COPPER + CREAM Q+A: LITTLE SISTER CREATIVE

Summer has arrived and after many long months of social distancing, it’s clear that people are ready to party! As we kick off what is promising be a busy season, we reconnected with Little Sister Creative founder + creative director, Julie Guinta for her take on 2021 wedding trends.

Little Sister Creative embraced scaled-down nuptials during the shutdown and kept us inspired with their vibrant + joyful installations for virtual vows and stoop celebrations. Their newest venture, Sweet Hearts is a Vegas-style venue for intimate ceremonies and was recently featured in the New York Times.

Always fun, fashionable and ready for a good time, Julie shared her insights on how even smaller celebrations can make a big impact!

photo credit // Edward Winter

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photo credit // Sylvie Rosokoff

Q: How has COVID impacted the way couples are approaching event design?

Couples are being really thoughtful in their design processes by digging into what the day means for them and how it can best represent them as a couple. We are guiding several of our clients to think outside the box when it comes to their wedding day. Maybe they want to have a luxury rooftop BBQ, maybe they want to express their love through karaoke, maybe they want really personal details on their tables that speak to their journey as a couple. Since we have all spent so much time apart, I feel like there is really a tenderness taken with the time that we now get to spend together, and our couples are so lovingly taking that into consideration.

Q: What's been one of your favorite trends to emerge from the past year that you hope clients will continue to embrace?

Couples saying no! I know this sounds weird, but because of COVID there is a need to have open conversations about consent and comfort levels. We have had to speak up when we don't feel comfortable or safe and this has definitely infiltrated other aspects of our lives and how we move through them. A lot of my couples are saying no to tradition, familial pressure, guests they might not particularly want around on the big day and other outside influences and/or pressures. They are really doing what they want to do and it has been truly refreshing!

photo credit // Edward Winter

Q: What is the easiest way to make a big impact when hosting a virtual or micro-wedding?

Go wild! You are celebrating small so instead of paying for decor/florals for a big wedding, you are paying for the micro! So go big, go over the top! Splurge for a stellar gift for guests to mark the day or opt for all the awesome upgraded table rentals. Send people flowers to have in their Zoom windows or make it interactive! Hire a bartender to teach your guests to make a signature drink. Make it fun, make it unique, make it exactly how you and yours want it!

photo credit // Edward Winter

Q: Tell us about Sweet Hearts and what inspired you to create this sweet offering?

Sweet Hearts grew out of wanting to provide a beautiful, safe space for all people to share a special moment. The idea came to me when I married two friends over steaks at a Williamsburg steakhouse. A lightbulb went off and I thought, “why isn’t there any one-stop-wedding-spot that’s not a courthouse?!” After designing tons of weddings during my career, I noticed a huge hole in the wedding market that did not provide, easy, no frills, yet beautiful weddings to those who just want to commit.

While I absolutely love big wedding celebrations, I also wanted to provide an easy, mega-affordable option to my clients who might not want to spend their budget on a Little Sister Creative designed wedding. My goal is to not turn any couple away who wants to celebrate their love.

Q: What design trends do you predict we'll see more of in 2021?

MIXING HIGH + LOW

Instead of an entire wedding weekend being super high-end + luxury, I think a mix of the high and low will be very popular this year. For example, booking the stellar venue with city views but opting for a casual, loungey dinner. Getting married over Zoom, and spending the entire budget to blow out the stoop with florals. Booking the chef's table at a restaurant and getting married over steaks with a few close friends. Pre-COVID the wedding bubble was bursting! Things were getting bigger and bigger...meaning more and more unattainable for most. I love that people are layering these elements into their wedding days or weekends to offer guests such an unexpected variety of experiences!

MULTIPLE EVENTS TO MARK THE MOMENT

I also see a trend towards the "one-size-wedding-does-not-fit-for-all" meaning people no longer have their "big day" but maybe multiple, highly personalized moments of significance. That way these smaller events speak to the curated groups of people who are invited and the couple's vibe in that moment. Maybe you have rehearsal dinner with your best friends, then you elope, then you have a banger of a party to celebrate with everyone you know! Maybe you have an awesome engagement party for all, then a very intimate destination wedding, or other way around! Or maybe you just get hitched Sweet Hearts, our Vegas-style chapel in Williamsburg, then meet everyone at a venue upstate for an all-night dance party! All the wedding events don't have to be packed into one weekend, and they don't have to involve everyone each time. Honestly, they don't have to involve anyone at all :)

photo credit // Kylee Yee

photo credit // Edward Winter

Safe Celebrations: Planning Your First Post-Pandemic Event

We were thrilled to resume in-person events this month but despite increased vaccination rates and relaxed public policies, events will continue to look + feel different for the foreseeable future. Guests will undoubtedly have varying comfort levels with social gatherings but that doesn’t mean your friends + family aren’t ready to socialize! Whether you’re preparing to host a wedding or smaller, celebratory event, here are a few ways to adjust the event format to put your guests at ease.

photo credit // Kelly Kollar Photography

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photo credit // Ruggero Maramotti

TAKE THE PARTY OUTSIDE

As we head into summer, embrace the warmer weather and plan for al fresco events whenever possible. Fresh air and ample space to mingle will help eliminate concerns about close quarters while allowing you to get creative with decor, format and seating layouts.

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photo credit // Arli Quinn Photography

CREATE SANITATION STATIONS

Make it easy for guests to take extra precautions with sanitation stations discretely placed around your venue. Include COVID Comfort Bracelets, extra face masks and hand sanitizer to subtly remind friends + family to follow safety guidelines while celebrating. Put a personal touch on these items by matching to your decor or adding customized labels to individual hand sanitizers.

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photo credit // Jose Villa

SOCIALLY DISTANCED SEATING

Everyone has established their COVID “pod” which makes assigned seating a no-brainer for larger gatherings. Organize seating for your wedding ceremony + reception to reflect family or friend groupings and feel free to get creative with the layout or type of seating you choose to use!

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photo credit // Alexandra Meseke

INDIVIDUALIZED NOSHES

Keep food service customized with single-serve portions throughout your event. Avoid buffet stations or family style service by opting for individually plated hors d’oeuvres + desserts, personal picnic baskets or pre-packaged end of night nibbles for guests to enjoy.

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gift box // Lavender + Pine Gifting

SEND YOUR VIRTUAL GUESTS SOME LOVE

Whether due to venue restrictions or personal preference, many couples will likely choose to downsize in-person guest counts and invite extended friends + family to join virtually. Show your virtual guests some love and include them in the celebration by sending a signature cocktail kit or favor in advance of the festivities.

TWELVE DAYS OF GIFTING

We’ve been in stay-at-home mode for nearly nine months. With several more months of homebound living on the horizon, we’ve curated a holiday gift list full of little luxuries to make your home sweet home even sweeter. Don’t worry, we won’t tell if some or all of these items find their way under your tree instead of in the mail to someone on your holiday list!

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ON THE FIRST DAY

Accessorize your morning coffee run with Faribault’s woolen coffee sleeves. Made from blanket remnants, these cup holders will help keep your coffee hot and hands cozy as temps continue to drop.

ON THE SECOND DAY

This year we’re swapping our holiday heels for these super stylish and oh-so-comfy slippers by Sleeper. Whether paired with your coziest PJs or favorite pair of jeans, these will be your go-to house shoes.  

ON THE THIRD DAY

One advantage of our empty social calendar has been more free time to read. Prepare to curl up with a good book in 2021 or treat the bookworm on your list to one new work of fiction each month with Juniper Books’ annual subscription of contemporary fiction!

ON THE FOURTH DAY

We can’t get enough of Krystal Festerly’s collection of flower pressed items - everything from bookmarks to home goods and calendars. These barrettes would be the perfect stocking stuffer.

ON THE fifth DAY

Whether filled with wine or whiskey, this pair of decanters by Arteriors will look right at home on any bar cart. We particularly love how the organic shape of the glass pairs with the geometric brass stoppers. 

ON THE sixth DAY

We live for home organization hacks, especially when they looks this good!  We’re adding these fun marbleized lacquered boxes by Homenature to our entryway to help wrangle face masks, wallets and keys.

ON THE seventh DAY

Our celebrations may be smaller but they’re no less special! We believe in celebrating life’s big and small wins alike, which is why this hand sculpted resin champagne bucket by Tina Frey will play a starring role this holiday season.

ON THE eigHth DAY

Creekside Farms’ handmade wreaths have been a staple of our holiday decor for the past several years. We love receiving these beauties so much that we’ve decided to sign up for Creekside Farms’ seasonal wreath subscription via Food 52 and can’t wait to unwrap a new wreath each season!

ON THE ninth DAY

These handmade mugs by Mette Duedahl, a Danish ceramic designer, are inspired by colors and textures found in nature. While they make a beautiful gift on their own, we’ll be pairing ours with a collection of teas from Tea Forté.

ON THE tenth DAY

If you’re like us, you’re probably missing your group fitness classes. Until it’s safe again to box, run, spin or plié in a room full of strangers, we’re giving our at-home workout routine a serious upgrade with these flawlesly designed barbells and resistance band from Kenko. 

ON THE eleventh DAY

We all deserve a little extra pampering this year and Dermstore’s beauty advent calendar makes it fun + easy to discover new products! Filled with beauty, skin and hair care samples, you’re bound to find a few new favorites to incoporate into your daily routine.

ON THE twelth DAY

Cashmere. Tracksuit. Whether you’re running to the grocery store or settling in for a holiday movie marathon, you’ll feel a bit more polished doing it while wearing a luxuriously soft and surprisingly stylish Chinti & Parker tracksuit.

Holiday Table Two Ways

After spotting these delicate letterpressed oak leaf itineraries from Little House Postage earlier this fall, we haven’t been able to get them out of our head!

Using these pieces for inspiration, we’ve created two mood boards to transition our tablescape from Thanksgiving to Christmas. We’ll be pairing our seasonal decor with deconstructed turkey dinners and plenty of individual offerings to keep our small gatherings safe without sacrificing on the festivities.

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THANKSGIVING TABLE

For Thanksgiving, we’re leaning into the warm tones + textures of the season. Natural wood accents paired with dried florals bring the outside in while amber glassware and organic linens add softness to the table.

Floral Society tapers + ceramic candle holders, Cultiver linen tablecloth, Sabre Paris bistrot flatware, Wreath by Moon Canyon, Estelle amber smoke coupe glasses, Lostine leather-handled oak tray

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CHRISTMAS TABLE

Winter whites and seasonal greens create a versatile backdrop for your holiday entertaining. Different shades of green add warmth to our white ceramic china + decor. Silver accents + delicate stemware complete the look for a table that’s primed for celebration.

Cutipol moon flatware, gradient taper candles, Match short pewter candlesticks, Farmhouse Pottery balsam woodland trees, Cultiver linen table napkins, Simile wine glass, Williams Sonoma matte coupe dinner plates

COPPER + CREAM Q&A: KELLY KOLLAR PHOTOGRAPHY

While all of our couples cite beautiful wedding day photography as one of their top priorities, having a photographer shadow you for the day can feel unnatural and a bit intimidating. As with most things, practice makes perfect, which is why we suggest scheduling an engagement photo session to get comfortable in front of the camera whenever possible.

To get an expert’s take, we chatted with Kelly Kollar of Kelly Kollar Photography about the importance of engagement photos, location, wardrobe and how to set the stage for a picture perfect engagement shoot!

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Q: How did you become a wedding photographer?

I always loved photography growing up and would spend my free time in the dark room at my high school, mostly developing overly dramatic black and white photos of horses and barns in rural Virginia. I applied directly to the photo program at NYU and graduated in 2009, not sure of what I wanted to do with my degree. I dabbled in photojournalism and photo editing for magazines (all while waitressing at night), but I never loved any of it. I was lucky enough to answer a craigslist job posting for a wedding photography assistant in Brooklyn, which was my first serious experience with weddings. I quickly grew to love it and started booking by own small weddings. A few years later I quit the magazine, stopped waitressing and began to photograph weddings full time.  

Q: Why do you recommend that couples take engagement photos? 

Earlier in my career I didn’t really like engagement sessions because I had seen so many cheesy ones and didn’t realize what was possible. But over time I learned that what truly makes a photographer great is the ability to put their subjects at ease and capture their unique personalities, and in the case of engagement sessions, the couple’s connection with each other. I now recommend engagement sessions because they give your photographer a chance to get to know you as a couple. It’s also a perk for you to realize that it’s actually really fun getting a little snuggly and celebrating your relationship! Beyond that, it’s an unparalleled way to capture a little slice of your life when you are young and in love, which I think is really cool.

Q: What makes the fall such a popular time for engagement photos?

Fall is really popular for two main reasons. The first is obvious – the fall foliage in the North East is stunning. The second reason is that a lot of couple’s will book their photographer in the spring or summer, but then not quite get their act together for an engagement session until the fall, when they realize that winter is coming and don’t want to shoot in the middle of the freezing NYC winter!

Q: What time of day do you suggest couples schedule their engagement session?

The key to beautiful engagement photos is lighting. Soft light makes all the difference and you can find this light either at sunrise or an hour before sunset, known as the “magic hour.” Mid-day sun is directly overhead, creating harsh shadows which most photographers can’t stand. To get those dreamy, soft tones, stick to when the sun is much lower in the sky, either as it’s rising or setting.

 Q: How formal should couples dress for their engagement photos?

Generally, I suggest one more formal look and one slightly more casual. I usually describe the perfect formal look as what you’d wear to an expensive, new restaurant in the city or maybe to a friend’s backyard wedding. You want to look like yourselves on a really awesome date night. When I recommend a second more casual look, I don’t really mean that casual…you still want to look stylish and put together. Think about what you’d wear to a trendy brunch in SoHo or a Hampton’s BBQ. You want to love both of your looks and feel excited about getting to wear those outfits!

Q: What should couples keep in mind when selecting colors to wear?

 As a really loose rule, I tend to recommend neutrals as they always photograph well. That said, rules were made to be broken and some of my favorite engagement session looks have been bold red dresses or even a funky pattern. What I don’t recommend is playing it too safe. If you are going to wear neutrals, make sure the outfit has some flare, whether that be bold jewelry or a statement shoe. A lot of brides-to-be also think they have to wear white for the engagement photos and they definitely shouldn’t feel that way. White can be lovely but it’s also the color you’ll be wearing in all of your wedding photos, so it can be fun to mix it up!  

 Q: How do you suggest couples achieve a cohesive look without twinning?

I think the key here is making sure your outfits match in terms of formality and overall style. If the bride-to-be looks preppy, then their partner should as well. Likewise, if her style is more bohemian, the couple should both be dressed in that general vibe. Same with formality level. In terms of colors, if one person is wearing a bold color, the other needs to make sure their outfit is more reserved so no colors clash. Alternatively, you could pick a general color tone (like warm autumn tones or light beachy neutrals) and stick to that.

Q: Any tips on how to stay stylish while dressing for chilly temps? 

I generally don’t recommend scheduling your engagement session for the dead of winter since overcoats are pretty hard to style. That said, as it turns to late fall, a cute skirt and sweater combo or a stylish boot will look great! If you are shooting on a colder day, it’s better to embrace the season and dress weather appropriately than to freeze so you can relax and enjoy the shoot!

 Q: Regardless of the season, what is your number one rule when dressing for an engagement session?

I have two very important rules for dressing for an engagement session (sorry, I can’t pick just one!). The first is to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. If you are pulling at your dress or concerned your outfit isn’t flattering, those anxieties will show in the photos. The second is to have fun with it! Some photographers will tell you that timeless looks are always best, but I honestly think it’s ok to embrace trends and pick an outfit that makes you excited to be photographed. It’s supposed to be a fun experience, so wear what makes you happy!

Sweet Tooth Soirée

Small but spooky and heavy on the treats is our Halloween 2020 mantra! This year, we’ll be hosting a few close friends for cocktails + indulging in lots of candy. Moody decor sets the scene and guests are strongly encouraged to wear their scariest mask to celebrate in style.

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MOODY DECOR //

We leaned into our goth side with black decor. Bats and skeleton accents add a whimsical touch while taper candles provide height + drama to our table. A mix of dried florals + branches with dark blooms complete the look.

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CREEPY COCKTAILS //

A self-serve wine + cocktail bar will allow guests to mix their own concoction but we’ll be sipping a Nightmare Negroni. Pair the classic cocktail with a black sugar rim and gummy garnish on a skull skewer for the occasion!

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TASTY TREATS //

The centerpiece of any Halloween party - the candy! A wide variety of trick-or-treat favorites will be displayed for guests to sample throughout the night. At the end of the evening, they’ll go home with a decadent candy apple to enjoy the next day.

COPPER + CREAM COUPLES: Planning a Restaurant Reception

With many couples rethinking their wedding plans or choosing smaller affairs, we wanted to celebrate the non-traditional reception! An unexpected setting can allow you to create a truly unique and memorable experience for your guests.

We immediately thought of our former clients, Amy + Patrick, who hosted their wedding reception at the now (sadly) closed Augustine restaurant in The Beekman Hotel and wanted to get their thoughts on selecting a venue, how to incorporate traditional elements and what they loved most about their intimate celebration!

photo credits // Kelly Guenther Studio

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Q: How did you decide on a restaurant reception rather than a more traditional venue?

A: To be honest, there wasn’t too much deliberation. Patrick and I use any excuse to celebrate with a night out and an amazing dinner. It’s a really festive, intimate and magical way to spend time with people you cherish. It made sense that we would want our wedding day to reflect our shared love language!

Q: What led you to choose Augustine for your reception dinner?

A: There are so many great restaurant options in New York City and we really took our time finding the perfect spot. It was a bit of a needle in a haystack but we agreed upon some non-negotiable criteria:

Private + Open Layout // We wanted to buy out an entire restaurant for the evening rather than a private room. To allow for everyone to be seated together, we needed a single dining room to accommodate our 80-90 guests.

Exceptional Ambiance + Food // We didn’t have a preferred type of cuisine, so long as everything was absolutely delicious and wasn’t too casual for our formal wedding. Augustine was perfect - the seating worked flawlessly, the space was absolutely dreamy, and the food was incredible. We loved that we could trust the restaurant staff to do what they do best and didn’t need to change a thing!

Convenience // Most of our guests traveled to NYC for our wedding and their comfort was really important to us. Although an adjoining hotel wasn’t a deal breaker, it was a real bonus that Augustine was connected to the beautiful Beekman Hotel and made for a seamless guest experience.

Q: How did you customize the dining experience + menu for your event?

A: The chefs and staff at Augustine were fantastic! It was a collaborative process and a few months before our wedding, we worked with their team to customize the menu from start to finish.

In addition to the full bar, we requested that Augustine offer my dad’s favorite: Coors Light. Specially ordered beer cans were served on silver trays along with champagne during the cocktail hour. Everybody recognized the gesture and loved the personal touch. It was actually pretty popular; the bar was almost out by the end of the night! 

For appetizers and entrees, Patrick and I really wanted the feel of a special occasion dinner. The guests ordered from a hand-picked menu of favorites and were served like they would be on a standard evening at Augustine. 

Augustine is a sister to the fabulous Balthazar Bakery and we worked with their pastry chef to create a bespoke version of my husband’s favorite dessert - carrot cake with matching petit fours. The restaurant was also able to offer my favorite at the end of the evening - late night french fries :).

Q: Were you nervous that guests would miss the more standard format of dinner + dancing?

A: Truthfully, no. We put so much care into making the night feel lively and deeply personal. Everyone was really excited to be in New York doing something very much in the spirit of the City. In the end, the lack of a dance floor didn’t deter people from staying. We created a playlist to help keep things buzzing and the staff pushed tables to the side after dinner to allow more room to mingle. Everybody celebrated (and danced!) until the wee hours! 

Q: How did you incorporate more traditional elements throughout the weekend?

While our reception setting was unique, we made a conscious decision to incorporate more traditional details such as hand-calligraphed invitations, a welcome party, church ceremony, seated dinner and champagne toasts. The components were recognizable overall so nobody was perplexed by the evening. It was really the best of both worlds!

Q: Was there anything that stood out to your guests about the experience?

A: Everyone was enchanted by Augustine - from the food, to the vibrant setting. We got a lot of comments on how fun and warm the evening was. Our guests felt like they were actually out to dinner with us.

Q: What were your favorite moments or elements of your reception?

A: I really loved the whole night. Right from the beginning- walking into a restaurant full of our family and friends. Because there wasn’t dancing, we were able to spend time talking to all our nearest and dearest which was really important to us.

Q: What advice would you share with other couples who may be considering a restaurant for their wedding reception?

A: Do your research and take the time to find a restaurant that fits your style and vision. Augustine set the tone we wanted and we loved all the aspects of their design from the decor and lighting, to the table settings and server uniforms.  In addition to their fantastic food and drinks and convenient location, their staff made it very easy for us to create our perfect night.

Q: If you were to do it again, would you choose the same setting?

A: Yes, 100%! Patrick and I loved how special the entire evening felt to us and our guests. It was very true to us and our style as a couple. Because Augustine aligned so well with our vision we really didn’t have to stress about creating the environment we imagined - it was already there for us. With the added guidance of Copper + Cream, the planning process was relatively relaxing and a time Patrick and I really enjoyed. 

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Entertaining in the Time of Covid

If you’re like us, you’re probably anxious to begin welcoming friends + family back into your home after weeks of quarantine. While everyone has varying levels of comfort, there are extra safety precautions + hosting concerns that were likely not a consideration pre-COVID. Always defer to your local health + safety guidelines but if you’re ready to resume entertaining, we’re sharing our suggestions for personal touches to put your guests (and yourself!) at ease.

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Amadi Tie-Back Reusable Face Masks via Anthropologie

FACE MASKS, BUT MAKE IT FASHION

If you or your guests feel more comfortable wearing masks during their stay, offer them a personalized mask to take home or a variety of fun, patterned masks to choose from. 

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Hand sanitizer by Humankind

SAFETY FIRST WELCOME BAGS

Put guests' minds at ease by providing everything they need to safely enjoy their stay at their bedside: face masks, a small assortment of single-serving snacks, hand sanitizer, and tech wipes.

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photo cred // Sara Tramp for EHD

EMBRACE AL FRESCO ENTERTAINING

Build the weekend around the great outdoors and when possible, take the activity outside! Morning hikes, picnics with individual boxed lunches, outdoor movie nights, lawn games - there's no shortage of creative ways to keep guests entertained.

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photo cred // City Farmhouse

BUILD YOUR OWN BAR

From brunch to cocktail hour, create easy, self-serve bars that allow guests to customize their food + drinks throughout their stay.

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Ceramics by Ceramik b.

DOUBLE DOWN ON SERVINGWARE

We love family-style dining but in an effort to limit unecessary contact we’d suggest doubling down on servingware - one serving dish per ‘quarantine pod’.

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Waxed canvas lunch bags via Etsy

SEND THEM PACKING (WITH LUNCH)

With fewer restaurants open + operating at full capacity, prepare a bagged lunch for your guests so they’re not stuck searching for sustenance on the road.

Think Big, Celebrate Small

During these unprecedented times, we’re all having to reimagine what it means to entertain and how we can safely share in celebrations with friends + family. Gatherings may look different but we firmly believe that now, more than ever, we should embrace any event that brings you joy.

We’re introducing C+C Celebrate Small to create unique, intimate celebrations designed with safety in mind. From engagements to anniversaries, baby showers to birthdays, we’re ready to party! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ideas to spark your imagination.

Packages start at $1,500 but drop us a line so we can create a custom proposal for your event!

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ANNIVERSARY // PICNIC FOR TWO

Celebrate another year together by surprising your better half with a romantic picnic for two. We pack the gourmet picnic basket + set the scene for an al fresco evening.

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BIRTHDAY // BACKYARD BBQ

Bring on the lawn games! Embrace the great outdoors and host a backyard celebration with a little friendly competition.

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ENGAGEMENT // MIXOLOGY CLASS

Mix things up with a virtual cocktail class to celebrate your engagement. Guests are sent a Cocktail Kit in advance and a mixologist teaches the group to create your signature cocktails.

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BABY SHOWER // CLEAN BEAUTY BRUNCH

Gather your family and friends for an online, nontoxic makeup tutorial. In advance of your virtual bash, guests will receive gift boxes with nontoxic makeup (safe for you and your baby), a personalized travel pouch, organic pancake mix, and alphabet-coloring pages to be collected and compiled into baby’s first ABC book.

C+C PRO TIPS: POSTPONING YOUR BIG DAY

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been helping clients navigate the tough but necessary decision to postpone their weddings and other milestone celebrations. In these uncertain times, it can be hard to know how the pandemic or social distancing restrictions may impact your upcoming event but we hope these tips will help you find the right solution for your celebration!

Photo Credit // Smitten Paper & Props

CONSULT //

YOUR CALENDAR

Determine your new preferred date or time frame to help guide conversations with your friends, family and vendors. In addition to public health guidelines, take personal schedules, travel, location and venue availability all into consideration. For spring + summer events, we are recommending that clients postpone to the fall or look ahead to 2021.

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CONTACT //

YOUR VENUE

Your new date will most likely be dictated by the availability of your venue. As many 2020 dates would have already been booked and 2021 dates are likely filling fast, contact your venue as soon as possible to determine available options. Be flexible with the season and day if possible but if you had your heart set on an outdoor ceremony or autumnal soiree, know that you may be postponing by a year or more depending on availability.

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REVIEW //

VENDOR CONTRACTS

Armed with your new date options, contact each vendor to determine their availability and also review their postponement + cancellation policies. While each vendor is unique, we have found that most are willing to transfer deposits to a future date, pending availability. In the event that your vendor is unavailable on your new date, discuss what refunds or compensation they may be able to offer. This is an unprecedented time for everyone, including your vendors. They are likely juggling multiple clients in the same situation as you. Once your new date is confirmed, request updated contracts to reflect your new date and payment schedule.

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UPDATE //

FRIENDS + FAMILY

Be transparent and alert your guests as soon as possible that you are planning to postpone your celebration. Once your new date is confirmed, we suggest sending a digital “Save Our New Date” to formally communicate your new date and RSVP process to all guests. Be sure to keep your event website up-to-date as new details, like updated booking links for your hotel room blocks, become available.

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TAKE //

A DEEP BREATH!

When you have spent months planning and anticipating your event, it’s never an easy decision to postpone. It’s OK to be sad but know that whenever and wherever your celebration takes place, your nearest + dearest will be there to support you! Lean on your planning team and feel free to rethink some decor details or add new personal touches to your event. Consider scheduling a Zoom Happy Hour on your original date or partner with your vendors to create a virtual celebration with family + friends.

Valentine's Night In

We all deserve a little pampering from time to time, so what better way to treat yourself than with a luxurious night in? For Valentine’s Day - or just any day when you need a little extra love - these are some of our favorite ways to invest in self-care!

photo credit // Mikael Jansson for Vogue Paris

photo credit // Perrier-Jouet Champagne

SIP

Even a night in deserves a little bubbly! Pop a beautiful bottle like the Perrier-Jouet Rose Belle Epoque to kick off your evening.

photo credit // Moonergy

SOAK

Tap into your inner moon goddess and unwind with Moonergy’s Moon Ritual Bath Bomb Kit.

SEE

Grab your tissues and curl up with your favorite rom-com. Sleepless in Seattle is our Valentine’s Day go-to, but we love the friendship between Rosie O’Donnell + Meg Ryan just as much as the romance!

SNUGGLE

Give your couch a cozy upgrade. The blush Isolde Wool Throw from Aiayu is the perfect neutral accent for any space.

SLEEP

Slip into something more comfortable like this luxe Short Ruffled PJ set from Eberjey. Sweet dreams!

COPPER + CREAM Q+A: Pamela Rose Beauty

Most bride’s think about crossing big decisions like finding the perfect venue or dream dress off their bridal to-do list months in advance. But what about your beauty routine? While many bride’s may only associate wedding day beauty with makeup, it’s never too soon to start thinking about self-care.

We chatted with Pamale Colledge of Pamela Rose Beauty about bridal beauty prep and common mistakes to avoid for your big day!

Photo Credit // Erin Lane Photography

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Photo Credit // Blue Spark Photography

Q: How did you get started as a makeup artist?

Growing up, my grandfather, impressionist painter Herman Rose, taught me about art, color, shape and light. Later, I discovered editorial magazine spreads and the artistry in makeup. I quickly became that friend who does everyone's makeup. Ever the Virgo, I always knew I was destined to help people, so I became a Social Worker. After I had my daughter, followed by my son just 19 months later, I decided to return to makeup as my medium to bring beauty and confidence back into women's daily lives. 

Q: Why is it so important to use organic beauty products and what are some of the biggest misconceptions? 

There's a lot of “green washing” in beauty as the cosmetic industry is largely unregulated. If a company wanted to put 'Organic, All Natural, Clean, Green, Vegan' on their packaging, they could (and do!) with little oversight. Our skin absorbs up to 70% of what we put on it, with most women averaging over 100 ingredients per day! Many ingredients in our personal care industry - everything from toothpaste and deodorant, to facial cleansers and foundation - are linked to hormone disruption, allergies, skin irritation, and cancer. The European Union has banned more than 1,300 ingredients in the formulas of personal care products but the United States has only partially banned 30. Isn't that nuts?! No one is looking out for us so we need to educate ourselves, read ingredient labels first and look out for each other. As a rule of thumb, the shorter the ingredient list, the better. Sites like EWG.org and the Think Dirty App are great resources for more information on safe ingredients and products.

Q: How would you suggest brides think about their skincare regiment in the ramp up to their wedding day?

6 months out // Find a facialist that you trust and ask their advice on specific products for your skin and lifestyle. Brooklyn Herborium is incredibly holistic and their facials are specifically tailored to your skin’s needs in order to support the skin in its quest to function at optimal vibrancy. Lara Kaiser at Shen Beauty in Brooklyn has a magic touch!

3 months out // Keep up with your skincare routine and make sure you're exfoliating regularly. This Overnight Resurfacing Peel from Beautycounter, used 2-3 times a week, completely changed my own skin. I highly recommend it! 

1 month out // Schedule another facial, if you haven't done so already. Avoid testing out new products, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Keep salt intake low and drink tons of water - this will help with feeling full of energy for those last minute planning details, too!

Q: What's the best beauty self-care you can do the week of your wedding? 

Get in those ZZZZZs and don't touch your face, except when you're doing your skincare routine. Take time for yourself and breathe it all in. It'll fly by and before you know it, you'll be married with a teenage stepson and two little kids, starting a whole new career and juggling it all on very little sleep--wait, is that just me??!?

Photo Credit // She’s Just Jaclyn

Q: What's the biggest mistake you see brides make when it comes to their wedding day beauty? 

Probably the biggest mistake some brides make is deciding to try something new or trendy. Now is not the time for winged eyeliner if you never wear that look. This is the time to stay true to you. 

Q: How do you advise clients to decide on their wedding day look? 

We look at photos of their wedding dress and venue, and discuss all the wedding details. We want their makeup to match the level of glamour of the day. The makeup for a casual daytime nuptials will look different than for a black tie wedding. It's really important to me that my clients are recognizable so I ask them to come to our trial with their normal amount of makeup. This way I know exactly what they mean when they say, "I want to look like me." Most importantly, I ask my brides how they want to feel on their wedding day. So many of us focus on the curve of our noses or the squint in our eyes but to those who love us most intimately, it's our souls they see when they look at us. I want to get the feeling of who my bride is and what truly makes her feel confident. That's where we really begin. 

Q: What are some of your favorite or most versatile makeup products right now? 

For me, it's all about cream products! I love a cream concealer like the Sappho New Paradigm Concealer that can be thinned down and used almost like foundation. A great multitasker cream blush is Beautycounter’s Color Pinch Cream Blusher. It’s a stick, which is so easy to use on cheeks, lips and eyes, and the shades compliment so many different skin tones. I'm thoroughly obsessed with the setting brush from Real Techniques and use it for just about everything. The Liquid Lash Extensions mascara from Thrive Causemetics is my favorite and stays all day. 

Q: How have you seen the approach to wedding day makeup shift in recent years? 

This past year, I saw so many brides wanting a more natural look; not covering up their freckles or wanting their natural blush to come through. It's so refreshing after years of brides basically wanting to be erased and then painted as an airbrushed model. 

Q: Any predictions for 2020 wedding beauty trends? 

I'm hoping that brides continue to feel confident in their own beauty, wanting a more natural approach. Glowing skin is so romantic to me! But I also think women will want something a bit edgy to pair with their look. I'm predicting more brides ask for things like a deep stained lip or a smokey eye. Still romantic but slightly out of the box. 

Photo Credit // Katherine Marchand Weddings

Hanukkah Holiday Party

To kick off the holiday season, we gathered close friends for a festive Hanukkah party! No matter what holiday you celebrate, you can have fun with seasonal decor, colors and traditional foods to put your own spin on the celebration.

Photo Credit // Katie Osgood Photography

Introduce guests to classic holiday fare with a creative presentation. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a “Vodka Latkes Bar “ to sample this traditional dish. Use this easy DIY trick to jazz up your spirits and keep them cold.

Royer 6” Santa Claus Wooden Swizzle Sticks

The Shiksa Specialty Cocktail - complete with Santa swizzle sticks - was a cheeky nod to our Christmas-loving guests.

Candleholders // (Similar here), Candles // Mole Hollow

The signature color of Hanukkah, shades of blue were woven throughout the decor - from the eucalyptus arrangements, blue tapers, and linens, to ribbons on the wreaths.

Self-serve donut towers kept sweet treats accessible all night long.

A Naturalistic Thanksgiving

We were so inspired by Farrow & Ball’s recent partnership with Roman and Williams Guild, that we designed our holiday table with their Colour by Nature collection in mind! To build a vibrant place setting with pops of natural decor elements, we visited the Party Rental Ltd. showroom in NYC.

Party Rental Ltd. offers a wide array of linens, flatware, glassware, servingware - everything you need for holiday entertaining! Whether your style is contemporary, classic or somewhere in-between, they make it so easy to bring your vision to life. We had so much fun mixing and matching their pieces to find the right balance for our naturalistic Thanksgiving table!

Party Rental Ltd. // Linen / Hunter Green Velvet, Glassware / Pandora Collection (Amber)

Chairs // Party Rental - Finley Elmwood Walnut Chair, Centerpiece // Ceramic Flower + Candleholder, Candles // The Floral Society Lovely Taper Candles (Miel)

Rather than abundant blooms, use seasonal florals in muted tones to add height, texture and architectural interest to your table.

Plates / Aster Matte Collection

The holidays are a perfect time to play with sumptuous fabrics. Place settings will pop against saturated linens and handcrafted dishes keep the look feeling fresh.

Look to nature for place card inspiration. Bring the outside in to create a simple but seasonal flourish for your place settings.

Flatware / Vanderbilt Gold Collection, Napkin / Sage Irish Linen

Add some sparkle to your table with festive flatware! Monochromatic linen napkins add a subtle, natural texture to contrast with the luxe velvet.

Welcome Bags Three Ways

Whether your friends + family are traveling from afar or from down the street to help you celebrate, a thoughtfully curated welcome gift is a wonderful way to show your gratitude. 

Make a great first impression with a mix of practical and easy-to-pack products, tasty treats, and locally produced goodies that reflect the unique character of your location.  Don’t be afraid to think outside the “bag” by ditching it all together! Picnic baskets, momento boxes, and fanny packs are all creative alternatives.  

Inspired by three distinct wedding locales – New York’s Hudson Valley, New York City and Tulum, Mexico – we’ve pulled together three one-of-a kind gift collections that guests are sure to appreciate. 

Wild Arc Farm wine, Best Made Co. Playing Cards, Weck Glass Jar, Fittsmile Wooden Spreader, Pendleton Motor Robe With Leather Carrier

Destination Inspiration // Upstate New York

Encourage your guests to curl up and enjoy their downtime with this cozy selection of upstate accessories. Locally sourced wine, jam + bread paired with playing cards + travel blanket are best enjoyed in front of the fire.

Herschel Supply Co. Fourteen Fanny Pack, OMY New York Coloring Postcards, Brandless Mini Colored Pencils, Stojo 8oz Cup, Petite Passport The New York Guide, Mast Chocolate Bar, Simply Gum Mints, NYC Metro Card

Destination Inspiration // New York City

Prep your guests with everything they need to explore the streets of NYC. A chic fanny pack filled with a pre-paid Metro Card + city guide, New York-made treats and reusable travel mug will keep them going all weekend long. Whimsical coloring postcards + mini colored pencils make for a great keepsake.

Clutch (similar here), Casamigos Tequila, Wooden Box + Best Made Shot Glass, Sugarfina + Casamigos 3pc Bento Box, Supergoop! Hello Sunshine! Starter Kit, Turkish Towel (similar here), Lexon Mino x Waterproof Speaker

Destination Inspiration // Tulum, Mexico

Inspire your guests to put their OOF reply on with this beach-ready collection. A mini-waterproof speaker, sun care kit, straw clutch and Turkish towel are fun additions to any beach bag. Individual tequila shot kits along with tequila-infused treats will encourage your guests to start the party upon check-in!

Summer Sips: Gin + Tonic Bar

During a recent trip to Scotland, we were reminded how much we love a classic Gin + Tonic when paired with aromatic mixers and seasonal garnishes. Upon returning to NYC’s heat and humidity, a Gin + Tonic Bar felt like a refreshing addition to our summer entertaining lineup.

We revisited this classic cocktail by discovering new gins to mix + match with our favorite Fever Tree tonics. Take a break from your go-to spritz and try this easy Gin + Tonic bar at your next gathering.

AMASS Los Angeles Dry Gin, The Botanist + Hendricks Gin

Select gins that offer a variety of flavor profiles, mixing your favorite go-to’s with new labels. For our bar, we selected The Botanist for it’s aromatic florals, cucumber-infused Hendricks and the citrus-forward L.A. newcomer, AMASS Dry Gin.

Fever-Tree Premium Tonics

A Gin + Tonic bar is all about the perfect pairings! From floral ice cubes to fresh herbs and produce, select a variety of garnishes to compliment each gin’s unique botanicals.

Baccarat

Provide guests with guidance on which garnishes + mixer you’ve preselected for each gin but have fun with creating new combinations!

Black + White Backyard BBQ

Summer is here and we can finally take entertaining outside! There are so many ways to customize an al fresco dining experience and as the host, the challenge is to avoid overcomplicating set up so you can kick off your shoes along with guests.

For a recent backyard BBQ, we kept things simple with Black + White accents, self-serve stations and lawn games to take full advantage of the space.

Keep things casual by allowing guests to serve themselves. Use large serving pieces to minimize time spent in the kitchen replenishing dishes.

We love this Jello shot upgrade from A Beautiful Mess and went monochromatic with lemon wedges for guests to discover at the bar.

Black + white table linens - Party Rental Ltd.

Lawn games, lounge areas and cocktail tables encourage guests to mix + mingle throughout the evening.

PREPPY PASTELS

Whether you’re dressing your table for Easter brunch or Passover seder, preppy pastels are perfectly suited for the new spring season. While the pallete may be tried and true we’ve paired the old and new, high and low, modern and traditional to create a table as special as the guests who will gather around it.

So much gratitude to The Wild Bunch for creating our beautiful centerpiece full of delicate springtime flowers and for Kelly Kollar for capturing it all so beautifully.

Italian Washed Linen Napkins - Williams Sonoma | Round Water Hyacinth Placemat - Pottery Barn

Pair formal pieces, like the china you inherited when you got married, with more casual accents such as stone washed linen napkins - no ironing required!

Stemmed wine glasses - Zalto | Stemless wine glasses - Crate and Barrel

Even subtle details can make an impact. Delicate, hand-blown wine glasses compliment the loose, seasonal florals.

Candle holder and hurricane - Simon Pearce | Candle stick - Mole Hollow

Don’t be afraid to play with symmetry when setting your table. A single, large hurricane anchors the table and offsets the floral centerpiece.

TULUM-INSPIRED COCKTAIL PARTY

Since visiting Tulum over the holidays, we’ve been daydreaming of white sand, warm evenings and cocktails on the beach. This is usually the time of year when NYC winters seem to drag on, so a Tulum-Inspired Cocktail party felt like the best way to infuse our weekend with summer vibes.

Inspired by Hartwood’s Piña-Habanero Margarita, here are our tips to spice up your next Happy Hour.

Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Tray - Target | Blue + White Pottery - Blackbarn

Inspired by the natural beauty of Tulum, we mixed wood tones, pottery + pops of blue with tropical foliage to create a beachy, vibrant backdrop.

Napkins (similar) | Vase + Beaded Garland - Anthropologie | Woven Coasters - West Elm

Incorporate the flavors of the Yucatán Peninsula by letting colorful citrus, peppers + garnishes double as décor.

Stoneware Plate - Blackbarn

Because these margaritas are best served individually, keep it casual and allow guests to garnish their own drinks.

For an extra kick, prep your habanero-infused tequila a day or two before.

THANKSGIVING TABLE

A thoughtful, well-appointed table can set the tone for any gathering and the holidays provide endless inspiration when creating a tablescape to welcome family and friends. Our theme this year was ‘collected + found’ and instead of splurging on new decor, we incorporated items from around our home that lent warmth and texture to create a relaxed, but elevated vibe for our Thanksgiving table.

Handcrafted elements like these hand-dyed napkins and carved wooden napkin rings add a personal, unique touch to each place setting.

Hand-dyed Napkins - Samantha Varrone | Hand Carved Wood Napkin Rings - The 8th Drifter | Plates + Flatware - West Elm

A neutral palette highlights the texture and natural beauty of these water hyacinth placemats while offsetting our menu ingredients turned table decor - we’re looking at you persimmons!

Don’t be afraid to mix metals! We combined antique brass candlesticks and heirloom silver to accent the warm tones of the table.