Coffee Talk Monday... Alex & Ani

I have recently fallen in love with Alex & Ani bracelets and for all of you that don't know about them yet I am quite certain you will too!!  I have never been a charm bracelet kind of girl but these are just so fabulous!!  I love that you can have a simple wired bangle or one that has a charm, and stack them all up your arm.  They are all made out of recycled materials/metal and a few charms that were designed in honor of specific causes or charities.

I was searching and searching for sister for a special gift for her 30th birthday last month and couldn't help but think this was the perfect gift, it even had a ruby charm on the set I got her.  I can't wait to start a collection of my own, there are so many that I want!  They would also make the perfect bridesmaid gift!

Some of my favorites...

Sister's Birthday Gift

Coffee Talk Monday... Newly Maid

Have you ever wondered what to do with your bridesmaid dress after being in a wedding?  I know I still have a collection of dresses in my closet that have only been worn once but cost a good amount of money.  Thank God the trend for bridesmaid dresses has shifted to brides looking for something that their bridal party can re-wear after the wedding. J.Crew, Jenny Yoo, and Thread are doing an incredible job of doing just that, there are so many dresses in their collections I am dying to own!  This weekend was a perfect example of a line of dresses that I just adore.  I couldn't get enough of the gorgeous detail on every one of the dresses selected by Emily for her bridesmaids.  The girls looked stunning in all different dresses from the Thread collection in a gorgeous cobalt blue.

But for those of you out there that haven't been as lucky and have a collection of dresses in your closet, like I do, that I will never wear again, you must check out this site Newly Maid.  It is brilliant!  You simply mail in your old dress and receive a little black dress in return.  The dresses you send in are either recycled or donated to organizations around the globe for people less fortunate.  Click here to learn more about how it all works.

Coffee Talk Monday... Vacation

Paine's Creek Beach, Brewster MA

We have escaped for the holiday to the beach.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July!! Be back in the office in a week!

Coffee Talk Monday... A Sneak Peek at Cindy and Brock's Wedding

So sorry for the lack of posts lately, thank God for miss Paloma who has been amazing at getting posts up regularly on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  This is always the hardest time of year for me to have time to blog so I apologize for my lack of content, I promise there are some amazing weddings and events we have been working on that are going to blow you away.  Like this one we worked on last Friday with an incredibly talented group of vendors at the Stamford Yacht Club.  Here is a sneak peak at some of the fabulous details shot by Leila Brewster Photography.  The flowers were take your breath away beautiful (KD&J Botanica) Absolutely gorgeous!!!  Can't wait to share this full wedding with you all.

All Images Leila Brewster Photography

Coffee Talk Monday... New Website Getting Closer

Well it seems like forever ago that we first started talking about the launch of our new site and we are super excited to announce that we are really close.  The team at (a)squared studio has been absolutely amazing to work with and super patient as we carefully designed a site that I am so proud of!  We can't wait to share with you the finished product, which we are hoping will be in the first week of July.  Until then here is a sneak peak of the home page!  I am just so excited!!

Coffee Talk Monday... The Providence Granola Project

I am obsessed with gifts that give month after month. I especially love the wine of the month clubs that are so much fun for people that love getting to try new vineyards and wines that you may never have picked up if it hadn't arrived as part of the monthly shipment.  It is always a surprise when the box arrives and a really amazing treat when you open it to find the gift of the month.  I was especially thrilled when I was gifted Granola of the month for the holidays from a colleague and friend that I get the privilege of working with throughout the year.  I had no idea that in addition to having the most fabulous photobooth business he is also a founder of the Providence Granola Project. 

The Providence Granola Project was conceived as a way to provide job skills and work experience to Providence's newly arrived refugee community. Currently they have employees from Burundi, Iraq, and Sudan who lovingly make their granola from scratch in the Amos House kitchen.  And I can tell you it is the best granola I have ever had (my favorite was the Dark Chocolate Cherry in December).  So YUMMY!  This makes such a great gift and also supports an amazing cause. 

Coffe Talk Monday.... Breathe

Took a day off to just be...  To breathe!  To relax, re-energize, and be pampered.  The perfect start to my birthday week.  It was the first time I had the opportunity to visit the Norwich Inn and Spa and what a great place to escape for the day with one of my dearest friends.  The services were incredible, lunch was delicious and healthy, and for a day of beauty package, a fitness class and free product were included.  I left there with a huge smile on my face and a glowing tint on my skin.  I was reminded that I definitely need to do that more often.

Coffe Talk Monday.... Emerald Green and Birthday Dresses

This month Abby and I are celebrating our birthdays and I am already trying to find the perfect emerald green dress to wear out (it all started 2 years ago when sister bought be the most incredible green dress for my big birthday)!  I haven't been thrilled with what is out there and have been waiting to see if anything else would pop up online or in stores, especially after Pippa Middleton rocked a beautiful emerald green dress at the reception of her sister's Royal Wedding.  But in my search online I did discover a few beauties that are all contenders in my search for the perfect green dress... 

 Emerson Thorpe, Big Drop NYC $265

Porter, Big Drop NYC, $248

 Halston Heritage, Pink Mascara, $325

Geren Ford, Bluefly, $189

Coffe Talk Monday.... We are on Style Me Pretty!

 

Image by Justin and Mary Marantz Photography

So beyond excited to see that the fabulous Miss Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty was talking today about one of our favorite weddings last year, Deanna and Dini's wedding at the Branford House Mansion, with the most incredible team of vendors.  Justin and Mary Marantz captured the details to perfection!!!  Hop on over to Style Me Pretty to get the full recap of details and images.  Happy Monday!


Collaboration:
Wedding Photography: Justin & Mary / Wedding Venue: Branford House / Wedding Planning: Sarah True of TRUE Event / Catering: Gourmet Galley Catering / Floral Design: Yumiko of Hana Floral Design / Wedding Gown: Melissa Sweet via The White Dress by the shore / Bride’s Shoes: J.Crew / Tenting: Sperry Tents / Jewelry: Roberto Coin / Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Attire: The Blue Horse / Hair & Makeup: Rob Rivers / DJ: Renzo / Bridesmaid Dresses: Melissa Sweet

Coffe Talk Monday.... Exhale and Love

Last week while I was visiting Boston I was invited to take a core fusion class with one of our brides (miss Emily) at Exhale.  I am thinking of moving to Boston just so I can become a member, it was one of the most amazing classes I have taken.  A combination of ballet bar, pilates and yoga, it is transforming in so many ways.  I am still sore actually with muscles I didn't know I had a week later.  All of you Boston and NYC brides I am so envious as there are locations in both of your cities.  I only wish I could get one to open on the shoreline of CT. 
Not only was the class the perfect way to start my week but they have a great gift shop as you walk in with super cute work out clothes, interesting jewelry, spa products and Love bottles.  I just had to share these beauties with you all as they are so fun!  and make the perfect shower or wedding favor, and would be so fantastic in a welcome bag.  I am already thinking about how I want to customize an order for True Event.  Loving the Love bottle!!! 


About Love Bottles

What is a Love bottle?
Love bottle is a reusable glass water bottle made partially from recycled glass. It has a ceramic swing top lid that creates a water-tight seal.

Can I customize my Love Bottle?
YES! Customize your love bottle and express yourself! The design allows you to write and draw on the printed areas of the bottle. This is a place for you to express what you want more of in your life, or what makes you feel good. Because if you feel good when you look at your bottle, you will feel great drinking from it! 

How else can I customize my bottle?
Place silicon bands around the bottle to add color and words, and to improve grip. Add stickers to personalize your bottles. You can choose stickers with a preprinted design or blank stickers that you can design yourself! Bands and stickers are available on this site, or you can use your own. Start with a blank bottle, or a bottle with a printed design. There are countless ways to customize your bottle. You are only limited by your imagination!

Custom Sticker Label (LOVE this!)

• No minimum order: use a blank or pre-existing love bottle design template (500 mL and 1000 mL)
  • Bottles are ready immediately (no long lead time)
  • Quantity Discounts:
  • 12 or more bottles = 10% off
  • 24 or more bottles = 15% off
  • 48 or more bottles = 35% off
  • 100 or more bottles = 50% off
•  Make your own labels at any company you choose, ship them to us and we can affix them onto a bottle for $0.35 each, and ship the finished bottles back to you (shipping and handling fees apply).
• To make your labels: We recommend working with our partners at www.ClingyThingyLabels.com. Their quality labels look great on a love bottle. E-mail mollie@clingythingylabels.com or info@lovebottle.net
• Another label company is www.frontierlabel.com
• Get personalized bands made for your bottles:
  
  • www.reminderband.com

Do you offer quantity discounts?
Yes! Mix and match sizes and styles. The following quantity discounts will be automatically applied at checkout.

• 6 or more bottles = 5% off
• 12 or more bottles = 10% off
• 24 or more bottles = 20% off
• 48 or more bottles = 30% off
• 100 or more bottles = 50% off

Coffee Talk Monday... Fiore Films: Alana & Justin Teaser | Espace NY

Last Thursday Abby began to tease you with some of the images from our first wedding of the season in NYC, and this morning I am continuing to share with you some of the most incredible details from a wedding that was filled with so much love, lots of friends, laughs, family and tons of dancing!  For those of you deciding whether or not video is important for you to include on your wedding day this video is all you need to watch to realize it absolutely is!!  Fiore Films is absolutely amazing!  I literally sat here this morning on repeat watching Alana and Justin's video, with tears in my eyes.  Just a glimpse of the day and so much more to come.  Happy Monday Everyone!  And Congratulations again to one of the sweetest couples!


Alana & Justin Teaser from Fiore Films on Vimeo.

Coffee Talk Monday... New Ways to View Our Blog

As I was signing into the blog this morning to begin my post for Coffee Talk Monday, a blurb popped up to introduce me to the new settings for readers on Blogger.  Which is really pretty neat, and I just had to share with you all.

Blogger is offering 5 new dynamic views for looking at our blog (and others if the author has allowed for it in their settings)  To view True Event with these new views click on the links below.

Flipcard: www.trueeventblog.blogspot.com/view/flipcard

Mosaic: www.trueeventblog.blogspot.com/view/mosaic

Sidebar: www.trueeventblog.blogspot.com/view/sidebar

Snapshot: www.trueeventblog.blogspot.com/view/snapshot

Timeslide: www.trueeventblog.blogspot.com/view/timeslide

**These views require modern browsers such as Internet Explorer 8+, Firefox 3.5+, Chrome or Safari. Many elements of these views will not work should you have an older browser.
In all views, search is available in the upper right hand corner. Clicking on the ">" arrow in the very top left of the header bar will slide the header bar across and allow you to choose different views for the current blog as well as type in a new blog URL.**

Take a Look at a few of my favorite new views:

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. 

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.

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!

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.  

Coffee Talk Monday... Sneak Peak at the Winemaker's Dinner

While everyone is buzzing this morning about their top picks from the Oscar's last night, I thought I would leave it to them to recap the best and worst in fashion and share with you all a few teaser pics from the Winemaker's dinner at Jonathan Edward's Winery on Saturday night.  We can't wait to share with you a full recap of the event this week but for now on this rainy Monday, as I am still dreaming of being on the beaches of Puerto Rico, I'll leave you with a little sunshine to start the week. 

Paper Moss

Hana Floral Design

** Photos by Anna Sawin Photography**

Coffee Talk Monday: Michelle Rahn at the Wedding Library

Happy Monday! For me, there is no better way to start the week than with talk of pretty dresses. Even better when those dresses are GORGEOUS. Such is the case with Michelle Rahn's brand spanking new collection for next season. So instead of hoarding the information, we thought we would share a fabulous event for all you brides to be (or people like me that cannot get enough of beautiful gowns...)


The Details (invite & teaser sketches below as well!):

• Feb 24th-27th, by appointment
• Michelle Rahn Trunk show at the Wedding Library in NYC
• Michelle will be debuting her brand new collection for next season, literally hot out of production
• Michelle will be meeting and consulting personally with each bride, helping her shop the collection, styling her look, and also offering our signature services - allowing the bride to make changes to her gown to perfectly suit her taste and style
• Offering 10% towards purchases!
• For more information click here (or on the image)

Michelle Rahn

Coffee Talk Monday.... Fine and Dandy Event with Marcey Brownstein Catering

All Images by Belathee Photography

Last week I was so delighted to attend an event that the ladies of Marcey Brownstein Catering hosted at 620 Loft & Garden.  It was such a treat to have a reason to get dressed up and head out for the night in the city.  The space was completely transformed by the uber talented Frank Alexander.  I couldn't stop staring at the wall of paper flowers he created, it was just gorgeous!  Marcey and Leslie and the rest of the crew totally out did themselves with an incredible menu of passed hors d'ouevres and cocktails that were presented in the most fantastic ways!  I especially loved the fire and ice martini (infused jalapeno vodka), mini deviled eggs and shelves of small plates.  The presentation was spectacular!
And I must mention the incredible dessert display from One Girl Cookie, the angel food cake with coconut was such a treat.  At center stage, Elan Artists- Lapis Luna and Alexis Foxe played well into the night, setting the tone for a magical evening.  It was so much fun to catch up with old friends and meet new ones in a room filled with so much talent.  These are all vendors you will want to know.

COLABORATION:

620 LOFT AND GARDEN/
FRANK ALEXANDER NYC/
ONE GIRL COOKIES
ELAN ARTISTS
SEPTEMBER WINES
BOOTLEGGER 21 NY VODKA
BROADWAY FAMOUS PARTY RENTALS
DJ SIR SHORTY
MODERN NOSTALGIA LA, HANDCRAFTED ACCOUTREMENT
CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND BEAUTY
ANTOINE BRECHU HAIR
EVENT LIGHTS
SLOANE DESIGN BY PRESS NEW YORK
MAGNOLIA PHOTO BOOTH
EMBURY COCKTAILS
BELATHEE PHOTOGRAPHY