This year, I can honestly say that Mayra and I have plunged into 2012 energized, super focused and truly LOVING what we do!  I can say that because, the day after our New Year’s Eve wedding, we Polar Bear plunged with our bride and groom, their wedding party and a handful of guests off of the Asbury Park boardwalk… closing an unforgettable weekend for us all!  I have to say that this particular wedding was a challenge- not only because the engagement was only 4 months long, but because we had to convert a Theater, Arcade and Convention hall into an unforgettable, luxury wedding venue.  And yet, I can tell you, it was one of the most fun New Year’s that I’ve had in ages… What can I say, I love my job!  Here is a sneak peak at the Bride and Groom just after Sunset outside of the venue… (photo by Inku)

Recently, while taking an Amtrak ride, I read the new Russel Simmons book called Super Rich.  It’s actually alot more about enjoying life and work than it is a different kind of rich.  He wrote about the Yogic principal of being so in the moment, so focused on actually DOING your very best at each aspect of a project that you find pleasure in the preparation as much as the result.  That is kind of how I felt while we set up for this wedding… Obviously, we always want the couple to be happy, but I actually felt total, sheer joy in executing our months of planning. (Loved the way our posters ended up looking once in the cases!)

HAPPILY, our clients were as joyful as we were and we all celebrated the magic of marrying on New Year’s Eve well into the morning of New Year’s Day. Following a lovely brunch at the nearby hotel, the Bride, Groom and their guests headed out to Polar Bear Plunge.  Mayra and I only thought it appropriate that we join them, capping off an amazing weekend for us and our team AND kicking off a new year that we are really excited about.  Wishing YOU all the best in 2012 and looking forward to writing, blogging and maybe even working with you!

Mayra and I, preparing to plunge. Yes, it is a Turban. Yes, it is fabulous.

Unlike most years, where Mayra and I are getting a bit of R & R and catching up on our movies, this year the holiday season found us UNUSUALLY busy as we are in the midst of re-launching our brand and logo (for a sneak peak at the New Look designed by Regas NY, check out our twitter page)…. AND prepping for our New Year’s Eve wedding.  What a more fun way to ring in the New Year!

Plus, the day after we’ll be bringing in the New Year with a Polar Bear Plunge at the shore.  None of us really like the cold, but we figure that there is a first time for everything and what a great way to ring in 2012..

I’ll reveal all the details after the madness is over, BUT, for now, I thought I’d share one of he AWESOME posters that our friends at Regas designed for the Marquees of the venue.   (I blurred out the venue….) Wishing you a fabulous New Year filled with dreams coming true!

Earlier this year Mayra had the pleasure of being a Maid of Honor at her friend Michelle’s wedding out in Napa Valley.  Being an MOH has a lot of responsibilities for the average bear, but for Mayra, being in the business, the pressure was on to assist Michelle in making her wedding to Davide something really special.  We were so excited to see it featured on Style Me Pretty today!   They knew they wanted to have the it in California, and turned to The Careneros Inn in Napa as the perfect backdrop for her modern and gorgeous orange and white wedding.

With the venue secured, Michelle and Mayra worked on her invitations.  Since we retail Smock, and Michelle knew she loved their gorgeous, customizable letterpress invites, it seemed a natural fit.  The orange in the invite and the elegant, muted textured border played themselves out in her textured white on white table runners and orange bows binding the napkins.  Her bridal party was decked out in White (a plan before laid out before Pippa went down the aisle before her sister) and the stunning bride and groom were classic as well as stylish.  A special thanks to Angy Silva for these gorgeous photos.  To see more of this inspiring wedding, click here!

Years ago, I was a bridesmaid in a series of weddings all of which took place from late October through January.  I wore a red bridesmaid’s dress to all of them, and at least two out of the three had a “holiday theme”.  And I totally understand why that is. As a bride when you decide to have a winter wedding, it’s hard to come up with creative ways to embrace WINTER without just putting out white birch branches or embracing a red holiday-esque color scheme.  So, I thought I’d share some of favorite details to make your winter wedding feel COZY without adding in a cheesy factor.

TEXTURE AND COLOR! While everyone knows that the look of snow is obviously winter, texture in general can create a cozy atmosphere, especially if it involves knit details, lace details, woven fabrics or… for lack of a more technical term… things that look fluffy.  People tend to think white and blue for “snow” and reds and greens for “holiday”, but neutrals and metallics can often create a more warm atmosphere than any of the former.  Here are two tabletops: one by Nuage and the other by MDS Floral Design (via Grace Ormond).  I adore the use of texture on the Nuage table mixed with mettalic woven fabrics.  The MDS table is successfull in it’s use of white, greys, vintage lace, unprocessed cotton (fluff!) and soft toned colors to create an atmopshere that makes you want to take a cozy nap by a fire. 

Speaking of Neutrals… I just loved this bride’s choice to put her bridesmaids in this cool grey. There was something classic winter about it, without the girls looking like holiday candies. And it was topped off nicely with the faux fur stoles.

  I love using Jewel tones at Winter Weddings.  They don’t need to be heavy handed, but think purples, ruby reds, deep turquoise and metallic and you will have a festive atmosphere with minimal effort. Consider using Moroccan glasses for wine or even as votive holders… They add a bit of sparkle and flair to the tabletop in a subtle way.   Or even just work your tones into your stationery.  For our NYE wedding where we wanted to try and NOT go “holiday” we worked with a pewter, gold and plum palette.

Peaches and Pinks are ALSO awesome winter colors… Sometimes pale and warm tones are MORE effective at creating romance than bright, bold colors.  This season, I’ve been in love with Peaches and Pinks with metallic accents.  Below an amazing winter bouquet via Once Wed, a fabulous centerpiece in peach and mercury glass from Saipua and the floral arrangements I made for Mayra’s November engagement party (with wood and gold accents)….

In general, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box for winter inspiration. Think of what tones and textures make you feel cozy, warm and festive and it will definitely take you in the right direction!

The runner can be the unsung hero of table top at a wedding, or even just in your home.  I love it because it’s a great way to add texture, pattern, warmth or any number of other adjectives to your table by placing over a contrasting linen or even a wooden table. And, while I generally think that DIY is a dirty word, if you have the skills to sew, there is probably no wedding detail that’s EASIER to create yourself than a table runner….

I saw this awesome runner on Camille Styles and it can be purchased on Etsy  It’s a fabulous burlap runner with screen printed graphics… This is fantastic on this wooden table, but for a real romantic look could be paired over a light pink, blue or mint toned cloth….

I love how this clean modern graphic plays off of the lime green linens….

This laser cut modern runner (available at Bloomindale’s) is a great way to add texture and would work well for a winter wedding… they remind me a bit of cracked ice… This is showing it on a black background, but I think it would look outstanding over a rich blue or plum color.

This was from a shoot we did with Heather Waraska for Style Me Pretty a while ago. Everyone loves the rustic look of farm tables, but I just loved the romance that this vintage crocheted runner added to the table. Again, this is a great look that can be used even over a cloth linen as well for an even more delightfully girly effect!

Are you thinking of using a runner at your wedding?