It! Inspiration: Sunflowers

Van Gogh wasn't the only one inspired by sunflowers. The It! Girls adore their cheerful nature and earthy sensibility. Ideal for an autumn affair, these It! Inspiration Boards demonstrate how to incorporate the Frisbee-sized blooms into your fall wedding or dinner party.

Groom and Bride chairs at dinner table with sunflower centerpieces from Martha Stewart Weddings; Place cards by In Full Bloom Florals; Sunflowers on wood fence from My Opera; Bridesmaids with sunflower bouquets from Frolic!; Bucket centerpiece with daisies and sunflowers from Country Living; Bridesmaid sunflower bouquet from The Bride's Cafe; Sunflower wedding cake by Maise Fantaisie; Table setting at Bear Flag Farm

A fab offer for our NY brides from Face Time Beauty Concierge and Merci New York!

Here's the deets from the invariably chic Merci New York:

Merci New York has partnered with Facetime Beauty Concierge to offer a complete bridal styling package to one very lucky bride and up to five fabulous bridesmaids in the metropolitan New York area. The overall prize package is valued at over $2,000, and includes all the styling components for the chicest of wedding-day preparations.

Facetime Beauty Concierge will arrive on location the morning of the wedding, ready to create the chicest of hair and make-up looks for all six ladies. Then, Merci New York will follow suit, prepping, dressing, and styling the ladies up through the ceremony and photos, up to the reception entrance!

The giveaway winner could easily be a bridesmaid, family member, or wedding guest looking to give the bride a very special gift for her big day. So even if you are a past-bride, industry vendor, or weddingphile {don't be shy, we know you're out there}... you could win too, and graciously gift the prize to your client, friend or favorite bride-to-be.

It! Inspiration: Peacock Feathers

One of fall's biggest fashion trends is feathers — feather trim, feather skirts, feather headbands. Feathers are everywhere! And given our lifelong dream of pet peacocks roaming the garden at home (how boho elegant is that?!) we're OBSESSED!

Here are a few ways to incorporate the trend — a timeless look with myriad color combination options — into your wedding or special event. But if you end up ordering in a few pretty peacocks to liven up the affair, please understand if we set up camp to enjoy the view.

Tabletop decor from Project Wedding; Peacock feather boutonniere from InStyle Magazine; Flower bouquet by Ariston Flowers; Peacock bib necklace from Etsy; Lori vintage peacock feather hair piece clip from Etsy; Peacock wedding cake by A Slice of Heaven; Picture of Peacock freely roaming about the wedding ceremony by Ken Kienow

5 tips for throwing a fab Casual Wedding

Do palm trees, a cold beer and Jack Johnson sound like the perfect ingredients for your special day? How about green grass, croquet and wine spritzers?

A casual wedding to suit your easy breezy personality can be held in any locale — and any price range. With a little creativity and a few personal touches, your casual affair can inspire lifelong memories.

Location - Leave royal ballrooms and cathedral churches for the formal brides. In South Florida, we love Sundy House in Delray Beach for its lush tropical gardens and homey feel. The Seagate Beach Club in Delray Beach is the perfect place for guests to sip a "Seagator" signature cocktail with their toes in the sand. And your guests will love kicking up their heels, chilly pinot grigio in hand, on the greens at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.

Time - A causal wedding can take place at any time of day, there are no limitations here. Love sunrises? Plan a Dawn Patrol Surf Session for you and your guests to symbolize a new beginning! (It's also a fun way to end an all-night affair!)

Setting the mood - Nothing would be more uncomfortable for a guest than to show up in a black tie when the groom himself is wearing sandals and seersucker. Be sure to set the tone for your event through your save-the-dates and invitations, and designate the proper attire on your invitations and wedding web site.

Music - Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart are right at home in a museum or historic hotel. Create grandeur and familiarity with a 4-piece string quartet playing Coldplay or the Beach Boys instead.

Personalization- Personal touches help your guests feel like they are visiting you, and not a hotel. Look for a venue that speaks to who you are as a couple. Your guests are sure to remember and enjoy a wedding that speaks to your personalities.

My husband is very traditional and loves the European culture, while I love the beach and great music. We melded the two by finding a location that resonated with both of us. I wanted water and he wanted history. We found the match at The Barnacle House in Coral Gables. It was a blank canvas with natural textures and elements to blend with our dream wedding.

Other fun twists: Try naming your tables after places you have visited together, including a photo of you there on the table name card. For a new twist on the traditional guest book, have your guests sign your favorite old record in silver-tipped pens, or autograph the inside cover of a beloved novel.

xoxo
Danette

It! Inspiration: GREEN

We've had months of beach cruising, popsicles and BBQ, and now it's time to turn our attention toward fall. Fashion trends often influence interior and event design, and this season is no exception. Green was the biggest color to hit the fall runways at Bryant Park, largely in military shades. Check out these verdant options for your next fashionable fall fete.

Silk chiffon dress from J. Crew and parasol from Cultural Intrigue; A poolside dessert table in the Hamptons by Amy Atlas; Queen Anne cake by LovinSullivanCakes; Mother's Day dessert table by Amy Atlas; Hand-sewn fabric pockets for wedding programs by Chewing the Cud; Ivory Marichelle lace necklace on old green novel by White Owl; Green wedding invitations by Cathie U.; Custom cocktail, Saketini, with cucumber. Find recipe on Brides.com; Bride and groom signs from June Bug Weddings; Table setting by Yvette Roman Photography; Flowergirl, bridal, and bridesmaid dresses by Jenny Yoo; Bridal bouquet from June Bug Weddings; Boutonniere by Florarama Modern Design

xo

Kelly

The It! Girl's Guide to Floral Design

To feed the minds of our favorite domestic divas in Palm Beach, It! Weddings & Events recently hosted the It! Girl's Guide to Floral Design at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach.

The evening began with a reception featuring international wines, mini bloody mary shrimp cocktails, Maine lobster on crostini, fresh crudites, fresh fruits, cheeses and — best of all — sweet treats from The Sugar Monkey. The menu complemented an aqua and tangerine color palette inspired by our favorite aqua hue and orange-handled scissors — the ones we love to grab when stripping thorns off rose stems, or cutting hydrangeas to create a compact centerpiece.

Before the It! Girls got down to business with an array of acid green orchids and mums, ivory roses and hydrangeas and plum-hued gerber daisies, It! Floral Designer Kim Votaw began the class with a few tricks of the trade for creating an impactful floral arrangement:

Stick to a color palette: Three different flowers — try ivory stock, roses and mums — in a similar hue will combine with a little greenery to offer a variety of textures and fragrances. Trying to combine too many colors and shapes in one container may result in sensory overload!

Think outside the vase: Create a tablescape using floral balls (pick up spherical oasis — that's the squeezy green florists' foam — at your local craft store), glass cylinders with floating candles and other accessories. You can also combine multiple arrangements in non-traditional containers to make a bigger impact with fewer flowers, such as three different pitchers or creamers. Got a pretty wicker ice bucket? Put some white hydrangeas in that puppy and sprinkle seashells and votives around the table for a seaside tableau.

Give it a squeeze: Healthy flowers are hearty and bounce back from a squeeze. If a flower feels wimpy in the market, it probably won't last long once you get it home. In Palm Beach, Kim recommends Publix for a great selection of stalks for DIY arrangements.


It! Weddings & Events is pleased to arrange floral design classes, wine tastings, gardening and cooking classes for your corporate or social group. Call us today for a consultation!

xoxo
Aime

It! Interview: The Sugar Monkey

Name: Jennifer Reed

Profession: Pastry Chef, The Sugar Monkey

What she's obsessed with: Freshness!

What is so 2009: Edible prints- never liked them anyway!

What is unique about your products? I use all natural ingredients. All products (with few exceptions) are made in house from scratch. The products I purchase are of the highest quality.

What should a bride and groom already have decided on before they meet with you for a wedding cake consultation, and what materials should they bring to the meeting? An idea of the style and flavors is nice — a consultation can be a waste of time if nothing has been discussed beforehand. Definitely know your budget! Bring any pictures or ideas you may have to the meeting — don't be shy!

What are the most popular flavor combinations, and what have been your most far-out requests? Chocolate cake with cream cheese buttercream and fresh raspberries, vanilla butter cake with lemon scented buttercream. Requests? Nothing too far out— a 2-foot-tall Louisiana hot sauce bottle for a groom's cake.

Where is the best place to stage a wedding cake during the reception, and what are some fun ways to dress up the table? Away from the bride and groom! Rose petals are so 2009, too! Dress up the table by dressing up the cake. Get rid of the silver-pated stand and go for one with character to match the cake.

What are three cost-cutting tips for those on a budget? Cupcakes! A retro dessert buffet with whole desserts. Old school layer cakes and pies. Use 8" cakes as centerpieces for the tables.

Escape to Palm Beach for a pre-wedding getaway or Babymoon!

The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club - Members of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce can enjoy a fabulous staycation at The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club now through September 30th. Take advantage of this special exclusive chamber members' rate of $149 a night for a luxurious studio & complimentary parking. Restrictions apply. The Brazilian Court & Beach Club was a 2008 & 2010 Conde Nast Traveler Gold List recipient, as well as one of Travel + Leisure’s 2010 “World’s Best Hotels” achieving a ranking of No. 1 in South Florida & No. 3 in the state. For information & reservations - 561.655.7740. Ask for the PB Chamber member rate. www.thebraziiancourt.com.

The Chesterfield Hotel - Into dinosaurs? The Prehistoric Getaway starts at $265 for a family of three & includes 2 days/1 night in a Luxurious King Junior or Executive Suite, Continental Breakfast for each guest, 3 tickets to the Norton Museum of Art's 'Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney', a picnic lunch & a copy of James Gurney's 'Journey to Chandra' from the Dinotopia series & other fun dinosaur memorabilia in your room upon arrival. Additional children $30 each. Call 561.659.5800 for reservations. Lunch in the Leopard available Monday - Friday 11am-2pm at $11.95. www.chesterfieldpb.com.

The Colony Palm Beach - 10th Anniversary Season at the Royal Room Cabaret. Guests will include: Ann Hampton Callaway, Peter Cincotti, Christine Ebersole & John Oddo, The Four Freshmen, Clint Holmes, Jack Jones, Andrea Marcovicci, Marilyn Maye, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Will & Anthony Nunziata, Tony Sandler, Avery Sommers & Steve Tyrell. Tony DeSare performs August 13-14 & 20-21; Mary Foster Conklin August 27-28 & September 3-4. Friday nights are Motown nights with Memory Lane from 9pm to closing. Saturday nights are Rob Russell's Cast Parties. Call for details - 561.655.5430 or visit www.thecolonypalmbeach.com.

Chamber Guide - View the 2010 Guide & Phone Book in its entirety or sign up for membership at www.palmbeachchamber.com

It! Inspiration: RED

The bold color of love is commonly passed over when choosing a theme for a wedding. We love these shades of red for the eye-catching, confident and romantic aspects it brings to an event.

Red silk crinkle chiffon strapless bridesmaid dress by Watters; White cake with red ribbon and roses from Project Wedding; Red table setting by Rebecca Thuss; Bouquet of red calla lilies and dahlia roses from Project Wedding; Steve Madden sandals found on Project Wedding; Wild Hibiscus Royale champagne garnish by Wild Hibiscus; Red velvet and vanilla cupcakes on The Knot; Neha Stationery by Ceci New York

xo

Kelly

Event Destination: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

There are many reasons we love The Waters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (no, it's not the cheese — though we do adore a good fromage). There's the intricate moldings, the glittering gold chandeliers, and the endless water views... But mostly, we relish in its storied foundation.

Overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Winnebago, The Waters dates back to 1903, when noted architect William Waters built the Georgian Revival building for the Oshkosh Yacht Club. Regarded as the finest clubhouse in the Midwest, it opened just two days before the year’s Inland Sailing Championship. These regattas became the social events of the summer season.

The City reclaimed the building during the Great Depression and later sold it to American Legion Post 70, who owned and maintained the property as their clubhouse for more than 60 years. The facility was completely renovated and converted to a special events facility in 2008 by current owners Bill and Beth Wyman, who paid careful attention to historic details. Accommodating up to 300 guests for private events, The Waters is still home to the American Legion Cook-Fuller Post 70 and the Oshkosh Yacht Club.

Here, a gorgeous setting combines with Midwestern hospitality combine to create the ideal atmosphere for wedding ceremonies, receptions, board meetings, awards banquets, reunions or celebrations. Check out www.thewatersoshkosh.com for more information.

It! Interview: Bill Porter Music

Bill Porter, music agent/promoter

Describe the range of musical acts you represent: Bill Porter Music specializes in wedding music, representing Palm Beach variety dance bands of all styles and genres for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

Which are the most popular acts for Palm Beach weddings? The Bobby Pruitt Show, SOLID☆GOLD, The Shop Band, Hot Brass Monkey.

How can a couple incorporate specific song requests into the reception when working with a live band? Always review special song requests with the band in advance. Never assume a live band knows your special songs. A live band will normally learn 3 to 4 new songs. The most important is the first dance. Once you have decided on the band, ask for their play list to start your selections.

Tip: A family friend should always be with the bandleader to assist with names during the wedding party entrance.

Check out this video clip of SOLID☆GOLD by clicking on the picture! To listen to The Bobby Pruitt Show and more musicians represented by Bill Porter Music, visit http://www.billportermusic.com/artist_sample.html.

Spirited Sweets from the "Boozy Baker"

The It! Girls are not known for turning down a glass of champagne or a delectable dessert. Combine the two and we just might start planning our own weddings! Lucy Baker, author of "The Boozy Baker: 75 Recipes for Spirited Sweets" has all the right moves for the home hostess who loves to end a fabulous meal on a high note.

Heart not fluttering yet? Here's a sample recipe:

Plum Biercake

Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 large egg
* 3 tablespoons molasses
* 1 cup German doppelbock beer
* 4 small plums, halved lengthwise, pitted, and cut into wedges

Preparation

This cake is a grown-up version of gingerbread that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The cinnamon and molasses lend it a festive note that’s perfect for the holidays, yet the plums are decidedly summery. Beer, of course, knows no season. Doppelbock is a very strong German lager with a dark color and rich, malty flavor.

The recipe comes together fast, and the cake will last for up to three days well wrapped on the countertop. Leave a knife nearby for easy snacking.

To make the plum biercake:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter, or spray it with nonstick spray. (A square pan will work too.) Dust the pan with flour and tap out the excess.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and the molasses. Alternately add the flour mixture and the beer to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat just until smooth and combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the plum wedges in rows on top of the batter. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack and then cut into squares and serve.

Tips
Shake it up: Can’t find doppelbock? Substitute another dark, richly flavored beer, such as a porter or stout.
Serving Size

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Meri Meri, quite cute for a party!

At It! Weddings & Events, we generally leave the baking to the pros, but I can't help falling in love with these new designs from Meri Meri. For the DIY host or hostess, bespoke paper goods are a must, adding an air of sophistication, polish — and even good humor.

Children's parties will get a stylish boost from these themed — yet cartoon-character free — cupcake sets, centerpieces, plates and napkins. And the guest of honor is sure to adore their lovey dovey selections for bridal and baby showers.

Find them at Sur la Table, or order online from Meri Meri.

xo
Aime