straight guy with a queer eye

2011-08-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this video produced by LightMill that captured the wedding we designed in Washington CT. John is a Neurosurgeon and Tamara is finishing up to become a Dermatologist. Bothe met at Yale and have bought a splendid manor in the rolling hills of Litchfield County CT where this movie was filmed. Her father is a celebrity photographer in LA. You will note the accents, it is because they are from Croatia.

Tamara and John from Geoffrey R. Boka on Vimeo.

My new website!

2011-08-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

A fall Chuppah

2011-03-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

This is one of the prettiest Chuppahs I've made.

No Myth

2010-12-12T05:14:00.000-08:00

Diggin through the blogs this morning I came across this post over at 10 engines. An old video of my old favorite song from the old MTV archives back when the old MTV played kick ass videos. Just thought I'd share.

No Myth @ Yahoo! Video

TerraCycle

2010-11-16T04:39:00.000-08:00

Walmart has installed TerraCycle Centers in a few of their stores in New Jersey. It's actually a brilliant idea and I'm very sure that it will be widely used. TerraCycle creates products from recycled material that is directly gathered from the consumer. Hopefully it will change the way we view garbage, everything has a value, that metallic juice box is raw material and worth something. If you are like me, you would not throw 2 cents into the garbage.

Hockey theme BatMitzvah

2010-11-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

This BatMitzvah for a young woman who plays Hockey was held at a club in DC. We took some of her old equipment and painted theme gold to have them incased in Ice Sculptures. Word of advice, when proposing table top Ice Sculptures for a party, several things, one make sure the company does not place them more then 30 minutes before start time and make sure the Ballroom is on the cool side otherwise you will have premature melting. Second, and take it from me because it happened, if you are going to have Ice Sculptures on tables, do not take the company's word and allow them to place them on a small reservoir type stand. If your client has to have a Ice Sculpture, it has to be placed upon a reservoir with a drain tube, you will need to persuade her that she will need to by the linen because you will need to cut a small hole in the center to run a drainage tube into a 5 gallon bucket. I did not do this and was called during dinner to remove these slippery and heavy sculpture because the linens were soaked with melted ice. Not good, not good at all. But fortunately I kicked it into service mode and tried to remain as jovial as I could, thankfully my client was still pleased with everything.

Photo credits: Juan Carlos

Planner: Michelle Hodges

Lilac Wine

2010-10-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Cinematic Orchestra

I had no idea this song existed. This song was written and originally performed by Nina Simone in 1966. This take of the song is so wonderfully captured through the art of Calligraphy and I highly recommend that you open the video to full screen and capture this truly creative masterpiece.

And just to give proper credit to Lilac Wine's writer, here is Nina Simone

Steffanotis

2010-10-22T06:19:00.001-07:00

I use chenneil stems for my Steffanotis blooms. I twist a small little bend on one end and insert the stem down into and through the bloom. I cut the stems in half, why? because if your clutck is full enough, all you have to do is insert the stem down into the bouquet and the hairs of the chenneil stem will act as a anchor and not allow the bloom to fall out. A nifty time-saver and a good way to allow one to make up the clutch days ahead of time without worrying if the Steff will survive.

Renting furniture just made a whole lot easier

2010-10-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled upon RentalComp while searching for some sofas for an upcoming event. Not a lot of vendors yet, probably because it's a relatively new site, but I did try it and found it consolidated sofas from two companies we do use already. I see a great potential here.

Check em out RentalComp

Featured in a Serbian Celebrity Magazine

2010-10-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Several posts down I featured a wedding we did for Tamara and John in Washington CT. Tamara sent me a scanned image of the article that featured their wedding in a Serbian Celebrity Magazine. If any one can translate the Serbian language I would love to know what it says.

Find out who is "borrowing" your photos.

2010-10-15T03:57:00.000-07:00

TinEye is a great way to keep control of all the photos that you paste on the internet. Regardless of the legal issues, it's bad juju to use other peoples photos without permission. You can also sign up for alerts that alert you to repostings of all your photos. There are all ready some of mine that have been used without credit or authorization...bad, Bad, BAD. TinEye, a reverse image search for free.

TinEye

Elizabeth & Ryan, Maritime Museum Museum, Saint Michaels

2010-10-15T00:22:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we were busy producing the wedding for Elizabeth and Ryan, both of whom live in New York City. Elizabeth spent many weekends at her families summer home on the Bay in Saint Michaels so a Nautical Theme was in the blood. Elizabeth allowed her Mother, Linda to choose pretty much everything in which Linda took great joy and showed such an enchanted attitude during the entire planning and design process. She was by far the easiest Client I've ever worked with, our minds were at the same level, we both knew from the initial meeting exactly how this day would look and she entrusted me with making it happen.

The girls were stunning and the coloration of the flowers served only as adornments, nothing more. The boys, defiantly nautical, the corral ties and leather boat shoes, very cool. And Elizabeth, no words, that dress... the personality... beautiful, quirky, sharp, stunning. I got to drive Elizabeth home to NYC after our second walk through from Saint Michaels. It was the first time meeting her. 4 hours of sharing the presence of one lovely and interesting young woman, every bit as lovely as her Mother.

The Ceremony was the hardest to construct. I made a 110' white washed boardwalk for the Bridal Party to walk down, every single plank I hand painted with a secret white washing formula. They entered the Ceremony through two large white washed columns that were adorned with an abundant array or dried Dune Grass and blue Thistle. There were 6 smaller columns along the walk to the Pergola where there was a long and low box that served as a focal and backdrop, not to tall, I did not want to obscure the magnificent view of the Bay.

For Cocktails, the guests were treated to plenty of fresh oysters and beer which happened to be the result of Ryan's wishes who happens to be a buff when it comes to Micro Beers and I will admit, he found Beers I've never heard of. There was originally to be one massive bar, 16' by 16'. But after the second on-site walk through we decided that it would be just to massive for the space. These things always happen after I make them, luckily Ryan's request for a beer bar came after I shorten the main bar to 13' by 9. There were just enough panels to construct a 13 foot Beer Bar, shew!

I designed four looks for 5 1/2 foot round tables that were dressed in a rich navy blue lined with a light blue twall I chose from Table Manners. I kew Linda would love the linen as we both oood over a deep twall patterned napkin I included in a texture box at our first meeting. It was a unique choice, certainly not nautical, but that was what was so great about it, it served as a soft buffer to the rich nautical decor, gave it an aged old country look.

This awesome tent was 65' wide by 120' long and as clean as clear as a pane of glass, provided by the vigilant Davis of Sugarplum Tents. He floored the entire tent and carpeted it with a cauky turf.

I have not received any photos of the tall wooden vases I made yet, the last photo in this group shows the base of one.

These amazing lanterns I purchased from Pottery Barn. They came in three sizes, this being the largest. I made wooden boxes painted heirloom white with a navy strip for the lantern to sit upon. The pair sat comfortably in a 22 inch foam wreath. In fact, this is the same style of arrangement that Linda first saw, she loved it so much that she signed on with us.

My photographer Sue Muldoon captured this shot and I'm glad she did. Earlier in the day two women approached me during installation and wanted to know everything. Always willing to share, I spent some time with them. Later in the day they came back and told me that they were Event Planners for several Foundations that hold annual events around the country and wanted to know if I travel... well yea! As I was lighting the last of the candles a yacht no more than twenty feet away stopped and this women started yelling "Dragonfly, I love you!" It was one of the planners, oh my. Good PR ey? Surreal.

The evening went off without a single hitch nor a single candle failed. At 9:55 the Father unstbeknown to Elizabeth, Ryan, and guests arranged for a firework display that rivaled any 4th of July celebration I've ever seen. Such a romantic moment, as soon as the last burst there were heard horn blasts from all the folks docked in their boats around the Bay.

After the Reception ended, the guest were then treated to a wooden boardwalk lit by 2 massive floating moon lights that led to the Boat House were there was an after party awaiting them. We supplied groupings of tweed sofas and Anderondick chairs with plenty of nautical themed pillows.

A very special evening, the best of early October weather, the best food, the best event decor!

Planners, Michele Hodges and her very capable assistant Diane Eddy

Caterer, Susan Gage

Decor, the Dragonfly team

Tent, Sugarplum

Photographer, Michael Krauss

Photo Credits, Sue Muldoon and K. Stopak

What is that fabulous flower?

2010-10-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

I found these originally at Michaels for a sample floral arrangement. They are called a Chinese Peony, hand made for about $7. When it came to ordering a multitude for Saturdays wedding I found them on Save on Crafts (here tis de linksy) but looking further down the page I found something even better for $5. I bought 200, so the $400 savings went right in my wallet, don't you love when that happens? For something hand made, they are remarkably sturdy and the color is so light and fresh. With a 5 inch diameter, keeping one designed to rest on top of a design adds so much interest, I cannot tell you how many times I was asked about them during set up.

Dried pods, a good thing.

Bloooooooooging

2010-10-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not been around as I have been so very swamped with events. One more wedding next weekend and I will have a month off to catch up and share some really amazing stuff I have been involved with lately.

A preview of Saturdays wedding

Danny & Annie

2010-09-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

Til death do us part. A 27 year marriage as told by Danny and Annie. Such a sweet story, and tragic, but a good lesson for all of us who wish to die with the one we are with.

via A Cup of Joe

10 new vases

2010-09-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

I have just checked off another part of our upcoming nautical wedding on the Eastern Shore in October. Standing 40 inches tall, these I made from pine and inlayed cross cut wood tiles at the bases. I hand sanded them to bring out a distressed look, a white washed look. When I set these on the tables there will be 3 large sandblasted branches of Manzanita protruding from the top. Each branch will be adorned with succulents. At the base will be a square wreath of fresh cut flowers in white, blue, and orange.

A Serbian Wedding

2010-08-31T03:34:00.001-07:00

We did this fun wedding last weekend out at one of the most darling little New England towns I've seen yet, Washington Connecticut. Tamarah and John are both Surgeons that have been remodeling their country estate in preparation of this wedding all summer. Both are from Serbia and Romania and were previously married at a castle in Romania earlier in the year. But this was to be for family and friend here in the states. Highlights of this wedding was definitely the four bands that played during the night. The first was a opera team out of New York that performed the ceremony, a jazz band during dinner, a Serbian horn band from Brooklyn that mixed with the crowd on the dance floor and brought the Serbian family and friend members to a dance traditional dances. The show was ended by a collection of famous performers, most of the singers were headline back up singers.

Book Themed Wedding

2010-08-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

We did this wedding several months ago, the reception was held at "The Mount" Edith Wharton's home near Litchfield CT. For those who never heard of Edith Wharton, she was the first woman awarded the Pulitzer Prize for literature. The home was absolutely marvelous in every detail and was painstakingly refurbished to it's original 20's vintage slender. Behind the home sat 10 acres of a well groomed french gardens.

We worked on this wedding with Lindsay from Sixpence for your Shoe who was the planner. the photographer who took these shots was Carla Ten EyckPhotography. The Caterer was Jordans Catering.

The highlights of the wedding were our Crystal Candelabras mounted with a lovely floral for the tables. The table markers were simply a house number nailed on a standing book. Each table had a generous stack of old vintage books, ink wells and pens, milk glass, and vintage vases.

This wedding is featured on Style Me Pretty!

Shout out to Adam!

2010-07-30T05:08:00.000-07:00

Adam from Belvedere in Philly received 18 of my chocolate brown wood boxes to mount his natural Manzanita Branch for a wedding coming up in September. Adam is a bright and rising star in the special event society of greater Philadelphia. While on lunch his mother (a family business) sold this centerpiece to a client who came in wanting something different for a funeral. The client cried when she saw the finished piece loved it so much that she snapped a photo and sent it to Adam with thanks and gratitude.

Be careful Adam, September is right around the corner, you better hide these from your customers.

Foo Fighters

2010-07-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Foo Fighters-Wheels

I know what you're thinkin'
We were goin' down
I can feel the sinkin'
But then I came around

And everyone I've loved before
Flashed before my eyes
And nothin' mattered anymore
I looked into the sky

Well I wanted something better man
I wished for something new
And I wanted something beautiful
And wish for something true
Been lookin' for a reason man
Something to lose

When the wheels come down (When the wheels come down)
When the wheels touch ground (When the wheels touch ground)
And you feel like it's all over
There's another round for you
When the wheels come down (When the wheels come down)

Know your head is spinnin'
Broken hearts will mend
This is our beginning
Comin to an end

Well, you wanted something better man
You wished for something new
Well, you wanted something beautiful
Wished for something true
Been lookin for a reason man
Something to lose

When the wheels come down (When the wheels come down)
When the wheels touch ground (When the wheels touch ground)
And you feel like it's all over
There's another round for you
When the wheels come down (When the wheels come down)

When the wheels come down (When the wheels come down)
When the wheels touch ground (When the wheels touch ground)
And you feel like it's all over
There's another round for you
When the wheels come down (When the wheels come down)

When the wheels come down (When the wheels come down)
When the wheels touch ground (When the wheels touch ground)
And you feel like it's all over
There's another round for you
When the wheels come down (When the wheels come down)

Wood Boxes for Manzanita

2010-07-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of people starting to use Manzanita Branch for table centerpieces. I cringe when I read post that advise submerging the base of the branch in Plaster of Paris. Although it works, trying to store the piece is cumbersome . We have been heavy on this trend for 3 years now and have tried it all. Several years ago I started making wood boxes for this very purpose. Nice thing about my boxes is that it takes only one 3 inch lag bolt to fasten the branch to the box. Very secure, nice thing is that you can remove the branches and store much easier until the next event.

My boxes have evolved since the first production. I have learned to stagger the shelf so that the box can be used to insert wet foam at just the right height on one side, turn the box over and you have a shallow shelf for laying stones, gems, whatever you choose without having to fill more then a half an inch layer. Not only does the box serve as a great mount for Manzanita, the box will hold any tall glass vase you have, sturdy and strong, they make a great solid surface for heavy water filled vases.

I make 3 sizes, 6", 12", and 15" square. They are 4 1/2 inches tall. I will paint them with primer and the color of latex enamel of your choosing. My favorite is Heirloom White that I age and distress, beautiful box when combined with sand blasted Manzanita. The 15" box has an optional wood cover available, great for elevating.

If interested, call me for pricing, usually ships in two weeks.

703.370.2525 for DC Metro

860.413.9266 for NY and New England

2010-07-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't shared anything for the past several weeks, I've been crazy busy reorganizing my studio. I've been clearing away the clutter, moving all the prop stuff over to storage, in this heat, totally draining. However, I've been in this weird creative mode, which I like, it inspires me to tackle projects I've been ignoring. I recently launched a prop company, products for events, and have just completed my first order of wooden boxes to mount Manzanita Branches for a client in Philadelphia, so the path begins.

This early evening I was sitting in my studio enjoying a icy cold pale ale, the Barn Doors open and a wild thunderstorm rolled through, ahh, sweet summer rain!! So quiet so loud, a wet cool gust of fresh rain scented air cleansed the air within my studio, my lungs, and my mind. That was a refreshing moment, one that deeply replenishes the creative mind.

Your secret from Jean-Sebastien Monzani on Vimeo.

2010-07-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

A handy little site devoted to glueing things together. Great to stick this one in the Bookmark folder! This to That

Thanks for the link How About Orange!

Justifying a Service Fee.

2010-07-02T03:16:00.000-07:00

We charge 20% for delivery to cover delivery, installation, and removal. It takes every penny of that to insure that our perfect product presents itself as perfect. However, with this money we are there for the entire event, we assist the planners in load in and dock management, table installation, and we try and assist the caterers during the event by removing trash, organizing docks-preparing for load out. At the end of the event we are involved with the client, we make sure they never have to lift a finger and will secure and deliver anything the want us to from the venue, We make it a point to be the last vendor out and will usually clean up after others. This attentive service pays off a million fold. Not only do you gain a reputation as a team player, you gain respect from other vendors and the venue itself which parlays in recommendations and referrals. Your business is essence is just great to have around. If you give to the event instead of taking, your product, service, and reputation will sell itself and you will be able to raise your minimum and service fee. There will be much that your client will not see behind the curtain, but after all said and done you have given them way more then their monies worth but no good deed goes unrewarded. There is no such thing as a golden rule, you have to work hard for the gold.

Rubberband Man

2010-06-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Spinners

When are you guys going to bring back Bellbottom Trousers? Really diggin' the suits.

Poka Dots!

2010-06-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

Stumbled on this idea from a fashion shoot. How clever would it be to decorate a ballroom with poka dots? Great way to melt modern and classic.

Found this photo @ coutequecoute

A Modern B'NaiMitzvah

2010-06-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

A B'naiMitzvah for the Seiger Family. The kids wanted a modern club theme, we gave it to them. Points of interest: The tall vases held round 18" etched glass disks that served as platform for pillar candles. We found these at IKEA, a endtable you can buy for about 20 bucks, the table comes with 2 plates.

A modern Escort Card Table

2010-06-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is a Escort Card table we did for a B'naiMitzvah we did. The cards were placed in small glass photo frames and propped on top of 3" glass cubes. Small acolytes submerged in blue tinted water filled several cubes and were left bare to create a cool pattern.

Photos courtesy of Bradley Photography

Trying to go "Green"

2010-06-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

We like trends, we like following trends, and we like to think we set trends or at least we like to think we are staying at the forefront of the latest trends. We all know how much garbage our businesses can create, just one moderate sized event can produce three or four 50 gallon barrels full, four bags that is so easy to just throw in the dumpster and be done with it. Going "Green" is the latest trend in event design. Clients usually associate Green events as "Organic Materials", flowers, paper, reused-repurposed items that they can feel good about cutting the massive carbon footprint they are leaving by throwing a party such as a social or corporate event.

True many florists are touting they only work with 100% organic flowers, but that is kind of a fib. Why? Because the market won't support a 100% total organic florists year around so eventually that business will suffer beyond the ability to fund a "ideal", truthfully, if someone is touting true organic flowers then they are selling bug chewed and flawed flowers. It's like going to the produce isle of a grocery market and choosing between a ripe red flawless apple or a red apple a few worm holes. The media and even a number of so called educated industry pros have carelessly condemned flower growers in South America for using pesticides, herbicides, and even contributing to the demise of poor helpless laborers by gassing them.

Where do we do to pin the label "Green" to our brand?? First we need to realize that commercial growers in South America, California, Holland, and New Zealand have made HUGE leaps in adopting sustainable methods of producing "flawless flowers" that we all want, what our clients demand from us. The system is not perfect, but they have done a fabulous job with adopting natural pest control practices, preservation, and mostly worker safety and wellbeing.

Because you buy flowers with the "Veriflora" label printed on the side of the shipping box, you are essentially supplying "sustainable" flowers, you are in fact supporting the "Green" trend. Proclaim that to your clients, don't be the end of the effort of the backs of many who assure that they are doing their part in being ecologically sustainable.

So it's basic, most of us know how to supply products that can be labeled "Green". Hooray, good for us! Really? Is that it? Kind of lazy way of looking at the whole picture, ya think? What about our operations? If we demand everyone to supply us with "Green" products shouldn't we be practicing sustainable in our own operations? We don't think twice about using buckets of preservatives and disposing it down the drain, out of sight out of mind all in the quest for giving the flower and extra few days of life. Fortunately city refuse regulations are forcing some of us to separate our recyclable materials especially for those of us who operate in a residential zone. My company moved from a DC a commercial zoned area complete with a mammoth dumpster to a rural Connecticut residential zoned area and am forced to separate garbage, recyclables that are labeled to everyday everything else. We started with a 95 gallon container once a week to that same container for recyclables once every two weeks and a 65 gallon container once a week. So I am forced to separate everything just so I don't swim in garbage.

I don't proclaim to anyone that I am a "Green" event designer, however because of my circumstances I naturally practice sustainable ways of dealing. First off is my garbage. Fortunately I live on a piece of land that I built a barn/studio on so I can easily dump all my green waste in a compost pile. This accounts for more then half of my waste. I have two barrels in my studio, one for collecting greens, and one for plastics and odds. I salvage everything, I precut Oasis before soaking so I'm not disposing chunks of wet foam. Much of the packing materials like bubble wrap, paper, styro, I use for transporting. All my shipping boxes are returned to the wholesalers. I use milk creates instead of cardboard for transporting everything to an event. Everything that is recycable goes in the bin for collection. We have a city refusal transpher station that I can take everything else that is recycable, wood, used oil, paint cans, etc. If you live in a commercial zoned area maybe you can collect your greens an barrels and have a driver load and dump at a community compost pile. Or maybe you can request a separate bin or pick up container from your city. I think the point is to try and separate anything recyclable, wasteful, from your green material.

We do in the summer and fall months buy from various local flower farmers that do grow organic flowers and that helps, the quality is usually very good but it is seasonal and varieties are limited to few weeks of mature crop harvest. I do grow various plants on my property but hope to eventually grow quite a bit: boxwood, curly willow, hydrangea, magnolia, peony, and various shrubs.

Some of the products we offer like soy candles help, the paper products, we try to use recycled papers, invitations, office paper, etc. Much of my propwork I save and refashion new props from. You would be surprised what you can find at second hand stores and antique shops, even tag sales are a wealth of inexpensive prop material and vases headed for the landfill.

Going "Green" does cut into our profits, it means a few extra steps in our all ready overburdened days. But you have to look at it as an investment into our industries survival. There are many examples of industries failing because they happen to be stuck in a unsustainable business model. Paper Magazines, inefficient, reliant on forest products and heavy oil consuming transport methods. Lets not follow path, do what we can now because what we do affects the long term survival of events in the future. Markets adjust because the end users set the demand and the entire industry sets it's own trend because there are many creative and conscious people working hard everyday to sustain the earth and it's resources.

Do your part.

A lovely hors d'œuvres

2010-06-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

As I was secretly stealing left over hors d'oeuvres last weekend out of the venue kitchen I thought "man this good, a shrimp on a fried cracker with a pineapple glaze" but you know, a summer wedding, you need fresh, you need fresh and wet, something clean and healthy.

Of course if you are taking my suggestion and following Jenna's blog Charm and Salt, her latest post "Light Fare" would have been the perfect pairing to a refreshing drink. A mozzarella, basil leaf, and cherry tomato on a single bite skewer sprinkled with a flavored olive oil and lightly dusted with salt and pepper.

Incredible Jenna.

Submerging candles

2010-06-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

This is a great illusion and will create a "wow" factor. If you place a smaller glass cylinder inside a larger cylinder and fill them with water, the weight of the smaller cylinder will actually lower the water line below the water line in the larger cylinder. Has something to do with rocket science I'm sure but the finished illusion is that a candle will burn under water. Tint the water and submerge some long orchid strands for an enhanced look. The only expensive thing about the arrangement is lugging all that water.

Yellow Carnation Sphere

2010-06-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

This cute center, placed on a children's table was so easy to make. A green metal pail purchased at the Christmas Tree Shop for $2.99, 50 yellow carnations inserted in a 6 inch Oasis Wet Foam Sphere. I recommend spaying a heavy coat of Crowning Glory on the Carnations and this arrangement will last over 2 weeks. A simple folded table number is placed over the pail's handle.

New Napkin Fold

2010-06-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

This tutorial on this napkin fold can be found on How About Orange. Stop it at step 5 and you have a dress.

A Prairie Home Companion

2010-06-20T05:39:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday, 12:oo on NPR is about to roll around and Garrison Keiller and his show A Prairie Home Companion will aire. The highlight of my week, time to turn the radio on and prepare to be transported to a simpler time, a safer world, unscripted stories of simple points. Love the music and characters on the show. Loving this show in anticipation reminds me of a time when as kids we would gather around the tele 7pm on Sunday to watch Walt Disney in hopes that this week they would broadcast a cartoon.

Looks like I will miss this years A Prairie Home Companion performed and broadcasted from Tanglewood, my wife and friends failed miserably by not picking up on my subtle hints, it's my Birthday you know.

Next year, don't ask me, you know now.

Got to get me some...

2010-06-20T04:56:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, it's hot, I'm setting up a tent for the kids at the BatMitzvah, I had to suspend 35 lanterns. As always the caterers have to set up bars as you work which means if you are hungry or in this case parched, you simply are distracted by bodily needs.

Jordans Caterers had set this kid's bar, the drink of the night was fresh squeezed Lemonade in cute Mason Jar glasses with handles and they sugared the rim.

Damn they looked good. Damn they looked good. I wonder if when the tender turns his back would she notice one missing, should maybe I ask for one? Damn it's hot, I'm thirsty, got to move this ladder, I'm only on lantern 16, damn they look good.

Escort Card Table, Wheat Grass

2010-06-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

We produced a BarMitzvah at the New Britain Museum of Arts yesterday. One of the highlights was the Escort Card Table. When we have parties that require Wheat Grass, my fingernails are always chewed off by event time. Through years of experience growing Wheat Grass it is always a touch and go, we want at least four inches and we want it when the blades get that open spoon look. We typically process the seed for planting 7 days before the event and plant 6 days, this is what works for us, but there are so many various conditions that speed or slow growth, old seed, temperature, this time Marcy actually planted the grass for the first time as I was in DC for another event. I was so proud that she exceeded in something that has always been my domain, she babied the seeds, soaking in clean water and rinsing every so often, she prepared the soil perfectly, and never over watered, she did everything right and still the grass grew to 5 inches, but it was fine, we could have planted 5 days prior but it was a new shipment of seed so there is no chance for experimentation.

The Escort Board is a picture frame that I designed with Hosta and Aspedistra leaves with a row of yellow Gerbera Daisies.

Charm & Salt

2010-06-15T18:00:00.001-07:00

This is Jenna. Could there ever be a cuter young woman on the face of the earth? I love my moments with her, she sides as a Wedding Planner with Pineapple Productions, a DC based Planning Firm. Fun, funny, interesting, and unbeknown to me, one hell of a chef. If you like food and wit check out Jenna's blog Charm & Salt.

Color Pallet inspiration

2010-06-15T04:13:00.000-07:00

I had to share a couple of great color shots I stumbled upon on Oh Happy Day. We actually have used the green pallet before without the saffron which I will admit is a great contrast to the aquamarine.

Longinvitation

2010-06-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

Great idea, not only did this couple create a cute invitation, better yet they won't spend half of the wedding evening explaining to all the blue hairs how they actually met. Smart.

Found at manolobrides

"I don't want the f*cking ribbon"

2010-06-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

I think this is funny, but I also think it's kind of a wake up call to those of us who produce products and services for social events. Of course there has to be some sort of justification for the prices we charge not forgetting to remember that brides can practically buy the same products we can and these days at the same prices. Fortunately for those who realize that it's the creativity and service that we offer and produce is what justifies the value of our product.

New Species of Birds discovered.

2010-06-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

I am finding images like these maddening. I know there are folks volunteering their time and resources capturing and cleaning these poor creatures, but somehow I am finding myself repulsed with the whole idea of off-shore drilling. Not trying to be political here, but I've just heard that a second well has been leaking since Katrina, only a barrel a day, so were told, but frankly we've been fed a bucket of shit. If this catastrophe does not prove that oil consumption is ruining our environment, then we as a species truly deserve our fate. We can see this dismal proof so far through birds, we have not even begun to see the fate of other species effected, yet.

As this poison makes it's way to the Atlantic Currents it will eventually produce a world wide famine for all species. Now I'm not a religious man but when this whole thing began with the burning Oil Rig crashing into the Gulf and immediately I thought of this biblical prophecy:

Rev. 8:10-11: The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water-- the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.

Should BP be responsible?

2010-06-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a single time I've purchased gas from BP, but I kinda want to test this sign.

Uprising

2010-06-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

Muse

I can't get this song out of my head.

Wedding at the Cosmo Club picked up on Style Me Pretty

2010-06-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Duncan, the best assistant I ever had and now a planner with Pineapple Productions in DC submitted this wedding we worked on together to Style Me Pretty. So delighted with the photos.

This wedding took place at the Cosmo Club in DC, a members only club, this venue holds some of DC's most prestigious society weddings and dinners, it has done so for a very long time. This Ballroom is adjacent to a room were the likes of Albert Einstein and his associates drew up plans for the first atomic bomb.

The editorial can be found here

2010-06-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

Iceland, Eyjafjallajökull - May 1st and 2nd, 2010 from Sean Stiegemeier on Vimeo.

Somehow mankind just can't match Mother Nature, my god how we try.

In remembrance of Memorial Day

2010-05-31T10:22:00.001-07:00

VJ Day, Honolulu Hawaii, August 14, 1945 from Richard Sullivan on Vimeo.

Rentable Typewriter

2010-05-20T03:20:00.000-07:00

A darling idea, a vintage typewriter set up on a gift table or a escort card table. Set it up with a few pieces of nice paper so that guests can type a memorable note for the Bride & Groom. I think it could rent for 50 bucks.

Guy Wolff Pottery

2010-05-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

We took a road trip to the neighboring town of Bantam outside of Litchfield Ct yesterday to see Guy Wolff at his studio. He was kind enough to throw a piece for us and the delight of my two little girls. It amazes me how fast a master like Guy can turn a lump of clay into a work of art. The piece shown took him all of 5 minutes to throw. Of course we bought 2 new piece of his 2010 collection, one of which has already been planted with a beautiful pink Hydrangea.

Guy was every bit as cordial and interesting as I expected. He showed us his wife's famous garden that was featured in Better Homes and Gardens which is a quintessential New England Garden. And we shared stories of our celebrity clients and business tid bits. I think I want to be his friend, very cool guy.

Shots by Rodney Bailey

2010-05-17T05:29:00.001-07:00

I stumbled upon a few shots this morning on Rodney Bailey's blog of our work. Rodney, a well known Photographer in the DC area is amongst a few of who I consider the best of the best.

Gloriosa from Japan

2010-05-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

Flowers from Japan

2010-05-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

This week we bought some flawless Sweet Peas from Japan. More expensive then US or Dutch grown flowers, the quality was far superior. If you get the chance, request Japanese flowers from your wholesaler because the new varieties are something we are not use to seeing and will definitely set your brand apart from the competition.

Lilium "Nobel"
Scabiosa japonica "Apricot"
Scabiosa japonica "Green Apple"
Rosa La Campanella

Images from BloomJapan

When a Guy does something wrong.

2010-05-13T16:42:00.001-07:00

Nautical Table Numbers

2010-05-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

We found these adorable photo frames online that fit the theme of this event perfectly. We had to paint a few with aquamarine acrylic but just touches. The client sent us some photos of her kids playing on Rehoboth Beach from past vacations, we simply scanned theme and edited them to give them a vintage feel. The numbers we found at Johann Fabrics, again we painted them with aquamarine acrylic and hot glued them to the picture frames.

Rehoboth Beach Themed BarMitzvah

2010-05-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

This is sadly the last child of this family we have been honored to work for. Last night we developed and produced a Rehoboth Beach themed BarMitzvah at the National Harbor in Washington DC. As usual it came off flawless despite having only one elevator. Some of the highlights I created was the sandbox escort card box with 208 message in a bottle cards.

Salsa

2010-04-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

“And Then There Was Salsa” from Frito Lay Dips on Vimeo.

Ok this defines creativity. You must watch this on Vimeo, click the link "And Then There Was Salsa"

Up There

2010-04-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

UP THERE from Jon on Vimeo.

You have to admire the few guys who are keeping this art alive.

Good find SwissMiss

Glitter

2010-04-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

Pink's performance at the Grammys. To me the set design was rivaled only by the performance.

A Candy Buffet

2010-04-27T18:22:00.001-07:00

photo found at mercinewyork

Silk Bouquets not gaudy anymore.

2010-04-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

Silk Bouquets sold on Etsy. There are so many cool silks and botanicals out there.

a DIY Bride

2010-04-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

I'm so intrigued by DIY blogs, the creativity demonstrated by Brides these days and the ability to make and install such creativity makes me so proud of these kids. This couple, married in Nashville did everything. From a cool cupcake display, fabric treatment, to this amazingly innovative TV display, this energetic and quirky couple out did themselves. I almost feel like offering them a spot on our design team.

If you check out this post on DIYBride, make sure you watch the video they had made of the event, they perform a number that is so friken cute.

Metallic Calendar or Escort Board

2010-04-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Find complete DIY instruction here

Making personalized Place Card Rocks

2010-04-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

A great little idea using air dry clay and letter stamps.

Found this idea at the violet hours

2010-04-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's good to know that flowers have a meaning.

Turn glass vases and jars into enameled beauties

Flower Ring

2010-04-25T05:32:00.000-07:00

A new trend? Or the result of a beautiful creative mind. A flower ring made by Dore from Stems for a girl attending her prom. I for one think it's a cute idea, body adornment has always been in so why not the finger?

Mojitos & Proposals

2010-04-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

I am setting here hashing out some thoughts on paper after a long day on the road yesterday. I met with a new client who's daughter is getting married near the families estate on the Eastern Shore. Marcy and the girls are still in Buffalo till tomorrow which gives me all day to kick back to a fresh pitcher of Mojitos, my lap top, and oodles of quiet time to mentally create. All the windows are open and the light cool breeze is filtering fresh scented spring air through the house. Life is good, and if this amazing proposal wins favor with this client I will have a tremendous amount of fun props to build this summer! Life is good right now, I have a great job.

Jouni Seppanen

2010-04-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Finnish Master Designer Jouni Seppanen shows distinct designs at a annual show in the UK.

Photos courtesy of Fusion Flowers Magazine

Ooo La La!

2010-04-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Mimomoss Design Interiors - Frank Artgalerie

2010-04-22T04:09:00.000-07:00

It's Earth Day! Unplug, get outside and do something!

Edible City

2010-04-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Edible City Trailer 2 from East Bay Pictures on Vimeo.

Learn more about Edible City here

String Gardens

2010-04-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

Lovely idea, lovely website, lovely way to display cherished plants without taking up floor space. What about a strawberry plant dangling in a window seal, how fun to watch berries ripening in the sun.

I see this a really cool application for Special Events too.

Quote of the Day

2010-04-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

"We just talked with our Dutch Buyers and we have Cargo Space allotted for Monday's shipment of your Peonies". Susan Taylor, Delaware Valley Wholesale (the result of numerous annoying and frantic calls regarding next weeks wedding order).

Emergency Mode

2010-04-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

Baronesse

Miranda

As most florists in the states who have weddings this weekend and next weekend know that the Volcano cloud in Iceland is wrecking havoc with more then just travelers trying desperately to fly out of Europe, it's also causing untold wedding flowers from Holland to not reach desperate florists in time for weddings that are quickly approaching this weekend. Fortunately I don't have one this weekend however I have two next weekend. One wedding requires lots of Peonies, arg!. It's still a bit to early for US grown Peonies, what is ready has I'm sure been cut in small bud form because of the unfortunate demand.

Getting creative is the key. Putting your foot down at this point in the game is CRUCIAL for assuring the look you sold to the expecting bride. What we have done is bypass our supplier's "we're trying, we will check into it and let you know" action and procure substitutes now.

Peonies are unique, probably, well at least for us, requested "because she loves the so" by the bride. I will say that there is a chance in hell that we will present a full bloom of Peony at her wedding, not good enough, so we have ordered, and they will arrive early in the week, several varieties of Garden Roses grown in Ecuador. These varieties are the closest resemblance to Peonies available , plus they smell so sweet.

Amazing Chuppah in Colorado

2010-04-21T03:15:00.000-07:00

This amazing Chuppah was made by building a plywood frame structure, water picking flowers to styrofoam sheets and screwing the sheets to the frame. I must say that this is one of thee most beautiful Chuppahs I have ever seen. I am so so inspired to recreate this. This beauty was made by Bloom in Denver Colorado.

Tabletop Lanterns

2010-04-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

We placed an order for these very nice lanterns from Pottery Barn. I will be placing the larger ones in a wreath of white and orange flowers for a Eastern Shore Wedding in October. These are great to have around.

The 4 Chord Song

2010-04-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Who knew?

A game of Scrabble?

2010-04-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Large Scrabble chips, kind of cool, a myriad of useful ideas for event signage, or wall art. Available at Great Big Stuff.

Tools that are theft proof

2010-04-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

If I catch anyone at an event with these tools, I'm calling the cops!

A hammer, a screw driver, a utility knife, with pretty flowers.

Available for 10 buckaroos on Amazon.

There's a new Catholic in town, and he has a badge.

2010-04-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

I met Father Rich Hasselback at a wedding this weekend in New England. A traveling Wedding Officiant with Catholic credentials, and he travels! What a cool guy, lite, bright, and personable, but best thing is that he will do inter-denominational weddings. Catholic-Jewish, Hindu, Protestant. His very warm liberal views are refreshing these days and really supports the need for a man of the cloth to not be so ridgid in the Catholic regulation.

He can be reached here

Garden Arch

2010-04-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

A Garden Arch we set at Evermay in Georgetown.

Digital Picture Frames

2010-04-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Who buys these things? But think about it, with the ability to download 3000 photos it's a great way to liven up a boring and lifeless store display, or one can even take one along to a bridal show. I use to think they were a bit cheesy but I am captivated when I see them. You can find this one at Walmart for $46

Finally the Book is out!

2010-04-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

I really never cared for Farmer's Markets until I my wife and I went to Paris with Karen an James, a place they visit 3 or 4 times a year. Of all that Paris offers, visiting the markets and selecting this and that's for dinner was etched on my memory banks not to mention my taste buds for ever. What a lovely way to spend a few hours not only gazing on the fabulous displays of local foods, but observing colorful characters.

This passion for Markets inspired Author Karen Seiger to write a book that will show you every nook and cranny of New York Cities unique and colorful farmer's, flee's, artisan's, and fashion markets that according to Karen, rivals any in the world.

The book "Markets of New York City" is published by Little Book Room and is available on Amazon here. Not only will it give you a new fondness for local Markets as only Karen can energize you in a colorful and informative way, but she is the photographer for all the shots too, her sight for the candid ranks here up there with several documentary photographers I know and admire as well.

A Persian New Year's Day Soup, yum

2010-04-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

Karen at Markets of New York interviewed NY Chef Louisa Shafia, author of Lucid Food: Cooking for a Eco-Conscious Life. She shared a receipe for "Ash-e-reshteh", A persian dish that has my mouth watering. Best part is that one can gather all the produce ingredients at local Farmers Markets.

Karen shares the recipe on her Markets of New York Blog here

Quote of the Day

2010-04-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

To analyze the charms of flowers is like dissecting music; it is one of those things which it is far better to enjoy, than to attempt to fully understand.-Henry T. Tuckerman

We're an American Band

2010-04-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

Grand Funk

A friend's sister decided to start clearing the attic and had a box of old 45's. Sandy decided to grab a few photos, when I saw the Grand Funk American Band record I about cried. I had this same exact 45 as a kid. I played so many times at so many personal moments in my young life. Even though it had several repeating skips, it was my single most cherished possession. I had the 45 for two years and lost it. I think it got thrown out because I kept my records stored in a couple of magazines on a shelf in my room which exposed it to one of my mom's spring cleaning raids. I don't think I've really heard this song since I saw Sandi's photo.

Thank you Sandy, you rock!

Wheat grass table for Escort Cards

2010-04-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

I did not event this idea, I'm sure it's been done a million times. However on this early spring day the sun was deliciously warm, there was the sweet aroma of blooming trees floating across the massive gardens of this estate, and the seeds that I planted were of good quality and sprouted into a beautiful shade of grass green.

The one thing that I do that is probably different is that I made galvanized troughs that are 2 feet by 30 inches. They fit perfectly upon regular rectangle tables, I made 4 so they can be placed on a 8 foot table, 3 fits on a 6 foot. I drilled drain holes on the floor of the trays so packing one inch of soil and planting seeds right in the trays makes for flawless blades of grass. The flowers were simply water picked right into the soil. I glued pressed flowers on Card Stock Paper and let the Bride right out the names.

Anatomy of a Shirt Collar

2010-04-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Not simple trivia guys, at some point you're going to want to get fitted for a major player shirt to go with that tailor made suit you just invested in. It helps to know the anatomy of a well made shirt.

via Things Is Cool

Excuses

2010-04-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Yours Truly Presents: The Morning Benders "Excuses" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

The Morning Benders

Sounds like something Phil Spector would have produced. Famous for filling studios with lots of musicians. Reminds me of later John Lennon stuff, pretty cool, I like it.

Suspending with cable. not wire.

2010-04-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Regardless of what you are suspending, the last thing you want is your line to snap. There is nothing more embarrassing or dangerous then a chandelier falling or even a line of lanterns falling on top of guests.

If you use Airline cable, you can string between T joints all the way across a ballroom and get the line really tight. 1/16 is the smallest gauge and can hold 450 pounds. The Adjustable Hangers are really easy to use, in one hole and through the other and you're set. I've suspended live christmas trees inverted and walked away with a smile on my face. Do it right!

Available here.

How to cuddle up to an Elephant Seal, if ever the occasion rises

2010-04-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Unusual Limosines

2010-04-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

2010-04-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

"I get more anxious than nervous before a concert." Miley Cyrus

An Iron Gut........NOT!

2010-04-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have two hours to kill before I have to leave to deliver and install this Iron Tree. It's a small wedding about 20 miles away and all I have to is install this tree, deliver the Bridal work and set up a Escort Card Table centerpiece. I've set this darn think up so many times I could do it with my eyes closed. The only time consuming thing to do is wiring all the 200 stems of Red Mokara Orchid stems, and hang the votive lanterns, should take an hour tops. I have three hours to install.

So why do I get so nervous? I rush to get everything loaded, double and triple check everything, leave no stone unturned, yet this nervous ball I get in my gut is enough to drive the normal person insane. Why is that? How do you cope?

On Nurturing Creativity

2010-04-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

"Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk." Watch this video and more on Ted

If your anything like me and I consider myself a creative person who battles demons and wonders why I pop into a magical state of creative bliss only to be slapped back by the most trivial disturbances. Do your self a favor, spend 20 minutes somewhere quiet, somewhere away from the world and learn, discover, and realize. Watch it again soon, then again down the road, it has unlocked things in me, tools to better deal with my creative self.

Tiny Desk Concert

2010-04-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Bill Callahan

Earth & Moon

2010-04-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

This is what the Earth and Moon actually look like in comparison if you were looking at them 350,000 miles away. The distance between the Earth and Moon is 250,000.

2010-04-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

"Someone asked me once what I would do if I didn’t have to make it “perfect.” My answer: A GREAT DEAL MORE THAN I AM DOING NOW." Preston Bailey

Eco Friendly Freeze Dried Rose Petals

2010-04-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

Available from Flyboy Naturals

I should of taken acid with you

2010-04-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Neon Indian

Lace Tape, deco tape from Tapeswell

2010-04-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

Lace tape from Tapeswell turns any cheap glass cylinder into a customized glass votive for about a dime.

Stenciling with freezer paper

2010-04-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

Im borrowing this idea for a BatMitzvah coming up next month from How about Orange. I am installing a beach themed beach store facade and have to dress it up custom gift wear. This is a great way to customize girt bags using freezer paper. You can view complete instructions here.