The Trend Report issue of Wedding Day Magazine (www.weddingday-online.com) is now available and features 45 pages of ideas! As contributing editor, one of the topics I covered was the use of lighting, and the transformative effect it can have on your wedding reception.  It is one of the most cost effective ways to add atmosphere and mood to your event! Through the use of LED technology, your event can take on any hue you can dream up, and can continue to change throughout your event.  For more on this topic, refer to my article on page 44!

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My colleague, Frank Andonoplas, of Frank Event Design, Chicago was challenged to create his gallery from an everyday material, and use it as inspiration for his design. The element assigned to him was metal, and from there his vision took flight. Working in tones of silver, from deep gunmetal to icy mercury, Frank designed a table that was characterized as ‘boho chic’.  He used an eclectic mix of silver vases, some curvy with high shine, others more linear, with a matte finish.  Silver charger plates held charcoal satin napkins, on top of which, were menu cards, printed on thin sheets of metal. The flatware consisted of a mix of hammered silver and matte copper pieces, while gorgeous, silvery blue linens graced the table and served as backdrop for the tablescape.   Bejeweled, silvery blue votive cups added candlelight on the table, while whimsical, wired candlebra’s brought additional ambiance.  Glassware  consisted of a mix of clear and colored glass, that was spread across the table in no particular order.  More color was expressed through the floral pieces, that utilized dusty miller and silvery blue hydrangea against which jewel toned tulips, orchids, roses and delphinium were placed for maxium visual ‘pops’ of color.

The tables were configured in a large X design, which I feel could be used for any number of gatherings, a small wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid luncheon or dinner party, just to name a few.  Frank used silver Chameleon Chairs with a medium grey suede seat cushion to complete his design.  I enjoyed working with Frank on his design and loved being in such a creative and collaborative environment! Enjoy!!

I have asked many different people who are associated with the Hall of Fame in one way or another when this move will officially take place. The answers were never simple and never very direct. I don’t think anyone knows exactly what will happen just yet. Some say the Hall will close at the end of the Notre Dame football season, others say not until the Hall in Atlanta is ready to open. As a planner, I am reluctant to now recommend the space beyond the end of the present football season, which is such a shame. When I have definitive information about the future of the Hall here in South Bend, I will post it here on my blog. I wish I had more information to give you, but as I’ve said before, what information there is, is precious little, and is mostly conflicting.

The Hall of Fame has been a source of dispute for those of us who live here in South Bend for many years. Some argue it was a huge money pit and cost the taxpayers dearly, others touted its presence as a boon to attracting visitors, and their money to the area. I’m just sorry that such a unique and fun meeting space will be lost to us.

+I went to Chicago on August 20, 2009 to attend BizBash Expo & Awards at the Chicago Merchandise Mart.  The image above was actually the shade on an oversized lamp that they put their logo on – cool! Fun branding idea!!  This show is the largest gathering of the event and planning community in the Midwest.  With information from the conference program and ideas found on the show floor and by networking with my peers, I left with ideas that will help my events bash the expected and the ordinary!  It was great to meet up with some of my colleagues for a day of inspiration!

This is my colleague and dear friend Frank, of Frank Event Design, receiving his award for Best Corporate or Association Event Concept (Under $50K) !!  He won for the meeting he produced for the Association of Bridal Consultants, Illinois Chapter March ’09 meeting, titled ‘Frank’s Favorite Things’.  I attended the meeting and posted images from the event that you can find in my blog archives. He walked around all day before the awards ceremony confident that he wouldn’t win – well guess what……..! And I, of course, stood up front to get the money shot!

This is from inside Botanicals booth! It had everything I love – crystal chandeliers, disco balls, orchids, use of hot pinks and purples – I was in heaven! I was introduced and chatted with Kara Hillier Superfine who is a senior design consultant specializing in weddings. Botanicals is a branch of HM Designs. More can be fouond at www.botanicalschicago.com.

Frank with Justin Snodgrass of Berghoff Catering and Restaurant Group,  just outside of their booth.

A ‘niche’ inside the Botanicals booth. How can you not look at this arrangement and just smile??!! The color is amazing, love the orchids and nerine lilies!

The ‘design’ that is under the glass top of this table is actually made up of button mums – again in the Botanicals booth. Maybe I got a bit carried away with images from this booth, but it really inspired me!

Me with Jamey Welling Harding of Kehoe Designs! Jamey and I worked together on many weddings when she was at MichaelAngelos here in South Bend. Kehoe is lucky to have her creative and joyful spirit! I miss collaborating with her, but its so fun to see her when attending industry meetings!

HM Designs Chicago created lounge areas that bordered the general education session area.  To create texture and interest beneath the glass top of the tables, they placed shredded paper, that complimented the color theme they were using – genius and eco-friendly!   Blue Plate Catering, in conjunction with the John Handcock Observatory were serving a cocktail dubbed ‘Kiss the Sky’ – it was sky blue and trust me, if I’d had just one more, I WOULD have been ‘kissing the sky!’