More invitations from Nic Events

Here are two more samples of Nicole Bloc's work. Click on the images below to see more detail.

Invitations from Nic Events

Nicole Block of Nic Events recently sent us images of some fantastic invitations. We have worked with Nicole on many occasions and she has done a great job for our clients. Here is a recent peice of work Nicole has done. We will have another sample posted this afternoon, so make sure to come back later. Click on the image below to see more detail.

More images from the Newport Coast event

This is an event we worked on with Matthew Robbins from Artfool. I posted it a few days ago with a link to Artfool's blog, but I noticed Matthew's photos were in the daylight, and the lighting was such a lovely attribute of this event. Click on the image below to get a slightly better view, and there are actually a few extra images.

Event from Carrie and Kristin

This wedding took place at the couples estate in Greenwich. The bride bought ducks specifically for the wedding to swim in the pond on the property--so cute! Chris Humphreys provided us with these sneak peak images, and the wedding will be published in January. Flowers by Matthew Robbins from Artfool. Please click on the image to enlarge.

New York Mag Cheap Eats

Every year New York Magazine comes out with a cheap eats guide for New York City. I am not sure if this is popular amongst other readers, but I know I love it. The guide features a list of 50 restaurants or so that NY Mag defines as "cheap". I have absolutely no idea how they determine what cheap is, I would like to warn you though, we went to The New French, which was featured in the guide, and dinner for 4 with a few drinks and no dessert cost 120 some dollars.

I highly recommend you go and check this out. We are admittedly extremely late to this party, this guide comes out at the beginning of the summer. Its been such a hectic season, I've really have not had a ton of time to go out and eat. Not to get away from my two thumbs recommendation, NY Mags Brooklyn love affair is a bit much for a manhattanite like myself. One final note, NY Mag is always tying to be cutting edge, promoting change for the sake of change, or simply for the sake of whomever's publicist is calling them. When it comes to old standby's like burgers and pizzas the older places are probably better than who they decided to highlight this season. The pictures below are really just some eye candy to get you salivating, I haven't been to either of those places, but they sure look good.

Sale at Beau-Coup.com

Beau-Coup is a great online resource to find wedding favors, bridal shower favors, personalized gifts and all sorts of wedding related items. They are currently having a 15% off sale, which you may be interested in, unfortunately the sale is ending TODAY. I found these personalized hot cocoa mixes and thought they were very cute. They have all sorts of little items like this, that you have some idea of what your looking for, but no idea how to find.

Custom scents for your wedding day

Last month we featured a piece about Marie Mason, a custom scent shop in Santa Monica. Recently, I have been planning on writing a feature about Le Labo, a perfume boutique in NoLIta we frequent. The New York Times has an article about two more shops, one in New York, and another at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. I can't pass this opportunity to urge you to visit Fred Segal if you haven't already been, and go again if you already have. We should mention we have not gone to their custom scent shop.

Anyhow, we said it before, and we'll say it again, it's a great idea to come up with your own scent for your wedding. Imagine ten years later being able to open a bottle and remember your wedding day like it was yesterday. Although we are partial to Le Labo and Marie Mason, we're sure that all of these places will do a great job and guide you through the process. 

Honeymooning behind bars?

I’ve just returned from Istanbul and had the pleasure of staying at one of the most interesting hotels I’ve been to. The new Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet is built in what was once the first prison in Istanbul, under the Ottoman Empire. Don’t think for a moment that they’ve skimped on any of the usual FS luxury, because they’ve outdone themselves as always. This is pure five diamond all the way.

Real Wedding story strips by Belathee Photography

Here are some more images courtesy of Belathee Photography. This story strip has a gold and white color theme to it. It represents the different feel between day and night in Mexico. From these images, this looks like an unforgettable event.

Textiles from Carolyn Quartermaine

Over on Poppytalk.blogspot.com I found these fantastic images from artist/designer Carolyn Quartermine. I absolutely love the chair pictured below. Carolyn is an artist first, and uses her art pieces to inspire design work. Carolyn's work was recently featured in Vogue Australia, which is where these pictures are from.

Artfool back from Italy

I was just checking out Artfool.com, and their team just arrived back from Italy with a whole bunch of amazing picss. The one below is of a rehearsal dinner in a cave, I would consider that to be very different, which I like. Go hit up Artool's blog to see the rest.

We know being a bridesmaid can be tough

At Lyndsey Hamilton we don't only plan weddings, but sometimes we actually participate in them as well, in fact numerous members of our staff are going to be bridesmaids and groomsmen in weddings that we have coming up this year. In some of these events we are actually working on the planning as well. We just wanted to let all the bridesmaids out there know that we understand what you are going through, and also let some of the brides out there know that along with the honor of being made a member of the wedding party comes a fair deal of stress.

Anyhow, this is a topic that many of the other blogs out there ignore, and we are hoping we can help. Over the next few weeks we plan to include some posts about how to be a better bridesmaid and what to expect of your wedding party. In the mean time, here is a fantastic video from The Dessy Group about being a bridesmaid.

Dessy.com: Bridesmaid Dresses | Wedding Dresses | Flower Girl Dresses

Loves me Soolip Los Angeles

I recently stopped by Soolip's store in Los Angeles. Every time I go I am impressed by their fantastic selection of stationary and gifts. Not only do they provide custom stationery, they also have a large selection beautiful pre-made all purpose cards. They have an online store that I highly recommend you check out. The store pretty much has an assortment of elements for an ultra cute home office. Below is a picture of one of their signature items, the Circle Calendar.

Soolip also has a yearly bridal fair called a Soolip Wedding. We were an exhibitor at last years event. The fair features a collection of LA's most distinct and unique bridal resources.

Ideas for designing your bathroom

The NYTimes.com has a whole section on their site devoted to bathroom designs. It is definitely worth checking out, especially if you are looking for inspiration. The images below are from an article on Victorian Baths. We love the old tub!

Aqua aerobics making a comeback

A few luxury health clubs are deciding to go retro in their exercise offerings. At select Equiox Fitness Clubs in NY and LA, members are able to join water aerobics classes where the instructors stand poolside whipping everyone in the water into shape. Call me crazy, but if I haven’t been to the gym in a while, the last thing I need is to get into my bathing suit in front of a bunch of other people. Let’s wait and see how long this reincarnated regime lasts.

Some great looking new images from Artfool

Here are some images of a recent wedding Artfool designed in Milton, NY at the Buttermilk Falls Inn. If you want to see the rest of the images, check out Artfool's blog.

Grandma is getting a facelift

The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain has big changes in the works. They have decided to move away from their old-world image to a design-forward brand. No more old, stuffy marble filled lobbies like in Montreal; they are now paving the way in new hotel design concepts. Ritz started the process of updating some of their US hotel properties in the past few years, Take a look at the Boston Commons location if you want proof. The recently opened Ritz-Carlton Moscow, however, features a number of features from "classic" Ritz hotels. This isn't surprising, since the old designs, are actually new to Moscow. The hotel lounge is done in stark white design, reminiscent of the icey winters outside their doors. How refreshing it will be to plan events in these unique and interesting spaces. Old school or new, I loves the Ritz-Carlton Moscow, as long as they promise to crank up the heat, I’m moving this property to the top of my must-visit list!

WWW (Who?What?Where?)

• Glam highlights some green vacation destinations.
• Freeman's Alley got a makeover. We highly recommend stopping by this super hip restaurant for brunch or dinner.
• We are hearing about missed connections everywhere. 
• Trying on clothes can definitely be nerve wrecking.
• Barack Obama as a pop icon.
• The local food trend is in full force here in New York. Two more local restaurants spring up right near our offices.
• Socially responsible cruising.
• Sigrid Olsen is out at Liz Claiborne.
  
• we quite like this idea for a rehearsal party. The rehearsal party really gives you an opportunity to have fun and express yourself, and if bowling is your thing, so be it.
• There is no denying these paper bags are cute.
• We love soap!
• A new Whole Foods opened recently in Tribeca, Nice!

A very clever idea from a real wedding

Style me Pretty recently featured a real wedding, and one of the elements was striking. The board game theme seemed very clever. I love board games! I think board games are classic and have a family vibe to them. The images below are not actual versions of the games, and are simply dummies to decorate the tables. When I first saw them, however, I thought they were gifts for the guests. Board games could be a nice wedding favor, or possibly chess pieces, anyhow, this seemed really fresh to me. Just wanted to mention, these games were custom made by the bride. Head over to Style me Pretty to see rest of the images.

A perfect weekend in Santa Fe

We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, NM. This hotel is simply gorgeous and located right downtown. They are owned by world renowned Rosewood Resorts. We have never seen the south western esthetic pulled off with such elegance. Not sure if we would recommend this as an event space, but if you are passing through the area, it should definitely be on your mind. Side note, you should also consider eating at Geronimo.

The WWW

• Some nice design inspiration from Dubai and Amsterdam.
• Rosé is back in style, but the Times writes this same article every summer. Our take, if you like it, drink it, but you should only serve to others during the summer.
• Rolling Stone is getting smaller.
• Couture in the City is calling for a big bow trend.
• Snippet and Ink has more dogs in weddings. This is also a great looking event.
• Posh's fashion line is struggling. Meanwhile, Chris Angel and Sheryl Crow launch their own fashion lines. We are still confused as to why every celebrity wants a fashion line.
• Behind the scenes at Artfool.

LHE featured in The Knot Magazine

We are really excited to share this wedding with you that was featured in The Knot New York Metro edition. Decor: Matthew Robbins, Photography: Maggie Heinzel-Neel, for the rest of the ingredients, check out the magazine.

Blog Love

Hello, I just wanted to give special thanks to Ritzy Bee and Southern Weddings for featuring us on their blogs.

Great honeymoon destinations, maybe a destination wedding

Can I just say that I LOVE me some Provence. And what more spectacular a location is there, than the Four Seasons Provence at Terre Blanche? They can accommodate outdoor events in the 200 guest range with views of the lavender filled valleys and hills. Imagine that spectacular scent permeating throughout your event? Yumm. Take a look at these photos, and the link provided has an entire gallery.

Dinner in the Sky!

Inspired Goodness has a post about a company called Dinner in the Sky, and it is exactly as it sounds. I guess this is a possibility for a VERY unique rehearsal dinner, although it isn't available stateside yet, Europe only. The image below pretty much says it all, this company will hoist you and your 20 or so closest friends about 150 feet into the air and then serve you a fantastic dinner. One of my favorite features: They will also lift a piano for your entertainment!

A great list of all the sidewalk tables in Manhattan

This seems extremely useful. Grub Street has posted a map with all the sidewalk eating areas in Manhattan. If you're in the city, I definitely recommend checking it out. I just checked the map and noticed that Bubby's is not on it, so I guess they don't list everything. Just a word of advice, August may be a little bit on the hot side for NYC outdoor eating, but these seats go fast during September and October.

Vintage Elegance and Claxton Farm Wedding

These are two different events recently featured at Once Wed. Vintage gowns can be beautiful, but we only suggest wearing one if it matches the theme of the wedding, we wouldn't advise forcing it. The Claxton Farm Wedding is understated and elegant, which is very much to our liking. The wedding also featured a candy buffet, which has been ultra popular recently. We encourage you to head over to Once Wed and take a look at the rest of the photos. The Claxton Farm Wedding was originally featured at Southern Weddings. The images displayed are from Todd Pellowe Weddings.

Distinctive invitations from Yellow Owl Workshop

Just recently Christine from Yellow Owl Workshop contacted Lyndsey about their custom stationary. Yellow Owl created the invitation below for a western themed wedding, and we thought it was very unique and worth showcasing. Much of their work is "outside the box", which we love. For a while, wedding invitations seemed to be getting too strange, we do like inventive invitations, but ones that require four or five stamps and involve multiple pieces of string, wood and metal are just not our style. Anyhow, take a look at the invitation below, I think its different and very memorable. Click the image to enlarge.

The WWW

• The Wedding Chicks highlight an eclectic wedding photographed by Elizabeth Messina.
• Women's only hotel floors are back in style. For how long we wonder?
• 5 great spots in NYC for a romantic picnic.
• A view of the rooms at the Thompson LES, the new luxury hotel in the Lower East Side.
• Couture sample sale in Clinton, CT.
• Manolo sale in New York.
• Set Design Thinking features some home furnishings from Burke Decor.
• Some clever ideas for a modern bathroom.
• Cute gift ideas
• Something Old, Something New looks at pillows for pooches. Yet more proof of the dog in wedding trend.
  
• Costume designs for Madonna's new tour.

Real wedding story strips by Belathee Photography

Lyndsey met Dorothee and Annabel from Belathee Photography back in May and absolutely loved their work. We contact them about the recent blog launch and they provided us with a very cute "strip" of images. The purpose is to tell a story about the event, and we think it works beautifully.

Sweet Swedish Design Ideas

Stockholm has been a center for forward-thinking design for quite a long time, and they can be such an inspiration when looking for fresh ideas. We love how clean and beautiful everything looks, without being complicated or fussy. A site we love in particular is Sköna hem -- even though it's not even in English! These pictures are similar to how we decorate our own homes, and we love how clean and beautiful everything looks. Check them out!

The Launch of Artfool 2.0

Hello everyone, I just wanted to direct you over to Artfool.com. Matthew and his partner Jack have done a complete overhaul of their site. They have added a new logo, tons of photos and a BLOG. I highly recommend you go and check out the whole thing. The galleries are long and impressive. Even if you're only into floral and design, you should def take a look at Jack's work, its amazing.

More from Greenwich...

Here are the ducks and an engagement photo from the Greenwich wedding too...

WWW (WhatWhatWhat)

• Portovert talks about eco-friendly "weddingmoons" at Rosemary Beach.
• Normally, I don't post from the NYTimes science section, but I figure exercise without exercise is worth thinking about.
• NYMag looks at 75 chairs. So you don't have to.
• Loving the vintage lace dress from this Style Me Pretty post.
• This would be a great gift for any 90210 fan. Pretty much the best looking ipod nano ever.
• Set Design Thinking shows off some furniture from Wisteria.
• Craft Synergy's interview with Sunlit Letter Press.
• Les Indiennes has been getting a lot of pub recently, and I do like a number of their prints.
• Notemaker offers tape with great patterns.
• Summer sample sales in New York. I would check out Le Perla, I don't think your partner will complain about last seasons lingerie. 
• I recognize one of those candy buffets. I loves me a candy buffet... but I have been suggesting old fashioned cakes to my clients.
• From the inventors of Spinning, now Kranking!

Givenchy 1956, Givenchy 2008

Despite popular proclamations that the "it" bag is dead, I still find myself searching for the perfect hand bag every Fall and Spring. This year is no different. My journey lead me to Barney's, where I laid eyes on a gorgeous Fall bags from Givenchy. The Nightingale bag looks perfect in any color or size. Red patent leather may not be for everyone, but my sources tell me this is the most popular color.

Vintage Givenchy. I am obsessed with the 1950's-60s fashion and design, and in preparation for the season two premier of Mad Men, I spent last weekend re-watching season one. After watching all the episodes, I began to scour the internet for fashion images and became inspired when I found this ad. The style, fashion, and iconography are so interesting.