Sony Kuhn and Irf Asif were married in a fabulous ceremony and reception at the Newport Aquarium.  The shot above was taken in front of the shark tank – yes, those are REAL sharks!  My second favorite Aquarium exhibit is the Jellyfish Gallery as seen in the photo below.  Mark and Jennifer Garber of Mark Garber Photography are true masters of color.

Look at the contrast of the red background against Sony’s dress!  This shot belongs in a magazine!

Here’s another where the blue dress worn by Sony’s sister, Natalie, is just striking against the Roebling bridge.

As you might have guessed, shades of blue dominated the color palette of this wedding.  Kevin Ford of Ford Ellington Florist chose the perfect arrangements to evoke a mood of elegance and sophistication.

The callas were also found in Sony’s bouquet pictured below.

Poeme created the aquatic themed place cards below that designated the meal choice of each guest.  An octopus = beef, a sea horse = vegetarian and a sea turtle = chicken.   How cute is that?!

I have been so impressed with the beautiful designs being created at the Bonbonerie this wedding season.  Sony & Irf’s Bonbonerie cake reminds me of fine antique china – just gorgeous and absolutely delicious!

Check out the appetizer course – like the cake, it was almost too pretty to eat!

Speaking of delicious and beautiful things, Karyn Zimmerman of Chocolate Passion created a spectacular display of chocolates and desserts for the guests.  Her espresso and coffee flavored chocolate bark was a big hit!

Thanks to Goodwin Lighting services for providing the amazing moving water images on the dance floor.  It really felt like the dance floor was under water – a bit confusing for some of the guests by the end of the night!  You can see this moving water effect a lot better on the coming attraction video posted at the end of this post.  A big thank you to the extremely talented team at Studio Z Films for making all the details of this day come to life!

My favorite photo of the night was taken outside using sparklers and the stunning Cincinnati skyline as a back drop.  The bridal party members were great sports- it took a few attempts with the sparklers to get this just right.

Everything about this wedding was unique, creative and fun thanks to Maggie Kuhn, the mother of the bride.  Like so many mothers of out of town brides, Maggie was our main contact throughout the planning of this event.  We want to thank the Kuhn and Asif families for allowing us to be a part of Sony & Irf’s special day.  We’d also like to thank all the premier vendors mentioned above in addition to Say Cheese Photobooth, Kelly Ledford @ CinciMakeup, Liz Carter Hair Styling, Greg Lee Music,  All Occasions Event Rental and of course, Brent Baker and the wonderful staff at the Newport Aquarium.

And now for the video, enjoy!

The i-do Boutique will be closed Friday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 5th.  We will re-open on Wednesday, July 6th at 11am.  Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

The Grand Staircase in the Grand Hall of Buckingham Palace

Today I was interviewed by Sheila Gray for the Fox 19 morning news.  I want to thank Ileana Saldivia of Sugar Realm Fine Bakery & Cake Design for providing her beautiful “Dreams of Opulence” cake http://www.sugarrealm.com/.  Sheila and I discussed ceremony and reception sites similar to those being used for the royal wedding tomorrow.

For those of you who missed the segment, here are some local reception venues that have an English manor house feel.

Laurel Court is located in College Hill.  It was built in 1902-1907 as the home of Peter G. Thomson, founder of Champion Paper.   The Beaux-arts design resembles the Petit Trianon, the home of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in Versailles France.  Complementing the property are French Château-style cottages, a French country-style carriage house, and expansive gardens.  For more information, visit http://www.laurelcourt.com/

Peterloon was designed by Delano & Aldrich, the leading country-house architectural firm in the United States, and took over two years to build.  The house is a combination of Georgian and Queen Anne styles and when finished had 36 rooms, 19 fireplaces, 21 baths, and included a wing of guest rooms. Originally sited on 1,200 wooded acres in Indian Hill, the house was built to rival the grandest houses of America and Europe.  For more information about a wedding at Peterloon, visit: http://www.peterloon.org/weddings/

Greenacres Arts Center in Indian Hill is a fully restored English Norman style manor house.  The grounds include formal gardens with fountains, a cascading fountain and moat and a completely modernized house with wireless internet as well as electronic presentation and audio capabilities in every room.  See their website for more details: http://www.green-acres.org/

If you are looking for a great place for a rehearsal dinner or smaller wedding, the Widemann Hill Mansion is a wonderful choice.  The Mansion was built in 1894 by Charles Wiedemann, heir to the George Wiedemann Brewery.   They specialize in small intimate weddings and can accommodate 60 guests for formal seated and buffet dinners or up to 70 guests for cocktails and appetizers.  More information available at: http://www.whillmansion.com/Welcome.html

A personal favorite of mine is The Clifton House.  It’s a classical revival manor home built in 1900 by Cincinnati financier Henry Morgenthaler in the unique neighborhood of Gaslight Clifton.  I love the 50 foot wrap-around porch, and owner Nancy Niehaus makes every bride feel special.  In addition to being a charming and intimate venue, the Clifton House is a place where the entire party can stay together for dressing, photography and fun!   Learn more at: http://www.thecliftonhouse.com/

French House is the focal point of the 275-acre French Park.  French House was built in the early 1900’s. The two-story brick house offers many adjacent rooms and outdoor terraces, surrounded by gardens and meadows in the center of French Park.  Its old-world charm provides the perfect ambiance for a wedding.   Visit French House at: http://www.premierparkevents.com/#12

And last but not least, the Glendale Lyceum.  Built in 1892, this social club has the charm of an older home with a ballroom that’s perfect for weddings.  Check it out at: http://www.glendalelyceum.com/

With the big day less than 2 weeks away, royal wedding watchers are starting the final countdown to April 29. I expect some brides who get engaged in the coming weeks and months may be influenced by the details of that day. Trends that come from royal weddings tend to be around for a long time. In 1981, Princess Diana walked down the aisle to Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke -also known as The Prince of Denmark’s March. (A voluntary is an instrumental piece usually for organ, written for use during the entrance or exit of the congregation.) This piece has replaced Here Comes the Bride in 90% of our weddings. I’d say a trend that has lasted 30 years is pretty significant.

If you are getting married in Cincinnati, there are some beautiful ceremony venues that are similar in style to Westminster Abbey (shown above) – the church being used for the upcoming Royal Wedding. Westminster Abbey was founded circa 960 AD by 12 Benedictine monks. Five locations to consider for Cincinnati weddings are Saint Xavier Church, Saint Francis de Sales, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Plum Street Temple and Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church.

St. Xavier Church

Photos courtesy of TM Photography.

You’ll notice that the floor of Saint Xavier is a very close match to the floor of Westminster Abbey.

St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales opened in 1849 in East Walnut Hills.  It is known for having the largest free swinging church bell ever poured in the United States.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

Photos courtesy of Steve Lyons Photography.

Built between 1894-1915, the cathedral is watched over by 26 gargoyles that were carved in Italy.

Plum Street Temple

Photo by Essenza Studio.

Jewish weddings have been happening at this National Historic Landmark since 1865.

Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church

Photo courtesy of Mark Garber Photography.

Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church is a beautiful option for Christian weddings.  It is famous for its organ – a French-built “Casavant” that reproduces the sounds of a whole symphony orchestra.

All of these venues are open to performing weddings for non-members.  For more information on ceremony venues, reception venues and the best vendors in town, stop by the i-do Boutique!

Every now and then I work with a couple who makes me feel like all is right with the universe.  When I first met Denise and Jens, it was so obvious that they had to be together.  It is not just the undeniable love they have for one another – it is the way they make others feel.  You cannot stop yourself from smiling and feeling happier when you are around these two incredibly sweet, kind and charming people.  Their love is absolutely contagious.

They met as co-workers at Children’s Hospital, became great friends and made a lifetime commitment to one another last Saturday at the Bell Event Centre.  Their wedding was filled with special touches.  Both of their mothers are from Germany, so nationally known soprano, Mary Elizabeth Southworth from Fairfield Artists, sang the Ave Maria in German.  We had two beautiful memorial candles made for their fathers displayed next to wedding photographs of their parents.  Kristen from Poeme made her signature table number guest books where guests could write good wishes for Denise & Jens.  Even the rehearsal dinner at Daveed’s in Mt Adams had a special menu to honor their heritage and love of travel.

Denise & Jens will be leaving for Germany in a few days to celebrate with those who were not able to travel.  After that they will bask in the warm sun and beautiful beaches of Anguilla thanks to the expert travel help they received from Sue Cruise at Marco Polo Travel.

Everyone on the vendor team felt so privileged to be a part of this wedding.  The rest of the “dream team” included Angela & Denise @ Essenza Studio, Airwave Band, Joni from Sprouts Floral Design, Poetic Cinema, A Spoon Fulla Sugar, High Five Salon, Brideface, Goodwin Lighting and Folchis for the formalwear.

All of us will miss working with you Denise & Jens!  We wish you all the best!

The i-do Boutique will have amended hours during our spring break holiday from April 5-April 12th.

Tuesday, April 5th 12-3:30pm

Wednesday, April 6th  12-3:30pm

Thursday, April 7th  1:30-3:30

Friday, April 8th 10:00am-3:30pm

Saturday, April 9th  10:00am-5:00pm

Tuesday, April 12th 12:30-7:00pm

Wednesday, April 13th Regular boutique hours resume

Thursday, March 10th
6:00-9:30pm
at Uncorked in O’Bryonville

Spend an evening with Cincinnati’s premier wedding vendors!  Join us this Thursday for wine and craft beer tastings along with fabulous food, fun and prizes.  Our experts will be on hand to give their best wedding advice and guidance.  Discussion panel topics include:

“Eat, Drink & Be Merry”

Trends and Tips for designing your wedding from the photography, flowers/decor & food to the last piece of cake.

“Sticky Situations”

Do you wonder how to word your invitations? Is a tricky family situation causing concern?  Let the experts help you through it.

“An Ounce of Prevention”

Planning advice that will ensure a disaster-free wedding day while you feel like a guest at your own wedding.

Register online at www.cincyartofentertaining.com

or call 513-871-5170

Only $10 in advance, $15 at the door

Presented by the

i-do Boutique and

Uncorked @ The Art of Entertaining

Here’s a sample of the menu from our last event:

-5 different wines, 45 beers

-Marinated New York Strip Steak Pizza with Roasted Red Pepper, Red Onion & Gorgonzola

-Grilled Pizza with Tomato, Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese

-Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cherries, & Citrus Vinaigrette

-Marinated Flank Steak with Chimichurri, Tomato & Jalapeño Salsa

-Seafood Risotto with Shrimp & Scallops

-German Chocolate Cake w/ Brandied Cherries, Caramelized Apples,

Whipped Cream and Chocolate Ganache

After reviewing the trend reports for 2011, many mention elements that are not so new.  We at i-do Weddings & Events have been seeing an emphasis on personalizing the wedding according to the couple’s interests, hobbies and passions for years.  Another reported “trend” is the eco-friendly tendency to choose “green” invitations and serve locally grown foods – but some of our clients were doing that 8 years ago.  Our trend report focuses on the new things we saw this past season and the plans our current clients are making for 2011.

Style prediction: Nostalgic vintage…

The wedding above by Frank Event Design is a great example of vintage glamour!  Top photo: Wedding fashion inspired by the 1920’s, body-skimming styles with bold headpieces like cathedral length veils and embellished waistbands in addition to the big ball gowns designers floated down bridal catwalks this past season.  For men, the “preppy chic” look will continue to be big especially for outdoor weddings.  2011 Trends TBD: anything Kate Middleton wears when she marries Prince William on 4/29/11.

Top ten local trends for 2011

10. Long dining tables

They will be used to make cool shapes and will be mixed with other table shapes.

9. Texture

Wedding dresses will feature 3D beading, layered light fabrics (tulle, lace, chiffon), ruffles and oversized florals.  Textured linens will be layered to dress up reception tables; chair covers may be embroidered or beaded, and branchy centerpieces and floral arrangements will wow the guests.

8. Grey is the “new black” for men

Grey is the neutral “it” color for 2011 weddings. Shades of charcoal, dove, stone, oyster and shell will be incorporated liberally into wedding color palettes and paired with vibrant hues to make the colors pop.

7. Bold colors for the ladies

Apple green, mauve, lilac, hot pink, slate grey, celadon, aged gold, coral, red, violet purple, mocha, navy, emerald/pine green/dark cyan, Clementine orange, and goldenrod yellow

6. Dessert Tables with a wide variety of treats (pies, chocolate buffets, mini pastries) in addition to the wedding cake

5. After Parties

Couples are serving up gourmet comfort food from food trucks, enjoying cheese coneys from Cincinnati chili carts and sobering up with sliders.

4. Smaller guest lists & fewer traditions

Brides are pairing down the guest list to include only those who matter most.  Fewer brides are doing the bouquet/garter toss, and some are eliminating the cake cutting ceremony and wedding cake completely.

3. Video Guest Books

Building on the popularity of photo booths, couples are having video booths and even iPads dressed up as guest books as the newest way to “write” well wishes to the happy couple.  Couples can easily share their guest book online via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Vimeo.

2. “Man Cave” Lounges

Cigar & brandy bars, micro brew beer tasting stations, PlayStations, the big game on the big screen etc…

1. Element of surprise

Our clients are wowing their guests with unique, unexpected fun experiences.  One bride who loved New Orleans had a Dixieland band lead guests from the outdoor cocktail area into the reception, others had cinematographers “same day edit” the earlier part of the day and ceremony to show on the big screen during the reception, and another bride projected images from the photo booth onto a screen near the dance floor to inspire all the guests to get creative.

Photo Credits:  10. Lisa Lefkowitz  8. Cunningham Photo Artists 7. Paul Morse 6. Adam Nyholt 2. Jenny J.

The i-do Boutique will be closed Tuesday 12/21 – Saturday 12/25.  We will reopen on Monday 12/27 at 11:00am excited and ready to help all of you newly engaged couples get started and the rest of you who need to get back on track!  Take advantage of your holiday break from work or school and come see us in the boutique.  We are dedicated to making your wedding planning more efficient and most importantly, FUN!

We will also be hosting the UnBridaled @ Uncorked event on Monday, December 27th at 6:30pm.  Please join us for an evening of fun, food and expert advice!  Click here for more details.

I am so excited to show you the wedding that enabled me to get my Master Bridal Consultant designation.  I was in Phoenix, AZ for the Association of Bridal Consultants conference last week.  While there, I presented Pooja and Barry’s wedding to a panel of four master bridal consultants.  The Christian ceremony took place at the Kenwood Country Club followed by a lunch reception.  The Indian ceremony happened that same afternoon at the Hilton Netherland Plaza followed by dinner and dancing in the Hall of Mirrors.  Thank you to the wonderful vendor team who made this wedding possible, and thank you to Pooja & Barry who allowed me to be a part of their spectacular wedding.

Officiant: Bill Proud for Christian Ceremony

Florist: Kevin Ford

Cake: Jan Kish @ La Petite Fleur

Photographer: Angela @ Essenza

Videographer: Bob Mills @ MillsFilms

Ceremony Music: String Celebrations

DJ: DJ Mavi

Makeup: Kelly @ Cinci Makeup

Hair: Bridget Meyer @ i-do Updo’s

Invitations: Kristen @ Poeme