We’re “In,” Again! (Oops, we did it again)

Our design team prides itself on being in tune with clients, in front of trends and once again… in Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Blog with the fall wedding of Amanda and Wes.

When the artful eyes of Style Me Pretty’s editors caught a glimpse of the “Green & Aubergine Scene” La Petite Fleur made at Huntingdon Valley Country Club for this couple’s wedding, they wanted to see more.  And then, what they wanted even more was to share the event’s design with all brides- and grooms-to-be. 

And we, well we were smitten with the idea of showcasing not only one of favorite looks, but one of our most collaborative (and beautiful) couples! 

So with the help of Lori Gail photography, and Lorraine Dailey Weddings, we are “in” the prestigious blog with detail shots of Amanda and Wes’s delicate blooms, vibrant pallet and stunning style—which against the lush, classic backdrop of Huntingdon Valley Country Club— is both a bride’s and a designer’s dream!

So what are you waiting for… an invitation to the blog? Well, you’re in luck (even if you’re not Irish). 

We, the design team of La Petite Fleur, formally request the honor of your presence at the wedding of Amanda and Wes as seen on Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Blog.   

And while you’re at it, be style-forward… send these stunning scenes from Amanda and Wes’s big day to every former, current or soon-to-be-bride you know. Believe us, they’ll want to be in-the-know about who and what is in… style.

Hot Dog, Who? (Charlie, Take a Bow)

Photo courtesy of Smirnov Weddings

This bologna's second name is C-H-A-R-L-I-E... Hot Dog Charlie, that is.

Forget bubbles and skip sparklers, Hot Dog Charlie Carts, Cheese Steak Stations, Water Ice and Krispy Crème Donut Bars are serving as the grand finale at many weddings. And we love every delicious one of them!

Not only are we big fans of creating a big "to-do" when sending-off the Mr. & Mrs., but when bidding farewell to guests, too.  The photo ops are fabulous and guests will feast on the served-up fun, particularly after 'cutting a rug' all evening.

We must warn you though that when selecting such tempting touches be sure they are kitschy, not "kiddy," as in you hired the weenie cart crew from your nephew's birthday party. Even the coolest of cheese steak carts can appear just that, cheesy, if not done classily.   

So, for a wedding finale with flare, follow our recipe for sophisticated fun:

• Keep it simple and offer just one type of food that can be eaten with your hands
• Dare to offer carb-concentrated fare, which hits the spot after cocktails and conga lines
• Be smart when choosing a cart and ask your venue or event designer for a referral
• Play with your food and rename the fare for the two of you or to tie-in a theme
• Talk with your event designer about creating a personalized sign, menu, wrapper, etc.
• Call an audible and request your DJ/band announce the cart's arrival and location
• Put your photographer on notice so he doesn't miss Aunt Faye feasting on a foot-long  
• Safeguard your schedule and have the cart serve guests as they're leaving, so as not to cut-into reception time 

Love's on Fire

La Petite Fleur was a hot spot this Valentine's Day! Our team warmly greeted waves of customers (new and familiar) throughout the holiday weekend with everything lovers love to give (and receive)-- from confections and jewelry, to blooms.

This year, our rose arrangements were wrapped in 'hugs and kisses.' Wraps are a design element we (and our events) are known for. And although we won't kiss-and-tell about how they're created, we will say they are nothing less than fabulous! High-quality, upscale design is at the heart of our every effort. So of course, our roses didn't stand alone in a well-dressed vase, nor did they "wear" the fillers many florists favor. Rather, our roses were arranged with lush hydrangea and tropical leaves, which made their way into many of our floral selections this season. What can we say? We like it (our design) hot.

Of course, our Love's on Fire Valentine's theme permeated our confectionary selection, which featured old-school Hot Tamales, couture hand-crafted chocolate hearts that read 'Light My Fire' and 'Hot Lips' by Anna Shea and Indoor S 'mores Kits by Three Tarts. We searched high and low for delicious, lovely packaged, tummy yummies and hit the jackpot.

Centerpiece and 'Perfect Match' table card design by La Petite Fleur. Photo by SAS Becker Creative Photography.

Photo of table scape designed by La Petite Fleur by SAS Becker Creative Photography

Lastly, igniting our hottest of holiday themes was our sultry window display, which boasted the ultimate sweetheart table-- complete with matchstick table number, "Mr. and Mrs." place cards, flame-inspired linens from Choice Party Linens, and chiviarri ballroom chairs and china by Party Rental, Ltd. At the heart of the display though was a massive tissue paper heart and "fireball" arrangements by the La Petite Fleur design team.

Photos courtesy of SAS Becker Creative Photography.

And although we're heartbroken to see this holiday go, we're psyched about what lies ahead.

Setting Your Sights on a Single Site?

Planning on getting hitched at one of the Philadelphia-area’s fabulous historic estates? Or thinking of tying the knot in a rustic suburban barn?

We’ve seen a lot of non-traditional wedding venues in the past year. In fact, we’ve seen a lot untraditional approaches to the “big day” recently. Many couples are moving away from ceremonies at a place of worship-- opting to exchange vows on the links, by the river, in quaint gardens and along ocean fronts. 

Photo of Cairnwood Estate, courtesy of Lori Gail Photography

So, if you intend on saying 'I Do' at the same location you do your first dance, ensure single-site set-up a success with these steps:

Invest in an insightful invitation. Invitations are a fabulous way to give your guests the information they need in advance to really enjoy themselves. Perhaps include a card with the history of your venue, and a little snippet about why it’s the perfect place for your special day. Be sure to include specifics about special requirements for parking and travel arrangements. Or, consider including details regarding attire—for an August wedding in the garden, guests should plan to dress comfortably.

Take care, hire a coordinator. Never underestimate the value that an on-site coordinator can bring to managing the logisitcs of your day. This is especially critical in the single location wedding. You might be thinking that it would be easier to manage if everything takes place in one spot. Not necessarily. Challenges could arise--especially when you're just renting a space without a built-in kitchen, furniture or caterers. Someone needs to be the point person who directs your vendors and guests, and helps manage your timeline. 

Walk this way. Especially when you're celebrating in a non-traditional way, consider that your guests may not be familiar with the venue or how you've planned your day. Consider custom signage (in addition to point-people) to help inform and guide your guests where to park, leave their belongings, and enjoy a cocktail.  You may even want to offer a floor plan of the mansion, with information about where food stations and entertainment are located.

Party Personality

So what about your event will have “you written all over it?”  After all, it is your big day and a celebration of your relationship with your favorite people.

So go ahead, make it personal.

When working with clients, LPF spends a lot of time getting to know people as individuals and as a couple.

Do you love to travel, the Phillies, or the silver screen?  At LPF, our design team wants to know these things, so we can infuse your event with details that reflect your personality.  

Branding your big day doesn’t have to be a big deal… creative, yes, complicated no. Try these ideas on for size (and style):   

1.) Create a logo. We're not talking just monograms here. Work with your event designer to create something that incorporates a common interest as well as your style.

2.) Serve a signature cocktail. If you’re Phillie Phanatics, turn a vodka cranberry (with lime, of course) into a Philly-tini. 

Custom drink umbrellas designed by La Petite Fleur. Photo by SAS Becker Photography.

3.) Go paparazzi. Rent a photo booth, and supply frames for your guests to keep their silly pics.

Photo courtesy of Sweetwater Portraits by Julie Melton

4.) Fixate on fanfare and request guests sign your “autograph book.”

5.) Do yourself a favor… don't do 'favors'. Get to guests’ hearts with a treat that’s reminiscent of you, like a jar filled with your acclaimed banana-chocolate chip muffin mix, or your most fabulous margarita recipe. 

Courtesy of Style Me Pretty. Photo by Jackie Wonders. Treats by The City Cradle

To Cake or Not to Cake?

As someone who is very traditional in her tastes, being an event designer and wedding planner allows me to explore many options on behalf of my clients. Recently, a client reached out about our thoughts on the design of her cake. It sparked a discussion among the members of the LPF Team about the significance of a cake in 'today's wedding'.

With the advent of candy buffets, take out trucks of 'midnight snacks' and the advent of pies, it begs the question, how important is the wedding cake? With out a cake, what do you cut? What happens to the ceremonial 'icing-smeared-all-over-face' photo?

When prioritizing your sweet snacks, consider your dessert set up: Will you be serving other delights in addition to cake? If so, consider a small cake, that you can cut, if you'd like. And have fun with it--do something with color, pattern, and spend less.

photos courtesy of Night Kitchen Bakery
 

If your cake is your dessert, do something with various flavors, and serve a variety of options. Do something dramatic with the display--a special table,with unique display. Perhaps a platform, or a canopy overhead.

photo courtesy of Brides.com

Are you less traditional? Go for sweet bites instead of one big cake. Include some family recipes, and some delicacies that can go home with your guests at the end of the night. Use this as an opportunity to put some fun into your décor.

photos of Iced Events's recent work, copyright Spark Creative Photography

Sugar and Sparkle Soiree

Carly
December 2010

Abington, Pennsylvania
Old York Road–Congregation Beth Am

Invitations, Flowers, Decor and Accessories by La Petite Fleur
Videography by James Boburka Cinematography for La Petite Fleur

Photography by Karen Carey for La Petite Fleur

Photography for La Petite Fleur, courtesy of Lori Gail

A Sugar & Sparkle Soiree

What’s in a name? Well, for this Bat Mitzvah… inspiration for decadent decorations and spirited atmosphere.

Lovingly nicknamed “Carkly Sparkly” by her family, Carly’s penchant for confections (and fashion) is almost as big as her fun-loving personality.

Seizing this creative cue, the La Petite Fleur Design Team—led by owner and creative director Leigh Karsch— produced a “Sugar and Sparkle Soiree,” which beckoned guests to celebrate in style with Carly and her family (just like they were kids in a candy boutique).The event’s playful palette boasted metallic golds and, of course, pink in all its most fabulous shades—from raspberry and fuchsia, to a pale iridescent.

From there, LPF designed a sweet, yet sophisticated, invitation— presented in a white metallic pocket finished with a flirty pink organza bow— that incorporated preppy pink stripes and a beyond cute, custom-designed Carly logo.

The LPF Design Team went on to transform Congregation Beth Am, which played host to this sweetest of soirees, into a fanciful representation of all that Carly loves—from family and friends, to confections and fashion.

As guests entered, they were greeted with a portrait of Carly that invited them to sign-in and share “sweet sentiments” about her. Place cards, tied with ribbon to pink organza bags filled with chocolate gelt, were displayed on silver tiered cake stands dripping with crystal accents and pink roses. Cocktail tables were also dressed to party in pink linens and flouncy gold organza bows.

Warm lighting filled the reception room, courtesy of our beloved buds at Synergetic Sounds and Lighting, while Carly’s name (in lights nonetheless!) beamed at party-goers from the stage. Gold chiviarri chairs wrapped excitedly around the tables.  Adult tables were topped with towering glass trumpets filled with crystallized pink water and adorned with die-cut, shimmering gold-metallic table numbers, some were dressed with tall, gold rectangular vases filled with bouquets of pink rock candy and others were filled with perky fuchsia gerbera daisies. The teens’ tables featured a collection of beribboned candy counter jars filled with adorably-tempting— color-palette-perfect—sweets. 

And speaking of ribbon, it played a leading role in this Soiree’s production by playfully tying-in every detail that made this event as unique as its guest of honor—making an appearance on every vase and container in various forms—from layers and delicate knots, to flouncy bows and streaming tails.

In fact, ribbons shared center-stage with Carly—adorning her chair, which was branded with a hand-crafted glittered initial (“C,” of course) placard.