Table Number Holders

Generic table number holders have always been my single biggest wedding and event pet peeve. I always try to encourage my couples not to overlook this small detail when designing their table scapes. Seeing a picture of a gorgeously styled table with a silver pole in the center holding the black and white square table number in place is so avoidable and uncessary. I truly believe quality printed paper items take a design from good to great. I was thrilled when I saw this email from Minted. Bravo Minted, thank you for making elegant, easy and affordable alternatives to the ugly table number holders. Hurray, at last! 

Big Fake Wedding Table Designs Captured by Blueflash Photography

This summer I was tasked wth the honor of designing three tables at The Big Fake Wedding New England hosted by Colonial Hall at Rockafellas in Salem, MA.  My goal was to interpret the inspiration board creatively and take non-floral apprach to the designs with shimmery overlays, gold chargers, couture paper items, and creative ways to mark each table's number. I did of course enlist the superpowers of an old friend and a new friend who created the gorgeous, creative and original menus and place cards pictured below. Thank you to Ana Dolan of Invitations by Ana and Ann Marks of Dacey Marks Designs for your important contributions to these designs.

The couple was so lovely! The day was a unique and fun opportunity to promote my business, mingle with other talented wedding professionals and embrace the charm, character and good food provided by the venue.

One of the most interesting take aways was that there were three different photographers also participating- so the day was captured by three different artists' perspectives!  Today, I am sharing images from Blueflash Photography. It's interesting to see the variety in photography styles. I am mostly sharing images from the tables I designed along with a few of my favorites images from the day. For a more comprehensive look at the whole day and big event, you can check out The Big Fake Wedding post here and Ruffled Blog featured our efforts, too! Their story on the event is here.

Thanks to all who included, inspired and collaborated with me.  Special thanks to my niece Madison who was with me all day. She was such a big help!

I am excited to show you the work of the two other talented photographers who were onboard and capturing beautiful images. It's fun to see their takes on the day as well.

Have a great week!

xo,
Tammy

Poppies and Posies at The Green Building

Sometimes it's better to know when to keep quiet and let the pictures speak for themselves. This is certainly one of those times. I remember the day when Sierra and Juliet of Poppies and Posies agreed to design the Wedding Crashers After Party at The Green Building. I was ridiculously, as in like Christmas Eve as a kid, excited they were on board. I am so grateful to this talented duo, they are both such wonderful women. They've been such huge supporters of my business, they get it with the capital G and their aesthetic is absolutely enchanting. Enjoy the eye candy.


This sign was one of Katie Fisher's designs of the day. She's another industry gem. More on her very soon.







The furniture was courtesy of GreenRoom.

The chandelier projected with light on the brick wall was the brilliant work of Levy Lighting.







The Green Building is like no other, this urban barn has crazy high ceilings, lots of natural light, custom built bars, a great vibe and they are in the process of developing their outdoor space.

Photos courtesy of Trent Bailey Photography

The fashion show was curated by Gabriella New York Bridal Salon. Pictures of it and from the after party in full swing will be here soon.

Real Wedding: Best Autumn Wedding 2009

Reeba and Dan's rustic autumn wedding last October at Olbrich Botanical Gardens near Madison, Wisconsin was truly a highlight of my year.



Having your first look before the ceremony is an opportunity to get really great photos and enjoy some time together before your guests arrive. Carving out this time relaxes couples and it is evident in the photographs. It's a personal choice, but if you're going this route make it meaningful. Dan and Reeba planned their first look at the local restaurant they met at for the first time.

The bride's sister in-law worked in a flower shop and arranged all the flowers.


The bride's grandmother wrote this quote on her grandchildren's wedding cards. Reeba originally wanted to incorporate the quote into the programs, but then they opted not to have printed programs as a nod to the environment. Her grandmother's words were still positioned prominently at the ceremony.


Surrounded by so many friends that love them, they decided not to have a traditional bridal party. This is not uncommon, it's an opportunity to keep a ceremony intimate. However, Reeba did want to include her closest friends in the ceremony. She asked each friend to contribute to a special flower arrangement as they have all contributed to her beautiful life. There was a time designated in the ceremony for each women to bring her flower to the vase that was close to the bride as she prepared to say her vows.

The couple honored the memory of their grandparents with a special table designated to their photos, that guests saw as they entered the ceremony.


When asked if she took this man to be her husband, Reeba loudly, proudly, adamantly and enthusiastically proclaimed, "Yes, I DO!!!" It was awesome. After the couple was introduced as husband and wife, their family and friends erupted into applause. Applause that lasted for several minutes. It was so beautiful to hear and see how happy everyone was for this very special couple.

The couple wanted their décor to reflect the treasures of the season in a tasteful and subtle way, while keeping the overall aesthetic casual, sophisticated, yet festive. The candles rested on a platform that was created by the bride's father. He cut down a tree and had it sliced for this purpose. The groom plans to re-purpose the trunk slices in their backyard as a foot path.

The pie table was one of the most anticipated details of the day. Ana Dolan's signage for the pie table and the graphics she designed for the wedding over all were so lovely and tied the details together perfectly. Thank you Ana! xo

The pies were as delicious as they were beautiful, baked by Hubbard Avenue Diner.

Alternating pies rested on stacked wine crates which created height for the dessert table.



Guests young and young at heart had a blast in the photo booth all evening long.

With many small children in attendance, the personalized coloring books were a hit.

Reeba and Dan did an outstanding job of remaining true to themselves and having the wedding they really wanted while still honoring their family and friends in a thoughtful, generous, creative and original way. This wedding is a beautiful example of how couples can introduce sentimental, fun, meaningful and interesting elements into a wedding while remaining fiscally responsible.

Blue Plate Catering provided delicious hors d'oeuvres.



Photo credit: Andrea Paradowski of Andrea Paradowski Photography and Larry Chua of Iloomin Images

Behind the Scenes: Hosting a Rooftop Brunch: Part 2

Did you miss yesterday's post, part one of Hosting a Rooftop Brunch?



Keep your guest of honor in mind when planning the details of the party, repurpose common or unlikely items and remember sometimes the smallest details can leave the largest impression on guests. The place cards with silly titles were a huge hit with guests and created conversation and laughter amongst guests who were meeting for the first time. These sweet salt and pepper love birds were an Anthropology find from the past.





The kumquats and snapdragons were found at the flower market the day before. When venturing to the market, be sure to go early, as in very early, as most stores close by noon and be open minded to what is seasonal and available. Being set on pink roses may prevent you from seeing the most amazing peonies.



This subtle school concept is an excellent opportunity to personalize and plan an event for for teachers, administrators or anyone who is passionate about learning or nostalgic for their school days.


"Plan for rain and you will be rewarded" - Colin Cowie
Brunch was on a private rooftop on the Upper West Side, an apartment in the building was our rain alternative.



Heights, textures and colors are just as important as the flavors of the food served and presented to guests. We were not sure what the purpose of the orange boxes would be when we purchased them, but they came in handy.



I hosted a shower at this very same rooftop almost a year ago and we were able to borrow an 8 foot table from the building's superintendent, we were able to rearrange table to our liking and had much flexibility in the layout of the space. Fast forward 12 months later: the tables were bolted down, which made them impossible to rearrange and the 8 foot table was no longer available to use. Don't assume, always confirm, be flexible and exercise your right to go with the flow. We managed just fine. Our original vision had to be edited in the 11th hour but the guests were none the wiser! (until now...!)

Floral Design: Gabrielle Aronas
Menus and Place Cards by: Ana Dolan
Photography by: Sofia Negron.
Event Planning and Design by: Tammy Golson Events

Congratulations to Avivit, you did it! Thanks for giving us a reason to exercise our creative muscles, you are a great source of inspiration, even when you don't know it!

Have you read what Ami from Elizabeth Anne Designs has said about this event?

Beautiful Dessert Table

Merci New York and Poppies & Posies created the most beautiful wedding inspiration design. Their creativity and thoughtful attention to detail was celebrated today on Design Sponge. Congratulations Ladies!



It is so refreshing to see a new take on a dessert table! I am beyond thrilled to share these sweet treats:







Be sure to check Design Sponge for the rest of the amazing images.

Photography by Oh, Darling! Photography
Florals & Tablescape Design by poppies & posies floral and event design
Couture Gift & Dessert Table by Merci New York
Catering by Stuart & Welch
Cupcakes by tu-lu’s bakery


Sierra and Juliet of Poppies and Posies were also featured on Daily Candy Weddings today, what a day!

All this recognition is so well deserved, I am happy to help my friends spread their good news!