These engagement photos are really different than the “urban chic” photoshoots we see a lot around here.   Instead, these are hip in a totally retro way – back to the ratpack and when cool was really REALLY cool.   I think Brian Lauer did a phenomenal job of getting to the essence of these two.  I love love love the skater shot that totally captured Shonta and if you knew Avner like we know Avner, you would share in our adoration of just how perfect these photos are!  I am quite sure the couple and everyone who loves them will cherish these forever.  I just had to show you!

Their wedding is coming up in October — I promise you, it will be amazing!!!

As many of you know, we have an amazing studio on Liberties Walk in the uber-chic section of Philadelphia known as Northern Liberties.  People just love it here — and so do we!!

Often, people stopped by to ask if we rent any of our space out for parties.  As the photos below show you, the answer is a resounding yes!   We’ve gotten enough requests now that I thought it was time to send a message to the world that if anyone would like to rent our studio out, we would be more than happy to make that happen.

If you need more space for a larger party, we can combine our space with the teaching studio at Beautiful Blooms Boutique as a kind of bundle where you could have both spaces and the Walk in between for an amazing party on the Walk.   Take a look at all the photos below to see how cool each possibility is.   The space rental fee includes the use of our incredible screens, too, where you can play a video of your own or watch a cool season finale or the World Series! Depending upon what configuration of space you choose to rent, your party could go anywhere from intimate (25 people) to 125 people.   The rental fee begins at $500 for a five hour event.

Give us a buzz if you’d like to talk about renting our little oasis.   We’ve had some incredible parties here!

We just love it when are couples are featured in The Knot.   It lets them know that their vision was truly wonderful!

We’re very happy to share this post on the ultimate wedding blog –  Style Me Pretty – of one of our very favorite weddings in 2009.   We invite you to explore this very very pretty wedding (Part 1 and Part 2) and our favorite Maid of Honor toasts of all time,  Beautiful Blooms did an outrageous job with the florals. Gorgeous.   Marie Labbancz was thir photographer.

Men don’t really get to play too much when it comes to wedding fashion, although there is some changes on the horizon out there (more on that later, I promise!).   Meanwhile, there is some fun to be had when choosing a great tie.    Don’t just settle for quick black or silver tie that works with the tux — have some fun with it!

www.etsy.com/shop/toybreaker

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeandMatilda

Personally (shhhh! Don’t tell my florist friends) I REALLY love pocket squares.   Take a walk into a great fabric shop on Fabric Row in Old City and find a fabulous silk the works beautifully with the ties you’ve chosen.   If you’re anything like me, you’ll need to get your favorite seamstress to create the very easy pocket squares; or, maybe, you make them yourself.   I LOVE a great combination between a phenomenal tie and a perfectly coordinated pocket square. A note on form:  It is not cool to have your guys wear both a boutonniere and a pocket square.

(I’m really trying hard not to say the words “hip to be square.”)

When folding a pocket square, don’t let it get to complicated.  You’ll want to be able to replicate the fold easily.

Then again, wouldn’t it be cool to combine both?

from junebugweddings.com/blog

And don’t forget about how much fun you can have with cufflinks.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cufflinks

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And we love these great cufflinks Zack wore at his wedding last June.  PERFECT for him:

Photo by Laura Eaton

Have a great time putting your guys’ attire together!

If you follow our blog, you know that we have an obsession with Winterthur.   Apparently, we’re in good company.

Martha Stewart filmed a lovely segment explaining to her adoring public just how amazing the Winterthur Estate, Museum and Gardens really are.   Log on here to get a tour from Martha Stewart herself.

The one thing missing from Martha's tour was how incredible weddings are there. Here are a few photos that we love from things we've done at Winterthur.

Photo by Mike Kehr

Photo by Mike Kehr

Photo by Marie Labbancz

Photo by Marie Labbancz

Photo by Marie Labbancz

Photo by Marie Labbancz

Photo by Marie Labbancz

This is an amazing time of year at Winterthur.   Absolutely STUNNING.   If you haven’t seen it, you definitely should.   Such an oasis.

We have a couple weddings coming up there and I can hardly wait.   I’m sure the photos will be beautiful!

Our love of spring continues with our favorite candles of all time.   People adore these candles – and we couldn’t agree more.  They smell absolutely, but subtly, delicious.   We have to reorder and restock these candles more often than almost anything else in the Boutique, just to keep up.   But we don’t mind.   We’re happy to share our discovery.

Voluspa was founded in 1999 by Troy and Traci Arntsen, both of whom have a great passion for the art of fragrance.

Heather Fowler took this great photos the of the Voluspa candles in the Boutique so we could share them with you.   Thank you so much, Heather!!

Soleil – 3 wick tin $18
Dahlia Orange Bloom – 3 wick tin $18
Panjore Lychee – 3 wick tin $18

Hawaiian maile vine – 4oz tin $8
Sake lemon flower – 4oz tin $8

Santiago Huckleberry – 4.5oz $8  and ceramic pedestal $16
French Cade & Lavender – 4.5oz $8  and ceramic pedestal $16

The rest of the photos were taken by our own Maggie Ruder — who just seems to have a wealth of hidden talents!

Laguna 2-Wick Tin $15

Lemon Lily Boxed Mini Ceramic Candle $12

Truffle White Cocoa Mini Tin $6.50

Pagoda Boxed 3-Wick Opulence Bowl $36

Theses candles are perfect housewarming or hostess gifts — even if they’re warming your own home.   Come visit us and pick up a few.   Don’t worry about us running out — we can get more!

Click here for directions

Ahhhhh!   PLEASE forgive me!!! I’m so late posting this entry about the scrumptious cakes from Doughmain Baked Goods in Rosemont. You get to vote for the one that will be presented at Faye & Matt’s wedding at the Independent Seaport Museum on May 23rd!  You only have a day to cast your vote for one of these three yummy  cakes!  They are each so different from one another you will likely find your clear favorite.

CAKE OPTION #1 is the “whimsical” choice with five white offset square cakes with alternating textures on each layer, bedecked with fabric bows and ribbon. It’s a very fun cake that pleased Faye & Matt no end!

CAKE OPTION #2 is a modern design with four round cakes bordered with black ribbon and decorated with black butter cream stencil work.  Faye and Matt loved this one from the moment they saw it.   The intricacies of the lace and other flourishes are gorgeous in person.    The not-too-formal vibe is a perfect fit with Faye & Matt’s wedding!

CAKE OPTION #3 is a traditional and romantic cake of three offset square cakes adorned with bright, fresh raspberries. Faye optimistically refers to this option as the healthy cake!    Faye & Matt  loved how the bold color of the berries popped against the white of the cake and the simplicity of the design.

All three cakes will have the same wonderful combo of flavors:  the bottom, layer will be chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and raspberry puree; the middle layer will be a traditional yellow cake with a raspberry filling, and the top layer will be a banana cake with cream cheese filling.

So, hurry up and VOTE for one of these three.   Voting ends tomorrow.  And it’s really close!   So your vote really could make a difference!

In Part 1, we told you about how this wonderful couple overcame the snowy elements for a joyous pre-ceremony experience.   Now, Carolyn & Steven come in from the cold for their touching and beautiful ceremony at St Clements Episcopal Church in Philadelphia (as seen through the lens of Marie Labbancz’s magic camera).

The little flower girls were absolutely adorable — and beautifully accessorized by these flower purses created by Beautiful Blooms.

Don't you just love how this little girl has learned to admonish the little boy to shhhhhh!

After the ceremony, the celebration commenced at the historic Franklin Institute.   The lighting and decor plan came together beautifully.   Beautiful Bloom’ did an amazing job on the floral centerpieces.

And the dancing went on all night long.   Everyone had a fantastic time — especially the bride and groom!

All’s well that end’s well.   In spite of the wintery weather, this was a beautiful and joyous wedding we always remember!

This winter was one for the record books — not just for the record snowstorms, but the amazing weddings we were honored to be a part of.    Carolyn & Steven’s wedding happened during one of those famous snowstorms, but nothing put a damper on their incredibly wedding day!  The photographs by Marie Labbancz truly show you how wonderful that day was — in spite of the weather!

Their engagement photos showed no sign of the crazy weather in store.

But when their wedding day arrived, Mother Nature gave them a truly romantic snowy day.  As it turns out, this special winter bride secretly wished for snow on her wedding day. She said that the lace on her gown reminded her of snowflakes, which was why she chose it.

Carolyn was beautifully prepared with this pair of amazing snow boots!

Carolyn and her girls got ready at The Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia.  Claudia Seyler did a beautiful job on everyone’s hair and makeup.

b

The beautiful bouquet created by Beautiful Blooms was all about Carolyn.  It was perfect for her!

The couple met in the lobby of the Four Seasons for their romantic moment before heading off to Waterworks on the Schuylkill River.

Thank goodness Claudia was able to stay throughout the day so that Carolyn could be touched up after bracing the elements.   Of course, part of the romance of the day was the warmth the couple gave each other throughout the pre-ceremony photo session!

Stay tuned for Part 2, where Carolyn and Steven com ein from the cold for their beautiful ceremony at St. Clements Episcopal Church and fabulous reception at the Franklin Institute.

Four years ago, today, was my wedding day.   That whole day, I was happy, calm, drinking mimosas, getting my hair done, hanging out with my girls, running around Rittenhouse Square with Marie Labbancz getting photos with Phil and climbing into a limo to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts to marry the love of my life. It was a very, very good day.

Claudia Seyler did our hair and makeup.  Like I’ve always said, having Claudia there on the day of your wedding is like having a great bottle of wine — perfect for the occasion, relaxing and not the least bit overbearing.  She did a great job on everyone’s hair and make up — my mom, my daughters (this is Meaghan), my sisters and me.     Three generations of beautiful hair and makeup.

Phil and I saw each other for the first time that day on the steps in the Rittenhouse Hotel.   He had tears in his eyes.  YAY!

Two Paper Dolls created our invitations. We reproduced Phil’s favorite painting at PAFA.

I absolutely ADORE this photo of my youngest daughter, Katie, lovin’ on my mom, who was 85 at the time.   We’re throwing Mom’s 90th birthday party this summer.

A Broadway choir sang “Seasons of Love” from Rent right before I walked down the steps.  It could not have been more perfect.

That’s it.   We’re married.

Here are the famous shoe and hat box tablescapes by my buddy, Donna O’Brien of Beautiful Blooms. And the “table paintings” instead of table numbers (by Two Paper Dolls, of course).

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Here are my girls (from left to right):  Meaghan, Kendall, me and Katie.

Our first dance.

This is one of my favorite photos of Phil — ever!  He really was having the time of his life.

Everyone had a blast, which, of course, made Phil and me even happier!

One of our favorite parts was the desserts of chocolate stiletto shells filled with scrumptious mousse by the pastry chef at Jimmy Duffy’s.  Four years later, people are still talking about them.   My shoe fetish was very well represented!

I don’t want to overdo the photos of my own wedding, so I’ll stop here.   Hope you enjoyed them!  Happy Anniversary, Phil.  ¡Te amo!

As this new astrological year begins, I thought it would be fun to share the very cool little piece I stumbled on when I was perusing through the latest issue of Food and Wine Magazine.

What a fun way to celebrate a birthday, eh?

When we last talked about the planning of Faye & Matt’s wedding, you were asked to chime in on the difficult choice between two wedding gowns that were beautifully designed and custom created for Faye by Janice Martin Couture. Here is the stunning winner:

Now is your chance to decide between two really beautiful  floral centerpieces created by the incredible team at Beautiful Blooms.   You can vote on Philly.com for either of the two beautiful pieces below.  Faye and Matt love both, so it really is up to you.

By the way, these photos were taken by Kevin York.  Faye and Matt are extremely lucky to have Kevin as their wedding photographer – it’s a certainty that their photos will be AMAZING!

Design#1  (“Organic Chic”) is created from an organic mix of hydrangea, protea, frog’s eye euphorbia, stock, hypericum berries and curly willow.  I just love how the colors compliment each other in the shades of apple green, purply blue and yellow. It will look stunning on the square tables dressed in a great purple pintuck linen with accents of yellow.

Design #2 (“Fishbowl Fashion”) has a more modern feel and was created in a large fishbowl. This arrangement is a combination of plum calla, yellow protea placed on a base of green split peas.   This centerpiece will look equally beautiful on the purple linens.

Hurry.  You only have until Tuesday night to vote for either of these gorgeous pieces.

After the centerpieces are decided, you’ll get to vote for the beautiful wedding rings from Safian & Rudolph.

In Part 1 of Brierley & Andy’s story, we told you about how much we love these guys and how the amazing craft of sailing played a signtificant and beautiful role in their wedding.   The very talented Sarah & Tony DiCicco were absolutely masterful at capturing this beautiful day.

We are now at the stunning ceremony, which took place at the Student Gallery of The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. I LOVE it when a couple decides to have their ceremony there.

After the ceremony, the guests were guided to the magnificent seating card table.  They were thrilled by the origami sailboats the whole family made to serve as seating cards. And just take a look at the gorgeous floral design executed by Beautiful Blooms.   LOVE!

PAFA is a great, GREAT place for photos. Such amazing artwork!

The guests were guided up PAFA's magnificent staircase into the beautiful cocktail area.

I love this photo of Brierley & Andy on that incredible staircase.

After the yummy cocktail hour (where guests were treated to, among other things, a very tasty cheese spread from the couple’s home state of Vermont), the guests were invited into the stunning reception. It was simply gorgeous. Beautiful Blooms did a fabulous job of creating the perfect look right out of Brierley’s head.   Brierley is not an extravagant young woman.   She has a very sleek, but warm style and appreciates details that are organic, rather than manufactured.    We managed to create a look for her tables that was simply lovely, just like Brierley herself!

Their guests had a truly great time.

The food was absolutely incredible.  It was a major priority to Brierely that her guests be served amazing food.   She is an editor at ” Eating Well Magazine” so we classify her as a world-class foodie, and as such, she had very specific, truly unique and wonderful ideas about what and how to serve her guests.   Jimmy Duffy’s was absolutely on board to make all her food wishes come true.  (Little fun fact:   Brierley’s parents used Duffy’s for their rehearsal dinner in the 80’s.)   The guests raved about dinner.   Then dessert arrived and they were totally stunned.    Duffy’s pastry chef created gorgeous red sugar apples and filled them with to-die-for ganache.

And the cake was PERFECT!   Simply and beautifully decorated with perfect red raspberries.

And O.M.G., the dancing!  It went on all night long.  The Sultans of Swing kept this very very happy crowd on that dance floor having the time of their lives.   AMAZING music came pouring out of these guys!!!   They are incredible and we love them!

Finally, there comes a time when we all must just take our shoes off.

As the parting shot, I literally fell in love with this mother-daughter photo.  It is a beautiful photo of this duo who truly love and respect each other.  It was pure joy being around them — we’ll certainly never forget them!

Again, thank you so much, Sarah & Tony.   Your photos really captured the essence of this wedding and we love you for that!