Inside the Givenchy Atelier with Riccardo Tisci's Couture Wedding Gown

Not much to actually write but if you have an obsession with wedding gowns like me, this video will make you want to devour the details.

It is a breath of fresh air to hear the passion these designers have in creating something absolutely perfect for that one momentous day. You can see their spark for wedding couture as Riccardo Tisci and Fabiola Beracasa walk through the final fitting at Givenchy Atelier. Enjoy!

For More Info: http://video.vogue.com/watch/vogue-weddings-inside-the-givenchy-atelier-with-riccardo-tisci-s-modern-couture-wedding-gown

Viral Impact: ALS Ice Bucket Challenge - What Event Professionals Have Learned

There’s no denying it - the #ALSicebucketchallenge has evolved into a full-on viral sensation. Pete Frates and millions of participants have raised serious awareness and research funds with this growing campaign. Donations from July 29 to August 20, 2014 have surpassed over $31 million compared to $1.9 million donated during the same time period last year. Event professionals are taking notes on how the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has exploded on the web. The impact of this campaign has given them valuable knowledge when it comes to  marketing their own trade show and event campaigns.

According to Kristin Veach, blogger for Live Marketing, event professionals can really take away three learnings from the ALS campaign.

1.) For a Good Cause

With most companies having a charitable donation program or a foundation dedicated to philanthropic causes, doing good has become a popular strategy for building brand goodwill.

How the #icebucketchallenge does it well: By tying in other hashtags such a #strikeoutALS to commemorate former baseball star Lou Gehrig, who is one of the first professional athletes to suffer from and receive media recognition for the disease.

2.) The Social Network

Social integration is now part of many event marketing programs.

How the #icebucketchallenge does it well: Having downloadable graphics available at ALSA.org that say “I Completed the Challenge” and include the ALS logo and 2 Challenge-related hashtags plus calling out others to complete the Challenge, and mentioning/tagging them in posts or tweets, extends the message to a much larger audience.

3.) People-Powered Content

Compelling user-generated videos, pictures, etc.

How the #icebucketchallenge does it well: It’s incredibly easy for any smartphone or social media user to capture video. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge used that capability to their benefit with the posting of millions of icey-water videos.

While the buzz of the #ALSicebucketchallenge keeps growing, it will be hard to top the success it has achieved but hopefully these three learnings will help you devour the details at your next event or trade show. Read more at: http://info.livemarketing.com/blog/bid/112693/Eventprofs-Learnings-from-ALSIceBucketChallenge.

15 Creative Ways To Wear Blue

I know lately most of my posts have been geared towards weddings, but I just can't get them off my brain since everyone I know seems to be getting married! This great post by Lauren Conrad features 10 creative ways to wear 'something blue' on your wedding day. The ideas she shares are great because this is something most women stress about leading up to their big day. Check out these awesome ideas below and 5 additional ones from me!

1. Blue Pedicure

2. Blue Lingerie

3. Blue Jewelry

4. A Hidden Blue Heart

5. Blue Garter

6. Blue Hanky

7. Your Vows Written in Blue Ink

8. Blue Shoes

9. Hidden Blue Ribbon

10. Blue in Your Bouquet

 

Here are 5 more creative ideas I've found that can work really well into the 'something blue' theme.

 

11. Blue Hair Accessories

 

 

http://creoleindc.typepad.com/rantings_of_a_creole_prin/2012/08/something-blue-ideas.html

 

12. Blue Corset Ribbon

 

 

http://www.abbiewarnock.com/

 

13. Blue Under Your Shoes

 

 

http://simplysavannahevents.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-01-24T09:11:00-05:00&max-results=7

 

14. Blue Cake

 

 

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2014/05/19/the-perfect-beach-wedding-in-chicago/

 

15. Blue "Just Married" Car

 

 

http://ruffledblog.com/ruffled-shop/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Ruffled+(Ruffled)&utm_content=Google+Reader

 

Hope this helps you devour the details with your wedding day blue!  

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These

If you're in the mood for dreaming, this post is for you! The Knot did a great job of making dreams come true with 21 amazing outdoor wedding reception photos. Whether you’re planning a Tuscan-themed soiree or an urban rooftop blowout, these gorgeous weddings will have your head in the clouds and feeling truly inspired. This has definitely got me wedding-day-dreaming, hopefully it does the same for you!

Here are my 5 favorites (which were extremely hard to choose as they are all perfect)..

From the album: A Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa Destination Wedding in Santorini, Greece

 

From the album: A Classic Summer Wedding in San Antonio, TX

 

From the album: An Ojai Valley Inn and Spa Wedding in Ojai, California

 

 

From the album: A Saddle Rock Ranch Wedding in Malibu, California

 

From the album: A Sophisticated Wedding in Santa Barbara, CA

It's incredible what some people can dream up; now it's your turn to devour the details and make your dreams come true!

Breaking All The Rules

Came across the cutest blog post by none other than Lauren Conrad. Many idolize her, including myself; from her start on MTV's Laguna Beach, to her spin-off The Hills, and building her own clothing line, she's truly made a name for herself. On her self-titled website, you can find advice, trendy tips, and much more, all from Lauren's perspective. Today I will be sharing her idea of '5 Wedding Rules That Are OK to Break'.

Rule No. 1: You Must Have an Even Number of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen in Your Wedding Party

There's no need to exclude a close friend or include someone you don't want in the wedding just to get those perfectly symmetrical sides. For the processional, you can simply have each person walk down the aisle individually or have some groups of three.

Rule No. 2: The Couple Should Not See Each Other Before the Ceremony

This is of course a personal decision for the couple, but almost every wedding photographer will recommend something called a ‘first look’ portrait session before the ceremony. Your hair and makeup will still be intact, you will be less stressed during the ceremony, and you will be able to enjoy the cocktail reception in a timely manner, if you choose to take your photos prior to the ceremony.

Rule No. 3: You Should Freeze the Top Layer of Your Wedding Cake to Eat on Your First Anniversary

Instead of breaking out a cake that tastes like freezer burn, why not celebrate by ordering a new cake from the same bakery?

Rule No. 4: You Should Be Married by a Civil or Religious Authority Figure

If you don’t already have a religious or civil authority that you are close with, choosing to have a friend or family member marry you is a great way to make your ceremony personal and meaningful.

Rule No. 5: The Bride’s Family Foots the Bill

The goal should just be that everyone is paying for what they can afford; a wedding can be made beautiful on any budget and should never leave the couple or their loved ones financially overwhelmed.
Break all the rules with the help of Lauren Conrad at your wedding but don't forget to devour the details!

The Proposal

Great blog post by one of my favorite past features, Every Little Moment Events, discussing the best ways for proposing. Everyone of course wants this to be an extremely special and memorable moment. It is definitely something that needs to come from the heart with a lot of thought and perfect planning. ELM shares six tips to do just that!

1. Get Down On That Knee
As mentioned in the post, chivalry is not dead! We still totally want that fairytale, Prince Charming, sweeping us off our feet, moment.

2. Do Your Research On The Ring
Discretely ask friends and family what they think she would want. Browse her Pinterest boards because you know there's most definitely ideas on there as well.

3. Put Some Thought Into Your Words
Almost like preparing your wedding vows, the proposal should be just as thoughtful. Tell us what you're really thinking, how you feel, and what kind of future you want. Make it meaningful; it's the start of your lives together.

4. Plan The Moment
ELM couldn't have said it any better; don't carry around the ring just thinking the right time will come - try to have a plan. Even if it was to propose at the top of hike and it starts to rain - just go for it!

5. Ask Her Parents/Family
It's super traditional to get their blessing before the proposal. Most girls love the fact that you were able to trust her family enough to share this surprise with them.

6. Hire A Planner
ELM can help put all the moments of your relationship together to help pull off the proposal your fiancé always dreamed of. A secret photographer hidden away to capture the moment, the perfect surprise after-party with all your friends and family to celebrate together and so much more can be created with the help of a planner.

If you're thinking about popping the question, check out my friends over at ELM and work together to devour the proposal details; making it the most exciting and memorable start to your fairytale!

Make Your Presence Known

Stephen Greenwood, a member of the Trillectro Music Festival team, has been successful at growing and expanding this non-tech music festival event for three years now. He also works for the mobile app team at GEICO and is one half of the More Than Frnds DJ duo. If you're wondering how he's been able to make his presence known in a market with behemoths like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Governors Ball, here's how.

1. Email user acquisition
2. Leverage your followers and their fans, too!
3. Automate and optimize
4. Repurpose other’s success
5. Incentivize and track

Greenwood goes more in depth in his helpful five tip article, How to Use Technology to Grow and Expand Your Non-Tech Event. He also wants you to consider identifying several outlets to whom you can offer discounts. Find groups with a unique audience that could enjoy the experience you provide. You may not have the resources for sophisticated referral tracking, but a helpful trick is to offer custom discount codes to specific groups. This way, you can track the sales of each campaign and make adjustments to help identify which partners are worth investing more resource towards.

These awesome ideas have helped Greenwood and the Trillectro Music Festival devour the non-tech event details and now with this knowledge, you can also make your presence known!

12welve 05ive Productions

In need of a videographer who can truly capture it all? Look no further, I've got the perfect one for you! 12welve 05ive Productions of Boston, MA takes on all types of events from weddings to birthdays to corporate functions. Creator and owner of 12welve 05ive Productions Steven Fleet, a great friend of mine, believes that so many moments in our lives are stories and those stories should be shared with loved ones and friends; 12welve 05ive Productions allows these stories to be remembered forever.


At 12welve 05ive Productions, they are focused on providing videography and post production services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction and will do everything they can to meet your expectations. With a variety of offerings to choose from, they are sure you'll be happy working with them. Whether you want to capture your family's precious milestones or get striking images to market a product, 12welve 05ive Productions can make it happen. You can count on them to deliver exactly what they promise.


Be sure to check out the 12welve 05ive Productions website and learn more about their services and Steven. And next time you're in need of a videographer, let 12welve 05ive Productions devour the details to make the memories of your event last forever!

Restaurant Feature: Fogo de Chao

Fogo de Chao is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse. They have many delicious locations across the US and Brazil. Fogo began sharing the unique gaucho way of preparing meat in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1979 and it has been expanding ever since. This fun and filling style of dining can be summed up in six steps as found on their website:

"Step 1: Sit down, relax, and enjoy a drink while we explain the Fogo® dining experience.

Step 2: Visit our gourmet salad and sides bar. Enjoy over 30 items including fresh cut vegetables, imported cheeses, cured meats and Brazilian side dishes.

Step 3: Turn your card green side up, signaling that you are ready for our gaucho chefs to begin tableside service.

Step 4: Choose from the 16 cuts of delectable fire roasted meats that are brought to your table, sliced, and served by our gaucho chefs.

Step 5: When you are satisfied, flip the disc to the red side until you are ready for more offerings.

Step 6: If you wish, end the meal with one of our delicious desserts."

I had the pleasure of dining at their Boston location with my favorite peach for my early birthday dinner. It was absolutely delicious and a new and exciting experience for both of us. I left feeling extremely satisfied (and full), anticipating the next time we will get to dine there again! Check out what it's like to experience this authentic dining for yourself by watching this mouthwatering video:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYdgR0VS774

If you're in the mood for a lot of flavorful food then I highly recommend devouring the details and trying a little bit of everything at Fogo de Chao!

Bon Appetit

Bon Appetit is the only food lifestyle publication on the market that offers 'life through the lens of food'. You will find articles on cooking in, dining out, culture, travel, entertainment, shopping and design. The magazine focuses on what’s current and stylish, while still giving readers valuable cooking tools and tips.
This past year, Bon Appetit’s restaurant and drinks editor, Andrew Knowlton, scoured the country to compile a list of 50 nominees for 2014’s “The Hot 10: America’s Best New Restaurants". It just so happens that four of the chosen restaurants are located in the Boston area. Knowlton uses three top criteria to judge the hot spots: “1. Food 2. Passion and 3. That certain inexplicable feeling that one gets when dining out. But really, it’s the whole experience". The Boston restaurants that satisfied this tough criteria and have been nominated are: Cambridge’s Alden & Harlow, Brookline’s Ribelle, Fort Point’s Row 34, and Somerville’s Sarma are among the group Knowlton will choose his final 10 favorites from.

Here's some info on each of these nominees.

Alden & Harlow - Cambridge

"Located at 40 Brattle Street, Alden & Harlow serves thoughtfully sourced, honest American food in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space. Inspired by the gathering of family and friends at his home kitchen table, Chef Michael Scelfo prepares bold and flavor forward food that honors tradition of place in its quality. It's how he connects with anyone who joins him at his table."

Ribelle - Brookline

"Creative cuisine. Professional service. Simple and Beautiful atmosphere."

Row 34 - Fort Point

"ROW 34 is a workingman’s oyster bar. We serve great oysters and pour unique beer in one of Boston’s best neighborhoods."

Sarma - Somerville

"Sarma is a restaurant & bar where food, drink and music come together in a vibrant celebration of the good things in life. Modeled after the traditional meyhanes of Turkey, the menu is a large selection of small, seasonal plates ( meze )that are designed to be shared. The flavors represent the Mediterranean and encourage food-friendly cocktails, craft beers or a glass of wine from a small but carefully selected list."

The Hot 10 list will be revealed August 19th; so until then get out there and devour all the food and beverage details these awesome restaurants have to offer!

Shark Week Party

Fans of the deep blue, here are some party ideas for you! Host a Shark Week party in honor of your favorite time of year (that gives most people fear).

First get your killer coacktails ready. Check out this list of Shark Week inspired drinks provided by BuzzFeed. Landshark and Dogfish Head beer are also great options to serve.

 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/avaa2/killer-cocktails-for-shark-week-2bhs

There are so many different things you can do for a terrifying tablescape. Incorporate ideas like different blues for the ocean, life preservers, a Jaws theme, and much, much more.

 

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/2012/08/throw-shark-week-party.html#.U-oZEvldWk0

 

http://www.smallgirlbigparty.com/its-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year/

http://www.hellomysweet.com/party-gallery/#/tablesandprintables/shark-attack-summer-beach-birthday-party/

Serve your guests with this Shark decorated plateware.

http://www.birthdayinabox.com/party-themes/all-parties/shark-party/shark-party-standard-kit-BB102228.html

Share some laughs with your guests by making these easy DIY Shark Week inspired party hats.

 

http://blog.2shopper.com/2013/08/04/shark-week-party-fun-ways-to-celebrate/

You can get really creative with the snacks you serve; from Shark teeth to Whales and everything in between.

http://foodriot.com/2013/08/01/shark-week

http://www.designdazzle.com/2013/06/summer-camp-day-at-the-beach-playdate/

http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2013/07/shark-mouth-cookies/

 

http://itsthelife.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/08/my-entry.html

 

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/2012/08/throw-shark-week-party.html?m=1

Send your guests home with these awesome party favors as a reminder that they survived your Shark Week inspired celebration!

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brynahoang/4797029228/

Use Shark Week as your inspiration to devour the details at your next party!

Upcoming Wedding Events

For all my bride-to-bes, you can find upcoming events (dress sales, accessory deals, open houses and more) on WeddingWire. WeddingWire is the nation's leading technology company serving the $100+ billion wedding, corporate, and social events industry. Launched in 2007, WeddingWire is the largest and most trusted online marketplace connecting merchants with engaged couples and party planners. They list a variety of bridal shows and events around the Boston area.

BE Weddings, Bride-N-Belle Boutique, New England Bridal Affair, and a number of others all have events going on throughout the month of August (and the rest of the year). They offer free events but there are a handful you do have to pay for. Also keep in mind this weekend is tax free weekend and some of these wedding dress boutiques are promoting great sales. Check out their website's calendar of events for more details. Here are some upcoming ones I think are worth checking out.
Wedding Open House Hosted by: Willowdale Estate

Event details
When: Aug 12, 2014 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: Willowdale Estate
24 Asbury Street
Topsfield, MA 01983

Cost FREE

Homepage http://willowdaleestate.com/event/wedding-open-house-aug/

Our open house is the perfect event for engaged couples looking for a venue. Register to find out more about planning your dream wedding at Willowdale Estate! Try our food, enjoy complimentary drinks, and get information about our weddings in all seasons! We will welcome you with a FREE gift bag to help you start planning your day.

Bridal Open House Hosted by: Misselwood at Endicott College

Event details
When: Aug 20, 2014 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Where: Misselwood Tent
407 Hale Street
Beverly, MA 01915

Homepage http://www.endicott.edu/Misselwood.aspx

Come join us at our Bridal Open House! Meet the vendors, caterers, and tour the Misselwood property.

Enjoy planning your wedding with the help of these bridal shows and events! And thank WeddingWire for devouring the details.

 

13 Wedding Photography Trends Provided By The Knot

I truly enjoy looking at photographs, especially ones of weddings. Photographers are so talented and when it comes to creativity, they think outside of the box wonderfully. Dabbling in photography myself, taking portrait-like photos is not my forte, so when I see new, trendy wedding album ideas, I'm thoroughly impressed. Take a look at these unique wedding photo ideas provided by The Knot.

Brady Bunch-Style Bridal Party Photos

Stop-Motion Wedding Photo Film

Father-Daughter First Looks

Photo Booths with Social Media Integration

Overhead Shots

 

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-photography-videography/articles/wedding-photography-trends.aspx

See the rest of these creative ideas at The Knot and Devour the details at your wedding with these trending photo opps!

Pancakes & Pajamas

Haven't you ever just wanted to have an adult pajama party? Bring all of your friends over to stay in on a Friday or Saturday night, in their pajamas (where we all want to be anyways)? Well, here are some ideas to do that!

http://www.stripesandsequins.com/page/3

Make it fun. Require the snazziest pajamas and serve breakfast hors d'oeuvres; donut holes and fruit loop rice krispie treats to start!

http://www.refreshinglychic.blogspot.com/2013/06/chic-party-pancakes-pajamas.html

 

http://blog.hwtm.com/2012/11/preppy-pancakes-pajamas-party/

Set up a waffle and pancake bar for the main course. Your guests can feed their breakfast cravings with whatever toppings they want! You can also serve the usual sides: scrambled eggs, sausage, and of course bacon.

http://hellolittlewren.com/2012/05/08/everly-is-three/

Serve individual mimosas and have a coffee station for your guests to enjoy.

http://secretsofamodernmama.blogspot.com/2012_11_01_archive.html

http://mudpiestudio.blogspot.com/2012/02/101-ways-to-decorate-tiered-plate.html

 

The guests who may not be interested in breakfast might find midnight snacks to be more appealing with their pajamas. Set up an awesome popcorn bar and relive some childhood memories with these cookie and milk shooters.

 

 

http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?blog=757710&post=1272932737

 

 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/516928863452908065/

 

Make it a comfy atmosphere by setting up different areas of pillows for guests to relax on.

 

 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/brilliant-ways-to-make-a-small-space-more-livable

 

 

http://wyldestonecottage.blogspot.com/2010/04/inspiration-monday-gypsy-lifestyle.html

 

Incorporate these breakfast related games to really show your guests a good time. Hang donuts from strings and see who can eat the donut the fastest without using their hands. It's hilarious when kids do it; it would be even funnier to see adults try.

 

 

http://cakeslikesaparty.com/2011/09/30/girls-birthday-party-pajama-o-rama-theme/

 

A donut toss would be a fun game too, especially for guests who may've had a couple of mimosas!

 

 

http://catchmyparty.com/photos/1200165

 

Lastly as a token of your appreciation that your guests came, send them home with these adorable pajama cookie party favors.

 

 

http://www.whatacookie.biz/cs_fashion.html

 

Now, put on your best pajamas and devour the details!