Event at 501 Union

After enjoying lots of quality time at 501 Union this past week as a guest at their wonderfully planned (of course)  planners' retreat, The Love Union, I was inspired to dig deep into my archives and share images from an amazing party I had the pleasure of planning at 501. My client was looking to celebrate her 40th in a big way and looked to me for help from start to finish. I was thrilled with her openness to so many of my ideas and recommendations and her willingness to go the extra mile to throw one amazing party. There was admittedly lots going on and decadence throughout the evening, but together with the help of an amazing team of professionals, we were able to deliver this stunning, creative and fun party!!!

The Nerds was the driving force of this party. They did not disappoint! It was donut day, what a happy coincidence. Sincere thanks to all the amazing vendors who were exceptional and instrumental in the success of this amazing celebration. 

Venue: 501 Union

Band: The Nerds

Photographer: Angela Gaspar Photography

Florist: Seaport Flowers

Invitations: Blue Pool Road

Furniture Rental: Taylor Creative and Green Room

Lighting: Stortz Lighting

Catering: Michael Stuart Catering and Events

Cake: One Girl Cake

Food Trucks: Ice Cream Sandwiches- Cool Haus 
                      Lobster Rolls: Red Hook Lobster Pound

Oysters: Oysters XO

Flip Books: Flip Books New York

Event Planner: Tammy Golson Events

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard lived up to it's reputation. This laid back, sophisticated and diverse destination, a short ferry ride away from the mainland, makes it easy to enjoy the journey and is a place I hope to return to often if not annually. I wanted some place special and new (to me) to celebrate my milestone birthday and was not disappointed. There was adventure, good food and an abundance of beauty.

Erik-- our innkeeper, was instrumental to the success of our vacation. His invites and information made all the difference. Grateful to Kimberly for recommending Oak Bluffs Inn and thanks to Carissa for sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for MV. Proof positive of the power of a word of mouth referral. If you're hungry for seafood, apple fritters, have a hankering for the ocean or if you're looking for an amazing backdrop for a destination or New England wedding consider Martha's Vineyard.

Happy Fall!

xo
Tammy

Brooklyn Venue: The Bedford

A few weeks ago Jessica from The Parlour Brooklyn invited me to co-host a summer neworking event at The Bedford in Brooklyn. Wednesday night a great group of wedding professionals gathered in the back room of this Williamsburg restaurant. The space is equipped with it's own bar, a separate entrance, and sound set up for a DJ. It's a perfect room for celebrating milestone birthdays or hosting engagement parties and rehearsal dinners. The sangria, vibe and company were excellent. I hope to return soon with my Brooklyn Betrothed ladies to taste the food and let you know how the risotto balls and fish tacos rate.

I am off to Wisconsin for a hometown wedding next weekend and some family time. I hope you're enjoying the summer, I can't believe it's almost over. Have a great weekend!

Katie Fischer Design's The Story of Us...

,
...is one of those ideas that is so good, I almost want to save it for myself but I was raised to always share, alas I must let you all in on this genius idea. I've been singing Katie's praises since I first saw her work in person, and am happy that her kindness and warmth mirror her creativity and talent. Her illustrations were featured at the Wedding Crashers after party at The Green Building and The Story Of Us might be my very favorite personalized and creative wedding element, ever.

What is The Story of Us? It's an opportunity to share your love story through personalized, handmade, creative drawings. This is a tasteful and artistic way to showcase the funny, the fumbles and the interesting things that have taken place in your relationship from first meeting to happily ever after. The illustrations can be used in details throughout your ceremony and reception, they can mark tables, adorn menus, jazz up programs and personalize other paper elements. Katie can do it all.



I helped Katie design her table at New York Magazine Wedding Show in April and I look forward to seeing Katie again tomorrow at The New York City Gay Wedding Expo at the fabulous Gotham Hall. If you're in the neighborhood tomorrow, stop by to say hello and see her beautiful work in person.



The Story of Us also makes a great anniversary gift, and the concept can be tailored for bar and bat mitzvahs and milestone birthdays. Thanks to Katie's recent partnership with Newlywish couples can now register for their Story of Us.

These beautiful photographs were created by talented wedding photographer Sofia Negron.

Creative Children's Birthday Parties

I am delighted to announce my new collaboration with Raandesk Gallery.
Founder, Jessica Porter and I have partnered to bring you art themed birthday parties for children of all ages.

What does this entail?

-Exclusive use of Raandesk Art Gallery conveniently located in Chelsea for two hours of festivities.
-Paper or Online Invites and RSVP management
-Balloons, table decor and personalized Happy Birthday sign with your child's name
-One age appropriate art activity from the list below:

* Full body self-portraits: kids trace themselves onto large rolls of paper (double sided) and draw in their portrait, stuff it, staple it and voila!
* Skateboard painting and decorating: collection of stickers, paints and stencils to put on cutout skate boards made of foam core
* Create your own cartoon character: we bring examples of cartoon characters and the kids take different parts of each one to make their own personal character and name them
* Make puppets and put on a play
* Custom art activity based on your child’s interests and abilities.


+Kids lunch of sandwiches, seasonal pasta or potato salad, chips and beverage (provided by Whole Foods or comparable establishment)

+Personalized birthday cake (or cupcakes) and ice cream
+Paper plates, napkins, cups and serving utensils
+Goodie Bags for each guest
+Music
+Two birthday enthusiasts
+Special gift for the Birthday Child
+Party set up and clean up
+Peace of mind that everything will be taken care of on your child’s special day!

Please contact me for availability and with questions.
tammy@tammygolson.com 917.860.3312

40th Birthday Party

"Tammy Golson Events is exactly what I needed to plan my husband's 40th Birthday Party. I have always dreamed of having an event planner and after my experience with Tammy, I will never do a party without her again! I love to throw parties and for the first time in my life, I actually got to have conversations with my guests, I was not constantly worried about replenishing food or getting my guests drinks. Tammy was so easy going and just handled it all with a very professional yet stress free manner. She is classy, creative and very detail oriented. Our guests are still talking about the party!" -Nel Shelby

Wedding Photographer Christopher Duggan, of Threshold Visions enlisted my services for creating his 40th Birthday celebration. I was, of course, thrilled to help his wife plan this party.

Gallery Bar on Manhattan's lower east side was the place and Christopher said,

"My party Friday was one of the best nights of my life! I had so much fun. The food music and atmosphere were all perfect. We have had so many compliments! Everyone had a great time. You brought so much to the party: your expertise, your kindness, your creativity, your think-it-all-the-way-through know how. You turned a good party into a great one. You did a fantastic job and we are grateful. Thank you for EVERYTHING!"

A personalized message was projected on to a white wall, the artistic atmosphere was a perfect setting for this gathering. Guests were treated to delicious cupcakes by How Sweet It Is, great music by Matt Bonavita of Rhythm In Motion and a special photo opportunity. Christopher set up his camera using a remote control so friends and family members were able to pose with the guest of honor all evening long.

Christopher with friends and fellow photographers: Parris Whittingham and Robert Wagner.

Christopher's cousin Jim wrote an excellent roast and tailored it specially to Christopher poking fun at his recent weight loss, his bald head, acknowledging his wife, celebrating his role of dad and noting his comforting personality. The same cousin has the unique talent of twisting balloons and shaped balloons to replicate Christopher.



The feedback has been great, I was thrilled to be a part of this wonderful celebration.



Happy Birthday Christopher. Cheers to the next 40!

Best Kid's Party of 2009

As I look back on 2009 with enormous pride and joy, I am grateful for the abundance of professional opportunities I have had in the last twelve months. I also realize while I have offered bits and pieces of some of my most memorable events, I have not thoroughly shared the beautiful images and details of them. As we begin to bid farewell to the year, please join me as I showcase some of the best events I have had the privilege to plan and coordinate in 2009.

Andrew’s Third Birthday Train Party

There was never a question of what the theme of this party would be, as this three year old boy is deeply committed to his train tracks, engines and play regime. While Thomas the Tank Engine is his favorite, his mom wanted the party to be personal, creative and thoughtful.


The information on the invitation was thorough, yet presented in a creative verse. This set the tone for the party and gave guests an idea of what to expect.


The wooden train glued to the loot bag was purchased pre-cut at a craft store (they have many other non train options) and gives the bag a clean and natural look. Painting them at the party was an activity on my rain plan alternative in the case of inclement weather. Each bag had a pin stripped conductor hat, a red bandanna, a wooden train whistle (sorry parents!) an individual box of train shaped cookies and candy.


The play list of train themed songs we created for the party was burned to blank CDs for guests to take home. This is an inexpensive favor or filler for any type of party. The CD cover was customized to coordinate with the invites, loot bags and over all concept of the party.


This activity book was made special for Andrew. It featured trains and his birthday. It was filled with pages to color, mazes, puzzles and photos.


I used Martha Stewart's train punch to make the cardboard trains resting on each miniature cupcake. The cupcakes sat on wooden train tracks surrounding the cookie bouquet. They took main stage so no traditional cake was needed. The birthday candles rested in a deep glass of m&m's. Train lollipops and railroad gum adorned the table. When entertaining in a client's home, I try to use their service pieces when it's appropriate. It seems fitting, but in this case the client's beautiful crystal vases would have been a classic contradiction to this casual kid's birthday party. Instead I found Pellegrino bottles in their recycling. The colors coordinated perfectly!


These are Brigadeiros, traditional Brazilian candies. The young guest of honor is half Brazilian so in honoring his culture these were served with dessert. Made with sweetened condensed milk, they are beyond delicious!

The activities were a train pinata, Put the Conductor in the Train Game and swimming.

Good luck planning your next birthday party!


************************************************************************

Thanks to Andrew and his family for allowing me to help them celebrate this special day. Thank you to fabulous Michigan photographer, Jen Kroll for capturing the details of this birthday party.


What are the fondest birthday memories from your childhood?

Planning a Birthday Party

While I have great clients, I am guilty of playing favorites! Luckily my three year old godson in Michigan is one of them. Planning his birthday this year was so much fun. The morning of his party was like Christmas morning. He took my hand and guided me through each room in the house that had fun things for his birthday. Everything he showed me was followed by a: "for my birthday!"

Jen Kroll, the extraordinary wedding photographer came by early to capture the details of the day, before heading out-of-town to shoot a wedding. I am so grateful to her. I look forward to unveiling her photos soon.

Planning a Birthday Party:

-Start thinking and planning early.
-Consider your child's interests. Find inspiration in their playroom, on their bookshelf or from their imagination. Take a common idea and find a way to personalize it.
-Do less well vs. more sloppy. It's okay to aim for the sky with your intentions, but if everything does not get done, don't panic. You have not published the menu or the itinerary and no one will be the wiser if you eliminate a game or forgo the potato salad.
-Delegate and enlist help when necessary. Even if the help is from a local bakery, it's okay!
-Childrens' parties are an excellent opportunity to explore and experiment with DIY projects, especially when it comes to invitations, goody bags and decorations. (If the results are unsuccessful, you don't have to use them or you can tell guests your child helped you.) No one will criticize a parent for trying, on the contrary.
- Keep it simple, the first few years are for you and they won't remember the details, but be bold and have fun with bright colors, balloons and silly things that aren't always appropriate for other events.
-Remember this is a celebration and it should be fun, schedule time to relax and enjoy yourself.

Sooo Sweet!

Saturday it was nearly 70 degrees in New York City. This prompted a walk to the farmer’s market in Union Square that continued. The glorious day led me to Soho where we were lured by Melissa. She had a line of locals waiting to sample her miniature stuffed cupcakes.

When the woman in front of me in line asked Melissa if she was a baker, she answered reluctantly, "I am now..."


Her story: Melissa has a friend who is a huge Grateful Dead fan and he wasn't doing anything to celebrate his birthday. Melissa decided to make him Tie-Dye cupcakes. Her older brother who is an entrepreneur and very influential in her life, suggested she make cupcakes for a living. Take that advice, some good relationships and a little luck and she is doing exactly that. Thursday was the first day she opened the window she sells the cupcakes from.


Her cakes: It's a bite, it's a perfect bite, small enough that you can try two or three flavors before feeling full. This is my favorite way to eat, I love to try everything. I started with the Cookies & Cream, Red Velvet and her signature Tie-Dye. (Not my first choices but that’s all that was left that I could eat. My nut allergy restricted me from trying the PB& Jelly and the Peanut Butter Cup) Initially, I was going to get some to take to my dinner in Brooklyn, but when I learned she had run out of the "good" flavors, I decided not to bring them as my hostess gift. My friend and I enjoyed all three cupcakes. In fact, I like them so much I decided they too were the "good” flavors and did the unthinkable. I waited in line a second time to purchase more cupcakes to bring to my foodies in Carroll Gardens.

I admittedly love looking at, shopping for and making cupcakes, especially miniature ones. They are though, however, not my first choice when consuming calories. I much prefer a gooey brownie or a warm chocolate chip cookie. Melissa may change my mind. I will be back to try the Cookie Dough and S’mores cupcakes. The frosting too is delicious and each dessert is topped with an ingredient that compliments the flavor. Presented in a white box, one's first reaction is sooo sweet; to look at and to eat! I brought my empty box back with me the second time to be refilled, Melissa rewarded by recycling efforts with a $.50 discount. Go Melissa! Pick up your cupcakes on Spring Street btw Mercer & Broadway or visit Baked by Melissa online.