GREAT PERFORMANCES

One of my first weddings was here, at Wave Hill, on the Hudson in New York. The bride was a producer for 60 Minutes and everything had to be perfect! Enter one of New York's finest caterers- Great Performances!! It was a glorious affair! So, how thrilled was I when asked to reconnect with Liz yesterday!!! Great Performances is the exclusive caterer at Wave Hill and several other premier venues in New York City, 
including The Plaza Hotel. 

Liz Neumark is the creative force and owner of this finely tuned company, and she never misses a beat! Working with Liz and her team is a pleasure and so easy. Her attention to detail and her philosophy about a bride's wedding day are right on the mark.

Great Performances has a new Wedding EPK- to tell the story of what they can and will do and keeping brides abreast of trends on the cutting edge of weddings and food. The list of possibilities is only as limited as your imagination. With stunning venues, a professional team of experts on all facets of weddings and menus that are fresh, seasonal and from local sources. 

Liz began her journey as an artist, with a passion for photography. She formed a company providing waitress help for special events- employing women in the arts who needed steady work. And, "by accident", as Liz likes to refer to it, Great Performances was born. Today, she maintains one of the top catering companies in New York AND owns a farm where many of the ingredients are grown for the company.

Katchkie Farm , a 60 acre farm in NY state, is home to many of the vegetables, herbs and spices used in making the the beautiful and delicious dishes that will be served at your wedding. Liz wanted a sustainable and environmentally respectful approach to her kitchens, with farm inspired dishes and a collaborative effort with other local food sources. She uses flavors in season and creates menus based on what is fresh and growing NOW.

I asked Liz about some of the things her culinary team creates and my mouth was watering as she described soups, ravioli, hors d oeuvres and other delectable goodies that evolve out of the Great Performance kitchens.





In addition to the wonderful culinary delights of Great Performances, you will find no shortage of other creative geniuses at work at Great Performances. Your wedding will be styled from start to finish- with every design detail tailored to your vision. From artistic table top design to unique serving pieces, to your printed materials, everything will be impeccable and a treat for the eyes.



The creative team at Great Performances also stays current on all the latest trends. Farm tables, small plates, creative venues, unique ways of serving food, gluten free menus, all things that are trending. Staying at the top of her game is Liz's priority. Liz has catered to celebrities, top corporations and those that understand the quality and expertise of Great Performances.

I look forward to collaborating with Liz on more weddings and I am thrilled to be able to share Great Performances with all of you! Thanks to Liz and her team for always doing an outstanding job and for the opportunity to share your success with my readers! To contact Great Performances:

Great Performances Inquiry

Happy Planning! 

ADRIANNA AND PAUL- AND EMMA: A BEAUTIFUL DAY

On Saturday, Adrianna's parents walked her down the path of her aunt's home to join hands with Paul and his daughter, Emma.   The bride was radiant in her ivory, silk organza gown.  Carrying a bouquet of ivory roses from Ilonka Floral, with her proud father on one arm and her dazzling mother on the other- wearing a gorgeous ice blue silk gown, Adrianna and Paul- and Emma, begin their lives.   Getting there- well, there is a tale to be told!   From the photos, it would seem that a design team came in and transformed this incredible house and property into a lush scene.  But, the team consisted of the bride's Aunt Claudia, whose home it was, and Claudia's talented friends and neighbors- oh, and myself!!  This was a monumental task!!  Just look at how it turned out!!    

THE DETAILS:  It began 3 weeks ago with a frantic phone call from Laura, the mom.   She had been under the mistaken impression that the caterer was going to assist in the execution of the rehearsal and wedding.   When she realized that the caterer DOES NOT get involved with the DIY details or the tent that came from an outside source, she panicked!!  So, three weeks before this big event, I came on board to calm the nerves and pull the pieces together. 

When I first met Adrianna and her mother and aunt at the aunt's sprawling home, there were antique linens, vases and various other beautiful touches all over the dining room.  The yard was in transformation mode and Claudia was still accumulating things to decorate with.   There was no real game plan until the day before the wedding.   And, the linens for the tent were not arriving until three hours before the guests, there was a lot of work to be done.  

In the three weeks before the wedding, the details of the tent had to be figured out.  Many conversations and several trips out to the house later, the tent was up- with a floor, by Wednesday.   On Thursday, when I got there for rehearsal, there was still no sign of a successful execution of a wedding on Saturday.   But, as evidenced here, that was not the case on Saturday at 5PM when the guests started arriving.  

I arrived at noon on Saturday, with an assistant.   When I got there, the patio was awash with tables, garden tools, ladders and two of Claudia's friends, making arrangements to hang on the patio and on the shepherd's hooks lining the bridal path.  One of my first tasks was to make big tulle bows for all of these arrangements, while my assistant walked the yard looking for the leavings of the three dogs!   She and the bride's uncle collected several "surprises" that could have been disastrous to the the bride!   After the bows, my assistant and I set about creating the gift table, the escort card table, the table for the guest book and filling at least a hundred mason jars with candles to line the patio and steps.   At about 2PM I called to check in with the bride ( since I am usually WITH the bride at this point) and she was upset.  The florist had not made the bridesmaid bouquets the way she was supposed to make them.   I told her not to worry.   And, I sent her aunt out to get me 2 dozen pale pink and two dozen ivory roses.   When the girls arrived at 4:15 ( yes, an hour before the ceremony), I took apart the bouquets, remade them with the roses and retied them for pictures.   Adrianna was much happier!   The ceremony took place in the center photo here.  The linens on the escort table and the guest book table are family pieces.   Every flower arrangement was made by Claudia and her friends.                 



 Adrianna waited in the house, trying not to be seen by the groom.  He was not cooperating!  The girls were dressed in pewter, chiffon dresses and carried bouquets of ivory and pink roses, blue hydrangea and tied with green ribbon.  The flower girls- of which there were five, carried mini bouquets of blue hydrangea.   The ceremony was very personal and lovely, and ended with the new family sending up three white balloons into the clouds.  Emma loved this part!   Cocktail hour was on the patio and then dinner was served in the tent.   The party was very lively and sounded like Jerry Blavat was spinning records.  This was a crowd of oldies lovers for sure!!   Mixed with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin for Adrianna's Italian family and, of course, a tarantella!   Adrianna danced to a beautiful Italian song with her dad- very sweet!!  The homemade wine was flowing and everyone was on the dance floor!! 

Provence Catering did an amazing job!  The stationary hors d' oeuvres table was loaded with Italian meats, cheeses and breads.   They passed sliders and stromboli along with several other delicious goodies.  The staff is wonderful at Provence!  They are so pleasant and helpful.  And, for this wedding that was special! It took all of us to carry all the centerpieces back into the house at the end of the evening.      

The cake was delicious.  And, the dessert table was full of homemade Italian cookies and pastries, mostly made by Adrianna's aunts and grandmother.   The food alone was a picture!  Great job, Provence!   What a wonderful team of professionals!!

 There were seven little ones in the wedding party- five flower girls and two ring bearers.  They were all so darling.   Emma, Paul's daughter, was so excited.  And, the littlest one, Olivia, was  really funny!  I love this photo of them all watching Adrianna and Paul cut the cake.  And, little Olivia got icing on her nose.   After dinner, the kids made their way into the house, PJ's on and watching Cinderella.  A fitting way for little cherubs to end their big day.    
For the grownups, they ended their day on the Bocce Ball court.  This yard was incredible- and big!   I just had to take this last shot as I was limping to the car.   








All in all it was a perfect day.  There were lots of twists and turns.  There could have been some disasters.  But, with a competent planner on board ( even though at the 11th hour), it all turned out just as the bride wanted.   

Thanks to Provence Catering, Jeremy Hess Photography, Ilonka Floral and Joe Amoroso DJ's for helping make Adrianna and Paul's wedding a beautiful day! 

AUTUMN AT APPLEFORD

So excited to be a part of this inspired event on October 4th!   Join Provence Catering as they host this taste of autumn at the lovely Appleford Estate.  Joining them, besides myself, will be the exquisite designs of Nancy Saam.   
Her floral designs are always glorious and her lovely personality will make your selection of flowers for your wedding a delight.   The exciting sounds of CTO Artists- music that will wow your guests and create a lasting memory of a great party at your wedding. 

The talented team from CinemaCake, that will document your day and create a video collage of all the most precious moments of your special day. 

 Invitations by one of the best teams- LoveLeigh Designs.  Making the process of inviting your guests fun and unique.
 And, the amazing and creative mind of Paul Roebuck and Unique Concepts Studio.  Wedding photography that has won awards and a guy that just glows!  

So, join us on October 4th, from 6- 8:30PM, as we celebrate fall and YOU!   RSVP to:
Provence Catering
610- 539-8330

See you there!

MEGHAN AND RYAN: A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Meghan and Ryan got married on Saturday!   What a glorious day for them- perfect weather, a beautiful bride, two wonderful families and a great party.   The day started for the girls at Salon Jolie.  They were a pretty bunch to begin with.   But, they were all stunning when they arrived at The Elkins Estate.   The boys arrived and were tucked away before the bride got there, as these two waited to see each other until Meghan walked down the aisle.   Zack, from Saget''s Formalwear was there and ready to dress the men of the wedding party- they were dazzling.  

And, I loved the soft lavender color of the bridesmaid dresses.  I can't forget to mention the little ones- two flower girls and two ring bearers.   They did a great job and they all looked adorable.

The energy in the room while the girls got ready was so positive and loving!  Both moms, all the girls and, occasionally, Megan's dad popped in to check with me.  Meghan was cool and calm- mostly!   She was nervous for the photographer to touch her dress- so cute!   But, Josh Lynn was full of jokes and SO easy to work with.   He made her laugh at herself.   And, Tom, from TLJ Studios got all on tape!   Meghan was "directing" the photography and videography the whole time we were preparing in the suite!  I know Tom got some great film!!

  The flowers, from Penny's in Glenside, were a lovely combination of lavender roses and lots of garden-y white flowers.   Meghan wanted streamers on her bouquet- good thing I had the right color ribbon in my emergency bag to make them!   Every bouquet had a brooch on the ribbon.   It was a beautiful touch.   Meghan's maid of honor, Devon, was the BEST!   It is so obvious that these two girls share a great friendship.  Devon was adorable and sweet and I just loved her.   But, all of the bridesmaids were great.   We had one mishap- one girl thought she forgot her shoes.  There was a mad search for them in several cars, before they were finally tracked down.   Who wants a barefoot bridesmaid?  I had a back up from another girl, but- crisis averted.    

    I wish I had photos of the bride and her dad in the Rolls Royce- a job that took on a life of its own in the planning process.  Meghan wanted an antique Rolls that was NOT white!   And, I FOUND ONE!!  Well, when I get the professional shots from the AMAZING and FUNNY photographer, Josh Lynn, I will show you.  So, check back in a day or two for a second post- THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS.  The guests and wedding party were escorted to and from church and the hotels by my good friends at Sterling Limousines.   And, I loved the way the crew from TLJ Studios worked together with the photographer to document every moment.   The church was beautiful and the service was very special.   The minister and the choir director are good friends of the bride's dad and they really made it extra special.  Afterward, lavender rice in adorable cones- made by the bride, were given to all the guests.   It smelled heavenly!

Instead of a ring pillow, the ring bearers each carried an old family bible with a ring tied to it.  What a touching tribute to two loving families of great faith.   This was but one of the many personal touches that Meghan incorporated into her day.   

 

The room was gloriously aglow with the expertise of Eventions and the beautiful centerpieces by Penny's Flowers.   Ivory damask linens draped all the tables and gold rimmed glassware finished off the elegant look.   The brilliant talent of Provence Catering served a delicious and flawless meal.   Pam and her staff are impeccable with service and quality.   There was an abundance of wonderful food- and chicken nuggets for the groom at cocktail hour.   An unusual and personal request!   But, no request is too unusual for Provence.   Dessert was a scrumptious and beautiful wedding cake from Lochel's Bakery and a crepe and cordial station at the bottom of the grand staircase.   

One of my favorite touches was the escort card table.  The guests table seating was draped over wine bottles, the favors, with a lavender ribbon.   The labels on the wine bottles were personalized with "Meghan and Ryan" on them.   It was a stunning accent to the great hall as guests arrived at the estate.              

The dance floor was crowded all night with the illustrious DJ, Rich from Cutting Edge Entertainment!   Rich kept the guests on the floor and he kept the party going without a hitch.  The couple took dance lessons for their first dance- a Foxtrot.   I love how the little ones found a spot on the floor to watch- in the background of the left side of this photo.  How cute!   

It was a perfect day for Meghan and Ryan!  And, now they are off to Bora Bora for two weeks of recuperating before they make their new home in Washington, DC.   Thanks for letting me be a part of your big day and congratulations on your marriage!!       

10- 11- 12 AND 12- 12- 12

Attention Creative Brides!! This is a deal you can't afford to pass up. But, you don't have time to waste. If you want to have your wedding on 10- 11- 12 or 12- 12- 12, Drexelbrook has an amazing wedding package just for you!

The package includes:
Six Hour Wedding
Five Hour Open Bar
Champagne Toast
Hors d' oevres
Served or Buffet Dinner
Wedding Cake
Dessert Station
Deluxe Coffee Bar
Centerpieces
Romantic Room Lighting
Linens, Tables and Chairs
Charger Plates
Disc Jockey
State Sales Tax
Event Service Charge
$112 Per Person inclusive

Don't hesitate! Get on the phone and call for your appointment today! This deal won't take long to book and Drexelbrook is a great venue for a great event! Make your wedding dreams come true with this fabulous package!!

MICHELLE AND DAN: A BEAUTIFUL DAY

This photo sums up the feeling of Michelle and Dan's wedding last Saturday- A dozen red roses and a handwritten and framed love letter from the groom to his bride. It was the first of many touching and beautiful moments in the course of a spectacular day.

We started the day at The Four Seasons in Philadelphia with a bevy of lovelies primping and giggling while waiting for the photographer. The bride was calm and relaxed as she sat by the window having her pretty face made even prettier by the expert hands of Vanity Salon. With each ring of the doorbell, and each bridesmaid appearing, the excitement grew. It wasn't long before all 8 girls and the bride were drinking champagne and chatting as John Barone was snapping his camera and Tweed Productions was getting it all on film. While downstairs, the groom and his groomsmen were nervously trying to tie bow ties and I tried to get everyone in a tuxedo jacket and pinned with a rose. The concierge at the hotel graciously came to the rescue to help me and the men with the ties. Though I had printed out directions for them, the fingers just weren't working fast enough. Time was of the essence and we needed to keep moving. As I ran back and forth between the 4th and the 6th floors, Michelle's mom was putting her into the traditional bridal sari for photos. "The Dress" was still on a hanger on the door, but Michelle was happy to take some photos in a sari for her mother. The girls were in amazement as they watched the process of folding and pinning the sari.
Finally, the guys were ready to head out to the fountain- and the girls stood at the window watching as John and Jay led Dan and the boys around outside. Meanwhile, the buses were arriving- a huge piece of the day. All the guests were staying at three hotels in the city and had to be transported to church and then to The Willows for the reception. Also, there was a school bus for the guys to get to church and a limousine for the girls. All of this had to be coordinated and timed to the minute. The bride and groom did not see each other before the ceremony,so I had to keep them apart for pictures. The buses were great! The school bus was adorable and the limo driver made sure the bride didn't get dirty in and out of the car. I love working with pros!
The Details
There were plenty of details for this wedding! And, they changed constantly during the process. So, I had to keep careful notes and check in with vendors often to keep everyone on the same page. Michelle, be in the fashion industry, has great taste. She wanted every element of her wedding to be perfect. And, with a Blackberry, and iphone and an ipad- pictures from the internet were a daily surprise in my inbox! The gorgeous flowers, by Chantilly Floral, were amazing! Three shade of pink- from fuschia to medium to light pink and hen mixed with ivory, to create these very lush bouquets and centerpieces. Michelle combined a mix of high trumpet vases with three dozen fuschia roses on top and pink calla lilies floating inside, with alternate square vessels, six to a table, with three dozen mixed roses scattered between the six vessels. Gold chairs, ivory linens and gold edged china, made for a beautiful table setting. And, there was lots of candlelight and pink uplighting in the tent thanks to Moore Events. Other details included the custom table numbers made by- ME! And, the unique escort cards- a full blown rose with a calligraphied leaf for each guest. The leaves came from Etsy and the assembly of the leaf to the rose was done by my daughter. Also, I made 50 pew bows for the church which was a darling little Catholic church. Every room at The Willows was lit with votives and scattered with vases of roses. When the guests arrived for cocktails on the patio, they were greeted by the wonderful staff of Perfect Setting catering and a "Blushing Bride" - pink, of course. Oh- let's not forget THE DRESS! Vera Wang and stunning! Michelle looked like a Barbie doll in her ivory satin gown with a billow of organza flounce on the bottom.

The Party

When the party moved into the tent, we didn't need the heaters to keep everyone warm! There was plenty of energy and great food to do that! The introduction was easy- just the happy couple. They were so excited that the DJ didn't even get their names announced before they made their grand entrance! The groom thanked everyone for being there and handed over the microphone to the bride's father for the blessing. Then the bride's sister and the groom's brother gave two touching toasts before dinner. Michelle and Dan waited until after dinner to do their first dance- a Motown favorite to get the party in high gear- AND IT DID! With the help of the very talented Vaughn Walter, from Silver Sound, the tables emptied to the dance floor and stayed that way all night! Vaughn really rocked the party!! Getting the cake cut was a challenge, as the couple didn't want to stop long enough to do it. Once they did, John had to do 3 takes to get a shot of them feeding each other- it was really cute and SO funny!! Cake and chocolate covered strawberries were set out for dessert along with a lovely coffee station. Perfect Setting did a fabulous job all night! Again- I love working with the pros!!

There was no break in the fun. Everyone was on the dance floor! The groomsmen did an Irish jig for the groom, the bride's family danced some Bollywood and taught the girls how and they even danced the hora- though the couple wasn't Jewish! It was a perfect day! The couple were happy, the food was good, the music was upbeat and great fun and...IT DIDN'T RAIN! I promised the bride it wouldn't and the rain gods and I kept the promise! I LOVE my job!