Fabulous piece we created for the entrance of the event. Later that night it was surrounded by flutes of champagne!

A tent outside offered dinner guests a place to enjoy the evening air. We included large overflowing centerpieces.

These were an inexpensive option for this fundraiser but still gave the height needed for this big space.

Short pieces filled Sponsor Tables set for 4 guests.

Flowers in the Ladies Room is always a nice touch and always gets noticed as an extra detail.

Wreaths on all the doors welcomed guests to CastlePost.

The buffet piece at the Woodford Reserve rehearsal dinner.

Each guest table had a different monochromatic look, one focal flower echoing from the buffet piece.

The bottom of each contained a surprise for seated guests too.

Birds of paradise.

Gorgeous red ginger.

Beautiful red anthirium.

Submerged pieces greeted guests as they walked outside.

Patio tables were graced with a few more monochromatic flowers for color.

Every flower featured inside made an appearance outside too.

The guests were greeted at the front entrance and lured inside for cocktails, food and silent auction.  Later, after it cooled off, they were enticed back outdoors to the tent where they enjoyed the summer breeze and dancing to the Jimmy Church Band.  The event got rave reviews and everyone can’t wait til next year!

the front entrance of the college, getting ready for guests

Fun zebra print greeted guests as they walked in

simple flowers on bistro tables, surrounded the bar

more yellow floral pieces demanded attention in the buffet room, auction rooms and behind the bars

a beautiful entrance to the outdoor, late-night entertainment area

guests loved the clean, summer look

tall pieces were converted to short pieces the day of the event, due to the windy conditions, but it still turned out beautiful

the Latino rose was the only one beautiful enough to work with that fun zebra print

With a keen eye on the goal of using fundraising dollars for saving lives, we took a modern streamline approach to decor this year.  First, we chose a royal blue pintuck tablecloth to match the blue chairs (what else can you do, if you can’t cover them, you have to make them work!).  Then we brought in red (of course) flowers: orchids, tulips and….yes… over 1000 carnations.  Don’t cringe at carnations!  They can be beautiful and fun when used in amass.

We had custom labels made for our vases to echo the event’s logo.  The great thing about these is they are static-based and can be used again.

We mixed up the heights of centerpieces using medium submerged tulips and tall submerged orchids.  All pieces featured either floating candles or submerged lights in them.  The below orchid pieces  sat upon light bases to illuminate from the bottom of the piece.

Check this out (below)…….

The above design (with the flowers coming out of the top of the vases) was inspired by Jeff Leatham, who hosted  Flowers Uncut last year on TLC.  He is one of my favorite NYC designers!  Everything he does is unique and artful!

Jeff Leatham and his signature design

Now, I know we are in Central Kentucky but I thought people would really get this design.  During set up, I had a couple people ask me if I wanted them to drop the flowers down in the vase (as if I was not tall enough to do so and they were trying to help me….awww…don’t you love KY…we are so nice here!).  Anyway, it was comical to hear offers to help and “are you going to put those down in the vases”?  Eventually when we finished the set up of the room, they got it.  They liked it.  And I smiled.  See NYC….you got nothing on us!

Below are samples of what The Knot has declared to be the HOT wedding color combinations for 2010.

1.  Cloud, Cream and Platinum – mixing shades of white, ivory and silver

Cloud, Cream and Platinum

2.  Blush, Ebony and Pewter – light pink, black and silver

Blush, Ebony and Pewter

3. Wasabi and Pumpkin – modern green and flat orange

Wasabi and Pumpkin

3. Eggplant, Cornflower and Magenta – deep purple, royal blue and bright pink

Eggplant, Cornflower and Magenta

First, vendors across the board will be charging a premium for products/services during this time….and that’s if they are actually even available.   As most preferred Lexington hotels, event venues, transportation, caterers, etc. have already been booked for the Games.

Secondly, traffic and logistics will be very challenging during this time, even away from the Horse Park.  For instance, downtown will host a free 17 day festival in the heart of downtown in conjuction with the Games, called “Spotlight Downtown Lexington“.  Can you imagine, downtown streets blocked off for 17-days straight!?   Chaos!

October is normally a very busy months for weddings and social events in our area.  So with will be interesting to see what happens this year with the Games in town. We will try to keep you updated as more information is revealed to us.

To welcome her guests she prepared welcome gifts for her hotel guests.  They were Kentucky-themed even down to the KFC buckets they were packed in,  lovingly compiled by the bride herself.

Jonathan Adams Photography captured amazing images during the perfect November afternoon lighting.  I cannot wait to see his images.  I will certainly share some once they are ready, but for now you will have to endure my snapshots. 

The ceremony at Central Christian Church was simply beautiful on a dark November night.  Candlelit aisles and a fabulous alterpiece by PG Howard, not to mention the beautiful bride!, took guests breath away.

Guests arrived at the Carrick House to a specialty cocktail, “Sealed with a Kiss”, along with passed wine.  Once the wedding party arrived via stretch hummer, the wedding party was announced in and the party was started.  A hors d’eourves buffet prepared by Lundy’s Special Events and guests danced the night away.

Amazing flowers by PG Howard (381-1660), plum pintuck linens and special pink lighting by Lundy’s made this room the soft, romantic look Jennifer was wanting.

Photobooth by Say Cheese was a hit of the night.  Guests loved it!  Amazing what happens behind closed curtains!  And the bride and groom were left with a fun-filled scrapbook.

Later that night, the bride sashayed into the room in her 2nd dress, while mini-cheeseburgers were passed to guests.

Sparkler exit and surprise getaway via Bentley (thanks Mom!) was a magical end to the night.

I had the privilege of working as part of a great team this day.  Other vendors included: Jacki Lee with Every Last Detail as wedding coordinator, Tony the Tiger as DJ, Ian Lozada as photographer,  Say Cheese Photo Booth and Tony’s Touch of Class Catering.  At Great Expectations, I coordinated her decor, lighting and linens.

Below are some of the key elements Lacey selected for her wedding:

There were 3 sets of doors to this building, so we marked the wedding entrance with candles.

Lacey wanted to use these Deco Beads as part of her floral/decor. They were so fun to work with. Interesting product!

Her inner entrance consisted of 2 large pieces we created with a visual into the room showcasing her 2 tier head table.

For large wedding party's, like this 13-member party, a two-tier head table works great.

Lacey's monogram was echoed throughout her wedding decor. Using it on 2 large screens was a smart way to make it a focal point. Additional pink and orange lighting in the 4 corners of the room light up the room.

Cds of the couple's family's favorite love songs were favors. Loved this!

Lacey's mom made the cake with lots and lots of love! Oh it smelled so yummy that morning while I dressed the table.

Lacey and her mom both work in schools, so it was a must to have a "little girls table" complete with monogram crayons and custom color books.

My kids after the Buddy Walk (Jack & Katie)

I have to take this opportunity to brag on our team.  This weekend not only did we sponsor the 7th annual Buddy Walk, benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky, but we also acted as their event planner for the past 7 months.  As a planner, we work so hard making sure to explore every possible obstacle and to have back up plans for our back up plans.  In this case, an event for over 1800 people, it can be even more challenging.

Therefore, I wanted to take this opportunity to commend my team:  Stacey Stakelin, Jenny Regan and Tara Vonderheide, who each acted as an intricate part of our event team this weekend on this special event.  These ladies truly surpassed all expectations I had for them that day.  They not only executed flawlessly, but had the stamina, focus and positive attitude to make the day one our clients will never forget.  I am in complete awe of these ladies and feel it is a privilege to be inspired by them with each event we work together.  Thank you ladies!! I could not have done it without you!

Much love, Deanna