We've Moved!

The It! Girls are thrilled to announce that our newly redesigned blog, It! Weddings FLORIDA, is up and running at www.itweddingsflorida.com! It! Weddings Florida exemplifies the best of the best in the Sunshine State, from creme de la creme vendors to chic Inspirations and the most unique, charming and lovely Real Weddings. Our exclusive It! List highlights Florida wedding vendors who’ve proven themselves to be the best in their respective fields. After all, we wouldn’t brag about a vendor we wouldn’t want to team up with on your wedding day!
Log on and be inspired!

It! Party to GO!

Evening on Antique Row to benefit Historical Society of Palm Beach County is one of our favorite events to work on each year. More than 2,000 guests descend upon West Palm Beach's famed Antique Row art, design and antique district for food, wine, music and after-hours shopping in the local boutiques.
This year, It! Weddings & Events was invited to create an event within the event, which we dubbed our It! Party to GO! The setup allowed us to partner with some of our favorite Palm Beach vendors, including Atlas Party Rentals, Bulletproof Wine & Spirits, Regency Party Rentals, Salon Margrit, Tom Mathieu & Co. and Cafe Boulud Palm Beach. We also had the opportunity to work with new partners like Jemma Coleman Photography and Globadyne Productions.
As a bonus, our beautiful friends signed up to model the latest from Lazaro, Amsale and Jennifer Leigh bridal couture, courtesy of our new best friend Jack at Boca Raton Bridal & Consultants! Here are a few of our favorite pics from the evening:

Hair & Makeup by Salon Margrit

Gowns from Boca Raton Bridal & Consultants

Florals & Accessories by Tom Mathieu & Co.





Music by La Vida Con Fuego through Elan Artists

Photography by Jemma & David Coleman of Jemma Coleman Photography



Fine Wines from Howard and Mike of Bulletproof Wine & Spirits



Delicious bites courtesy Cafe Boulud Palm Beach & The Sugar Monkey



Fantastic Party courtesy of the It! Girls and Boys of Palm Beach!!

Join the It! Girls for a fab cocktail party at Cafe Boulud Palm Beach!

From the It! Vault for St. Patty's Day: A Verdant Inspiration

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

Check out It! Weddings & Events on WFLX

It! Interview: Sommelier Jenny Benzie dishes on one of our favorite topics: WINE!

Sommelier Jenny Benzie, owner of Pour Sip Savor: An Assemblage of Sommelier Services, splits her time between Palm Beach and Nantucket (and Napa, and Ribera del Duero, and...), pouring, sipping and savoring the world's finest wines. As you can imagine, she's one of our favorite people to chat (and drink) with.

We caught up with her in advance of the Simply Italian Great Wines U.S. Tour 2011 stop at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach (stay tuned for our favorite vintages from the event later this week) to ask her the questions that are always top of mind for our clients.

Here's a taste:

What are the most important things to consider when selecting wine for a wedding reception?

While it is your 'big day' and there are many things to consider to make your event memorable, the wine you choose to serve should not be overlooked. There is nothing worse than arriving at the bar to only be offered 'red and white.'

Make sure to choose wines that are user-friendly for the type of wedding event you are planning and that pair with the food that you are serving. Most people are familiar with Chardonnay and while it might be appropriate for a four-course sit down meal, is that big, buttery oak bomb appropriate for an outdoor cocktail reception? Cabernet Sauvignon is great with beef, but you're serving a choice of chicken or fish. If you are only serving one red and one white for the entire event, choose a wine that is 'middle-of-the road.' Sauvignon blanc or albarino are more exciting than pinot grigio and not as big as most chardonnays; pinot noir may be too light and malbec too big for red. Select instead perhaps something made from tempranillo (Ribera del Duero from Spain) or a blend from Southern Rhone (made from grenache, syrah, mourvedre).

Also, steer away from wines that your friends can find at the local grocery store. Take a little time to discover something unique that will leave your guests asking, 'Where can I buy more of that wine?'

How much should a bride and groom expect to spend per bottle on wine?

On average, the price per bottle of wine should be double the cost of the main course. If your price is inclusive per person, ask your caterer to break the cost down for you so you know how much that would be. If you are having only a cocktail reception, the caterer should be able to give you an idea of a figure. For example, your appetizer is $15, then main course is $30 and the dessert (wedding cake, of course) is $15. Then the wine would be about $60 per bottle. Feel free to go lower or higher in price based on your budget and the level of sophistication of your guests' palates. Most fine dining establishments will offer an entry-level wine at $50, with selections at $75 and $125 for upgrades. Off-premise caterers may be as inexpensive as $25 per bottle, with $40 and $60 upgrades. Remember that you are paying restaurant pricing for the wines just as you are for the food.

Also, the cost of your wine should be in proportion for the rest of your event. Booked a five-diamond hotel for your reception? Maybe don't serve Prosecco, but you don't need Dom Perignon either. There are many reasonably priced lesser known Champagnes that give you a better bang for the buck: Gimonet, Vilmart, Pierre Peters, Pol Roger. Barefoot on the beach? Cava from Spain would be perfect (think Gramona for excellent quality)!

Do most venues allow couples to bring their own vino? What would be an appropriate corkage charge?

This is always tricky and is definitely depends on the restaurant. Most fine dining restaurants DO NOT allow you to bring in your own wine. Why? Because many people will bring in an everyday wine in order to cut their costs versus serving a wine that is more suitable and appropriate for the food that will be served. If your father has a special collection that he has been saving for your wedding, speak with the banquet manager and let them know that it is no ordinary wine that you are interested in serving. Try to negotiate a set fee for all the wine as a corkage fee, not a corkage fee per bottle opened (if they charge you $50 per bottle, you may be better off paying a flat fee of $500 or $1,000).

For places that do allow you to bring your own wine, they may charge $10-$25. Consider the cost of your wine plus that fee to make sure it's not better a better deal to just buy the $40 bottle that is being offered at the venue.

Are champagne toasts a thing of the past?

Yes and no - if this is your first time at the altar, I think a toast is appropriate. Your best friend wants to wish you well (and tell that embarrassing story...) and your parents are proud. If this is your second (or third) time getting hitched, you may not find a toast necessary. Keep in mind, this adds another cost to your wedding. If your crowd aren't big bubbly drinkers (although I am!), ask to have half glasses poured for each guest instead of a full pour.

For more information on Jenny Benzie and Pour Sip Savor, visit www.poursipsavor.com.

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Cafe Boulud Palm Beach

J'adore Parisian Chic

On a recent trip to Paris for the Maison&Objet home furnishings, textile and tabletop show, we fell in further in love with the rustic chic that is emblematic of French entertaining. After all, what could be more elegant than a burlap tablecloth, loose arrangements of lavender-hued blooms and a few hand-written details. With a little help from Sunday Suppers, here's how we'd put it together stateside.

We heart Mr. Boddington's Studio

We adore bespoke stationery by Mr. Boddington's Studio for weddings and special events, but heir latest Valentine's Day line has us positively swooning. Check out one of our favorite stationers, The Paper Tree, for a great selection.

The Paper Tree

1903 Lincoln Drive

Sarasota, FL 34236

941.266.1326

www.thepapertree.com

Two Lovers at Sea: The perfect card for all jet-setting pairs. Each set includes 4 or 8 flat matte cards on heavy eggshell stock.

Announcing: THREAD BRIDE!

It! Inspiration: Christmas Eve Elegance

There's nothing like an elegant table to set the mood for a beautiful evening with friends and family. Here are our pics for the season:

It! Inspiration table from Between Naps on the Porch; Christmas ornaments from Saks Fifth Avenue; Vera Wang for Wedgwood "with love" stemware from Bloomingdale's; Colonial sterling silver candelabras from Silver Gift Store; "Trousdale" dinnerware from Neiman Marcus

It! Inspiration: Winter Wedding

Why should Spring get all the glory? We adore winter weddings. After all, what better theme to inspire guests to cozy up with one another as the snow falls?

Winter wedding from Bentley Meeker; Snowy pinecone winter wedding cake from Martha Stewart; Stationery by Ceci New York; bouquet from Brides.com

It! Inspiration: Set a wintry holiday table

Whether you're in Palm Beach or Kennebunkport, a wintry holiday table channeling the beauty of aspen groves and evergreens sets the mood for a cozy holiday feast with friends and family.

Santa table decor from Pottery Barn; Christmas tree place cards from Martha Stewart; lollipops from Maxwell House of Design; Rosemary tree centerpieces from Interior Design

The Festival of Trees has begun! Join us at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Dec. 3-12

The It! Girls will be rocking around the Christmas tree tonight at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens! With more than 30 designer Christmas trees, Christmas carolers, a holiday boutique and more, it is just what we need to get us in the holiday spirit here in balmy South Florida — the delicious noshes and open bar during the Gala Opening doesn't hurt, either!

The event benefits the garden's Community Enrichment Program, designed to provide cultural opportunities to all populations through innovative programming incorporating the visual arts, environmental awareness and interpretive history of Ann Weaver Norton.

Family and friends of all ages are invited to the gala, with tickets available for $200 for adults (ANSG members $150) and $25 per child. Gentlemen of the Garden will present Community Days with $10 admission (children $5) Dec. 4 and 5 and Dec. 8-12.

For more information on Festival of Trees or the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, call (561) 832-5328 or email annnorton@ansg.org. To view the latest schedule of events at the garden, please visit www.ansg.org.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)3 operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The gardens are conveniently located at 253 Barcelona Road, at the corner of Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, FL. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday. 11- 4 p.m.

Attention, sports fans!

When one of our favorite It! Girls called upon It! Weddings & Events to create a fun and fabulous bar mitzvah to celebrate her son's rite of passage, we imagined everything from personal appearances by the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders to a laser-lit driving range for the young sports fans.

But a more tasteful kiddush luncheon affair was in order for friends and family. This fun video montage by LaFrance Films helped share young Andrew's sense of humor (and athletic prowess) while guests enjoyed an elegant three-course luncheon at Pistache French Bistro in West Palm Beach.

To create the montage, we put our heads together to collect the greatest moments in sports history. Photographer Alexi Sheilds captured Andrew's expressive images, and Michael LaFrance brought it all together, compiling video with the edited images and a fist-pumping soundtrack.

Andrew's Video Montage from Michael LaFrance on Vimeo.

It! Inspiration: Giving Thanks in Style

The Thanksgiving holiday reminds us to pause and recount all of the good things in life, to give thanks for these blessings and all of the special people who're special to us.

It's also a great time to set the kind of table that will keep your family (even your mother-in-law!) gabbing about your great taste throughout the holiday season! After all, who wouldn't be thankful for a few well-placed compliments? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Gobble gobble.

xoxo
The It! Girls

Organic centerpieces from Bear Flag Farm; Cornucopia inspired centerpiece with sunflowers, gourds, and other fall vegetables from Better Homes and Gardens; "Flocking Together" Thanksgiving table setting from Martha Stewart; Autumn Harvest centerpiece with a variety of small gourds, squash, cones, and pods from Country Living; A healthy side dish of dried fruit and toasted nut stuffing from Whole Living

Save the Date: Dec. 3, Festival of Trees Gala Opening!

One of our favorite Palm Beach events each year is the Festival of Trees to benefit Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. With more than 30 designer Christmas trees, Christmas carolers, a holiday boutique and more, it is just what we need to get us in the holiday spirit here in balmy South Florida — the delicious noshes and open bar during the Gala Opening doesn't hurt, either!

Festival of Trees kicks off with its annual Gala Opening on Friday, Dec. 3, and benefits the garden's Community Enrichment Program, designed to provide cultural opportunities to all populations through innovative programming incorporating the visual arts, environmental awareness and interpretive history of Ann Weaver Norton.

Chaired by Karyn Lamb and Mieke Van Waveren, Decorator Chair Joseph Pubillones and Honorary Chair David Miller, committee members include Robin Azqueta, Diana Bell, Jeff Blakely, Jonathan Cameron-Hayes, ,Joanne Colt, Chrissy Colton, Millie Dayton, Aime Dunstan, Jenny Garrigues, Amy Guerrieri, Austin Hancock, Margaret Horgan, Karyn Janssen, Kelly Kirkpatrick, Brian Kirkpatrick, Dana Krentschmar, Heléné Lorentzen, Denise McCann, David Miller, Tara Nicoletti, Eileen and John Otto, Joseph Pubillones, Analisa Ramos-Estaban, Chad Renfro, Jennifer Rodriguez, True Rodriguez, Ashley and Michael Ramos, Denise Silverman, Sandy Singer, Tracy Smith, Linda Soper, Diana Speight, Tricia Taylor and Emmy Wolbach.

The Gala Opening will Feature GREY GOOSE Vodka by Bacardi U.S.A. Inc. and fine foods by Rock Star Catering Company, Marky Caviar, The Breakers Palm Beach, Whole Food Markets, Sushi Jo and Opici Wines Company of Florida. Other sponsors include Gentlemen of the Garden, KOOL 105.5 FM, Palm Beach Illustrated, The Palm Beach Post, Imishmailmerritt Photography, Tree Towne Christmas Trees and House of Lavande.

West Boca Raton High School Choir, Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Stringendo School For Strings, BAK Middle School of the Arts Chorus, the Florida Classical Ballet Theatre and Palm Beach Atlantic University’s “Brass 5” are set to perform.

Family and friends of all ages are invited to the gala, with tickets available for $200 for adults (ANSG members $125) and $25 per child. Gentlemen of the Garden will present Community Days with $15 admission (children $5) Dec. 4 and 5 and Dec. 8-12.

For more information on Festival of Trees or the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, call (561) 832-5328 or email annnorton@ansg.org. To view the latest schedule of events at the garden, please visit www.ansg.org.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)3 operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The gardens are conveniently located at 253 Barcelona Road, at the corner of Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, FL. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday. 11- 4 p.m.

Back Yard as Ballroom

House too small for a hundred houseguests? No great room, formal dining room or even elbow room? No problem! Take the party outside and make al fresco memories.
For an afternoon Sip 'n' See in honor of Juliana Elizabeth, our youngest It! Girl, we set round tables in the garden with folding chairs and rustic burlap linens. To enhance Mother Nature's verdant backdrop, we tied fresh jasmine to mauve napkins, and planted budding carnations in mason jars trimmed with twine (guests were invited to take them home to plant in their own gardens). Lanterns were lined with family photos, and piles of miniature lady apples kept the organic feel going.
On the patio, glass vessels filled with gala apples, bosc pears and black mission figs complemented a simple menu of crudites, charcuterie and artisinal cheeses. Mini cupcakes by The Sugar Monkey — chocolate-peanut butter, pumpkin spice and vanilla — invited guests to nibble. Champagne punch, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir rounded out the beverage selections (plus sodas and juices for the kiddos!).
But don't take our word for it: Check out these lovely photos by LILA PHOTO!

Devil's Night draws 500 for annual costume bash!

Body paint, prosthetic chest hair and larger-than-life candy dots were key costuming elements among the 500 revelers crowding Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens on Oct. 29.

Hosted by Gentlemen of the Gardens, Devil’s Night is one of the biggest and best-attended events to benefit the landmark property. And despite a $50 ticket price increase (guests paid $150-$300 each to attend), this year’s event broke all previous records, raising $50,000.

“It is the GOG's most successful event and Devil's Night to date,” said event co-chair Dack Patriarca.

Guests included honorary chairman Todd Herbst and wife Brandie, chairmen Kevin Clark and Dack Patriarca, Ladies Committee co-chairs Hilary Jordan and yours truly, plus Gentlemen of the Garden president Jonathan Cameron-Hayes, committee members Loy Anderson, Ryan Bridger, Christopher Dunstan and Jay Holmes.

Bobby Leidy took first place in the costume contest, winning a two-night stay at Sunset Key Cottages in Key West for his interpretation of Richard Simmons. “Avatar” Kirsten Braden nabbed second place and a two-day Porsche rental from Chariots of Palm Beach, and Kelly Murray’s vintage Barbie costume landed her a spa package at Jupiter Beach Resort.

Live music from the newly reinvented Big Bang Radio, along with free-flowing Ketel One Vodka cocktails, multiple open bars and ice luges, and food stations from Grease Burger Bar, Rocco’s Tacos, City Cellar and City Oyster kept the crowd entertained. Later, Pistache French Bistro served up bite-sized desserts, and the party continued at Monarchy Nightclub in downtown West Palm Beach.

Devil’s Night sponsors include the Big Time Restaurant Group (Rocco’s Tacos, Grease Burger Bar, City Cellar and City Oyster & Sushi Bar), Stephanie and Lamont Harris, Chariots of Palm Beach, Downtown at the Gardens, Monarchy, Monster Energy, Mario Nievera Design Inc., Palm Beach Medical, Pistache French Bistro, VIP – Very Important Paws, Hy-Lite Productions Inc., United Rentals, Dunstan Designs, It! Weddings & Events and Mac Fabrics.

For more information on upcoming events and exhibitions at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, log on to www.ansg.org or call (561) 832-5328.

It! Inspiration: Halloween Desserts

Looking for last-minute Halloween treats? Here are a few of our favorites. Click on the links below for recipes!

Pumpkin Cupcakes from Parents; Pecan- Caramel Spiders from Food Network; Pumpkin Cake with Little Ghosts from Southern Living