Posts Tagged ‘creativity and unique ideas to try’

Dinner Party Inspiration: The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

Poe Inspired Dinner Party: The Raven

A few weeks ago, I received a call a wonderful client who LOVES hallow’een – I will affectionately refer to her as Mrs.   Fortunately, Mrs and her husband also love parties and entertaining at home – so when she told me she had fallen in love with the idea of hosting a dinner party themed around Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven , I was delighted to lend a hand.

Shortly after, I met Mrs at her home to discus her ideas; at which time she also showed me her (copious) stash of hallow’een decor plus an enviable collection of black birds  in all shapes and sizes.  Needless to say, she was ready to get her invites out and set a menu.   It took barely a few weeks to pull it all together since her vision was so clear and the guest list was small.  Approximately twenty guests were expected so it was reasonably easy to put extra effort into all the special details.

Dinner Party Inspiration: The Raven

Edgar Allan Poe Dinner Party - The Ravenphotos (c) ELISAD.com

There are barely enough pictures to do justice to all the incredible details, but hopefully you will get the idea.   Invites were hand made fairly easily and sealed with red wax (P for Poe) before they were mailed.   Guests were encouraged to come in costume, or wear black and white.   We used the living room area to set up a large feasting table to accommodate their guests.   Above, you will see  Mrs  etched* The Raven poem on her large living room mirror (*using a dry erase marker), and pictures of Edgar and his wife were displayed on the piano.

Edgar Allan Poe themed Dinner Party - The Ravenphotos (c) ELISAD.com

Guests arrived early evening and mingled over cocktails and a cheese platter.  The catered dinner was a four course affair~ featuring a black linguine appetizer, a wilted salad, and a duo entree with purple potatoes and white asparagus.  It was to die for

There was an abundance of candles:  Two dozen luminaries were set out side the front entrance, plus pillar candles in lanterns.  Inside, candle-scapes and ravens were placed on tables, sideboards, book shelves, the mantel, the piano and throughout the sprawling centerpiece.  The table was set with black satin linen, and napkins to match.   Fortunately, an old typewriter was also on hand and it was set atop a secretary desk to create a vignette: The Raven was typed out on vellum paper.

Edgar Allan Poe Dinner Party Menu - The Ravenphotos (c) ELISAD.com

The wax seal used on the invites was also used on each place card and the menu card, as well as a few other small signs.

The hosts compiled a perfect playlist of creepy music: themes from The Omen, Halloween, and other eerie classics (via Pandora).  In the Den, the TV played a DVD of  Vincent Price movies.

Vincent Price The Raven

Everyone had the most delightful time!  Quite a few of the guests came in The Raven inspired costumes; one gentleman came as “Dead-gar Allan Poe“, which was hilarious!   I was thrilled just to be there and all the kudos go to our hostess the for the outstanding atmosphere at the event! – I doubt I could’ve done a better job.  Definitely a unique idea to try!

 

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10 2013

Amethyst and Amber Inspiration

Amethyst and Amber – an amazing color combination and design inspiration

Engagement season is upon us!  Naturally, I am excited for all the recently engaged couples! But my planner|designer self is eagerly looking forward to styling the upcoming 2013 weddings with the creative ideas I’ve been pondering for the past few months.



What do you think of this inspiration board?  It’s titled Amethyst and Amber – although I definitely envision the look being accented with platinum or silver accents, so there would actually be three key colors.  Purple is a very popular color and widely used in event design. It’s also one of my favorite colors – regardless of the shade! – perhaps because amethyst is my birthstone.  My interpretation of amber is a rich golden-brown color, much richer than yellow; more like a jewel tone, less like a gold which is metallic.    Anyway, if you love color, and are open to the richness of jewel tones and layered colors you will absolutely adore these ideas as much as I do!

Amethyst and amber; Amber and Amethyst

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

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12 2012

Bridal Portraiture | Artist Debi Griffin Captures Your Inner Fashionista!

Illustrative Moments by Deborah Griffin

Debi Griffin‘s bridal illustrations stem from over a dozen years in luxury bridal design.  After 13 years of working in couture bridal with Vera Wang and Amsale , sketching wedding gowns for clients and bridal publications Debi decided to make this modern keepsake available to every bride.  Rendered in the high fashion style you would see on the design room walls of the coveted labels in NYC/Europe, Debi has the talent to turn your memories into a timeless piece of art!

Each custom illustration is approached with much thought and detail, highlighting unique characteristics such as hair color/style, gown silhouette, and jewelry.   Debi’s sketches are not meant to be portraits; the magical essence of her illustrations exists in her ability import her subject into a high fashion setting – thus creating a timeless original fashion illustration.

The process begins with an order and payment, and requires several photos, such as a good full frontal, three-quarter view, full back view if that option is selected, and then detail shots (shoes, jewelry, hair ornaments, dress embellishments).   The chosen pose is decided by the dress and all highlighted details creating a flattering composition.

Every illustration is an original piece done on bristol board using permanent artist ink, colored pencil and markers with accents of metallics. You will also receive a scan of the finished piece before shipping.  Once completed each piece is signed and then set in a 12×16″ light ivory mat with backer board, and then placed in a protective clear sleeve. Each piece is carefully packaged in a non bend envelope before mailing.

Debi graciously agreed to my Three-Q-Interview , and I am delighted to share her responses with you!  Enjoy!

Q1: Name a celeb you would love to have as a client

Gwen Stefani would be a dream client! I would love to illustrate her custom-made pink and white silk faille wedding dress by John Galliano for Dior, with an antique lace veil also designed by John Galliano.

Q2: What are your favorite fabrics and/or embellishments?

My favorite fabric is silk faille. It is the new taffeta. Lots of body and richness and ultra chic. I love embellishments that are bold but understated like Vera Wang’s use of fabric treatments that do not need alot of glitter to make it important.

Q3: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer for current year or new season.

There are so many great designers who I admire for so many different reasons. I have had an obsession with Marchesa for several seasons now. I love Georgina and Keren’s vision of the new glam.

 

Illustrative Moments renderings are perfect for any occasion- Bridal shower, Wedding, Anniversary (the ULTIMATE first anniversary gift of paper), Valentines, Birthday, Christmas, or just because.

Additional Links & Contact info for Debi…

http://www.etsy.com/shop/IllustrativeMoments | info@illustrativemoments.com

(c) 2012  E.Delgardio

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09 2012

Casa Feliz | Real Wedding: Paige and Greg

Photos from Paige & Greg’s wedding at Casa Feliz

Photos courtesy of studio blu

One of the things that excites me most is working with couples who have a unique vision of their wedding day. There are wonderful couples who come to me needing ideas and creative input, and there are others who need me to help them ‘make it happen’. Seattle-based bride Paige was one of the latter. She found me after selecting Casa Feliz as her venue, and told me excitedly about her ideas for the peacock motif.

It’s impossible to discuss this wedding without mentioning the amazing floral created by Lana at Fairbanks Florist. Considering that this wedding was fairly intimate, and the couple was budget conscious, Lana’s floral creations really stood out: They were colorful, original and striking!

Casa Feliz wedding with peacock theme

Lana with Fairbanks Florist created Paige’s custom bridal bouquet – a Peacock Feather fan – with fresh flowers using Phaphiopedilum (Lady Slipper) Orchids along with fiddle ferns, blue delphinium, green kermit buttons with a braided ribbon stem wrap with pearl head pins.

Fairbanks Florist | photo Val Becker

Fairbanks Florist | photo Val Becker

Look at the detail on the Groom’s Boutonniere!  Phaphiopedilum Orchid, Fiddle Fern and peacock Feather.

Peacock Wedding Cake Collage

Anna Cakes | Fairbanks Florist | studio blu | Val Becker

The custom cake top was amazing!  Shown in detail on the right as well as atop the cake, it was created with peacock feathers, phaphiopedilum orchids, blue delphinium, fiddle fern, green kermit buttons, and cimbidium orchids.

Thank you to studio blu for great images and the very complimentary words! It’s so wonderful to hear such positive feedback about the value of our services!

Since Paige was planning her wedding from Seattle, she hired a wedding coordinator to help her with her day. I always recommend this! Paige was lucky enough to hire Elisa from A Flair For Affairs. I cannot stress enough how hiring a coordinator will make your day better, and in turn make your pictures better! – studio blu

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03 2012
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