Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

Today we have guest blogger Marty Kelly of Marty Kelly Papers giving us the 411 on how she came up with her designs.

When WellWed told me they would be shooting a tablescape on Nantucket in a sorbet color palette, I knew my designs would have to be super summery, fresh, and fun. For the menus and escort cards I chose beach umbrella and flip flop motifs, reminiscent of carefree moments in the summer sun. Knowing that sorbet was being served, I designed some colorful personalized word cloud cone wrappers. On each wrapper I printed the couple’s names and all sorts of loving sentiments and sweet nothings, like “joy, hope, smiles, forever, friendship, and family”.  Summer loving at its best!

photo by Zofia Photography

photo by Zofia Photography

This beautiful cake was created by Jodi of Jodi’s Cakes:

photo by Zofia Photography

These amazing, creative and fabulous tasting appetizers (trust us, we sampled them ALL) are by Kim Reed of A Taste of Nantucket:

photo by Zofia Photography

Great inspirations for your summer Island wedding!

Island vendors Jen Shepherd of Placesetters and myself  (Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral) spent some time last week down in the Big Easy at the Special Event Show.  While we walked the floor and attended seminars one ’surprise’ kept coming up – the color red for weddings.  I was a little taken aback – red can be a bold, controlling color and if it isn’t used correctly, can end up looking like a cheesy Valentine’s dance gone wrong.

When used the right way, however, this color can be sophisticated, demure, sexy and can really lay the groundwork for some pretty amazing eye candy.  The photos below are a great example of how to incorporate the color with other strong elements to create a harmonious balance.

The first element is the shape of the serpentine table (not something we ever see on Nantucket, but a fun concept).  The linens take center stage from the band on the linen to the amazing looking chair covers.  Don’t they remind you a little of a mermaid’s tail?  The black floral containers really anchor everything together and calm the red down.  Along with crystals and feathers (they aren’t going anywhere for 2010 – they showed up in a lot of designs) and pops of silver the layering on this table helped achieve a cohesive look.   Even the napkins have been rolled to look like rosebuds, clever!  The glassware on this table is also a line that is carried by Placesetters and is a favorite for island events.  Enjoy the eye candy!

photo by Dawn Kelly

details on the tabletop

As the holly jolly season is upon us, it got us thinking about what makes this time of year so great.  Hot cider, peppermint cocoa, chai tea lattes, mulled wine – the list goes on and on.  This time of year allows winter brides to bring a unique touch, their own signature if you will, to their big day.  Wouldn’t it be great to have some of these drinks set out for guests at your winter wedding?  They smell delicious and they help warm up your guests hands as they head in from the cold for night of great food and music as you dance away your reception.  Talk to your caterer about incorporating one or more of these for a truly unique beverage bar.  Brilliant!

photos courtesy of brides.com

We spotted this little gem of an idea over at Martha Stewart Weddings and wondered, do you have a signature drink planned for your wedding? A special cocktail for the end of the evening? Don’t forget a garnish for your beverage of choice! Dress it up with something that adds to the cocktail or even the color & the decor of your event. It’s all in the details!

For a warm cozy end of the night cocktail we loved the mini-donut garnish these toddies had.

Beautiful fall salads from Nantucket Catering Company line the head table.

Photo Courtesy Brea McDonald Photography