Archive for 四月 2010

Gifts for Mom {and ‘Maids} from Elva Fields

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

I’m not sure what it is about big, chunky brooch-inspired necklaces these days, but I’ve certainly got a thing for them. Just take a look at these beautiful baubles by Elva Fields , a fine handmade jewelry company comprised of one-of-a-kind and limited edition vintage necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
I’m especially in love with the Elva Collection: An exclusive group of one-of-a-kind designs that feature vintage and antique components integrated with precious metals and natural gemstone beads…
But then there’s also the June collection: Earrings, bracelets and necklaces created in limited editions from 1940s glass beads, vintage cameos, charms, buttons and semi-precious stones. I’m equally intrigued…
Though if I’m feeling green, the Deb collection also offers a twist on eco-friendly design by featuring entirely reclaimed and recycled elements – from chain to clasp.
Ah! So much to offer, I might just have to stock up on multiples for Mom {and me}.

Photos courtesy Elva Fields

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The Standard | NYC Wedding Accommodations

Hotels

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Continuing with Merci New York’s series of featuring some of the city’s hottest hotels to stay, sleep and play, {and of course, house your out-of-town wedding guests}, it only made sense to showcase one of the newest, hippest and dare we say, sexiest, hotels in Manhattan: the ever-chic Standard Hotel. Take a peek…
The Standard is hotelier Andre Balazs’s latest, and like many of his past ventures, it comes packed with a certain electricity and buzz that oozes downtown cool. Perched twenty stories above the High Line, the city’s newest old park {recreated from the former elevated subway line}, the Standard boasts 337 glass rooms and a certain, well, exhibitionism, that has given it quite a sultry reputation since its Fall 2009 opening.
Those looking for an after-party will certainly find one in the Boom Boom Room, one of Manhattan’s hottest nightclubs located on the hotel’s 18th floor. Be forewarned: having a hotel room key does not guarantee entrance, but those who do meander into the Art Deco lounge will absolutely love it. The sleek dark wood bar and furnishings are only matched by the hot crowd, and the party always lasts into the early AM. {Though worth noting: any particularly inebriated frat brothers denied entrance can still party hearty in the hotel’s lobby, a “living room” where some of this city’s best DJs spin on weekend nights. Definitely not a bad consolation prize}…Of course, the Standard is certainly a scene, but that’s not to say that your great Aunt Gertie should feel shy about booking a room. More conservative out of town guests can find solace in the simple room accommodations, well stocked gym and almost-always open Standard Grill. {Not to mention, the sweeping city and Hudson views from the floor to ceiling windows that seem to have everyone swooning}.
To learn more about the Standard Hotel, or to book a room block, visit their Web site or call 212.645.4646.

All photos courtesy of The Standard Hotel ; 848 Washington Street at West 13th

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Merci New York’s Tips for Creating an Inspired Dessert Table

Outdoor

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Last month, Merci New York was fortunate to partake in a collaborative shoot with a group of talented NYC-based designers, artists and vendors…. and while we showcased an overview in this post , Merci New York intentionally omitted some of our gift and dessert table details so a few of our blogger friends could share our ideas with their readers too {many, many thanks}!
Anyways, now that the cat is out of the bag, I thought it would be fun to share some tips and tricks for creating a unique DIY gift and dessert table and also let you know about a fun {soon-to-be} related project we are featuring on a great wedding planning resource.
So here are a few tips! Hope you enjoy!

Think monochromatic: I love color, but when it comes to a table theme, it’s best to stick with one or two main tones and an accent to make the story “pop”. We chose neutral “woodsy” tones for this table, and threw in a cornflower blue, which was the accent tone on the inspiration board.
Use your venue’s backdrop: The backdrop behind this table is actually the loft space’s non-functioning freight elevator. The rustic patina played well with the table design and added to the texture of the final product. Make sure you think about where you are placing your table, and how the backdrop might play a role in its grand reveal.
Make flea market finds work for you: I know everyone says this, but it’s true. There’s a great local flea market right across the street from my UWS apartment every Sunday. While everyone tends to flood the outdoor vendors, I grab my Starbucks and head indoors each weekend to one quiet vendor who sells vintage botanical tear sheets. I sift and sift and pull pieces for future projects. the art work on the birdcage, welcome notes, and custom candy bars were born of vintage tear sheets.
But don’t ignore your local design stores: Though I love my Sunday at the flea, the hunt is not always worth the time, especially if you are looking for elements that will “transform” or “transition” once you complete your table. For example, I could have scoured the NYC flea markets for hours trying to find a perfect birdcage, but I also knew I was going to snazz it up quite a bit {so the initial birdcage design was not as important as the final product}. So for this project {and coincidentally, also for the chocolate wood trays that house the moss-filled lollipop and popcorn gardens}, I took to my trusty West Elm store. Yes, the birdcage is still available here , and they constantly have a slew of decorative versatile trays on hand – And better yet, they’re cheap!
Behold the beauty of Japanese paper: If you’re close to a great stationery store, such as Kate’s Paperie or Paper Source, swing by on a slow day and play with a few sheets {apparently, the staff at Kate’s told me Sunday mornings are best for this sort of work}. While they can get pricey, the texture, print and overall beauty of Japanese papers truly shine through any display. I loved the combination of vert green and cornflower blue papers for our birdcage favor boxes, as well as the faux bois design I used to line the dessert trays and create the popcorn cones. Again, use only a few patterns, and integrate them around the table.
Remember, these are edible:Don’t go all “type A” on your table! This is a dessert and gift table first and a design project second! Be sure to remember that the contents are just as important as the design. No one wants to visit a table of color coordinated icky, unpopular treats. Make sure to have a balance of salty, sweet and savory items, include crowd favorites… and think about the combined tastes of what you are presenting!

Lastly, here’s a little added treat: While we photographed our table sans-macarons elsewhere, we did have two great towers created with the chic treats courtesy of Macaron de Paris . Next week, we’re teaming up with one of our favorite wedding resources to show you how to make these trendy creations yourself {so stay tuned and don’t be intimidated! They’re quite fun and easy}.

All photos courtesy Oh Darling!

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Party Tips from the B-List | Wedding Ideas

Chic Vendor Spotlight

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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As you’ve probably noticed around the wedding blogging world, we’ve all posted quite a bit about our experiences at the B-List conference in DC. I did mention I would chime in a bit more, so here’s another little sneak peek with a new perspective: Some tips and tricks from the B List party that can easily fold into your wedding day details.
After all, it must be pretty intense to plan a party for wedding vendors and bloggers and still showcase some fresh ideas. Let’s take a look at what the sponsors presented…
Perhaps my favorite detail: A prosecco bar. Each station showcased a different prosecco-based cocktail – this one included a pretty fresh herb display. Guests hand picked the herbs and added them to their bubbly. It was such a fresh presentation and would be a perfect accent to a summer wedding. Small raw bar bites and bud vases of fresh spring blooms strategically placed along the food displays. Simple and sweet, but never under appreciated at any cocktail hour. I loved this place setting, complete with a bowl vase of white and green blooms that matched the dinnerware. It was both elegant and fresh; and would make a perfect placecard for a smaller soiree. More from the prosecco bar: This station lured guests with a new prosecco and a splash of their favorite fresh fruit juices or nectar. So chic and indulgent. {And of course, stacked cake stands always make for a dramatic dessert display, especially when placed atop illuminated glass tables}. Try this: Instead of signature cocktails, name your passed hors d’ oeuvres for special guests, locales or occassions that are important to you. Here, each plate was named after one of the wedding bloggers at the conference. Nole’s tuna tartare was delish! Installation as decoration: The party was held at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria, an art center complete with open studios and galleries. This installation of pretty white dresses was currently on display at the venue, but the white dresses almost appeared to be part of the wedding theme. The tip? Let your venue work for you. Be sure to play up its unique accents and selling points to avoid over-decorating your space.
Photo booths are great fun {but you knew that already}… Here’s a pic of some of your favorite bloggers hamming it up for Smilebooth . I’ll pop back in later to tag everyone, but yes, that’s me cheesing on the lower left. For more great photos from the B-List, be sure to check out the B-List site and the posts from the other bloggers. A full list of sponsors can be found on our previous post, here .

Photos courtesy of Elan Artists – Shane Carpenter, Jonathan Hanson, Lindsay MacDonald, Carlos Andres Varela

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Real NYC Engagement | Patty + Jamie

Engagements

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Well, the clouds have rolled over our sunny Miami vacation, wrapping up a wonderful trip filled with some great R&R {and also some fun “work” meetings for next week’s features}.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to coming back to good old New York, where I’ve heard some springtime showers have graced {or perhaps pounded} the city.
I will admit, I like rain. As Parris Whittingham shows in this great engagement session, a rainy afternoon in Manhattan can be just as romantic as a sunny stroll through Central Park… And while the Metropolitan Museum of Art is possibly one of the chicest city backdrops for such an occassion, I’m kind of in love with the header image… A little rain, a city street, and a warm embrace. How perfect is that?
Want more? Be sure to check out Parris’ journal, From Parris with Love , to learn all about Patty and Jamie’s long distance love story . And for more Met engagement inspiration from Merci New York, click here .

Photos courtesy Parris Whittingham .

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What We Love | PD Couture by Prismera

accessories

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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While I’ll certainly always be partial to the steadfast bib necklace trend, I love finding fresh a fun ways to dress up a LBD or really, just a common white tee. So when Prismera Design recently launched their new PD Couture line, I began scrambling through my wardrobe for all my solid staples. There’s something so fun about making old frocks feel new again…
Anyway, I digress.
Although the market seems saturated with tons of fabric necklace designers out there, I think it’s the rare mix of materials that drives me to the PD Couture line. The fabric composition is both eclectic and cohesive, {such as Japanese chiffon stitched to pleated velvet and heavy cotton twill}, and because each of these little beauties fall perfectly flush against the body, it truly feels as though they were custom made for the wearer.
Basically, it’s couture quality and design, without the hefty price tag… Really, how can you not love that?

Prices range from $45 – $330 at Prismera Designs .

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Real Engagement | Dana + Yossi

Engagements

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Yes, I know this is not New York.
But this gorgeous shoot from Red Rock Las Vegas comes courtesy of Shira Weinberger , one of my favorite New York City photographers. Shira travels all over the world shooting beautiful weddings, engagement and other events, and I really wanted to share the breadth of her beautiful work. {See that? I found a loophole to my own editorial content!}
Anyway, how truly beautiful is this? Dana and Yossi look absolutely blissful and the desert palette is so soft and pretty… {And can we please discuss the sheer amount of style emanating from Dana’s fab outfit? The boots, the dress… She totally rocks it}.
Many thanks to Shira for sharing more of her gorgeous work with Merci New York readers. For the full shoot, click here . And for more of Shira’s published work on the Merci New York blog, you must check out this two-part series . It’s amazing.

Photos courtesy Shira Weinberger

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New York Tabletop Show | Martha Stewart’s Tables for All Occasions

Events

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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The New York Tabletop Show wrapped up last week, with gorgeous displays from the very best in luxury gifts and tableware. If you’ve worked on tabletop market {as I actually did as a bright eyed and bushy tailed college grad}, it’s quite a production: the extensive sample coordination, party planning and eventually, the grand reward: the mise-en-scène of a perfectly poised table…
Of course, I no longer work in tabletop, but I do work with brides. And from a registry perspective, following the Tabletop Show is a wise way to keep your eyes on what’s in store from your favorite designers.
So if we’re talking table, we have to talk Martha. I had the pleasure of viewing her varied vignettes at the New York Merchandise Mart last Friday. Each of Martha Stewart’s tablescapes were tailored toward a certain special occasion: A wedding, casual Friday night dinner, Mother’s Day brunch, and of course, a bridal shower…

New York Tabletop Show | Martha Stewart’s Tables for All Occasions

The color palettes were soft and suitable from springtime occasions. I adored the pink and gold tones for her wedding table {a nod to all the pink that graced the most recent issue of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine}. Here, the team graciously paired Martha Stewart’s Gold Aves China with Wedgewood’s French Knot China in gold – showing that a well-designed table need not stick to one china pattern.
The second table, staged for a simple Friday night dinner, was equally beautiful. The relaxed and fun design was reliant on simple white china and clean, refreshing lines… in fact, while I was admiring the table, I overheard Martha commenting on the fresh simplicity of the bright blooms housed in the Kate Spade for Lenox Camelia Avenue Posy Vases , once again showing that you can make a big impact with few flowers.
The third tablescape, styled for a whimsical Mother’s Day brunch, focused on sweet details: I adored the darling honey favors and truffles placed on towering Martha Stewart Collection Whiteware cakestands . The use of Royal Copenhagen’s Elements pattern for the cup and saucers, dessert plates and bowl also seemed fitting and fun…
Whatever your personal style or preferences, the Martha Stewart market tablescapes showcased something for everyone. {If you’ve fallen for any of the details in these vignettes, please comment or email me for an expansive product list}. Happy registering!

Photos courtesy Emily Roemer for Martha Stewart

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Back from the B-List | Out-of-Town Guest Gift Idea

Luxe-List

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Hi everyone! Just wanted to drop a quick post to chat about this weekend’s fabulous experience at the B-List wedding blogger conference in Washington DC and Old Town Alexandria. I’m sure you’ve already seen a few bloggers wax poetic about the great time we had, courtesy of Anne and Vane , as well as our local hosts Maria and Kelly of Ritzy Bee . Of course, I will be sharing more details {very} soon, but I wanted to take a moment to share a cute idea, courtesy of our wonderfully generous and fabulously creative sponsors…
Here’s a detail that translates wonderfully into out-of-town guest gift and welcome basket design… Our {too-cute} lunch on Saturday was provided by Design Cuisine . The picnic style theme included sandwiches wrapped up in wax paper, B-shaped sugar cookies, old fashioned root beer local to Old Town Alexandria and {wait for it}… darling cloth napkins with the phrase “love at first bite” embroidered in blue. Really, it oozed cuteness. The soft geo-print boxes were courtesy of Smock . The concept is so simple, yet so thoughtful, and the photo box size guarantees reuse!
There are still many generous gifts and products I’ve yet to sift through, but as I do, you know I will be sharing! Here’s a shot of our all-too-generous gift bag with wonderful goodies from great companies! Many, many thanks to Chronicle Books , Smock , David Tutera , Paloma’s Nest , Rust Designs , Emersonmade , Wedgwood , Santa Barbara Preserves , Whisker Works , Footpetals , iomoi , Viv & Ingrid , Williams Sonoma , 9Spot Monk , Martha Stewart for Crane & Co ., Delphine , Bridal Reflections , Sycamore Street Press , Flory Photo , Chewing the Cud , Envelopments , Scout Books , Pottery Barn , The Pink Initiative , Lo Boheme , Rembrandt , Simple Song Design and Thoughtful Day for all of our amazing treats! So that’s just a sneak peek… be sure to check back on Thursday with more inspiring details from this weekend’s festivities and events!

Photos courtesy Kate Headley

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The Luxe Lingerie Contest Winners | Wedding Contests

contests

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Merci New York’s Luxe Lingerie Contest has come to a close, and we have two very lucky ladies that will be receiving chic Silk Kimono Rompers courtesy of La Fee Verte lingerie…
Shannon of C’est La Vie and bride-to-be AZ in August , you are our winners. Congrats, ladies! We will be contacting you and sending your gorgeous boudoir goodies.
Everyone else, sit tight. We have another giveaway to announce next week… and as always, it’s fabulous.

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Wedding Inspiration | Manhattan Loft Style at the Xchange

Editorial

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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With Bridal and Tabletop Market last week, as well as a fab jaunt to DC for the B-List this past weekend {more on that later!}, Merci New York was thrilled to cover many wedding industry happenings and events over the past few days. However, in the thick of it all, we didn’t get to share some of our own work; including a tres-fun collaborative photoshoot with many of NYC’s most talented designers. Though many of you might have seen the great recap on Design*Sponge and Brides.com last week, I thought we’d publish a few new pics of the chic shoot that was…
Gorgeously ethereal hair accessories from the lovely Amanda at Untamed Petals ; all makeup by the talented Lauren Napier . Bespoke invitations and small paper goods by Lela New York ; wonderfully delish catering by Stuart & Welch Florals and terrarium-inspired tablescape by Poppies & Posies . Absolutely gorgeous custom hand-painted clutch and chic calligraphy by Janelle Sing Boutonniere by poppies & posies ; styling by Merci New York and poppies & posies . Scrumptious, {and not to mention, gluten free}, cupcakes by Tully’s Bakery Merci New York ‘s custom gift and dessert table, including a birdcage enclosed favors and couture welcome baskets Beautiful eco-friendly wedding dresses by Adele Wechsler and bridesmaid dresses from 57 Grand . And of course, perfect photography at our venue, the Xchange , by husband and wife team, Oh Darling! Photography

Aside from how fun and fabulous this shoot was, the most rewarding part was seeing how everything came to life. Of course, our end-goal was to inspire brides looking to design their Manhattan wedding, but when shoot wrapped up, we all left with a sense of camaraderie and picture-perfect proof that a cohesive design aesthetic is truly the work of several talented artists.

All photos courtesy Oh Darling! Photography

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New York Bridal Market | Carol Hannah Whitfield

Outdoor

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Bridal Market was truly a flurry of fabulous collections and gorgeous gowns, but one of my favorites events through it all was the equally elegant, whimsical and just genuinely sweet fete to launch Project Runway Finalist Carol Hannah Whitfield’s new bridal collection .
Hosted at Michael C Fina {one of my favorite luxury wedding destinations}, the soiree showcased a gorgeous line, including 14 wedding gowns and nine bridesmaid dresses. The collection was fresh and fun, and I just adored how the designer asked real brides and friends to model her designs.
Models were accessories with beautiful baubles from Tacori’s 18k925 collection {covered here } and one lucky bride won a $10,000 bridal package giveaway, which included a gown of the winner’s choice from Carol Hannah’s new collection, platinum wedding bands from Michael C. Fina, and Tacori 18k925 jewels. Pretty fab, no?
To end the evening, Carol Hannah proposed a toast to the crowd of brides and press {as well as fellow cast mates Logan Neitzel and Rodney Epperson}… “I design with all of you in mind,” she said. “Through fashion I am able to be a part of one of the most significant milestones in a woman’s life, and that’s what I love about what I do.”
Truly, could she get any sweeter?

Images courtesy Michael C Fina .

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New York Bridal Market | Anne Bowen

Chic Vendor Spotlight

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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While I realize my photography skills are next to nil, I just had to share this little shot of mine from yesterday’s Anne Bowen show.
After Bowen’s runway presentation concluded, the models took to 57th Street for additional photo opps. I love how they seemed to share a true New York moment as passersby hustled through the crowd, pretending not to notice the striking women in gorgeous gowns.
Of course, Anne Bowen’s show yielded no shortage of attention from the press. Known for her stylized evening wear and red carpet presence, the Fall 2010 collection, “Artic Tsarina,” had buyers buzzing about the gowns’ gorgeous fabrications… Shimmering liquid, subtle chiffons, slinky, textured silks and crystals on tulle created a tres-chic luminescence and translucence fit for an {ice} queen.
Photos by Merci New York {Click to enlarge}.

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Tablescape Trends for Spring | New York Magazine Wedding Event

Events

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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With Bridal Market in full swing, it seems that the New York Magazine Weddings Event was so long ago {it wasn’t}. In fact, in Friday’s event recap , I mentioned this post, showcasing some some fab Spring tablescape trends from the city’s top designers. The photos are just too pretty to pass up…. and they share some gorgeous concurrent themes.
A wonderfully mossy vintage tablescape by the team at Designs by Ahn . Dynasty & Ceremony’s fresh take on a traditional tea ceremony More detail shots from the Hatch Creative Studio tablescape- complete with vintage china and rustic details a-plenty. More gorgeous vintage: this time, a wonderful collaboration between Blank Slate Events , Kat Flower , and calligraphy by Love*Jenna . The gorgeous pearls wrapped around each setting were totally up my alley; I was in love. Modern florals and chic centerpieces from Fleurs are the perfect pairing to a city loft soiree.

Hope you enjoyed – and stay tuned for some great market coverage soon!

All photos courtesy Jen Huang Photography

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