The Duel of The Design

Merry Christmas!

photo courtesy of J. Crew

Life, Love, Laughter and Tears

Shawna Noel Photography was nice enough to send me images from our October 2009 wedding.

I loved this wedding as the sassy mother of the bride was so much fun to work with and the entire wedding was so personal and heartfelt. The groom's triumph over cancer made the day so meaningful and emotional.

Two beautiful families (inside and out) joined together.

Shawna Noel Photography
Cafe Lurcat
Arts & Flowers
Apres Party Rental
Instant Request
Gateaux

One of the Favorite Things of the Season

Every year about this time, people start going a little nuts from stress and pressure of the holidays.

I wasn't feeling it so much this year as I'm buried in a huge project (more to be revealed soon) and there was no snow on the ground. Well, the snow part was cured this week. It looks like we are going to have a beautiful, white Christmas after all.

I have a lot to be thankful for in 2009. My decision to exit out of wedding planning, continue doing select corporate and non-profit events and launch a new concept at the beginning of 2010...well it really came about with a lot of faith.

Despite my busy schedule, I popped into Muddy Paws Cheesecake's 10th Annual Toy Drive. To say that Tami and Amy have endless energy would be an understatement. They manage to collect a lot of toys for needy children and create a fun, social event. Tami mentioned to me last night that the social media aspect of getting the word out this year was amazing.

One of the my favorite things of the season is the outpouring of generosity in time, money, thought and prayer. I keep thinking if we could all keep that thought and behavior in mind throughout the year, we could change the world.

Absolutely love Sue Zelickson, who was a the event selling her Lacey Sue Z. cookie mix. I can't wait to try it!

Thanks to Studio Laguna for the photos!

Here's hoping that you remember that Christmas isn't about gifts or holiday cards. It's about love, hope and faith.

Party Like a Rock Bass

Talent! Talent! Talent!

We're up to something big and you will find out very soon what it is!

All I can say is that in the process, as much as I already knew this, I'm learning even more...this city has a lot of d*** amazing event talent.

And I can't wait to show you how we are going to be showcasing that talent!

Soon.

Very, very soon.

Sweet Sara!

Yesterday, I received a text from Sara asking if I would like to join her for "In the Heights" at the Orpheum. After thinking for about 20 seconds how I could fit in the technology meeting and holiday open house that was on the agenda and still make the play, I decided I was in.

The play was unexpected, but very, very good. Neither of us knew what it was about, but the musical based in Washington Heights was entertaining due to the dancing, music and humor.

After the play we made our way over to the Post-Play Party with the actors. Sara brought a little bag and a box out of her handbag and handed them over to me.

She had made an amazing discovery.

A new cupcake place that also makes macaroons (seriously, might be my new favorite sweet).

If you visit PopFizzDaily, you can get more 4-1-1 on the Sweets Bakeshop. It's definitely worth a trip!

The next cupcake I am going to try from there is the Breakfast Cupcake that uses bacon. You know, everything is better with bacon!

Eating My Way Through Life

There are some big changes coming up, so keep your eyes open and ears perked. I'll be hinting here and there just to see what you are able to come up with.

Hint #1: I spend my time doing more than just event planning, what is it?

That being said, I should clarify, that it isn't "eating for a living", although many would say that it is my second job.

*********************************************************************************

I was thinking of all the restaurants I've been to in 2009 and it's a pretty long list!

20*21 - the curry seafood is rich and filling and, oh, so yummy

Amazing Thailand - the friendly service and good dishes keeps me going back

Azia - sukiyaki is the Asian version of chicken noodle soup...soothes the soul

B.A.N.K. - recommend the risotto

Bar La Grassa - I highly recommend eating your way through the entire menu

Barrio - small plates that satisfy, and great corn chowder soup

Basil's - I always order their fresh squeezed juice smoothies

Bombay - has to be the cheapest lunch buffet in town (and, yes, the food is good)

Bradstreet - small plates with a twist

Brasa - crowded little place, but once you try the food, you'll understand why

Cafe Barbette - give me some frites

Cafe Lurcat - although I'm not a vegetarian, my two faves: cauliflower and the apple chive salad

Chambers Kitchen (now closed) - I'm sure you are thrilled that I can't talk about the coconut chicken soup anymore (I'm still in mourning)

Chez Collette - the express lunches allow you try a little bit of four items

Chiang Mai Thai

Chino Latino - the new private dining space is sure to draw corporate events and rehearsal dinners

Christos Union Depot Place - the problem with the lunch buffet is I always eat too much!

Crave - three different locations to satisfy your craving

D'Amico Cucina (now closed)

D'Amico Kitchen - the tuna crudo and crepes for dessert definitely satisfy

Edina Grill - casual with uneven service

Firelake - yummy flatbreads

First Wok - call me boring, but the only thing I ever order from there is Hunan Chicken

Good Day Cafe - the good breakfast makes the noise level tolerable

I Nonni - absolutely love the gnocchi (and the pricing of the bottles of wine adjust according to whether the market was up or down)

Jasmine 26

Kona Grill

La Belle Vie - the amazing tasting dinners and wine dinners bring out the "clean plate club" desire in me

Lucia's

Mango Thai - cute place on Selby with clean flavors

Manny's Steakhouse - asparagus the way I like it, hashbrowns the way I like it, big steaks the way I like it

Masa

McCoy's

Meritage - love the brunch options

Mort's Delicattessen - I didn't realize I do actually like Rueben's

Moto I - honestly, I have to give it a second chance as ordering a Korean dish in a Japanese restaurant...not so smart on my part

OM - definitely the best Indian restaurant in town

Porter & Frye

Quang's - favorite is the seabass and shrimp noodle soup available on the weekends

Restaurant Max - although I always intend to try new things, I always gravitate toward my favorite pastas

Ruth's Chris - I'm forever amazed at the outstanding service

Salut - constantly crowded...always fill up on the bread

Sea Change - sustainable seafood, authentic seafood flavors

Seven Sushi - the dynamite roll is, well, dynamite

Smalley's Caribbean Barbeque - fun space with fun food

Solera - I can't decide if the paella or the seabass is my favorite

Spoonriver

Sushi Tango - love the new space...its amazing how your environment affects your dining experience

ThanhDo - may be referred to as Azia's little sister, but its actually Azia's big sister

Tiger Sushi - love the outdoor patio in Uptown

True Thai - although not the cleanest restaurant I've been to, the large variety of good dishes makes it worth going back

Tryg's

Victor's 1959 - Cuban food with a great blend of flavor, color and texture

The View

Vincent a Restaurant - consistently great flavors

Wakame Sushi

Yum! Kitchen & Bakery - cupcakes...'nuf said

On my List to Hit? Ginger Hop, NE Social, Heidi's (again), Barrio St. Paul, Loring Kitchen, Pop, Blue Door, Black Sheep Pizza and Ringo (opening in West End Spring 2010)

A Night of Laughter, Eating and Bidding

Last night the Twin Cities March of Dimes put on their Signature Chef Auction. I had such a good time that I didn't want the evening to come to an end. In fact, Katrina of Studio Laguna, who donated her time to photograph the event, said she was thrilled to see how much fun I was having amongst the amount of stress and work that has been on my schedule as of late.

Asher Miller of 20*21 and Wolfgang Puck, as the honorary chef, did an amazing job recruiting chefs to participate with the event. Not to mention, his salmon dish was amazing!

Thank you to all the restaurants who participated: 20*21, Bluefin Bay Resort, Lake Elmo Inn, McCormick & Schmick's, Murray's, NorthCoast Restaurant, Porter & Frye, Solera, St. Paul Grill and The Capital Grille.

To say that we enjoyed a night of fine dining is an understatement. Every single dish was delicious and the chefs, themselves, seem to be having a good time.

A special thank you to Summer Harsh for donating the centerpieces. When Scott from March of Dimes called me to ask for soem decor ideas, I said, "Let me see what I can do."

Summer and I felt that integrating the food aspect of the event was important. Instead of vases, colanders and pots were used to hold the flowers for a third of the tables. The remaining third had a collection of vases with submerged flowers and whisks! What fun!

Mill City Museum Wedding

My favorite clients are the ones who are so animated that their expressions speak a thousand words. This couple definitely fits the bill!

Photography: Generation Photography
Venue: Mill City Museum
Caterer: D'Amico Catering
Baker: D'Amico Catering
Florist: Pazzobello Flowers
Party Rental: Apres Party Rental
DJ: Alta Entertainment

What is a Charger Plate?

I was in a meeting with a wedding client recently and suggested using charger plates to add a finishing touch to the table. The bride was thrown as she had never heard of a charger plate.

A charger plate is simply a decorative plate, generally larger than a dinner plate. It generally is not used for serving food, but rather used as a layering table accessory. Caterers will remove the charger either before serving the first course or place the salad plate on top of the charger, but remove before serving the main course.

I love the look of chargers and think it is so effective in changing a look of the table. Especially since so many caterers / venues use white placesettings.

Silver Charger from Pottery Barn

Or go rather budget friendly and rent charger plates from Linen Effects (as shown in photos) or Apres Party Rental.

It is a perfect item for your entertaining table, whether a wedding or dinner party. And a perfect item to add to your registry list if you are engaged.

Boo!

Touring the Barrio Truck

In September, Josh Thoma was telling me about the truck they bought that they were turning into the Barrio Truck. The rendering of the proposed truck looked like a "rock star bus".

Last night, I popped into La Belle Vie for a drink and to check out the truck (a little bird sent me a "tweet" to let me know where it was). It really does look like a "rock star bus".

Sadly, the kitchen in the truck is better than mine at home!

The James Beard Award winner himself, Tim McKee, backing up the truck.

I told Tim that Dena and Mecca from Metro Magazine and I would be the Barrio B****** and sell tacos out the window, since we've been told that the truck would be too hard for us to drive.

Look out for the Barrio truck coming to your neighborhood sometime in the near future!

Martina Liana Show

Think Pink!

I just got a disk of images from Kelly Brown Weddings from the wedding in September...you remember the wedding where we "pink-a-fied" the Chambers Hotel? Don't you love it?

Photographer: Kelly Brown Weddings
Venue: Chambers Hotel
Catering: D'Amico Kitchen
Florist: Pazzobello
Party Rental: Linen Effects

What's the Only Thing That Matters?

The Only Thing That Really Matters
By Alex Green

Why do some folks look back on their lives and say they wouldn't change much? Or anything?

Is there a formula? Some mix of love, work, habits, or attitudes that offers the best chance of a well-lived life?

Researchers at Harvard have been examining this question for 72 years by following 268 men who entered college in the late 1930s.

Their discoveries might surprise you.

Just listen to Dr. George Vaillant. Since 1967, the Harvard Medical School professor has dedicated his career to the "Grant Study." (It was named after its patron, the department-store magnate W.T. Grant.)

Vaillant's specialty is the comprehensive study of a small number of people over a long period of time.

His subjects were never a representative sample of society. They were all young men from relatively privileged backgrounds.

Yet Vaillant's findings offer profound insights into the human condition. They have universal applications. And they illuminate the one factor that correlates most highly with a positive life assessment in old age.

So let's take a closer look...

From the beginning, the Grant Study was meant to be exhaustive. The researchers assembled a team that included medical doctors, physiologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and anthropologists.

Participants were monitored, interviewed, and studied from every conceivable angle. That included their eating and drinking habits, exercise, mental and physical health, career changes, and financial successes and setbacks.

They were subjected to general aptitude tests and personality inventories, and were required to provide regular documentation.

Many of the men achieved dramatic success. Some became captains of industry. One was a bestselling author. Four ran for the U.S. Senate. One served in a presidential cabinet. And one -- JFK (we now know) -- was president. (His files have been sealed until 2040.)

Some of the subjects were disappointments, too. Case number 47, for example, literally fell down drunk and died. (Not quite what the study had in mind.)

Most of the participants remain anonymous. (Although a few, like Ben Bradlee, the long-time editor of The Washington Post, have identified themselves.)

Over the last four decades, the lives of the Grant men were Vaillant's personal and professional obsession. In his book Adaptation to Life, he writes, "Their lives were too human for science, too beautiful for numbers, too sad for diagnosis, and too immortal for bound journals."

Yet more than 70 years of data and enabled Vaillant to reach some broad conclusions.

He found seven major factors that predict healthy aging, both physically and psychologically: education, stable marriage, healthy weight, some exercise, not smoking, not abusing alcohol, and "employing mature adaptations." (Vaillant believes social skills and coping methods are crucial in determining overall satisfaction.)

However, his most important finding was revealed in a 2008 interview. He was asked, "What have you learned from the Grant Study men?"

Vaillant's response: "That the only thing that really matters in life are your relationships to other people."

The Grant Study confirms what the wisest have always known. That a successful life is not about the grim determination to get or have more. Nor is it about low cholesterol levels or intellectual brilliance or career accomplishments.

It's about human connections: parents, siblings, spouses, children, friends, neighbors, and mentors.

Without them, life quickly loses its flavor, whatever material successes we enjoy.

Look back at your life. You'll almost certainly find that the most significant moments were births, deaths, weddings, and celebrations.

Your most profound moments? When you touched others. Or they touched you.

In times of suffering -- loss, sickness, death -- it is not prescriptions, formulas, or advice we seek. It is the healing presence of another.

When we forget this -- when we think only of ourselves -- we choke the source of our development.

Real meaning comes from taking care of those you love, letting them know how you feel.

Fortunately, we have countless opportunities to give a bit of ourselves each day through a thoughtful act, a word of appreciation, or a sense of understanding.

As Dr. Vaillant concludes, true success "is more about us than me."

The Black List October 2009

In case you haven't been black listed and aren't on The Style Laboratory's email distribution list, you may have missed the latest issue of The Black List. Just click on the image below to get caught up.

Enjoy!

My Kind of Garage Sale!

Chill Out at Molly Cool's!

South-of-the-River just got more interesting! Stella's little sister, Molly Cool's Seafood Tavern is opening in Lakeville on Friday, October 23rd at 4:00pm.

They will feature Crab Lovers Thursdays and Lobster Lovers Sundays.

Molly Cool is named for Myrtle Kool, always called Molly, was born on Feb. 23, 1916, in Alma, a small fishing village on the Bay of Fundy, in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. She qualified as a captain at age 23, and she spent the next five years in command of the Jean K, her father’s 70-foot engine- and sail-driven scow. In 2006, she was officially recognized by the Canadian government as the first woman to hold captain’s papers.

Kind of cool, eh?

"Speed Decorating"

Uptown's Design Within Reach at 29th & Hennepin Avenue South is hosting Jill Vegas to discuss seven staging essentials from her book "Speed Decorating." Learn about flow, light, color, clutter, condition, cleanliness and lifestyle.

Speed Decorating with Jill Vegas
Thursday, October 22nd
6:00 to 8:00 pm
DWR Minneapolis Studio
2939 Hennepin Avenue South Minneapolis
612.827.0990

Last Wedding of the 2009 Season

Yesterday was the last wedding of the 2009 season for The Style Laboratory, with a perfect note to end on.

The bride and groom live out of the state so her mom and I have been planning the big day at Cafe Lurcat.

The wedding focused on bringing in personal elements. Both sets of parents have been married since 1971! What a great example they set for their children as they start their married life.

There were a lot of tears as the groom was hospitalized with cancer in the fourth month of his courtship with his bride. Antique handkerchiefs were handed to the women along with the program.

During the toasts, there was nary a dry eye in the house, as the bride's father sang "Take Good Care of My Baby" and the bride's sister and groom's brother gave funny, yet moving toasts. I smiled as I thought this is marriage that is going to see the test of time, which does much for my soul (a little piece of my heart breaks if clients get a divorce).

Venue: The fabulous Cafe Lurcat!
Photography: Shawna Noel Photography
Flowers: Arts & Flowers
Cake: Gateaux, Inc.
DJ: Instant Request
Party Rental: Apres Party & Tent Rental

Steven from Arts & Flowers really did a stunning job with flowers. The sophisticated, simple linens from Apres Party Rental definitely provided a gorgeous palette for him to build the centerpieces.


Of course, Gateaux cannot help themselves but to do a stunning wedding cake.

The groom's side of the family implemented some Iranian heritage...a lot of sweets to "sweeten the marriage".

Is It Just a Restaurant Opening Part II

Due to my love of food, I have a special place in my heart for restaurants. I'm always the one quietly weeping in the corner when I hear an independently owned restaurant closes, as I know how challenging it is to open and run a restaurant.

When I was approached by Crave to assist them with a Private Preview media / VIP event at their new location, I took a step back to create a proposal that wasn't quite what they expected.

Often times, we event designer/planners are thought to make "things look pretty" and provide vendor referrals. I just don't approach corporate events that way. I consider the messaging and the brand.

I asked the question...what is the message you want to send with this event?

The response I heard was "great food, great service" and to be known as being a good "citizen of their community."

That's a darn good place to start.

So I came back to them with some challenging questions: 1) How do we create interest from the media now that you've opened two other Crave restaurants in the Twin Cities? 2) Why don't they have stronger messaging about all the support to non-profits they provide (and, seriously, they provide an awful lot)? 3) How do we make this event really different than their other restaurant openings?

First, we broke the back with ridiculously expensive invitations. Printed on clear square acrylic sheets "What Do You Crave?" printed on the top to set the tone for the event. In my opinion, if they didn't get the press curious, nothing would!

Second, rather than providing entertainment and making the space "look pretty", I strongly advocated making the food the entertainment and the decor.

We created five food stations: The Asian Station, the Italian Station, the Sushi Station, the Salad Bar (three of their top salads were prepared in martini shakers and served in martini glasses at a bar-height top and bar stools) and the Sweets Table.

Why the stations if that isn't their normal set-up? Because I wanted to emphasize their large variety of different types of cuisine. However, I did insist that they only serve food that a guest can order off their menu. There is nothing more frustrating during a restaurant opening when some of the items served are only available from their private dining menu.

The guests had a great time and raving comments on both the food and the service.

Guests left the party full and happy with their "Crave Bags", filled with goodies we all crave: Fred Water, Flackers Snacks, Kind Snacks, Angie's Kettle Corn, Opulent Vodka, Wine Service Openers from the Timberwolves, CRAVE gift cards and chocolate cookies from the Cookie Cart.

But one of the things I enjoyed the most is their desire to be a great partner to a charity. I suggested working with a non-profit based in St. Louis Park and coincidentally, Sue Zelickson is very involved with Perspectives, which is based in St. Louis Park.

As a result, Crave in the West End is a good neighbor for feeding its neighbors and supporting the city in which they now reside.

Thank you to Richard Tsong of A Picture Wedding for the images.

Learning Never Tasted So Good

Although I've known that Nordic Ware in St. Louis Park hosts cooking classes, I had not been to one until last week.

I was chatting with Sue Zelickson and she insisted I join her for dinner and the Caribbean cooking class. What a treat!

The instructor, Victoria Christian, of Conquering Lion Catering is a true naturally-born teacher. Entertaining and informative, her class ended with a fabulous tasting of everything she demonstrated.

Although I enjoyed the Rice and Peas, as well as the Curry Chicken, my favorite dish was the Caribbean Cabbage. Being raised in a German household (yes, I know the Asian exterior doesn't match the upbringing), I love cabbage whether as fried or as sauerkraut. The dish was both colorful and flavorful.

Second, the Rum Cake was outstanding. To be honest, I've never been a fan of Rum Cake...not sure why, but I found Victoria's Yum Cake so delicious I was sad that I couldn't have a whole pan of it myself!

The very affordable classes at Nordic Ware offers an incredible value. Learn new cuisine and get some usable recipes to boot.

Definitely Worth a Trip

When you think of the food scene in the Twin Cities, there are a dozen or so people you can point to as influencing the culinary landscape. The D'Amico brothers, Jay Sparks, Sue Zelickson, Andrew Zimmern, as well as a half a dozen restaurateurs. But in that group, Josh Thoma and Tim McKee and various partners, seem to be taking the Twin Cities by storm.

I was excited Josh invited me to a test dinner at Bar La Grassa ("the fat one"), his latest venture, on Friday night with a group of friends. As you may know, the new restaurant (in partnership with Isaac Becker and Ryan Burnet) inhabits the former Babalu space.

Now walking into the restaurant, you would be hard pressed to remember what the space looked like before its new tenants! Kind of a spartan room, but wow is the food fantastic.

Out of the dozen items we tried, my favorites:

* Soft Egg and Lobster Bruschetta - love the mix of textures
* Seared Sea Scallops - beautiful color and pure presentation of flavor
* Prime New York - I enjoyed the flavor of the meat, although it makes me laugh to think that I used to like my meat well-done (I chalk that up to ignorance in my youth)
* Calamarata with Raw Tuna - outstanding flavor
* Tagliatelle with Braised Calamari - very good, but I think the color threw off some of my dining companions
* Crepelle - of course, crepes and caramel...how can you go wrong?

I'm anxious to return to try the Apple and Proscuitto, Grilled Prawns, Arugula and Raw Mushroom, Bucatini with Bolognese, Grilled Sausage and Braised Kale.

Definitely worth a trip!

(And truly, a restaurant cool enough to hang Johnny Cash on their walls can't be half bad)

Bar La Grassa is located at 800 North Washington Avenue in Minneapolis. Reservations, call 612.333.3837. Restaurant opens tomorrow, October 6th.

Is It Just a Restaurant Opening Part I

My initial meeting with a restaurant for their grand opening party, I had a lot of questions and a lot of comments about restaurant openings, in general.

With that being said, I wonder how you would lay-out a restaurant opening private preview party? Especially, if it was the third restaurant to open under the brand.

How do you create interest from the media who has already been to two other openings?

How do you showcase the different types of cuisine you offer?

How do you make this party different than all the others?

I would be curious what your thoughts are. And then I will post what my thoughts were and how we got there.

Incredible Art

I was reading an article about Origami expert Sipho Mabona.

Isn't his work incredible?

Wining and Dining

Remember that old tradition of men wining and dining women during the courting stage of their relationship? With the help of Minnesota Monthly's Wine Week, I'd love to bring that old-fashion tradition back.

(honey, I hope you are reading this...hint, hint)

Minnesota Monthly's Wine Week starts on Sunday, October 4th and runs through the 10th. Register your reservation online at www.minnesotamonthly.com/wineweek and you will receive a complimentary Riedel wine glass at your seating, along with some outstanding dining and wine offerings.

Here are the participating restaurants:

The St. Paul Grill
Lola's Lakehouse
Pazzaluna
Jake O'Connors
Tria Restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House
restaurant Max
Corner Table
Domacin Restaurant and Wine Bar
WA Frost and Company
20.21
Crave (Galleria, Mall of America, and the brand new West End location)
Grand Café
Oceanaire
Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant
OM
Sea Change Restaurant and Bar
Red Stag Supperclub
La Belle Vie
Barbette
Solera
Cafe Maude
Porter & Frye

It's Minnesota Monthly's first year of this event and sure to please!

It's All About the Presentation

Just over two weeks ago, I got a call from Jessica of Jessica's Cakes asking for some advice. She was providing desserts for an ISES meeting and was wondering if I had any advice on what she should make and how she should present it.

Since my brain was overloaded, I couldn't fully concentrate on what she was asking, so I threw out some abstract ideas and said "Let's talk about this later."

Well, later ended up being the afternoon before the event and what we decided was to do a "porch" presentation of her fall cookies, cupcakes and bars, using a porch her dad made her as a child and some fun items from Martha's Gardens.

What do you think about the end result?

Photo credit Bjorn Meisner

Getting Caught Up

The past two months, I've been muttering to myself...if I could just have another month of no distractions to get caught up.

While that isn't going to happen, I've been furiously crossing things off my to-do list, only to find magically things keep being added on!

Last night, I attending the Vision Awards put on by Meetings: Minnesota Hospitality Journal at Chambers Hotel. What was unusual about the awards is the categories: Leadership, Innovation, Inspiration, Customer Service, Stewardship, Event of the Year and My Favorite Vendor.

Very cool. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. It's great to see that the Twin Cities marketplace really has a high standard in the events industry.

"It's Alive!"

Or rather, I'm alive.

There is nothing that makes one feel better than to be missed.

I received an email from Sarah at the Radisson concerned that I had not blogged in a week and she was worried something happened to me.

Nothing has happened other than I've been digging out from an avalanche of work due to an complex event that I got hired for inside of 30 days to the event.

Imagine that.

I'll be posting tomorrow with an update from the Vision Awards. Meetings: Minnesota Hospitality Journal's first annual awards should be fun. I was humbled to discover that I was nominated and although I'm sure I won't win...truly, being nominated by your peers is something really special.

There are a lot of things happening in my end of the world...exciting things that will be shared in the next several weeks.

And no, I'm not pregnant.

Or engaged. (yet)

Managing the Wedding Day

When I was managing my first wedding day, I was asked for a time-line from the director of catering.

I said, "Sure."

But to myself, I was thinking "What in the world is a time-line?"

Boy, did I learn quickly.

The wedding day timeline is what we planners live and die by.

If you don't believe me, take a look at a typical time-line.

11:30 AM Bride and Bridesmaids Arrive at Walker Art Center
11:45 AM Danielle Goulet Peterson Arrives at the Walker (Barnes Room)
11:45 AM Melissa Martin Arrives at the Walker Art Center (Barnes Room)
12:00 PM Lunch Arrives in the Barnes Room
12:00 PM Danielle Goulet Peterson Does Bridesmaid's Hair
12:00 PM Melissa Martin Does Bridesmaid's Makeup
12:30 PM Danielle Goulet Peterson Does Bridesmaid's Hair
12:30 PM Melissa Martin Does Bridesmaid's Makeup
1:00 PM Danielle Goulet Peterson Does Bride's Hair
1:00 PM The Style Laboratory Arrives at Walker Art Center
1:00 PM Melissa Martin Does Bridemaids Makeup
1:30 PM Apres Party Rental Arrives at Walker Art Center
1:45 PM Apres Party Rental Delivers Dance Floor to Skyline Room
1:45 PM Melissa Martin Does Bride's Makeup
1:45 PM Danielle Goulet Peterson Does Maid of Honor's Hair
2:00 PM Gallery 8 / Terrace Closes to the Public
2:00 PM The Style Laboratory Sets Linens in Terrace
2:00 PM The Style Laboratory Sets Out Pyramid Box Placecards
2:30 PM Melissa Martin Does Maid of Honor's Makeup
2:30 PM Danielle Goulet Peterson Does Bridesmaid's Hair
2:30 PM Apres Party Rental Sets Up Dance Floor in Skyline Room
2:30 PM Apres Party Rental Sets Up White Wooden Folding Chairs on Terrace
2:30 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Sets Gallery 8 / Terrace
2:30 PM Platinum Party Rental Arrives at Walker Art Center
2:45 PM Platinum Party Rental Sets Up White Leather Lounge Furniture on Terrace
2:45 PM Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry Arrives at Walker Art Center
3:00 PM Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry Sets Up Mandap on Terrace
3:15 PM Studio 306 Arrives at the Walker Art Center
3:15 PM Eclipse Runs Shuttle from Westin Minneapolis Hotel to Walker Art Center
3:30 PM Twin Cities Video Arrives at Walker Art Center
3:30 PM The Style Laboratory Sets Linens in the Skyline Room
3:30 PM Studio 306 Takes Getting Ready Shots of the Bride
3:30 PM Bride Puts on Wedding Gown
3:30 PM Groom and Groomsmen Arrive at Walker Art Center via Shuttle
4:00 PM Eclipse Runs Shuttle from Westin Minneapolis Hotel to Walker Art Center
4:00 PM Studio 306 Takes Bride's Wedding Party Group Shots
4:20 PM Studio 306 Takes Bride's Family Group Shots
4:30 PM Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry Sets Up in the Skyline Room
4:30 PM Ceremony Musicians Arrive at Walker Art Center
4:45 PM Eclipse Runs Shuttle from Westin Minneapolis Hotel to Walker Art Center
4:45 PM Minister Patricia Drury Arrives at Walker Art Center
4:45 PM Bride and Bridesmaids are Sequestered in Barnes Room
4:40 PM Studio 306 Takes Groom's Wedding Party Group Shots
5:00 PM Gateaux Arrives at Walker Art Center
5:00 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Opens Water and Lemonade Station in Gallery 8
5:00 PM Walker Art Center Closes to the Public
5:00 PM Studio 306 Takes Groom's Family Group Shots
5:00 PM Musicians Play Prelude Music
5:00 PM Guests Arrive at Gallery 8 / Terrace
5:00 PM Ushers Seat Guests and Hand Out Programs
5:15 PM Alta Entertainment Arrives at Walker Art Center
5:25 PM Wedding Party Lines Up
5:30 PM Alta Entertainment Sets Up in the Skyline Room
5:30 PM Ceremony Begins
6:00 PM Ceremony Ends
6:00 PM Studio 306 Takes Wedding Party and Family Group Shots
6:00 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Butler Passes Hors d'Ouevres in Gallery 8 / Terrace
6:00 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Butler Passes Wine and Sparkling Water in Gallery 8 / Terrace
6:30 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Lights Candles in the Skyline Room
6:30 PM Gateaux Departs the Walker Art Center
7:00 PM Alta Entertainment Begins Playing Dinner Music
7:00 PM Guests are Escorted to the Skyline Room
7:28 PM Alta Entertainment Introduces Bride and Groom
7:29 PM Father of the Bride Greets Guests
7:30 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Serves Dinner
8:00 PM Platinum Party Rental Arrives at Walker Art Center to Pick Up White Leather Lounge Furniture
8:05 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Pours Champagne
8:20 PM Toasts by Best Man, Maid of Honor and Father of the Bride
8:25 PM Bride and Groom Cut Wedding Cake to "Chhoti Si Aasha" (from Roja Soundtrack)
8:30 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Opens Hosted Bar
8:50 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Serves Coffee and Chocolates
9:00 PM Bride and Groom First Dance to "A Kiss to Build a Dream On"
9:04 PM Father / Daughter Dance to "Forever Young"
9:30 PM Studio 306 Departs
10:00 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Serves Cake
10:00 PM Eclipse Runs Shuttle from Walker Art Center to Westin Minneapolis Hotel
10:00 PM The Style Laboratory Departs
10:30 PM Twin Cities Video Departs
10:45 PM Wolfgang Puck Catering Sets Up Late Night Snack Buffet
10:45 PM Eclipse Runs Shuttle from Walker Art Center to Westin Minneapolis Hotel
11:15 PM Last Call for Alcohol
11:30 PM Eclipse Runs Shuttle from Walker Art Center to Westin Minneapolis Hotel
11:52 PM Alta Entertainment Plays "Hit the Road Jack" by Ray Charles
11:56 PM Alta Entertainment Plays Last Song "We'll Meet Again" by Johnny Cash
12:00 AM Guests Depart
12:00 AM Event Strike Begins
12:00 AM Apres Party Rental Arrives at Walker Art Center
12:00 AM Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry Arrives at Walker Art Center
12:00 AM The Style Laboratory Arrives at Walker Art Center
12:10 AM Eclipse Runs Final Shuttle of the Evening

"I Have Nothing to Wear!"

I think that sentence has been utter by every single woman on the planet at one time or another.

One of the challenges of my job is I spend a majority of my life working an event or attending an event...many times with a photographer lurking around. So I definitely face wardrobe challenges.

I've been briefly following New York Fashion Week and enamoured with some of the fashions coming down the runway.

Tuleh's tailored look is so elegant.

J. Mendel's garments always look so well crafted. So feminine without being too flouncy.

The show I'm really waiting for is Michael Kors. I gravitate toward the tailored, sporty look and love his use of colors. And although his clothes are not in my budget, a girl can dream. Right?

The Battle of the Bouquet Nailbiter

This battle was not an easy one...partly because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Three contestants with four entries (Pazzobello has multiple designers).

I was most surprised to find Festivities, known as a party rental company, does flowers. The gorgeous bouquet provided lots of texture and interesting elements.

Ashley Fox Designs pulled multiple things out of her own garden to make a very organic, textural arrangement.

Pazzobello definitely used color and texture in their first entry.

After some tough debating, Pazzobello did win the battle with an arrangement that was both bold and sweet, architecturally interesting with strong and soft colors combining for a whimsical design.



Thanks to Katrina of Studio Laguna for shooting the flowers! Gorgeous!

Just in Case of Rain

Last week, I was a Nervous Nellie.

Saturday was my last outdoor wedding of the season and the forecasts claimed. I've been fortunate in my event planning career as all of my outdoor events have safely remained rainless. So I knew I was due for a rainy day!

Luckily, the weather held out and everything went smoothly. (Doubly lucky since I had not worked with any of the vendors before and I wasn't in my home territory)

The barn in Wisconsin really was a pretty setting for a wedding reception. Cocktails started in the barn with dinner under a very large tent. (No rain, so we were able to take down the sidewalls!)

The bride's cousins did the decorations and did an amazing job (especially, since they don't do this for a living). Although they made a comment to me that they didn't think they could do this every weekend as it is exhausting!

Definitely a shout-out to the caterer as the food was very good. River Valley Catering was a pleasant surprise.

All in all, it looked like everyone was having a great time and I found the families to be so pleasant and animated that the toasts were filled with a lot of emotion and humor.

D'Amico Kitchen and OM Open Their Doors

It was a rather food-filled week!

With the food focused wedding on Sunday and the D'Amico Kitchen at the Chambers Hotel and OM Grand Opening Parties, I think I may be ready for a bit of a rest from eating (did I really just say that?)

Now what is cool about Chambers Hotel is it has multiple spaces. For the wedding on Sunday, we did the Ketuba signing in the Burnet Gallery, the ceremony in the A-R-T, the cocktail reception in the Eden courtyard and dinner in the penthouse bar, Sid & Nancy's.

For D'Amico Kitchen's grand opening (09.09.09), they really showcased the spaces, highlighting their menu items in different rooms...some interactive, some not.

Richard D'Amico and Ralph Burnet were pretty busy shaking hands and smiling.

I did love the heirloom tomato and anchovy crostini that the chef whipped up for me.

I strongly recommend the crudo if you have a chance to try it. It's a little sweet and a little salty...perfect combination.

I loved the white decor with a splash of color in the Burnet Gallery.

The following night, the much anticipated OM grand opening took place. Randy Norman was at the door meeting and greeting guests.

The entrance level is rather spartan, but I do love the use of color and pattern on the furniture. And the crystal installation in the center of the room is quite pretty. (Do you think they would let me borrow it for an event?)


What is OM? I would describe it as a fine dining experience for Indian cuisine. Raghaven, writer of 660 Curries, developed the menu and I must say the food was quite good.

Of course the media men, Jason and Todd, had an enjoyable evening with cocktails and laughing.

It was good to see Thom out!

Congratulations to both restaurants for their openings. Obviously, I wish both much success.