Women often swap notes about their weddings. And if you’re one who has overheard those water cooler conversations, you probably realize most weddings are pretty similar.
The majority of couples tend to stick with tradition or stay close to what the popular bridal magazines or wedding sites recommend.
However, a growing percentage of couples aren’t worrying much about what’s in. Instead, they’re going for something a little different, something their own. That’s why non-traditional, themed weddings are quickly becoming the new water cooler wedding conversations.
So far, though, Patty Hanson, owner of Silk Expressions in Mankato, said only a small percentage of the weddings she plans are non-traditional.
“Mostly, 97 percent are traditional, and the other 3 are different,” Hanson said. “Some of them aren’t brave enough yet to take that plunge to doing something so wacky.”
Her most recent wedding was a Roaring ’20s theme complete with flappers and tiaras. The couple, Melissa Mullen and Marcus Hubmer of Lakeville, chose the theme for sentimental reasons. She chose a wedding ring that resembled her grandmother’s with a 1920s vintage appeal.
“I decided to go with the 1920s theme off of the vintage ring idea, plus I like the look back then,” Mullen said. “Feathers, beads and the pin stripe suits — it seemed like a fun time in life.”
From a Zoot suit wedding in the ’20s to a Vegas theme with flamingos and Elvis, Hanson has much experience working outside the box.
She even had the opportunity to help plan the wedding of her son, Kris Harpham, last October.
The theme, appropriate to the season, was Halloween. The bride wore an elegant orange gown and the groom’s tux featured an orange vest and boutonniere. The reception was transformed into a costume ball where guests came dressed in spooky attire. There were some guests in costume Hanson didn’t even recognize.
“Everyone went so crazy with that costume theme,” Hanson said.
Newlywed Jessica Harpham, Kris’ wife, said Hanson had always wanted to do a Halloween wedding, so they decided to give her that chance. But it was also something she had thought of before.
“I didn’t want the wedding to be like a normal wedding. I wanted it to be something everyone would remember,” Harpham said. “Those who attended still talk about how much fun they had.”
Harpham entrusted her mother-in-law with the majority of the planning after offering a few decorating ideas.
“I wanted it to be a tasteful décor, not tacky,” Harpham said. “We used the usual Halloween colors — black and orange. We had carved pumpkins as vases with beautiful flowers in them, a ghostly bride and groom, spider webs (and) our wedding glasses were goblets being held by skeleton hands.”
http://www.mankatofreepress.com/
Friday, March 14, 2008
Dazzling décor
Decorating hotels is as critical a selling strategy as it is an art. Dr Debjani Maitra, who heads Garden & Flower, speaks of the importance of dressing up an edifice to bring forth its beauty to the beholder
It has been a while since India has been offering world class service levels in the hospitality industry, measuring up to every detail that ensures a comfortable and pleasurable stay of our guests. Along with other fields, decoration is an integral part of this business of luxury. Interiors of any hotels are done at the project stage in line with the hotel design concept.
Following this are soft decorations. Namely, each property is done up in sync with the original concept - conventional, classical or contemporary, as the case maybe. Apart from this, hotels are decorated for special occasions such as festivals, be it Christmas, New Year or Deepavali, or for promotions. Food and wine festivals organised by different F&B outlets and special events like book or product launches or corporate events and private functions are also reasons for hotels or certain parts of it to get dressed to the occasion.
Deconstructing decorations
Any decorative work needs to be preceded by a certain amount of research work regarding the particular type of function, where it is to be held, the climate and the season. Also the theme, the colour scheme if any, the size and shape of the venue have to be taken into consideration before a sketch is worked out of the plan. Then deliberations need to be made on the material to be used, the design to be created and finally, a final blueprint taking into consideration all the inputs. This has to be presented to the client for approval and incorporate preferences and inputs if any. The execution process is started after all this has been taken into consideration.
Trend tips
People are moving towards simplicity and using more contemporary materials and motifs. The use of natural materials is preferred as opposed to more complicated creations using artificial materials. However, there is a vast range of high quality flowers, plants, containers, and props that are available these days.
Most luxury hotels prefer good quality designs presented in simple fashion. These days hotels across the country get ready for festivities especially during the winter season for Christmas and New Year. Ideally, the preparations for decorations should be carried out behind the scene and be ready before the event, moving out immediately after the event is over. For example, India attracts a large number of business travellers from the West. But they all head back home by the second week of December to celebrate Christmas with their families. Thus decorations for the season should definitely be put up before the second week of December so that guests enjoy them, and removed immediately after January 1.
Freshly floral
Theme weddings are getting popular day by day as clients are always in search of something newer and want something different. Wedding decorations are based on these themes. Here, floral displays are preferred. For floral displays, one should use fresh flowers of the best quality available. Along with them, high quality containers, vases or contemporary creations are most appreciated. Colours can vary. There was a time in India when we seldom used white flowers in weddings or any auspicious
ceremonies, but now times have changed. One gets to see so many wedding functions done up elegantly with fresh white flowers. So the colour scheme is completely subjective and varies from project to project.
Case study
My brief for Grand Hyatt Mumbai was to do something futuristic at the centre of the lobby for Christmas. I took a short visit to the hotel as it is very important to see the site before designing. Post the visit, I was sure that I wanted to design a piece of art for the festival that will blend with the hotel's simplicity and elegance. The hotel has a lot of straight lines in their design and overall has a very contemporary look. Moreover, I was given a colour scheme of silver and gold to work with, which automatically indicated that I would work with materials like metal, or with items that evoked a similar effect. That triggered me to design and develop the cones with twigs and lights, which was very unique as a Christmas concept, yet it complemented the fever of festivity and brought forth the joy of celebration.
http://www.expresshospitality.com/
It has been a while since India has been offering world class service levels in the hospitality industry, measuring up to every detail that ensures a comfortable and pleasurable stay of our guests. Along with other fields, decoration is an integral part of this business of luxury. Interiors of any hotels are done at the project stage in line with the hotel design concept.
Following this are soft decorations. Namely, each property is done up in sync with the original concept - conventional, classical or contemporary, as the case maybe. Apart from this, hotels are decorated for special occasions such as festivals, be it Christmas, New Year or Deepavali, or for promotions. Food and wine festivals organised by different F&B outlets and special events like book or product launches or corporate events and private functions are also reasons for hotels or certain parts of it to get dressed to the occasion.
Deconstructing decorations
Any decorative work needs to be preceded by a certain amount of research work regarding the particular type of function, where it is to be held, the climate and the season. Also the theme, the colour scheme if any, the size and shape of the venue have to be taken into consideration before a sketch is worked out of the plan. Then deliberations need to be made on the material to be used, the design to be created and finally, a final blueprint taking into consideration all the inputs. This has to be presented to the client for approval and incorporate preferences and inputs if any. The execution process is started after all this has been taken into consideration.
Trend tips
People are moving towards simplicity and using more contemporary materials and motifs. The use of natural materials is preferred as opposed to more complicated creations using artificial materials. However, there is a vast range of high quality flowers, plants, containers, and props that are available these days.
Most luxury hotels prefer good quality designs presented in simple fashion. These days hotels across the country get ready for festivities especially during the winter season for Christmas and New Year. Ideally, the preparations for decorations should be carried out behind the scene and be ready before the event, moving out immediately after the event is over. For example, India attracts a large number of business travellers from the West. But they all head back home by the second week of December to celebrate Christmas with their families. Thus decorations for the season should definitely be put up before the second week of December so that guests enjoy them, and removed immediately after January 1.
Freshly floral
Theme weddings are getting popular day by day as clients are always in search of something newer and want something different. Wedding decorations are based on these themes. Here, floral displays are preferred. For floral displays, one should use fresh flowers of the best quality available. Along with them, high quality containers, vases or contemporary creations are most appreciated. Colours can vary. There was a time in India when we seldom used white flowers in weddings or any auspicious
ceremonies, but now times have changed. One gets to see so many wedding functions done up elegantly with fresh white flowers. So the colour scheme is completely subjective and varies from project to project.
Case study
My brief for Grand Hyatt Mumbai was to do something futuristic at the centre of the lobby for Christmas. I took a short visit to the hotel as it is very important to see the site before designing. Post the visit, I was sure that I wanted to design a piece of art for the festival that will blend with the hotel's simplicity and elegance. The hotel has a lot of straight lines in their design and overall has a very contemporary look. Moreover, I was given a colour scheme of silver and gold to work with, which automatically indicated that I would work with materials like metal, or with items that evoked a similar effect. That triggered me to design and develop the cones with twigs and lights, which was very unique as a Christmas concept, yet it complemented the fever of festivity and brought forth the joy of celebration.
http://www.expresshospitality.com/
Friday, February 8, 2008
Material girl: Costume designer’s ‘27’ frocks plays starring role
There was plenty of material, literally, for costume designer Cat Thomas to work with for the frocks featured in “27 Dresses.”
Thomas and her design team spun yards and yards of sherbet taffeta, silk shantung and cheap cotton Swiss dot into so many bridesmaid dresses that she hoped the director might rename the movie.
“We wished it was called ‘37 Dresses,’ ” said the New York-based Thomas. “We had so many options.”
Such is the dream dilemma for a costumer when clothing becomes a character. Much like center-stage ensembles worn in HBO’s “Sex and the City,” the 27 dresses Katherine Heigl’s character, Jane, must sport as a constant bridesmaid in this romantic comedy are as spirited as the actress herself.
“It’s memorable when it has personality,” said Thomas in a telephone interview earlier this week. “They were really like another character. Or like 27 other characters.”
The film was shot almost entirely in Rhode Island, and Thomas’ favorite scene is the last when - spoiler alert! - all 27 brides are lined up on the pier at Jane’s nuptials in the bridesmaid dresses she wore at their weddings.
Alongside the goth girl, there’s the Japanese friend in a kimono, the “Gone With the Wind” getup from the plantation-themed wedding (“There’s nothing more fun than creating 10 hoop skirts”), and the hot pink zip-front L.A. minidress, to name a few.
“The reality is that there are people who have theme weddings and who do it over the top. It’s true,” said Thomas, whose other work includes “A Prairie Home Companion” and both “Kill Bill” films.
Inspiration came from thrift stores and eBay and online bridal industry outlets.
“We could have just gone on and on,” she said.
The choices were limitless because, let’s face it, the rarely worn-again bridesmaid dress is an Everywoman’s lament. Thomas said its status will change only when bridesmaids can shop for - and wear - what they want without a hovering bride offering her opinions. Until then the dress’ bad reputation is all sewn up.
“It is very much the bride’s aesthetic,” she said. “It is her day.”
How big is the bridal business?
Conde Nast Bridal Media did an American Wedding Study in 2006. Here are The Big Day’s big numbers:
# There are 2.2 million weddings per year in the United States, or 44,230 weddings every weekend.
# The average wedding has five bridesmaids, which works out to 11 million each year.
http://news.bostonherald.com
Thomas and her design team spun yards and yards of sherbet taffeta, silk shantung and cheap cotton Swiss dot into so many bridesmaid dresses that she hoped the director might rename the movie.
“We wished it was called ‘37 Dresses,’ ” said the New York-based Thomas. “We had so many options.”
Such is the dream dilemma for a costumer when clothing becomes a character. Much like center-stage ensembles worn in HBO’s “Sex and the City,” the 27 dresses Katherine Heigl’s character, Jane, must sport as a constant bridesmaid in this romantic comedy are as spirited as the actress herself.
“It’s memorable when it has personality,” said Thomas in a telephone interview earlier this week. “They were really like another character. Or like 27 other characters.”
The film was shot almost entirely in Rhode Island, and Thomas’ favorite scene is the last when - spoiler alert! - all 27 brides are lined up on the pier at Jane’s nuptials in the bridesmaid dresses she wore at their weddings.
Alongside the goth girl, there’s the Japanese friend in a kimono, the “Gone With the Wind” getup from the plantation-themed wedding (“There’s nothing more fun than creating 10 hoop skirts”), and the hot pink zip-front L.A. minidress, to name a few.
“The reality is that there are people who have theme weddings and who do it over the top. It’s true,” said Thomas, whose other work includes “A Prairie Home Companion” and both “Kill Bill” films.
Inspiration came from thrift stores and eBay and online bridal industry outlets.
“We could have just gone on and on,” she said.
The choices were limitless because, let’s face it, the rarely worn-again bridesmaid dress is an Everywoman’s lament. Thomas said its status will change only when bridesmaids can shop for - and wear - what they want without a hovering bride offering her opinions. Until then the dress’ bad reputation is all sewn up.
“It is very much the bride’s aesthetic,” she said. “It is her day.”
How big is the bridal business?
Conde Nast Bridal Media did an American Wedding Study in 2006. Here are The Big Day’s big numbers:
# There are 2.2 million weddings per year in the United States, or 44,230 weddings every weekend.
# The average wedding has five bridesmaids, which works out to 11 million each year.
http://news.bostonherald.com
Typical date movie with overused rom-com theme
MANILA, Philippines—Talented and gorgeous Katherine Heigl follows up her praiseworthy turn in the oddball comedy “Knocked Up” with yet another lovable pushover role in “27 Dresses.” The rom-com benefits from her involvement, adding sheen to an otherwise rehashed romance yarn. The “Grey’s Anatomy” actress has lit up practically everything she’s appeared in, and “27 Dresses” is especially graced by her “smart babe” presence.
She plays Jane, an eternal bridesmaid who’s helped many of her friends organize their perfect weddings. She’s accumulated 27 bridesmaid dresses in a short span, the diverse and colorful collection easily filling up one big closet. She inevitably attracts the attention of wedding section reporter Kevin (James Marsden), an efficient but creatively unsatisfied writer. He sees her as an interesting conundrum that just may be his ticket out of the wedding beat.
Jane has harbored a longtime attraction to her activist-vegetarian boss, George (Edward Burns), but as fate would have it, he notices—and pursues—her clueless visiting sister Tess (Malin Akerman) instead.
Standard plot
You just know how “27 Dresses” unfolds, given those pretty standard circumstances. Plot-wise, there really aren’t a lot of routes to explore; the story’s accessible but it follows overused romantic comedy axioms and themes. When Tess lies to George at the start of their relationship, you can bet that the deception will cost them eventually.
Jealousy turns sweet, martyr-like Jane into a spiteful saboteur, too, someone who’s not beyond ruining her sister’s happiness. It’s just full of rote dilemmas, and more than a few lovesick characters find themselves betrayed at exactly the expected moment.
But it’s still a funny script by “Devil Wears Prada” screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna. Jane is written as an amiable, daydreaming 20-something whose love for weddings is made clear early on. Her sweetness and sentimentality are made more obvious and defined by the presence of the token best friend character, Casey (the gifted Judy Greer), who’s hilariously frank. The dialogue is witty; Jane’s and Kevin’s alternating combative and trusting bond further fleshes out Jane’s personality and intentions, too.
Smart but dense
Most of the characters are written as smart, but strangely, each of them becomes glaringly dense at the wrong time. George fails to pick up on hints that Tess is a liar; Tess doesn’t sense Jane’s obvious, overwhelming feelings for George; Jane chooses to prolong her agony by not telling her sister how she really feels about her boss. Well, if they were perfect, there’d be no story to tell. But in this case, those scenarios could’ve been told more creatively.
It’s hard not to roll your eyes at the lengthy charades, or even at Jane’s and Kevin’s drunken karaoke session scene. Well, that’s cute and a bit cringe-worthy. Marsden and Heigl look good together and have chemistry, so that’s forgivable. There’s cuteness overload guaranteed by the attractive cast, all good actors who do well in these sure, safe roles.
Yes, “27 Dresses” is a typical date movie that espouses the common thought that happy endings do come, but not necessarily how people might expect them. And Heigl is believable and very much worth watching in it, story missteps and familiarity aside.
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Mysteries of the wedding cake
JUST about everything in a wedding is symbolic from the ring, to the colour of the bride's dress to name a few.
Wedding cakes are also symbolic both in their flavours and the number of layers they have.
For instance, in the old days many people chose fruitcake for weddings said to be an English tradition.
Veteran pastry chef Eceli Rosa said the English probably chose fruitcake because they could keep it for long.
"They preferred fruit cake maybe because they had no refrigeration in those days because it stayed good for long.
"Those who want tier cakes have to go with fruit separated with pillars because they need to stand up firm.
"If you go for a sponge cake it will fall over.
"Cakes supported by pillars need to have a firm base.
"I suppose that is another reason the English chose fruitcake because it is a firm cake and the significance of a marriage firm and steadfast."
Mrs Rosa also explained the meaning of the layers.
"Normally some people keep the top layer for their first anniversary or the birth of their first child," she said.
"The second layer is normally given to the two families and the bottom layer is given to the guests.
"When you talk about weddings people automatically have this picture in their heads that it has to be something standing like a centrepiece and normally standing on top of each other (tiers) supported by pillars or directly on top of each other, elaborately or simply decorated.
"It's normally something that will catch the eye, dressed up with sugar roses or artificial flowers edible."
Mrs Rosa said it was important that the colour of cake matched the wedding theme colour.
"The colour of the wedding cake normally matches the colour of the bride and bridesmaid's dress," she said.
"If the bride is wearing white and the bridesmaids are wearing red I would make the cake white, with, say red ribbons or red roses on the side."
Mrs Rosa said people who married these days planned differently.
"That was the tradition but now I think people change it to modern day themes and colours significant to them.
"Nowadays a lot of people I know don't like fruitcake, my sister is one she does not like fruitcake so they opt for their favourite like sponge, chocolate anything goes."
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=77973
Wedding cakes are also symbolic both in their flavours and the number of layers they have.
For instance, in the old days many people chose fruitcake for weddings said to be an English tradition.
Veteran pastry chef Eceli Rosa said the English probably chose fruitcake because they could keep it for long.
"They preferred fruit cake maybe because they had no refrigeration in those days because it stayed good for long.
"Those who want tier cakes have to go with fruit separated with pillars because they need to stand up firm.
"If you go for a sponge cake it will fall over.
"Cakes supported by pillars need to have a firm base.
"I suppose that is another reason the English chose fruitcake because it is a firm cake and the significance of a marriage firm and steadfast."
Mrs Rosa also explained the meaning of the layers.
"Normally some people keep the top layer for their first anniversary or the birth of their first child," she said.
"The second layer is normally given to the two families and the bottom layer is given to the guests.
"When you talk about weddings people automatically have this picture in their heads that it has to be something standing like a centrepiece and normally standing on top of each other (tiers) supported by pillars or directly on top of each other, elaborately or simply decorated.
"It's normally something that will catch the eye, dressed up with sugar roses or artificial flowers edible."
Mrs Rosa said it was important that the colour of cake matched the wedding theme colour.
"The colour of the wedding cake normally matches the colour of the bride and bridesmaid's dress," she said.
"If the bride is wearing white and the bridesmaids are wearing red I would make the cake white, with, say red ribbons or red roses on the side."
Mrs Rosa said people who married these days planned differently.
"That was the tradition but now I think people change it to modern day themes and colours significant to them.
"Nowadays a lot of people I know don't like fruitcake, my sister is one she does not like fruitcake so they opt for their favourite like sponge, chocolate anything goes."
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=77973
Making memories
Weddings are (usually) a once-in-a-lifetime event. Couples today are taking creativity to new levels.
You don’t really have to spend millions to make a wedding memorable. What’s important are the personal touches and attention to detail that will make a lasting impression on your guests,” says Chris Abishegam, creative director of X2, an events management company.
Abishegam should know – she’s been planning weddings and events for more than 20 years. The events she organises are always an occasion to be remembered.
“I don’t know how to do anything simple. I am very good with details, and that is my speciality. Even if the wedding is for 20 people, I will go all out to ensure that the guests go home with a memorable experience, something they would want to talk about for a long time,” says Abishegam.
She and her husband Andrew Abishegam, in their 40s, got married in 1996 at Carcosa Seri Negara.
“We were the ones who pioneered chair covers, ceiling drapes, personalised banners and confetti canons that are now commonly used by hotels. There was even a bagpipe performance by the old boys of Victoria Institution.
“Wedding invitations during that time were just plain white cards but I wanted it to be different. I designed the card myself and created a personalised invitation that represented the both of us.”
Her elaborate wedding cake was made out of two structures, a church and a palace tower. The grounds were decorated with water fountains, steps and a bridge, all sourced from America. There was even a figurine of the couple.
The cake, designed by a Swiss pastry chef from Istana Hotel, told the story of the couple’s wedding in the church and of their journey to their new palace. Abishegam is now an expert in designing unique cakes, usually 6ft x 6ft in size, for clients.
“I believe that the success of a wedding is measured by how much the guest has been touched. It is very important that each guest feels involved. I’ve been to expensive, lavish weddings that are emotionally empty, and guests can’t wait to go home.
“That’s quite sad actually as so much money was wasted on an event that nobody would remember the week after.
“All the hotels that I have had my events at were very obliging and they said they had never seen an event like mine. A wedding is all about the memories you create for yourself and your guests.
“Always pay attention to emotion. Personalise and customise wherever there is an opportunity. For example, you can transform a normal dinner by renaming your dishes according to your theme and creating a story behind each dish. Handcrafted wedding favours are important, too, as that is what the guests will take back as remembrance,” says Abishegam, who sources hers from all over the world.
Her company even has a couture arm that designs bridal wear for the couple, their flower girls and ring bearers.
“The couple shouldn’t be stressed by details. I take care of everything from the food, decoration, themes and music to what you wear. X2 Couture creates gowns for everyone involved in the wedding, and sometimes, even the guests as they want to fit in with the theme.”
Abishegam takes a few months to plan a client’s wedding but her own events may take up to a few years.
“It will definitely help if the couple informs me of their wedding plans months in advance. Invitations should be sent out a month in advance, if not earlier, so that guests are able to prepare their attire.
“My personal events are a different matter all together as I am very particular about how I want things done. I roughly know what I want to do for my twin daughters’ Sweet 16 birthday and they are only six now!”
“My guests always ask me how am I going to better myself and if I ever run out of ideas. I don’t think I could, as creativity is an ongoing process.
“Event planning started off as a hobby but it has taken a life of its own and grown into a successful business. I put my whole heart and soul into every event, and that’s why it is so successful.
“You must love what you do and do what you love. Each event is unique. We pride ourselves in never doing the same thing twice,” adds Abishegam.
Abishegam’s weddings usually cost between RM100,000 and RM200,000, but she says that she has also planned weddings that cost millions.
“It doesn’t mean that you have to splurge to create beautiful memories, but money does help of course. No matter what your budget, we can always come up with something that you will cherish forever,” says Abishegam with a smile.
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/1/5/lifefocus/19450131&sec=lifefocus
You don’t really have to spend millions to make a wedding memorable. What’s important are the personal touches and attention to detail that will make a lasting impression on your guests,” says Chris Abishegam, creative director of X2, an events management company.
Abishegam should know – she’s been planning weddings and events for more than 20 years. The events she organises are always an occasion to be remembered.
“I don’t know how to do anything simple. I am very good with details, and that is my speciality. Even if the wedding is for 20 people, I will go all out to ensure that the guests go home with a memorable experience, something they would want to talk about for a long time,” says Abishegam.
She and her husband Andrew Abishegam, in their 40s, got married in 1996 at Carcosa Seri Negara.
“We were the ones who pioneered chair covers, ceiling drapes, personalised banners and confetti canons that are now commonly used by hotels. There was even a bagpipe performance by the old boys of Victoria Institution.
“Wedding invitations during that time were just plain white cards but I wanted it to be different. I designed the card myself and created a personalised invitation that represented the both of us.”
Her elaborate wedding cake was made out of two structures, a church and a palace tower. The grounds were decorated with water fountains, steps and a bridge, all sourced from America. There was even a figurine of the couple.
The cake, designed by a Swiss pastry chef from Istana Hotel, told the story of the couple’s wedding in the church and of their journey to their new palace. Abishegam is now an expert in designing unique cakes, usually 6ft x 6ft in size, for clients.
“I believe that the success of a wedding is measured by how much the guest has been touched. It is very important that each guest feels involved. I’ve been to expensive, lavish weddings that are emotionally empty, and guests can’t wait to go home.
“That’s quite sad actually as so much money was wasted on an event that nobody would remember the week after.
“All the hotels that I have had my events at were very obliging and they said they had never seen an event like mine. A wedding is all about the memories you create for yourself and your guests.
“Always pay attention to emotion. Personalise and customise wherever there is an opportunity. For example, you can transform a normal dinner by renaming your dishes according to your theme and creating a story behind each dish. Handcrafted wedding favours are important, too, as that is what the guests will take back as remembrance,” says Abishegam, who sources hers from all over the world.
Her company even has a couture arm that designs bridal wear for the couple, their flower girls and ring bearers.
“The couple shouldn’t be stressed by details. I take care of everything from the food, decoration, themes and music to what you wear. X2 Couture creates gowns for everyone involved in the wedding, and sometimes, even the guests as they want to fit in with the theme.”
Abishegam takes a few months to plan a client’s wedding but her own events may take up to a few years.
“It will definitely help if the couple informs me of their wedding plans months in advance. Invitations should be sent out a month in advance, if not earlier, so that guests are able to prepare their attire.
“My personal events are a different matter all together as I am very particular about how I want things done. I roughly know what I want to do for my twin daughters’ Sweet 16 birthday and they are only six now!”
“My guests always ask me how am I going to better myself and if I ever run out of ideas. I don’t think I could, as creativity is an ongoing process.
“Event planning started off as a hobby but it has taken a life of its own and grown into a successful business. I put my whole heart and soul into every event, and that’s why it is so successful.
“You must love what you do and do what you love. Each event is unique. We pride ourselves in never doing the same thing twice,” adds Abishegam.
Abishegam’s weddings usually cost between RM100,000 and RM200,000, but she says that she has also planned weddings that cost millions.
“It doesn’t mean that you have to splurge to create beautiful memories, but money does help of course. No matter what your budget, we can always come up with something that you will cherish forever,” says Abishegam with a smile.
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/1/5/lifefocus/19450131&sec=lifefocus
Saturday, December 29, 2007
New bridal shop makes everything just sew
Central to every bride's wedding dream is the gown she wears.
Style-Bride Boutique & Design Studio, 315 N. Santa Fe Ave., is about fulfilling those dreams, says owner Mia Gonzalez, who terms the store's recent opening a wish come true for herself.
The 1997 Pueblo County High School grad brings a strong background of education and experience that took root at age 11 when she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer and started teaching herself to sew.
Her junior and senior prom gowns were original pattern creations.
Fashion design school at Colorado State University at Ford Collins propelled her to Beverly Hills design houses upon graduation.
She lists off the prominent bridal and lingerie industry names with celebrity associations like a bride ticks off her wish list.
At Victoria's Secret, Gonzalez was in charge of technical design, making sure every lingerie fabric, lace and notion was in place for Sri Lanka production. While working for designer Cocoe Voci, Gonzalez met actress-musician Moon Zappa and helped make her wedding dress.
One of Gonzales' most glamorous associations was at the Renee Strauss for the Bride in Beverly Hills store, where off-the-rack dresses and custom gowns like Julia Roberts' dress in "Runaway Bride" were sold.
"All of the studios, Warner Brothers, Sony and Paramount, any time they would have a bridal theme or a wedding, they would go over there to either make the gown or borrow the gown," said Gonzalez.
In 2003, her career nearly went academic when she returned to CSU to teach fashion illustration before another Los Angeles adventure.
From the beginning of her fashion career, however, Gonzales, 28, says she always hoped to run a bridal boutique here.
She said her store prides itself on stellar customer service, while offering gowns starting at $300, as well as high-end custom dresses.
In her 11th week of business, Gonzalez says she's found most brides prefer a nontraditional look.
"They don't want the dress that looks like it's from the top of the cake, poufy and plastic and blasted with sequins," she said. "We have girls with tattoos, second weddings so they don't want white, girls incorporating different colors, the different themes, the '50s style."
Plus, Gonzalez, who says she's one of few custom designers statewide, can make a gown from scratch, perhaps starting with a magazine photo. She then adds "a little bit of a twist" in the bride's taste - whatever's needed to realize a bride's special dream.
http://www.chieftain.com/business/1198913436/2
Style-Bride Boutique & Design Studio, 315 N. Santa Fe Ave., is about fulfilling those dreams, says owner Mia Gonzalez, who terms the store's recent opening a wish come true for herself.
The 1997 Pueblo County High School grad brings a strong background of education and experience that took root at age 11 when she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer and started teaching herself to sew.
Her junior and senior prom gowns were original pattern creations.
Fashion design school at Colorado State University at Ford Collins propelled her to Beverly Hills design houses upon graduation.
She lists off the prominent bridal and lingerie industry names with celebrity associations like a bride ticks off her wish list.
At Victoria's Secret, Gonzalez was in charge of technical design, making sure every lingerie fabric, lace and notion was in place for Sri Lanka production. While working for designer Cocoe Voci, Gonzalez met actress-musician Moon Zappa and helped make her wedding dress.
One of Gonzales' most glamorous associations was at the Renee Strauss for the Bride in Beverly Hills store, where off-the-rack dresses and custom gowns like Julia Roberts' dress in "Runaway Bride" were sold.
"All of the studios, Warner Brothers, Sony and Paramount, any time they would have a bridal theme or a wedding, they would go over there to either make the gown or borrow the gown," said Gonzalez.
In 2003, her career nearly went academic when she returned to CSU to teach fashion illustration before another Los Angeles adventure.
From the beginning of her fashion career, however, Gonzales, 28, says she always hoped to run a bridal boutique here.
She said her store prides itself on stellar customer service, while offering gowns starting at $300, as well as high-end custom dresses.
In her 11th week of business, Gonzalez says she's found most brides prefer a nontraditional look.
"They don't want the dress that looks like it's from the top of the cake, poufy and plastic and blasted with sequins," she said. "We have girls with tattoos, second weddings so they don't want white, girls incorporating different colors, the different themes, the '50s style."
Plus, Gonzalez, who says she's one of few custom designers statewide, can make a gown from scratch, perhaps starting with a magazine photo. She then adds "a little bit of a twist" in the bride's taste - whatever's needed to realize a bride's special dream.
http://www.chieftain.com/business/1198913436/2
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