bliss 2012 features

A regional resourcefor Rhode Island,Massachusetts, Cape & Islands,

Connecticut and New Hampshire

TM

blisscelebrationsguide.com 2012

WEDDINGSstunning

EVENTSsmashing

PARTIESfabulous

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bluesaugust

With the “August Blue” hydrangea at their peak, Laura envisioned a wonder-land fi lled with them for her and Martin’s waterfront wedding at Castle Hill Inn & Resort in Newport. From the lush and lavish fl orals to the divine sweet treats, Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design and Raina Dawn Events worked closely to capture the breathtaking views at Castle Hill in every single detail of this summer seaside stunner.

BLI S S color story

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thefeatured v e n d o r s

venue & CateringCastle hill Inn& Resort

floral design& loungeStoneblossom Floral& event Design

CakeConfectionery Designs

rentalsRentals Unlimited

lightingOrmonde Productions

tentNewport tent

entertainmentBeantown of WilsonStevens Productions

transportationViking tours &transportation

aCCommodationsNewport Marriott

Castle hill Inn& Resort

valet serviCeValet Connection

Carrie Rodman Photography.Courtesy of Raina Dawn Events.

See resources foradditional vendors.

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Mirrors and crystals refl ect the sleek city style of a glamorous couple at the

Westin in downtown Providence.

MODERN

22 westin providence FINAL.indd 1 2/8/12 11:18 AM

this page: 1 | The towering four-tier cake from Scrumptions

was overfl owing with fuchsia peonies and phalaenopsis orchids,

two fl owers that repeated throughout the reception. 2 | The vi-

brant bridesmaids’ bouquets in varying hues of magenta popped

against their lovely gowns. 3 | In addition to her veil, Krista wore

a beautiful handmade hairpiece made of Swarovski crystals and

rhinestones created by Nancy Rodrigues Spirito of Bridal Finery.

4 | The mirrored chandeliers from Ormonde Productions sparkled

brilliantly from above, and dramatically refl ected the LED uplight-

ing around the space. 5 | The bride was high fashion from head

to toe in her Manolo Blahnik pumps. 6 | The model-esque couple

had fun posing on Westminster Street with playful photographers

Kristin and Jared Spencer. opposite: 1 | The lovely bride and

groom were all smiles on their wedding day. 2 | A stroll around

downcity Providence captured the city chic vibe of the wedding.

3 | A towering mirrored “skyline” created by Stoneblossom Floral

& Event Design grabbed the attention of guests as they found

their escort cards. 4 | Tall candlesticks and slender crystal vases

accented the head table, while glitzy chargers, linens, and white

slipper chairs from Rentals Unlimited completed the look.

When city girl Krista got engaged she turned to some of the area’s

leaders in event design to execute a cutting-edge evening full of glamour

and sparkle. “I made sure to select an A+ team of vendors,” explained

Krista, “when you’re in good hands, there is nothing to worry

about.” First up—fl owers, and Joyce Holland from Stone blossom

Floral & Event Design was a big part of the inspiration. “We fi rst

created a fabulous, lush peony and orchid bouquet that mimicked her ruffl ed Marchesa gown,” Holland raved, “then we added Swarovski crystals for a bit of extra bling!”

When deciding on décor for the ballroom, the bride turned to Tony

Ormonde of Ormonde Produc-tions. “We draped the perimeter of the ballroom in sheer white fabric

and illuminated it in various colors throughout the evening to provide

multiple experiences for the guests,” Ormonde informed. To further

enhance the sleek city vibe, mirrors were used everywhere. “We hung

eight elegant mirrored chandeliers in the ballroom which picked up and

refl ected light so beautifully,” added Ormonde. A mirrored city scape of fl owers was also used to create the

escort card table. Many levels of mirrored blocks, along with tons of sleek mirrored vases brimming with

orchids and candlelight, created the stunning focal point as guests

arrived. In addition, each place set-ting was adorned with an exquisite

orchid detail, adding a little extra glam to this chic city gala.

H I G H L I G H T S

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thefeaturedv e n d o r s

photography

Kristin Spencer Photography

venue & catering

Westin Providence

floral design

Stoneblossom Floral& event Design

cake

Scrumptions

lighting

Ormonde Productions

rentals

Rentals Unlimited

bridal accessories

Bridal Finery

See resources for additional vendors.

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virtuousvellum

Left: Gossamer folds of ivory organza are pure

beauty. Chelsea by Wtoo at Occasions Bridal Boutique. Right: A

vintage inspired column dress by Amy Kuschel, in rose garden lace and pleated netting, is grace personifi ed. Available at The White Dress by

the Shore.

pure brillianceLuminous, light, radiant whites

captivate and enrapture.

w w

cloud coverCUSTOM HAIRPIECE BY BRIDAL FINERY

IN DREAMY SILK AND CHIFFON WITH SPARKLY ACCENTS OF SWAROVSKI CRYS-TALS AND RHINESTONES ADD DRAMATIC

ELEGANCE TO ANY UPDO.

These glimmering chandeliers from Ormonde Productions are a clear choice for adding a romantic glow to any event. Pair them with special effects lighting for a total mood alter-ing transformation. Kristin Spencer Photography.

dream in creamA stunning all white centerpiece by Twigs

adds dreamy defi nition to the ethereal elegance of the Salon at Belle Mer.

vision in whiteInnovative seating adds sophisticated style to any soiree. From AFR exclusively through Rentals Unlimited.

ice pop! He’ll get the shivers when you shimmer by in these ice white duchesse silk peep-toe plat- forms with Swarovski crystal- encrusted heals by Benja- min Adams at Shoes to Dye For.

pearl fi nishThe fi nishing touch for any special oc-casion, the elegant Ava bracelet from DuGan Custom Jewelers features baroque pearls, diamonds and oval faceted aquamarine stones.

crystal clearLots of glamour and glitz in this magestic

wedding cake designed by I Dream of

Jeanne Cakes. Brian Phillips Photography.

sweet as sugar

These all-white cake pops by Sweet

Indulgence are confection

perfection.

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Floral and Event Designer John Orton of John Orton Flowers transformed Rhodes on the Pawtuxet into an interactive “Imaginarium” for the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island 10th Anniversary Gala. | Inspiring the imagination is a hallmark of

John Orton’s style and the 10th Anniversary Gala for The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island is a perfect example of his fl air for creating parties

that are truly unique and engaging. “Imagine” was the theme of the evening and Orton set out to transform Rhodes on the Pawtuxet into

what he called an “Imaginarium”—a place where art becomes entertainment and you can’t help but be drawn in by the magic and possibil-

ity. “Fabulous parties are all about memorable surprises,” shared Orton, “so we set out to create an event with fantastic elements and high

visual impact. Lighting was key to the vision and Tony Ormonde of Ormonde Productions pulled out all the stops!” A glowing tornado made

out of spandex towered over guests in the lobby and intriguing, color-changing orbs decorated the bar. Partygoers entered the dining

area through two brilliantly lit, fog-fi lled magical tunnels of gossamer fabric and patterned light projections added color and impact to the

room. Visually stunning abstract performance artists enthralled and entertained, embodying the event’s theme and encouraging guests

to imagine.

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THEfeatured V E N D O R S

EVENT DESIGNJohn Orton Flowers

VENUERhodes on the Pawtuxet

LIGHTINGOrmonde Productions

CATERINGRussell MorinFine Catering

See resources for additional vendors.

pure imaginationBLI S S stylestyle


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SerengetiSojourn

A couple recounts A beloved trip to AfricA And florAl And event designer John orton brings it to life for An AmAzing sAfAri-themed reheArsAl dinner thAt invites guests on their own speciAl Journey, to explore the sights, sounds And textures of this

magical continent.

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thefeaturedv e n d o r s

floral & eventdécor

John Orton Flowers

lighting

Ormonde Productions

catering

Russell MorinFine Catering

rentals & lounge

Rentals Unlimited/AFR

linens

table toppers

transportation

Viking tours &transportation

Erin McGinn Photography.

Courtesy of Excelebrations.See resources for

additional vendors.

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“creative professional lighting has such

an impact on the mood of an event.

the blank canvas that is a tent canopy

can be utilized to completely transformthe environment, creating something

breathtakingly beautiful.”tony ormonde o r M o n d E P r o d u Ct i o n S


“Imagine sunset over the Serengeti, the inky silhouette of gnarled Acacia trees

against a fiery orange sky. Majestic ani-mals freely sauntering across the horizon

in this vastness of untouched beauty.” John Orton of John Orton Flowers

vividly recalled his own African safari journey. So when Event Planner Barbara

Beckwith of Excelebrations consulted with him for a rehearsal dinner party for her clients, he drew upon his own amaz-

ing memories of a place of fascination for him, and set out to recreate as much of that experience as possible for guests. Working closely with Tony Ormonde of

Ormonde Productions, they first focused on the essential element of the design –

lighting. “Lighting was key to the theme of the party because it had such an

impact on the mood and environment,” explained Ormonde, “we painted with light and imagery on the canopy of the tent to create a realistic and breathtak-ing safari landscape that set the mood for this event.” Orton then attended

to the finer details by adding layers of texture, color and pattern to the space. Long wooden tables were dressed with linen runners, lanterns, twisted vines,

and brightly colored exotic florals, and then bathed in candlelight. Canopies of gossamer mosquito netting, vines and more lanterns were added above

the tables. Aromatic spices filled the air from the food stations as the beat of

African drums echoed in the distance. Arrangements of exotic grasses lined the tent entrance and carved masks, antique

baskets and other souvenirs from Orton’s travels, dotted the space and underscored

the theme, transporting guests on their very own safari sojourn to Africa.

h i G h l i G h t S


this page: 1 | Exotic florals by John Orton Flowers added

vivid color and texture to the tables. 2 | Enticing avocado

pana cotta and crab spoons by Russell Morin Fine Catering.

3 | Unique elements from John Orton’s personal collection

add authenticity and interest to the event. 4 | Trolley shuttle

service by Viking Tours & Transportation delivered guests

to the celebration. 5 | Dramatic lighting and décor set the

mood for a genuine African safari experience for guests.

opposite: 1 | “A successful themed event transports

and surprises,” explained Orton. Surreal, interactive zebra

creations were a hit—especially with the children! 2 | A

custom-designed bar of hand-painted canvas and textural

branches by John Orton is an intriguing focal point in the

space. Dramatic lighting by Ormonde Productions provides

breathtaking realism, transporting guests to the Serengeti

at sunset.

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bliss 2012 features

Documents

raina dawn final

courtesy of raina dawn

swarovski crystals

crystals refl

city girl krista

downtown providence

downcity providence

wedding day