Destination Aloha, In Philly? – Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner – Angela MALICKI events

Close your eyes… think lounging on the beach in your own cabana, sipping on your Mai Tai with those cute little umbrella straws hanging over the side. Can you hear the ocean waves rolling onto the beach? The warm water barely coming up to your toes, which are now slowly digging deeper and deeper into that soft, powder-like sand. Got that image in your head?

Now open your eyes. As your staring at your computer screen in the corner of your work cubicle realizing how nice it would be to get away, I have one question for you- who wouldn’t want to go to Hawaii for vacation this year? Oh, can’t afford the $1,500, 24 hour round trip, plane tickets? Don’t have time to take off a week from your over-demanding job? Suddenly all relatives are MIA when needing someone to watch your three, darling children?

What’s the next best thing? Why, the Hawaii Islands of Aloha themed Philadelphia Flower Show of course! Starting at $27 a pop, tickets are much more affordable than that 12 hour plane ticket (and the commute should be a little easier for you too). And the best part is, the whole family can come! If that doesn’t do it for you, know that all proceeds from the show help out the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Taking a mini Hawaiian vacation AND helping a good cause? Well that’s just a win/win for everyone.

The Philadelphia Flower Show truly has something for everyone. Doors of the Pennsylvania Convention Center open Sunday, March 4 at 8am and close Sunday, March 11 at 6pm. Sprinkled throughout the week are “themed nights” ranging from LGBT Night Out on Monday to Girls Night Out later in the week on Thursday. You can even meet Bethenny Frankel  on Saturday and try out some of her new Skinny Girl Cocktails. For those of us who have kids, during the weekends are events geared to a younger crowd, and how about the men in our lives?? Well for them, the ultimate Man Cave was created including table games sponsored by SugarHouse Casino, virtual competitions of Tiger Wood’s PGA, and projection screens broadcasting Sixers and Flyers games (surround sound included).

And guess who will be attending Wedding Wednesday? Of course Angela and her crew wouldn’t miss an event like this! Sponsored by Philadelphia Wedding, this event is held Wednesday from 5:30-8:30pm. Make sure to check out our table display, featuring custom-made stationary from Angela’s new line, Titus Print! There will be champagne, complimentary appetizers, and of course all types of flower displays, as well as DIY Bouquet stations hosted by Philadelphia Wedding’s Carrie Denny, and flower arranging demonstrations by Flowers by David and Robertson’s Flowers.

Hope to see you there!

xoxo

Rachel

What do I get my true love as a gift for Valentine’s Day…Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner – Angela MALICKI events

custom valentine's day note card - designed by titus print

Valentine’s Day, another Hallmark holiday for us to buy our significant other more “stuff” that they really don’t need. After extensive research of talking to random people at bars, watching sappy romantic films, interviewing friends and thinking about Valentine’s from the “past” . We compiled 14 amazing ideas  - all LOCAL – that you will love and even want for yourself. For the next 14 days we will make your shopping simple and you can thank us later for that!

xoxo

ang

Rachelle + Dan – The Willows Mansion, Radnor, Main Line -Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner – Angela MALICKI events

I know this post is long over due, but totally worth the wait. We met Rachelle and Dan back in December of 2010, with a short planning time frame of 4 months. This was a piece of cake! The date was chosen, and the rest was on us. We started out with the venue. Dan and Rachelle have a sophisticated style with a playful edge. Ceremony and reception needed to be held in one location and close to a hotel. We chose the historic Willows Mansion in Radnor. A perfect backdrop for a ceremony and quaint size for an intimate wedding. The couple’s guest list was a nice size of 85 guests.

With the division of the multiple rooms and natural light peaking through, we knew exactly what the table scape and set up would look like. The first thing I thought of were all the beautiful flowers during that time of year, including forsythes, kale, birdzilia, hypeericomb, roses and other seasonal flowers. Not to mention the textures of the linens and crystal. We approached the couple with a drawing, that consisted of multiple vessels and heights which included an out of the ordinary twist. We partnered with our good friend Brittany, owner of Petal’s Lane, to really bring this idea to life. It was at our final design meeting that all components including the tablescape, linens and crystal, looked spectacular and came together.

Okay, what is next? The entertainment! The couple was tossing around the idea of a DJ but ended up settling with a band. I knew just the band that would work for them. Back2Life with Brandywine Valley Talent, is a seven piece diverse band that specializes in rock and non traditional things. They range from instrumental jazz and swing to funk and R&B.  They even sang during the horah, which was awesome and really kept the guests dancing!

Time for dress shopping! It was so much fun, I contacted Abigale, manager at The Van Cleve Collection, for an appointment. We arrived with a bottle of champagne, and helped pick out dresses for Rachelle. She was the perfect model and nothing looked bad on her. It was down to two dresses, both stunning but different. One traditional (Waters and Water) and the other more sultry (Pronovias), it was a tough decision. Rachelle couldn’t decide, I asked her, “Which one would Dan LOVE to see you in”? She chose the sultry – good choice!

Rachelle and Dan also hired us to design all their print materials, including the invitations, programs, calligraphy and table signs. We wanted to stick with their color scheme consisting of  rich purples, champagne and gold. The end result was perfect.

Ceremony took place overlooking the pond and the breath-taking property. The ceremony was a traditional Jewish ceremony, where the couple stood under an “unconventional” chuppah, consisting of bamboo and flowers matching their tablescapes. The aisle was lined with tall clear cylinder vases filled with river rocks and while pillars.

Dan, the groom walked down with his parents (Jewish custom) and the bridal party followed. My favorite part, the bride walking down with her parents, to one of my favorite songs (we selected for the couple, including recessional) “Iris” by Goo-Goo Dolls!

All male guests wore a kippot as a sign of respect during the ceremony, we found a perfectly matching purple one for everyone. After the couple shared the wine from the kiddush cup, my other favorite part took place, the breaking of the glass! That is when everyone shouts “Mazel Tov,” meaning congratulations. Dan’s mother took the broken glass and is working with a local artisan to create a beautiful piece of artwork.

The guests proceeded in the mansion for an amazing cocktail hour, catered by Drexelbrook Catering. Everyone enjoyed the food and mostly the signature drink designed for them the “RaDa”, a yummy peach drink, perfect for that Saturday afternoon.

Speeches took place, one of which was the blessing of the Challah bread by Dan’s father. It was a nice touch, uniting both families together. A surprise to all, was the introductions, we worked closely with the band (who were AMAZING), Back2Life - A Brandywine Valley Talent Band, with all the music selection. Dan had a special song chosen for their introduction song, the Rocky Theme song, which worked perfect and pumped the crowd up! It’s totally different listening to the song from a CD, but a live band made it even more special – especially the horns!

Ah, the first dance, I loved the song that the couple chose. “Marry Me” by Train, it was such a perfect song and romantic one at that, the band played it perfectly, tears were flowing.

Thank you Rachelle and Dan for letting us be a part of your planning and design process. We had a great time and love you both!

Professionals that made this event happen:

Event Planner and Designer – Angela MALICKI events – Angela, Ashley, Eric and Emily

Venue – The Willows Mansion

Photographer – DollFace studio

Videographer – Aubert Films

Florist – Petal’s Lane

Print + Paper – Angela MALICKI events 

Caterer – Drexelbrook Catering

Entertainment – Back2Life – Brandywine Valley Talent

Officient - Rabbi Richard Steinbrink

Dress – Pronovias - The Van Cleve Collection

Shoes – Stuart Weitzman – Neiman Marcus – Brian Jennings

Groom’s/Groomsmen Attire – Lauren – Sagat’s Formal Wear – Jimmy

Sweet Treats – Cupcakes Gourmet

I’m EnGAYed, now what do I do, honey, We’ll take care of it! Part Deux – Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner – Angela MALICKI events

Yesterday was a huge success. If you do not know what I’m talking about, check our post the day prior. Angela MALICKI events participated in the 4 annual LGBT commitment show hosted by the Rainbow Wedding Network held at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Newtown. The crowd was fabulous and we made amazing connections with wonderful couples. There were many talented professionals there from florists, venues and photographers. We made a great connection with Tiffany Caldwell, owner of Tiffany Caldwell Photography, Jennifer Peluso and Mark McCool from Talamore Country Club and Tony Verna from Century 21 Alliance. There were a few familiar faces to, our good friend Susan Kennedy, director at the Spring Mill Countryand Manor, Jim Duffy’s Catering and the Philadelphia Gay News.

We collaborated with Natural Designs Floral for the floral execution and Party RentalLTD for the rentals. We designed the overall look and concept, completed with custom menu cards and place cards. The color palette consisted of Plums, greens and natural tones. The linen was a beautifully textured olive burlap, paired with an amethyst glass charger and matching champagne flute, a burgundy gold trimmed estate plate and two toned flatware. Our table made headlines too, Bucks County Courier Times interviewed Jeff and I for a brief overview of our business (the audio is light)

We had a blast! Check out the images and video from the show.

pictured is Rob with Natural Designs, Angela Malicki, owner of Angela MALICKI events Jeff Sell, owner of Natural Designs Floral and Ashley with Angela MALICKI events

Rachelle and Dan – The Willow Mansion, Part One – Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner – Angela MALICKI events

We were thrilled when Siobhan, owner of dollface studio called, to inform us that our weekend Main Line wedding pictures were posted on their fabulous blog.

Check out their great images and details. I can’t wait to see the rest.

xoxo

ang

A true Parisian Love Story – it doesn’t get any better than this – especially on Valentine’s Day – Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner – Angela MALICKI events

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I wanted to share this wonderful story about a client of ours who is getting married (again) in Philadelphia! Again, what do I mean by that, you have to read this acticle that Lindsey, founder/blogger of Lost in Cheeseland wrote about her true Parisian Love story. Lindsey and Cedris are hosting their nuptials in Philadelphia this June in center city at the Doubletree Hotel. We custom designed their entire invitation suite for their wedding. Lindsey did not want your typical invitation, but something that was different. We collaborated both the Parisian and Philly landmarks in the the invites. Their color scheme is red/black/white and grey, the suite is double sided (French-English) The invitation set was completed with a custom silver embossed liner adorned with the Eiffel Tower, we hand calligraphed each envelope with white india ink. We are looking forward to this wonderful wedding this Summer!

Lindsey and Ced’s invites are double sided with matching reply cards. Notice the small graphic details

I loved the way the respond card came out. Their place cards will mimic the same design

Each envelope was hand calligraphed. We enjoyed writing out each one, the address sounded so FABULOUS!

We mailed them out for our client, their french guests will receive their invites in 10 days.

These were our “Love” notes that we mailed to our family and friends. Have a great Valentine’s Day and congrats to all the newly engaged couples, we look forward in “Planning” your special day!

Gigi and Jamal’s Center City – Ballroom at the Ben – Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner

I absolutely loved Gigi and Jamal from the first time we met last year. Gigi, a full-time grad student in nursing , needed help with her planning process. They hired us for full service planning from beginning to end, including all of their print needs. Gigi and Jamal, both laid back and fun loving were a delight to work with during the design and planning process. The couple chose the exquisite Ballroom at the Ben, nestled in the Ben Franklin Hotel in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. This turn-of-the-century venue featured large crystal chandeliers, marble hallways and baroque mill-work throughout the ceiling and columns. You truly felt transformed, going in back in time.

Their ceremony took place at the Calvary Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Not one pew was empty, as all 190 guests witnessed Gigi and Jamal’s nuptials. Gigi wore a stunning bustier dress, delicately beaded with a criss cross pattern. Her dress was from the Jewel Collection for Priscilla of Boston. The best part – it had POCKETS! She carried a beautiful bouquet of Vandella white roses and calla lilies. After the couple said “I Do,” everyone gathered in front of the church for a group photo, that was something very important to the couple. Phil Kramer – photographer, that shot perfectly.

Capitalizing on the wedding reception location in Center City, Phil took the entire bridal party to the steps of the Art Museum for a few photos. It was a perfect backdrop and way to end the afternoon. While photos were being taken, Eric (my FABULOUS assistant and stylist), headed over to The Ben for a final walk through. Everything was PERFECT! The room was set to perfection. The couple’s table-scape was design was a team collaboration. Tiffany blue satin overlays were draped over each table, completed with perfectly folded ivory napkins topped with custom designed menu cards, designed by Angela MALICKI events. Each menu card was adorned with three  Swarovski crystals. The centerpieces ranged from high to low, containing white roses, hydrangeas and orchids. Each centerpiece was precisely pin spotted to give the tables that extra POP!

The couple’s first dance was touching, their song was  ”That’s How Strong My Love  is”by Alicia Keys (I love that song). After the toasts and dinner, the crowd packed the dance floor. Their DJ flew in just for the event from Virginia Beach. I felt like I was in a club, listening to all my favorite jams, from old school hip hop to new age dance,not to mention the oldies but goodies of smooth R & B. We had so much fun, and we thank Gigi and Jamal for letting us be part of their day. The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

We love you both and wish you the best!

Check out the bead work on her dress. This Priscilla of Boston Gown fit Gigi like a glove, and did I mention – it had POCKETS! It is yet another trend in bridal wear that has made a comeback.

Gigi looked STUNNING,  a birdcage veil, which she replaced with a beautiful Swarovski headband at the reception. Her jewelery was her mother’s pearls

The bridesmaids wore  beautiful Tiffany Blue taffeta dresses with a rose florweret trim. Each girl carried a floral arrangement of Mango calla lilies and coral roses, completed with long stems of Bear Grass, tied with coral satin ribbon.

Jamal’s boutonniere  was designed with a rose and calla lily

All 190 guests posed for this beautiful group shot in front of their church

A picturesque backdrop taken by the Schuylkill River.

LOVE the LOVE ice sculpture

What a great idea. The couple chose a seating chart that had a favorite image from their engagement shoot. No placecards here. With 190 guests, this was perfect. Thanks to Eric’s monitoring of this area, there were no wedding crashers here!

The Tiffany Box cake was designed by Brown Betty’s in  Northern Liberties. It was a 4 tiered square cake. Completed with pink edible cherry blossoms.

We designed their menu card in coordination with the color pallette

Professional that made this event possible

Event Coordination: Angela MALICKI events

Ceremony: Calvary Baptist Church

Reception Venue: Ballroom at the Ben

Photographer: Phil Kramer

Videographer: Transcendenterprise (family friend)

Floral Design: Rose Bud Florist

Transportation: Premier Luxury Rentals

Confectionery: Brown Betty’s

Entertainment: DJ Laumell Schuler

Attire: Priscilla of Boston

Make up: B Faces

AHHH , Letterpress!

As a graphic designer I love many things, and of them is fabulous paper. Especially heavy cardstock –  with a letterpress print. I finally have the chance to post a few images of my cards that I designed myself and printed by one of my business partners that I love – my secret! Since starting my company, I have gone through several cards and colors. Every time I had a networking event I always had some new card, “OMG Ang another card” I just wasn’t happy. Finally, enough was enough. For our clients, we offer a variety of printing services including Letterpress, Therm,Flat and Metal printed materials. I know metal, crazy right. So think of us for your printing needs, including invites.

Cards were printed both sides with my custom colors. I totally fell in love when I saw them. Once you go letterpress, you’ll never go back- to what you had that is!

My cards had to be different and the thickness had to be like no other. So I selected a 220 Lb Crane stock in Solar White – Yum