time flies when you're having...fun

Well, well, my most sincere apologies for this recent hiatus.  I have just been so so busy with these new business ventures!  In no way did I intend to abandon you, my most loyal readers, but spring is a busy time, as I am sure that you well know.  In part, I have been inundated with errands and training and networking and life, but I have also been waiting for something to really inspire me-something that I could share with you all, and today I found it.  The air is dewey, the birds are chirping, the ground is wet, the forecast is full of cloudiness and rain, but in reading my daily repetoire of blogs, etc., I came across this most fabulous idea from a newlywed couple in California.  I am always looking for new and inspired ways to remember your special day, and when I saw this, I had to share:

Is this not one of the most adorable things that you have ever seen?!  I mean, what a fabulous and creative way to commemorate who was there for your momentous event and their special message for you.  This is a fabulous idea for a wedding, but could also be a fabulous addition or gift at an anniversary party or baby shower-as the tree symbolizes growth, as well as the connection between past and future.  This tree and the idea for it were featured in a post today on Green Wedding Shoes, but are also available for purchase from the recently-wed couple at their etsy store.  I just have to have one.  The question is, do I get married or pregnant?  Ha!  I will be doing neither.  Maybe I just invite my friends over for dinner and ask them to leave their well-wishes for me in life as I need all the help I can get.

**Stay tuned for tons of new stuff on a variety of topics coming your way just as soon as I can consume some more caffeine.

up in the gym, just working on my fitness

For those of you who know this tune (Fergalicious) and just how catchy it is, I apologize for getting it in your head-probably for the rest of the day-but I couldn't resist a Fergie reference, plus it seemed a fitting title for this post. 
I strolled into work this morning without my routine cup of coffee (read: crabby) and as I waited for the pot to finish brewing I lethargically signed into my email.  Now, some of you may not know this (actually, why would you, unless you stalk me), but I am currently in the process of getting my yoga teacher certification and so have been discussing the possibility of opening a studio with a friend of mine who teaches pilates.  We have been bouncing ideas off of each other for while now, but her latest idea is pure genuis, nbd.  In an email to me she described her plans to market a class for brides to be that will focus on toning, specifically the arms, buns and back (see, I told you-genius).  Now, we all want to look our best, but sometimes we need that extra motivation, a little extra something to get us off the couch and into the gym.  What better motivation than the thought of being gawked at by hundreds of people, photographed, and posed for pictures that will last a lifetime; aka, your wedding day?
Kristen is still "working out" the kinks of the program, as well as the specifics (dates, etc.), but I will make sure to keep you all posted.  I think that this is a great opportunity to get firmed up, have fun and maybe meet some friends, share ideas, network (the possibilities are endless!).  Plus, bikini season is just around the corner (God help us).  So come back soon, registration details to follow.

love is in the air

On a recent trip to my favorite salon, to see my favorite aesthetician (Jen at Juut Downtown MPLS-the woman can wax!), I was going through my normal routine; browse, wax, browse, sample, check out--when the service coordinator behind the counter offered me a cupcake.  Yep, you read that right, she offered me a cupcake.  Being that it was shortly after the New Year and resolutions were still fresh in my mind, I grimaced, wanting the sweet treat, but knowing that I probably shouldn't indulge...but I did anyway.  Boy, was I happy that I did!

The cupcake was from Cocoa and Fig, a local confectionary which, up until that point, had conducted most of their business online and at the Farmer's Market in Downtown Minneapolis; but, as of this week, will now occupy a small space next to Juut Salon in Gaviidae Common (how convenient for me!)

I recently checked out the Cocoa and Fig website and was thrilled to discover that they also offer a wide variety of catering options, with a wide variety of display designs; I am instantly in love.
Owners Laurie Pyle and Joe Lin are partnering with St. Louis Park-based Bull Run Roasting Co. for drip coffees at their new storefront (no espresso, since nearby Caribou Coffee has a mallwide non-compete) and plan to serve quiche and breakfast pastries, including muffins, scones and their fabulous cream cheese-Nutella brioche in addition to some fabulously sweet treats and cakes.  Coffee and dessert-look out for me.

My "discovery" of Cocoa and Fig came at an ever-so-opportune time.  With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I decided to check out their V-Day specials, and whoa! was I delighted.  I have always been more of a fan of candy and chocolate than flowers anyway-after all, what is it they say? "flowers say 'I'm sorry' and chocolate says 'I love you'"  No matter what you plan to get your valentine this year, make sure to check out Cocoa and Fig for special occasions, events, as a gift or just because; it's definitely worth the

trip.

"feast" your eyes on these:

Black Velvet with Cream Cheese Icing (and red heart)

Lemon Coconut (with pink coconut!)

my happy place

Cozumel Mexico 2009

pictures! finally

So, after 106 days of anxiously waiting, the pictures are here!  I could barely believe my eyes yesterday when I saw the notification email.  I spent a good hour and a half looking through them, as there are a ton, and I have to say that I am satisfied.  I am not sure that anyone should have to wait as long as Kristen and Dan did, but I am glad to see that the photos exist-because, let's be honest, for a minute there, I feared something terrible had happened. 
I maintain what I said earlier about this experience with Studio Blue.  There were a lot of great shots, but to some degree, I was expecting...more.  The pictures are posted in progression, and I must say, that those in the salon and of us ladies getting ready captured some very intimate and special moments.  I was less impressed however, with those of the wedding party as a group and was disappointed by a lack of pictures of only Kristen and Dan.
Ultimately, I was thrilled to see the shots, and to be able to relive that very special day through them, but was extremely disappointed in the length of time that it took.  I would venture to say that hand painted portraits would be ready in less time.
Overall, I give Studio Blue 2.5 stars (out of 5).

roses are re...wait!

Whew!  What a weekend!  As per usual it went too fast.  I am exhausted and sore (from 8 racquetball losses yesterday!), but happy to be able to share the details of a wedding that I helped with this past weekend.  Ever since my best friend's wedding last October, I have been keeping a close eye on many things, but flowers are my current obsession (in case you haven't noticed).  I was particularly impressed with the flowers at said friend's wedding-maybe even more so now that I have seen how much flowers can add or detract from the overall theme, and I have been itching to get some hands-on experience with florals.  Thus, I decided to reach out to Sadie of Sadie's Fine Floral Design, the studio who provided for Kristen's wedding, to see if she would let me shadow her for a day.  Luckily, she had a bigger wedding on tap and so invited me to spend the day with her crew this past Saturday at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, MN. 
I arrived at their new studio space-which they share with Fete Perfection-and was immediately in love.  Even though it is an older, warehouse-type building, I was enamored with the space, particularly the garage door-style loading dock that doubles as a wall of windows, the fanciful embellishments to the 'lounge' area, and the intoxicating aroma of various blooms.  I learned quickly that I really never knew quite what went into the prep for a wedding-I can only imagine what kind of activity would surround two events on one day...
This wedding in particular was a bit unique in that the ceremony, dinner and reception were all held at Interlachen Country Club (a gorgeous, but adequately pricey venue)-with the ceremony and reception in the same room, so during the cocktail hour, the entire arrangement had to be changed out-something that Sadie had not yet done before-but planned and executed perfectly.  We arrived with all the supplies, ready to conquer the otherwise, fairly 'blah' space, and within a few hours, the club was transformed.  My favorite part of the entire design were the enormous arrangements at the head of the aisle, constructed of spanish moss, white roses, amaryllis, lillies, hyacinth and curly wood.  If and when I figure out how to get photos from my phone to the computer, I will post them here...stand by.
The aisles were lined by 8-3 1/2-foot tall glass cylinders, filled with water, orchids and topped with an illuminated floating candle.  Each window bay was decorated with smaller glass cylinders of varying heights also filled with water and a floating candle; all in all, over 100 cylinders were filled and arranged throughout the room.  After the room flip, the taller cylinders were placed atop every other table, and large arrangements, similar to those at the head of the aisle, were fixed atop (precarious, and anxiety-inducing, but gorgeous).  The 'odd' tables-were topped with a nine piece arrangement, consisting of three smaller vases, filled with water and smaller arrangements, staggered and surrounded by cylinders with water and floating candles.  The head table was adorned with a beautiful, 6 foot long arrangement in the center, which helped to create a harvest table, at which the wedding party sat on all four sides. (Damn me not being able to transfer those photos...but make sure to visit the gallery on Sadie's website to see more of her amazing designs).
The mix of flowers and candlelight was so dreamy and romantic.  And to be honest, I was also thoroughly impressed with the Interlachen staff.  They were helpful and hard working-without them, a well-executed flip would have been impossible.  One note of caution: when hanging votives from flamable materials, like... say, curlywood, be careful to allow enough space between the flame and the material so as to avoid a fire.  The banquet manager at the Club nearly had a heart attack when he thought that he saw smoke just before the ceremony was about to begin.
Needless to say, by 6:30 PM I was exhausted.  Not only was there an enormous amount of prep, but a similiarly significant amount of physical labor-probably part of the reason that Sadie and her staff are in such incredible shape (I wouldn't lie).  As I drove through the Edina neighborhoods on my way home though, I couldn't help but recount the day's events and marvel at the creativity and workmanship that goes into the smallest of details.  I was truly impressed with and proud to have been part of this event and I thank Sadie and her staff for not only allowing me to tag along, but for so graciously showing me the ropes.

vintage + garden = addicted

Are you looking for a fun and/or unique gift for the bride-to-be (aren't we always)?  Or, are you a bride-to-be yourself, looking for new ways to help your guests remember your special day?  Check out the artwork from Kelli Murray, a recently married illustrator from California, whose wedding was recently featured on Green Wedding Shoes.  I must say, that in addition to having a knack for illustration, the woman also has an incredible eye for fashion, style and how to incorporate her own personal touch.  Her wedding was one of my favorite features so far.  Set in an intimate garden, with special attention to vintage detail, Kelli and her husband Sam managed to create the perfect wedding day and on an incredibly affordable budget.  With bridesmaid dresses from Charlotte Russe altered to reflect her style, a groom's tux from H & M tailored to look custom, one of a kind jewels designed by her cousin with embellishments to pieces from Forever 21, and an eye for couture fashion, Kelli was able to create a phenomenal blend of creative and memorable pieces with everyday finds. 
Ok, so we are not all as blessed with natural talent as Kelli, but her wedding is a prime example of how planning a wedding does not have to cost you an arm or a leg.  She used her talents and started early.  She gathered ideas and 'employed' the help of those near and dear to her to create an exquisite wedding that will not soon be forgotten.  It really is worth it to check out how silk roses and coffee stained, tattered tulle can turn into this.
To see more of Kelli's work, or to order a print of the illustration above, visit her etsy shop. 

Hydrangea: "why you so obsessed with me?"

review update

Still no pictures from Studio Blue.  I finally emailed them last Wednesday to express my...concern (read: red-faced rage).  I was articulate, to the point and slightly more pleasant than I had wanted to be, but happy to hear back from Bryan later that same day.  He assured me that the photos had been uploaded and would be posted "within a few days".  Now it is the following Tuesday, and yesterday he promised (again) that "today is the day".  I am  not sure what will happen if I don't see some pictures today, but it will likely involve a black ski mask.  Kidding.  Sort of.  Stay tuned.
**end of rant

ghost writer

My friend Nicole (great name) is soon to be wed to a guy that I have known since grade school-and, I will admit, used to have a crush on (read it and weep Zach).  They are a couple that I can honestly say that I know were meant for each other-and it makes me so happy to see them so happy.  Both are of Mexican heritage and thus, will be saying "I Do" in Cancun this May.  Now, Nicole is a fashionista and has the inside scoop on all things wedding, so when she discovered that I am blogging she thought that she could help-and oh, has she ever.  Not only is Nicole planning her wedding on a budget, but she also has great taste-can you tell that she and I get along splendidly?!
Now, I will likely be borrowing ideas from Nicole a lot in the near future, and I should honestly probably be paying her for the leads that she provides, but until she names her price I will continue to freeload (not sure how I feel about that word, but it will have to do-for now).
So, one of the most appealing sites that she has led me to thus far is MyGatsby.com.  No matter the occasion, this site is to be bookmarked.  They provide ideas, inspiration, templates and step-by-step guides to creating your own invitations.  You can mix and match, pick your paper, print your own or craft a completely unique design.  Additionally, they provide quick tips and customer support over the phone so that if you get stuck or are having trouble, you are able to right your 'wrong' in no time.  No matter the occasion, My Gatsy is sure to have something that tickles your fancy.  And if you are short on time, check out their featured collections for exclusive invitations, beautiful designs and even green/eco-friendly galleries.

**Stay tuned for more ideas from the bride to be herself-including destination-themed inspiration.  Thanks in advance Nicole, for your amazing sense of style and willingness to contribute! 

facebook love

From fashion to function and everything in between, our facebook page has some great suggestions for your next event.  So whether you are on the hunt for some frugal finds or in search of a way to make the time pass before some Friday fun, check us out:
In Any Event MN on Facebook
...and just in case you don't have an entire day to devote to perusing fun sites, here is a sampling of what we can provide for your next fete:

We have SO many ideas for every event detail that the possibilities are overwhelming.  With wedding season just around the corner, it would appear that I am getting married (stop laughing-I'm not) if one were to check my browser history, or heaven forbid, my mailbox.  Eeeeee!

a penny saved is a penny earned

Saving time and saving money do not always go hand in hand-where you save on one, you often splurge on the other.  I might suggest however, that for some things, the compromise is well worth it, depending on what is more valuable to you.  If it is money that you seek to save, there are a lot of DIY ideas out there, some of which utilize your God-given talents and do not require you to purchase many materials, if any.  Take, for example, writing your own invitations, or at least addressing them...while the time commitment is relatively large, the money you can save on a calligrapher, etc., can make it well worth your while.
Don't like your handwriting?  The alternative is to ask friend or relative who's handwriting is particularly neat or unique to write the invitations for you-either at a less-expensive rate, or in exhange for your undying gratitude (I prefer the latter).  Recently a good friend of mine asked me to address her wedding invitations and I gladly accepted.  Even though she and her fiancee had a large number of invitees, I found time on my lunch breaks, while watching television in the evenings, on weekends while sipping coffee (oh so carefully around the envelopes, of course) and intermittently during slow times at work-and before I knew it, they were done!  I took pride in knowing that I had saved my friends some money and that they would choose me to be a part of this important piece of correspondence.  Additionally, the process became part of my wedding gift to them; they valued my time and effort, and that gift is more memorable than any serving dish I might have picked out the day before (as is my style).

creative cupcakes

Did someone say "cupcake"?  I hope so!  Are you looking for a fun alternative to the more traditional wedding cake?  Or are you entertaining a varied crowd with different tastes but want to provide a savory treat?  This cupcake idea is something that is growing in popularity, and is, in my opinion, a fabulous option.  Do you ever find that you are stuck eating some dry, over-iced slice of sheet cake to wrap up an otherwise-above-average meal?  Or have you ever gone light on dinner in anticipation of a tasty sweet, but been too embarrassed to grab two slices and instead accidentally overindulged in the vino?  Cupcakes are the perfect alternative to cake.  Not only can you provide an abundance of flavor options (marble, lemon, strawberry, chocolate, etc.), but you can get creative with the individual cupcake decoration as well. 

Divination Cupcakes

I think that this is one of the cuter ideas that I have ever seen.  These cupcakes answer yes or no questions.  Simply ask, select a cupcake, and open the sealed banner for a reply.  Not a believer?  Oh well, you can still enjoy the tasty confection (and come back for another if you so desire). 

As with cake, there are a multitude of options, but cupcakes allow you to mix it up a bit.  Do you have a favorite pistachio cake recipe from when you were young, but fear that it may not go over so well with all of your guests?  Offer the pistachio as one of the options but provide some others as well.  This way, bride, groom, guests and picky eaters are satisfied-and like I said, don't be afraid to try them all.

see blue, save green

Brides to be: are you in search of your "something blue"?  You are in luck.  This month a collection of Edina stores that refers to themselves as 'the Brides of 50th and France' are offering blue goodies to help you complete your wedding repetoire.  For example, Bluebird Boutique has a Hanky Panky bridal thong, Bumbershute carries blue shirts for the groom to be and Live-Laugh-Love is offering a dree blue snap with the purchase of a pair of Lindsay Phillips ballet flats.
Check out the website for the Brides of 50th and France to find new specials each month.  February is beauty month, March - dresses; April is devoted to financial planning and May, the groom.

Review: Studio Blue Photography

Let me start out by saying that, with reviews, I am in no way trying to knock an artist/vendor for their efforts, but instead trying to critique performance and inform the masses, aka our readers.  With this, my first review, I have been inspired to write, not because of an all-around horrible experience and not because I am over-the-moon thrilled about it either-as it stands, I am giving Studio Blue 2.5 stars (out of 5).
One of my best girlfriends was married this past October 17th in an intimate ceremony held at the Como Conservatory in St. Paul, truly a magnificent venue.  The weather was perfect, the bride-stunning, and the day progressed without incident.  But, if I am to be picky (and I am), the photographer arrived late.  Not terribly late to the point that the bride even really noticed, but late enough for the mother of the bride to make a phone call.  Half of the bridesmaids had already had their hair done and the bride's veil was already fixed in place by the time Brian from Studio Blue arrived.
Brian seemed young, and carefree; naturally, he picked me out right away as the "party girl" and so the two of us bonded quickly.  Brian and his assistant spent the next 5 hours before the wedding with us-the female half of the wedding party.  He hung out while we had lunch, he helped us keep track of personal items, hell, he was there (eyes averted) as the bride slipped her dress on-taking photos nano-seconds after she pulled it up to snap family-appropriate pictures.  He was there to take advantage of photo opportunities that I am sure the bride, her family and the wedding party will treasure for years.  The main problem?  It has been 13 weeks, 13! and still no pictures of the day posted to his website or presented to the bride and groom.
Am I wrong to be aghast?!  His business card promises 12 weeks, which I thought to be absurd, but rolled with, because I was sure that he took 1000 photos that day and that it would likely take him some time to edit and organize-especially being that Kristen's wedding came at the end of the busy season.  I checked the Studio Blue website after a few weeks thinking that maybe, just maybe, I would be pleasantly surprised.  This past Monday was the 13th Monday that I had checked the site with high hopes-this time, being 98% sure that those photos would be there.  Nope!
I understand that there were a lot of pictures taken that day.  In addition to the ones for which we posed, the candids, the traditional family and bridal party shots, Brian also had a "photo booth" of sorts set up at the reception at which couples, etc. could be posed and shot-and in very unique ways I might add (for example, he had my boyfriend flip me upside down-in a bridesmaid dress-and then swing me through his legs from behind his back-sounds interesting right-you should SEE the picture!).  This is one of the reasons that I am even more excited to see the end result-I want to order prints and have them framed; I'm anxious!
I want to give Brian and Studio Blue the benefit of the doubt on this one, I truly do, but it's getting to be less disheartening and more maddening.  I am sure that he is busy, I understand that he edits every shot before the bride and groom get their hands on them, I sympathize with the fact that he is a father of 4 and has a life outside of the studio, but as a business person, when you make a promise, you need to follow through.
I want to make sure to point out that I was impressed with Brian's commitment on the wedding day-he had some brilliant ideas for backdrops and poses-even though at times it seemed exhausting, I am sure that the pictures will make me forget entirely that I ever felt annoyed.  I will also admit, that I am likely a little more anxious than even the bride about seeing the shots, but I do know that on that day, Kristen was a little perturbed with Brian as well.  He failed to show up for the sunset shots of the bride and groom, he did not spend any time with the groomsmen during their prep, he was absent on the dance floor and at times, made us do ridiculously meticulous poses that took a very long time.
After all this, I would still have recommended Studio Blue; they have produced some fabulous photography and I continue to be impressed with the workmanship of the galleries on their website, but the length of time that it has taken does not sit well with me.  When (read: if) the photos ever get posted, I will make sure to update this review.  Patient, I am not, but maybe the photos are SO stunning that all of this angst will wash away when I get my hands on a print of the ten of us, dressed to kill and posed like a bunch of drunks in an old brothel (because THAT was one of my favorite poses-I told you that he was creative).

chow down

If you are anything like me, you like to eat.  Recently, I came across a specific local caterer whose name I just could not seem to get out of my head (killer branding if you ask me), and so decided to check out.  Chow Girls is a Minneapolis-based company started by two women who met in 2003 and bonded over their love of food and cooking.  7 years later they are operating one of the most popular, albeit, unique, catering companies in the Twin Cities.  Their menu is impressive-with items ranging from Corned Beef Pickle Dogs and Maytag Apricot Turnovers for starters to Miso-Maple Glazed Salmon and Pot Pies for entrees.  Holy Hannah!  My mouth waters every time I read the menu-I want to try everything-even those things that I Thought that I didn't like and others that sound intimidating, like "Hummus, Skordalia, & Tzatziki Platter".  Chow Girls advertises the ability to "cater to" groups ranging in size from 12 to 1000-which is amazing in and of itself.   Additionally, they provide different levels of service; from basic to above and beyond, these girls have thought of everything!
No matter the next event, Chow Girls will definitely be one of my recommendations-and if you are still undecided on your venue, they have a list of some one-of-a-kind locations that do not have catering restrictions and still more in which they are the preferred vendor.  "Feast" your eyes on this:

Chow Girls' Maytag Apricot Turnovers-YUM!

anemones

As of late, I have become increasingly obsessed with anemones, seen here in white with black centers.
I thought about posting a picture of an all-anemone bouquet (and likely will at some point), but I couldn't stop staring at this arrangement, made up of artichokes, wine colored peony tulips, wine sweet pea and hydrangea - love. LOVE. love.  Most days, looking at floral bouquets makes me want to become a florist...so, I have added that to my resolutions list for 2010.  Sweet dreams.

In case of Emergency: contact me on my cell.  Until May I will be vacationing in Turks/Caicos.

Seriously though, I need to get here.

'tis the season to save money

So yesterday I got home from work and decided that it was about time to take down the Christmas decorations (tear).  For some reason, this year I have grown especially attached to my adorable 3 foot tall tree-and you would too if you saw it.  One by one I picked the ornaments from their perch and carefully wrapped them up until next year, but when it came time to take down the tree, I just couldn't do it.  I decided that I will keep the tree until it sheds enough needles to make me tire of vaccuming every day...so, maybe March? 
Honestly though, how much money goes into things that we throw away-in particular around the holidays?  From trees, to greeting cards, to wrapping paper, Christmas is expensive-notice no mention of gifts in that list.  Maybe more so than the tree, I felt bad throwing away cards from family and friends.  How do I look at a picture of your smiling children (one, by the way that was chosen through hours of deliberation on who looks good in which shot) and toss it in the garbage? 
The same can be said of the countless correspondence that has become standard to send when you are planning on getting married; engagement announcements, save the dates, invitations, RSVP cards, thank you notes-the list goes on and on.  A bride-to-be spends hours, not to mention thousands of dollars, choosing paper that guests will eventually throw away.  This got me to thinking...how do we encourage people to want to save what we send?  I can't expect my aunts and uncles to be framing my wedding invitation, but maybe they will throw it in a scrapbook if I make them think twice about it-like, "Oh this is just too pretty to be wasted".  Or what about a functional save the date?  I am just planting the seed here, but there are tons of options out there-and what a fine way to practice your green lifestyle! 
The following are just a few of my ideas-feel free to make them your own.

Coasters-sort of obsessed with this idea:

I love trees (as you have probably surmised by this point), and simply love this idea.  I have not yet seen a coaster save-the-date, etc., but I would assume that it could be done-all you need is heavy stock, recycled fiber and a wateproof ink.  This is something that could even be done at home, on the cheap(er).

Magnets-Magnets are a great idea, especially for people like myself, who spend a lot of time in front of the refridgerator.  I would bet that people who use a magnet as a save-the-date, etc., will have higher attendance on average, at their event.  Plus, who doesn't love a cute magnet?  Pretty sure that I would gladly throw away a Papa Johns magnet over a save-the-date should the fridge get too crowded.

Postcards-This is something that your guests could post on a bulletin board for years afterward and not look like serious creepers.  In fact they might appear to outsiders as seasoned travelers.

(Photobooth) photos-Although this has been done in many ways before, it is not a bad idea to send guests an invitation, etc., on the back of a photo; two birds, one stone.  This way, you are able to circulate a picture that you both like and get the word out.  It is my opinion that people are much less likely to throw away a picture than they are a piece of paper-no matter how fancy or elegant.

For more ideas and some amazing designs from independents, visit the New York Wedding Guide online.  Or, as per usual, check out etsy, where you are sure to find a multitude of treasures at reasonable prices.

Save on my friends.

jim buron

A beautiful display by Renny and Reed in New York; built by the one and only, Jim Buron.  For more fabulous photos, and genuinely impressive examples of workmanship, visit their website.

Also, as a shameless bit of promotion for our Minnesotans kickin' it out there in the Big Apple, check out their blog.

baby it's cold outside

Yes, it is cold...so cold in fact, that sometimes I think that my eyeballs might freeze solid while I walk to the bus stop in the morning, and if you are like me, it is about now that we begin to imagine our winter getaway to some tropical, or at this point even moderate, location.  If you are thinking about making your escape, or better yet, are planning a destination event, there are tons of opportunities to let your creative spirit shine, while entertaining your guests against a beautiful backdrop.  From Scotland to Jamaica, there is something for everyone and every occasion-often at wonderfully affordable prices.  No matter your motivation, the options are virtually limitless.  Here, in short order are some of the highlights:

If it is cold cocktails on a hot beach that you desire, try The Somerset of Turks and Caicos Islands.  This pristine resort is pure paradise.  Hailed one of the ten best beaches in the world, this Carribean destination is sure to tickle your fancy.  Just reading their website description has me surfing the web for fares:

"A place where spacious rooms and stylish suites linger at the edge of a turquoise sea, and the stars are closer than you ever imagined. We invite you to bring your playful side to The Somerset, where luxury and indulgence meet whimsy and surprise and every day offers a new opportunity to be enchanted."

...um, yeah.  I'm going.

If you would prefer to do as little as possible, then try the Half Moon Resort in Jamaica.  This luxury hotel, located on a two mile stretch of beach on Montego Bay, boasts an 18-hole golf course, yoga pavilions, and a lagoon with trained dolphins.  Half Moon goes so far as to promise that the experience they provide is sure to become part of your soul.  Now, that might be a tad dramatic, but they had me at "Sandy crescent beaches dotted with palms, white washed cottages surrounded by fragrant gardens. A world of leisure in an oasis of calm."

Add this to the "most definitely" column on my to-do list.

If you seek something more rustic or simply love the grandeur provided by a mountainous landscape, try Arrabelle at Vail Square in Vail, CO.  Being that the high and low seasons are switched here (summer is their off season), prices decrease as the temperature rises.  Arrabelle, a relatively new, luxury hotel, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offers exceptional accomodations, supreme ammenities and timeless elegance.  Additionally, the resort offers a green wedding option with locally grown, organic food and fuel-efficient transportation (gotta love that).

If you prefer to go Euro, there are a number of unique, albeit easily accessible, venues including, but not limited to an Italian farmhouse or villa set amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany or the Glamis Castle in Scotland where the marriage regulations are comparatively limited.

So let your imagination run wild; why not, right?  What is a little dip in the savings account when you have something like this to look forward to.  A week away may be worth more than you know.

For more ideas, visit this season's edition of New York Wedding Week online.