emily h events

April & Ed Married! August 2011

2012-01-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

I am ashamed. Can it be that it has been more than one year since my last post!?! Golly. Congress has kept me running at my day job!

I received a beautiful "thank you" card today from April, who married Ed in August. I've known April for a long time - we worked together before she went off to pursue her PhD - so it was a very special day for me, as well. Everything was perfect - if not for the rain. It started pouring about an hour before her outdoor-ish wedding. Like tropical rainforest monsoon, pouring. I've actually never seen anything like it. Luckily, the deck where the ceremony was to take place was tented. And we were were able to make it work!

Anyway, I was so touched by April's note, I had to share:

"Ed and I want to thank you for helping make our wedding perfect! Thank you for keeping us organized. Thank you for giving me peace of mind. Thank you for being a friend...I knew everything would be wonderful with you running the show, which made me feel so much more relaxed going into the day...you're the best!"

Right back at you, April! Love you guys!

Some images below, courtesy of Kate Triano Photography!

My New Year's Resolution is to post more often! Next up: Sam's Bridal Shower! Stay tuned...

Get Set...Meredith's Baby Shower 2010

2010-08-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, my best friend Tara Novotny and I are hosting a baby shower in honor of our friend Meredith. We're making a list (well several actually) and checking it twice (an hour).

For a woman as unique as Meredith--who is having her first, Thomas Henry--ordinary sailboats and elephants and trucks just wouldn't do. And tea parties are so 2005. So where to begin?

The the timing of the mid-afternoon shower allowed us to go out on a limb in terms of menu: Viennese dessert buffet (much to Tara's chagrin; she's not a sweet tooth. Whereas I, on the other hand...). The Viennese table is all the rage for weddings, so why not a baby shower? Viennese dessert tables, typically presented at receptions to facilitate mingling after a seated dinner, feature a variety of fancy cakes, tarts, mousses, and petit fours. We're serving some savory desserts (phyllo cups filled with goat cheese, fig preserves, and honey), some healthy options (melon and raspberry "kabobs" with Fluff spread and chocolate mousse for dipping), and some decadent sweets (red velvet and mint Oreo cake truffles from Bakerella). Not only is it fun and unexpected, the concept works for my space, where my four-level town home cannot accommodate seating for 25 guests in one room.

We looked for an invitation as flamboyant and whimsical as Meredith herself. The invitation by Doc Milo shown here is from Polka Dot Design. I've ordered several invitations from Polka Dot and I am never disappointed. It is a perfect reflection of Meredith...both her style and her personality. I simply love that the design carries on to the reverse (shown right)!

We're carrying the invitation design through to the shower decor with aqua and lime napkins and zebra print (yes, zebra) table cloths rented from Bright Settings. This is my first time using the company, but so far I'm impressed. You select what you want, they send you swatches to confirm, they ship to you on the date you request, and you send the dirty linens back in the box you received them with the return label they provide! Brilliant.

Stay tuned for pictures from Sunday's main event. Wish us luck!

Holiday Brunch 2009

2010-08-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Each year, my best friend Tara Novotny and I host a Holiday Brunch for 40 guests. Our decor in 2009 was black, white, and fuscia--festive but not conventional holiday--with tiered cylindrical vases filled with ball ornaments to display food.

For the menu, we went for a twist on the classics: lox tartar, baked french toast, deconstructed Waldorf and Caprese salads, passed crab soup shooters, and cheesecake parfaits. We prep the food to be bite sized...this facilitates mingling and eating while standing.

For dessert, mini cupcakes by JoAnna Hiatt--a must at any Emily H event.

And of course, what would a brunch be without a mimosa station and Bloody Mary bar?

My thanks to my dear and very talented friend Jessica Del Vecchio for capturing these images from our signature annual event!

Baked Dates with Goat Cheese

Caprese Salad Skewers

Deconstructed Waldorf Salad

Table Presentation

Crab Soup Shooters

Bloody Bar...

...With shrimp!

Mimosa Bar

Lox Tartar with Dill Cream Cheese

Utensils

Cheesecake Parfait

Cupcakes by JoAnna Hiatt

The hostesses with the mostesses...

Some useful resources for planning your event:

Fabric in black & white damask and stripe for tables: Ballard Designs
Favor boxes: Beau-Coup
Catering quality serving pieces: Smarty Had A Party

Jenn & Jonathan Married!

2009-10-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

On October 10, I had the distinct privilege of coordinating the wedding and reception of Jenn and Jonathan. As a talented wedding and portrait photographer herself, Jenn's wedding was of course creative and spectacular.

Jenn and Jonathan chose a unique site for their special day: Camp Happyland nestled deep within in Prince William Forest Park outside Dumfries, Virginia. Jenn and Jonathan rented the entire campsite, which included rustic cabins for all out of town guests, an open pavilion with a grand stone fireplace for the reception, and a Council Circle for the ceremony.

Despite some early morning showers, it was an absolutely perfect October day!

The color palate of Tiffany blue, white, and chocolate brown was accented by traditional fall jewel tones, reflecting the "rustic chic" theme perfectly. And Jenn and Jonathan's bright personalities shone through all aspects of the wedding. From the biodegradable wooden utensils wrapped with twine, to the white and crystal antique candy dishes on every table, to the photo booth for candid shots of guests, to my personal favorite: the "ring warming" ritual, which allowed each guest to hold and bless the wedding rings...a unique alternative to the more traditional unity candle lighting!

Jenn and Jonathan's family and friends went above and beyond the call of duty to make this day one to remember for the happy couple. They helped Jenn and Jonathan with the typical DIY projects; making signs, assembling programs, and hanging the muslin and white globe lights from the pavilion ceiling (Jonathan's training as an engineer helped ensure the perfect drape, every time!). Most adorable was the seating card display: a reclaimed shutter, twine, and miniature close pins. I caught many guests lingering after they found their seats to marvel at this adorable welcome to the reception.

I was so honored to work with such a wonderful team of vendors. The images you see here were captured by the amazing Rob and Lauren from Canada, who themselves just eloped two weeks ago while vacationing in Greece. Rob and Lauren's images are creative, youthful, and artistic, and they are super fun to work with! If only they lived closer so I could work with them more! Their image of Jenn's dress below is probably my favorite...

Maryellen Bowers of Cakes & Candies by Maryellen made the gorgeous cake shown below. Three different tiers, each more delicious than the next (yes I tasted all three. I'm not ashamed). The cross section of the tree on which the cake is displayed was actually cut down by Maryellen's husband from her yard. It was the talk of the reception!

Bill Siewert of BBQ Brothers and his staff were a joy to work with. BBQ Brothers is a full service catering firm specializing in high quality, award-winning, slow-cooked BBQ at reasonable prices. They provide a full service wait staff and bartenders to set up and clean up the event site. I'm so using them for my next Derby Party.

Congratulations Jenn and Jonathan. Thanks for choosing me to help make your vision a reality!

Photography: Rob & Lauren Photographers
Cake: Cakes and Candies by Maryellen
Catering: BBQ Brothers
Marriage Celebrant: Diane C. Stanley (authorized in Virgina)
Coordinator: Emily H Events

Bridal 911: Must Haves for Your Wedding Day

2009-09-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

You're in the bridal suite, surrounded by your best friends and mom, sipping mimosas and putting the finishing touches on your look. A vision in white, you take a deep breath and head out to meet your groom at the altar when "RIIIIIIIP." The zipper on your dress splits. OMG. Now what!?!

A survival kit is an absolute must for the inevitable wedding day "what ifs." Your wedding planner, who like a Boy Scout is always prepared, will most certainly have everything you could ever need. If you don't have a planner, it is worth a trip to Target to pick up the essentials! I recommend the following when stocking your own kit:

-Double sided tape is ideal for pesky puckers, stubborn straps, and loose hems. I LOVE Hollywood Fashion Tape. I've even used this tape to hold table runners in place on windy days!

-Clear thread, needles in various sizes, safety pins, and mini scissors for reattaching buttons, securing loose beads, and sewing yourself into your dress (worst case scenario).

-White chalk will cover scuffs and marks on white leather and fabric.

-Pocket pharmacy for myriad maladies: pain reliever, antacid, tampons, and clear bandages in multiple sizes.

-Salon staples such as bobby pins, hairspray, travel hairbrush, lip moisturizer, breath freshener, mini elastics, emery boards, and a bottle of your nail polish color will keep you flawlessly fresh.

-Crazy glue, just in case you break a heel!

-Loafer socks, similar to "peds" you receive when trying on shoes, are perfect when you're ready to really cut a rug.

-Stain remover and static guard.

Need a shower gift? Survival kits are a great gift for the bride-to-be. DIY, or purchase the adorable kit shown above from Mr. & Mrs.

Kits also make great gifts for bridesmaids and mothers, because they can have emergencies too!

These and other kits for labor&delivery, work, your groom (with decorative ball & chain), and kit refills are available at Mr. & Mrs.

Emily on Emily: Reviving the Lost Art of Etiquette

2009-08-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Did you know that asparagus is actually a finger food? Or that chewing gum on the phone is a faux pas? In our hurried lifestyles, proper manners often fall by the wayside. It isn't until we begin planning a wedding that our Ps & Qs are put to the test. Particularly when trying to address those invitations!

There is no shortage of wedding manuals on the market today. But none is more essential or reliable than Emily Post's Etiquette. As the foremost authority on all things appropriate, Emily Post provides tried and true best practices for making the best impression at your wedding, at work, at school, anywhere and everywhere! With a chapter dedicated exclusively to weddings, Post provides instructions on everything from how and whether to form a receiving line, how to set a table (it's different depending on formality and type of dinner service you know), how to address your officiant and other VIPs, and how to handle those awkward disagreements with your mother-in-law.

Put simply, Emily Post's Etiquette is a must have for everyone and anyone. After all, good manners never go out of style!

Derby Party 2009

2009-05-22T18:32:00.001-07:00

My infatuation with the Kentucky Derby dates back to my youth, when my love of all things horse bordered on compulsion. For years the first Saturday in May was spent sitting cross-legged three feet from the television. Clutching my favorite stuffed horses--Filene (yes, named after the department store) and Dynamite (whose legs resembled sticks of TNT)--I watched day-long coverage of the horses, the jockeys, the owners, and of course, the “Run for the Roses” itself and all post-race reports from the winner's circle.

As I grew, so too did my appreciation for the Derby and its culture. Hats and pageantry. Twin Spires. Mint Juleps. Bluegrass Music. "My Old Kentucky Home." So I couldn’t resist hosting my first Derby Party on May 2 in celebration of two birthdays--my dear friend Meredith's and my own! Photos from the "birthday obesrved" celebration appear below, courtesy of friend and photogapher Jessica Del Vecchio!

Birthday girl Meredith, the Derby hat contest winner! "Mine that Bird" on her hat brim. She made it herself!

Mere's dapper husband Keith, with mint julep in hand...

Dawn in her Derby best, with a flower tucked in her hair...

Special thanks to my best friend and culinary/mixology wizard Tara Novotny for her help in making this a day to remember (or not, depending on the number of Marker's Mark mint juleps consumed).

Starters included assorted crudites, parmesan and gruyere sticks, charcuterie and proscuitto wrapped bread sticks, and Bobby Flay's baked "brie delight," baked with Honeycup mustard and toasted sliced almonds.

Hearty afternoon snacks included Barefoot Contessa's oven-baked fried chicken wings, crab cakes with Martha Stewart's chili lime aioli (and cocktail sauce), and Mere's baked "ham sammies." Delicious!

For dessert, Joanna Hiatt baked raspberry filled chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache. Decadent!

Red roses in silver mint julep cups provided added additional Derby flare to the buffet table.

Christal & Mike Married!

2009-04-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

On April 18, I had the pleasure of coordinating Christal & Mike's wedding. After a week of April showers, imagine our delight to bask in the warm sunshine. By all accounts, it was a perfect day!

Christal's vision for the celebration was "rustic Italian elegance" in honor of Mike's family heritage. The newly renovated Hendry House in Arlington, Virginia--with its rolling hills and flowering trees--provided the perfect backdrop. The ceremony was held on the Hendry House grounds under the Wisteria Arch, with the classical guitar selections performed by the incredibly talented Chris Dunn.
For the luncheon, long banquet tables draped with crisp white linens and patterned runners handmade by Christal, "wild" flowers in mason jars, and marinated olives, fresh parmesan, artisan breads, and imported olive oil for dipping. The luncheon buffet included Barefoot Contessa roast chicken (I have to find this recipe), salad of marinated cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, pasta salad of penne, parmesan, and black olives, and assorted grilled veggies: red and yellow peppers, eggplant, asparagus.

I moved the two cherry blossom arrangements (shown below) that flanked the Wisteria Arch during the ceremony to the buffet table for an added splash of color. Or course, reusing ceremony flowers to decorate your reception is a great way to save money...and flowers!

As a personal touch, we clustered family photographs throughout the Hendry House for the guests to view during the cocktail hour. A selection are shown here, on the fireplace mantle.

My thanks to all of the vendors for their help in making Christal and Mike's wedding a day to remember!

Venue: Hendry House
Caterer: Matters of Taste Catering
Music: Christopher Dunn (classical guitarist)
Flowers: J. Morris Flowers
Photography: Thomas Graves
Coordination: Emily H Events!

Epitome of Event Design: Corcoran Ball Preview

2009-04-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

On April 17 I attended the Corcoran Ball Preview, thanks to my friend Megan Wilby from Occasions Caterers. Each year, Occasions, Perfect Settings, and Jack H. Lucky Floral Design partner to design a spectacular event for the Corcoran Gallery of Art. The event hosts 900 guests throughout 10 of the museum's galleries--each room with a unique theme more breathtaking and jaw dropping than the next. This year's event was designed to be green: menus and programs on recycled paper, organic, locally grown produce, seafood, and meats, recycled glasses.

The table designs represent the creme de la creme--premium linens with overlay, double chargers--and have an estimated cost of $1,000 per table. But don't fear budget conscious brides. Perfect Settings and Occasions Caterers will work with you to get the look for less.

Here the grand ballroom from above--glass bubbles for a bit of whimsy!

I can't decide which room was my favorite...probably the pink room (think Marie Antoinette) in the elaborate, gilded Dore Salon (below). It screams princess. I wish my camera did it justice!

The chairs are a girly girl's dream...

Here the designers used lace place mats as an alternative to table linens to showcase the antique tables that were brought in especially for the ball.

The orange glow of this room was warm and embracing. I especially like the designers' use of lighting to replicate the fern pattern in the table overlay.

This tropical inspired room was festive in orange, aqua, and lime green! I love the rustic bamboo chairs and poofy satin seat cushions! Of course, these and all floral arrangements by Jack H. Lucky Floral Designs were remarkable works of art!

Ferns and rattan chargers in the museum's atrium...

Giving Back for Backs: Red Carpet & Bluegrass Benefit for Frazier Rehab Institute

2009-04-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

Emily H Events had the honor of planning the Red Carpet & Bluegrass Benefit held February 21, 2009, bringing together over 100 friends of Louisville's Frazier Rehab Institute for an evening of food, fun, and philanthropy in "Old Hollywood Style." A thirty foot red carpet welcomed guests; gold chivari chairs, red damask tone-on-tone stripe and black pintuck table linens, gold beaded votive lamps, and red anemone centerpieces set the tone for an evening of glamour!

Below are some photos of the celebration, courtesy of Jessica Del Vecchio Photography! First, Joanne Berryman (Jewish Hospital and St. Mary's Health Care), Susan Harkema (Frazier Rehab Institute), Emily Holubowich (Emily H Events), and Friends!

John Vickers-Smith entertains guests with stories of Maker's Mark history. The signature Maker's Mojito was a hit! Guests enjoyed shot glasses hand-dipped by John in Maker's signature red wax as part of their party "swag."

Burnett Thompson Music entertained the crowd with classic Rag Time jazz in the spirit of Old Hollywood. Guests sampled the delectable organic offerings of Occasions Caterers--scallops in bacon, crab cakes, and corn souffles were crowd pleasers!

Renowned researcher Susan Harkema and Master of Ceremonies Joanne Berryman touched the audience with stories of Frazier's miracles during the formal program. Click HERE to view a copy of the inspirational video featuring my good friend Russell on the road to recovery.

Planning: Emily H Events
Catering: Occasions Caterers
Cocktails: Marker's Mark and John Vickers-Smith
Venue: Penn Quarter Conference Center
Music: Burnett Thompson Music
Photography: Jessica Del Vecchio
Branding and Graphic Design: Design by Ina
Cookie Favors: Contessa Pollina Pasticerria

Finally...Invitation Worthy Stamps!

2009-03-31T18:18:00.003-07:00

So you've selected your custom wedding invitations, letterpressed on handmade, Italian stationary. Somehow, that US Post Office standard issue American flag stamp just doesn't do them justice.

Not to worry, because Zazzle now allows detail obsessed brides to customize stamps worthy of those designer invitations. Upload engagement photos of you and your fiance or design elements from your invitation, or choose from a selection of monograms and images provided by Zazzle, including The Knot's wedding collection (shown at left).

Sophisticated and stylish designs are also available for bachelor and bachelorette parties, engagement announcements, bridal showers, save the dates, and thank you cards. These stamps are so precious, I just ordered some for official Emily H Events correspondance!
Zazzle's "Wedding Shop" offers other items to make your special day one your guests are sure to remember, including customizable canvas bags, sweatshirts, and key chains. Zazzle's site is easy to use, turnaround times are quick, and the products are high quality--I was so pleased with the business cards I ordered! Check out www.zazzle.com for creative ideas to make your event as unique as you!

Survival Tips for Trunk Shows

2008-09-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Trunk shows provide a wonderful opportunity to score big savings on the bridal gown of your dreams, or to simply feel like a princess for a day. After all, how often can you try on a $50,000 piece of meticulously hand-beaded couture?

Keep in mind, however, that trunk shows provide for savings because they are one-time events. You will likely be expected to commit to purchasing your gown on the spot in exchange for that 10-15 percent discount or those free alterations. So before you go to your appointment, make sure to:

Do your due diligence. Visit several bridal salons before your trunk show appointment to get a sense of the other available designers and styles. You can always go back to these boutiques if you don't find the dress of your dreams at the trunk show. But you can't go back in time and take advantage of the trunk show discounts when you don't find gowns elsewhere, after the fact.
Circle the wagons. Make sure you have any and all of your "principals" with you at your trunk show appointment: mom, future mother-in-law, maid/matron of honor, and any other VIPs whose opinion you seek or require before purchasing your gown. It may be hard to convince your mom over the phone that she should pay for the designer gown you've just fallen in love with, sight unseen, especially if she had her heart set on being with you when you found "the one."
Stand your ground. Surrounded by the glow of the designer exquisiteness at a trunk show it may be VERY hard for you to walk away from the dress of your dreams once you've put it on, even if you know you can't afford it (I speak from personal experience). It may be particularly difficult if the salon is serving champagne and the bubbly is now coursing through your veins (again, personal experience!). Set your gown budget ahead of time and stick to it. Keep in mind that your wedding day look--including gown, alterations, shoes, undergarments, veil, jewelry--should be no more than 10 percent of your overall wedding budget. Keep also in mind that you'll likely be trying on these gowns very early in the planning process, and that there are MANY other wedding-related expenses to come. Go in to the trunk show prepared with a predetermined range of what you're willing to spend on your gown, and don't try on anything with a price tag beyond the outer limits of this range. As a fail safe, give your principals full authority to drag you out of the salon door kicking and screaming the minute you start rationalizing an extravagant gown purchase by noting you can refinance your home or sell your car to afford it.
Be prepared. Be emotionally and financially prepared to put down your deposit or purchase the dress outright if you find something you absolutely love at the show. It's unlikely that the salon or designer will be willing to offer you a discount after the event date, or even after your scheduled appointment. Bring major credit cards like MasterCard and Visa, as some smaller boutiques may not accept American Express. Be also prepared to write a check. Though unlikely, the host salon or the designer may not accept credit cards.
Be conscious of time. Note that most if not all couture (i.e., sewn by hand) gowns take several months to craft, and another couple of months to alter. Don't even think of tempting yourself at a trunk show unless you have at least 6-8 months of lead time before your big day.

With these tips in mind, one of my favorite bridal salons, Hitched in Georgetown, is now accepting appointments for fall designer trunk shows:

Modern Trousseau Trunk Show (Bridal and Mother of the Occasion)
Friday and Saturday, September 19 & 20

Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show
**my personal favorite and shown above. Sigh!**
Friday and Saturday, October 24 & October 25

Judd Waddell Trunk Show
Friday and Saturday, November 7 & 8

Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija Trunk Show
Friday and Saturday, November 21 & 22

Augusta Jones Trunk Show
Friday and Saturday, December 5 & 6

Reserve a covetted spot now by contacting info@hitchedsalon.com or call 202-333-6162.

Isabel & Avi Married!

2008-08-29T13:41:00.001-07:00

In August I had the privilege of coordinating Isabel and Avi's traditional Jewish ceremony, complete with Tisch (a toast for the groom, shown below), Kabbalat Panim (a pre-wedding reception where guests greet the bride as she "holds court,"also show below), Badeken (veiling ceremony and plate breaking to symbolize commitment), Kiddushin (betrothal ceremony, chuppah show below), Nuissin (the seven blessings and the breaking of the glass), and Seudat Mitzvah...the wedding feast, including the longest and liveliest Hora I have ever witnessed!

I love the uniqueness of their tables. The jewel-toned flowers were arranged in antique silver urns and paired with coordinating votives. Instead of conventional table numbers, Isabel and Avi's table numbers had special significance to their relationship. Table "11.5"below represented their first date: November 5, 2006. They also included maracas and tambourines to get the dance party started, and keep it going late into the night. These were a HUGE hit, particularly during the conga line!

This picture, snapped by the bride's best friend, perfectly captures the joy and exuberance of the evening. Mazel Tov Isabel and Avi! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day.

My thanks to:

-Stacy, Michael, and the rest of the Jerry Ross Band

-Tami of Gerych's Distrinctive Florals

-Meyer Cohen and the staff of Sperber's Kosher Catering

-Rabbi Steven Rubenstein and the Congregation Beth Ahm

I'm Official! EHE Brand Launch

2008-08-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to my good friend, Ina Herrera for her amazing talent, creativity, and patience in designing my company's new brand.

I told Ina I was looking for something clean, contemporary, and classic. Even with such obscure direction from me, Ina nailed it. From the shield logo and the monogram stamp, to the polka dots and the color scheme, I love everything about it. Thank you so much, Ina!

In addition to brand and logo development, Ina is available for custom stationary. Nothing says "wow" like a one-of-a-kind invitation designed especially for you by a talented graphic designer and painter (yes, she does water color invitations too!). For more information, contact Ina at inabnherrera@hotmail.com

Now on to the next step: incorporating Ina's gorgeous designs into an elegant new Web site. Stay tuned!

While I prepare for Isabel and Avi's wedding in Detroit next weekend, this will be my last post for a while. Wish me luck...

Queen Bee Goes Bridal

2008-07-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

My colleague, who's getting married in November, asked me for ideas on where to find unique wedding jewelry. She's looking for large, chunky, estate style earings (but not "too granny") to go with her Chantilly lace gown. Designer consignment boutiques like Secondi and Annie Creamcheese immediately came to mind, and then I started to Google.

Imagine my surprise and joy to find that my favorite local jewelry designer, Allison Brooks of Queen Bee Designs is now making custom bridal jewelry for brides, bridesmaids, MOBs and MOGs. A custom necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings is a unique and thoughtful gift for those who will stand by you on your wedding day.

Even better, a Queen Bee one-of-a-kind is a wonderful "something new" for yourself! The "Eleanor" would be simply stunning paired with a wedding gown, particularly if you dared to wear more than one. If memory serves, I believe First Lady Laura Bush wore two strands of this rock quartz beauty at the Press Corps dinner several years ago. Queen Bee is also now available for private shows; what better way to liven up a bridal shower or bachelorette party than with jewelry shopping on demand?

Holiday Brunch 2007: It's All in the Details

2008-07-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

In my experience hosting, attending, and now planning events, a memorable fete requires four ingredients: great food, plenty of booze, lively people, and unforgettable details. For my parties, my best friend Tara Novotny always plans an amazing menu, and the liquor always flows freely; though I admit I usually underestimate how much my friends can actually drink (luckily there's a mini mart across the street with a great beer and wine selection, so a mid-party liquor run by my husband Carl usually goes unnoticed!).

For our third annual Holiday Brunch, "It's a Celebration," Tara and I wanted to "take it to the next level" by playing up the details. First, we identified our theme--a modern spin on winter wonderland, featuring polka dots and snowflakes in silver sage, olive, white, and silver--because as with weddings, a consistent and cohesive theme is crucial to setting the tone of the event. All of our linens, ribbons, candles, and accents corresponded with this color scheme, including the amazing cupcakes created by JoAnna Hiatt. Her cupcakes showcased shimmering handmade snowflakes and silver sage holly leaves and silver berries (show below).

Next, Tara went to work on the menu ("deconstructed" brunch favorites like chili rellenos, cucumbers filled with salmon mousse, grapes rolled in blue cheese and pistachios, mushroom turnovers, etc.). And I turned to my "go to" spot for personal touches: My Own Labels. They offer adorable designs on coasters, labels, and tags, great customer service, and fantastic ideas for out-of-town welcome bags, favors, and bridal party gifts. For Holiday Brunch 2007, Tara and I purchased coasters, labels, and tags in a design that coordinated with our theme. Coasters read "eat, drink, and be merry...it's a celebration!" Labels, which we stuck on candle votives and favors said simply, "enjoy!" Hang tags, which we tied around our favors with polka dotted ribbon read, "happy holidays! tara and emily."

For the favors, I headed straight to my one-stop-shop for the most wonderful products, packaging, and gift dressings: Beau Coup. As with My Own Labels, I first used Beau Coup for my own wedding, purchasing travel candles and mini tins (to fill with M&Ms) for my out-of-town welcome bags. For Holiday Brunch 2007, Tara and I filled mini spice jars with shelled pistachios and dried cranberries (shown above). With the labels and tags from My Own Labels, the result was adorable. And a huge hit with our guests!

Expected at weddings, these details will be an unexpected but welcomed surprise at a house party. For relatively little cost, they will delight your guests and make them feel honored that you went above and beyond for their benefit. More importantly, it gets them excited for your next special event!

Details and Decor, Emily H Events; Photography and photo collages, Jessica Del Vecchio ; Menu, Tara Novotny; Cupcakes, Joanna Hiatt.

Making My Own Vision, Reality. Personally and Profesionally

2008-06-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

While I've been hosting my own parties for many years, and people have always told me I should give up health wonkdom to be a "party planner," I wasn't sure I was cut out for it until I planned my own wedding. Apparently I am not an anomaly. Many young, female professionals, tired of working harder for less money than their male counterparts, are quitting their jobs to plan their own weddings and/or pursue new careers in event entrepreneurship.

Never being one shy away from trends, I jumped on the event planning bandwagon with the hopes of making my own professional vision a reality: giving up my day job to plan full time. And though planning events for clients presents its own unique challenges and requires greater adeptness in diplomacy, accountability, and patience, I love that planning allows me to relive the moments of my own special occasions and feel the "hostess buzz" of pride that comes from executing the perfect soiree.

Below are some pictures of details from my own wedding day, captured by who else but my favorite photographer, Jessica Del Vecchio. Carl and I were blessed with a perfect October day on Cape Cod. Special thanks to Tammy at Casa Blanca Florals, Jimmy at Woods Hole Golf Club, Meredith at Meredith's Bridal Boutique, Lisa at Delicious Desserts, and Kelley at New Wave Printing and Design for their help in creating the ultimate Cape Cod wedding.

My bouquet: Ivory and sage hydrangea with stephanotis and brown hypericum berries.

The gorgeous flowers above the entrance to St. Thomas the Apostle Chapel.

These baskets were hung on the door to the chapel. You can't get married on Cape Cod without Nantucket Baskets somewhere!

I couldn't stop staring at the altar arrangements during the ceremony!

Programs...

For cocktail hour in the golf club lounge, Tammy put hydrangea blossoms in martini glasses to spruce up the cocktail tables.

Our menu: New England clam chowdah, tossed green salad, and filet mignon with baked stuffed shrimp. Delicious!

And of course, wedding cake! I admit, I don't think I ate any of it (less the bite I was required to eat for photo op!)

The centerpieces were my absolute favorite. A riot nearly broke out when people started scrambling to take one home at the end of the night!

For favors, we put seating cards in small silver picture frames, and Jess provided business cards with photos from our engagement session that had information on where to download our wedding photographs. They fit perfectly in the frames for a nice keepsake.

Finally, some of my favorite images of Carl and I...

The Belle of the Ball: Tips for Hosting Large Events

2008-06-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

On Monday June 9, I hosted my first fundraiser, which raised over $60,000 for my day job--the Coalition for Health Services Research. Two hundred guests attended the cocktail reception, including agency heads, Members of Congress, and other Beltway insiders. Much to my surprise, a fun time was had by all. The open bar helped...

It all went off without a hitch, but I underestimated just how difficult and exhausting it is to host a large party. I was the "it" girl everyone wanted to see. And thank. And ask questions. And introduce to so-and-so. And spend quality time.

It reinforced my decision to keep my own wedding a small-ish affair of 75. It also got me thinking about just "how to" be the consummate hostess of a large event, be it a wedding with those you know and love or a black tie gala with those you mean to impress and network. Here are some tips:

1. Set realistic expectations: If you have over 150 guests, it's unlikely your event timeline will allow you to have a meaningful conversation with everyone. If you get stuck in 15 minute conversations at the beginning of the night, you'll suddenly find it's last call and you've only talked to 10 people! So don't set yourself up for failure. Be mindful of the time and keep it brief. Luckily, at a large event your guests recognize that you've got to make the rounds.

2. Greet every guest: While you won't be able to converse in-depth with everyone, you MUST at least welcome every guest individually and thank them for coming. This is hostess 101. A receiving line at a wedding--either as guests depart the ceremony or arrive at the reception--easily provides you the opportunity to hug and thank everyone who attends. You may also wish to visit every table if you're hosting a seated dinner service. Just make sure you take time to eat!

At my recent fundraiser, I greeted guests at the registration table and helped them find their name badges. This afforded me the chance to shake hands, hug, let them know which of their friends and colleagues had already arrived, and get them situated in the ballroom. Once a critical mass of guests had arrived, I then proceeded into the reception to mingle with those who slipped by me when they arrived.

3. Divide and conquer: If you're hosting a very large event, say 250+, and a receiving line is not an option for logistical reasons (after all, you don't want to stand there all night!), you might designate others to act as your proxies throughout the event. For a wedding, your spouse is an obvious co-host. You can also engage your parents, your in-laws, and even your bridal party to spend more quality time with guests, facilitate introductions, help people to their seats, and generally make people feel welcome.

At the fundraiser, my CEO and Board Officers worked the room to make sure all the guests felt like VIPs.

4. Don't play favorites: This is a trap in which even the best hostesses are ensnared. It's human nature to gravitate toward those with whom we're most comfortable. So at special events, we tend to monopolize time with our friends and ignore the rest of the guests, because, well, we have more fun with our friends. But it's important at an event, and particularly a wedding, to spend special time with the guests you rarely see--your uncle who flew across country, your long-lost cousin who you won't see for another 15 years--because who knows when you'll see them again. Make plans for a late night after-party to decompress with your best buds!

5. Have an exit strategy: The hardest part of hosting is leaving a conversation gracefully. One strategy is to use "cut-ins" to your advantage. When a guest "cuts-in" on your time with another guest, introduce the two, get them talking, and then excuse yourself from their conversation. In a similar vein, you can grab the closest person to you, ask them to join you, facilitate introductions, get them talking, and then slip away. It's likely that your guests are escorted by a date or at least know others at the party. But don't ever leave a person alone to fend for themselves! As a guest, there's nothing worse than standing by yourself in a room full of people and not knowing how to break into a conversation. Particularly if they're strangers.

If you follow these rules, you guarantee your guests will leave feeling special and appreciated. And that's what hosting is all about!

Special thanks to my favorite photographer, Jessica Del Vecchio, for photographing this event. I'll post some images soon!

Wedding details...

2008-05-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Photographer and friend Jessica Del Vecchio was kind enough to pull together shots of the details from Ben and Michelle's wedding. Michelle chose soft, romantic colors of peach and ivory to reflect the serenity and reverence of the traditional Jewish ceremony. For the reception, Michelle kicked it up a notch color-wise to accentuate the festive, flamboyent atmosphere: raspberry, orange, and gold with a punch of electric blue. The orchids, arranged by Flowers and Fancies were simply extraordinary--particularly the four foot orchid and willow branch arrangements that flanked the "S" shaped buffet table!

Taking the Plunge

2008-05-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

After nearly a decade as a lobbyist and health policy wonk in Washington, DC--and just as long planning my own parties for fun--I'm finally setting out to pursue my true passion: bringing people's dreams to life through events. If my time as a "Beltway insider" has taught me anything, it's that attention to detail and follow through are critical in building trusting relationships and making things happen. And that's how I will approach each special event I plan.

I had the opportunity to coordinate my second wedding May 4 for Michelle and Ben in Baltimore, Maryland. My dear friend Jessica Del Vecchio was the photographer, and she captured these amazing moments on film: http://jessicadelvecchio.blogspot.com/ She is brilliantly talented. And more importantly, trustworthy and fun to work with.

As Michelle and Ben's "day of" coordinator, I was responsible for running the rehearsal, executing Michelle's vision, keeping everything on schedule (that is, "herding squirrels"), coordinating last minute details and changes with the vendors, and troubleshooting issues for 165 guests (like tracking down wedding cards--with checks enclosed--that a guest accidently set down on a bus tray of dirty dishes). I was so lucky to work with such kind and wonderful families...and vendors: Ed Hoffman of Hoffman & Co. Caterers, "Escapade" Band, and videographer, Steven Fox.

I'm just getting started and still sorting out rates, but figured I'd get my blog up and running. So if you need help with your wedding, or just don't feel like dealing with the plans for your parents' 50th wedding anniversary dinner...shoot me an e-mail and we can work it out!