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Accomac Events is pleased to show our brand new on-site floral office and floral warehouse space! Event Designer, Charlene, and her talented team is excited to provide you with the very best floral, centerpiece, & decor services for weddings and events! Read about all of Accomac Events’ services here.

A few weeks back I shared some Spring color palettes and ideas for incorporating the colors into your wedding decor. Today, I’m thinking summer colors and getting inspired by bright palettes and beachy hues.  These inspirations come from http://design-seeds.com. This website is such a wonderful resource for choosing colors. They offer the ability to search any color value and then it will generate a color palette based on the inputted color.

Here are some of the color palettes I’m absolutely loving right now for Summer weddings and events:

This refreshing palette is airy and relaxing just like a day at the beach. Incorporate the “cool breeze” feel with bridesmaid’s jewelry made from sea glass!

Using this palette offers a great opportunity to incorporate lemons with your florals. I just love mixing fruit and/or veggies with traditional florals. This bride incorporated bright lemons with Irises – stunning! Your food and beverage choices could beautifully carry on your theme. Just imagine a lovely lemonade bar and an almond lemon wedding cake.

Mint colors are soft and pretty. Check out this gorgeous inspiration board with unexpected mint details.

Bright, bold citrus hues are balanced with soft yellow and muted colors. This citrus colored wedding incorporated yellow and grey accents that tied everything together beautifully.

This palette is vintage and feminine. You will definitely want to check out Maggpie Vintage Rentals for fabulous furniture, china, seating, and details that will coordinate perfectly with this lovely palette.

Salon Nouveau is located at 3602 East Market Street York, PA. Photo by Kim Winey Photography. Click here to view their other photos on Facebook.

Crystal Hagan from Salon Nouveau in York is back on the blog today for Wedding Wednesday discussing bridal beauty and getting your skin into perfect condition. Salon Nouveau is now offering a new treatment called Radiancy.

Crystal explains the benefits of this treatment:

Radiancy is a micro phototherapy treatment using light and heat energy directed at the dermal layer of the skin to stimulate new cells.  So, with the same technology being utilized in medical offices for skin rejuvenation, this device allows me to offer a real visible change in the skin with the series of Radiancy treatments.  The light and heat energy is emitted in gentle pulses that trigger the skin to rebuild collagen.  This helps with firming and line reduction.  The other great benefit of the series is that hyperpigmentation (brown spots) are diminished with the skin regaining an over-all creamy, smooth tone.  Redness, such as tiny broken capillaries, is also greatly improved.

For younger skin not needing as much in the way of repairment, the treatments even out oily and dry areas. It also gives the skin a beautiful, healthy glow, while helping to stimulate the collagen that will keep signs of aging at bay.  For anyone with a special occasion coming up, such as a wedding, Radiancy treatments are a perfect, non-invasive way to get your skin looking its absolute best.  There is no down-time with this treatment, meaning you can come in for a quick 45 minute appointment and leave with glowing skin that doesn’t need covered up.  This is especially important for the busy bride who always seems to have to squeeze in appointments between meetings and work.

Another benefit is that this is not an uncomfortable procedure.  The treatment is tailored to each individual’s comfort level so there is no need for apprehension or pain, and after the first few pulses, the client can relax and enjoy their me-time.  Brides and mothers-of-the-bride can expect to see the full result from the Radiancy series within 30-60 days after they have completed their series.  The series is done in a 4 week period, with an average of 2 treatments per week.  The full series consists of 8 treatments.  The reason for the intensive series is to get the maximum results for your skin by continuing to stimulate the new cells deep in the skin to get a long-lasting effect.  The skin looks noticeably brighter and refreshed with just one treatment, and they will be amazed how their skin looks even better 30 to 60 days after the series is finished!  This is due to the nature of the cell renewal process.  This needs to be done only twice a year to maintain your results!

I would recommend starting the Radiancy treatments about 2 months before a wedding for a younger bride, 35 and under, and up to 3 months before a wedding for anyone 35 and over to time their results to coincide with the big day.  Radiancy can also be added onto any facial, to enhance absorption of products and give that glow to the skin, which is a great option for any time, especially in between your bi-annual series.  Radiancy treatments are fast, safe and effective and I am so excited to be sharing this with my clients and hope you will find this information useful as well!

image courtesy of Posh Productions Event Planning and Design

With all of the rain we had in the east this past summer, one can only imagine how many pairs of shoes were ruined as a result of getting stuck in the mud. As you explore different venues looking for the perfect place to get married, think about what it will be like for your guests to walk from one spot to another, especially if there’s a good distance between the ceremony site and the reception.

Prior to signing a contract , it is a good idea to go to your venue in  high heels after it has rained and see how comfortable you are getting from one place to another. It might seem silly as you’re reading this, but if you actually go through this exercise, you’ll learn a lot from it.

I’ve mentioned before in a previous post about supplying a basket of fun flip flops for guests attending your reception. This doesn’t just apply to weddings on the beach! There’s nothing worse than getting both heels stuck in the grass and not being able to move. If you can’t stand the flip flop idea, at least supply a basket of “heel wipes” in the ladies room and identify it accordingly.

Bamboo Imports MN carries a nice variety of disposable plates and dishes made from bamboo leaves! They offer everything from miso soup spoons, cones and tiny tapas plates to full size dinner and salad plates.

The line is made from 100% renewable materials and everything  is also 100% biodegradable and compostable. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they make a beautiful presentation for parties particularly in the warm weather months.

Bamboo Leaf Dish image courtesy of bambooimportsmn.com

Bamboo Leaf Spoon image by bambooimportsmn.com

Recently, I traveled to Tampa, Florida to attend the 2012 Special Event Show at the Tampa Convention Center. I have returned inspired and bursting with new ideas from action stations to decor. I’m really excited to share three centerpiece concepts that I’m absolutely loving. These can be tweaked and altered to fit your event or wedding.

We’ve received many requests recently for my new fresh herb centerpieces. This is yet another interactive way for your guests to have fun. The vessel for these centerpieces can be elegant crystal vases, glass cubes filled with peat moss or rustic planter boxes. We fill the containers with a variety of fresh herb plants marked with stylish pick labels. The picks can be as simple as popsicle sticks covered in chalkboard paint for a shabby-chic look.

This adorable chalkboard sticks photo is from pomme designs. Visit the original post here with the project details for making your own!

We can also help suggest which herbs pair well with the foods that are being served. This is a great way to allow your guests to put on a little extra seasoning if they so desire. If you’re worried about a lack of color in the centerpiece, don’t be! I’ve given these a punch of color by utilizing edible flowers from Brogue Hydroponics or by wrapping the outside of the vase with gorgeous ribbons. You could also use colored rocks or colored floral foam as a base in a clear vessel.

Edible Flowers from Brogue Hydroponics in Brogue, PA. Photo by the Susquehanna Photographic.

For an elegant centerpiece statement use a tall square or cylindrical clear glass vase filled with water. Submerge your favorite colored orchid in the water and illuminate with a waterproof LED light. To take this concept to the next level, top with a crystal embellished lampshade. I used a similar lampshade centerpiece concept for a holiday-themed party this past December.  Instead of using water and submerged flowers, I used illuminated crystals as shown below.

For traditional centerpieces, we’re using a lot of fairy beads that come in a variety of colors. The best part is, they pulsate throughout the night. They’re cool especially for outdoor events because the lights don’t appear at first. As the night goes on, however, the centerpieces take on an entirely different look when the light show inside the vases and flowers begins.  I’ve also been using battery-operated, fiber optic sprays. They too allow the centerpiece to take on another personality as the evening draws near. My favorite take on this concept is a simple illuminated calla lily. I embed tiny led lights in the base of the lily. They can be submersed in water with a simple floating candle or they can stand upright appearing to be magically illuminated as the night falls.

Watch the fairy lights in action!

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Finding ways to cut expenses for your wedding is completely understandable. DIY-ing parts of your special day is a natural solution especially when all of your bridesmaids agree to help, your Aunt wants to help too, and so do the Moms of the bride and groom! There are a lot of talented people who can do stunning things, but before you DIY there are a few things to carefully consider.

DIY Wedding Decor potential pitfalls:

1) A plethora of options: Information overload happens quickly when there are endless options of what you should do. A professional will help guide you in the right direction by using your idea to create something within your budget and will provide the staff to carry the mission through to the end.

2) Who is in charge of set up? Decor items typically must be placed after the caterer has arrived and has had time to unload their truck and place the linens on the table. You may be in a situation where you have to pay extra for someone to arrive early and get those linens on. Then, it is up to you or your family to get everything out when you could be relaxing and getting ready for the wedding!

3) What goes up, must come down. There you are at the end of an exhausting day – you’ve been up since the crack of dawn filled with anxiety in anticipation of your big day. Now the party is over and you have to figure out who is going to load up and take your alcohol home (if you provided it). Next, you must take care of the gifts that all of your wonderful guests were kind enough to bring you. Last but not least, don’t forget about your DIY pieces, centerpieces, and decor. Caterers and planners do charge for this tear-down service, but you have to determine what your time is worth as well as the memories of your wedding reception. After the excitement is over you may want to leave your reception stress-free. These are just some things to think about before you DIY!

Any other suggestions? I’d love to hear them.

I’m back from the 2012 Special Event Show and ready to bring you my Wedding Wednesday tips and showcase some wonderful new trends in decor, lighting, linens and staging. Bold colors, technology-friendly furniture and the glitz and glamour of crystal were just a few of things I saw in Tampa. I made some exciting new vendor partnerships, so these trends will be available to those of you planning springtime and summertime weddings.

This tablescape would be just perfect for a springtime wedding. Floral detail work carries through the design from the tablecloth to the styled napkin rings. Smart, sassy and sophisticated.

Just look at that flash! Chic contemporary overlays like these add a real burst of eye-catching color. You shouldn’t feel roped into using the same inventory over and over again from a single warehouse. Your wedding should capture your personality and style.

I really love these swivel ottomans. Big, bold colors and a really neat design that will allow your guests to swivel back and forth while chatting it up with others.

These charging stations make it easy to juice up those mobile devices when snapping photos and social sharing take their toll on the batteries. Now your guests can stay connected and share snapshots of your special day without having to hunt around for an open outlet.

Welcome to the first Wedding Wednesday post of 2012!

For all of you planning brides, wedding stress is bound to set in at one point or another.
When you start to feel the stress of wedding planning, give yourself a break by inhaling the wonderful essence of lavender. This little purple wonder will help ease anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. Lavender candles, pillow sprays, and lotions are great options to have on hand. Heated wheat packs infused with lavender also work wonders for neck tension. If you’re like me, once you get hooked you’ll find yourself drinking lavender tea, baking with lavender honey, and mixing vinaigrettes with lavender balsamic vinegar. It’s contagious!

(Lavender honey image courtesy of care2.com)
Stay away from stress inducers like coffee, candy, and ice cream. In its place, try a treat of Greek yogurt topped with organic granola and a drizzle of lavender honey. For lunch mix up a nice salad of spinach and walnuts (loaded with anxiety soothing B vitamins) and dress it with lavender balsamic vinegar.

During the cold winter months, try this recipe for Cider and Lavender Honey to calm your nerves:
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of apple cider, 1 tablespoon lavender honey, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 dash of ground cloves. Heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and serve. Garnish with an orange pinwheel.

These remind us of something our mother or grandmother made us as a child. The trick is often taking these dishes and coming up with ideas on how to present them or modernize them. Shepherd’s Pie is a comfort food that not only tastes great but brings us back. The challenge is how do you present and serve it. It is just not a pretty dish. Once the first few people dive into the item on a buffet it is quite a mess. We’ve come up with a twist and an updated presentation. There are a variety of cupcake paper cups available. We’ve used the tulip shaped papers in red and white. We filled them with traditional mashed potato and vegetable but used a lamb and Guinness stew for a twist. We used these items for an event over the holidays and people raved about them. There are certainly more options for this comfort food update and well as many of the other classic dishes we remember.

-Chef W. Edward Dodds