WEDDING STYLISTAS: Savor the Favor

Normally, when it reaches that hour of the workday when I hear one of my fellow staffers plead, “I need chocolate,” I willingly oblige with whatever samples have come in that week.  Today, however, I held on to my chocolate tighter than a bride clutching her dream gown at a sample sale—I hadn’t tasted it yet, and it just looked too delicious to give away!  The goods from California-based Choclatique did not disappoint; they are as delicious as they are beautiful, and with over 150 flavors to choose from (such as tuxedo mousse and strawberries ‘n cream), they are sure to satisfy just about anyone’s sweet tooth.  And starting at $2 per piece, if you’re wondering what to give your departing guests, they won’t break the bank.  –Machell, Wedding Stylistas 

WEDDING STYLISTAS: La Vie En New York

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Last night I was whisked up to the 2nd floor of the Gabriella bridal salon to find it transformed into a classy cocktail party space that featured the tastes and sounds of France, Spain—and New York!  Live French music wafted through the room while ladies in lovely gowns served Moet champagne.  Later, a flamenco dancer took to the stage and commanded the room with each stomp of her high-heeled shoe, while an amazing beatboxer set the tempo.  The food was just as unexpected and fun as the entertainment.  New York classics like hot dogs, pretzels, and beer, and classic comfort foods like grilled cheese sandwiches and pancakes were served tapas-style.  I was in tasting heaven!  I guess good things really do come in small packages.   -Machell, Wedding Stylistas

PARTY GIRL: Let’s Hear It for the Boys

Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres

Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres

 

April showers, and I have to run around all day for market appointments!  I am so sick of my rain boots…  Finally, I saw something that put a smile on my face.  Check out the whimsical customized boutonnieres at Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres. Weddings tend to be a bit bride-centric, now the grooms can express themselves too.   -Christina, Party Girl

PARTY GIRL: Summer in April

Today is a glorious day in NYC, but inside our photo studio it feels like one of the dog days of summer.  Normal people would just turn on the AC, but we magazine editors are a finicky bunch.  The whir of the AC interferes with our “creative flow.”  So we are sweating it out in pursuit of beautiful photos—a gorgeous collection of wedding accents, from bouquets to sweets to an aisle runner.  Gotta admit, the quiet helps us concentrate.  You can check out the story in our Party Style pages later this year; meanwhile, I’m changing into shorts.  —Christina, Party Girl

WEDDING STYLISTAS: Flowers Everywhere

Behind-the-scenes at our biggest flower shoot of the year.

Behind-the-scenes at our biggest flower shoot of the year.

 

Welcome to my home for the week.  I’ve literally been up to my eyeballs in boxes, props, & furniture.  As I mentioned in my last blog, I am working on our annual Sept/Oct 2009 Flower Special.  We must have flowers in every color palette and enough tableware to throw a few dozen parties.  There’s even a custom floral table that will make anyone “green” with envy to have at their own reception.  Keep tuned in for more developments on this spectucular story.   —Machell, Wedding Stylistas

PARTY GIRL: It’s 5:00 Somewhere

Drinking on the job?  Sounds unorthodox, but that’s one of the perks of my job.  I spent my Friday afternoon sampling cocktails with my colleagues.  New Amsterdam Gin brought in mixologist Alex Ott, who created five (!) gin cocktails, including strawberry basil and champagne mixed with elderflower.  I’m not usually a gin drinker, but I managed to rise to the occasion.  Each creation was unique and inspired.  What a fab way to kick off the weekend!  —Christina, Party Girl 

WEDDING STYLISTAS: Candy Bar Cocktails

 

I have quite the sweet tooth.  So imagine how happy I was to attend an event where I sampled a vanilla bean martini in a marbled chocolate cone. I savored it long enough to ask a few probing questions—and then have a second one.  A New York-based catering company called Bar Candy is mixing up candy bar cocktails in flavors like vanilla bean, strawberry mousse, and cookies ‘n cream, all served in edible chocolate swirl cups and sipped through pirouline cookie straws.  Though Bar Candy only caters parties in the NYC area, they can ship the chocolate cones and glasses nationwide, and they’ll send you the recipe for any of their custom candy/cake/cookie-tinis.  Sweet!  —Machell, Wedding Stylistas

Edible chocolate cocktail glass garnished with strawberries.

A delicious edible cocktail by Bar Candy.

 

A BRIDE AT BRIDES: Move Over Paris Hilton

Being a bride-to-be is fantastic!  I feel like Paris Hilton!  I went to a tasting event last night hosted by my caterer, Naturally Delicious.  I walked in with my entourage (a.k.a fiancée, friends and bridal party) and was immediately surrounded by vendors who wanted to help me pick out everything from the crudité dip to the tablecloths. I bet if I decided to walk down the aisle with a tiny dog in a designer bag, people would be lining up to help me pick out the perfect pooch at the shelter.  I should extend my engagement so I can enjoy this!  —Kristen, A Bride at BRIDES

A BRIDE AT BRIDES: A New Look

I’m so excited about our location!  We booked Smack Mellon (a gallery in DUMBO, Brooklyn) a few months ago but I went back this weekend to show my mom for the first time.  There are some logistical issues…the fact that we have to bring everything in because it is a gallery and has huge columns that interrupt the flow of the tables.  These are the things you’re focused on when you are in full-blown planning mode.  It is so great to step back and see the space again through fresh eyes…the way your guests are going to see it on your wedding day.  I walked in and was instantly reminded that we made the right decision.  The view is stunning and the columns give it that raw space/urban feel that we wanted.  I can’t wait!  —Kristen, A Bride at BRIDES

PARTY GIRL: Photo Resolution

Are you stressing out about picking a photographer?  My fiancé and I did—in fact, we ended up going so over budget on the pictures that we were forced to cut out all church flowers.  Finally, this week (two years after the wedding—we got a little behind!) we got our wedding album.  To steal a line from “Gossip Girl”, OMG!  (Should I still be watching GG…I’m 30 and married!?)  Getting back to my point, I felt transported back to our wedding day when I was going through our album.  These photos are our only tangible memories; they are also windows to all the parts of the wedding that we didn’t get to see.  So don’t beat yourself up about rolling out the dough for your photographer.  For us, it was so worth it.   —Christina, Party Girl