overhead and shimmered all evening.  Yellow pillows in various silk fabrics were placed for a touch of the client’s favorite color.

Guests were invited into dinner where the theme was brought to life in a big way! We designed a custom fabric treatment that was suspended along with fabric flowers across the width of the entire ceiling.  The Lucite dinner tables and chairs were dressed with gorgeous sheer linens covered in silk dogwood blossoms and crystals.  White and clear vases in various shapes and sizes were filled with white, ivory, butter and yellow flowers.  Vibrant yellow forsythia branches were a huge surprise for the client, as were the crystal drops suspended from them!   Remote-controlled lights placed under each table, and behind the fabric panels, allowing us to change the color of the room throughout the evening to coordinate with the timeline.

The large circles at each end of the room were actually video screens which moved in and out of the set as needed!

Our custom LED dance floor was programmed to create beautiful and dynamic effects for each stage of the party.

Above, just look at that stunning blue room!  From blue to magenta to gold – the dramatic changes in the room when we played with our extensive lighting kept momentum building all night!  Lighting is KEY to mood, tone and ambiance.

Nothing is quite as beautiful as lush, gorgeous, imported flowers in the doldrums of November.

The napkins were rolled and slipped into napkin rings made to coordinate with our dogwood blossom linens.  They were placed upon our Dogwood glass charger plates which were complimented by additional china pieces in the same pattern for use as bread and butter plates at each table setting.  White water goblets and hand calligraphed place cards completed the settings.

At the appropriate point in the evening, the video screen slid to stage left, the curtains were raised and revealed a stunning new set design for a surprise performance!  In addition to full planning and decor services for the event, we also designed and provided all of the staging and lighting needs as well as backline and sound for the bands so that the event ran smoothly from installation through breakdown!

 Guests enjoyed the amazing energy of two orchestras and a surprise performance from an ABBA cover band from Germany.  Our LED dance floor was lit up all night in more ways than one!

Oversized martini bowls held delectable ice cream sundaes for dessert.  Then there was the incredible dogwood birthday cake from Anne Heap of the famour Pink Cake Box bakery.  After collaborating with Anne on the taste of the cake (way too many yummy choices!) we asked Anne to mimic the beauty and simplicity of the dogwood linens.  She nailed it!  Anne’s dogwood blossoms held Swarovski crystals which added that little something extra that just pulled it all together! 

The historic Phoenixville Foundry was the ideal industrial location for Liza and Lance’s snow-kissed Winter wedding. 

Photos courtesy of Tyler Boye.

Liza and Lance’s Winter celebration doesn’t seem that far behind us now as summer comes to an end and colder seasons lie just around the corner.   The Foundry, a Pennsylvania fieldstone and exposed steel beam loft, is located just beyond the scenic rolling hills of Valley Forge National Park.  Once the bustling Phoenix Iron Works, the renovated 18,000 square foot building allowed guests to enjoy a taste of local history wrapped up in a warm cloak of modern elegance. 

The bride, wearing an ethereal silk organza Monique L’huillier gown and Stuart Weitzman shoes, processed down the aisle carrying a stunning bouquet of vibrant raspberry orchids, ranunculus, calla lilies and roses. 

Meeting at the end of the aisle, Liza and Lance walked together, hand-in-hand, to stand under the ceremonial Chuppah.  The subtle symbolish and simple beauty of our “tree of life” Chuppah created an elegant canopy for the bride and groom as they recited their vows.  Suspended from the branches of the Chuppah were dozens of flickering votive candles which added yet another nod to Jewish symbolism of “light” into the ceremony.  

After a lively cocktail hour on the balcony overlooking the ballroom area below, guests were invited into the walnut, pewter and ivory dining room to share an incredible meal provided by Leslie Rosen Catering.  Ivory velvet drape and dappled warm light gave the industrial room a romantic atmosphere.  A mix of black iron, polished chrome and angular glass vases held modern low floral arrangements in white, cream and ivory and were placed on pewter gray feast tables.   An abundant (and delicious) display of homestyle cupcakes gave the nuptial celebration a sweet ending full of promise.

Just thought we’d share this sweet little video teaser from Lavon Films from Mary and Joseph’s recent July 31 wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel.   It was a lovely day and certainly an incredible party!  Take a look… 

http://lavonfilms.com/blog/mary-joseph-wedding-trailer-beautiful-day-in-philadelphia/

Photo Courtesy of Ron Soliman.   We can’t wait to see more photos and video from the day!

“Old Hollywood glamour with a tailored edge” were the words enthusiastically spoken by the bride.  Our wispy champagne organza linens, clear lucite chairs and cut crystal vases made this traditionally elegant hotel wedding “pretty in pink” from start to finish.

Photos courtesy of Mike Smith at Ash Imagery.

One of our favorite photographs from the day, this gorgeously grainy image of Brandi’s wedding gown just oozes glam from a bygone era.  Below, the bridal party waits for their turn in front of the camera.  Little did they know…

Below, the six bridesmaids in their lovely black dresses are ready for their graceful glide down the aisle.  Other than their classic strands of pearls, pale pink to raspberry toned hand-tied bridal bouquets were the perfect accessories.  Event designer, Brian Kappra, used cymbidium orchids, roses, peonies,  mini calla lilies, stock, hydrangea and ranunculus in slightly different styles for each bridesmaid for subtle variance.

The bride chose to carry a hand-tied bouquet of pale pink to deep raspberry blooms wrapped with gorgeous ivory beaded lace.

Guests invited into the Grand Ballroom at the Westin Philadelphia for the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony.  The Chuppah waits just beyond the double doors.

Andrew making his way down the flowering cherry-lined aisle escorted by his beaming parents.  

Brandi’s elegant entrance into the ceremony with the stunning 10-foot custom chuppah waiting just ahead.  The groom’s grandmother lovingly embroidered panels of Hebrew blessings that we then suspended from our heavily floral-embellished chuppah.

Yet another emotional photograph from the day – this one of Brandi and Andrew recessing down the aisle.  They are positively BEAMING with joy!

A beautiful focal point before the ceremony, a long table dressed in our embroidered taupe linens was the perfect palette for tightly composed pink floral displays as they danced down the center of the table.  Classic hand-calligraphed ecru escort sets were placed along the table during the ceremony to offer seating assistance the moment the ceremony ended and guests returned.

The Grand Ballroom dressed in rich tones of pink and raspberry with plenty of twinkling crystal and soft candlelight.   Some tables held tall tightly composed floral arrangements with ivory candle lamps on the surface below.  Other tables held towering displays of flowering cherry branches with small cut crystal vases of raspberry flowers and cut glass taper candles.  A third centerpiece design included a low cut glass compote filled to the brim with lush pink flowers paired with multiple heights of faceted glass hurricanes.   Clear chargers held ecru menus and taupe satin napkins secured with a black satin band and crystal brooch.

After the bride and groom enjoyed their cake cutting for the paparazzi, the hotel wheeled our dessert carts into the room with their own wedding cakes to be cut to order, as well as tarts, berries, cookies, chocolates and more!  The perfect ending to an incredible evening!

Well, if the country club ladies popping their heads in and gasping out loud in gleeful delight were any indication, it’s that our hot pink and orange bat mitzvah for Sydney was SPOT ON fabulous! 

Photos courtesy of Pictures by Todd.

An avid dancer, Sydney’s only request was to include a  subtle “So You Think You Can Dance” theme in our design wherever possible.  The Papery of Philadephia created a logo that was reminicient of Sydney “striking a pose” in one of her dance classes.  Event designer, Melissa Paul made sure the logo was used on a large white wall we placed behind the place card table, as well as on the inside of the place cards, on cocktail napkins, sweatshirts, knapsacks and on the video screens over the dance floor.

Guests were invited to leave notes, wishes, dreams and drawings on quilting squares that would later be made into a bedspread for Sydney’s bedroom.  We were overwhelmed by the creativity the kids showed in their messages and designs!

Cubbies not only provide personal space for each child’s belongings, but they offer a clever and controled way to deliver personalized favors at the end of the party.  Our pink and orange tags are arranged alphabetically on orange knapsacks pre-stuffed with sweatshirts, socks and other goodies.

The kids were seated for dinner at long, high community tables on one side of the ballroom.  Sizzling hot pink linens, orange bar stools and white vases filled with happy gerbera daisies were all the decoration needed.

There’s the birthday girl hanging out in the cool lounge area. 

Below, more pictures of the gorgeous square dinner tables holding a mixture of tall white lamps, modern glass hurricanes, floating candles and crisp white details.  Of course, the flowers were a priority for Sydney’s mom, Lauren!  We made sure to provide an abundance of lush summer blooms in every shade of orange, tangerine, pink, fuschia, magenta and apple green.  Green Valley Country Club never looked so happy!

Who says the party’s just for the kids?  Aren’t we all kids at heart?

Even Emcee Anthony from Hot Hot Hot is having a blast on the dance floor!

The birthday cake from Cake Art Studio was truly the cherry on the sundae!  Not only did it reflect the overall design concept but it tasted divine! 

… and what would a mitzvah be without an amazing Sugar Bar?  we provided a large display of goodies, such as chocolate covered marshmellows, gumballs, orange licorice, strawberry mini cupcakes, good-n-plenty, rock candy, orange sours, peach rings and God knows what else!

Everyone enjoyed the party until the very last mother-daughter hug on the dancefloor.  Mazel tov Syd!

Oh, how we L-O-V-E anything black & white!  It’s a bold duo, always classic and infinitely dramatic.  Pair it with bright yellow and, well, the world goes happy. 

Photos courtesy of Philip Gabriel.

We recently collaborated with Scott Barnes of Stephen STARR Events on a black & white specialty drink bar for a Mitzvah Open House at Trust.  Keeping it focused and approachable, just three beverages were offered on the bar:  “Spiked” Lavender Lemonade, Sparkling Water with Meyer lemon wheels and Minted Passion Fruit Lemonade.  Inspired by a stay at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, our custom-designed black & white wall provided an impressive backdrop that gave the simple bar a little “strength of character.”  (p.s. we have 80 wonderful feet of that black & white “wall” to play with!  if you’re gonna make something that awesome, better make a lot of it!  oh the benefits of having a workshop and skilled production staff.)

The whole point of the open house was to demonstrate that planning a “dramatic” mitzvah celebration doesn’t have to mean “over-the-top” expensive.  Remember, style has nothing to do with money.  Sometimes, the most effective design decision is the most obvious!  Just go BIG and BOLD!  

We chose abstract swirl and polka dot cotton linens to add some whimsy to simple rental tables.  Black acrylic pedestals gave classic all-purpose barware a modern lift, black vases with white tulips added simple beauty to cocktail tables, and tall black vases holding faux yellow sunflower spheres brought it all together!

The glamorous wedding we designed for nightclub owners, Jennifer and Bryan, certainly rocked OUR world from start to finish with its dramatic crystal and orchid ceremony setting to the gorgeous Ron Ben-Israel wedding cake. 

Photos courtesy of Phil Kramer.

A problem we’d all LOVE to have!  If you can’t decide between two Vera Wang wedding gowns, why not get them both?  The lacey romantic confection on the left was worn for the ceremony and cocktails.  Then, presto chango, the sexy sculptural ribbon gown on the right was donned for the party.  And you KNOW that Jen’s shoes and jewelry had to change too!   It’s all about the glamour!

Even Bryan was styled up sexy for the day with his Paul Stuart tuxedo, black shirt and tie.

The fabric runner was heavily lined with fresh lavender and magenta roses, hydrangea and orchid heads.

The bridesmaids wore magenta tissue taffeta strapless gowns from Badgley Mischka and carried hand-tied bouquets of orchids, mini calla lilies and peacock feathers.

Orchids and crystals were painstakenly strung for days and days (and DAYS) to create this stunning ceremony backdrop! 

Black leather furniture pieces, such as this round ottoman, were placed in the Ballroom foyer at the Hyatt at The Bellevue for additional seating.

An 18 foot place card table made of peacock feathers and black velvet was a show stopper just outside the Grand Ballroom.  Black vases filled with magenta orchids were placed along the back of the table as a backdrop to the colored-gem place card trays.

Pewter taffeta linens mixed with sexy black chairs with crystal brooches, black candelabra, silver and black damask chargers, peacock feathers and magenta flowers.  Some tables held wispy orchid trees with softly draped crystal ropes and black iron votives.

The Sweetheart Table was absolutely covered with flowers in every shade of purple!  Tulips, calla lilies and countless different varieties of orchids were massed and draped for impact.

As seen above, we added a mirror top to the Sweetheart Table as well as crystal hurricanes for added sparkle!  

The Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt at The Bellevue is a stunning Old World ballroom that just begs for long glamorous tables down the sides!  Peacock blue dupioni silk napkins held letterpressed menu cards.

As you can see in this stunning photo of Bryan and his mother, our black chandeliers over the existing stage provided a fabulous focal point all evening. 

Among the many musical performances enjoyed throughout the night, one of the most invigorating segments was the Lebanese band.  Their incredibly energetic music brought everyone onto the dance floor to dance circles around Jennifer and Bryan in celebration!

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This gorgeous wedding cake from Ron Ben-Israel was designed using Jennifer’s two Vera Wang wedding gowns as inspiration.  Ron also incorporated details from Jennifer’s heirloom diamond necklace into the design.  Wedding Planner, Melissa Paul, couldn’t stop talking about the absolute PERFECTION of the cake, from the delicious Middle Eastern spice cake Ron created to the hundreds of hand-painted flowers he made in the weeks leading up to the wedding.  Ron’s cake studio in Soho is a fascinating (and extremely organized!) operation. 

A sweet moment shared on the dance floor.

Later in the evening, when the cake was cut and the parent dances were done, the orchestra turned over the main stage to a DJ who turned the dinner dance into a true nightclub!  We opened up a small lounge upstairs which gave the non-dancers a cool place to chill out on tufted white leather sofas, mirrored tables and crystal bars.  A Lebanese dessert table, Turkish Coffee Bar and piano player completed the setting.  And when that shut down, everyone moved to yet another spot down stairs (shhh!) and kicked back with cheese steaks and micro brews.  That’s the way to party!

New Yorkers, Sarah and Brian, celebrated their elegant wedding at The Rittenhouse.  As you can see, the incredible day unfolded one sweet, sentimental moment at a time.

Photos courtesy of Cliff Mautner.

Sarah chose a stunning taffeta and tulle strapless A-line gown from Carolina Herrera.  The satin and grosgrain detailing on the skirt and “crumbcatcher” bodice paired beautifully with her classic strand of pearls. 

The sentimental pride and pure joy was evident on Sarah’s parents’ faces — from her mother watching her dress to her father’s first look at her in her gown.  The emotions were overwhelming.  For everyone.

In true “Cliff” fashion, there are countless, beautifully-captured moments of Brian and Sarah as they share the day. 

A lovely moment shared with her ladies and mother; Sarah’s radiance was contagious!  She was absolutely STUNNING!

One of the most meaningful moments in a woman’ s life is when her father walks her down the aisle.  Sarah was no exception.  Her gorgeous bouquet of creamy roses and stephanotis was later used, along with the bridesmaids’ bouquets, as the centerpiece on the sweetheart table.  (see below).

We designed a mixture of high and low floral arrangements using complimenting pink flowers such as roses and amaryllis in classic glass vessels.  The modern clean lines of the glass was paired with the tradition of tall ivory taper candles.  Soft, romantic lighting in candle-lit tones was essential to convey the mood.   No one enjoyed the day more than the bride and groom; every single moment was precious indeed.

There’s just something about these sweet photographs that really bring to mind just how important it is to make time for “couple shots” in your busy wedding day schedule.  Before you set the timeline, we suggest you speak at length with your photographer on what they NEED to get the photos you’ve hired them for!  For instance, some photographers request an hour or 90 minutes of time to shoot the bride and groom interacting together – once they’re dressed!  Not after the ceremony.  Other photographers may ask for two solid hours of time or a fast 45 minutes.  Point it, ASK.   The photographs of the two of you are personal, intimate photographs that are crucial in telling the story of your wedding day.  Just like the wedding in general, YOU determine the style and mood of how the day is portrayed.  If posed and formal photography is your thing, by all means, embrace it with gusto!  If you prefer an edgy, fashion-based photographic style, we’re certain there’s a photographer out there for you.  Like most couples, Jennifer and Andrew understood that storytelling might cross over into every imaginable style to reflect the various aspects of the weddng day as it unfolded.   The ending result was an accurate depiction of where they came from and who they are as a couple -  playful, loving and passionate. 

Photos courtesy of Phil Kramer. 

From the moment the photographer arrived at her home, Jennifer allowed enough time, space and freedom to capture her as she got ready for the day.  That included capturing the hustle and bustle of hair and makeup as it happened, the details of her gown, shoes and jewelry, as well as slipping on the gown itself.  When you spend a year or more carefully (and emotionally) selecting these personal items it’s got to be thoroughly photographed!   Then there’s the traditional “I’m getting MARRIED!” shots, the sexy fashion poses, etc.

Who knew an old car could be such a fabulous prop?

Of course, once Jen and Andrew were together, it was easy to photograph their wonderful chemistry!  They weren’t afraid to climb on stone walls either!

Later in the evening, thinking the photographer had already left, the couple was caught enjoying a passionate moment to themselves.   By this time, Jen had changed into her second wedding gown, a fun mini dress covered in white ostrich feathers! 

As crazy as it seems, another year has gone by and it’s time for the Ball on The Square!  The Ball is one of the most prestigious social events in Philadelphia due to its incredible mission, dedicated membership and desirable location.  The 2010 Ball takes place on Thursday, June 17th in the heart of the city at Rittenhouse Square Park.  Over 350 guests will enjoy the delicious food of Steven Starr Events, the gorgeous decor of Evantine Design and the smooth vibes of the Eddie Bruce Orchestra.  This year’s co-chairs Brian Kappra and Nicole Cashman promise to make the 2010 gala another sensational summer evening in the Park!  Take a look at last year’s Ball on The Square if you need any further encouragement to step out and join the fun!       

Photos courtesy of Steve Legato.     

A floating green oasis in an otherwise urban jungle, Rittenhouse Square Park is a precious gem to the residents and businesses that surround it.  A gem worth preserving and protecting year after year despite shrinking public funding and ever increasing maintenance costs.  The Friends of Rittenhouse Square, the amazing non-profit organization that puts on this incredible shindig every year, relies on the proceeds of the annual Ball on The Square to fund such mundane-yet-necessary maintenance and preservation needs as landscaping, lawn care, arborist services, sidewalk cleaning, fountain maintenance, fence and ironwork repair, security services and holiday lighting.      

True, last year’s Ball was a bit wet and a tad muggy upon arrival but co-chairs Alan Sandman, John Pscolar and Brian Kappra planned ahead with aplomb and had plenty of tenting and air-conditioning on hand!   Even the colorful cocktail area was fully tented and guests enjoyed champagne, sushi, tapas and hors d’oeuvres without a hitch in their party spirit.  Of course, having Steven Starr Events provide such outrageously delicious food and impeccable service might have something to do with it.      

In addition to the many full-service cocktail bars, trays of colorful beverages were passed throughout the tents to ease up congestion at the main bar.  Tapas plates of Bruschetta, Herbed Goat Cheese Lollipops, Citrus Marinated Olives and Spanish Tortillas with Chorizo were served on the bars.  Our lucite trays lined with the Ball’s colorful logo held “Philadelphian” cocktails made with Blue Coat Gin, Juniper-infused Grapefruit, Orange Blossom Water and a fresh sprig of Rosemary.  (below).    

A large ice-topped Luxury Sushi Bar was centrally located in the main cocktail tent.  The talented sushi chefs from the famous Morimoto Restaurant kept the sushi coming as fast as the guests gobbled it up!  Look at this gorgeous presentation of fish!    

Other hors d’oeuvres were passed on elegant, stylish trays, including (below, left to right):  Gazpacho Sorbet with Creme Fraiche Ice Cream in Peppercorn Cones, Edamame Dumplings with Shallot-Sauternes Broth in Asian Spoons and Ahi Tuna Tartare on Sesame Chips.      

(Below)  Crispy Parmesan Roulade with Asparagus and Proscuitto were lined up artfully on a clean white rectangular tray.  One of the MANY things we love about working with the Starr Events Team is their tasteful food styling – why crowd a tray with multiple items when one hors d’oeuvre creatively staged can say so much more?  Food is ENTERTAINMENT to be enjoyed with your eyes, nose and tastebuds!     

Once the rain stopped, and the cocktails were flowing, boy was it a challenge to tear guests away from the open-sided cocktail tents!  But the vibrant dinner tent was ready for the PARTY!  The Victorian Guard House is always the center focal point of the large dinner tent and also serves as our control booth for the duration of the event.  It’s also a fantastic prop for dramatic lighting effects all evening long.   Brian Kappra, a long-standing Ball supporter and Rittenhouse Square business owner, created a festive environment using geometric shapes paired with orange, hot pink and crisp white decor.  Square tables were dressed in either Haute Pink or Tangerine Vinyl, pale gray Bellini chairs provided modern seating and white dance floor tiles brightened up the sections of the existing terrace floor.  The Gerber Daisy, such a happy flower, was used throughout the event from invitations to lighting.    

Brian designed the tables using four different high and low “Mod” centerpiece styles for aethetic balance.  All containers, vases and vessels were bright white to provide a consistently fresh contemporary look.  A mixture of blooms in all shades of orange, tangerine and pink provided summertime color.  Square and rectangular white china, white water goblets and tall pink candles completed the tabletop settings.    

The first course was pre-set just prior to the guests entering the dinner tent.  Tricky, no doubt, but possible if done with an army of precise and efficient waitstaff such as Starr provided for us that night!  Guests enjoyed Poached Lobster and Lump Crab Meat in White Albarino Wine Court Bouillon, Orange Oil, Haricot Vert, Summer Tri-color Tomatoes, Lemon Balm and Micro Greens.  Garnished with a Sesame Savory Tuille, Lavender and Thyme Salt and served with a Chilled Summer Corn Soup with Julienned Alba Truffles.  Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it?     

A bustling waiter dashing off to pour some of the delicious wines carefully selected to pair with each aspect of the meal.    

We have such tremendous respect for caterers.  Their careful attention to detail in the planning of such a complicated menu is remarkable, let alone the tedious logistical planning that has to be arranged to adequately prepare the meal in a field kitchen with rented equipment.  The pressure to think of all aspects of the service, from each and every ingredient needed to the precise number of serving forks required, is daunting!   Below you can see several Starr chefs working side-by-side preparing the entree course of Kennett Square Mushroom Encrusted Boneless Colorado Rack of Lamb.   The lamb was served with English Pea Puree, Warm White Bean Salad and Dijon Mango Compote.    

Here’s how the finished masterpiece appeared as it was plated to each guest.  A beautiful presentation!    

Vegetarian guests were offered a Napoleon of Vegetables a la Provencal with Roasted Eggplant, Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Zucchini, Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach and Heirloom Tomatoes.    

Once the entree was plated to each guest, additional waiters appeared tableside offering a selection of locally grown summer vegetables and hash browns.    

Dancing, dancing and more dancing was only interrupted with a dessert service of Chocolate Pot de Creme and Strawberry, Basil and Black Peppercorn Sorbets.    

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But the food didn’t stop there!  At 10:30pm when the Young Friends joined the party for dessert and dancing, additional passed sweets made the rounds! (Below)  The Vanilla Panna Cotta with Balsamic-macerated Strawberries was a sensational ending to a wonderful culinary experience!    

For the past twenty years, the Ball on The Square has been the ONLY event permitted to take over Rittenhouse Square Park with tents, flooring, staging, air-conditioning units, restroom trailers and security vehicles.  Perhaps that’s why it’s such a sought-after ticket, it’s truly a unique event experience in Philadelphia!  But a new day has dawned and the Friends of Rittenhouse Square are now permitting the rental of the Ball tents on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights after the Ball.  If you are interested in renting the tents, a once-a-year spectacular opportunity, please contact The Friends of Rittenhouse Square for more information.  We’ll see you next week at the Ball!