Inspiration from Anywhere: Rain

Yes, I am doing an inspiration from anywhere about rain. Work with me here - it's raining, maybe actually snowing, but there is always a silver lining to things if you ask me. So today I'll pull from yet another grey, winter day and find that silver lining. Because even rainy, cold winter days can be pretty mostly when you add in a little hue of hope with golds.

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Wedding Wednesday: Abby & Andrew's Ocean House Wedding

Hey, I know those people :)

I sincerley hope y'all aren't sick of my wedding yet. Instead of going on and on about what an amazingly perfect day it was (because oh it was) and how absolutely amazing my vendors were/are (because oh they were/are), I'll just leave you with the pretty pictures to hopefully give you some summer inspiration. For even more, be sure to also check it out on Style Me Pretty, and the highlight video by the amazing Elysium here.

Oh. And if you aren't sick of this little wedding yet, you can check it out in the April issue of Brides page 300 :)

Ok, promise I am done :)
xoxo, Abby

Photography: Olive Juice Photography / Cinematography:  Elysium Productions /  Flowers: Sayles Livingston Flowers / Event Design & Planning: TRUE Event / Ceremony Location: Watch Hill Chapel / Reception Location: Ocean House / Invitations: Paper Moss / Shoes: Kate Spade / Dress:Reverie style Mallorc from White Dress by the Shore / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Makeup: Skin Care by Yadira / Ties: Custom made from Vineyard Vines / Band: Nancy Paolino & The Black Tie Band / Cocktail Entertainment: The Brown Derbies / Hair: LaLaLuxe Salon / Photobooth: Smilebooth / Calligraphy: Megan Chapin Calligraphy

Tuesday Shoesday

Morning lovelies! Let me let you in on a little TRUE Event trivia - Sarah is a high heel wearing even after 19 hours on site kind of girl. I am completely envious of that trait. I am the switch from sneakers, then to flats, then to heels for when the bride sees me and then I sneak off into the corner to say hello to my flats again kind of girl. Not nearly as glamourous. I suppose it takes all kinds. Anyway, I saw Sarah "like" these from Shopbop on Facebook and they have her written all over them. She would totally rock these into the wee hours of the night...

buy them here

Coffee Talk Monday... The Inn at Stonington, a mini getaway.

View from our room

Our Room at the Inn at Stonington

This morning I am blogging from one of the most incredible places to stay, The Inn at Stonington.  It is always at the top of the list for brides and grooms getting married in the area and their guests coming into town, but I never have the opportunity to be a guest myself.  Husband and I were invited for a mini getaway to celebrate his birthday, which was the perfect excuse to escape reality for a bit on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.  We started our day relaxing in our room, and I finally had the chance to sit down and read through my Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine, overlooking the water.  Each room is perfectly decorated, unique and has its own charm.

Next we made our way into town to do a little shopping, and met Jonathan at Next, what a fabulous little shop, and I bought the most gorgeous turquoise and silver bracelet. Then we were off to Sunday Jazz at Skipper's Dock located behind the Inn, for the mini lobster sliders, some great jazz and a few cocktails.  After Skipper's Dock we enjoyed wine and cheese in the lobby back at the Inn at Stonington, which they offer to all of their guests on a daily basis, such a great treat and way to mix with other guests staying there.

In the Stonington Borough there are so many incredible places to eat (Milagro, Dog Watch, Noah's etc.) but we ended up at one of my favorites Water Street Cafe (a must try if you are in town) Adam got the baby back ribs and I got the crispy tofu salad (amazing!) and we ended dinner with a delicious piece of cake, a candle and a wish for his birthday.

After a perfect day/night we woke up this morning back to reality, Adam off to Boston for work and me sitting behind the computer, but I couldn't think of a better place to be blogging then in this gorgeous room.  My view looking out at the water, with a piece of homemade cranberry bread, fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee.

I wish everyday could begin like this!  For all of you that haven't stayed here, are looking for a small getaway, and the perfect excuse to relax, you must check out the Inn at Stonington and meet my dear friend Sue Irvine, who is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. 

Inspiration from Anywhere: Spring

Well, Spring sure is a sassy thang this year. She is just having a good ol' laugh at all of us in New England right now with the pretty snow she presented us overnight. So sweet of her. However, my head is currently fluttering in the idea of a beautiful, al fresco dinner - full of fresh flowers, food, and friends. I would even invite Miss Spring - if she promises to apologize. With that little dinner party in mind, for this week's Inspiration From Anywhere, I present the perfect Spring affair...with not a flake of snow in sight.

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Wedding Wednesday: Libby & Patrick's Nashville Wedding

All images from Style Me Pretty

By now, you might have seen this beauty of a wedding on Style Me Pretty. Funny story is - this very wedding is how I ended up meeting the lovely Sarah True. I was a certified SMP addict (and guest blogger - so it was part of the job), and just drooled all over my keyboard when seeing this affair. To me, it's the perfect combination of tradition mixed with personality mixed with modern mixed with so much style it's not fair. It's all around perfect to me. So, after getting the nudge from the Abby at SMP to reach out to Sarah - I did just that. Little did I know Sarah would end up helping me plan my own wedding and then we would end up working on weddings together. Funny how things work out. It's also how I found and booked (immediately) Elysium Productions. Long story short, I owe a lot to this wedding. 


Thanks Libby & Patrick :) 








See the entire Inspiration to Reality on Style Me Pretty


Also be sure to check out this beautiful wedding as featured in Style Me Pretty's first ever E-Glossy! 

Event Design: Sarah True of True Event / Photography: Justin and Mary Marantz / Cinema: Julie Hill ofElysium / Floral Design: Chase Rivers of Flair / Invitations and Save the Dates: Laura Hooper / Rentals, Furniture, Linens: Classic Party Rentals / Chair covers: Wildflower Linens /Wedding Planning: Jacki Wickersham and Angela Proffitt of Elegant Weddings by Angela / Catering and Noodle Bar: Zumi Sushi/ Cake Flower: Estilo Weddings / Mercury Glass: Borrowed from Yumiko at Hana Floral Design / Welcome Bags: Melangerie NYC / Wedding Photography: Arlund Imagery / Venue: Pinnacle, Nashville

Tuesday Shoesday

I just love this picture and these shoes...oh the shoes. Please tell me you are with me on this one...

Photo by KSK via 

For even more Tuesday Shoesday, check out: {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings}{luna & chloe weddings} {merci new york} {enchanted dream weddings}  

Coffee Talk Monday... Mad About Crossfit

Photo by Anna Sawin Photography

Those of you that follow me on facebook know that I have discovered a new workout love, and that is Mad About Crossfit.  A good friend of mine Lisa Goldenberg opened the gym in January and it quickly became part of my weekly routine.  Since being there I continue to be inspired by the energy that comes into the room, the laughs that somehow make any day better and the constant encouragement that gets me through some of the toughest workouts I have endured.  I find myself excited about working out again, love the challenge of pushing myself to a level of fitness I didn't know existed within, and most importantly I love that it is an hour in my day I can devote completely to myself.  While I will always love running and continue to build it into my day to day, as I get ready to run the half marathon in Providence, this is a workout program/ community that is unlike any other.  I can't help but spread the word about Lisa, Jason and Dan who instruct at Mad About Crossfit.  For all you shoreline brides and grooms it is the perfect way to get in shape for your wedding day, and for everyone else beach ready for summer.

For Japan with Love

Tomorrow, TRUE Event will be taking a blogging day of silence in honor of For Japan with Love in order to help spread the word for this needed cause. It's the least we can do - please help get the word out.

Inspiration from Anywhere: St. Patty's

I am a big, BIG fan of St. Patty's day. It was a big deal growing up in my very Irish family, and I always like an excuse to throw a party. So here is a little party inspiration for you in honor of this very festive holiday. From us to you - Happy St. Patrick's Day! xoxo

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Wedding Wednesday: Jonathan Edwards Winemaker's Dinner

Happy Wednesday ladies and gents! We are excited to be able to show you a little inspiration to reality today. It's one of our favorite things - being able to see what is dancing around in our heads come to fruition is why we love doing what we do. And although this wasn't necessarily a wedding, it sure does have all the makings for inspiring those of you out there wit a yellow and grey color palette wedding coming up!

Remember this little ol' board we posted awhile back? Well, with the help of the fabulous talents of Papermoss, Hana Floral Design, Anna Sawin Photography and Buzz Media Company we got the chance to bring it to life. Scroll on down and let us know what you think...

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

We took that little ol' board and made it into this: 

Collaboration: Photography: Anna Sawin Photography / Stationery: Papermoss / Floral Design: Hana Floral Design / Event Design: TRUE Event 

* And a special thanks to my Mom, Donna Shaughnessy, for sewing the runners and helping set up! You are the best :) 

Tuesday Shoesday

Wedding season is just around the corner, literally. With our first wedding next week (so excited!), Sarah and I are in search of an array of yellow shoes for our wedding wardrobe. So when I stumbled on these beauties in Barney's, I knew they would be a contender for some of the summer weddings we have on the docket.  Super cheerful and definitely a TRUE Event must have.

Balenciaga

Coffee Talk Monday... Shopbop Launches Bridal Boutique

Thread, Via Shopbop

Thread, via Shopbop

Those of you that know me well know that I am totally obsessed with Shopbop.  It is definitely my favorite place to shop! At least once a day if not more I go on to see what new things I want to add to my wardrobe.  So when I found out they were launching a bridal boutique I nearly jumped out of my chair.  How absolutely fabulous!  I am head over heals in love with this short Thread dress.  If I were to do it all again I would be changing into this after dinner for a night full of dancing!

Friday Wine Tasting... Schug Chardonnay

Wine of the Week
2008 Schug Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$24.00

This has been a favorite ever since I had a glass at Todd English's restaurant Tuscany at Mohegan Sun.  Recently the winery was running a case special and we had some shipped to our house and I was reminded just how much I love this Chardonnay.  This is one you will want to keep in the house, sometimes hard to find so when you do stock up.  Happy Friday Everyone!  Cheers.

What the Experts are saying...

This lithe Chardonnay has a wonderful hint of citrus on the nose. It is really easy to drink, beautifully crisp and refreshing in the mouth, and sleek and juicy on the finish. You just get peaches and nectarines forever. I swear I dribbled it on my chin, just like biting into the ripest, most wonderful pure essence of summer peach. A great way to keep summer flowing in your house.- Appelation America

Inspiration from Anywhere: Vail

I might be a bit late to the party on this post, but way back in February Mr. C and I decided to join some friends in Vail for a few days of fabulous skiing. It was my first time skiing in Colorado,and to say I was inspired would be a HUGE understatement. That place could not be more beautiful. We were blessed with blue bird days, so my little mind started to wander into a wedding or event inspired by that crisp blue color we were so lucky to gaze at when we fell down the back bowls... :)

click on the images for full credits

Wedding Wednesday: As Featured on Style Me Pretty, Saltwater Farm Sparkle & Hay Wedding

Photos by Anna Sawin Photography

Photos by Anna Sawin Photography

Photos by Anna Sawin Photography

Photos by Anna Sawin Photography

Last week we were so honored to be featured on Style Me Pretty with such an amazing group of friends and talents in the industry.  It was the most spectacular day!

Working with Erin and Dan was a designer's dream.  Every detail had thought behind it and told the story of them as a couple.  A vision of rustic details with chic, elegant accents set the tone for the most incredible Rustic Chic wedding.  We used layers of fabric, satin and burlap on the tables with glitter sprinkled on the burlap to give it the most subtle sheen.  Wrapped votives with lace and hay bills with fabric to weave the details through every space of the venue.  I think when you are designing an event it is very much like creating different rooms in a house, using the color palette and design details in different ways to set the mood/ tone.  We wanted guests to move from ceremony to cocktail hour to dinner  and dancing and be wowed through each transition.  No detail was missed for Erin and Dan's wedding, and what made it so special for guests was that it was unique to them as a couple.

Sparkle & Hay: The Inspiration...why Rustic Chic
It started with the setting. After a fairly short search (my list of criteria combined with our guest list did not provide for a long list of reception site options in Connecticut) Dan and I chose Saltwater Farm Vineyard as our reception site. The moment we turned down the slightly hidden long dirt drive I knew this was going to be the place. 

Pulling up it is as though you are transported to another place, and inside the meticulously revitalized space (I don't dare say renovated as so much of the building's authenticity has been preserved) has such fantastic raw energy. The space was originally a WWII aircraft hangar, which means towering high ceilings with gorgeous exposed wooden beams and ceilings. The space comes as-is... and lends itself perfectly to personalization through colors, textures, linens, flowers, lighting, and all sorts of fabulous details.

While exhilerated by this I was also (ever so slightly) overwhelmed... until I met Sarah True. Sarah is the creative event mastermind who after listening to my chaotic inspiration list (French Provincial meets Paris Chic, vineyard but not too wine focused, fall but not overkill of oranges and yellow, soft & warm lighting, browns, dark blues, dark purples, flowers but not too flowery, candles, lanterns, and the list goes on...) somehow decifered it all into a Rustic Chic inspiration - and it just fit! I am so excited (and lucky) to have Sarah working on our wedding; I cannot image attempting it without her.


Collaboration:
Venue: Saltwater Farm Vineyard / Design and Coordination: TRUE Event / Photography: Anna Sawin Photography / Catering: Anna Lathrop and Jeanette Holliday of Gourmet Galley / Floral: Hana Floral Design / Paper: Chocolate Creative Design / Entertainment: Power Posse Productions & JA2M / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Transportation: Newport Trolley / Videography: Tim Ethier Video Productions / Beauty: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library / Dress: Augusta Jones from Kleinfeld New York / Bridesmaids: J.Crew / Bride & Groom Forks: Beach House Living / Guest Book: LovliDay / Bridesmaid and Bride’s clutches: Oatmeal Lace Design / Hanger: LilaFrances

Tuesday Shoesday

Hi ladies and gents. Sorry for the late posting this evening, but we are busy in the best possible way over here. You understand. So here's the story for today's Tuesday Shoesday. I have been on a mad hunt for a good pair of nude pumps (you know, because they are supposed to make your legs look miles long and stuff like that)...well thanks to the oh so darling daugther of my favorite man on the planet after my dad and Mr. C, Stella McCartney, my mission is now accomplished (well...if I had a spare $800 burning a hole in my pocket...).

I.am.in.love.

Happy Tuesday!

Coffee Talk Monday... Songs Currently playing in my head... Boyce Avenue

Not only is this one of my favorite songs, it always makes me smile, but this cover of it is one of the best things I have heard in a while!  You must check out this group, Boyce Avenue, they are fantastic and are performing in a free show at Mohegan Sun on March 20th.  

Friday Wine Tasting... 2007 Wildass Red

Wine of the Week
2007 Wildass Red
$19.95

I always love to try the wines that are local to an area while visiting and while we were out the other night all of the Canadian wines on the menu at DNA Restaurant were half price during happy hour.  You can't beat that!  We ventured to try the 2007 Wildass Red which was fantastic!  I only wish we could have found it in the local wine stores so I could take a few bottles home with us.  This one might be hard to find in the States but if you ever get the chance this is one you will want to remember.  Happy Friday Everyone!! 

From the Winery: Don’t all stampede to the order button at once! This is the finest breed of Wildass Red yet. You could say it is the Secretariat of the mule family, the Northern Dancer of the herd. 2007 gave the winemakers of Niagara the finest growing conditions in 5000 years (most of that is speculation Your Honour). Fully ripe, red fruit on the vine meant a selection of barrels that, once put together, produced a wine of complexity, ageability, but as well, with instant reward... ability.
Summary Tasting Note: Delicious!

What the Experts are saying: The 2007 Wildass Red is redolent with lush black currant, blackberry, and cranberry notes which captivates the senses immediately. Blessed with marvelous growing conditions, this single vineyard, Niagara-on-the-Lake wine is soft on the palate with currant notes on the mid-palate. The finish has a slightly flinty note, and the fresh acidity carries the rich fruit flavors through to a long lingering finish, an indication of a very good wine. The ripe fruit is testament to the strong 2007 vintage. This is a softer, sexier Wildass than years past. The team at Stratus continues to develop quality wine at the Wildass level.

—Mark Moffat
The Wine Guy

Inspiration from Anywhere: Montreal

DNA Restaurant, Montreal, Canada

I have felt like a world traveler the past two weeks from Puerto Rico to Canada it has been quite a trip.  I hadn't been to Montreal since I was in high school, so from what I remember, it feels like a totally different city with every new place we discover.  The design in the restaurants and hotels is absolutely amazing!  I have been on total overload since we arrived.  It seems as though orange/coral is the color of the moment.  In all of the latest spring fashion, in Puerto Rico at our hotel, and now all throughout Montreal.  And I must say I am loving it!  I love the bold color of orange/coral and the combination of natural materials, metal and wood.  It would be such an amazing palette for a modern beach wedding or city chic soiree at a really cool loft space. 

Wedding Wednesday: Engagement Session Giveaway Winner!

Ok, it is official - I am a huge sap. Having to read all of those endearing engagement stories definitely did a number on our Kleenex supply. BUT! We have a winner for the free engagement session with Karen Schlink Photography!

Drum roll please...

Karen Schlink Photography

JILLIAN! We all loved your story so much, if you could send me an email at abby@trueevent.com with your contact information, that would be lovely!

Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories! xoxo!

Tuesday Shoesday

I am on a stripe kick today. For no reason in particular, but my mind is hyper-focused on their lovely symmetrical ways. So for today's Tuesday Shoesday, I present a shoe of the striped variety. It's down right stunning. Don't you agree?

Christian Louboutin Greissimo Platform Pumps

For more fabulousness check out {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings}{luna & chloe weddings} {merci new york} {enchanted dream weddings}