Diana & Frank, March 9, 2013

Diana and Frank were hands down my favorite couple to work with so far. They are both detail oriented and had a very clear vision of what they wanted for their wedding right from the start. From our first meeting we all got along well and had fun planning together. Considering that Frank moved to California for a few months, Diana wrapped up her residency and interviewed with hospitals all along the west coast, they were planning a cross-country move, making arrangements for international guests, and oh, you know, the usual lobbying in Washington...let's just say that these two can handle anything that life throws at them with love and a united front.

Their wedding was a mix of pretty traditional American events with a few little Kenyan touches thrown in. Frank's family brought along several huge boxes of curios to gift to each guest as a wedding favor, they were a huge hit. During the ceremony, they included a short speech from the mother-of-the-groom thanking the brides family for taking in her son and welcoming Diana into her family, it was lovely. At the reception, they did a few traditional Kenyan dances with the entire bridal party and everyone had a blast!

The pictures say it all:

 

 

 

 

 

All photos, unless noted, courtesy of Brett Whitling Photography

Venue and Catering, the Edgewood Country Club

Planning and coordination, floral design, lighting, concept, and installation On the Nose Events and Something Borrowed



Erin & Drew, December 31, 2012

Portrait courtesy of Ashley Dru Photography

 Erin & Drew were such a lovely couple to work with, we had a great time planning their New Year's Eve wedding. They wanted a non-traditional venue, and after checking out some places around town we all decided on the Fe Gallery in Lawrenceville. They space was essentially a blank slate, so it was easy to transform it into whatever we pleased.

 

The bride and groom, as well as their families, were very hands on in preparing the gallery. We all spent the day together in late December getting everything assembled and hung - this truly was more of an ongoing art installation than a wedding reception venue.

The far wall was covered with white lights and sheer panels to create a glowy, romantic haze over the vows.

 

The bride worked for weeks creating these hand-rolled paper flowers that hung from floor to ceiling.

 

Guests were invited to arrive late in the evening in preparation for Erin & Drew's 9:30 arrival. Because of the timing, heavy hors d'eouvres were served instead of a traditional dinner; everyone loved it. After midnight, we served the guests pierogi and heavier fare - after hours of celebrating, everyone was ready for another full meal!

 

Without the need for full-sized dinner tables, we were able to be more creative with the table decor and the space available to us. The bride and groom brought these branches and sticks back from a family members' home. Drew created the artwork that hung in the gallery that evening.

Our talented intern, Brittany, used the same branches and sticks to create this stunning chandelier to hang over the couple as they married.

 

Erin & Drew were married right at midnight and their first kiss and husband and wife was after the countdown.

Congratulations, Erin and Drew! Here's to a wonderful life together!

 

Personal, non-pro photo/graphic

 

 

All photos, unless noted, courtesy of A Love Worth Telling and Ashley Dru Photography

Venue, Fe Gallery

Catering, Adams Bread & Moore

Invitations, Jamie Stoltz (contact info available upon request)

Planning and coordination, floral design, lighting, concept, and installation On the Nose Events

 

 

 

Something Borrowed meets Stylish White Female

Something Borrowed is turning into a lot of fun!

 

A few weeks ago, Laura and I had the pleasure of meeting with Terra from Stylish White Female for a little styling session. I have been a faithful reader of SWF for a few years, so it was pretty exciting to meet her in person. And, of course, she is just as sweet and funny in person she is on her blog. If you aren't reading her or following her on Facebook, get on it!

 

 

Btw, do you know how hard it is to dress for a meeting with a well-known sartorialist? Impossible.

 

Terra put together a few tablescapes using the products that we have on-site in our studio. This look would be perfect for a guest book table or a setting for your escort cards.

Total to rent? $32

 

This look works well for a dessert buffet or as a centerpiece for a more casual wedding.

Total to rent? $29

 

This is my favorite of the bunch, so sweet! A very Anthropology, romantic vibe.

 

It was so fun to watch someone with a stylish eye use our products to set a scene.

 

How perfect is this for an autumn event? Apothecary jars are endlessly customizable.

Total to rent? $26

At the Something Borrowed studio, we have so much more to offer! Contact either Nicole or Laura to set up an appointment today or just check us out online. Don't see what you want? We can get it. We are always getting new items in and just might have what you're looking for at the price you need.

How about we make the deal a little sweeter? Use the code swf10 to save 10% on your total order!

~Nicole

Sweet Sundays at Dozen Bake Shop

Dozen Bake Shop has invited us to be a part of their first ever Sweet Sundays Bridal Show! We will be at the Butler Street, Lawrenceville location from 12-5 on Sunday March 3rd. Come and chat to see what we have to offer.

If you are interested attending, email Nicole at nicole [at] onthenoseevents [dot] com. This in an invitation only event.

We'll also have decor samples on site from Something Borrowed! We are working hard to make sure that we have great choices at the under $15/table range. You can have the wedding of your dreams for less than you thought possible!

First Dance

Choosing a song for your first dance as husband and wife can be a bit daunting. It's such a big deal! Everyone is staring at you (and why not, you're gorgeous!), what if you start to laugh? Or trip? Or worst, shuffle through like it's 7th grade all over again? Fear not! None of those things matter. No one cares. Everyone will be so happy for you, you'll have such stars in your eyes - you will magically transform into Fred & Ginger. Even if you decide to do a Harlem Shake for your first coordinated act as Mr. and Mrs.

Here are some great options beyond "At Last" to consider:

Oh my god, I love this version of this song so, so, so much. So simple and moving.

This one is easy to dance to!

This will get the whole crowd moving.

This is good if you can't dance, but really like to mime trumpet playing.

Whichever song you choose, make sure to read the lyrics! Here is a great list of songs that seem like a great idea, but probably aren't: First Dance Songs to Avoid

Etsy Crush

I am in love with these embroidered notebooks from Artsy Lydia!

They would make such a great gift for your groomsmen


A handwritten note on the first page would be a lovely way to thank your MOH or bridesmaids!

There are million cute things in her shop, but these notebooks really take the cake. Check them out!

Are you sitting down for this?

Planning your reception seating can be a huge headache. Your mother isn't speaking to her sister. You don't want a "party table." Everyone from work is coming, yes, everyone. Where do you put them all?

There are a few ways to tackle this task, but first you have to wait until you have all of your invitation responses in. Enlisting your planner to get those last few stragglers on the phone can be a big help. Once you know who is and is not attending your wedding and reception, the fun begins!

Google has a great template here.
If you are more a visual person, like me, try this method.

The good news is that you typically do not have to complete this until a week or so before the big day, so you have some time.

Once everyone is settled into their places on the chart, you can start to think about how you will let guests know how to get there at the reception.

You can make things as complicated and fun as possible:


As simple and beatiful as you like:


As tailored to your theme as you can possibly get:


Or the best reflection of your personalities that you can imagine:


Whatever you choose to do, make it big! There is nothing worse than 150 people all squinting at the same tiny poster!

Candles

Nothing says drama like a table full of candles. The flattering glow makes everyone look amazing, I guarantee your guests will be stunned, and you cannot beat the price. What's better than that?!


This combination of white flowers and silver vases makes a very simple and chic statement




Simple and elegant


This is my absolute favorite! The wooden boxes used to elevate the bowls could be books, cake stands, or even wine glasses.

Something Borrowed offers a huge selection of votives and church candles in every size and shape. With 12-15 candles on each of your ten tables, you could potentially decorate everything for right around $200!

Macarons

A unique addition to the cookie table, macarons will surely wow your guests! Macarons (pronounced like macaroni without the EE at the end) are also gluten free. Made with almond paste, egg white, and buttercream frosting they are a more elegant GF choice than a rice crispie treat!

If you can't make your way to Lauderee, head over to Jean-Marc Chatellier's French Bakery in Millvale - hands down the best macarons in Pittsburgh. Just a few dollars for a little piece of heaven.

There are a million adorable ways to display macarons, these are our favorite:


All lined up on a towering topiary


Simply presented as they are, delicious


As part of your centerpiece or as a subtle pop of color on the dessert buffet


Or even cascading down your cake!