Khalid & Nadia - May 1, 2010

May was such a crazy month for Inspired Occasions that I'm just getting around to filling you all in on the details of the weddings we produced that month. I'll start with our first . . .

The wedding of Nadia and Khalid turned out to be a story of color and culture. The tall order for me was to design a wedding ceremony and reception that combined the significant elements of the Bride and Groom’s Pakistani culture with their more modern sense of style. I’m proud to say that in a short three month planning period, we went from having no design concept to an exotic affair for 300 guests fit for royalty. The color palette inspired by the preferences of the couple was that of rich jewels . . . sapphire blue, garnet red and rich orange.

The setting for this elaborate affair was The Albany Marriott. The day began with an intimate family-only ceremony. The modern bride opted to wear a fully length beaded white wedding outfit rather than the traditional red. However, to ensure that the traditional wedding color of red had a strong presence, the bride’s aisle and ceremony stage were carpeted in a rich garnet color. The couple exchanged their promises and rings on a glowing stage draped with sheer fabric and strands of cascading orchids.

Following the ceremony, Nadia and Khalid’s guests were treated to a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Guests were welcomed into the grand ballroom which was decked out with sunset colored perimeter lighting, sapphire blue satin linens and tablescapes of dramatic glowing centerpieces, specialty folded napkins and golden chocolate favors. Authentic Pakistani music and food brought in from New York City ensured that the families’ heritage remained the focal point of the celebration. Highlights of the evening included a traditional dance performed by the women of the Groom’s family and a traditional Mirror ceremony.

It was an absolute pleasure to work with this fabulous couple. From the first time I met with this family, the planning process became a true collaboration between Bride and Groom, Planner and Mother. And together, we were able to put together the perfect day for this special couple!

Special thanks to my team and all the wonderful vendors who helped make it all happen: The Albany Marriott, Fine Affairs, Surroundings Floral, J&S Watkins, Glowing Faces (make-up), Epiphany of Hair Design, Kabob King, and DJ Farhad.

Let Them Eat Cake!!!

Ever heard someone say, “I’m really not a cake person?” Well that is not me! I love cake! So imagine my delight when I discovered an amazingly innovative local business that is filling what I consider a very important need . . . mobile cupcakes! Lorraine and John Murphy, co-owners of Bettie’s Cakes based in Saratoga Springs have created a fabulous bakery on wheels that brings their delicious cupcakes to wherever you need your fix. Their double-decker 1950’s style bus can seat 25 people and can be hired for any occasion. I’m thinking . . . surprise late night snack for a wedding reception, a sweet treat for the mitzvah or sweet sixteen guest of honor, Sunday breakfast . . . the options are endless!

As soon as I made this discovery, I realized it was imperative that I test out the product so that I could make an informed recommendation to my clients. Tough job, but I managed try four scrumptious designer cupcakes including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Key Lime and Red Velvet. My favorite was the Cosmopolitan which was a cranberry flavored cupcake with lime icing inspired by the release of the new Sex in the City movie. It was both adorable and delectable.

So I’m wondering which of my hip clients are going to be the first ones to surprise their guests with this mobile sweetshop? Also wondering . . . what other treats can we put on wheels?

You can visit the stationary Cupcakery Café at 454 Broadway, Saratoga, NY and get more information about the cupcake bus at http://www.bettiescakes.com/.