REAL STORIES: A Gorgeous White and Hot Pink Catholic Wedding in Philadelphia

September 15, 2011

We recently met with an engaged couple who were guests at a stunning wedding we designed last summer in Center City Philadelphia. Lucky for us, the couple went on and on about the event they attended, remembering details and moments of the day that simply “stuck with them” enough that they just had to give us a call when their own engagement became official.  EXACTLY what makes us do what we do!  As we listened to them recount their experience, we realized, we never posted photographs of the wedding on our blog!  “You really should! It was so beautiful!” the bride-to-be said emphatically.  So, here goes.  A little look back on Mary and Joe’s gorgeous wedding celebration at the Catholic Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.  [Photos by Ron Solimon] Read the rest of this entry »


BOUQUET OF THE WEEK: A Sweet Lavender, Plum, Apple Green and White Bridesmaid Bouquet

September 9, 2011

This sweet bridesmaid’s bouquet is lovely indeed with its softly blended mix of lavender and blush roses, two-tone purple and white picasso mini calla lilies, apple green viburnum, fluffy white mop-head hydrangea and seasonal dark green foliage. {photo: Ashley Bartoletti}


Fabric Chair Covers for Parties and Weddings Have Come Along Way Baby

August 31, 2011

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}.


BOUQUET OF THE WEEK: A White and Blush Pink Hand-tied Bridal Bouquet for Tammy’s Ritz-Carlton Wedding

August 10, 2011

One of our lovely July brides chose to walk down the aisle carrying a stunning hand-tied bouquet of ivory, cream and pale pink flowers that included fragrant Stephanotis, Vendella and Lydia Roses, as well as white Dendrobium Orchids. For just a touch of sparkle to complement Tammy’s wedding gown, crystal pins were inserted into each one of the waxy white star-shaped Stephanotis blossoms.  The stems of the bouquet were tightly wrapped with white velvet ribbon (to keep her hands cushioned and protected) and layered with silver-embroidered lace ribbon.  The floral design mirrored the beauty of Tammy’s silhouette:  formal, elegant and classic.

[Photo: Marie Labbancz]


TASTE: Sushi Bars, Always a Popular Food Station at Parties

July 27, 2011

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]


REAL STORIES: The Flowering Gardens of Appleford Estate Inspire an Orange and Green Apple Wedding

July 20, 2011

Nestled deep withing one of the most prestigious neighborhoods on the Main Line, a sprawling cluster of suburban towns just outside of Philadelphia, lies the picturesque Appleford Estate. Dating back more than 300 years, this gentleman’s farm is surrounded by 24 of the most exquisite gardens any bride could hope to find for her outdoor wedding.  Originally part of a land grant from William Penn, Appleford is carefully maintained today as a working arboretum and bird sanctuary. The intense July heat proved to be no match against the charm of Appleford’s brightly hued flowering gardens, weeping willow trees, endless Pennsylvania fieldstone walls and trickling streams.

{Photos: Stacey Kane} Read the rest of this entry »


BOUQUET OF THE WEEK: A Bridal Bouquet with White Stephanotis, Creamy Gardenia, Ivory Roses and Fragrant Lily of the Valley

June 21, 2011

Roses are a wedding favorite because they are romantic, dramatic and, thankfully, available year round!  We blended luscious ivory roses with Lily of the Valley’s tiny bell-shaped blossoms and sweet perfume; Stephanotis, with it’s star-shaped white flowers; and velvety Gardenias that evoked luxury and tradition.  Composed tightly into a rounded shape with only a few whimsical sprigs of the Lily of the Valley to soften the line, this bridal bouquet was a statement in classic white.

[Photo courtesy of Tyler Boye]


PLANNING: Our Favorite Classic and Alternative First Dance Songs for Today’s Weddings

June 15, 2011

 

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.

Read the rest of this entry »


ART & FUNCTION: A Warehouse filled with Party Props, Event Decor and Wedding Inspiration

May 21, 2011

party linens and props plant rental for events

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. Read the rest of this entry »


REAL STORIES: A Red, Ivory and Champagne Wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

April 29, 2011

cliff mautner

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] Read the rest of this entry »


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