Form submitted successfully, thank you!

Error submitting form, please try again.

Topaz Event Design bio picture

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by!  I'm Vanessa, Owner and Creative Consultant of Topaz Event Design, an event planning boutique based in New York.  When I'm not planning events, I love to travel, learn about different cultures, try new cuisine, and occasionally pig out with a bucket of butter pecan ice cream while watching old episodes of I Love Lucy until I'm all laughed out.

I absolutely love my job and see every day as an opportunity to learn and create.

This blog is a place to share some of my company's recent work, upcoming projects, and inspire those seeking inspiration.  I hope you'll visit often!

Warmly,

Topaz Access Granted | NY Wedding Dance

Located in the heart of mid town is one of Manhattan’s chic and upscale private lesson studio.  NY Wedding Dance is the “go to” place for couples seeking an unique and personalized dance lesson experience.  Recently Instructor and Owner, Nathan Hescock and P.R. Manager, Sahar Pari Rokh, granted me access to go behind the scenes of their studio to see what they’re all about and all they have to offer.

 NY Wedding Dance is not your average dance studio.  You will not find yourself in a class with other couples sharing an instructor or learning dance steps that feel awkward and forced.  Their services are exclusively catered to weddings and working intimately with you to create a routine that is representative of your style and personality while providing a serene atmosphere to enhance learning.

 And serene it truly is!  Upon entering the studio, I was immediately transformed into an open space full of warmth.  The bustling streets of Manhattan seemed so far away.  As I got to peek at lessons in action, the couples that occupied the separate studios not only looked so in sync with each other, but they were having fun!  The staff has diverse dance training which is great because Nathan says he’s seeing an increase in the amount of culture that couples want to incorporate.

 With all the things that go into planning a wedding, the first dance or parent dances are sometimes overlooked.  Taking dance lessons is an activity you can share for a lifetime, not only will you look and feel great in front of the many eyes watching you on your big day; but your lessons are a fun and great way of escaping together far from the stress of wedding planning.

Check out the pictures of the studio and couples in action, as well as the video clip below.  As a special treat, NY Wedding Dance has offered a $10 discount with the purchase of one of their packages to our readers until April 30, 2010.  Just be sure to use the code TAG (Topaz Access Granted)!

 

J’adore Decor: Charger Plates & Placemats

I’m head over heels for table top decor.  Your table should tell a story about your event- whether it’s an intimate dinner party or elaborate wedding.  Charger plates and placemats are a great table top addition.  They can add color, texture, whimsy, elegance, or any other feel you’re going for.  Check out these charger plates and placemats and unveil the story they tell.

Bling Charger Plate

Bling charger plates add a chic feel that makes a grand statement

source

Silver Charger Plate

This bubble charger has fun and rustic charm

source

 

Mirror Charger Plate

Mirror, mirror on the wall, whose the prettiest guest of all?

source

 

Beaded Charger Plate

This beaded charger is elegance at its best

source

 

Peacock Feather Place Mat

Unexpected texture and color add tons of character to a table

source

 

Leaf Place Mat

A great way to bring the outside in, is to incorporate natural elements

source

 

Beaded Placemat

Go big and bold with beading and sequins

source

 

Shell Placemat

These shell placemats would be a great addition to a beach wedding

source

Top 10 for Twenty-10

With the New Year in full swing, I thought it would be fun to talk about some of the things we predict/expect to see at events in 2010 from fashion, food and decor.

top 10 for 2010

1) Bottom’s Up:  It’s all about Louboutins this year.  From the red carpet to the aisle, these shoes are a coveted 2010 accessory.  (picture credit)

2) The Friendly Ghost:  Ghost chairs are hot hot hot!  And much to my excitement, the back of these chairs provide a blank canvas for some cool design experimenting which I’ll talk about in a future post. (picture credit)

3) Transformers:  Twobirds Bridesmaid dresses aren’t new, but they certainly have not gotten old.  These dresses are loved by both brides and bridesmaids (jackpot!) because they provide a cohesive look while still giving a sense of individual style.  With over 15 different ways to switch it up, bridesmaids will consider it an investment. (picture credit)

4) Aisles with Style: The Original Runner has done it again with their magnificent creations which I’m sure will be a hot 2010 trend.  Take personalization of your aisle runner to a whole new level by incorporating a landmark, place or thing.  The picture here is of the Brooklyn Bridge, which brought this couple together.  I ❤ this idea big time!

5) Interactive Food Stations: Seen here is a picture from a potato bar, however interactive stations in general will be a hot thing in 2010.  It brings guests together in such a fun way.

 

top 10 for 2010

6) Don’t call it a comeback!  Well, actually you can because BIG cakes are making their way back to the scene. (picture credit)

7) Light It Up: Lighting just keeps getting bigger and better.  The picture here is of a lit dance floor.  Who needs to dance underneath the stars when you can feel like you’re dancing on top of them! (picture credit)

8 ) Heightened Entertainment:  In the quest to provide a one of a kind experience to guests, 2010 is going to be the year of eccentric entertainment at events.  Seen in this picture are belly dancers.

9) Colorful Lounges:  We’ve been seeing all white lounges for some time, but this year lounges are going to get more playful with bold colors that scream stylish and chic. (source)

10) Photo Booth Design Sets:  We said it before, but we’ll mention it again- one of a kind photo booth design sets are a crowd pleaser and really captures the feel of your function. (picture credit)

 

So what do you think?  Do any of these stand out to you or will you be incorporating any of these ideas into your next event?  We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy New Year!

new years eve times square

Watching the ball drop is an exhilarating feeling; closing the door to one year and starting fresh into a new one is so promising.  We welcome 2010 and you with open arms and hope that you continue with us on our journey.  This is truly a year we’ve been anticipating for quite some time.  May your new year be filled with good health, great friends, exciting adventures, prosperity, and fab events!

Vendor Thumbs Up: Thomas Marlow’s Custom Photo Booths

When you think of photo booths, usually the 5×5 box with the red drawback curtain comes to mind.  Remember the 5 second intervals you were given to strike a pose for the next flash?  Ahhh, the memories!

The photo booth has since evolved and the new and improved photo booths allow for major customization and more movement.  I’m especially loving Thomas Marlow’s Custom Photo Booths.  He’s put a twist on the classic booth by creating custom set designs which are inspired by each clients’ personal style.  No set designs are ever repeated.  What’s even cooler about these photo booth set designs is that guests are given a remote to trigger the camera shutter, giving them complete creative control (no more 5 second intervals!).

If you’re wondering how you can get this at your next event, just contact him- his photo booth set designs are made to travel!  Thumbs up to Thomas Marlow Custom Photo Booths!

photobooth

 

photobooth

 

photobooth

 

photobooth

 

photobooth

Things Your Guests Will Remember: A Filling Farewell

The end of an event provides the perfect opportunity to go out with a bang for your guests.  I’m a believer that one of the best ways to get to the heart of a person is through their stomachs.  Sending your guests home with a treat or midnight snack is definitely the way to go.  It’s these thoughtful gestures that will peak levels of excitement as the event draws to an end.

Some favorites are “exit tables” which are literally what they sound like:  a table situated near the exit with goodies on it for guests to take as they leave.  My personal favorite is milk & cookies or doughnuts.  Check out these fun treats:

milk and cookie favors

source: Simply Sweet Bake Shop

midnight snack favors

source: Hostess With the Mostess

dunk mugThese dunk mugs double as a midnight snack and a super cute favor

source: Dwell

 

Another favorite are food trucks that will come to the event at the end and serve up yummy goodness.  Depending on the food truck company, you can spoil your guests with snacks such as:

  • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
  • Hot Pretzels
  • Nathan’s Hot Dogs
  • White Castle
  • Waffles
  • Ice cream

wedding food trucksource: Tobo Foods

Sounds amazing?  It is!  When you keep your guests tummies on your mind, they’ll keep you in theirs!

Things Your Guests Will Remember: Intro

When I meet with clients and we talk about their event, everyone- and I mean everyone always mentions how they want to throw an affair that their guests will not only enjoy, but remember.  It can be challenging trying to decipher what elements to incorporate when there are a plethora of options to choose from.  Sure, what you do counts, but how you do it counts even more.  Things Your Guests Will Remember is going to be a recurring topic on the blog dedicated to the aspects of how your event will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Cupcakes Take a Stand

Cupcakes in lieu of traditional cake is still a favorite among weddings and social events.  There isn’t anything not to love about them.  They’re cute, yummy, and just the right portion.

To take the idea up a notch, have the cupcakes served on their own individual stand.  Presentation pleases the eye and gets people even more excited about the deliciousness that’s in store for them.  Check out these über cute cupcake stands:

Cupcake Stand

source: Gearys

Cupcake Stands

source: farmhouse wares

Cupcake Stand

source: etsy

cupcake stand

This one allows you to incorporate your colors.  Source: etsy

cupcake stands

source: Sur La Table

 

Handkerchiefs With a Message of Love

I stumbled across these handkerchiefs from Artfully Beginnings and have been hooked ever since.  They offer a line of custom printed fabric items ranging from ring pouches to invitations- true keepsakes indeed!  Brides often carry a handkerchief in their hands down the aisle for teary eye moments during the ceremony, but I think it would be a great idea to have personal wedding vows printed onto them so that it could serve two purposes.  They’ll even make great gifts for the mothers and grandmothers.

Handkerchief

Handkerchief

Handkerchief

handkerchief

Organza RSVP Cards

J’adore Decor: Vanity Chairs

A chair is not just a chair, because if they were simply just chairs, it wouldn’t make any sense why I have an obsession with incredibly gorgeous ones. Being the person of honor at an event will require you to be in the spotlight and often times, sitting.  Think of a bride-to-be or mom-to-be at a shower as she opens her gifts.  Or think of a bride on her wedding day as she sits to get her hair and make up done.

Shouldn’t the chair be as beautiful as the person sitting in it?  Well, you can already guess my answer!  Check out these gorgeous vanity chairs.  They’re so incredibly beautiful, I can barely stand it!  

Vanity Chair

Vanity Chair

Vanity Chair

Find them at: Horchow