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Tablescapes and Trends : August 4, 2011

2011-07-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

As Seen in Brides of North Texas

2011-03-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Super Bowl 45

2011-02-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

City Club's very own Catering Department staff members, Sarah and Amy, were invited to manage NFL On Location Events at Super Bowl 45 for Legends Hospitality Group. Sarah and Amy worked for days on the events and really experienced a legendary event. Here are some pictures that were taken with a blackberry (pardon the low resolution) during their experience. Congrats to City Club and the ladies for being considered to participate in such an event!

The field was transformed for Super Bowl

Day 1 of Training and Set-Up

This is the day before the game, Half Time Show Rehearsal

Stadium at 6a.m. Game Day

Game Day: NFL On Location Super Bowl 45

The Champions are Named

Champions Celebration: The aftermath

Tablescapes and Trends Date Announced

2011-01-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

Would you invite your college mascot to your wedding?

2010-12-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

Well, yes, I would!

One of the perks of an alum living in a college town like Fort Worth, home of the TCU Horned Frogs, is that your college mascot might just be available to help you celebrate your nuptials with your college sweetheart. TCU's Superfrog was invited by this beautiful bride and her beaux and was a suprise to their parents and friends. He made a great addition to this already festive celebration.

The funny thing about this story is that the bride's mom and dad had their own surprise up their sleeve: Mr. and Mrs. Claus in PURPLE! This sweet couple named themselves the TCU Mr. and Mrs. Claus years ago. The newly married Sloans were so surprised as they were greeted by them.

I love wedding surprises and these 2 were especially dear to my purple heart! Congrats to the TCU Horned Frogs for their Mountain West Championship! Good Luck on the Rose Bowl!

Pictures by Tracy Autem Photography

Haute Pink Wedding

2010-11-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Guest Writer: Tami Winn of Tami Winn Events & leFleur Couture, chic floral design & event planning

The elements of a perfect marriage are pretty simple. Love, honesty, laughter. And the elements of a perfect wedding are just as simple. Pair a great wedding venue with a creative event design team, and the results are often magical. That’s how we feel whenever we work with the team at City Club Fort Worth.

For the July 24, 2010 wedding of Cole and Brooke Ortowski, City Club offered the perfect space and atmosphere for a Haute Pink wedding. While Cole and Brooke were the most beautiful couple, we worked exclusively with the Mother of the Groom, Dorian. Her dedication and attention to detail was unparalled. Dorian was involved in every single detail of this reception from the custom chargers, candle holders and candles to the hand beaded linens at the sign in, cake and head tables. She had every surface brought in re-finished to be the perfect shade of antique gold to compliment the varying shades of pink throughout City Club's Ballroom.

Dorian’s vision could not have come true at a more perfect location. Every time we work at City Club, the event comes together flawlessly from the food to the friendly staff. It is truly a pleasure to work with Amy, Sarah and the City Club crew. The food is delicious and the service that you receive will let you relax and just enjoy your evening.

Everything we have ever eaten from City Club’s kitchen has been a symphony to our taste buds. Cole and Brooke wanted to appease their Southern guests’ appetites by providing an array of delectable cuisine. The guests were greeted with chilled seafood, chicken, beef carvings, salmon, antipasti stations, fresh fruits and cheeses and every side you could possibly think of.

The Emerald City Band’s thirteen piece ensemble was enlisted to get everyone on the dance floor. As the evening progressed, City Club hand-passed late night snacks including sweet potato fries, mini corn dogs and sliders along with strawberry milkshakes and Brandy Alexanders with chocolate straws.

To keep their guests hydrated, the Ortowskis served Pink champagne, and a specialty cocktail, created just for their wedding: The Ortowski-tini, a blood orange martini.

With the room washed in hot pink lighting, our floral pieces were showcased beyond measure. Most of the centerpieces were very structured, but some of them had a few whimsical elements to give the pieces a more feminine feel. The Ortowskis wanted drama, and we accomplished this by setting each of the 19 tables with a tall antique gold stand and a large pave of roses, hydrangea and carnations, all in varying shades of pink. The tallest centerpiece topped over five feet tall.

Other vendors that made the day possible were:

Rentals- Posh Couture (china, flatware, stemware) http://www.poshcouturerentals.com/
Lighting- Beyond http://www.beyondld.com/
Band- Emerald City http://www.emeraldcityband.com/
Bakery- Sublime http://www.sublimebakery.com/
Photobooth- Randal Stout http://www.randalstout.com/
Stationary- Simply Personal http://www.simplypersonal.com/
Photography- Your Candid Memories http://www.yourcandidmemories.com/
Ice Carving- James Pappas/Dallas Ice http://www.dallasicesculptures.com/
Chaircovers- Wild Flower Linens http://www.wildflowerlinens.com/
Rentals- Celebration Rentals (linens, chair pads and white dance floor) http://www.celebrationeventrental.com/
Ceremony Venue- Marty Leonard Chapel http://www.lenapopehome.org/

One last big thank you to City Club and their amazing staff for playing such an integral role in this Haute Pink wedding! And congratulations to Cole and Brooke!

Amy and Manish's Wedding, a Bollywood Chic Supper Club

2010-10-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Guest Writer: Travis-Lee Moore, CPCE, The Functions Event Group

In the months leading up to September 28^th, City Club and I had the pleasure of working with a truly amazing couple – Amy Chappell and Manish Kotecha. Manish is a partner at Radiology Associates of Tarrant County and Amy, after having a great career as a professional country singer in Nashville, culminating in a stint on Nashville Star, is a new student in the School of Nursing at TCU. They’ve known each other since they were three, worked at Dairy Queen together in high school and some years later Manish proposed using an Oreo Cookie Blizzard as the presentation vehicle for the ring. The blending of their Christian and Hindu family’s cultures and customs made for a brilliant demonstration of the beauty of interfaith proceedings and provided a wonderful colorful, eclectic palette of elements with which to design.

Monday’s floral delivery included over 5,000 stems of red and orange organics – fragrant gardenias, cherry love and orange unique roses, deep red cocks comb, mango calla lilies, ginger blossoms, golden orchids, dahlias and tons of exotic greens to be woven into yards and yards of lush garlands for use on the Mandap.

Starting with a casual, whimsical Mendi Party on Thursday, Mehnaz Ranmal arrived early in the day to apply Amy’s henna. Then, as the guests began to arrive from all manner of sophisticated destinations – London, India, of course from all over the US – they stopped at Amy and Manish’s wonderful downtown Fort Worth loft apartment in the Sanger Lofts Building for a casual reunion, glass of wine and to also have their own henna applied if they chose.

Friday was a whirlwind of deliveries to the Club and ensuring that the Hindu ceremony was set for the next day, the items for the turn of the room for the reception staged in an adjacent piece of the ballroom and pulling together all of the personal flowers. Amy, Manish and entourage arrived for rehearsal and instruction about the next days activities and were then off to Joe T. Garcias for some great Mexican and margaritas!

Saturday, game day, the Club’s set is finished. The Oak Room is set for the Christian ceremony making use of the gorgeous glass paneled screens that reside there. Ready rooms are standing by for hair, make up touch up, suit changes and the whirl wind of activity that will ensue when attire is changed between the two ceremonies.

Manish is met by a crowd of wedding goers under the portacachet at the Worthington Hotel, where he climbs onto a white steed. The Barrat Processional is lead by a Bentley blaring hip Indian tunes, followed by Jolly Singh the BEST dohl player, the crowd of attendees and finished with a grinning Manish waving to the crowd and gaining revelers as they process down 2^nd street.

The remainder of the guests are waiting at the Club and Amy can see the whole scene from her changing room four stories up. Guests and bridal party make their way to the Hindu ceremony upstairs which was a moving commitment ceremony including Jaimala - Exchange of Garlands, Vivah Havan - Lighting of the Sacred Fire, Mangal Phera - Circling the Sacred Fire to symbolize commitment to respect for each other, caring for each other, patience for each other, honesty and faithfulness to each other, building a happy and strong family together, traveling the journey of life together with harmony and love and remaining lifelong friends.

After the couple is showered with petals by their parents, guests adjourned to the Terrace Lounge for wine and champagne while the bridal party, after a few quick photos at the altar, rushes off to make the change from their traditional Hindu garb to beautiful Christian attire and the entire bridal party is transformed and back for the Christian ceremony in the Oak Room within forty five minutes.

While all of this is going on, the ballroom is being changed from ‘gorgeous Hindu ceremony’ to ‘amazing fusion supper club’ – no small task, but with the continued, never-ending energy they’d already brought to every other preparation, the team including four floral designers, two production assistants, M&M Staff, City Club Service and Culinary staffs, myself and Ricardo – the reset is completed with minutes to spare and with spectacular results. Amy and Manish spend a few minutes alone in the gorgeously appointed ballroom before guests are welcomed back into the Bollywood chic, supper club setting and are met with spicy specialty drinks and a great collection of passed hors d’oeuvres including Shots Of Mulligatawny and Spoons Of Shrimp Tikka On Mango Chutney. The bridal party is presented to the room followed by an amazing Bollywood dance troupe, Blue Flame, performing for the crowd and dinner is served by the bite. A series of specialty stations scattered throughout the room offer miniature entrees assembled by efficient culinarians who’s orchestrations are over seen by Chef Gilbert’s genius.

After toasts are made and the stunning, orange spice wedding cake by Delicious Cakes was cut and served, it seemed like fifteen waiters filed out of the kitchen with silver trays of Oreo Cookie Blizzards tagged with “Marry Me!” and toy engagement rings. Amy snuck away and changed back into that beautiful lehenga for the rest of the evening. Limo Zilla arrived and guests showered our couple with gold mylar streamers as they ran for the getaway.

Amy and Manish couldn’t have been more gracious and great to work with – I can’t wait for their anniversary celebrations!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMAGES

Thanks to everyone involved!:

Ricardo Tomas :: Ricardo Tomas Weddings

Dianne Hughes :: The Worthington Hotel

Paul Dyer :: Vim Studios

Butch Stivers :: Delicious Cakes

Anita Harr :: Elan Makeup Studio

Harpreet "Happy" Singh :: DJ Jazz

Nirmita Shukla :: Blue Flame

Mehnaz Ranmal :: Henna Artist

M&M Event Rental

Celebration Event Rental

Cloth Connection

Gala Cloths by Dulany

RSVP Now: Tablescapes and Trends

2010-09-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sponsors:

City Club Fort Worth

The Functions Event Group

Tracy Autem Photography

Celebration Event Rental

Encore Productions

M&M Event Design,

Randal Stout Entertainment

Brides of North Texas Magazine +Web

Haute Cakes and Cookies

RSVP by emailing weddings@cityclubfw.com

RSVP Required

Event is complimentary

Grace and Gumption Cookbook

2010-09-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

City Club is proud to be included as a contributor to the TCU Press's Grace and Gumption: The Cookbook. We have 3 recipes and some pictures along with a story of one of our catered events from the Kimbell Art Museum. In the book you will find three of Chef Gilbert's creative recipes!

Go to Amazon to purchase your copy today!

http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Gumption-Cookbook-Katie-Sherrod/dp/0875654010

Announcing Tablescapes and Trends in September

2010-08-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

City Club loves to throw a party, I guess that is why we are in this business? Please mark your calendar for our third Tablescapes and Trends event on Thursday, September 16, 2010.

You will get to meet our preferred vendors, view gorgeous tablescapes, enjoy complimentary food and drinks from City Club, hear about the latest trends and dance your heart out! Please send your RSVP to weddings@cityclubfw.com if you’re able to attend. I hope to see you there!!!

Agenda:
6-7pm Meet with Vendors and View Tablescapes in the Oak Room
7-8:30pm Trends Presentation, Dinner & Dancing in the Ballroom

Tablescapes designed by:
Arrangements by Mary Parks, Bridal Blooms, The Enchanted Florist, J Monroe Weddings, Jan Simus Events, Jill Fortney Productions, Jordan Payne Events, Luxe Events, The Peapod Group, Tami Winn Events and Weddings on the Boulevard

Vendors Include:
Jim Byrd Photography, The Functions Event Group, City Club, Randal Stout Entertainment,
Turquoise Videography, Video One Productions, Tracy Autem Photography, Lightly Photography, Sonrise Productions, Aves Photographic Design, LaDonna Aiken Videography,
i entertainment, Brazos Carriage Company, Ducky Bob's Event, Encore Productions, Pucker Up Impressions, Celebration Event Rental, Haute Cakes and Cookies, M&M Events, Bliss Bridal Salon, Brides of North Texas Magazine + Web

Can't wait to see you!

Pink Champagne?

2010-08-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Why you say? Well, why not? Look at this fabulous bottle and better yet, it tastes great! Tami Winn, of Tami Winn Events set the bride and groom's fabulous bottle by their cake so that everyone could admire the bottle!

Champagne adds a festive touch to any social event! If you haven't before try it...you will love it!

Unbridaled Happy Hour

2010-07-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Unbridaled Happy Hour is a networking/social function on the first Tuesday of each month where area brides and wedding professionals can meet in a casual, relaxed no pressure setting. Wendy and JT at Bliss Bridal Salon started this and the local vendors have really embraced the event.

"a place for brides, grooms and wedding pros to eat, drink and be married"

Visit http://www.blissfw.com/unbridaledhh.html or email unbridaled@blissfw.com for date, time and location of the next event.

Cheers!

Fall into a Wedding Special!

2010-06-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

City Club Fort Worth is gearing up for fall by offering a limited time offer for picture-perfect ceremonies and receptions with space available on October 23rd, October 30th and November 27th for the flat rate of $10,000. This magical offer applies only if you book your date for 100 guests or more before July 20th or until the dates are booked (whichever comes first).

Here’s what’s included:
Ceremony with gold chivari chairs
Ballroom for 4 hour Reception
City Club House Hors d’oeuvre passed as guests enter Ballroom
Two Entree buffet, including Tossed Garden Salad, Mixed Seasonal Vegetables, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, Butter
3 hour Soft Bar, includes domestic and import beer, house wine, and champagne
Tea and Coffee station
White, Ivory or Black linens, napkins and gold chivari chairs
Mirror tiles, Hurricanes with pillar candles and (3) Votive candles per table
Cake Cutting Service
Tray Passed Champagne Toast
Dance Floor
Wedding Coordinator

Spectacular view of Sundance Square

Free Covered Parking
Expert Service Staff, Bartenders and Award Winning Culinary Team

Planning for over 100 guests? It’s just $85 each additional guest over 100. For more information or to book your romantic soiree call, 817.878.4051 and ask for the wedding experts! Or check out our website for more details by clicking here. You can also email us direct at weddings@cityclubfw.com.

Photo Credits: Cindy Evans & Greg Blomberg

Bouquet Toss Photo Contest

2010-05-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

The Bouquet Toss is quite a ritual at weddings and brides consider it to be an essential piece of their reception or the bride completely despises it. I love the ritual and thank it is so much fun to watch the technique that the bride chooses and the strategies used by all the single ladies during the actual "event". I have included pictures from a hilarious bouquet toss right here at City Club!

Send me your favorite bouquet toss photo! Email to weddings@cityclubfw.com and if your picture is the most outrageous, I will send you a mystery gift!

Contest Rules:

Select photo (must be jpg format)

Email to weddings@cityclubfw.com by May 31, 2010

City Club staff will vote and winner will receive a mystery gift!

City Club named Best Place to host Rehearsal Dinner

2010-04-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

by the staff of the Fort Worth, TX Magazine! We are super thrilled to be recognized for our rehearsal dinners! We love hosting them and better yet, executing them. We have amazing spaces perfect for an intimate dinner or the Ballroom for a more extravagant affair. The food is amazing and the menu can be customized just perfect for any groom. What a great way to start off the wedding festivities...book your rehearsal dinner at City Club too!

Come and experience the best...

Your Engaged! Now What?

2010-03-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Finally, he popped the question and you said yes! Congratulations on your engagement!

Oh, the dreams you have for that special wedding day! You have ideas and visions swimming in your head and you just can't wait to get it all planned. Then it all gets so overwhelming and many brides just get so stressed.

Where do you start first?

Narrow down a season and better yet a month. Make sure parents and best friends have an open calendar during the specific time you are considering.

Get a handle on your guest list, include your parents' lists too.

I always tell my clients that the number of guests that come usually is the same number of stamps that you purchased for your invitations. This could be a 50% accept rate or could be much lower or higher, based on the number of guests included in your invitations (1 - 5 per household/stamp).

Narrow down a region - certain city or even certain area within a city.

Determine the ideal location for the ceremony and reception:

Choices could include: church, chapel, outdoor garden, hotel or unique Ballroom, private residence, etc.

Determine a manageable budget for the wedding reception and keep it in mind while you are looking at facilities, cities and details.

Research!

Find those ideal locations in your specific area that are open on your ideal date and can accommodate your guest list.

Tour all of the facilities, get as much information as you can and don't be afraid to ask for proposals!

Good Luck and I hope our paths cross on your search to an amazing wedding day!

Tablescapes and Trends Event a Success!

2010-02-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

Once again our vendors and staff shined to the attendees of Tablescapes and Trends 2010! Special thanks to Tami Winn Events for designing the Ballroom and to many other sponsors of this amazing event. The Ballroom was stunning, the food delicious and the tablescapes inspiring!

Special Sponsors Include:

Brides of North Texas, Tami Winn Events, i entertainment, Randal Stout Events, Celebration Event Rental, City Club, Creme de la Creme, Paper Planet, Bliss Bridal Salon, Jim Byrd Photography, Tracy Autem Photography

Tablescape Designers included:

Arrangements by Mary Parks, Bridal Blooms, Celebration Event Rental, Events by Dayna, Functions Group, J Monroe Weddings, Jordan Payne Events, The PeaPod Group, Posh Couture Rental, Taylor's Event Rental & Weddings on the Boulevard (Princess Bride Productions and A Rose in Bloom)

Preferred Professionals that showcased their products included:

Bliss Bridal Salon, Brides of North Texas, City Club, Creme de la Creme, i entertainment, It's Your Night DJ, Jim Byrd Photography, le Fleur Couture, Lightly Photography, Paper Planet, Simply Perfect Weddings, Specialty Sound DJ, Randal Stout Events, Romantic Remembrances, Tami Winn Events, Tracy Autem Photography, Turquiose Videography, Video One Productions

The Ballroom was stunning!

The blue linens, ghost chairs, white dance floor and lounge furniture made the space even better thanks to Celebration Event Rental. The amazing gowns were furnished by Bliss Bridal Salon. The Fabulous lighting design and set up were compliments of Randal Stout Entertainment. Thank you le Fleur Couture for the amazing centerpieces.

City Club's Blue Specialty Drink in mini martini glasses were divine!

City Club served the Herb Crusted Inside Round of Beef and our Macaroni and Cheese Station and the guests loved it all!

Tablescapes and Trends Update

2010-01-31T13:10:00.000-08:00

We are so pleased to be hosting the second annual event here at City Club.

Thus far we have these event planners and designers showcasing with a tablescape:

Dayna Tooley

Jayna Monroe, CWP

Jordan Payne

Kelly Norvell

Marla Watson-Werst, CSEP

Mary Parks

Travis-Lee Moore

Weddings on the Boulevard

Celebration Event Rental

Ducky Bob's Event Rentals

Posh Couture Rentals

Taylor's Event Rentals

Vendors on display will be:

Tami Winn Events

i entertainment

Randal Stout Entertainment

Creme de la Creme

It's Your Night DJ

Jim Byrd Photography

Video One

Bliss Bridal Salon

Lightly Photography

Couture Bake Shoppe

Simply Perfect Weddings

Turquoise Videography

Event Agenda:

Oak Room: Cocktails and Tablescapes 6:30PM
Ballroom: Buffet Reception and Trends 7:30PM
Dancing and Entertainment until 9PM

Table scapes and Trends at City Club

2010-01-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

Don't miss your opportunity to scope out the latest trends, mingle with wedding experts, and enjoy City club fare and libations.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

6:30 - 9p.m.

Please RSVP by emailing

weddings@cityclubfw.com or call 817.878.4051

RSVP Required to attend

City Club Fort Worth

301 Commerce Street

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Complimentary Parking at 200 Block of Commerce in Sundance Square's Parking Garage I

Event Sponsors: City Club, i entertainment, Tami Winn Events, Brides of North Texas Magazine + Web

Thanks to Thanksgiving Dessert Contest

2009-11-02T19:42:00.001-08:00

24 more days to Thanksgiving, 23 days to prepare...are you ready? Please email me your best Turkey Tip or Recipe and the best or most creative tip will win a dessert. The perfect ending your Thanksgiving meal from our very own Executive Chef, Gilbert Rivera.

Contest Specifics: Email Amy Shackelford at ashackelford@cityclubfw.com with your turkey preparing tip before November 21, 2009. The winner will receive a pecan or pumpkin pie or an order of bread pudding to be picked up from City Club on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 before 5p.m.

City Club Fort Worth
301 Commerce Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Good Luck!

Bridal Tea: Your Style takes Center Stage

2009-10-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

Bridal Showers have taken a new turn and now the trend is to host a Bridal Tea. Incorporate old traditions with new ones and create a tea party all your own. Tea, sweets and the best of friends are all vital components in a successful tea party. Take advantage of a small guest list and go over the top in details and beautiful touches. Use romantic colors and whimsical décor to really make a statement. With such a small guest list your style can take center stage!

City Club Tea Party Menu

Strawberries and Cream

Persian Melon

Scones
Raspberry Jam, Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream

Tea Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon and Dill Cream Cheese
Cucumber & Watercress
Carnation Chicken
Heirloom Tomato and Basil

Scrumptious Cakes

Mimosas & Champagne

Photo Booths:: The Newest Wedding Tradition

2009-10-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

Photo booths have become a new trend for wedding receptions and special events. The booths create an instant favor for your guests to keep. These pictures can also be attached to pages in a scrapbook or picture book in the place of a guest book. Your guests really have fun coming up with different poses and props for each picture. Some pictures even tell a story. Some photo booth companies can even give you a disc of all the pictures taken for your event and that is great for emailing to your guests and posting on facebook or your event website.

Randal Stout with PicStrips.com contributed the booth you see in this blog to our Best in Bridal event in August. As you can see our event logo is on the side of the strip but for private parties initals or the monogram can be used. PicStrips.com can print the strips in full color or black and white. Even the celebrities know that a photo booth is fun! J.J. Phillbin (daughter of Regis Philbin), Christina Aguilera, Alyson Hannigan (American Pie), and Dave Matthews Band bassist Stefan Lessard have all had one at their receptions.

For more information on photo booths, go to http://www.picstrips.com/ or google photo booths in Fort Worth and you will find several companies like Lone Star Photo Booth, Booth Booth, Gladtower Productions, Texas Photo Booth and the list goes on and on.

The Traditional Send Off

2009-09-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

Every little girl has imagined their send-off...running hand in hand with your new husband through a corridor of family and friends with birdseed or rice pummeling you as you escape into the safety of a luxurious sedan, rolls or a golf cart.

Downtown Fort Worth offers some challenges for the modern bride for send-off choices. Traditionally in years past rice and birdseed were thrown during send offs. Downtown Fort Worth residents and companies do not want to encourage birds to live in downtown, therefore birdseed is not allowed to be thrown. Rice if eaten by birds can expand in their stomach and can injure or kill them.

Downtown facilites usually allow bells, ribbon wands, white rose petals, silk petals, or potpourri confetti. Rose petals are by far the most popular and can be presented in unique containers or in beautiful baskets. Sparklers are not allowed downtown since they are considered an open flame, but would be great at an estate or ranch wedding. When City Club has catered off site, we have even coordinated fireworks!

Attire for Weddings

2009-09-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

It is important for all hosts to include the dress attire for their special occasions. Your guests will appreciate knowing what they are expected to wear for all occasions; showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinner and of course the ceremony and reception. Here are a few modern day attires with a little more description...

Casual Chic: Pants or Great Jeans, layered outfit, shimmery top or accessory.

Creative Black Tie: long or short dresses, dress slacks with a blazer or a fabulous wrap, bold accessories, and always sassy shoes.

Festive: Color! Metallic tones or colors, pencil skirts, Cardigans or a great jacket and always a festive clutch - no matter the holiday.

Fall Color Trends

2009-09-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to believe that the summer wedding season is almost over and how quickly we’re approaching the fall. Your wedding colors totally define the look and theme for your wedding. With such beautiful, hues and tones to choose from today, settling on a combination can surely be a challenge! Here are some of the haute color combo’s for Fall Weddings...

Love is in the Air

2009-08-24T12:41:00.001-07:00

Go here to see an amazing wedding reception at City Club Fort Worth! Watching the slideshow made me so excited for this sweet couple! Thanks to Tracy Autem for capturing such an amazing moment for this couple!

Lighten Up...Reception Lighting is a must have!

2009-08-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

Do you want to take your reception to the next level…lighten it up a bit! Lighting creates a mood and sets the mood for your blessed event. When it's done well, lighting can make everything - including your flowers, cake and guests - look better. Here's how to plan your lighting.

Find Your Pro:
These days entertainment companies have evolved into lighting specialist as well. Many companies have up-lighting and pin spots that they can upgrade into your entertainment package. I encourage additional lighting wherever possible and add what your budget can afford.

Scope out your venue:
Set an appointment with your coordinator at your venue along with the lighting professional to canvas the location & to figure out what looks best at that particular locale.

Learn Lighting Lingo for the most popular types of lighting used at weddings:

Pin Spot: A focused beam of light that shines directly onto an object, like a centerpiece or wedding cake, as a highlight effect.

Gobos: Circular stencils that are put over a light to project a design or pattern. Popular gobo designs are monograms & dates, they look great on the dance floor, a blank wall or even on the entry way to the reception.

LED: Short for light-emitting diodes, LEDs are great for color changes and up lighting on columns, pillars, mirrors & window treatments. Any additional color accent is great to add warmth to your wedding.

Best in Bridal...only 8 days until the Big Day!

2009-07-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

Best in Bridal is just 8 days away and I can hardly wait any longer. We’ve had such amazing support from the wedding professional participating and also brides-to-be. I’m truly amazed by the overwhelming response & excitement about our show! I know Amy, Sarah & I have had so much fun preparing for this show and we can’t wait to show off our booth, cuisine & tablescape.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the first ever Best in Bridal, Fort Worth’s Luxury Bridal show unveiling Sunday, August 2, 2009. Visit http://www.bestinbridal.com/ for more information.

What to ask your Cake Designer:

2009-07-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Without question, your wedding cake is one of the largest centerpieces at your reception. Guests look forward to seeing the cake, there’s always a crowd around it snapping pictures and of course everyone loves eating the delectable treat. When planning for your cake, make sure that your cake is exactly what you want – both in appearance and taste. Here are some questions you can ask the cake designer when preparing for your big day:

First and most important, ask for a tasting. This should not be a problem for any baker as you need to know exactly what you will be buying. Many bakers will offer you a range of cake flavors, frostings and fillings to choose from – don’t limit yourself, taste all of them until you know exactly which one was made for you.

If you have a specific design in mind, ask the designer if they will accommodate your request. Bring lots of pictures of cakes that you like as this will help you better explain your ideas to your designer.

Ask for their portfolio. Most cakeries have galleries available online that you can look through before your appointment so you can get a better idea of their quality of work.

Logistical questions, perhaps the most important of them all. Ask about delivery fees, make sure that is in your contract that they will deliver and set up the cake. Also if the plates, pillars, dummy tiers need to be kept and returned. If you are using fresh flowers on the cake make sure you know exactly who is placing the flowers on the cake; the cake company or the florist.

Helpful hints for a non-stressful bridal portrait session:

2009-06-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Plan ahead; contact your photographer with a lot of notice to coordinate your schedules & book the venue for the photo shoot

Purchase a mock up bouquet from your florist, perhaps a much smaller version of your real one

Get your dress steamed

Start early; get your hair & make up done several hours before the shoot…it always runs late and your photographer & location/s will have time limits. It’s also very respectful to be on time.

Bring support…bring you mom, sister or MOH to help you get in & out of your dress. To hold your lipstick in case you need to reapply in between shots. Don’t try to go it alone…who’s going to button all of the buttons in the back of your dress or cinch your corset??? But don’t get carried away with inviting too many people, they could end up stressing you out even more

Lastly, enjoy every second of it!!!

Photography Credits: Creative Reflections, Greg Blomberg, Lightly Photography & Tracy Autem

Sassy Cookies for Showers

2009-06-01T11:00:00.001-07:00

So today I was tinkering around the internet looking for cute favor ideas for wedding receptions when I came across some of the cutest cookies. We’ve all seen cookies at receptions but how funny that I’ve never thought about them for bridal showers. Of course still have a cake of the bride’s favorite flavor but how sweet is it to also have favors for each guest to take home or even include them as part of the spread. Hope you enjoy these darling pictures & ideas as much as I did…

Pounding...

2009-05-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

So a bride’s mom called me today talking about giving her friend’s daughter a “Pounding.” My immediate response was, “A What?” Being the non-Texas native that I am, I figured this was another Texan tradition I’m yet to learn of. A pounding is another type of shower given to a bride-to-be. Each guest will bring a pound of something to stock the bride’s pantry with & then the appropriate utensil needed to make something with it. For example, you might bring a pound of flour then a rolling pin, a pound of sugar and pie baking pans or even a pound bag of apples & a slicer.

This is the coolest thing I’ve heard but how funny is it to me, that it’s decades old…still never fails that I learn something new everyday!

Check out these cool gadgets at Williams Sonoma & get great ideas for your next pounding!

Save the Date Cards...

2009-05-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

to send or not to send?

Who Should Send Them?
It’s an absolute must for couples having a destination wedding or planning holiday nuptials. For all others, they are fun & a great way to help your guests plan ahead of time…but know they are not mandatory.

What’s The Point?
They give guests’ time to PLAN! Especially when travel is involved this helps them set aside vacation time & to make appropriate travel arrangements.

When Do You Send Them?
Mail at least six to eleven months prior but no more than a year before the ceremony. Be sure not to jump the gun and send them before you finalize your guest list.

What Should They Say?
Include a short announcement of your approaching nuptials, your names, the wedding date and the words “Invitation to Follow.” Also, include the city where you will marry, plus your wedding Website and any hotel information if available.

Ideas…
Magnets are my personal favorite; include a cute picture of the two of you and the details needed. They are perfect because everyone loves magnets and it’s a constant reminder of your upcoming special day!

Wedding Vendors and Contracts

2009-05-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Channel 11 News just ran a story on wedding vendors where vendors disappeared with payment before the wedding services were rendered. This is a tragic story and while I know it can happen, I would say that it is very rare. I was recently helping a friend with her wedding and to my surprise, not one vendor gave her a contract. She completely hired and paid her wedding vendors without a contract of any sort. While I suggested that she ask for a contract, she felt that the vendors' words were enough of a guarantee.

I would reccommend that you ask for a contract for any services that you expect for your wedding day. Wedding or Event Insurance is also a good investment for brides. Contracts should be read over carefully and must highlight all the services that will be provided by that service or company. Be sure to keep a copy of the contracts so that you can review them during your planning process.

How to Include Children in your Wedding

2009-04-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Do you have little munckins coming to your wedding? Need a plan to keep them entertained and not sticking their dirty little hands in your cake?

5 Tidbits to keep HalfPints Busy

1. Have a goody bag filled with all things kid - include an activity for the children to do during the reception, a camera, special cup, and maybe some type of kid friendly snack.

2. Arrange for a special menu for all children under 10 years - chicken tenders, mac n'cheese or a small hamburger, maybe a fruit cup instead of a salad.

3. Set up a special area away from the reception with a childcare provider, snacks and movies or an activity.

4. Arrange for a kid's table where all the children sit together, your wedding coordinator or caterer will be able to get a short table with special kid sized chairs for you.

5. Be flexible and have humor...the best advice when dealing with any child - know that they are excited to be at your reception and kids will be kids.

Just a few things to avoid at a reception:

2009-03-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Size matters. It is silly to choose a Grand Hotel Ballroom for a wedding party of 30 you’ll get lost. On the flipside, selecting a venue that is too small will create a packed sardine effect. Sure you want everyone to be close & enjoy all the festivities but this could cause an uncomfortable reception. Select a location that can accommodate your party even if your estimated number of guests were to increase by 20 or decrease. Always be aware of your location's maximum accommodations prior to booking and sending your invitations.

A horrible food experience…Food is everything at your wedding and you want everyone to walk away saying what a great meal it was. The trick is to hire a caterer whose dishes tastes just as good as they look. No one wants just a pretty plate presentation and then an awful taste when they eat the entrée. Make sure you hire a reputable caterer with a long history of impeccable service and one that you’ve received recommendations about.

Avoid flowers with overpowering scents. Unless you are in an unenclosed space, the scents will overwhelm the room. Choose flowers and arrangements that suit your reception venue and won’t overpower your guests’ senses.

Glitz & Glamour

2009-03-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

Every Brides Dream is to Sparkle & Shine on her Big Day!

Here are a few ways to add a little Glitz & Glam to your wedding:

Centerpieces- hanging crystals are a beautiful way to add glamour to your reception. To help save on costs, simply add 1 or 2larger hanging pieces to create character & add more depth to your centerpiece. Shop online and order the jewels yourself & give them to your florist to add.

Bouquets – This is the easiest area to be-dazzle. Add rhinestones or pearls throughout the bouquets to add more shine. You can even cover the stems with jewels & pearls instead of traditional ribbon. If you have a family heirloom brooch, this is a great way to incorporate that as well.

Hair Crystals – Add a few jewels, crystals or pearls to your hair for a little extra glitter. You can even select an antique hair clip to add a little more bling. Your veil can also be “glammed up” with the addition of jewels to compliment your dress.

Coordinates for the ceremony & reception – Don’t forget about the guest book, unity candles, pen holder, place card holders…all items that can have a little sparkle to keep the shimmer flowing.

Cake Accessories – Swarovski has incredible monogrammed cake toppers, cake servers & toasting flutes…all a sure way to add even more Glitz & Glam to your reception.

5 Ways to help Save Money on Your Wedding

2009-02-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

Everyone is worried about the economy today and of course we are all looking for ways to save on everday items. But here are a few ways to help you save when planning for your Big Day.

Top 5 ways to help cut costs for your wedding:

1. Invite less people. This really goes without saying but fewer guests equal a lower total cost. Sure everyone wants a Big Texas Wedding but with a Big Wedding comes a hefty price tag. You can still have a beautiful wedding without inviting everyone you’ve ever met, LOL!

2. Invite guests electronically. Nearly everyone is technologically savvy these days and this is a sure fire way to save money. Lots of couples are opting to create a website through The Knot, The Wedding Channel and other website generators and you can link your guests right to the invitation. For your grandparents and those you know are anti-techie, make sure you send them a hardcopy you created yourself.

3. Enjoy a long engagement. The longer you are engaged, the longer you have to save up for your wedding. Plan ahead and start saving therefore you’ll begin your marriage on a high note…No Debt!

4. Don’t get married on Saturday. Many venues typically have reduced room rentals and minimums for off peak days…Friday night weddings are a personal favorite of mine. Keep in mind however, that Private Clubs are generally closed on Sundays and may be costly to host a Sunday Wedding as additional opening fees apply.

5. Plan around the Holidays. Most venues decorate for the holidays-especially Christmas. But keep in mind Christmas events are booked at least a year in advance due to corporate parties so plan early.

Bride Wars

2009-02-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

Bride Wars was very entertaining and fun to watch, we would recommend the movie to all brides or anyone who has planned a wedding in the past 5 years. We would give Bride Wars "2 Thumbs Up"! Kate Hudson and Ann Hathaway were the perfect brides in this movie. Being event planners, it is always amusing to see how a movie portrays a wedding planner or wedding professionals such as caterers, florists and such. The Wedding Planner played by Candice Bergman was so formal but apparently well connected to the Plaza.

Girlfriends are so important and having a good one while planning a wedding is essential. Brides...take your girlfriends, bridesmaids, sisters and your mom to this movie! You will want to share in the laughter, drama and hope this movie provides. Always make sure that your wedding planner has the correct date and that you doublecheck all the contract dates. Obviously there would be no movie if the girls would not have been doublebooked on the same day. Doublebookings can happen but not

if all the details and contracts are reviewed carefully.

2009-02-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

City Club's Table scapes and Trends 2009 was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. City Club's preffered vendors and event planners partnered with The Knot and Abi Ferrin to ensure a successful event. Over 30 brides attended the event that showcased designs by top party planners, services and products and the Knot's top wedding trends we will see in 2009. A wedding fashion show showcased Abi Ferrin designs that you would wear as a guest, a bridesmaid, mother of a bride or as a bride. Brides won a number of prizes including ZOOM Whitening, botox session and Rachelle Dauphinee earrings.

Thank you to the following wedding professionals for their participation to make this event a huge success:

Shea Cannon Photography, It's Your Night, Honbun Video, Creme de la Creme, Speciality Sound, Greg Blomberg Photography, Stephen James Weddings, Lightly Photography, Randal Stout, Bridal Blooms, A Magic Moment, RSVP Soiree, Jordan Payne Events, PeaPod Productions, Events by Dayna, Tara Wilson Events and Jill Fortney Inc.

Reception Late Night Snacks

2009-01-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

Your reception is in full swing and your guests have been dancing the night away. The beautiful dinner you served has definitely worn off...now what?!? Why not roll out a late night snack of pastries & cookies. Have the sweet treats passed on trays or prepared as a dessert bar for party goers to graze at their leisure.

Popular choices are cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, truffles and petit fours. I recommend incorporating your favorite goodies for your late night treat!

Place Settings

2008-12-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Place Settings are so often taken for granted in wedding receptions. The centerpiece of course is the first thing guests see and what brides are most focused on. However by adding a charger, menu card, colored napkin or even a small flower into the pocket of the napkin are easy ways to kick it up a notch and take your place setting to a whole new level!

Stress Free Brides are Happy Brides

2008-11-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

I coordinated a wedding in October and the family was so happy because I "took care of every detail", the mother of the bride even said that I took a lot off of their shoulders and made the day more than they could even imagine.

Here are 10 Ways to Calm a Stressed Out Bride:

10. Listen to the bride (no matter if it pertains to you or your business)

9. Treat them as if they are the only bride in the world

8. Validate the reason for the stress

7. Outline all of the details and requirements in advance to help reduce stress

6. Remind them of deadlines early...not at the last minute

5. Make sure their family or friends are helpful and not obtrusive (Referee is in my job description)

4. Return calls and return emails promptly...it doesn't hurt to be personal with a bride

3. Words of encouragement can go far, but truly mean what you say

2. Lots of love & hugs...just being there always help

1. Remind them that in just a few days they will be "Mrs. Groom"

We try our hardest to make each wedding day the best with as little stress as possible!

Our very Own Texas Star

2008-11-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

The stars are shining brighter in Austin...a group from Austin won but at least we lost to a group that produced snow for a winter wonderland! Heather, you are a Texas Star in our book. Here is an email from a recent wedding and really all that counts is that our brides and their families are happy!

“You are very good at your job and you do it with such charm and grace which makes every step of the process so enjoyable. I work with a ton of vendors in my line of work and you just never know what you’re in for. Thanks to you and all your hand picked vendors, this wedding was everything we have always dreamed of. Go ahead and add to your resume...."dream-maker"! This is the first wedding I have ever been a part of where the bride, her parents and the bridal party actually enjoyed every moment of the wedding weekend....that is all due to you and your expertise!!” Brandy B. Bridesmaid 10/08

Texas Star Nominee

2008-10-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

City Club's very own Heather Puckett has been nominated as a Texas Star. Industry Professionals around the state compete to be named the Texas Star in a particular category and Heather has been nominated for a wedding that she coordinated here at the Club this year. The awards will be given out on Sunday...what an honor! Even if she doesn't win, what an accomplishment...to be nominated as a Star by other wedding professionals!

Good Luck Heather!

Green Weddings for any budget

2008-10-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

Green Weddings can be easy to create for the eco-friendly bride. Green can mean many things to different people. Brides can create a small carbon footprint if she wants to do so on her wedding day.

Tips to a Green Wedding:

Have the ceremony and reception in the same
location eliminating the drive to the reception
site from the church.

Have transportation provided for your guests from the church to the reception site to limit the amount of cars to and from the area.

Give an accurate guest count to decrease food waste.

Use china, silverware and glassware instead of disposable service ware.

Provide vegetarian options for your vegetarian guests.

Rent linens instead of purchasing new linens or fabric for table cloths.

Work with the catering team for seasonal and local fare for your menu. Use resources from your venue of choice, most likely, they will be less expensive and won't need transporting

Give eco-friendly favors or donate to a local charity/cause in your guests' honor.

Gift Trees
These hardy evergreen trees are perfect for holiday gifts, business and personal group gifts, and weddings.
They can be planted outdoors in the right conditions, stored in a refrigerator, or grown for months indoors - go to arborday.org for more information

Reusable or edible centerpieces make for lovely table decor.

These popup placemats by Publique Living come in three themes: Popup Birdcage, Popup Mailbox and Popup Tree. Made in the United States of 100% recycled paper (30% postconsumer waste), we think their ideal for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and shabby-chic weddings. Simply write your guests name on the popup. Feeling creative? Get out your non-toxic paints and paint a few accents on each mat; highlight a bird, paint a leaf or write a special message. ( I found this in from portovert - a green wedding blog)

It's easy being Green with all of these resources!

Bridal Chatter is Created

2008-10-02T11:03:00.001-07:00

City Club Fort Worth is pleased to announce the Blissful Chat blog...feel free to send us tips, questions or even a story about your wedding. We will be updating the blog weekly with wedding trends, event design, and menu ideas. Let the Catering Team at City Club be your expert on wedding receptions and catered events. This blog will serve as an outlet for our brides that have ceremonies and receptions that want to chat in a safe place about weddings. Please let us know if we are missing anything as we want this to be a service to you. Welcome to Blissful Chat!

Your Wedding Team,

Heather, Sarah and Amy