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: 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

PARTY GIRL: Cocktail Napkin Chic

Yesterday, I finally watched last Monday’s episode of Gossip Girl, in which Serena van der Woodsen throws a swanky Sweet 16 for Brooklyn’s Jenny Humprey, complete with personalized cocktail napkins.  Jenny turns up her nose at the napkins, regarding them as a symbol of Park Avenue snobbery.  I completely disagree; everyone should have personalized cocktail napkins—especially at a wedding!  I live in Brooklyn just like little Jenny and I have a collection of my own.  At just $25 for 50 napkins, we can all be a little like Blair Waldorf.  Get your napkins at foryourparty.com.   –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

WEDDING STYLISTAS: Maria’s Trip to the Flower Market

You’d think I owned a flower shop with all of my recent trips to the flower market!  Actually, I’m planning the annual flower special for our September/October 2009 issue, and I’m looking everywhere for ideas and objects to include in the massive 32-page section.  Up and down this otherwise non-descript midtown NYC block, the sidewalks are blooming with plants, cut flowers, and branches.  The flowers that speak to me today are mini daffodils.  These cheerful yellow stars are only available NOW—the chilly month before spring really arrives.  Plastic pots of six plants will cost you about $7.  Buy five and mass all of the blooms into a 24-inch long planter.  Perfect for an escort table or wherever you want a showy, vibrant accent.  This dramatic and affordable spring statement will last at least a week and long after the party’s over.  —Maria, Wedding Stylistas

WEDDING STYLISTAS: Tiny Treats, Major Flavor

Our office fascination with cupcakes just doesn’t stop.  I figure it’s people looking to minimize their waistlines without sacrificing their sweet tooth.  Today we received a sampler box from a company called Cake Balls.  They’re little globes of cake blended with frosting in flavors like wedding cake, chocolate sake, chocolate covered strawberry, and red velvet.  Visually, they resemble truffles.  All of them are enrobed with white or milk chocolate and decorated with everything from a dusting of espresso powder or chocolate swirls to sugar crystals or finely chopped nuts.  Our favorites were of course wedding cake (what a surprise!) and the intriguing yet irresistible chocolate sake.  When it comes to cupcake shops in New York, there are all the old favorites—Magnolia, Crumbs, and Buttercup—and a new one seems to pop up every day.  For example, Baked by Melissa, which makes bite-sized treats, the size of a silver dollar, stuffed with flavors like peanut butter and jelly, cookies and cream, and s’mores that add more ooey-gooey goodness to each mouthful.  Like Cake Balls, they’re perfect for these tough times—affordable delights with big flavor. Who says you can’t have your cupcake…and eat more!  Now that’s saying a mouthful.  —Machell, Wedding Stylistas

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