Event Planning Ideas, Trends & Inspiration

What do you know about Bhutan? That it’s situated on the eastern end of the Himilayas? Or that its national sport is archery? Or that it’s capital is Thimphu? We’ll here’s one thing you SHOULD know: they just had a royal wedding! Though not as highly publicized as the nuptials of Will and Kate, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck & Jetsun Pema tied the knot on October 13th (now a national holiday in Bhutan). Let’s delve a little deeper in comparing these too royal affairs.

Engagement:
An adorable story suggests that Jigme, 10 years her senior, asked Jetsun to be his wife at a family picnic when she was just 7 years old. On one knee, the then-prince said, “when you grow up, if I am single and not married and if you are single and not married, I would like you to be my wife, provided we still feel the same.” How pragmatic! Both went on to study in the UK, the king at Oxford and the queen at Regents College. Obviously, Will and Kate studied in the UK as well, both graduating from St. Andrews. Both engagements are particularly interesting as the women are of common ancestry, while the men are deeply grounded in royal blood. Lastly, the “Dragon King” asked for his bride’s hand in marriage earlier this year, celebrating a short 5-month engagement just like William and Kate.

Attendance:
Unlike the Brits, Jigme and Jetsun did not invite Sir Elton John to join in the festivities. Actually, the entire wedding was kept rather intimate, predominately members of Bhutan’s royal family.

Ceremony:
Both couple enjoyed their ceremony with pomp and circumstance, ceremoniously traveling to nationally important landmarks past streets lined with spectators. The brides both wore exquisit garments created by skilled designers, though Jetsun’s answer to Kate’s Alexander McQueen gown was a traditional kiras made from handwoven raw silk. And let’s not forgot those head coverings. Princess Eugenie and Beatrice made headlines with those awful hats, but Jetsun’s crown was an embroidered piece of artwork.

Honeymoon:
While Will and Kate took to the island of Seychelles off the coast of African, the Bhutanese couple decided for a honeymoon closer to home, touring by train the state of Rajasthan, India. They too will leave a few days after the ceremony to celebrate their romance in an exotic land.

Both nuptials were incredibly important to the nations and cultures they represent. And as American’s we can only admire from afar at the royal love stories while we flip channels between Kim (Kardashian) and Kris and Kim (Zolciak) and Kroy. Thanks again Bravo.

-William Fogler
WM Events

Grace Ormonde knows what she’s doing- especially when it comes to weddings. That’s why we were so delighted to have one of our event photos selected in her inspirational gallery. Courtney and Chuck’s organic wedding in Boulder, CO was truly magnificent, and people took notice. It garnered attention all across the event planning world, gaining a nomination for both aSpecial Event Award and an Icon Award. National and Colorado-based publications were in a furry to get a hold of the details. A special thanks goes out to Shamane’s Bake Shoppe, based in Boulder, and David Wegwart, from Denver for making this happen! So see how the WM Events cake stacks up to others in the Grace Ormonde Inspiration Gallery.

-William Fogler
WM Events

Sometimes after a major event, you need some time to regroup, collect your thoughts, and visualize some data. That’s exactly what EDITD did after New York, London, Milan, and Paris’ Fall Fashion Weeks. Below is a graphic representation of the color pallets used across every designer showcased in each city. You can see the New York scale tipping in the family of grays and blues, while London is hiking it up with reds and oranges. Milan went muted while Paris went bold. Take a look back through the catwalks to see how each city brought these hues to life.

-William Fogler
WM Events

The Caring for Others: Caring for Art event is TOMORROW! Come out and show your support of a really important charity organization preventing homelessness in Atlanta. Media and fans alike, everyone is really excited for a great party. Art will fill the walls. Music will fill the air. And food will fill your stomach!

The Atlanta Gallery Association is presenting established artists, emerging artists, and small works in three separate gallery spaces. What’s better than that? 10% of all art sales will go back to Caring for Others. But that’s not all! Two works of art (seen here) will be auctioned off with ALL of the proceedes donated to CFO.  Jabari Grover and his jazz ensemble will kick the party into high gear so you can dance the night away (or burn off all that delicious food from Saigon Cafe!). Also, come by the CFO room and learn more about how they help community. They’ll be selling a number of children’s toys and socks for all ages!

The Examiner is excited about it, and you should be too! Click the picture below for a link to their article.

-William Fogler
WM Events

I don’t know about you, but changing seasons always makes me want to redecorate. Out with the old, in with the new. Well, I can’t think of a better way to act on that fresh Fall feeling than to deck your halls (or living room!) with great artwork. Adding a beautiful landscape or a pop of color can be just what the room needs. But why stop there? Why not add some feel-good feelings into that fantastic frame?

The event we’re planning for Caring For Others has just what you’re looking for! As part of the Caring for Art Gala (BUY TICKETS HERE) at the beginning of next month, the hosts will be auctioning off not 1 but 2 brilliant works of art. Paul Hagedorn and Kimo Minton are the talented artists whose work will be up for bidding in the name of a good cause. Check out the pieces that will actually be available at the auction below- and then go measure your walls!

Paul Hagedorn’s Inversion Fog, Lake Burton, GeorgiaArchival Pigment Print on Hahnemuhle (20×30)
Valued over $2,500

Kimo Minton’s Guilt Free Heathen
Oil & Acrylic on Carved Birch Wood Panel (48×32)
Valued over $7,000

-William Fogler
WM Events

In case you missed our last blog post about Caring for Others: Caring for Art, let us take this time to remind you about the wonderful event in 2 weeks.

Caring for Others is celebrating their 10 year anniversary, and we wanted to invite you to the celebration which will be held at the Bradford Event Gallery and hosted by the Atlanta Gallery Association and the board of CFO. Great music, drinks, food, and art will be on display as we honor the incredible work of CFO over the past decade. Busy Saturday night? No worries! You can come see the art on display the next day, Sunday, October 9th from 12p-4p.

Below is the flyer for the event if you are interested in becoming more involved. Simply click on the image to buy tickets. You can also visit the Facebook Event Page.

-William Fogler
WM Events

To celebrate 10 extraordinary years of marriage, NBA basketball star, Chauncey Billups and his wife Piper, played host to their closest friends and family for a weekend full of memories and merriment in Lake Las Vegas, Nevada. Guests romped around the Vegas Strip on Friday night, celebrated with ceremony and reception on Saturday, and brunched away to the tune of a gospel choir on Sunday morning. The happy couple, along with their three beautiful daughters, gave everyone in attendance a blissful and unforgettable getaway at a desert oasis.

You may have already seen our Facebook Album or Social Albumon the website. But just in case you didn’t, here are the pictures from our recent adventures in Las Vegas. Contact us for any and all of your event planning needs!

The events began with a celebratory toast on the evening of Friday, July 22nd at the Loews Lake Las Vegas lobby for all to gather and reconnect. After a delicious meal at the MGM’s Pearl restaurant, everyone enjoyed the Boom Box Room at the premiere Marquee Club in the ultra modern Cosmopolitan Hotel.

For the ceremony, alternative violinist, Bobby Yang, and his ensemble welcomed the attendees as they arrived, dressed in all white, on the outside Lotus Court overlooking the serene lake. Large, white weather balloons floated in the distance while tropical phalaenopsis and dendrobium orchids wrapped the railing behind the altar.

The party enjoyed a cocktail hour before moving upstairs to the Baraka Ballroom for dinner and dancing. Calligraphed escort cards in coordinating white and Tiffany Blue were placed on a mirrored table, accented with orchids and large, reflective jewels.  As guests made their way past white lounge furniture and a customized bar, they were offered signature blue cocktails before they found their flawlessly elegant tables. A combination of LED light walls, custom gobos, jewel tone up-lights throughout the room, and pinspotting at each table set the mood with dramatic lighting. White leather crocodile tables were surrounded by clear acrylic ghost chairs and topped with an elaborate arrangement.

DJ Nabs spun in front of a LED light wall for guests sporting their complimentary fashion sunglasses and flip flops. White, leather furniture groupings, nestled with Tiffany Blue accent pillows were perfect seats for the projection of the original wedding video from 10 years ago. Partying late into the night, guests then returned to their room where a strawberry dipped chocolate awaited them for a sweet, goodnight treat.

The next morning, everyone awoke refreshed and ready to experience a Gospel Brunch for the ages in the Loews’ Marssa restaurant. The 6 piece ensemble sang for an eager crowd as friends and family enjoyed traditional brunch favorites. The Billups family thanked everyone for attending and offered them safe travels as they all made their way home.

Vendors: Loews Lake Las Vegas, ESP Lighting, Destinations by Design, Newberry Brothers, Bobby Yang, Victory Mission Baptist Church, DJ Nabs, AWG Transporation, All Star Balloons

Photo Credit: Artistic Imaging Photography

-William Fogler

Atlanta has a lot to offer food-wise. From weekly festivals, to food truck meet ups, to constant restaurant weeks, the city is always making sure no one goes hungry. But let’s not overlook one of the most interesting places we go to bring food home: Buford Highway Farmer’s Market. By far the metro’s farthest reaching international market, the Buford Highway Farmer’s Market has been going strong for 25 years and it doesn’t look to stop anytime soon. So if you’re in the mood for ox tails, jack fruit, or just a box of Rice Krispy Treats, hit up this hometown staple that doesn’t always seem so hometown.

-William Fogler
WM Events

Today’s belt options are literally limitless. While some wearers cover their belts with a top, some take the chance to display elaborate pieces of mid-torso artwork with this practical accessory. For me, there is no better way to accentuate your waist or your wears. A simple cruising of Google images can quickly land you on a bulging, over-sized Christmas wishlist. So, we’ve gathered a few favorites, and posted below the top buckles and bridles. Readers, how do you keep your pants off the ground?

1. Oyster Belt Buckle by Cellar Leather

2. Gold Cassette Belt Buckle by Vanessarap

3. Computer Mouse Belt Buckle by GettingWeddy

4. Upcycled License Plate Belt Buckle by HalfMoonRoad

5. Stained Glass Mosaic Belt Buckle by AimeezArtz

6. Flask Belt Buckle by Armourdillo

7. QR Code Belt Buckle by Fluid Forms

8. Yellow Bird by FlightPathDesigns

-William Fogler
WM Events

Mercedes Benz New York Fall Fashion Week is happening! In fact, it started last Thursday and will continue until the 15th. Kicking off the season, London, Milan and Paris will follow after the Big Apple to showcase the Fall’s wears. From bright geometrics to overstuffed skirts, designers sure are making everything interesting for us. And per usual they’ve topped off the models crowns with some crazy head pieces. We’ve compiled a few trends from our favorite designers to show you what’s up and coming in the world of fashion. Enjoy!

Readers, who’s your favorite couture fashion designer, pictured or otherwise?

1. Dior

2. Valentino

3. Chanel

4. Armani

5. Jean Paul Gaultier

-William Fogler
WM Events

You may remember the gala event we planned last year at the historic Fox Theater in Midtown for a not for profit organization,Caring for Others. Well, next month they are celebrating their 10 year anniversary, and we wanted to invite you to the celebration which will be held at the Bradford Event Gallery and hosted by the Atlanta Gallery Association and the board of CFO. Great music, drinks, food, and art will be on display as we honor the incredible work of CFO over the past decade. Busy Saturday night? No worries! You can come see the art on display the next day, Sunday, October 9th from 12p-4p.

Caring For Others, Inc. (501c3) is a homelessness prevention organization established in 2001 to facilitate personal dignity and provide basic necessities to economically-disadvantaged individuals, senior citizens, the disabled, the unemployed, and families with children. CFO empowers families with life skills, job training, and career counseling to encourage economic self-sufficiency for a better quality of life. CFO also collaborates with government agencies, social service organizations, and churches around the State to provide new clothing furniture and books to economically-disadvantaged communities.

Below is the flyer for the event if you are interested in becoming more involved. Simply click on the image to buy tickets. You can also visit the Facebook Event Page.

-William Fogler
WM Events

This past Labor Day Weekend was epic for Atlanta in terms of going-ons. Just like in highschool, all of the cliques were equally represented around the city.

The Decatur Book Festival played host to nerds as the largest independent book festival in the country. Celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary, DragonCon, is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe. Ludacris, an Atlanta native, hosted a series of events all throughout the city, including a block party, a Braves game, and tons of parties. Lastly, UGA played their first game of the season against Boise St. at the GA Dome in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game.

So, what did YOU do this weekend?

-William Fogler
WM Events