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May 2008

May 19, 2008

Get Etsyfied...

EtsyGet Etsyfied....while the getting is good!!!

When I find unique things then I must pass them on.  Etsy www.etsy.com is a place to buy and sale all things handmade.

I am a member of etsy because I love the items I have purchased thus far.  It's very similar to E-bay.  I found Etsy while searching for unique favor tags for my sister's baby shower and now I'm addicted.  The best thing about Etsy is that's is all customized and hand-made.  If your looking for invitations, business cards, calling cards, jewelry... you name it and someone makes it and will customize it to fit your theme!!!

One of my favorite designers is Jessica Stolte.  She customized the perfect favor tag for a Florida State themed baby shower I am planning.  Florida_state_baby_shower_favor_tagCheck out Jessica's website and flickr profile.

www.starr-design-cr.com

http://www.flickr.com/people/starrdesign/

Go to etsy today and check out all the unique finds.  They have tons of wedding and bridal shower invitation designers and their pricing is very reasonable.

Warning:  Don't get Etsyfied :)

What's your bouquet style???

Bouquet_stylesToday's wedding bouquets are more personal than ever, running the gamut from classic all-white formal arrangements to unique designs featuring brightly colored blooms.

Did you know bouquet's come in various styles?  Most brides don't realize this and just select a bouquet based on their liking.  When I meet with brides, I pay close attention to their stature (height, body structure)

Your bouquet should compliment you and your dress.  If your petite like me, then you should not carry a cascading bouquet.  If your very tall, then a posey bouquet will not do you any justice, however a hand-tied or cascading bouquet may be a nice fit. 

If your wearing a sleeveless gown then an arm/ pageant style bouquet may be a nice compliment.  Your bouquet should be proportionate with your stature.

If your petite and have a small body, a round bouquet would be perfect. The shape of your body and the bouquet will be balanced, thus creating the perfect look.

The hand-tied wedding bouquet is gaining popularity everyday. It has become a must for all brides. You will look slimmer and more elegant on your wedding day when you carry a hand-tied wedding bouquet.

You will look fresh and natural on your wedding day when you carry a hand-tied wedding bouquet because the flowers look like they have just being picked from the garden.

Whatever wedding bouquet style you choose, you should know how to carry it well. Carry it around your waistline near your hip bones. Only then, the elegance of the flower and beauty of the gown will come through. When that happens, you will look your best on that special day!!!

May 18, 2008

A Feathered Affair...

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Christi & Bronson Locklear said "I Do" in an intimate ceremony in Dickson, TN.  Christi's color palette was black, white and hot pink with a funky feather element to include both rooster tail feathers and ostrich plumes - such a unique twist!

The hot pink really popped against the black and white palette.  I used a "Ravel" hot pink rose because when these roses bloom they exude a beautiful bold hot pink color.

Christi and Bronson incorporated another unique element into their wedding.  The custom monogram "CLB" was stamped on their programs, ribbon and cake.  Img_1218_edited1_4

The guest sign in included a picture of the lovely couple with a white matte for personal sentiments to the bride and groom. The guest enjoyed reading others sentiments and I personally enjoyed reading them too!

This is also makes a nice home decor piece for the newlyweds.

One particular sentiment caught my eye...

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Kristi carried a bundle of white "Akito" roses with rooster tail feathers collared around the bouquet.  I added small rhinestones to some of the individual rooster tail feathers for added sparkle.Img_1157

Img_1191_edited1_2Simply Elegant... For the guest sign in table, I used ravel rose petals in an over-sized vase filled with ostrich plumes.  I added black ribbon and a rhinestone brooch to give more emphasis to this design.

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Kristi's bridesmaid carried a nosegay bouquet of hot pink "Ravel" roses and Pink "orlando" roses with a few rooster tail feathers peppered within.

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For pew decor, I used 3 hot pink "Ravels", ostrich plumes and ribbon.

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Rose pomanders and ostrich plumes were added to the candelabras-Simply Stunning!

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Fresh floral wreaths made of hydrangeas, garden roses, and gerbers were hung on the door entrances.

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Kristi's mom added her personal touch.  She hand-stitched "CLUB" to the sashes that hung from the wreaths.

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She also hand-stitched the ribbon that hung from the flower girl's pomanders.  There's nothing like having mom's touch :)

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The reception was held at the Greystone Golf Club in Dickson, TN and if you think the wedding was beautiful then check out the reception.  It was ravishing!!!

Img_1236_edited1The cocktail tables were dressed with poly satin black linens and tied with hot pink sashes and feathers "martini style"  The linens were provided by

Southern Events www.southernevents.com

Img_1242_edited1 The old saying goes with "Less is More"  The guest tables were smothered with ravel and orlando pink rose petals and votive candles. Simply Exquisite! 

Img_1275"Floating roses" were added to the tables in with the rose petals.  This is a simple, chic trick to spruce up rose petal and candle tablescapes.

Img_1292_edited1 Monogrammed cups for the keg/bar area.  Cute and inexpensive favors too!!!

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The cake was beautiful, designed by French Confection- A masterpiece!

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Img_1265 Personalized toasting glasses...another cute element.

Img_1308 The Groom's cake was a piece of art!!  Yes, this is the groom's cake.  It looks so real- another French Confection Design.

Img_1305 Check out the "Just Married" sign in the back.  How adorable!!!

I just loved working with Kristi and loved all aspects and elements of this wedding.  I truly wish Kristi and Bronson the best!!!!

Photos:  Provided by Rhonda Patton

Professional Photography provided by Evin Photography www.evinphotography.com

RPD named exclusive florist for Hilton

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I am excited to announce Rhonda Patton Designs has been selected as the exclusive floral event designer for the Hilton Garden Inn (Smyrna & Nashville) www.hiltongardeninn.com

I will work with the Hilton and their clients to provide fresh floral and event design.  The Hilton Garden Inn accommodates special events (weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, sweet 16's, corporate dinner parties, holiday parties, etc.) 

"Always do your best because you never know who is watching",  a quote from the phenomenal Oprah Winfrey and one that I live by daily.  In this case, I showcased my work at the Hilton Garden Inn for a wedding last month and the Director of Sales was so impressed he consulted with his regional manager for approval to appoint me exclusive florist.  I was in tears as this is truly a blessing.  I want to thank the management staff at the Hilton Garden Inn and look forward to working with them this year helping make their events SPECTACULAR!!!!  Stay tuned to my blog as I am sure to bring you all the highlights!!! 

Celebrity Event Planner, Designer and Producer comes to Music City

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I thought it was a hoax when I seen the name Tony Schubert come through on my blackberry inbox.  I mumbled to myself "yeah right" and even pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. My first thought was, "why would he be contacting me?" 

Tony Schubert & Rhonda Patton-Camera Phone Pic

Tony Schubert, event designer and owner of Event Eleven www.eventeleven.com - Event Eleven (based out of LA and Miami) creates full-scale tailor made fantasies based on the specific needs of the client.  Once I realized that it was not a hoax I was ecstatic!!!!  I could not believe that my craft had once again caught the attention of a celebrity event design and wedding guru.  Just in case you don't recognize the name Tony Schubert or Event Eleven, here is a peak at his portfolio- VANITY FAIR, US WEEKLY, INSTYLE WEDDINGS, HOLLYWOOD LIFE, INSTYLE, EMMY, COACH, DISNEY, XBOX 360 LAUNCH, CATWOMAN PREMIERE, SKETCHERS, GLAMOUR MAGAZINE, CELEBRITY WEDDINGS and the list goes on. 

Check out www.eventeleven.com for more press information.

Tony and I exchanged emails for several days discussing floral needs for his celebrated private affair in Nashville.  Tony requested a mock up of mango orange callas for his event just to make sure we were on the same page.

Here are the pictures I sent to Tony:

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          Mini Mango Orange Calla Lilies

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Calla_photo_5Tony loved the mock ups and appointed me as the floral designer for his private event.  I was flabbergasted!!!  I was overly excited and was thankful that my talents have been acknowledge by a event designer who has produced events for major companies such as VHI, MTV, COACH and ESTEE LAUDER .

I placed a large order for mini callas with my vendor in California and before you knew it I was busy making multiple centerpieces for Tony's private event.

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  Over 700 mini calla lilies were ordered. Here they are in prep.  They were the most beautiful callas I've ever seen.  A true mango orange with a nice blend of red and deep orange.  Purely Impeccable!

They were packed neatly in 7x7x7 square glass vases.

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I arrived at Lot 7 www.lot7.net.  Lot 7 is an eclectic venue with a LA-Miami lounge feel.  It's a cool spot - You gotta check it out!  I spoke with Blane the owner and they have a few wedding receptions planned this summer but would love to accommodate more brides who are looking for an eclectic venue. 

Meeting Tony in person was a joy especially after reading about him time after time in my favorite event design mag Biz Bash www.bizbash.com

He was very receptive and was just as excited to meet me as I was to meet him.  It was his first time to Music City.  When ask how he found Rhonda Patton Designs, he stated, "I had my secretary send me a list of every single florist in Nashville, and I went through each florist website and knew you were the one for my event, I loved your website.  Keep up the good work!"

I thank Tony for the wonderful opportunity and look forward to working with him again (REAL SOON!!!:))