Rhonda Patton Weddings

Stay Tuned...

Dear Fans,

Sorry my blogs are delayed.  I've been EXTREMELY busy with a multitude of events and projects.  Please stay tuned as I promise to bring you all the highlights. So, what's upcoming?

• Request from celebrity event designer ;) WOW!!!-
• Recently named exclusive event floral designer for a local hotel
• New hires-  I finally got new assistants!!! YEA!!!!
• Kristi & Bronson Wedding
• Rohall Wedding
• Cason Wedding
• Tekuila and Chris Wedding http://www.chrisandtekuila.com/
• Jodie and Joseph Wedding
• A chic and chartreuse bridal shower
• Memphis Event
• Proms
• Mother's Day Brunch.... and the list goes on

I am very excited about the Month of May.  I have some of the sweetest clients who are all having elegant weddings.  I've been busy, busy, busy fulfilling purchase orders and sorting through all the details so each and every one of my clients have the wedding/event of their dreams.

Stay tune for the latest happenings... some amazing things are taking place this month!!!

Jones Wedding Recap

I am so excited that Roderick and Eleesha tied the knot yesterday.  They are such a beautiful couple and I absolutely loved working with them.  Roderick and Eleesha are such a classy couple and their wedding was a perfect reflection of their personality.  So here's the 411...

Roderick and Eleesha tied the knot at the Hilton Garden Inn ballroom www.hilton.com with an inspiration by Tiffany theme.  This theme was perfect being that the ballroom is chocolate and blue...and a little bit of bling to top it off made this wedding "AB FAB" (absolutely fabolous)!!!!

The staff was amazing and I especially want to give a shot out to Larry Manghane and his staff.  Larry is the director of sales and was extremely pleasant to work with.  Not only did Larry keep everything in check but the bubbly wedding planner, Mary Natalie Hester www.weddingsbymarynatalie.com was there to make sure everything was executed in a timely fashion.  Natalie was hilarious...

I just loved working with her.  She was such a sweetie and is truly a passionate planner with 10+ years in the industry, she didn't miss a beat.  Photographer Tara Harper www.harperphotography.net captured some amazing photos of Rod and Eleesha.  I can't wait to see them!!!

The total WOW FACTOR of the night was a Tiffany  boxed shaped wedding cake by the impeccable designer of Tea & Co. 

The bride's bouquet was an elegant array of cream roses accented with crystals tied with cream midori ribbon with a crystal embellishments.

The bouquet was a nice compliment to her dress and did not overpower the detail of the dress. 

The centerpiece was composed of hydrangeas and roses to accent the chocolate iridescent pin tuck linens from Southern Events www.southernevents.com

The tables were accented with Tiffany blue boxed favors and blush pink menu cards.

I love the color palette of Tiffany Blue, Cream, Chocolate and blush pink as the accent color. 

The bridesmaid wore duponi silk chocolate and carried a pink rose bouquet. 

This wedding was personalized with personalized rhinestone letters on each favor box and customized hanging "J's" from the mirrored areas. The bride and groomed loved these "J's" specially customized by www.rhondapattonweddings.com

and better yet...they can add them to their home decor.

The cocktail bar was stunning-  consisting of raw shrimp and various dipping sauces.  Such a classy way to display your dipping sauces...

Aleesha and Roderick marveled their guest with such classy elements.  I truly wish them the best.  Best wishes to Mr. & Mrs. Jones.

Dunkin'... Not only for athletes but for Brides too!

When you think of the term "dunk" the first thing that comes to mind is probably Micheal "Air" Jordan.

Dunking (AKA -Dunkin') is not only for athletes but for brides too!  Dunkin' is a term coined to describe the position of a flower(s).  It's a very trendy and unique way to dress a tablescape. 

In this picture, five calla lilies are dunked and swirled into the base of the vase for a distinctive look.  Dunkin' works well for flexible stems and weighted flowers such as calla lilies, tulips, hydrangeas and cymbids.  I also like to see Bells of Ireland, cymbidium orchids, gerber daisies, nerines and roses dunked into irregular shaped vases.

I like to dunk flowers in an odd numbers (three, five at the most) depending on the vase size.  Cymbidium orchids can be used only one stem because they are powerful enough to stand alone and look better solo.

The beautiful array of mango orange and yellow callas dunked into this rectangular shaped vase with river rocks to accent is sure to marvel your guest.  The lily grass looped within the vase gives a contemporary illusion and the river rocks are great for texture.

An eclectic mix of flowers, bi-color tulips and mango orange calla lilies dunked and swirled with curly willow makes a perfect addition to a spring tablescape.

3 callas + 2 Anthirum leaves = Five"bulous"

Very simplistic and elegant with a bold statement.

Give me lemons and I make lemonade!  Countrytime Lemondae that is!  These daisies dunked into water dyed with yellow food coloring.  Brighten beauty -

Purple callas and bear grass in a fish bowl- so innovative

Get exotic with dutch green anthirums and green goddess calla lilies dunked into large cylinders-

Dunkin' is a fun way to showcase your tablescape.  Dunkin' works great for modern, contemporary style weddings or events or for centerpieces that need an uplift.

Happy Dunkin'

The ICEing is "not" on the cake...

I love to blog and am delighted that people actually read them.  I was recently visiting a local rental company and one of the staff commented, "I love to read your blogs, I love the blog on timeless tablescapes!"

I am currently working on designs for a Memphis event this summer that will incorporate ice sculptures and thought I would blog about the variety of ice sculptures.  Weddings are becoming "Iced-Out" as the hip hop rappers say.  Not referring to bling but to the real thing...ICE. 

Ice sculpture is a form of sculpture that uses ice as the raw material.  Sculptures from ice can be abstract or realistic and can be functional or purely decoration.  Ice sculptures are generally associated with special or extravagant events because of their limited lifetime.

Ice Bars are ever so popular.  This full size ice bar with lighting will certainly wow your guest.  Ice sculptures can personalize your design with names, logos or monograms, etc

Centerpieces can be customized.  This votive holder and vase with fresh flowers are unique elements for your guest tablescapes.

Instead of a large bridal cake, try an iced sculptured cake for decor and serve miniature cakes to your guest.

If your a bride or planner seeking unique and creative elements for your wedding, consider ice sculpturing.  Ice will definately make your event extravagent!

Bumble Bee Bride

So what's the buzz on the newest color palette in weddings?  The bright color of a bumbe bee- yellow and black is not only the runways but sworming the bridal magazines.

Fashion is the Alpha and Omega of wedding trends.  Wedding trends begin and end on the runway.  Former retro colors, black and yellow have made a comeback.  These colors are in every fashion magazine and adore the front every window store.

From home decor to runways, these bright and blah hues are seen everywhere.

Check out this room decked in black, white and yellow.  The yellow chaise and pillows really make the room pop!

More and more brides are selecting yellow as their accent color with black and white color palettes.

This muted yellow four tier cake with back ribboned icing sure looks delectable!

...and what better way to use yellow by incorporating lemons into your tablescape. 

As with all trends, some come and go and those that stick around we never know.  When selecting your color palette make sure it fits your style, season and wedding motif.  Happy Planning!!!!

Timeless Tablescapes...

Out with contrived centerpieces, in with timeless tablescapes...

Tablescapes are arrangements of items gathered in a grouping on top of a table. They're sometimes called tabletop arrangements. A tablescape includes a centerpiece and arrangement of other items.  Some popular wedding reception tablescapes can include floral centerpieces, candlelabras, pillar candles, votive candles, glass cylinders with floating candles, picture frames, lamps, plates, charges and other decorative accessories.

Here's how you can get a timeless tablescapes:

1.  Limit displays to three items to avoid clutter.

2.  A tablescape arrangement should cover no more than 1/3 of the table top.

3.  Floral arrangements should contain items of different heights, sizes and textures.

4.  For balance, arrange tablescape items of different sizes and textures in staggering heights.

5.  Color is the best tool of design. Color can affect your emotions, and mood. When designing tablescapes and table settings, be consistent with color; then you can mix patterns and shapes.  Color is the most powerful tool or element of design.   

6.  Be creative.  Fabrics can be used for added texture and color. 

I am currently designing several tablescapes for upcoming weddings and my primary focus is layering or stacking.  Current trends in tablescapes include a look referred to as layering or stacking.  This trend gives depth or dimension.  It's achieved with color, texture, height and placement such as using items of three different heights on one surface or "grouping" a cluster of items. 

I love this tablescape!!  Not only is it rich in color but the layering gives the tablescape a beautiful dimension.  This table is consistent with color but mixed with patterns and shapes.  I love the variety of flower selection in the similar red hues.

The result of a tablescape should be a harmonious one. This means that the eyes of your guests should flow easily from left to right. The selection and placement of objects in a tablescape should present a feeling of harmony and unity. Harmony (scale, proportion, and balance) can be achieved using color, depth, layering and textures.

This layered look includes a citrus color palette of roses and dahlias.  The table runner brings balance, the 3 arrangements is harmonious and the varied texture flowers makes this tablescape timeless!

Weddings gone "brand" new...

While strolling the aisle at Michaels www.michaels.com today, I overheard a B2B (Bride-to-Be) talking about her upcoming wedding.  She was sorting through T-Shirts and was going to customize them with "Bride", "Groom", "Mother of the Bride", etc.

I know one thing for sure...customized weddings are here to stay.  One new trend in particular is customized logo's.  Monograms are being pushed to the side by custom wedding logos.  More brides and grooms are choosing to further customize their wedding with a brand that adds an element of personal style and flair.  From "Soon to Be" T-shirts and bags to custom websites and billboards, weddings are becoming a brand.

According to Wikepedia, www.wikepedia.com, Brands were originally developed as labels of ownership: name, term, design, symbol. However, today it is what they do for people that matters much more, how they reflect and engage them, how they define their aspiration and enable them to do more.

Brides and grooms are taking ownership of their wedding by customizing and branding.  Getting a customized logo is simple.  You can design it yourself, consult a graphic artist or even purchase one from the Internet.  There are tons of DIY logo designs.  I know this to be true because I designed my own business logo on www.logomaker.com. 

Check out these custom logo's

   

Logo's are an inexpensive way to add elegance and class to any event.  Logo's make a big difference with such small details. 

Try your customized logo on your wedding invitations, labels (favor tins, bags, boxes and so on), seals (to accent stationary, cello bags or favor boxes), place cards, napkins, wedding cookies or even your wedding cake (edible logos)... a neat sweet treat!

Welcome to the "brand" new world of wedding branding!

Rustic Style Weddings

Every wedding either has a theme or style.  Or let me reword that.... every wedding "should have" a theme or style.  Without a theme or style, your wedding has no direction.  With too much theme or style then your wedding has too much direction and your guest will be lost in the plethora of elements. 

I was recently interviewed by a client referred by Angela Proffit of Elegant Events by Angela www.elegantweddingsbyangela.com

The bride had a clear vision of her mid October Wedding.  Meeting with your vendors are more productive IF both bride and vendor come well prepared.  Bring swatches or examples of elements that best describe your style.  This particular bride was well prepared and shared her overall vision of one of my favorite color palettes--Earth tones.  I love earth tones.  Earth tone personalities are one of a kind.  Either your an earth tone lover or your not.   

The bride used descriptive words for her special day.  "Branchy", "Organic", "Chic", "Simplistic", "Earth tone hues", "Non-Floral Elements".  One word to sum it up... RUSTIC

Rustic Weddings are on the rise.  Rustic weddings are an alternative to organic weddings. An ideal rustic wedding will use minimal flowers and more organic and non floral elements.  Let's examine some inspirations of a rustic style wedding.

Rustic weddings are ideal for the fall season because of the earth tone shades however can be used during the spring with the right elements.  With a earth tone color palette consisting of paprika, chocolate, soft yellows, greens and rusty orange hues, and non-floral elements such as pomegranates, branches, scabiosa pods, lotus pods and cinnamon sticks; this style of wedding already comes with WOW FACTORS. Rustic weddings will showcase unique textures and colors all in one.

What's the "scoop" on Candy Bars...

Why are brides craving "candy bars/buffets" at their reception?  I thought this trend was slowly moving passed Nashville brides.  Needless to say, I have several brides this year who are incorporating candy bars at their reception. The candy bar will be a substitute for wedding favors and is probably a less expesnvie alternative.  Last year, I witness the love of candy from both kids and adults. They can add fun and a splash of color to your wedding.  However, if presented poorly, candy bars can be "cheesy".  Remember, it's all in the presentation.

Here's the "scoop" on candy bars:

COLOR PALETTE

1.  The candy should represent the wedding/reception color palette. Non-wrapped candies work best.

VASE SIZE

2.  Use large, wide mouth glass containers so the candy is easy to scoop.  Use vases that vary in height and shape.  Staggering heights make the bar look unique. 

3.  Don't use the containers with the glass suction tops.  They are hard to remove and often get broken.  I recommend not having tops at all. 

SCOOPS

4.  Don't forget the scoops.  Ice cream scoops work well for jelly beans, M&M's or other small candies but small candy scoops will certainly do the trick.

5. Have one scoop per container.

6.  As an option, neatly Label your container, either on the container or beside the container.  Your guest like to know what they are sampling. 

7.  Using a round table works well because your guest can mingle around the table.

8.  Don't forget the carry away pails or small baggies for the candy. 

TABLE DECOR

9.  Decorate your table with other elements (IE., organza fabric, crystals, flowers, a picture of the bride and groom, etc)  If the area will be dim, place christmas lights under the organza fabric for romantic shimmer.

CANDY SELECTION

10.  Make sure you have a sensible amount of candy on the table.  Too much candy will clutter the table and too little candy will make the table look bare.

11.  Search the candy aisle for the perfect candy.  Look for interesting shapes, textures, flavors, etc.

12.  Search the Internet for nostalgic candies.

13.  Appoint someone to manage the bar, either your planner or a family member can keep the bar neat and stocked with candy.

14.  Have your photographer take pictures of the bar before your guest begin to sample.

Appetite for Frugality...Crave Candles

Don't obliterate your floral budget with elaborate floral centerpieces for each table, especially if you have a large guest list.  Candle displays are more popular than ever.  They are one sure and inexpensive way to make your ambiance romantic.   Use a combination of pillars, votives, tapers (dinner candles), tealights and don't forget the round candles. Make sure you check with your venue for candle rules.

For modern elegance, incorporate floating candles in a cylinder or glass bowl filled with water. 

For a colorful effect, add food coloring to the water to correspond with your wedding colors.  Alternate the height of the candles to create a stair-stacked looked.  The imbalance of candle size actually attracts the human eye.

Use a multitude of candles of all sizes and shapes. As far as quanity, consider the size of your table or area.  As a rule of thumb- use odd numbers. 

Get creative and add rose petals to the water.  Rose petals will float naturally and gather around the floating candles.

 Use colored candles for more drama.  The key to an attractive candle display is in the presentation.  The staggered look on a flat service or with the support of various size candle holders is what makes the display a piece of art.

For added decor~river rocks, marbles, sand, crystal or a few large stem blooms peppered in between the candles.  Check out local craft or home dcor stores for creative candles.  One thing that guest EXPECT to see at a wedding is CANDLES.  So, Do it Cheap! Do it Cute! Do it with CaNdLeS and save $$$$