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A peek inside the design process from Kristin Banta…

Guests arrived on the rooftop of the London Hotel and entered an open grass courtyard space
framed by hedges on three sides, where they were offered iced water with lime by hotel staff
before finding their seats amongst white Chiavari chairs facing the expansive view of the city.
A string quartet filled the air as they awaited the ceremony. The ceremony aisle began with
two pewter fabric upholstered pedestals set with large aluminum trophy urns filled with white
hydrangea and crisp greens, followed by an aisle lined with nickel lanterns embellished with grey
sashes. The alter area featured a cabana-style structure draped with tailored white fabric and
pewter kick pleats at the top corners all with grey tie-backs to match those on the lanterns. Green
topiaries were placed at each corner of the structure with plantings of white florals at the base.
Inside the structure, a beautiful alter table sat with candlelight and florals.
Following the intimate ceremony, guests were invited to the 3rd floor Hampton Court garden
where they were greeted by servers offering dirty martinis and sparkling wine. Guests
chatted amongst high and low cocktail tables with white Chiavari chairs, all draped in luxe
pewter moire fabric and embellished with glass “perfume bottle” vases and petit florals, while they
listened to a jazz quartet and sampled from a decadent selection of tray passed hors d’oeuvres. At
the end of the grass aisle flanked by boxed hedges, a full bar was placed, styled
with florals and upholstered in a sleek grey on grey printed fabric and topped with a lacquered
grey bar top.

As the sun began to set, guests were invited to the lower level ballroom which allowed for a
dramatic reveal of a space, completely transformed into a sophisticated supper club complete
with a full band, luxe lounges and martini carts, a custom bar and bar stools and a stylized sofa
vignette for photo ops. Guests entered the lower level hallway, dimly lit and leading to
a registration area where they checked in and were given a table assignment on rich grey
paperstock in small envelopes, provided by a host standing behind an acrylic podium. As they
entered the “supper club” as led by hotel staff, they were met by the couple welcoming them from
the center of the dancefloor, accompanied by the sounds of The James Gang Encore playing
from a custom grey stage with an upholstered charcoal fabric stage front along with a rich draped
pewter backdrop.

A graphic textured light wash filled a central high gloss grey metallic dancefloor surrounded by
square tables draped in luxe pewter dupioni and featuring a tablescape of white florals including
phalaenopsis, hydrangea and lisianthus in multiple silver textured vases along with a collection
of mercury glass votives all placed on a riser upholstered in a graphic grey on grey printed
fabric. The square tables featured Victorian silver rimmed chargers and silk-satin grey napkins
placed in stainless steel square bands. The outer tables were rounds placed with the same
sophisticated table top décor but without the risers and offered white banquettes with a collection
of printed grey pillows for guest seating on the outer side while all other seating featured
elegant silver X back Chameleon chairs with grey ultra suede cushions. The round tables were
additionally placed with silver rim chargers and graphic print grey on grey napkins in the same
clean polished stainless steel bands.

Along the rear walls, white tufted nail head lounge vignettes were featured with glass and
aluminum coffee tables and chrome martini carts offering made to order martinis with the
assistance of hotel staff. Lounges were styled with luxe textured pillows and thematic décor
including aluminum planes, vintage flight books, compasses and aluminum flight cases along with
the couple’s favorite coffee table book for guests to sign. Additionally a full bar upholstered in
grey panne velvet fabric with a grey wood bar top served as a focal point for the room, set with
a smoky glass back bar display, two grey loveseat bar stools and styled with ornate vintage liquor
decanters and aeronautical inspired décor and candlelight. A bar menu was placed atop the
bar detailing the available options. A dessert display was the feature on the opposite side of
the room, filled with inspired vessels and trays and offering a rich selection of miniature desserts,
as well as a mini cake in honor of the couple, for guests to select from with the assistance of hotel
staff.

Throughout the night guests had the opportunity to have their photo taken from a customized
photo vignette including a luxe fabric grey fabric backdrop, a charcoal Chesterfield sofa and
a glass and chrome table featuring thematic props which continued the visual interest
of the room’s carefully curated décor. The night allowed for guests to dine, dance, lounge
and celebrate from within the stunning space, transporting them into a time of decadence,
sophistication and elegance.

Photography: Yvette Roman Photography / Design and Production: Kristin Banta Events / Venue: The London Hotel, West Hollywood, California / Decor and Florals: R. Jack Balthazar / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Lighting Design: The Lighter Side / Cake: Nancy Kay’s Confections / Entertainment: West Coast Music / Hair: Tyrone Brown / Makeup: Sarah Usian of Luxe Beauty / Officiant: You May Kiss the Bride

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Post tags: Bravo Television, California, Classic Party Rentals, contemporary, Kristin Banta Events, Luxe Beauty, Modern, Nancy Kay's Confections, R. Jack Balthazar, The Lighter Side, The London Hotel, West Coast Music, West Hollywood, Yvette Roman Photography
Post categories: Contemporary, The Blog

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From Marina of Birch Design Studio… The design concept for Amanda and Colin’s wedding was a fresh twist on classic patterns in vibrant colours, inspired by a selection of photographs they loved featuring garden trellises, striped textiles, chinoiserie porcelains. These patterns inspired their paper goods, which juxtaposed a variety of crisp patterns in blue and green to create a fresh take on the coordinated invitation suite. We translated this into the décor for their wedding by mixing and matching tailored napkins in bold patterns at each table. On a larger scale, we used oversized stretched canvases featuring these same patterns to punctuate the white walls of the Art Institute. The tailored white dinner tables showcased vivid purples, greens and blues to tie this modern twist on a classic approach to mixing patterns. Even Amanda’s spectacularly timeless wedding gown was juxtaposed with vibrant blue peep-toe heels as a nod to her own chic style. It was such a pleasure to create a wedding for Amanda and Colin that spoke to their personal style, and I feel in the end, their wedding truly was a reflection of their unique personalities: clever, modern, fun, and bold, yet also elegant and sophisticated. 

Wedding Photography: David Wittig Photography / Wedding Ceremony: Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Illinois / Wedding Reception: The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois / Event Design, Planning + Production: Marine Birch of Birch Design Studio / Flowers: Renee Price of Kehoe Designs / Wedding Cinematography: I Do Films / Wedding Invitations: Suitor / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Custom Linens: Private Label Linens / Hair: Robyn Tornabeni Productions / Makeup: Rosie Scianna / Lighting, Fabric Panels + Production: Frost / Entertainment: Entourage from Arlen Music

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Post tags: Art Institute of Chicago, Birch Design Studio, Blue, Chicago, David Wittig Photography, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Green, I Do Films, Illinois, Kehoe Designs, Monique Lhuillier, Private Label Linens, Suitor, The Modern Wing
Post categories: Chicago Weddings, Contemporary, Illinois Weddings

From Charmed Events Group, LLC … Milton and Annikke have the classic “love at first sight” story that we all dream about. It all started when Milton was craving a cup of milk tea on a hot summer day and walked into one of his favorite stores and when he went to place his order, he saw Annikke and was instantly attracted. From that day on, he went back everyday to buy a cup of milk tea until Annikke finally agreed to go on a date with him, and the rest is history!

Milton and Annikke really wanted to have a romantic and modern theme based on a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream. With their personal favorite colors of Navy Blue and lavender, we brought in light pink and metallic silvers and golds to accent their favorite colors to create a dreamy color palette that would shape their day. In addition to bringing in the romance of a Midsummer’s Night Dream, they really wanted to incorporate stars into the design so we began by bringing in some stars into their printed items and soon figured that stars would be a great physical accent to the actual details of their day. Wallpaper patterns were also a huge love of Annikke’s so we also brought in an immense amount of patterns into their printed and stationary items.

Milton and Annikke were married at the First Unitarian Church in downtown San Jose. Upon entry to the church, guests were greeted by custom wreaths adorned with butterflies that hung on the large church doors. Butterflies were a huge motif that Poppy’s Petalworks used to bring out the Midsummer’s Night Dream, and the butterflies sat perfectly on the wreaths and purple pomander balls that lined the aisle. Guests were invited to pick up programs as they entered and the programs that we created for them all had a cover of different patterned papers that would later be seen in the reception.

Their reception was held at the gorgeous San Jose Rotunda at City Hall. The entire venue sits inside a glass dome and certainly gave the guests a wow factor as they entered for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Guests were ushered up the romantic stairway, lined with silver star luminary bags, that led them to the Mezzanine floor overlooking the actual reception space. For the sign in, we wanted to do something different that has never been seen before so we decided to have their sign in become an art piece that they could take home after the wedding and display. We had stars cut in their color palette and invited guests to leave their name or a small note on the stars that were then placed on a metallic silver board to create an ombre design of a beautiful wave of stars. For the escort display, we also wanted to do something dreamy and whimsical and had created a custom “curtain of stars” in which each guest name was written on stars and gave a little more interaction for guests in finding their names. Each table was distinguished by different patterns of paper so the star curtain turned out to be a big hit with the different patterned stars.

When it came time for guests to formally enter into the reception area, a seating chart was created for guests to “spot their star” for easy directions in making way to their assigned tables. Each table had a silver star luminary bag with the assigned pattern paper at the base for guests to find their table. These luminary bags also added to the magic and “dreaminess” of the venue later on in the evening when the sun went down. Custom napkin wraps were created for each guest and romantic centerpieces of pomander balls and pink roses with crystals filled the tables to add to the dreamy atmosphere that we wanted to create for guests. The big statement of entering the reception space was the gorgeous dessert bar that we had sitting against a backdrop of hanging ribbons and crystals. Jens Cakes created a fabulous ombre display of miniature cupcakes in our color palette and we put together a candy bar that consisted of all chocolates in the color palette that we wanted for guests to have as favors. Custom treat bags were created with star ties to finish off the theme.

A wonderful evening was had by all as guests literally danced underneath the stars that were projected onto the dance floor. Congratulations to Milton and Annikke for having a star-studded, romantic and dreamy wedding inspired by a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream!

Planning: Charmed Events Group, LLC / Photography: Gladys Jem / Brides Dress: Lazaro / Bridesmaids dresses: ML Monique Lhuillier / Groom’s Suit: Ralph Lauren Black Label / Brides Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Floral Design: Poppys Petalworks / Invitations & Paper Goods: Post Etiquette / Makeup & Hair: Vanity Pham / DJ: Brian Lu / Officiant: Jon Olsen / Lighting: Fantasy Sound Events / Caterer: Catered Too / Rentals: Catered Too & San Jose Rotunda / Ceremony Venue: First Unitarian Church / Ceremony Organist: Libby Codd / Reception Venue: San Jose City Hall Rotunda / Cupcakes: Jen’s Cakes / Videography: Shakewell Studios / Transportation: El Paseo Limousine

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Post tags: California, Candy Bar, Candy Buffet, Catered Too!, Charmed Events Group, Color Palette Navy Purple, Color Palette Navy Violet, contemporary, Cupcakes, DJ Brian Lu, El Paseo Limousine, Fantasy Sound Events, Gladys Jem, Jen's Cakes, Jon Olson, Lazaro, LLC, Manolo Blahnik, Midsummer Night's Dream, ML Monique Lhuillier, Modern, Poppy's Petalworks, Post Etiquette, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Roses, San Jose, San Jose City Hall Rotunda, San Jose Rotunda, Shakewell Studios, Stars, Vanity Pham, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog

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From Kathryn of Dream A Little Dream Events… Jenn and Caleb wanted to get married at a location that meant a lot to them, and that was the South End Rowing Club in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco. They are members and swim there (in the freezing cold San Francisco Bay waters) weekly. We were a perfect fit, as I had worked at this somewhat unknown venue before, and I was ready for the challenge of making their wedding concept of a seaside theme come together, while keeping the guests comfortable. The colors were going to be muted grays, blues, greens with some pops of burgundy reds.

The guests stayed across the street at the Argonaut Hotel. They walked over and were greeted with cozy blankets and flip flops for the sandy beach ceremony. The bride came down the aisle, which was lined in the sand by moss balls and seaweed. Their ceremony literally took place right along the shore, and the officiant even had to ask to be warned if the water was coming up too high! After the ceremony, guests made their way onto the dock and patio for cocktails, before their sustainable buffet was served under the market lights. Each table was named after a sea creature, and the wooden cross back chairs made for a very seaside feel.

They then danced the night away under the stars to the Jugtown Pirates, before cutting their cake made of cheese (another one of their favorite things). Guests danced or lounged in the sand pit until the newlyweds wanted to end their night in only the way they could: they invited their guests to join them for a plunge into the bay! We passed out glow sticks to make sure we didn’t lose anyone, and let’s just say, some chose not to wear bathing suits.

Wedding Photography: Adi Nevo / Flowers: A Simple Ceremony / Event Design + Planning: Kathryn Kalabokes of Dream A Little Dream Events / Wedding Venue: South End Rowing Club / Catering: Nico Martin Presents / Hair + Makeup: Sherrie Long / Officiant: Rev. Ed Holt / Rentals: Hartmann Studios / Lighting: Enhanced Lighting and Sounds / Band: The Jugtown Pirates / “Cheese Cake”: Cowgirl Creamery / Wedding Invitations: Paper Source

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Post tags: A Simple Ceremony, Adi Nevo, Blue, Burgundy, Cowgirl Creamery, Dream a Little Dream Events, Enhanced Lighting and Sounds, Gray, Green, Hartmann Studios, Kathryn Kalabokes, Nico Martin Presents, Paper Source, Rev. Ed Holt, Sherrie Long, South End Rowing Club, The Jugtown Pirates
Post categories: California Weddings, Contemporary, San Francisco Weddings

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From Carly of CL Weddings and Events… Summer time on the stunning Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. The wedding of Sam and Marty was never going to be traditional. The bride wore a pink Carla Zampatti dress with a contemporary floral headpiece that matched perfectly with her minimal makeup and huge smile. Their wedding ceremony was held an hour into the reception, creating a fun, laughter-filled, happy environment for both the couple and their families.

A huge fan of colour, nature and collaborations of styles, the bride was a dream to work with. The couple’s taste was showcased through textured backdrops to soften the mostly-blank room, quirky flower pot arrangements to create conversation and show off the azure blue sea in the background, colourful blooms and stylish furnishings.

Wedding Photography: Shane Shepherd Photography / Flowers: Twig and Grace / Event Design + Planning: CL Weddings and Events / Wedding Venue: Sails Restaurant Noosa in Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia / Wedding Invitations: DIY by the Bride / Wedding Dress: Carla Zampatti

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Post tags: Australia, Carla Zampatti, CL Weddings and Events, Noosa Heads, Orange, Pink, Queensland, Sails Restaurant Noosa, Shane Shepherd Photography, Sunshine Coast, Twig and Grace, White
Post categories: Australia Weddings, Contemporary, Queensland

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From the bride… From the get go, Kyle and I knew that we wanted to have a large role in the pieces that would make our wedding day whole. We struck a fine balance between knowing when to ask for help and knowing what we could handle ourselves. Sometimes it was a bit stressful, but in the end, it all turned out perfectly. Kyle and I got engaged in a photo booth on Christmas Eve, and though we knew having a photo booth would be important to us for our fall wedding, Kyle (an industrial designer) decided to put a unique spin on things: he built our photo booth himself. Not only was craftiness a large part of our wedding, but so was locality. I’m from Iowa, and Kyle is from Michigan, and we tried to have the wedding reflect our appreciation for all things local: our food included Iowa prosciutto and local greens, the honey we used as our party favors was from Iowa, and our salad had Michigan dried cherries. All of our paper materials were provided by a Michigan paper company, and our beer and wine were purchased from the restaurant where I worked all through high school and college. Kyle and I are proud of our roots, and we wanted to pay homage to them in every way we possibly could.

While we take the tradition of marriage seriously, we did want to have at least a little bit of fun with our guests — which is why we enlisted the help of Kyle’s brother, best man, and sister-in-law to help us stage a spoof in which the best man “forgot” the rings and had a remote-controlled helicopter bring them over to him. It was the best surprise ever — from everyone’s reactions, you can see that we were able to keep that one a pretty good secret!

Aside from the photo booth, Kyle designed our invitations, programs, menu cards and honey tags, and I wrote the copy for everything. Nothing felt better than knowing the majority of what we’d come up with we’d also been able to execute and create ourselves. We had friends do the chalk art, arrange songs to be played during the cocktail hour, and help us assemble the photo booth. We were lucky enough to have had Kyle’s father, a judge, marry us. Looking back, nothing is cooler than seeing the parts that so many wonderful people played in helping us with our wedding day. The day was wonderful, from top to bottom. Kyle and I knew that above all else, our hard work was only an element of the event. We wanted to have a good time and not sweat what we couldn’t control. That was the easiest (and best) decision we ever made. The night flowed perfectly, thanks to our coordinators; the decor was absolutely stunning; and every moment was filled with laughter and wonderful conversation.

Wedding Photography: Mark Kegans Photographs / Event Planning, Design + Flowers: Magnolia 105 by Divine Flowers / Wedding Venue: Sticks in Des Moines, Iowa / Wedding Cake: Cake Me, I’m Yours! / Food + Catering: Lisa LaValle / Wedding Invitations: Kyle Lawson, Groom / Shoes: Miss America / Wedding Dress: Tara Keely

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Post tags: Brown, Cake Me I'm Yours!, Des Moines, Iowa, Kyle Lawson, Lisa LaValle, Magnolia 105 by Divine Flowers, Mark Kegans Photographs, Miss America, Purple, Red, Sticks, Tara Keely
Post categories: Contemporary, The Blog

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From the bride… Jon and I were married in NYC in late September. We had spent the past four years together here, so this is our home and the place we love. It is truly a part of our relationship. We were married at a great restaurant on the East River, Water’s Edge, which is situated on a barge overlooking the NYC skyline and 59th Street bridge. We kept the color palette clean and simple; all we wanted was to bring the twinkling city lights and water into the room to celebrate our happiness and our future in our favorite city. We have such wonderful family and friends who helped us to celebrate an amazing day.  I loved our photos, which captured the happiness, fun, laughter and emotion of the day.

Wedding Photography: Lev Kuperman Photography / Wedding Venue: Water’s Edge Restaurant / Flowers: Designs by Rose / Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza / Bridesmaid Dresses: Alvina Valenta + J.Crew / Outdoor Photo Location: Gantry State Plaza Park / Hotel: On the Ave

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Post tags: Alvina Valenta, Designs by Rose, Gantry State Park, Gray, J. Crew, Lev Kuperman Photography, New York, New York City, On the Ave, Pink, Romona Keveza, Water's Edge Restaurant, White
Post categories: Contemporary, New York City Weddings, New York Weddings

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Isn’t that fabulous? The modern grey & pink palette is the perfect compliment the fantastic New York City skyline. We are totally jealous of all the guests who were lucky enough to be included in this couple’s big day. It was incredible!

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck Photography / Cinematography: Krishna Yalla / Flowers: Hilary Bernam of LDF Floral Design / Music: Pop Shop, Colleen Crumbcake / Ceremony & Reception Location: Tribeca Rooftop / Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal / Officiant: Bettina Yiannakourou / Makeup: Belinda Moss Makeup & Hair / Hair: Rudy Ruffo

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Post tags: Belinda Moss Makeup & Hair, Bettina Yiannakourou, Carla Ten Eyck Photography, City Weddings, Colleen Crumbcake, Color Palette Pink, Color Palette Pink Gray, contemporary, Kleinfeld Bridal, Krishna Yalla, LDF Floral Design, Manhattan, Modern, New York, New York City, Pop Shop, Rooftop Weddings, Rufy Ruffo, Skyline, sushi, Taxis, Tribeca Rooftop, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog