Archive for the ‘Venue’ Category

We love love love the idea of taking a rustic wedding venue, such as a converted barn on a farm or a vineyard, or simply out in the fields themselves, and juxtaposing it with softer, vintage feeling décor to create a scene that is both simple and stunningly elegant.  To start, one must find the perfect location.  And boy does New England have a wide array of choices- from vineyards to actually functioning farms, to spaces that have since been converted to restaurants and event space.  Even though at first glance they may seem too country and artless, with the right delicate touches, they can be transformed into a charming, rustic chic wonderland!

{  smith barn }

{ indoor barn reception }

First of all, you need to get in touch with the farm itself: many of these places, being working sites rather than just venues, offer fresh food grown on site, or in the case of those turned into restaurants, can cater your events with locally grown and often organic food.  In the case of vineyards, house wines are a delicious and convenient perk to go with your location choice.  We love the idea of using goods either grown and made on site or locally in your food and beverage choices- it’s truly a great way to bring a unique touch to what can otherwise be an overlooked aspect of your day.

{ wildflower bouquet }

But even more fun than the food and wine are the decorations- we think working for a vintage inspired, delicate feel makes a great contrast to the raw, earthy feel of fields and barns.  To keep with the feel of the rustic, wildflower bouquets and centerpieces are a great way to add some color and lightness.  Queen Anne’s Lace makes for a delicate feel and bright colors like cornflowers, New England Astor and poppies make them really pop!  Use not just mason jars, but all sorts of funky glass jars and bottles for table pieces.  When doing a vintage style wedding, we think that mixing and matching really makes it feel authentic, and even better, it makes your décor uniquely yours!  Antique lace and delicate floral pattern table linens give not only texture, but added delicacy on the table.  Finally, actual antique china and silver, or even just spindly, patterned, eclectic table and glass ware choices truly finish the feel of vintage but chic and elegant table that will leave your guests delighted!

{ lanterns }

{ wildflower centerpieces }

Other wonderful décor touches that we love for country weddings are small white twinkly lights for a romantic and ethereal lighting after dark.  It also just feels so festive!  Having hay bales positioned for seating keeps with the country feel, but you can also drape them in vintage-y sheets (try going to your local thrift shop) to keep guests from having hay stuck to their bums.  You can also use chalkboards to write out your menu choices, or even just to have cute and personalized messages and drawings.  You could even leave one blank with some chalk for your friends and family to leave love notes!

{  chalkboard menu }

These are just a few ideas that we think would make for a wonderful feel of simplified grace, enjoy!

Hope you’re enjoying your Saturday morning! With coffee in hand let’s take a look at one fantastic venue just south of Boston…

At a recent wedding industry conference we discussed non-traditional wedding venues, and it reminded me that I have one last installment of the Roger Williams Park venues. We’ve featured the Casino and the Carousel so far, but of the three main wedding spaces in the park my favorite is the Botanical Garden.

Part III: Botanical Gardens

With ample parking and landscaped paths the journey to the Botanical Garden is a very pleasant experience. The majority of the structure is a glass greenhouse that offers a great view inside and out.

Several fountains dot the interior gardens – this one is inside the main door. Some of the fountains can be turned off and covered with flooring in order to increase the space for ceremony chairs. All of the potted plants are mobile and can be removed to create an aisle.

{  pranzi catering }

This is a sample of a ceremony in the entry space. The fountain has been covered and the plants moved to create an aisle. Looks great!

As you walk through the ceremony (or cocktail) space there is small hallway with bathrooms that separates the first greenhouse from the second, larger greenhouse. This is the first peek into the main event space.

The main event space is far larger than it appears. All of the small potted plans would be removed, leaving space for approximately 10 guest tables between the two fountains (one on each end) that you see here. For day time events there is a screen for the glass ceiling that can be drawn to reduce the direct sunlight.

And the entire facility is climate controlled – perfect for any time of year! Providence is a great town for a wedding, and this is just one of many gems to consider.

Let us know if we can help you find the perfect wedding venue in Providence, Boston, or beyond!

Cheers,
__Jessica

Towne Stove and Spirits is a delightful little hot spot has delicious food and drinks, and now there’s a chance to win a $500 food and beverage tab. Fantastic!

{  bloomspot }

The modern feel and Back Bay location are just two of the reasons to consider Towne Stove as the location for your rehearsal dinner or wedding after party. The menu is diverse enough to please a crowd and peppered with enough flavor to keep your foodie friends truly charmed. Towne has a few private dining rooms that can be booked by phone with a few weeks notice. The bar is a great late-night stop if you or your guests want to continue to party, with an atmosphere that is buzzing with activity.

Now through October 14, 2010 you can enter for a chance to win a $500 food and beverage gift certificate. Register with bloomspot for the chance to win. Good luck!

Cheers,
__Jessica

This weekend we brought to life the European Elegance inspiration board from one of our previous posts. Thanks to the fabulous Tyra Bleek we have a sneak peak into what we created, so stay tuned to for more photos and details.

{  tyra bleek }

A special thanks to Joseph of Gondola di Venezia, Boston’s only gondola tours. It was not only a fun way to spend part of the afternoon, but it is a romantic experience. As it turns out the couple on the gondola before us got engaged on their ride! The evening tours are a little more intimate, and a little less warm without the beating afternoon sun – this and dinner would make a lovely anniversary, don’t you think?

Cheers,
__Jessica

This weekend I visited the Sherborn Inn with one of our fantastic couples, Jessica and Mike. After talking through the details of their ceremony and reception I walked around and took some photos to give you a better idea of what this venue has to offer.

Guests will enter through this side entrance to the Inn. There is a small parking lot with handicapped parking immediately in front of this door, with plenty of other parking available just around the back of the Inn.

{  front parking  }                                                            {  back parking  }

As your guests enter the Inn they will find the baby grand piano – a nice place for escort cards. The Inn is open for public dining during private functions, so staff is on hand here to greet and direct everyone to the appropriate place. The main wedding dining space is just beyond the fireplace, and we’ll get to that, but first check out the bar that is down the hallway on your left…

The exposed beams and chandeliers make the bar a great late-night place for after the rehearsal or wedding. But back to our tour of the wedding space…

As you walk past the fireplace and piano you enter the main reception space. The private event bar, available only to your guests, is on the left side of the wedding reception space, just before the guest dining tables. On the right, the dance floor space and DJ.

{  in this photo the room is set for 90 guests  }

The tables pictured here are for dinner stations and the DJ. Plated meals will increase the size of the dance floor and reduce the amount of time spent on dinner. Just a little something to keep in mind.

The Tent and Field

At the back side of the Inn is a tented patio, arbor, and field for outdoor ceremonies or cocktail hours. Jessica and Mike plan to have their ceremony in the grass, then welcome guests into the tent for drinks and hors d’ouevres.

Whats the rain plan? We will have the ceremony under the tent and move cocktail hour inside.

{  these tables will have linens for an outdoor cocktail hour  }

{  a ceremony set under the tent  }

The field is accessible through the arbor just beyond the far side of the tent. Plan to have your ceremony face the Inn so everyone can enjoy the view without the sun setting in their eyes.

Other Spaces at the Sherborn

These smaller spaces can accommodate small groups, early arrival guests, or just a private dining space for a related wedding event (like a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner).

{  Keeping Room }

{  Coolidge Room  }                                                  {  Bullard Room  }

Hope your having a great week!

Cheers,
__Jessica

The second part in the series on Roger Williams Park… the Casino!

Part II: The Casino

The Casino is one of the first buildings you see when entering Roger Williams Park. This beautiful historic building was fully restored and has been converted into event space. Surrounded by trees and forty acres of land (aka great photo space!) it is a great venue.

(these are the chairs that come with the venue rental, and the table isn’t ready yet, so ignore the decor for the moment) As guests approach the front door there are sprawling, wraparound porches on the first and second floors. When the weather is nice guests can enjoy cocktails out here, or even just appreciate the grounds. If you have a string quartet I may suggest placing them out here in an attempt to draw guests outside in lovely weather.

Immediately as you enter the front door the large, open parlor is perfect for cocktail hour or a ceremony. The fireplace is something to highlight with candle or floral decor, but definitely needs some lighting. Because the entire casino is surrounded by wraparound porches, and the decor of the first floor is so dark, the natural lighting inside is a bit diminished.

When it is time for dinner guests will be invited up this staircase…

…where they will catch the first glimpse of the space that awaits them!

My eyes were immediately drawn to the rich ceiling of the space, and then back down to the coordinating chairs. At night, the chandeliers cast a nice glow and compliment the ceiling decor. At the left of the photo is the stage, which can be used for head tables or a band.

The stage is being set for two head tables for the bride, groom, and bridal party, as well as a cupcake table (just on the right).

The second floor of the Casino spans the entire width and length of the building, seating 150 for dinner and dancing.

The Bandstand

If you walk around the Casino you will spot the bandstand, an option for an outdoor ceremony.

Paved stairs and walkways lead to the bandstand, allowing guests to easily move between one space and the next. If the weather permits, utilizing this space for the ceremony would allow you to host cocktails in the first floor and veranda of the Casino. I would decorate the railing of the bandstand with floral decor and seat the guests around the base of the bandstand — it will be beautiful and intimate.

How close is the Bandstand to the Casino? This picture was taken from where the guests would be seated,  so very close.

For more information on the Casino and Bandstand read more at the Casino’s website and information page.

So far we’ve explored two very different venues at Roger Williams Park: one trendy and one historic. Next, we will take a look at the Botanical Gardens.

Have a great week!

Cheers,
__Jessica

If you got engaged this spring, or are maybe a little behind in the planning, you should make plans to attend the New England Bridal Affair bridal show this Sunday, May 16.

Be on the look out for us! We won’t be hard to find when we are next to Kiss 108′s Billy Costa!

Vendors from every category imaginable — florists, photographers, DJs, videographers, transportation … — will be on hand to answer questions, provide additional information on their services, and maybe even offer special incentives. And if you haven’t selected your venue yet, take this opportunity to scope out the Ipswich Country Club.

Details

Date: Sunday, May 16
Show Hours: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Ipswich Country Club
148 Country Club Way, Ipswich, MA 01938

See you there!

Cheers,
__Jessica

Roger Williams Park is an interesting and beautiful location tucked away in Providence, but because there are few photos or details online about the extensive event space we have a three part series to highlight some of the great venue options the park has to offer.

Part I: The Carousel

If your style is casual, fun, and maybe a bit vintage, the Roger Williams Park Carousel is a fantastic venue. After meeting with a friend and fellow wedding planner who is planning her August wedding at Glenn Echo Park I was inspired to highlight a New England carousel as a unique wedding location. We’ve all seen the cocktail hour activities like photo booths, but why not encourage your guests to take a ride on the carousel?! (I’m pretty sure it is safe to drink and ride)

During the day it sparkles, but think about the twinkling lights at night. With some decorative lighting around the room, if only to add color and bring a balance to the bright lights of the carousel, this space would be far more beautiful and sophisticated than the typical kid’s parties.

Housed in a nondescript but well maintained building, this is the first thing you see when you approach the carousel. No, your guests will not be dining on picnic tables! Instead, look at the large patio — the entire building is surrounded by a patio that could comfortably hold a large tent (a tent being the perfect blank canvas!).

The carousel consumes the majority of the interior of the room, so cocktail hour is best in the pavilion. Guests can grab a drink, take a ride, and maybe get their cotton candy favors. There is enough space in the pavilion for cocktail tables and a bar, but dinner in a tent would be perfect. Working with great rental and decor vendors would allow you to carry the whimsical feel into the tent without sacrificing comfort.

As the patio wraps around the pavilion you can see the Japanese gardens. I took these photos before everything started to bloom, so imagine leaves on the trees and blossoming branches. But even in the colder months this is a serene place for some post-ceremony photos or for guests enjoy between dances.

We’ll be featuring the Roger Williams Casino and Botanical Gardens next week. See you then!

Cheers,
__Jessica