January Meeting Recap

February 2, 2012

Showcase – Event Trends in 2012

Pearl Events Austin had several table scape and decor examples of “What’s Trending in 2012″ on display in the Driskill ballroom.  The elaborately decorated tables, chairs, centerpieces and decor, in addition to the fabulous wedding gowns, all tantalized the eye.  94 guests attended this informational luncheon as our three keynote speakers: Laura Cave of The Knot, Emily + Megan of Enjoy Events Co., and Sarah Park of Whole Foods Catering brought us up to date on The Top Ten for What’s Trending 2012:

1.  Think of Snow White and The Hobbit, the much anticipated movies that bring a magical style of Woodland and Fantasy to weddings this year.  This other-worldly style touches everything from event design to florals and even Vera Wang’s “Witchcraft” series.  Heirloom jewelry completes the look of the modern, ethereal bride.  Think Green and go organic with florals, food, materials and paper.

ISES Austin January Meeting

2. Fanciful pastel flowers like the kind in your secret garden - soft peonies, cabbage roses, large dahlias, fern and moss.  Many stylists are keeping a low profile at the table with explosive color and texture by using lush floral design in wooden boxes filled with succulents, exotic fruits and fresh berries.   Trends are steering toward real, natural materials and fibers such as wood farm or vineyard tables draped with organic fiber or lace runners and flanked with benches or mis-matched chairs. 

3.  Watercolor Design and Decor is in everything such as dresses with flowing tulle to table top covers of blush pink and lilac, to lounge pieces.  Pair these rich linens with stacked gold rim china, then contrasting  antique china plates, etched glassware and add gold flatware for a pop of metallic color and a vintage feel. 

ISES Austin January Meeting4.  The Hunger Games guide us into 2012 with its outdoorsy, yet sporty story of survival.  Play on this theme and change it up for Bachelor and Bachelorette parties.  Plan something different and memorable such as a Self Defense Course, Sky Diving or check into a Dude Ranch and work cattle for a weekend.

 

 
5.  Bombshell bride – Think Marilyn Monroe and other beauty icons with lucious red lips and dresses with modern-lines and a sensuous cut.  Bust out those Betty Boop false eye-lashes or get lash extensions and enjoy the attention.

6.  Photography – giant group photos or panoramic portraits of your guests.  Remember your grandparent’s family photos and how formal and timeless they appear?

ISES Austin January Meeting

7.  Ritzy Ranch Weddings such as Lauren Bush’s wedding.  Rustic barns and lace, ambient lighting and chandeliers, plus fun, Texas-inspired food.  Go Local with Texas raised game, fowl, fish and fruits & vegetables; they are abundant and help keep your event green.

8. Video Testimonials like “When Harry Met Sally”.  Your guests can give a funny little anecdote about the couple, support, marriage advice or just share their own love stories.

9.  Princess Kate Middleton channeled Princess Grace Kelly when she revised the strapless trend with her elegant long lace sleeves, sheer back and Lacey veil.  Another inspiration is Bella’s wedding gown  in the Twilight Series – Bella’s (Carolina Herrera) long sleeved crepe satin gown with a plunging back that is covered with sheer Chantilly lace.  Menswear is moving more towards modern chic with a vintage twist and doing away with khaki suits.  The emphasis is on 2 or 3 piece fitted charcoal or black suits with skinny ties.  Throw in suspenders and a mustache for added edge.

ISES Austin January Meeting

10. Mega Honeymoons of 3-4 weeks to exotic locales are all the rage.  Stop off in Africa then Mozambique or Asia then Polynesia or hit the trifecta of Brazil, Argentina and Peru in South America.  Some newlyweds are traveling with friends to some of their destinations, but all of them are keeping loved ones informed via virtual travel updates.

Thank you to our Sponsors: Pearl Events AustinBouquets of Austin, Driskill Hotel, Details Austin, Complete Music, Premiere Party Central, Marquee Event Group, Uptown Valet, The Hyatt on Town Lake, Alexia Gavela, Dolce Salon, Lisa studio 563, Rachael Baldwin-model.  

A special thanks to our speakers:  Laura Cave from The Knot, Emily + Megan from enjoy.eventsco and Sarah Park from Whole Foods Catering.

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After 8 years as “the Wedding Lady” at Laguna Gloria, I have moved to the Blanton Museum of Art. I am sure some people wonder why I would want to leave such a renowned venue for beautiful weddings. Laguna Gloria IS a gorgeous place and it will always be special to me. After all, I got married there myself in 2009.

Erin Murphy Garcia Photo

But after 8 years of rain options, tents and plan “B’s”, I never have to worry about weather again. Like Laguna Gloria, The Blanton is centrally located, unique and art-inspired.  We host wedding ceremonies in the Contemporary Arts gallery.  How many brides can say she got married in front of a painting by an internationally known artist?

Blanton Museum Cocktail Party

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate events, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, fundraisers and other events are held in our beautiful Atrium, which has incredible skylights and an amazing installation called “Stacked Waters” by artist Teresita Fernandez.  The Blanton is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind location for events.

Why did I join ISES?  Believe it or not, I have my job at the Blanton because of ISES. I met my predecessor, Stephanie Topolgus-Rice at an ISES event years ago. When she recently decided to leave the Blanton and help with her family’s business, she called me. A couple of weeks later, I was working at the Blanton.

My favorite part of the job is seeing an event I planned come together and everyone have a great time. Pulling together a great team of professionals and watching them make me look good! A close second would be helping brides begin the road that will end in a wonderful wedding day. My wedding was almost entirely stress-free (thanks to my wonderful vendors). I love to advise couples on how to create their own stress-free and unique wedding day.

Blanton Museum Wedding

 

 

 

 

 

My most memorable challenge was planning the 2008 La Dolce Vita at Laguna Gloria. It was the 20th Anniversary with 2,000 guests, 50 restaurants, 25 wine booths, health inspectors, street closures, etc.  It is the best party in Austin and I had to make sure it stayed that way! 

I have many things I am passionate about and this is probably no secret, but I am a total genealogy nerd. I can’t think of anything more fun than sitting in an archive, searching for my great-great-grandmother.

For more information on the Blanton Museum of Art, peruse the website. 

http://blantonmuseum.org/

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Unexpected Elements Floral and Decor – Floral Designer Position Open

February 1, 2012

Floral Design & Event Production
Description:
We are currently hiring floral designers to help with our operations on an as needed basis. This is an introductory position, and there is room for rapid upward growth.
Job functions:
Provide assistance on an as needed basis to create floral arrangements
Setup/break down decor for special events
Job requirements:
Minimum 1yr year applicable work experience,
Must [...]

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February Happy Hour Announced

January 29, 2012
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December Meeting Recap

January 26, 2012

The ISES Austin December “Program” is an annual “Holiday” party that brings together our city’s leading events-related organizations including ISES, NACE-Austin and NEAWP (Nuptial Essentials Association of Wedding Professionals). It is a Holiday celebration that is, at its core, about giving. The Austin events community generously donates space, food and beverage, rentals and décor, entertainment, [...]

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All We Need is Love {Call for donations}

January 26, 2012

After the bit of a rest the industry feels in December and late January, it is time to get our things in order for the onslaught of weddings and events that happen in the spring here in Central Texas.  Before you get to overwhelmed with client meetings, filling orders and traveling all around town to [...]

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What’s Trending 2012

January 5, 2012

See what all the cool kids will be doing in 2012 on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 11:00AM to 2:00PM at The Driskill Hotel. We’ll have experts from coast to coast share what we should expect to see in 2012.

And if we haven’t won you over yet…
Our keynote speaker will be Laura Cave, Director of [...]

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Easter Seals Central Texas – Special Events Position Open

December 16, 2011

Easter Seals Central Texas has the following Development Manager-Special Events Position Available.
POSITION
The Development Manager-Special Events is a member of the organization’s development team and is charged with raising funds and community awareness through special event coordination. The manager works closely with the development team to implement approved fundraising policies and procedures, develop new fundraising strategies, [...]

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Holiday Greetings from the ISES Austin President

November 30, 2011

Holiday Greetings from the ISES Austin President, Mary Baird-Wilcock.  This uplifting letter is filled with ISES Austin information and good ‘ol holiday cheer.
holiday-letter-prez112911

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Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Pep Rally

November 30, 2011

Our very own Mary of The Simplifiers (aka our kick ass President)  helped to spearhead the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Pep Rally last night in Bastrop.
Check out this awesome news coverage from the event.

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