Thursday, January 27, 2011

Destination of the Week: Australia

I have always loved Australia and wanted to go there for any occasion. I love it for many reasons but some are... the accents, the kangaroos, the coral reef, Koala bears, the accents. But really Australia has so many great things to do and everything you would want to do on a honeymoon or vacation. Since it is a built up country, you can easily find nice hotels or resorts. Wildlife is also not too far away and you can easily travel to different parts in the country either by train, plane or bus. Australia is the same size as the United States so you will have to take a plane if traveling between 2 far flung cities. It is also a LONG flight from the U.S. to Australia so you you don not like flying beware. Some other great things to remember about Australia: the water flushes the other way, there seasons are opposite of the U.S. so January and February are the warmest months, and a good amount of time to see and travel is 10 to 15 days. The "Big Three" to visit are Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock.  Yet, there are many other great places to see within this amazing country that are close to/around the "Big Three." Australia has amazing sites, sounds, foods and wines. No matter what you are in to Australia will be able to meet your fancy E' Mate.  Visit http://www.australia.com for great tourism information.



Pictures from:
www.TheKnot.com
http://www.australia.com

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Color of the Week: Yellow

I am starting to feel that dragging feeling you get when winter seems like it will never end! I found some cute yellow shirts in my closet and started to automatically think of spring again. What a beautiful color for spring and summer weddings. I feel like yellow makes everyone happier and smile. Yellow pairs perfectly with so many colors that you can really make it your own: grey and yellow for a more subtle glow, blue and yellow for a little excitment, yellow and pink for the girliest of brides. Yellow can fit any attitude and any brides style since it is so versatile. It is also a great color to use at any other corporate or social event since it is a bright and happy color that pairs or accents almost any other colors.
Don't want yellow as one of your main colors, use it as an accent color in flowers, prints or little pieces throughout your event. Yellow is a common color for flowers and you can find some cheap yellow flowers to add the perfect accent. I also love adding yellow ribbon to some items just to bring in the brightness. Here are some great pictures of yellow pairings and accents! I hope yellow can bring some happiness and sunshine into everyone's lives during this dreary winter season! Enjoy!

Pictures from:
http://www.theknot.com/
http://www.projectwedding.com/

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Bring the Indoors Out

I had a wedding tasting with a bride today that had the most, cute, rustic idea... to bring the indoors outside. I love the rustic theme and adore the idea of using older indoor items for an outdoor wedding. Using window panes and doors as your decor for the outdoors is such as  great idea and pretty easy to do. Looking at antique shops and old buildings that are being torn down is a great way to get some older rustic windows and doors that you wont have to do anything with. Use the windows and window paint to put up guests tables or have guests sign a large window you like as the guest book and display it in your house afterwards.
Also use other items that belong indoors such as drawers and coffee tables or anything you think of to decorate and display food or other items. The bride  found a great idea to use a drawer to serve drinks. You can also find rustic and old vases and glasses to display flowers or use to serve drinks. I also love using a dresser to serve dessert on.






pictures from:
http://jackandjillwedding.com
http://mysimpledetails.blogspot.com/
http://postcardsandpretties.blogspot.com/2010/08/friday-faves-old-doors.html
http://gordongossip.blogspot.com/
http://ruffledblog.com

Monday, January 3, 2011

One For The History Books

As the new year begins and I start thinking about my past year and the year to come, I cannot stop thinking about how far America has come since its inception. In the events world so many people use historical places for receptions and parties. Being in Washington DC there are so many historical places with great stories and beautiful views. I want to share some of my favorite historical places for events in DC... please let me know some of your favorite historical places from your town!


George Washington's Mount Vernon: I used to love to go to Mount Vernon as a child and see the amazing rooms and run through the green grass. Located 16 miles from Washington DC, Mount Vernon is a popular location all year. The east lawn can be rented for events, as well as the educational center. I love the amazing view of the Potomac River from the lawn and the great history of the location. You can also have private tours for events or outings. Unfortunately, you can not have an event for political, fund-raising or personal (weddings), but you can for an organizational  get together. Also take a picnic and some friends and family and enjoy the day! visit http://www.mountvernon.org/ for more information and to speak with someone at the estate.

Thomas Birkby House: I have been to a couple of events at this location and I absolutely love it. This quaint house in Leesburg, VA has an amazing outdoor patio for all sorts of events. "The Carriage House, built in 1814, is a two-story brick building. It is where Thomas Birkby and his family, perhaps one of the last coach makers on the East Coast, practiced their trade until 1903. The Birkby's manufactured carriages, coaches and buggies on the second floor and kept their horses on the ground level." What great history that is quite uncommon in the DC area. There are so many different places on the property that you can host an event, from an inside business meeting to an outdoor garden wedding. Visit http://www.birkbyhouse.com/ for more information!  


Raspberry Plains: Although farther out in Leesburg, VA Raspberry Plains has a great location with a great view, great gardens and a great reception site. I am in love with their Grand conservatory and their gardens. The house was built in the colonial era and has stood the test of time. The location has picturesque views of rolling hills and brings the outdoors in. Definitely one of my favorite places just for the view. Visit http://www.raspberryplain.com/ for more information and pictures. 

I hope you enjoy the history lesson and some great ideas for an event or just a day out! Let me know some of your favorite historical places!