Real Weddings: Catherine and Michael

In September, we had the pleasure of handling the event design and decor for Catherine and Michael's wedding reception at the Tonawanda Castle. The couple was looking for a warm, rich, elegant, but not over the top look that incorporated the colors and feel of Fall. All of the little details made this wedding truly spectacular and personalized. Thanks to Jennifer Allis Photography for these beautiful photos!

The process began with the selection of linen colors for the wedding.  Cathy and Mike chose a beautiful loden green shantung cloth for the guest tables, that was complemented with rich brown hues and beautiful fall colors in the floral arrangements.

Then, the talented Sarah at Belletristics designed a custom monogram for their day.  This monogram was used in multiple places and set the tone for the rest of the stationery, also designed by Sarah.

The wedding program featured a small square label with their monogram on the front, and corresponding designs on the inside.

The escort card table...

The menu cards were truly stunning.  They were multi-layered and mounted on a chocolate brown backer printed with gold leaves.  They were placed on top of two green glass charger plates and a chestnut colored shantung napkin.

Table numbers were designed and placed on wine bottles that were then opened and used at each table. The glasses you see in the photo were filled with a chilled cantaloupe and bourbon soup which complemented the decor. Catering was done by Torches Retaurant, and was delicious and innovative!

Cathy and Mike are very eco-conscious, and chose to give their guests tree seedlings as favors.  The tags on the favors featured their monogram and asked guests to either plant the tree or donate it to a local school or park.  When we broke down the decor from the wedding, not a single favor was left behind...that was definitely a first for us!

A view of the head table...

A view from the balcony.  We turned their monogram into a lighting gobo which was reflected on the center of the dance floor.

Our lighting designer used leaf gobos to stunning effect on the vast ceiling.  This really transformed the look of the room.

Cathy and Mike's first dance!

This was a very personalized and customized wedding for a wonderful couple!  It truly reflected them, and it was a pleasure to work on the wedding!

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Locations in Buffalo

We have had a lot of clients lately asking us to assist with options for outdoor wedding ceremonies in the downtown Buffalo area.  Here are some good options to consider:

West Side Rowing Club/Frank Lloyd Wright Boathouse
Located at the foot of Porter Avenue right on the waterfront, there is an outdoor space that can accommodate a wedding ceremony.  There is enough room to have it under a tent as well if you desire.  For more information, contact Sharon @ 716-362-3140.  http://www.wrightsboathouse.org/

The Jacobs Center (formerly the Butler Mansion)
This beautiful mansion on Delaware and North Streets has an outdoor courtyard which can be used for wedding ceremonies.  There are multiple options on the grounds for a ceremony - the lawn can seat up to 150 people, the area by the gazebo can seat approximately 100, and the stairs on the North Street side seats approximately 50-75 people.  The inside of the mansion is used as a backup in case of rain.  You can also choose to have your cocktail hour at the venue and then move on to a reception at another location.  They do also hold wedding receptions.  For more information, call 716-645-2344.

Delaware Park Rose Garden
The rose garden can seat up to 200 people for an outdoor ceremony, and can be booked by calling the Olmsted Parks Conservancy at 716-886-0088.  There are also other locations in Delaware Park that are not "private", and you can hold your ceremony anywhere in the Park that you would like (as long as you don't mind the possible interruptions or uninvited guests!)

Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are located behind the Albright Knox Art Gallery.  It is a vast space, and you can hold a wedding ceremony wherever you would like on the grounds.  If you require seating, you do need to bring in and set up rental chairs.  This space can be booked by calling the Olmsted Parks Conservancy at 716-886-0088.

Buffalo Parks
There are numerous parks around the City where you can hold an outdoor ceremony.  For more information, contact Arlene at the Parks and Recreation Department at 716-851-9670.

There are also some nice locations where you can have an outdoor ceremony, but you are usually required to book your reception there as well...

Twentieth Century Club
The Twentieth Century Club is private, so you do need to be sponsored by a member to hold your wedding here.  It is an exquisite Mansion located on Delaware Avenue done in an Italian Renaissance style.  There is a gorgeous courtyard in the back where ceremonies are held.  Brides make their grand entrance down a dramatic staircase leading to the aisle.  Here are some photos from a recent wedding we coordinated at the location.

Templeton Landing Restaurant
Templeton Landing is located right on the water in the Erie Basin Marina, and they have two outdoor ceremony locations.  Ceremonies can be held on their rooftop patio or on the grass alongside the restaurant.  Here are some photos from a recent wedding we coordinated at this location...

For more information, call 716-852-7337 or visit their website at http://www.templetonlanding.com/directions.php

Happy planning!

Party Time: Spooky Halloween Decorations

With Halloween comes the opportunity to get creative, and a little crazy with your party decor, food and drink.  Here are some inspirational photos for your spooky celebration this year...

{Photo credits: Martha Stewart}