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What a fabulous time we at Jennifer La Londe Events had at the VOW show on Sunday.  Bridal shows are always such hard work for myself and my staff, but we also have a great deal of fun.  Seeing our colleagues and their creations, being able to catch up with each other and learn from each others’ techniques, the shows always prove to be a fruitful experience.  And of course, touching base with current clients and having the opportunity to meet new clients is the icing on the cake.  We had a great show on Sunday and I had a ball participating as a sponsor this year.  20100221-img_5390

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and enjoyed “My Favorite Things” from JL Events’/2009 weddings as well as the outdoor ceremony scene and tablescapes that were inspired from upcoming 2010 clients. And, for those that were able to catch my “Chair Affair” presentation I made on the side stage, it was a pleasure to share such time with you.  That was fun!  20100221-img_53971

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On a very special note, I would like to thank a few people that helped me diligently for this show.  My staff; Liz, Hannah, Lawrencia, and Felicia- YOU ROCK and thank you for enduring my tired self!  20100221-img_5468

Finally, a few of my colleagues that really went the extra mile for me this past week- THANK YOU.  It is a pleasure to work with all of you and you all do amazing work.  I loved collaborating with each of you and I am so grateful for your time and efforts shared.  Thank you to  Ramone Perel of Ramone Photography.  Ramone shot an amazing photo of me surrounded by “all things events” that I can put my clients in touch with.  It was a fabulous concept and I am tickled to death with the end result.  I plan to blog about that in another entry this week.  It was an incredible experience. 

Char, of Char’s Floral Design it was so much fun collaborating on our sunset wedding/outdoor concepts.  I can’t wait to bring that to life with our shared client this August at the Founders Inn!  You rock lady!  THANKS! 

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Annabelle and Jack Walsh of Atlantic Event Rentals- thanks for everything this week and for providing the location for the photo shoot with Ramone.  Fantastic.  20100221-img_5389

And, last but not least, Ken Carmichael of Tidewater Productions who did the lighting for my booth as well as for East Beach Catering- Thank you for your time and expertise.  You are such a nice person to work with and I appreciate your time and efforts.  And, thank you for sharing these photos with me. 

Brides to be…Thank you again for stopping by Jennifer La Londe Events!  I will be in touch with you this week! 

Happy planning~ Jennifer

showbanner_hori-2Are you coming?  I hope so!  All the latest and greatest in “wedding world” will be presenting.  And, be sure to stop by Jennifer La Londe Events’ booth and say hello! 

Also, don’t miss it as I bring the reception chairs I created for the article “A Chair Affair” in the 10th anniversary issue of  VOW Bride Magazine to life at 1:30 PM! 

See you at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Sunday, February 21st from 11:00-4:00.  Happy Planning!~ Jennifer

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“A Chair Affair”

Very exciting news at the JL Events’ camp this week.  VOW Bride magazine’s 10th anniversary issue has finally hit the shelves and I had the pleasure of being asked to be a contributing writer!  I never thought an entry in my blog, “The Bridal Dish” would become the bridge to such a rewarding experience.  I had so much fun working on this piece with Kim Wadsworth. I also had the pleasure of working with several of the area’s outstanding vendors to bring these pages to life. 

Sarah and Lauren of the New Leaf  made the beautiful floral swag that adorns one of the chiavari chairs…. thank you ladies. The two of you are perfectionists and it shows! floral-chair-full 

Keith Cephus and I had a blast putting together the photo shoot of all of the chairs.  We were both a bit surprised at how much fun we had (me decorating and Keith shooting) chair after chair!  Thank you Keith so very much for bringing these chairs to life!  I loved the way the photos pop!   You rock!

Thank you as well to Annabelle and Jack Walsh of Atlantic Event Rentals and Bill Cabell of Distinctive Event Rentals. I appreciate your time and the use of your beautiful rentals for the photo shoot! Thank you again!

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Finally, a special thank you to Kim Wadsworth for such a delightful experience and opportunity.  Kim rounded out the article beautifully with additional quotes regarding the subject matter as well as photos by Don Monteaux.  Congratulations on 10 years of VOW and cheers to many more!!

 

 

head-shot-25-color-jl-eventsHappy Planning!

~ Jennifer

Get your copy of VOW at locations around town such as Maya Couture, Farm Fresh, and Harris Teeter!

Boo hoo! In the end, the weather has won. Maya of Maya Couture has informed me that today’s  fashion show for Virginia Wedding Week has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled for another date and I will post the details when available. In the meantime, ENJOY THE SNOW!   Cheers!

jennifer-la-londe-events-llc-logo-final-006My time with Maya Warburton, Owner, Maya Couture…

 

I had the pleasure this past week to interview my dear colleague, Maya Warburton, fashion designer and owner of Maya Couture in Norfolk http://www.mayacouture.com/index.html

Maya is a wonderful person and the energy and confidence she emanates reflects in the business and designs she has created.

 

I recommend Maya Couture to my brides because of the diverse collection Maya Couture has to offer in her boutique.  Such diversity can be seen not only in the dress designers she carries in her store, but also in the price point she is able to offer her clients.  Truly, there is a gown for everyone’s price point at Maya Couture.  And, as an event planner, I can truly appreciate that.  I am also pleased with the staff at Maya Couture and the wonderful care they take of my clients during the searching and purchasing of their dream gowns.  Versatility, which is key for me, can be met at Maya Couture.  Rather you are the Bride, Bridesmaid, Groom, Groomsman, Mother of the Bride/Mother of the Groom- Maya’s got you covered. Interested in having a gown custom made for you?  Maya can do that for you too!  Visit Maya Couture’s website to learn more about Maya Couture and all they have to offer! http://www.mayacouture.com/index.html

 

Maya Couture

12 Best Square

Norfolk, VA 23502

757.340.6319

 

Wedding Week Virginia: Monday, January 25th -Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Finally, I wanted share an amazing event that will be held at Maya Couture this week.  The first ever Wedding Week Virginia!  This will be a fabulous opportunity for brides!  January 25th-January 31st!  The biggest day, Sunday, January 31st is one you won’t want to miss.  Kitty Chen, the newest exclusive designer Maya will be featuring, will be there in person to launch her line being carried in the store! You can learn more about Kitty Chen and her designs at http://www.kittychencouture.com/index.html

 

To learn more about Wedding Week Virginia and all of the exciting events the staff and vendors housed at Maya Couture have planned for you this week, visit http://www.weddingweekvirginia.com/index.html Register online to reserve your space now or call the store directly to make an appointment during Wedding Week Virginia at 757-461-1690!  Happy Planning!

 

Jennifer La Londe Events and The Bridal Dish wish Wedding Week the best!  Cheers!

jennifer-la-londe-events-llc-logo-final-006We had  blast at the Uniquely Yours Bridal Show!  It was so much fun to spend some time with all of you excited brides.  Seeing the twinkle in your eyes as you see the endless possibilities for your special day… well, it just warms my heart :0. 

I had a great time designing the booth of my dear colleague and friend Cathy Carter of East Beach Catering.  It was a challenge smelling the tasty shrimp and grits  you were serving all day long! Yummy stuff!

Thank you Pearl and Isha for a fabulous event.  The fashion show was fabulous; loved the ballroom dancers this year :)  Everyone worked so hard on the show and it paid off.  FUN!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see us at Jennifer La Londe Events.  We have designed so many events this year with the black and white color scheme.  It seemed like a perfect choice for our booth.  And accenting the booth in red was so much fun.  Thank you to Atlantic Event Rentals for the stunning black beaded chandeliers that we hung above our booth.  Dressing them with the greenery and roses was so romantic.  We LOVED them… and so did the brides! 

Happy Planning Ladies!  We look forward to speaking with you soon :)  See you at the VOW bridal show on February 21st at the Virginia Beach Convention Center!

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Photograph: Keith Cephus

Remember to Consider the Chairs When Choosing Your Venue!

When searching for your ceremony location and reception venue, be sure to look not only at the overall aesthetics of the room, but also  the chairs that are provided by the facility.  Unfortunately, in many instances, the chairs are not pleasing to the eye. Or, even more so, you may find the chairs to be beautiful in their own right, but the color of  the chair will never work with your color scheme.  This is something to be considered seriously when choosing your ceremony and reception venues.  If you are not in love with the style or color of the banquet or ceremony chairs provided, the cost to cover the chairs or change out the chairs completely can be a hefty expense.  This is due the volume of chairs needing replaced or covered.   Of course  no offense is meant to the reception venues.  Dark colored durable material is a must when seating the masses.  But, for elegant wedding decor, the dark colors and durable material aren’t always the perfect match.  

Chairs with a Flair…

So, the contract is signed and the deposits have been made.  It’s official… the reception and ceremony venue are booked.  But, the banquet chairs provided with the location are a thorn in your decorative side.  What to do?  Not to worry, there are several options.

Considering your options…

I encourage my brides to consider their options wisely when the chairs at either the ceremony or receptionlocation are not to their liking.  Not just any chair will do.  The chair you pick will make an impact on the overall look and feel of your wedding day.  You want a chair that is made of good quality materials, is pleasing in color,  and adds an element of flair to your event.  This can be done by the style of the chair you choose, the types of material you choose to cover the chair in, or both! You can have the most beautifully decorated tables and gorgeous centerpieces in town, but if the tables are surrounded by less than pleasing banquet chairs, your overall “look” of your event will be diminished. 

The traditonally covered banquet chair…

The “oldie but goody” that comes to the forefront of every bride’s mind is the slip chair cover with an accompanying colored sash.  Tried and true, this look will add elegance to any banquet chair.  And, there are some companies in the area that make this option very cost effective.   An updated approach to this concept is the scuba chair cover which provides a tight fitting sleek look and a bit of shimmer to the chair.

Photography: Dave O’Dell  Event Design: Jennifer La Londe Events

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The wood or “wood like” folding chair…

jl-events-ceremony-chairs-2   Wood, or “made to look like wood” chairs are becoming more and more popular.  They come in a variety of colors; white, natural, and black.  These chairs look pretty as a stand alone or dressed.  And, prove to be cost effective, coming in just under what it would cost to rent a seat cover and sash.  Depending upon the setting, these chairs are appropriate to be used for both your ceremony and reception.        

 

 

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Photography: Aaron Dussault and Nate Kinnison

The chiavari or “ballroom” chair…

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More and more I see brides work into their budget a specific type of chair they wish to use for their ceremony and reception.  The “top of the line” chair in our area is the chiavari chair.  This is a beautifully elegant chair that is very ornate in its construction.  Coming in many different colors, gold, silver, natural, black, white, fruit wood, and  “ice” or “crystal” (clear), the chiavari chair adds color and elegance to your overall design.  The color of the seat cushion can also be changed out to add another dimension to your decorative elements.  This chair  is beautiful as a stand alone or can be dressed.  Its use is appropriate for both the ceremony and the reception.  While these chairs are the most costly to use in our area, with out a doubt, they are worth every penny.  If my client  is able to work them in to their design budget, I encourage them to do so.  And, if your location allows you to use them for the ceremony, then change them over for use during the reception, they are a sensible investment. 

Some of the newest chairs to the group…

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There are a few relatively “new kids” on the block in the world of event chairs.  They are not stocked locally, but available through distribution.  One of my favorites is the relatively new ”chameleon chair”.  This is a phenomenal looking chair.  It is gorgeous as a stand alone or dressed.  You are able to cover just the back oe the back and legs both.  The seat cover comes in almost every color under the sun.  Also a new look over the past few years is the “ghost chair”.  This is a perfect selection if your style is more contemporary, metropolitan, or you just want to avoid the chairs taking away from the overall look of the table-scape.   While both chairs would be considered a luxury design item for your wedding, they would certainly be one your guests would be talking about for years to come!

Chairs with a Flair… Spring 2010 Design Plans from Jennifer La Londe Events

With 14 weddings on the books already for 2010, we have been busy designing wedding ceremony and reception looks for our clients.  We at Jennifer La Londe Events pride ourselves on providing our clients the traditional elements they long for but with a  creative “twist” that makes our clients’ weddings unique and different. ” Chairs with a Flair” are one of the many unique ways we are able to achieve that.  Please excuse the photographic eye below, mine, but I wanted share a few things we have on the design table for 2010… enjoy!

jl-events-pink-daisy-wedding-chair-design-2  Pink Daisy Theme

jl-events-feathers-and-ice-theme-wedding-2  Feathers and Ice Theme

jl-events-sandbridge-chair-design-1  Sandbridge Beach Wedding

      jl-events-love-bird-themed-wedding-chair-design2  jl-events-shabby-chic-chair-design-2Shabby Chic/Love Bird Theme

jl-events-peacock-feather-chair-design2  Peacock Feather Design Element

Resources to consider when shopping for chair decor: Atlantic Event Rentals, Classy Covers, Distinctive Event Rentals, The Chair Cover Girl, and The Chameleon Chair.

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Heather and Pedro ~ The Founders Inn, August 2010.

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 I just had to share these with everyone!  Keith Cephus (Keith Cephus Photography) captured these shots of my August clients Heather and Pedro during their engagement photo session in Sandbridge.  Keith was able to capture the true passion this couple shares for life and each other.  Thank you Keith for sharing.  Your work as always, is fabulous!  If this is just a taste of what’s to come…I can hardly wait for August!  1191-2

FYI- If you have yet to visit Keith Cephus’s website and blog, please do!  Be prepared to be dazzled!  After all is said and done on your wedding day, all you will have “left” from your special day are your photographs.  Don’t get me wrong, you will have some keepsakes, and of course your memories, but in a tangible sense, all that will be left are your photos.  This is one area you need to be certain you budget for accordingly.  Hire a photographer that is able to capture who you, your fiance, family, and friends really are.  Make sure they can capture the emotion in their shots as well as all of the little details that really made your wedding ceremony and reception special.  Keith is able to do this time and time again.  Your photos are your memories, so don’t leave them to chance.  You can find Keith on the web at www.keithcephus.com  

Enjoy and thank you Heather and Pedro!  I have had so much fun already with you and your families already.  We look forward to further assisting  you with your sunset wedding in August! 

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church-point-manor-front-lawn-ceremony-2Church Point Manor,

Virginia Beach, Virginia

 

What a beautfiul day it turned out to be for Jessica and Jeremy this past September.  The ceremony was absolutely moving with the beautiful back drop provided by the lush grounds surrounding the Church Point Manor. Jennifer La Londe Events worked closely in designing the ceremony layout for our client.  The couple was married in a traditional ceremony, however, the couple’s personality came shining through in both the music selections as well as the entrace of the ring bearer and flower girl! Their music selctions were as follows; seating of the parents (Teach Your Children by CSN), Bridal Party (A Little Help From My Friends by The Beatles), Bride’s entrance (Crazy Love by Van Morrison), and the recessional ( Fool in the Rain  by Led Zeplin).  The weather was perfect and so was Jessica and Jeremy’s day.  Thank you for letting JL Events be a part of it and thank you to Robbie Hickman photography for sharing the lovely shots!  Cheers to the happy couple!

Robbie Hickman Photography www.robbiehickman.com  The Church Point Manor www.churchpointmanor.com

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When my dear colleague Lee Snyder of Lee Snyder Floral Designs asked me to be the coordinator for her daughter Katherine’s wedding, I couldn’t have been more thrilled.  I knew the flowers would be incredible, and they were!  Colorful and everywhere! The city of Norfolk provided the exciting backdrop for the 4 day wedding extravaganza.  A special location to the family, Talbot Hall, provided the waterfront location that would host both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception.  Katherine and Pete returned to the church that Katherine was baptized in, Christ and St. Luke’s.  Family heirlooms were used for the cake topper, cake cutting, and cake table’s linen. Halloween did subtly present a few giggles along the way with a headless bride and groom adorning the invitation, cocktail napkins, and lit walkway.  Also, the bridal party entered the reception via the “Monster Mash” and adorned with glow in the dark Dracula teeth much to the surprise of the guests.  It was a fabulous day and we had so much fun! I was so honored to be a part of it. Thank you and many, many blessings to Katherine and Pete!~ Jennifer

dsc_0357 dsc_0299Old Hollywood style was delivered perfectly

in Katherine’s wedding attire and hair accents.

Floral Design: Lee Snyder Floral Designs

Catering:  Avenue Foods

Rentals:  Distinctive Event Rentals

Photography:  Katydid Photography

Band/DJ: SPLASH

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