A Fresh Concept December 13, 2010

A note from Natalie:

When I started Zuzu’s Petals, I had an abstract idea of how I wanted my company brand to look, but I am a florist with a college degree in Business Administration ~ graphic design is certainly not my realm of creativity or knowledge. Tressa Foster, a family friend, was my graphic design angel, swooping in, listening to my ideas, and designing for me, the logo, website and brand of my dreams. She’s able to grasp ideas and bring them to fruition, a talent that never ceases to amaze me, particularly as I continue to present new projects to her. And so, I would like to introduce Tressa Foster, the creative force behind Fresh Concepts.

 

 

What services do you provide?

Fresh Concepts provides custom graphic design and printing services for all your special event needs, and is also a distributor of Carlson Craft’s exclusive wedding collections featuring a variety of wedding invitations, accessories and unique gifts.

What makes you, as a vendor, unique?

Fresh Concepts offers the personal attention of working directly with a Graphic Designer, who will help you develop a wedding theme, guide you through the entire design process and present innovative ideas to make your special day unique and personalized.  Working with Fresh Concepts is a one-stop-shop for many customers, offering an umbrella of services so we can handle all of your creative needs and save you time and money.

What’s your favorite color scheme?

Muted colors with a splash of bold/vibrance. For example, chocolate brown, ivory, and a accent of bright burgundy/magenta. Very elegant, yet contemporary for a wedding theme.

What’s a hot trend right now that you’re noticing?

Some of the hottest trends in wedding stationary items are non-traditional font styles/treatments, ethnic-inspired themes, creative shapes and folder-style presentations for wedding details.

What would you like to see a client, a bride and groom, choose for their wedding?

A wedding theme idea I’d like to see and develop would be an Eco-Friendly approach to “share the love of each other through the love of the earth.” The invitation could be created using special biodegradable paper and ink that can be buried into the ground. Wedding favors could be baby trees, flower bulbs, flower seed packets customized with the wedding details, or even gourmet organic chocolates! 

What is one zany/quirky attribute about you?

I had a St. Pat’s Irish-themed wedding where we had a bagpiper and the bridal party entered the reception to the jig while wearing leprechaun hats.

How did you get into the wedding business?

I began developing themes and designing wedding stationary for friends and family over 15 years ago. As I created Fresh Concepts in 2003, I expanded my list of services to include publishing and marketing design, but wedding stationary design has remained a passion of mine that I enjoy very much.

Visit Tressa’s site!

Tressa Foster, Graphic Designer can be reached at:

P: 815-274-1313

E: tressa@fresh-concepts.com

AN IDEALIST June 15, 2010

 

Photo by The Ideal Day

LAURA PATTERSON ~ THE IDEAL DAY

 

Q and A

Q: What service do you provide?

The Ideal Day provides wedding planning services on any level the client desires.  I don’t work with packages so each proposal is really tailored to fit each client’s budget and needs.  Much like the way a caterer or a florist works…figure out the needs, figure out the budget and put something together. 

Q: What makes you, as a vendor, unique?

I think what makes The Ideal Day unique is the fact that I am willing to work with clients on any budget – a lot of times, when people think of ‘wedding planner’ they might think that it’s only for higher end clients or celebrities but if I am a good fit with the clients and the project is something I want to work on, I will really work hard to propose a fee that works for everyone involved. 

Q: What’s your favorite color scheme?

My favorite color scheme right now is probably yellow, turquoise and grey.  I like the softness that can come from the yellow and the grey mixed with the intense pop of brightness from the turquoise.  I am also a big fan of monochromatic color schemes – I love lavender, berry and purple. 

Q: What would you like to see a client choose for their wedding?

I would really like to see one of my clients choose to do a destination wedding in February.  Getting away from the coldness of Chicago and celebrating a beautiful marriage on white sandy beaches in the Caribbean sounds divine.  Or, I would really plan a destination wedding in my hometown of Savannah, GA or on one of the surrounding islands.  I love the south. 
Q: What is one zany/quirky attribute about you?

Something slightly zany about me is that I entered my own wedding reception on roller skates. 

Q: How did you get into the wedding business?

I got into the wedding business via cater waitering while trying to be an actress.  When I moved to Chicago, I made a conscious decision to leave acting alone and focus on learning the catering industry.  After years of doing that, I realized my true love was working on weddings so I created The Ideal Day so I could focus on what I love most. 

Please visit Laura’s wonderful website!

THE WEDDING PLANNER May 19, 2010

A Note from Natalie:

Shannon Helmig ~ the force behind shannongail weddings and events ~ is an incredibly talented, stylish, and energetic event planner and colleague of mine. But I also must mention that she is my client as well, and together we’ve collaborated on the floral plans for her July 2010 wedding. It’s sure to be chic and picture-perfect, and I am so honored to be working with her. And so, I would like to introduce shannongail weddings and events:

Q & A

What services do you provide?

shannongail offers full service wedding planning, day of wedding planning, and the unique option to create your own custom package specific to your wedding, budget, and needs. From vendor selections and budget management to style design and wedding day logistics, you can choose which you need and which you don’t!

What makes you, as a vendor, unique?

When I first got into the wedding planning business I quickly realized the need for better customer service, and a more personalized, attentive experience. As a bride-to-be myself, I understand that brides don’t want to feel like just another client. I like to think of myself as “an additional bridesmaid who happens to know a lot about weddings” rather than a high strung business professional with her nose up in the air. I want my brides to be able to come to me with anything and know that they’ll be taken care of, which is why, regardless of whether I’m planning a wedding from start to finish or just managing things the day of, I make sure to really get to know my couples on a personal level which allows me to make sure every detail of their wedding day is just as they imagined it on every level instead of just keeping things on schedule.

What’s your favorite color scheme?

Oh gosh, do I have to pick just one? I have to admit, I’m a lush for monochromatic color schemes. This spring/summer season I am loving a natural garden look with all different shades of green and white. You may not think to mix bright white with buttery ivory and creams but trust me, give it a try and your end result is an incredible romantically chic look.

What’s a hot trend right now that you’re noticing?

I always say if it’s hot, it’s not a trend. By this I mean that the most popular trend in weddings right now is to incorporate something totally unique into your day; something that hasn’t been done time and time again. Maybe you make mini cupcakes and create a little buffet where guests can “dress” their own cupcakes with an assortment of frostings and toppings, or go ahead and put your six bridesmaids in different colored dresses if you can’t pick just one! In the end, you don’t have to follow the rule book, and your wedding will be totally “you” when you’re done with it!

What would you like to see a client, a bride and groom, choose for their wedding?

I have to admit, I love fashion, style, and everything that goes along with it. I like to take chances with it whether it be with my daily wardrobe or the weddings I create. I am still dreaming of the day a couple comes to me with some magnificently crazy, off beat idea for their wedding that I can take and run with. So I guess the answer is, I’m not sure yet, but try me!

 What is one zany/quirky attribute about you?

Every night before I go to bed I HAVE to drink multiple glasses of ice water. I’m very particular about this regiment – it’s never just one cup and it absolutely HAS TO have ice. As you can imagine, water before bed is just not a great idea yet I definitely don’t see this habit passing anytime soon.

How did you get into the wedding business?

In high school I worked at a salon that specialized in weddings and would travel onsite to do hair for the bride and her bridal party. I then became a bridal consultant, selling wedding gowns at a small boutique in the suburbs of Chicago and was basically surrounded by brides every day of my life. I absolutely loved the feeling of being with a bride on her wedding morning and the responsibility that came along with make sure she looked and felt beautiful and decided I wanted to have an even bigger role in the day. I first launched shannongail as an onsite bridal hair company, then eventually added wedding planning services and, within a year, was a full service, full time wedding planner! I look forward to my job every single day and to me, there is no better feeling than being there with a bride at that moment when her bridesmaids are already down the aisle and she realizes it’s THAT moment that she’s been planning and waiting for so long. Then, it’s one more fluff of her train and she’s off…it is absolutely priceless.

Please visit shannongail’s website

*All Photos Courtesy of Jeremy Lawson Photography.

!

Shimmer and Glow May 6, 2010

A Note from Natalie:

I had the pleasure of working with Amelia Cosmas for her September 2009 wedding. She came to me, looking for rich, elegant floral designs with a touch of drama (in the form of peacock feathers and deep, saturated colors). Her sense of style is impeccable, her willingness to take risks is inspiring, and her penchant for dramatic style is evident in her gorgeous jewelry designs. And so, I would like to introduce Jewelry Designer ~ Amelia Cosmas:

~ Q & A ~

Q: What service do you provide?

I design and create chic and unique, custom jewelry. My pieces are made of quality components such as semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal, sterling silver and vintage elements. Color, sizing and style can be tailored to each customer’s needs and wants.

Q: What makes you, as a vendor, unique?

I seem to have a knack for figuring out exactly what my clients want, even when they’re not sure. The best compliment I’ve been lucky to receive often is “It’s perfect! It looks just like me/her!”  Also my work often blends traditional/classic with funky/modern-and it looks beautiful ,  contemporary  and original. Many of my pieces are one of a kind. Plus I obsess over attention to detail.

Q: What’s your favorite color scheme?

In my own recent wedding I used shades of purple (plum to lavender) and blues blended together. These colors were accented with pewter-y silver and I must mention the peacock feathers (Natalie and I were practically giddy about them) which added the perfect, personalized touch for me. Typically darker jewel tones appeal to me and I love mixing in silver with most colors … it’s  modern with yellow; classic with black and white; elegant with gold; preppy with navy; vintage with soft pinks and purples. Very versatile.

Q: What’s a hot trend right now that you’re noticing?

Vintage, vintage and vintage-love it! Also I see brides getting away from the bride “uniform” (thank goodness). Yay for brides who wear chunky white onyx necklaces or hot pink shoulder duster earrings!

Q: What would you like to see a client, a bride and groom, choose for their wedding?

Anything that expresses their style and taste and  helps personalize their event. Jewelry is a wonderful, sentimental gift that can be enjoyed many times after the wedding.

Q: What is one zany/quirky attribute about you?

Oh gosh…Quirky? Well, I’m kinda, sorta, very phobic. I hate airplanes, boats, water in general, the dentist, heights, roller coasters and elevators. I try not to let it stop me too often from living life (although I do take the stairs whenever possible). Zany? Zany doesn’t really describe me but my sisters and I to this day can dance the choreographed routine we made up as kids to Barry Manilow’s “Copa Cabana”. It’s pretty funny.

Q: How did you get into the wedding business?

Designing  jewelry for brides and their maids and moms  was a natural progression from my everyday jewelry creations.

Contact Info:

www.SpiritOfSilver.etsy.com

ataafe@sbcglobal.net

Display coming soon to Zuzu’s Petals’ Studio!

MUSIC MAN May 3, 2010

We would like to introduce you to our third featured vendor:

 

DAVID ROTHSTEIN ~ DAVID ROTHSTEIN MUSIC

 

 ~ Q and A ~

 

What service do you provide?

David Rothstein Music provides live music for ceremony, cocktails, dinner, and dancing. 

What makes you, as a vendor, unique?

Our company is based on the idea that everyone deserves to get a wedding that is specifically created for them, instead of just another contract number or date on someone’s calendar. We create incredibly personalized touches. For example, we recently played a wedding where the bride and groom had mentioned that they were big fans of Seinfeld. I found a store in Hollywood that had all the original Seinfeld scripts. I was able to get ahold of their favorite episode and had it FedExed to me. Along with giving them the script, we also learned and performed the theme song to Seinfeld, which we played live at their wedding. In addition to all the personal touches, we provide our clients with a custom made set list that is adjusted throughout the evening, based on what it actually happening on the dance floor at that time. We also have a separate ceremony department, so guests can get expert classical musicians for the ceremony, and expert versatile musicians for their cocktails, dinner, and dancing.

What’s your favorite color scheme?

Black and Gold

What’s a hot trend right now that you’re noticing?

As far as hot trends, I warn my clients to see “hot trends” as just that. I encourage them to look at these trends and decide if that’s something that fits what their vision of what their wedding is, and not because Paris Hilton says that it is what you have to do. I believe all couples should be true to themselves and not try to keep up with what everybody else says they should be doing.

What would you like to see a client, a bride and groom, choose for their wedding?

Dancing Between Courses is a huge asset to the flow of the wedding. It allows them to do their First Dance, Father/Daughter, and Mother/Son dances right away as well as allowing the guests to start dancing towards the beginning of the evening instead of having to wait until the entire meal is completed. You can learn more about this by reading this article: http://drsmusic.com/blog/what-is-dancing-between-courseseast-coast-style-wedding-2/.

What is one zany/quirky attribute about you?

After the weddings we have a program entitled “Share Your Love” where I round up the floral arrangements, with the bride’s permission, and donate them the next day to nursing homes and women/children’s shelters.

How did you get into the wedding business?

In 1994 I returned from touring with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. I started playing with various wedding bands in the Chicago area. After a number of years performing as bassist for these bands, I found one truth was consistent in every group; they treated every client exactly the same. I could almost always predict what song was going to be played next. Even if people weren’t dancing to a particular song they would keep playing it only because the song was on the set list and it worked for the client last week. I felt clients deserved to be treated better than just being another date on their calendar. That’s why in 2000 I decided to start David Rothstein Music, Inc.

Visit David’s Website!

The Snap Flower Girls LOVE The Traveling Photo Booth®! April 28, 2010

A Note from Natalie:

For Zuzu’s Petals’ grand opening, we had the pleasure of featuring the Traveling Photo Booth® operated by Jeff Hellenbrand. The photo booth itself is beautiful ~ sleek, stylish and easy to use. Jeff was a total joy. He was patient, witty, and really promoted a fun atmosphere. And let me tell you, our guests loved the photo booth. And looking at the strips of pictures months later, I can revisit that great night. There are funny-face, wacky shots. Romantic shots of couples sneaking away from the crowd. Serious, America’s- Next-Top-Model poses; the photo booth captures moments from an event that even the best photographer may miss, because they are totally unguarded. So, I would like to introduce you to Jeff Hellenbrand  ~ The Traveling Photo Booth® ~

 

Q and A

Q: What service do you provide?

We provide a premium photo booth service to clients looking for a chic, retro photo booth that prints real, gorgeous photo strips. It’s the perfect way to entertain guests all night long and guests are sure to love their photo strip party favors. Our clients tell us the best part is looking through their photo strip guest book. They love seeing all of the photo strips from the night and reading messages from their friends and family.

Q: What makes you, as a vendor, unique?
I think we’re unique for a couple of reasons. We’ve achieved the delicate balance of elegance and silliness. Most brides don’t want their reception to be stuffy and boring, but they also don’t want it to be cheesy. With us, they get something stylish and fun people are still talking about months later. Our clients never get tired of hearing compliments from their guests on what a great idea it was to hire The Traveling Photo Booth®. We don’t either.

Q: What’s your favorite color scheme?
I’d have to say baby blue and chocolate brown with a hint of green.

Q: What’s a hot trend right now that you’re noticing?

One thing that’s getting more and more popular is to have stand-alone frames for the photo strips. Many brides are choosing to use them as table settings. It’s a great way to tell everyone about the photo booth and the frames (complete with photo strips inside) make a very nice party favor.

Q: What would you like to see a client use for their wedding?
I love vintage-style weddings. We’ve done some gorgeous events. One client brought her own very elaborate prop box filled with antique props. She was one of the few brides who were able to get a bunch of photo strips with her guests. Most only get a chance for one or two.

Q: What are your quirkiest attributes?

I split my spare time (not that there’s a lot of it) between composing indie rock music, learning to ride a unicycle, drinking Guinness, watching “Modern Family,” and swimming.

Q: How did you get into the wedding business?
I was attending the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. I hadn’t seen my cousin in maybe six years and my mom kept saying, “You live in the same city as your cousin, Matt. Give him a call.” After enough prodding, I finally did call him. He invited me to a kegger at his house where he told me about this ridiculous company he started. He and a college buddy designed and built a photo booth (with a little help from the internationally-renowned architecture studio where Matt was working) that they were lugging around to wedding receptions and parties. I instantly fell in love with the concept. I started out as a part-time “boother,” then moved to general manager after I graduated. In the two years as GM, I watched our company grow from five photo booths to fifteen and our one location expand to two additional franchises. The photo booths are faster, cuter and better than ever. My wife, Emily, and I were ready for an adventure so we decided to move to Chicago to start a new location. We’ve been in the Windy City since September. So far we’ve received a very warm welcome. Chicago brides are craving a classic photo booth that’s simple, fun and fits in at their reception all from a company they can trust.

 Visit the Traveling Photo Booth’s® website!

 *All Photos Courtesy of The Traveling Photo Booth®.

Featured Vendor April 20, 2010

We would like to introduce you to our first featured vendor:

 

JESSICA SCURTE ~ GRAPHIC DESIGN

 

Q and A

 

What service do you provide?

I specialize in graphic design and can create any event materials including: save the dates, invitations, thank you cards, websites, ceremony programs, table numbers, menu cards, maps, favor labels, table assignment cards, or whatever else may be needed.
 
What makes you, as a vendor, unique?

I work closely with my clients and like to sit down and leaf through catalogs, paper samples, and color swatch books to hone in on their style. It is really important that I capture my clients’ personalities and graphically represent it; therefore I work, energetically, until the piece is perfect.

What’s your favorite color scheme?

I am a fan of color and enjoy high contrasts such as violet purple and pale yellow, lime green and raspberry pink or cerulean blue and tangerine orange. However, you can never go wrong with classic black and white with a splash of red.

What’s a hot trend right now that you’re noticing?

A hot trend right now, which by the way I’m loving, is a DIY, handcrafted approach to everything. Etsy’s popularity has spilled over into nearly all forms of design—be it interior, fashion, jewelry, you name it—and has had a large effect on the wedding industry. Whether an invitation has endearing illustrations that capture how the bride and groom met, was hand stitched together, or screen-printed on a tiny tabletop machine, those idiosyncrasies make the piece stand out from all the others and unique to the individual.

What would you like to see a client, a bride and groom, choose for their wedding?

As much as I love color, I have always dreamed of working in a very understated, muted, or monotone color palette. I would enrich the design with luxe paper and fine details that would give it a little je ne sais quoi.

 
What is one zany/quirky attribute about you?

So many come to mind! However, two stand out from all the rest: I attended 10 different schools before graduating from high school. I am a song lyric fiend! Most of the time, while my husband is surfing through radio stations, I can sing along with any song, no matter what point it is in the lyrics.

Visit Jessica’s website!

I now pronounce you blogette and blogette…. April 13, 2010

A note from Natalie (President of ZuZu’s Petals):

A wedding is a wedding is a wedding. Right? The taffeta dresses abound in all their ruffled and bustled glory. The up-dos are lacquered to cement strength. Each place setting is adorned with the little trinket you saw at your friend’s wedding who saw it at her cousin’s wedding who stole the idea from her now sister-in-law’s wedding.

And the cake, oh, the cake was copied right out of the “Tastefully Usual” section of the bride’s favorite publication.

But you are soon to be married yourself, and you are determined not to fall into the cookie cutter trap.

Being the president of an event floral firm, it’s my job to convey personality through flowers. Whether it be a gothic-inspired wedding of all sultry reds and blacks, or a breezy nod to Hawaii ~ tuberose and orchids everywhere ~ my client’s individuality must be reflected in his or her floral décor.

I am often asked by brides, “Is this what people normally do?” Referring to so many particular items, such as whether or not to provide flowers for the ushers, whether it is necessary to elaborately decorate the head table, should the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom wear the same style corsage? Of course there are norms and popular notions of wedding propriety, but there is no Law of Floral to fear if, for instance, boutonnieres are omitted for the ushers. My advice is to prioritize, particularly if budgeting is an issue. For example, table centerpieces are very important and effective in conveying a wedding’s “look.”  An usher, however, may breathe a sigh of relief when learning he doesn’t have to be “pinned” with a rose on his lapel.

The “burden” of budget can actually be rewarding if viewed as a challenge, because it inspires creativity. And nothing is off-limits anymore, regarding décor ~ coffee beans, pine-cones, apples ~ all these things can be used as vase fillers. Candles, candles (everywhere) offer ambiance to any space. Affordable, textured foliages can be used in place of pricey blooms, as an alternative way of bringing nature indoors.

This is my perspective. And I will be sharing my ideas with you ~ along with the super-talented Gina, the force behind Gina Cristine Photography. Together, we hope to add some snap and style to your wedding concepts, and we hope to help create a setting that is photo-ready and fabulous.

A note from Gina (President of Gina Cristine Photography Inc.):

As a lifestyle photographer, my main goal is to capture emotion. Not the usual smile and pose. I gravitate towards artistic and unique photography with a bit of vintage flair. Light, texture, and a rare moment inspires and catches my attention. I can’t wait to share what new photography ideas I find, and to capture the trends in the wedding industry. As well as introduce a new idea and look in wedding photography with Tara Kennedy Photography soon!

I am so excited to collaborate with Natalie on this project. She is an incredible artist!

Stay tuned….