Stoneblossom

Ahhh. Those GAMES!!!!

2010-02-08T22:00:00.004-05:00

Yep, it's that time again!!! The Winter Olympics Games are upon us. The Stoneblossom Staff has strong ties to this veritable institution and we would be remiss in letting it pass by without a few words on the subject! I've dragged out my Park City cap and the impossible-to-get Olympic Berets that were the hot items in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake was our Fourth Olympic Games - and the first Winter one we had been a part of. Dennis loves to tell the story of our primitive workspace - in a rented storage area adjacent to the flower market - with NO HEAT! We had propane heaters to huddle around that were so loud - and they could knock you out from the fumes!
And of course 09-11 had happened just a few short months before - making for a security nightmare - even X-raying out floral designs on their way into each hotel! Who could plan for such a posey nightmare??? This was a major pain in the arse to say the least!

You may ask - did you make those always silly presentation bouquets given to the Medal winners day after day. NO actually. Nothing of the sort! Corporate Sponsors use the Games as a hospitality vehicle for their VIP's and Executives - flying them all in for a few days of fun and frolic - enjoying the amazing athletic spectacles by day - and our glam themed floral designs back at their hotels for dinner by night!!!

If you can imagine servicing 18 different Corporate Sponsors - each with their own set of fabulous designs - all at the same time each and every day - and then trying to deliver them all in a locked-down city between 2:00 and 4:00 am - every night - for two weeks straight: THAT is the the true GLAMA of the Olympics Games!

In all fairness, we did have the amazing privilege of catching quite a few events over the years - our eyes held open with toothpicks - but a great thrill none the less! Who could forget our front row seats at Curling! A memorable time was definitely had by all at Men's diving (we could have skipped the nose-bleed seats for girl's gymnastics - the athletes like tiny Mexican jumping beans better seen from our beds back at the hotel!).

One of my fondest memories was my first Games in Barcelona - 1992. Ah - to be young again and loose in Sitges - the Jet-setty seaside town south of the city - where we had the most fortunate luck of having our workspace just across the street from the most divine nude beach. The heat, the tapas, the clubs open till dawn... I barely remember making a single floral piece with that blend of heady fare... But I digress...

It's fun to reminisce for sure and wonder how the heck we pulled it all off - not only in Spain or Salt Lake - but Sydney and Atlanta too! Catch Dennis and Margot when they're on a roll and they've got some yarns to tell for sure. Looking forward this year to catching every glorious moment in front of the fire with my pups on the big FLAT SCREEN!

xxxx John

2010 Wedding Wire Best in the Biz!!!! A great Honor!

2010-02-04T08:40:00.003-05:00

Newport, RI - February 4th, 2010 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading
wedding technology company, just announced
Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design has been selected to receive
the WeddingWire 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Florists

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates
excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry,
as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over
500,000 newlyweds.

Stoneblossom is among the top five percent of all vendors in the
WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding
professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to
winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding
venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top
wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community”
said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer.
“The annual Bride’s Choice Awards program has given us the
unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals
in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have
utilized their services in the past year.”

We are happy to announce that Stoneblossom is among the
very best Florists within the WeddingWire Network, which
includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We
would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for
the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource
designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding
vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search,
compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors
nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes.
WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite
of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites
and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding
vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management
tools creating the only market opportunity that gives
businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and
performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered
with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO)
to provide its network of local vendors and online
wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of
www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional
information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Another of our glam Featured Weddings in Southern NE Weddings new issue!

2010-01-25T10:53:00.007-05:00

A terrific couple and a gorgeous, elegant affaire at Mrs Astor's Beechwood!

Click on the image to read the copy and get a closer look at their perfect outdoor ceremony and
candlelit ballroom. Nothing like peonies in June!

Flowers by Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design

Check out the new Southern NE Weddings. Our bouquet's on the cover!

We are in Love with our New Ad and the Stunning Adrienne!!!

2010-01-21T19:18:00.007-05:00

Here's our Double-Page Spread in grace ormonde Wedding Style 2010 - hot off the presses and we love it!!!

Brazilian Model Adrienne flew in from Miami for our photo shoot in late summer at Fort Adams in Newport. The rough, ruddy backdrops that the historic Stone Fort and vacant Officer's Quarters provided were the perfect foil for her sweet, sexy natural beauty....

Here's a great shot of photographer Rob Fortunato at work. Rob - you're the BEST!!! His clear creative vision ceases to amaze us....

One more shot - so many great images!!!!

Hope you like the pix as much as we do! Click on any to enlarge.

Bouquets by Stoneblossom

Antique Furnishings: Aardvark Antiques, Newport RI

Hair and Makeup: Rhea Harrington for Salon Rhea

Photography by the amazing Rob Fortunato

Our Most Colorful Featured Wedding in Southern New England Weddings!

2009-12-31T14:39:00.005-05:00

Hot pink, peacock blue, purple, orange - absolutely luscious!!!!
The peacock theme was so fun to work with and loved all the amazing fabrics the Bride wore!

Click on the image to get a closer look or check out the new issue of
Southern NE Weddings here.
Our bouquet's on the cover!!!

Florals, Decor, Linen and Draping by Stoneblossom

Perfection in Detail! Jill and Jeff at Glen Manor

2009-12-28T20:00:00.012-05:00

Jill and Jeff inspired us from the very first - so full of clear incredible vision!!!

Their attention to detail was like nothing we've encountered - short of the aid of a wedding planner extraordinaire!
Click on any photo to get an intimate look!

The look was natural, organic, lush, casually elegant and FUN!

Our tendrilly Birch Canopy was the perfect fit - laden with white Fall blooms.

Love this Black and white shot by the ever-outstanding Kristin Spencer...

Lush wreaths welcomed guests on the front doors of the Glen Manor House - a jewel of a venue in Portsmouth RI - styled after a French chateaux.

Quell the fall chill with a soft pashmina - each with a personal sentiment.
Gorgeous letterpress detailing everywhere. The talented couple made them, and many of the other personal touches themselves! You go guys!

Our lounge designs were made in small ruddy stumps! Love the chocolate cosmos and fiddlehead fern...

Mantles with rambling displays of hydrangea, roses and leveled candlelight.

There was a creative surprise at every turn - always the key to making an event memorable.
Vintage snapshots on twine with the Sakonnet River beyond - a great touch.
They thought through each and every detail....

Escort Cards were set around our French Wyre Urn filled with kiwi vine and hanging candlelight.

Notice the really unique wooden escort cards. Very special indeed.

Step inside, pick a postcard off the vintage rack and "mail" it in the antique brass mailbox!
Their printed materials labeled every last detail with flair and style!

Ahhh time for a feast and the dining room is dressed to the nines.
Against a sumptuous mossy green backdrop of pintuck irridescent taffeta - our custom gilded stands were laden with the bounty of fall in New England.

Low designs were set atop a bed of moss with chocolate ribbon detail.
Wooden table numbers!!!

Time for sweets - each one carefully selected to match the chocolate, green and ivory palette of course!!!

Love is Sweet....

How about this pair for the cake top????

They thought of everything!

A photo booth complete with costume accessories made for some really fun shots - such a great memento of this special night.

The Manor House aglow - with the party in full swing just inside.

Actually Jill and Jeff - Thank YOU! We loved working together and helping to bring your dreams to magical reality! You're the best!

Flowers by Stoneblossom

Photography by Kristin Spencer

Venue - Glen Manor House

Lighting - Ormonde Productions

Paper/Wood Products - Passing Notes

Calligraphy by Laura Hooper

Photo Booth - RI Photobooths

Catering by Russel Morin Fine Catering

Cake by Mark Soliday - Confectionery Designs

We Make the Cover and our Fab New Ad is Released!!!!

2009-12-15T19:05:00.004-05:00

Ever since our summer photoshoot with pal - international photographer/videographer
Rob Fortunato - we've been chomping at the bit to show you the amazing images!
This is the first to be released as our ad in Southern New England Weddings.
Not too shabby - but we'd expect nothing less from Rob. He's producing a video for us which we can't wait to see and show you. He spent last weekend filming Barack Obama for 60 Minutes no less and we're so lucky to have crossed paths with him and his wife Jill. We did their wedding last spring.

So lots more to see as we release more images and shots from the photo shoot at Fort Adams in Newport!
See his amazing website HERE

A Stoneblossom bouquet was chosen to grace the front cover of the just released Southern New England Weddings issue! They had their annual bash to celebrate the release last night and a great time was had by all!
In addition to the cover, we have three featured weddings and loads of images throughout the issue.
Visit SNE Weddings HERE to check out all the goods and order up your copy!!!

Featured Wedding in grace ormonde Wedding Style

2009-12-09T16:21:00.001-05:00

Check out our featured wedding in this season's issue of Grace's always over the top magazine.
We got the 911 that her new hardcover coffee table book is scheduled for release in February!!!
We are sure it will be nothing less than jaw-dropping!!!
The bride in this featured wedding was absolutely ethereal!
http://www.weddingstylenewengland.com/featured/wed-s61.aspx

More Great Work from "Beginning to Bloom"

2009-12-07T12:43:00.011-05:00

Another group of budding florists joined us here at Stoneblossom for another round of "Beginning to Bloom" through RI School of Design Continuing Ed - and a creative and talented bunch they were!

Check out the detail above from the arrangement below. Beets with their tops trimmed provided not only the element of surprise - but unique color and a "wow - what's that?".

The homework challenge was to go foraging - and then select a container to fit the pickins OR pick a container that inspires and then off to the backyard, vacant lot or woods! Fruit vegetables or other natural ingredients could be added but purchasing flowers was off limits!

Difficult to see in the photo of this antique basket below, but wonderful bottles and other containers created a collage within.

Fall display in chocolate, black and ecru...

This fun large display was created on a platter atop a table frame. Sumac and pomegranates added the important pop of focal color.

We all loved this winner above in the most creative category. Just fabulous! Click on it to better appreciate the ingredients.

Check out the unique hand-painted fish by the designer in this one. It was arranged in a driftwood-lined glass container with sand at the base. A mini seaside painting with tiny slatted beach fence detail finished this unique piece.

A study in succulents with kale...

This elegant winner was voted most saleable. Again - enlarge to take in all of the wonderful components beautifully used.

This was the overall fave! The huge (and heavy) hollow stump was found at a screeching halt along a roadside - then rolled down the hill! It's just chock full of luscious ingredients, not the least of which was the skate fish egg casing draping in the foreground.

Porcelina berries pick up the blue/green here in a magical way.

John Orton and Dennis Delsignore are the class instructors. Here's part of the creative gang during the critique by John.

Here are our winners for the homework challenge.

Great job!
Beginning to Bloom is the introductory course in the Floral Artistry Institute. It's taught by Stoneblossom staff through RISD CE. It's a series of 6 classes ending with a certificate of completion.

Space is still available for another Beginning to Bloom that will be offered in January. There are still a few spots left for the Wonderful Wedding Florals class as well. View the offerings online by clicking here

Sarah and Kyle at Belle Mer's Island House

2009-11-12T15:34:00.010-05:00

What a day for this glam event! Picture perfect!

Not a cloud in the sky for their ceremony overlooking Newport Harbor and the bridge.

Sweet bouquet of Lilly of the Valley.

Cruise ship as backdrop!!!

Our low designs in creamy white, apricot, champagne and touches of pink and chocolate:

Everything was designed in milk glass. These are two sizes of tall, graceful vases. The filigreed lanterns and the drapey pepperberry looked great together.

The Island House is the smaller of Belle Mer's two reception areas. Great billowy drapes like South Beach's Delano catch the breeze.

Sunset - the magic hour... Check out that incredible glow!

What's better than fiddlehead fern and chocolate cosmos???

Candles lit and ready for a party!!!

Lighting - the magical finishing touch...

Flowers/Tablescapes: Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design

Venue: Belle Mer - Island House

Party Planner: Donna Kim - The Perfect Details

Lighting: Ormonde Productions

Angie Dee!!!!! marries Evans Klimavich at Rosecliff

2009-11-02T17:08:00.007-05:00

And that would be Angie Dee with the snap of her fingers over her fabulous head!!! Angela and Evans - her super handsome other half - had us from that first SNAP!

They pulled out all the stops to turn the normally quite traditional Rosecliff Mansion in Newport on it's toes.

Isn't she GLAM???

That bouquet! - A waterfall of phalaeonopsis....

Let's have a snap!!!

"Can we splash "Angie Dee" across the mansion in light???" LOVE IT

All dynamite images of our bouquets by Life Fusion of Boston.

Yep - we DO! Silk canopy fronted with white hydrangea and message roses.

Great style in the ballroom

Quite the ceiling in this Newport "Summer Cottage" et?

Striped overlays added a strong graphic touch.

Best request to date: Angie asked for a white bengal tiger to hang out 'round the lounge furniture on the mansion's lawn. Certainly got our attention (!!!) but sadly ended up on the cutting room floor...

Congratulation you guys from your Stoneblossom pals! You're the Best!

Alexis of Unique Weddings by Alexis did a phenomenal job in the planning. She's awesome - never leaving a single detail unturned. SO great to work with.

As always great lighting indoors and out by our pal Tony and Ormonde Productions

October is Breeders' Cup Month!

2009-10-11T11:08:00.016-04:00

October always brings back fun and frazzled memories of designing corporate hospitality areas for the annual running of the Breeders' Cup! For 15 years we followed The Race to many horsey locales like Louisville, LA's Santa Anita Racetrack and, of course, New York's Belmont Park.

Below is a Glam example of a tent transformed in two different ways from one year to the next:
To appreciate the scope of what is involved, one needs to remember that this starts as a simple canvas frame tent - set up high atop the stands of the track! Three of the walls are glass for great viewing.
The client's logo color was red, so it was a common theme to work with each year.
For this installation we began our inviting decor by adding hard walls and tightly-stretched fabric to camouflage the canvas ceiling and back wall.

Carefully selected elements were added to create the ambiance of an elegant home as guests enjoy the high-stakes race. Given that many of our clients were the same from year-to-year, we were always on the lookout for new themes, looks, props, color stories that would be perfect for each one!
Antiques from a NY prop house fit the bill for this comfortable Men's Club look. Take it from us, lots of research hours, pounding the pavement and surfing the net - and lots of love - goes into finding the just-right melange!!!

These balance toys on the cocktail tables were a hit for sure!
The addition of floor and table lamps also added an at-home feel.

A popular spot for sure, the bar is always an important focal point. This polished wooden one we found was perfect - with matching tall bar stools.
Side windows were curtained back to decoratively disguise the metal upright poles.

Custom-made faux leather toppers on the cocktails tables continued the red and chocolate palette on the terrace. We selected black astro-turf to make the plywood flooring fade back.

International photographer Daniele Perretta took all these terrific images - including the following prop details...

Another season, and a fresh contemporary style is called for! Lighter walls and carpeting really made the red and orange furniture and streamlined florals POP!

Loved designing the florals for this one !

Primo track viewing:

Another race - another patio - this one sleek-chic with its aluminum and zinc accents.

A garden complete with full-sized Japanese maple softens the corners...

Design Concepts. Draping and Tent Decor and Floral Design by Stoneblossom

Photography by our pal Dan Perreta at www.perrettaphoto.com

RISD Floral Artistry Institute at Stoneblossom - First Class!

2009-10-04T17:47:00.017-04:00

We had a terrific group for our first class of the RISD Floral Institute - which we are teaching right here at Stoneblossom!
Students came from as far away as New Hampshire and Cape Cod to take part - and they were a talented bunch indeed!
"Beginning to Bloom" is the prerequisite basic class in the exciting series. Participants who complete the program get a certificate from RISD.

Here they are - hard at work designing tall arrangements with mostly fresh cut material from instructor John Orton's gardens. They did a great job working on the challenging high pieces (and had fun getting them into their cars after class!).

Here are some fab creations from their homework assignment. They were given a brick of oasis and asked to go foraging in their yard, gardens, fields, vacant lots... No purchasing of material was allowed. They could select a container that inspired them and then go picking - or go picking and them select a container that worked with what they found!

Here are a few of their wonderful creations:

The piece above features a handle created with berries and Japanese lanterns and a lush garden array.
Sue Daley used a wrought iron garden chair filled with seedum, hydrangea and loads of ivy.

Love the addition of a horseshoe crab in this wonderful display above - which also incorporated found objects from the beach such as oyster shells.

Kelly Sousa's husband had made this birdhouse which she embellished with some wonderful components: Solomon's seal, hydrangea, ferns, ivy and pokeberry. Love the birds nest at the bottom and the tiny feather. The nest was particularly special, lined with hair the birds had collected from her shedding pup!

Simple and elegant above - full and lush below...

Both of these designers used garden tomatoes. The chartreuse teapot was fun!

A twiggy obelisk centers the design above.

Below: Inspired by a broken piece of antique pottery, the artist worked her magic around it!

A pair of simple, elegant displays...

A free flowing design was the perfect match for the lovely urn above.

The white pumpkin below was delicately etched, and an LED light inside gave a warm glow...

The designs were judged in three categories: most creative, most saleable and overall favorite. Here's the design that one Best in Show by Marissa Koggan:

Below is the talented Winner's Circle with their creations!

From left to right is: Kelley Sousa, Susan Daley, Wendy Bagley, Marguerite Crocker, Marissa Koggan, Meg Fitzelle and Mayara Paim.

All of our students did an excellent job. We look forward to working with you throughout the program!

Note that additional sessions of this basic class have been added. Click here to check out the RISD catalogue and be on the lookout for their new winter catalogue due out soon!

An Event for the Ages...

2009-09-17T15:08:00.010-04:00

This gorgeous, multi-faceted wedding definitely goes down as one of our all-time favorites! With a marvelous, rambling private estate as the backdrop - and a perfect August night - it was downright unforgettable!

The Bride's dress was stunning in it's simplicity. Love the ruffled detail and color of her Mom's...

The Stoneblossom bouquet was a showstopper in a riot of hot color! Nerine and gloriosa lilies, zinnias, dahlia and asclepia with touches of herbs and tendrils of bittersweet - was just right for the outdoor ceremony under a massive oak. That "picked" from the garden look was just what the Bride had in mind - as if we gathered the colorful array from the lush gardens everywhere on the estate!

The flower girl's wreath of mokara orchids.

The ring bearer's hand-made pillow with matching silk tie continued the hot palette.

Our French Wyre Urns overflowed with late summer flowers, grasses and foliage cut from the surrounds.

Dreamy rose petal carpet

Twiggy chair decor...

Following the ceremony guests meandered through the gardens to the cocktail area to enjoy antipasti and top shelf libations....

Sweet cocktail florals in mossy pots

Ahhhh... prosciutto and melon!

Check out the cool Spirit House bird feeder next to our lush Place Card table design!

Classic music filled the air as dusk fell and the terrific lighting by ECLPS kicked in!

On to the spectacular Dinner Tent! We chose a clear-topped structure so landscape lighting in this woodsy clearing could illuminate the trees - giving the magical feel of being completely outside for this "al fresco" meal. A new band played through dinner with Big Band and Frank Sinatra favorites.
Half of the guests were seated at wooden farm tables - including the 30 ft head table. We built birch canopies over them with lots of hanging votives. The effect was amazing!!!!

Clusters of flowers accented each canopy corner and lots of woodsy foliage...

Colorful florals in a variety of mossy pots meandered down each tablescape.

Guests seated at square tables were treated to huge displays on custom painted iron stands.

Lanterns and votives everywhere!

The clear tent was just amazingly effective...

Ceremony flowers were moved and dramatically lit

And just when you thought your senses couldn't take any more - the party kicked into full swing in the Lounge and Dance Tent - a graceful Century tent from Newport Tent. And yes - another band!
Comfy lounge furnishings and black and white paisley linens were topped with contemporary florals in glossy black containers.

11:00 pm and the point of no return! A DJ friend from LA played "I just can't stop dancing" tunes till sun up! Great lanterns and lighting from ECLPS.

WOW!!!

Event Design, Florals and Birch Canopies by Stoneblossom

Catering: Fine Catering by Russell Morin

Photography: Sarah Bastille Photography

Lighting: ECLPS - East Coast Lighting and Production Services

Dinner Tent: Chase Canopy

Lounge and Dance Tent: Newport Tent

Farm Tables and Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

Lesley and Brett at Rosecliff

2009-09-05T14:39:00.010-04:00

The New England weather was just right for a gorgeous outdoor ceremony and unforgettable evening for Lesley and Brett. The Snap! girls were on hand to record every luscious detail.

Love this shot of the gown and bouquet ready to go!

Naomi' Garcia's gorgeous textural bouquets were the perfect complement to the tailored gowns.

The Bride carried fluffy white peonies, contrasted with white anemones and phalaenopsis orchids.

Here we go!!!
The flower girls just love those fairy wands!

Simple, elegant cocktail florals and candlelight...

The sophisticated detailing on the cake actually mirrored that of the Bride's very special gown.

Orchids on the napkin - a nice finishing touch to the placesetting...

Lush low designs in classic white and green.

Designer extraordinaire Donna Foster ("Donner" to some of her pals - like one of Santa's flying deers) did a fabulous job on these really wonderful tall displays - all phalaenopsis orchid sprays with just touches of ivy. "Stupendo"! as our friend Paolo would say...!

Florals by Stoneblossom

Fab photos (as ALWAYS!) by Snap!

Ravishing Opulence at Belle Mer

2009-08-25T13:50:00.009-04:00

This stunning wedding of Joanna and Mike was really something - outstanding in all detail!

The Bride was absolutely ravishing in her amazing gown. Here she is about to walk down the aisle....

Guests enjoyed fresh squeezed lemon and limeade as they gathered for the exchange of vows.

The ceremony area had a clean, sleek contemporary look, with hundreds of callas precisely arranged vertically in black ceramic vessels - with an even larger version up front by the Bride and Groom.

Glass hurricanes with floating candles capped each display - here seen with the Newport Bridge as the backdrop!

The inviting placecard table and Belle Mer's contempo fireplace in the cocktail area

It's all in the details... Party planner extraordinaire Donna Kim of The Perfect Details always does an incredible job making sure all of the elements from start to finish are just right.

The dining room was just magical! Stoneblossom's tall designs made a splash filled with Hawaiian dendrobium and graceful phaeleonopsis orchids on our Parisian vases.

Ethereal lighting from Ormonde Productions made the event world class.

We mixed high and low designs throughout the space.

The long head table was the main event for sure!

Simple, elegant napkin detail

Love these with the mini callas and twisted stems!

It doesn't get better than these elegant "moth" orchids in simple glass. Glama!!!

Flowers by Stoneblossom

Event Planning and Details by (love her!) Donna Kim - The Perfect Details

Lighting by Ormonde Productions

BREAKING NEWS!!!: The Floral Artistry Institute now open for registration!

2009-07-21T19:43:00.015-04:00

Months in planning, STONEBLOSSOM is thrilled to announce our collaboration with RISD Continuing Education presenting: THE FLORAL ARTISTRY INSTITUTE!!!

The catalogues are hot off the press and we are just so excited to offer a comprehensive floral design program unique in the New England area! Workshops will be taught from our busy East Greenwich design studio - with plenty of hands on experience.
Registration is now open and we know these classes will fill up quickly so don't delay!!!

Whether you enroll in the full sequence of Floral Artistry Institute classes - or take individual ones for personal enrichment, you're sure to gain a foundation in floral design elements and techniques while pursuing your passion for flowers.

A Letter of Recognition is awarded to students who complete all six courses with satisfactory standing.

The Institute gets underway this Fall with Introduction to Floral Artistry: Beginning to Bloom with John Orton. It's a series of hands-on introductory workshops on selecting, processing and caring for flowers, as well as design mechanics and construction techniques.

Also offered is Wonderful Wedding Florals with Naomi Garcia. Participants get an overview of designing flowers and other decorative elements for weddings. Bouquet construction is covered at length, as are all elements of wedding decor. Not to be missed! Naomi is Stoneblossom's bouquet stylist. Learn from the best in the biz!!!

Sure to be wildly popular, Deck the Halls: Designing for the Holidays is taught by "Mr Christmas" himself - Dennis Delsignore! Explore new possibilities for your holiday decor as well as creating your own seasonal design to take home with this terrific single-session extravaganza!

In subsequent semesters, you'll learn about professional business practices, event planning and advanced floral artistry techniques. During a floral artistry externship, you may gain practical experience while aiding in the the preparations and execution of an actual Stoneblossom-designed event!

REGISTER PROMPTLY!
We anticipate these exciting workshops will fill up fast so don't miss out!
Click on this link: www.risd.edu/ce for the low-down and we hope to see you all in the Fall!!!

Brilliant Ballet...

2009-07-09T13:43:00.009-04:00

Last weekend's marriage of Yana and Dwight at Newport's Belle Mer was a dreamy, whimsical, creative tour de force! Flowers "danced" from table to table - creating a roomful of graceful contortions and statuesque displays!

The dicey weather held out for the gorgeous seaside ceremony. The aisle was lined with natural river stones and lanterns.

What a lovely couple they are - and isn't that gown a stunner???!!!

Inside the ballroom, Stoneblossom designer Dennis Delsignore did a brilliant job with his clean yet delicate touch - making each and every varied glass container absolute poetry!

Green Goddess callas....

The dramatic mantle all set to glow!

The Bride's vision was inspired by Jeff Leatham's book "Flowers". He was the resident florist for the Four Seasons Hotel Georges V in Paris and broke new ground with his use of flowers in totally new ways.

underwater....

completely out of water!

fondled and manipulated in and out of the vase - and even upside-down...

As the sun set, candles were lit - and the blue architectural lighting from Ormonde Productions kicked in - adding yet another layer of magic to the setting.

Terrific job Dennis! You're the best!

Floral Design: Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design

Planner: Alexis from Weddings by Alexis

Lighting: Ormonde Productions

Venue: Belle Mer

Details, Details!!!

2009-06-30T16:54:00.005-04:00

We love this detailing by Sherry Scott above! It'a a cost effective way to jazz up your wedding centerpieces!!!

Check out all these fab creations by our one and only Margot Winger! She's travelled around the world with us for many years and she's just terrffic at everything she does.

She went to town dolling up these cubes - every one unique!!!

You go girl!!!!

June in Newport and Peonies!!!

2009-06-24T18:18:00.012-04:00

Finally the flower marker shelves are full of their spring bounty - including a sumptuous array of peonies! These few weeks a year they are at last abundant in all their voluptuous glory!

The Maid's bouquet above was from from the stunning wedding of Amy and Anthony at Rosecliff a few weekends ago. Love those yellow tree peonies!!!!

The enormous place card table above was a lnockout!

Salmon peonies on the terrace for cocktails....

And the Tuscan Station had not only the salmon ones but a cool variety called Cheddar Pom Pom!

Dinner tables were detailed at the base of each tall candelabra with 5 silver vases each monobotanically designed.

Architectural lighting from Ormonde Productions adds wonderful ambience in addition to all of our candlelight.

Outside, the fountain shimmers with votives.....

A dramatic view of the evening terrace.

We enhanced Rosecliff's seawall with Bronze lanterns. You can see the Chinese Tea House at Marble house illuminated in the background!

An illuminated farewell - 200 luminaria guided guests out to Bellevue Avenue after an unforgettable Newport night!

Florals, Lanterns, Custom Linens: Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design

Event Production and Planning: David Reinhard Events, NY

Lighting: Ormonde Productions

Catering: Fine Catering by Russell Morin

L'Hotel Ritz and the Chocolate Factory!

2009-06-06T17:21:00.008-04:00

It's French Open Finals Weekend at Roland Garros - and it brings back fond memories of Paris and Stoneblossom adventures in the bowels of the infamous Paris Ritz!

A corporate client flew us in for their VIP program where guests enjoyed the tennis by day and 5 star dining by night. Unfortunately no images exist as it was pre-digital, but needless to say those world renown restaurants never looked so glam!

We needed a workspace to do our thing and the only cubby they could spare was the chocolate factory - three floors under Le Place Vendome. Steeped in history, chocolates were made here for kings queens and princes - but for us we were happy to have water and a fridge!

Rungis - the amazing Paris wholesale market - is just out of this world - especially on this Spring weekend!! Farms from all over France bring in bucketloads of peonies, garden roses, fabulous bundles of herbs and spring foraging delights. We were grateful that we payed attention in high school French as at least we knew our numbers and Non et Oui - although a form of charades seems always inevitable when shopping in foreign markets!

These corporate jaunts are certainly a thing of the past but it sure was grand creating flowers en Paris with Bruce Springsteen in the suite to our left and a Saudi Sheik in the suite to our right. A word to the wise when staying at L'Hotel Ritz - beware! Those delectable room service Pommes Frites (French Fries) are $50.00 a plate!

Stoneblossom would love to provide the the GLAM wherever your very special event may be!!!

The Preston Bailey Connection

2009-05-26T19:23:00.003-04:00

Stoneblossom designers Dennis Delsignore, Margot Winger and John Orton had a blast last week working with the New York based Preston Bailey Design group on their ultra luxe Newport Wedding! While all three have worked on the road for many years and have produced many fabulous events around the world - nothing can quite compare to the over-the-toppedness of an event of this magnitude!

If you've seen any of Preston's work, his attention to detail and consistency are trademarks. The amazing finished product could not be accomplished without an army of talented artists and hard working set up crew. Everything is incredibly organized and works like clockwork. They had fun, worked hard and learned alot.

Even the A-team Stoneblossom setup and breakdown specialists John Scott and Mark Macomber took part in the action, assisting on the massive teardown!

We were very honored to be a part of this prestigious event.

ClubZilla!!!!

2009-05-14T19:21:00.013-04:00

We are so proud and honored to have been a part of this spectacular event! Stoneblossom transformed the RI Country Club into ClubZilla for Brooke's (fondly nicknamed BrookeZilla) very very special Bat Mitvah celebration.

Creating a fabulous club atmosphere for the honored guest and her friends was a blast! Above the glossy white dancefloor Ormonde Productions erected a freestanding truss that we went to town on with an amazing array of tropical foliage, vines and flowers. We even had bananas shipped in from the tropics!

Comfy Stoneblossom lounges were the best seats in the house!

We created a waterfall of orchids and crystals in the foyer. Check out that fabulous cake from James Kennedy and killer custom linens!!!

So fun to work with tropical materials again!

The adult tables had two tablescape styles staged on sexy cheetah linens. That date palm in the center is called "Whoopie Goldberg"!

Masses of orange and hot pink mokara orchids, pincushion protea and cymbidium orchids

Mantlescape....

Love those rice paper votives...

Our Orchid Garden in a wide copper bowl was filled with phalaeonopsis, mokara and lady slipper orchids, hens and chickens and textural organic spheres. They were absolutely delicious - especially as the pin spot lighting kicked in!

In full swing!!!!

Light spanned the sky! Unforgettable!!!

Floral and Event Design: Stoneblossom

Event Planner Extraordinaire - the incredible Wendy Joblon

Killer Lighting - Our pal Tony Ormonde from Ormonde Productions

Photography - Incomparable Corinna Raznikov

Custom Linens - Table Toppers of Newton

Venue: Rhode Island Country Club

DJ and Performance Art - Greg and Siagel Production s

Sweet Bow by Sweet Sherri

2009-05-06T19:57:00.004-04:00

It's all in the details. We loved this double band with pearl accent on the bow that our infamous, glamorous Sherri Scott made this morning. Not only is she a fabulous and inspired designer, she keeps our workroom running like clockwork!!!
It's great to have everyone back in the wedding swing here at Stoneblossom!!!!!

Helleborus - A Spring Gem

2009-04-23T07:08:00.011-04:00

As the season gets underway, we thought you'd enjoy the inside scoop - seeing our bouquets as we make them! Eventually the images will be consolidated to create a fabulous new section of our website highlighting bouquets by season!

Our bouquet stylist, Naomi Garcia created this luscious pastel bouquet that showcases one of our favorite spring gifts - the unique Helleborus, an ornamental perennial that's quite easy to grow - good soil and afternoon sun to shady conditions all that's required!

Check out the gorgeous subtlety of color:

Be on the lookout for upcoming classes in bouquet design by Naomi taught here at Stoneblossom through RI School of Design!!!

Jill Ortelt becomes Mrs Rob Fortunato

2009-04-10T22:08:00.019-04:00

We LOVE this couple!!! This talented pair meticulously restored their former pond-side colonial Town Hall and companion Ice House into a welcoming home and photo studio on their own. The results are nothing short of spectacular! So much so that there was no question their intimate wedding of 8 guests should take place here!
Jill is a former professional figure skater turned lawyer currently with a prestigious Boston Firm. Rob is an Emmy award winning director of photography, creating television programming since 1995. He works internationally - but of late he is devoting more time to his first passion - still photography. Rob's studio was an absolutely magical setting for their exchange of vows!
Here's Stoneblossom owner Joyce Holland putting finishing touches on the ceremony florals...

Meanwhile, the family and friends have gathered in the house. Here's Jill, all done up in the perfect gown. Great shot. Love the hair flying!!!

Our pal Ben Verley - actually M. Benedicte Verley - shot all of these great photos. You know she's pretty special when the photographer groom has photographed President Clinton and Obama and he chooses MBV Photography to snag the shots!

Rob gets pinned...

Rob's Nonni giving the bouquet her blessing!

Off to the Studio. Love those glam shoes on gravel.

Buddha and candlelight hold court.

Vines and branches were harvested from the property and unsuspecting neighboring surrounds. Suspended from the studio beams - and dripping with Stoneblossom's hanging votives - they created an amazing, romantic, organic canopy.

The couple borrowed a pair of antique doors - suspended and beautifully back-lit for the ceremony spot.

Stoneblossom's bouquet stylist Naomi Garcia fashioned a classic bouquet of white posey callas and fragrant stephanotis accented with pearls.

Sweet small buckets of roses, tulips and stock with luxe ribbons detailed the chairs

Add a talented trio and we're ready to go!

How perfect is this???

Yep, it's official!

Life is good. We even have our own pond....!!!!

Let's get this party started! We switched up the studio for the cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed champagne and beautiful wine - and check out that antipasti!

The groom's grandfather, a talented artist in his own right, checks out the festivities...

Behind the scenes, up at the house, guests are in for an unforgettable spread. Affectionately known as "The Tall Guy and The Handsome Guy", personal chefs are preparing an artisanal Italian meal with great love and personal attention. John Scott and father-in-law Arnie Vecchione, with an intimate Stoneblossom connection, are busy making homemade gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce and roasted chicken to die for! The couple's well equipped kitchen provides the perfect "la famiglia" atmosphere.

Rob and Jill's farm table was set for dinner off of the kitchen. Stoneblossom made a custom runner, napkins and chair pad covers from luscious aubergine silk.

Our tablescape featured jewel tones of purple, apple green and red - with sultry frosted purple votives.

Casual kitchen bouquet
Leveled candlelight enhances our designs.

The filigreed cake by JamesKennedy of Confections, as always, was just the thing.

Jill's smile says it all! Congratulations to you both from all of your pals at Stoneblossom!!!

Event Design, Linen and Florals: Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design

Photography: M. Benedicte Verley - MBVphotography.com

Check out Rob's website - an amazing body of work!: www.robfortunato.com

Personal Chef's like no other: The Tall Guy and The Handsome Guy Catering - 401-808-7136

Morgan and Michael at Oceancliff

2009-04-03T16:39:00.012-04:00

Luscious, good enough to eat color!!!! What's not to love in this Stoneblossom classic design with it's focal point coral peony, parrot tulips, viburnum and clusters of roses. Swirled bear grass anchors the piece and our leveled candlelight add the shimmery, romantic finishing touch!

The vibrant palette reminded us one of our featured weddings - the beautiful nuptuals of Morgan and Michael at Oceancliff. Check out these "papaya" dresses and bouquets that beautifully contrast against them. This angelic flower girl had piercing blue eyes and those great corkscrew ringlets!

Love this shot from Kristen Spencer! The Bridesmaids Strut! Glama!!!

The pink, white, apricot and apple green bouquets were just right against the fashion forward dress color.

Here's the gang on the Newport shore.... Anyone ready for a cocktail?

The bride's color sense was great! The apple green favors tied with cerise ribbons made for a great pop on the place card table.

Let them eat cake!!! Congratulations you guys! We love brides that lead us on color adventures!

Lindsay and Ryan at Harbor Court

2009-03-13T14:21:00.010-04:00

This grand spring wedding took place at Harbor Court, the Newport summer home of the New York Yacht Club. It's a grand building, set atop a major hill -providing the most impressive view of Newport Harbor and the graceful bridge that you can find! It was originally owned by Commodore John Nicholas Brown of Brown University fame.

We did lots of special detailing for this NY couple starting right at the front door with moss-covered monograms enhanced with galax leaves!

The intimate ceremony was held in "Station 10" as it's affectionately called! It was the Yacht Club's first clubhouse, built in 1845 and brought to Newport by barge not many summers ago. Isn't it a charming building?

We softened the ceremony area with fabric and suspended masses of cherry blossoms and dogwood as if floating over the Bride and Groom

This etherial Bridesmaid carries a Stoneblossom bouquet with parrot tulips, viburnum, peonies, roses and mini green hydrangea. Glama!

Lindsay's gorgeous bouquet - quintessential spring - white peonies, lilacs, parrot tulips, sweet peas and ranunculus. Heavenly! We used lace from her Mom's wedding gown to band the stems. Notice the exquisite detail work on the back of her gown....

Cocktails were served in a tent attached to the mansion's terrace. Ormonde Productions provided crystal chandeliers and Stoneblossom's marbled balustrade and topiary were a nice finishing touch!

Silver Julep cups with seasonal blooms...

Place cards were displayed on a bed of moss embedded with maidenhair ferns with a confetti of mini green cymbidium orchids. Apple blossoms and French tulips in our silver vase in the background...

A mantle in one of the dining rooms loaded with viburnum.

Large table in the family dining room with heirloom sterling candelabra!

Ryan worked for Ralph Lauren and arranged to use these gorgeous silver hurricanes. We surrounded them with white and the palest blush gifts of spring!

Crocus are starting to pop on warm days here in the Northeast. At last!!!!

Elisabeth and Michael at Eisenhower House

2009-03-05T13:50:00.013-05:00

A gorgeous sunny summer day in Newport set the tone for a spectacular celebration for this lovely couple. Elisabeth's Stoneblossom bouquet of Blue and white Hydrangea (sooo Newport!), spray roses and delicate accents of pale blue tweedia was perfect.

Such a great shot of the beautiful Bride!

All set to tie the knot!

The handsome groom awaits at the church door....

Cymbidium orchid boutonniere - a classic choice. They hold up beautifully in the summer heat!

A kiss from Dad...

Let's go celebrate!

The festive recption was held at the Eisenhower House - an 1873 mansion on the sprawling grounds of Fort Adams Park. A long line of military officers resided here and - most notably - it was the Summer Whitehouse for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It has grand views of Newport Harbor and the Narragansett Bay.

Dinner and dancing took place in this unique tent from Sperry Tents. They are hand-sewn from sailcloth, and this pic nicely shows the unmistakable elegant look and superlative craftmenship of this illuminated oval design. Love the flags on top! They have round tents too!!!

All of the above images by Alexandria Mauck.

The Stoneblossom Lounges

2009-03-02T14:44:00.003-05:00

Our soft furniture groupings are always the most popular seats in the house!!!

This sexy South Beach setting has terrific clean lines.

Cushy camel and chocolate leather:

Casual natural wicker for that seaside, Nantucket look:

Adding a lounge area to your wedding or special event is always a hit. We specialize in creating fabulous "environments" - from sleek trendy lounges to Bollywood extravaganzas!

Give us a call to discuss the perfect finishing touches for your special day!

ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!

2009-02-24T17:17:00.010-05:00

We just can't wait till SPRING!!!

It won't be long till we'll be working again with that can't-be-beat, gorgeous, fragrant, textural, delicate, luscious gift that are the flowers of spring!

This unique, casually elegant wedding showcases the best of the season.

Scented geranium enhanced the already heady fragrance of our Stoneblossom bouquets. We slipped in a few purple mokara orchids. The color was perfect.

Bridesmaids' bouquets were all unique.

This charming soiree took place at the historic Smith Abbleby House and Museum, a colonial RI gem built in 1696. We loved the rough-around the edges colonial look!

Wedding This Way!

Luminarias accented the New England stone walls. Magical after dark!

Angelic glamour against the rough-hewn backdrop!

Tulip and scented geranium boutonniere.

If only those fluffy peonies were available year round!!!

This shot on the little dock by the pond says it all....

Placecards set into wheatgrass with Olde English calligraphy

Classical music the perfect enhancement to the casual setting. Bass against Barn...

The Stoneblossom creative team was totally inspired by the venue and Bride's vision. Some creative chainsaw details:

The informality of Ball Jars overflowing with peonies, spirea and viburnum

And they were the perfect vessel for hanging votives in the tent and trees all around.

The final memorable detail - hand-carved twiggy pencils in a bushel basket!

Be sure to check out our website for loads more inspiration!!!

www.stoneblossom.com

Hot Summer Color at the New York Yacht Club!

2009-02-18T13:17:00.014-05:00

Harbor Court is the summer digs of the New York Yacht Club and a fabulous venue it is! The grand Manor House is set atop a steep hill with the most amazing panoramic view of Newport Harbor and the Bridge.

This festive tented wedding was full of great detail and surprises at every turn!
Following the waterside ceremony we kicked things right into high gear with this decadent lounge area. Our color story of hot pink, orange and apple green begins here!

Bronze elephants with fez-capped monkeys and green cymbidium orchids were just one of the many cocktail table accents. The green wire-trimmed votives were a great match.

Plush custom seating with matching pillows made for the most popular seats in the house!

What's better than a pair of lovey-dovey love birds chirping in the lounge. Surprises like these are what makes events unforgettable!

Hanging votives and topiaries outside the entrance.

A peaked century tent is basically a huge white room. We always encourage clients not to be afraid of colorful linen. Imagine how drab this glama tent would be with all white tablecloths! Each round cloth takes an average of 8 yards of fabric. With 20 tables that's 160 yards of delicious color....

Check out the sexy two-toned color of the custom iridescent taffeta linens we made:

Love this shot. Our low glass compote bowls were chock full of pink and orange roses with green cymbidiums and sweet potato vine leaves for pop. Tent poles were softened with white gathered fabric for a finished look.

Unique container shapes and square glass votives provided variety.

Our flowers dappled with late afternoon sunlight... You can see just how close to the water the tent is staged - with Newport Bridge beyond. It's just as magical after dark!

A quick shower left us with a very special backdrop and amazing sunset.

One of our Favorites!

2009-02-16T07:43:00.006-05:00

This gorgeous canopy is a Stoneblossom exclusive - the timeless, romantic image one of our all time fav's.

Our natural, twiggy canopy is laden with early summer fare. We started with armloads of freshly cut local pickings like tendrilly bittersweet vine and weeping beech. Plenty of white hydrangea added the fullness and density. Mature white viburnum (looks like mini hydrangea), Tibet roses and Queen Anne's lace completed this unforgettable setting!

Check out tons of other inspiring ceremony possibilities on our website by clicking here.

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Wedding Cake Buildings and the Stoneblossom Connection!

2009-02-06T20:00:00.008-05:00

Check out this fantasmagoric Wedding Cake House in Kennebunk Maine!

Stoneblossom owners Joyce and Steve couldn't help but stop and grab shots of "the most photographed building in Maine" en route to grab tasty lobster rolls!!!

The romantic legend has it that a newly married Sea Captain did the carving during long, lonely hours aboard ship - having to leave for sea before even having time to eat his wedding cake!

In actuality the plaque on the side door tells us that "In 1825 the shipbuilder George Washington Bourne brought his bride, Jane, to this new brick Federal-style house. Inspired by Milan's Gothic Cathedral, Bourne started the house decorations in 1852, using only hand tools.

He completed the work shortly before his death. By century's close, the name "Wedding Cake House" was widely applied. It was completely refurbished in 1983-1984 by Mary and Anne Burnett, first owners of the house not in the family"

It's an amazing gem - imagine - completely carved by hand!!!!

On another continent, we did a party a few summers back at what's fondly nicknamed the Wedding Cake Building in Rome.

It's the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument built by Guiseppe Sacconi beginning in 1895. Its all pure white marble and this Corinthian-columned structure can be seen from almost anywhere in Rome.

There is no elevator and of course our event was on the top of the monument so guests could enjoy the amazing 360 degree view of the city!

The "Kafeteria" on top is what you might expect - a spot where tourists grab a burger - except we were creating an exclusive dinner for 200 guests there! Think lots of draping and fabulous plants - not to mention great party lighting to achieve total transformation!

We needed to deliver everything - draping, flowers, the works - by 7:00 am, and then arranged the florals on site. Honest to gawd the sun on the marble was a good 115 degrees.

By party time things had cooled down and Dennis and John had totally glammed it up thanks to a great support crew.

Leaving the breakdown staff in place they ran down the steps one last time - and hopped a flight to Venice to get a party done next night at La Fenice - the Venice Opera!

And that's a whole blog of its own!!!

Obsessed with MARTHA!

2009-02-06T19:40:00.015-05:00

Stoneblossom pal Helene Shapiro simply can't get enough! She's been to the Martha Stewart Show 12 times - now on a first name basis with the whole Martha gang! She and her friends get tickets online and invite each other as they snag them. Here she is with Stoneblossom Lead Designer Dennis Delsignore back in NY last week for one more round!!!

The wacky bunch took the Amtrack in and were blown away by the new Shrek the Musical on Broadway. In the know with a cast member, they even caught a backstage tour! The temptation to try on the racks of costumes must have been tough!

Next day they were off to the Martha Studio on W. 26th. An hour and a half in frigid temps in line - but they snagged first row seats. Here's Dennis with Joey Kola. He's a terrific stand up comedian in his own right. For Martha, as he also did for Rosie, he gets the crowd organized and all fired up - and makes sure everyone oohs and ahhs on cue!

Here's MARTHA!

The rest of the gang - Michael, Sandra and Paolo

Now to fully understand the depth of the obsession, Helene had noted that the previous week's show featured great eats at recession prices in the East Village. She convinced the gang to check it out on Martha's authority and ended up at Porchetta on E 7th Street for tasty, tasty roast pork sandwiches. And of course the whirlwind NY junket wouldn't have been complete without a bit of sweetness to cap it off at a Martha-must-go dessert place.

If you'd like to follow in Helene's footsteps click here to register online for show tix!

We love you Helene!!!

Nicole and Chris- Tuscan Rhapsody at Blithewold

2009-02-04T18:32:00.006-05:00

This wedding was very very special. Nicole and Chris wanted a casually elegant party with an Italian roots flair and we were thrilled to oblige.

The day was magic, with perfect weather. We set up the ceremony in Blithewold's garden, adding great details like these smilax and rose covered aisle markers with lanterns.

Stoneblossom's Farm Table with gorgeous floral ready for the Antipasto display.

Ready for the ceremony... Blithewold has stunning water views!
Our moss-lined French wyre urns overflowed with seasonal flowers as if picked right from the garden. Zebra grass and bittersweet vine underscored the natural designs.

Handsome bubble master:

Here comes the Bride with her gorgeous Stoneblossom bouquet!
Love the way Nicole's train is mixed with the rose petals that lined the aisle

We're married!!!!

The flower girls love those fairy wands!!!

The tent was breathtaking! Matrix Productions did a beautiful job creating a dappled moonlight effect on the lush dinner tables. Half were long Tuscan we draped in fern green fabric topped with custom runners. Our rambling tablescapes included multiple mossy pots filled with unique offerings such as club moss and hens and chicks mixed with garden roses, fiddlehead ferns and grasses. Lanterns and amber votives added further dimension.
Tall birch softened the tent poles. Guests enjoyed a true al fresco experience, dining under table-mounted canopies laced with vines and supporting a central candlelit iron chandelier and hanging votives.
Ceremony lanterns created a romantic pathway to the tent
Chris and Nicole really inspired us with their vision. It was an evening we're sure their guests will never forget!

It's also a featured wedding on our website. Click here to check it out!

We Couldn't Resist!!!

2009-02-02T15:06:00.008-05:00

Who doesn't love a good Twinkie now and then??? Stoneblossom is always on the lookout for all things wedding and we couldn't pass up sharing this one with ya:

Ribbons and Bows Twinkie Wedding Cake

Here's what ya need:

7 3/4 lbs prepared fondant in 2 colors

27 Twinkies

1 (4 inch diameter, 4 inch thick) piece of Styrofoam

1 (7 inch diameter) card board cake round, covered with decorative foil

1 1/2 (16 oz) cans of buttercream frosting

1 (8 inch diameter, 4 inch thick) piece of Styrofoam

1 (11 inch diameter) card board cake round, covered with decorative foil

Here's what ya do:

Reserve 1 lb of the fondant and roll the rest out to 1/8 inch thick. Wrap 13 of the Twinkies in strips of one color (3 1/2 to 4 oz. fondant per twinkie). Lightly brush the edges of the fondant with water to seal tightly. Wrap the remaining 14 Twinkies in the other color fondant.

For the top layer, place the 4 inch round of Styro in the center of the 7 inch cardboard round. Frost the top and sides with one third on the can of frosting. Alternating the colors, arrange 10 of the fondant-wrapped Twinkies upright around the Styro, attaching them with the frosting, with the seams facing in. The top edge of the Twinkies should be even with the top of the frosted Styro.

For the bottom layer, place the 8 inch round of Styro in the center of the 11 inch cardboard round. Frost top and sides with remaining 2/3 of first can of frosting. Repeat the alternating colors with the remaining 17 Twinkies, attaching with frosting, seams in.

Fill a pastry bag fitted with a #12 tip for larger decorations (or a #4 or #5 for more delicate Twinkie cake enhancement!) with frosting. Pipe a glamorous delicate filigree on the top edges of the twinkies on the bottom layer. Or even more glam - mold fondant into decorative shapes on go to town doing up those Twinkies!

Stack the top layer on the bottom one. Fit the pastry bag with a #6 tip. Pipe dots of frosting around the edges of those cardboard circles.

Cut flowers from the fondant with tiny cookie cutter and decorate the tops of the Twinkies on top layer. Now switch to a #3 tip and add a small dot of frosting to the center of each flower.

To top your creation with that bow (or skip this part if using Bride and Groom), roll reserved 1 lb of fondant to 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 1 inch wide strips. Place a hefty dollop of frosting in center of cake top, then use a strip to make a loop - sticking ends into frosting to secure. Continue the loopyness by adding more loops and flowers!!!

Serves 27 guests

Deeelish! If you crave more madcap Twinkie creations, this is the cookbook for you!:

Floral Class was a Blast!

2009-01-31T14:42:00.025-05:00

Today was our first Floral Design class of the season: Floral Design Demystified. We had 14 students and they did a terrific job!

Today's was such a hit we are considering doing others in March and April. We'd like your feedback and interest. Check the possibilities at the end of today's blog and let us know what you'd like to learn about!!!

Stoneblossom's proprietor Joyce Holland gave a tour of our showroom, offices and workspace and we settled in with coffee and pastry before getting down to the work at hand.

The showroom:
International Designer John Orton chaired the class, assisted by Naomi Garcia and Sherry Scott - two other heavy hitters from our talented staff.

The informative, hands-on workshop was designed to cover the basics. John began by encouraging a "loosen up" mindset - forgoing perfectionism and fussy placement in favor of creating focal points and making designs that reflect personal style.
"We all see and perceive things differently" John explained. "There is no right and wrong. What I think is fabulous may be totally not what my client had in mind!"

Composition, Balance, Texture, Focal Points and Eye Movement - and Color Inspirations were covered as areas to think about when designing. "I'm sure that at the end of our class we will have all used the provided materials in very different ways - which is what makes life so wonderful!"

Participants check out a design for an event....

Mechanics was the meat of the discussion. "A beautiful design is all well and good - but if it won't stay together from design shelf to table - or if the flowers are unable to soak up water - you're in trouble!" They chose from a variety of containers. There was also the choice of whether to design in floral foam - or the much more challenging taped grid-work to design in water in a wide-mouthed container.

Checking out the containers:

Surprise, surprise, surprise!!! "The element of surprise is what makes your piece memorable!" So important! Fun, interesting or unexpected elements incorporated into your design - or even in the detailing of the rest of your tabletop - make for lasting memories of your work.

Check out some of the terrific work. GREAT JOB!

Love the soft palette and tulips massed together

Courageous! Suzanne Nolter from Block Island chose to design in water

We'd love to do more interactive and informative workshops in March and April. Possible topics might include:

SOME THOUGHTS FOR WORKSHOPS:

INTENSIVE WEDDING WORKSHOP: Soup to nuts, you would be involved in the proposal, recipe and ordering process. Become familiar with the Wholesale Flower Market, assist in processing, setting up and designing the flowers and bouquets. The course will culminate in delivery and set-up of the glamorous wedding! Multiple classes. Stoneblossom Staff

INTRO TO FLORAL DESIGN: Processing, flower care, mechanics, composition. Hands on basic design. Single or multiple classes. STAFF

ADVANCED FLORAL DESIGN: We by-pass the basics and focus on intensive design training and styles. Single or multiple classes. STAFF

THE BIZ: Turn your PASSION INTO PROFIT with Joyce Holland! We artistic types are notorious for adding those extra perfect touches - and end up paying our clients to do their wedding!!! Joyce has an an amazing viable business model that might actually produce a paycheck! Single Class.

TOUR THE WHOLESALE MARKET: Take an exclusive tour of RI's Wholesale Flower Market. We'll tour the hardgood aisles explaining all the tricks of the trade. Peruse the fresh flower department and learn about importing and how we buy. Enjoy the lush greenhouses, with one time access to the plant material florists purchase from. You'll enjoy a one-time wholesale purchase so bring your checkbooks or credit cards!

BEGINNING AND ADVANCED BOUQUETS AND PERSONAL FLOWERS: The how-to's of this very specialized and important part of the wedding business. Naomi Garcia has designed almost all of the beyond amazing bouquets featured on www.Stoneblossom.com. Learn from the best!

DO IT YOURSELF!: In today's world, sometimes hiring a professional is just not a budgetary option. We are considering a possible series of workshops covering all facets of the do-it-yourself affair. The class would be open to Brides and their friends only, with lots of one on one advice from the experts! Numerous specialized classes.

GLAMOUR ON THE ROAD: Dennis Delsignore and John Orton have been designing amazing events for Fortune 500 companies around the world for 15 years, including four Olympic Games and parties from the top of the Swiss Alps to the Opera Houses of Paris and Venice. Hear them share their stories and enjoy some of the glamorous table settings as they take you around the world and back! Single Class.

SPECIAL EVENT DECOR: If budget permits, many of our clients want to create amazing "environments" for their events. We can show you the ins and outs of turning a tent into a ballroom, a mundane space into a New York Lounge.... Single Class

LIGHTING! Make your party WORLD CLASS!: We can't stress enough the importance of lighting in transforming your tent or hotel ballroom into the most magical, unforgettable space ever! Tony Ormonde of Ormonde Productions adds the drama to many of our events - painting with light - enhancing what you want guests to see - or not see! Single Class with great visuals!

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please leave comments or suggestions here on the blog or email me at:

orton@stoneblossomflorals.com

Thanks!!!!

Vegas or Bust!

2009-01-28T20:00:00.006-05:00

We recently did a corporate event at the fabulous Wynn Las Vegas.

Take it from us, there's a whole lotta walking involved when working in Sin City. While it seems getting together dinner for 700 in a glam Vegas Casino is every event designer's dream - think again! Vegas is so BIG!

We timed it! 20 minutes from room to workspace. 20 minutes from workspace to ballroom. If you forget your scissors or knife - 40 minutes to go grab 'em!

We've got lots of photos to share in a forthcoming blog. Boxes and boxes of feathers and boas! Above is Buzzy who helped us pack!!!

Fourth of July Weekend with Cornelia and Patrick!

2009-01-26T18:54:00.027-05:00

Jamestown, Newport's sister island, is a treasure. This oceanfront family homestead was complete with great dogs - including a golden retriever puppy - perennial gardens, sweeping views and a winding, lantern-lit pathway to a private beach. It was a joy designing the flowers and event decor for Nell and Patrick. The Bride's mom did a great job tying together lots of the many details!

We loved Nell's Vera Wang gown - so Jackie O! They were married in Ochre Court at Salve Regina University where her parents tied the knot 26 years previously.

Summer color!!! Our centerpieces staying cool in the refrigerated van:

We detailed the placecards with tiny starfish fastened with twine.

Love these highball cups!

Stoneblossom's Wicker Lounge sets were just the ticket for the relaxed setting. We custom selected the pillows to match the robin's egg blue palette.

Tasty tied morsels from Blackstone Caterers:

Naomi's bouquets are always perfection. She combined soft apricot roses, sweet peas and hypericum berries with fragrant tuberose, spray roses and mini green hydrangea - gorgeous against the pale blue silk.

Stoneblossom's tablescapes featured duos and trios of mossy pots overflowing with loads of great ingredients like figs, club moss and succulents for texture. Strong color - apple green and shades of orange - provided great pop on the starched Irish linen from Rentals Unlimited.

Yet another "cake as art" creation from award-winning James Kennedy and the gang at Confections! Yes, those are all sugar. Check out the twigs and hypericum berries...

Ormonde Productions did an amazing job lighting the tent with onion-shaped lamps that changed color as the dancing heated up.

Many thanks to our friends at Snap! Photograph y for all the great images!!!

This is a featured wedding in the 2009 Southern New England Brides.

Be sure to visit our website - www.stoneblossom.com for tons more inspiring images from our local and international events

Lemon Grass!

2009-01-21T13:47:00.009-05:00

Michelle Obama confirmed it! It has been predicted for months that the hottest new color trend this coming season would be yellow, and our First Lady's Inaguration ensemble underscored it. The designer, Isabel Toledo, called it Lemon Grass. We loved it, especially that she chose those J Crew gloves in "Stoneblossom Green"! You go girl!!

On another note, yellow popped up again this morning on our Today Show watch. Those florals behind Matt and Meredith are always fashion forward. Their designer has been arranging in glass cubes for awhile now, with tropicals squeezing out the Martha Stewart English garden look (they also hold up better under those hot lights). Today's designs were a fun combo of green anthuriums, orange mokara orchids and a great pop of callas in lemon yellow!

Kaitlin and Duncan's Wedding at Castle Hill

2009-01-19T15:32:00.010-05:00

We first met when they were on a quick stop between Dubai and their London home. Three months before the wedding and they were setting up house in Ghana!!! These jet setters had terrific taste and style. Africa was the perfect thematic jumping point for the reception decor and having done events in both East and South Africa, they had come to the right place. We had a blast designing it! Here are a few shots of this world class event on a most glorious day in Newport:

Colorful parasols and a trio of moss-covered balls greeted guests at the beginning of the aisle. They enjoyed iced tea and lemonade set on one of Stoneblossom's wooden farm tables before the ceremony.

Castle Hill's trumpet vine covered arbor was embellished with salmon roses and lilies, with loads of hydrangea, roses and hanging amaranthus.

The party immediately got into full swing at the cocktail reception. The central, burlap-covered bar was a popular spot all night long. Kaitlin brought lots of choice goodies with her from Africa that we worked into our displays including zebra, cow and springbok skins that were perfect under our white leather lounges. We even made toppers for the cocktail tables from hand-blocked fabrics that she found at market. Such terrific detailing!

The sexy round leather ottoman seen through our 3 dimensional wall drapes!

Place cards were arranged on our ruddy wooden Farm Table. Pale salmon "Princess Caroline" delphinium were massed in the Bride's carved wooden Unity bowl and African accents and lanterns were grouped with tropical leaves

The ceiling was underlit and the high and low centerpieces were pinspotted for extra pop by Ormonde Productions. Antique and white hydrangea were mixed with mokara orchids, roses, passion flower vine, grasses, and hanging amaranthus. Succulents and fiddlehead fern added great texture to the tabletop pieces.

Heading to the reception after photos. Check out that ultra-glam gown!

This wedding is featured in the 2009 Southern New England Weddings as well as under Castle Hill on our website! Check it out!

Venue: Castle Hill Inn and Resort

Linens: Rentals Unlimited

Lighting: Ormonde Productions

Lounges and Tent Decor: Stoneblossom

Photographer: Christian Oth

Stoneblossom goes Platinum!!!

2009-01-19T15:18:00.005-05:00

Stoneblossom has once again been named to the grace ormonde Platinum List.

You know you've made it when..... you make it on the grace ormonde 2009 Platinum List!
This distinctive program honors the top vendors in the wedding industry and we're certainly proud to be included!

Southern NE Weddings Feature!

2009-01-15T17:18:00.010-05:00

This magical "Great Gatsby" inspired wedding of Sarah and Brad last June at Rosecliff is a featured wedding in the 2009 Southern New England Weddings.

They fell in love with the mansion while strolling Newport's Clff Walk. It certainly is one of the finest jewels of the Gilded Age summer "cottages"! Indeed, The Great Gatsby with Robert Redford was filmed there.

Newport is glorious in June! The formal rose garden was in full bloom, the temp not too hot, and some of our favorite flowers - peonies, clematis, dogwood, garden roses - are at their peak...
The Bride looked so amazing and her bouquet was quintessential spring!!!

Placecards were tied to budding twigs with dogwood and hydrangea.
Inside the ornate ballroom, a romantic mix of grand tall designs - and low ones in iron urns - made it so romantic in shades of cream, pink and blush - with loads of candlelight, of course!!! The napkins were detailed with mini cymbidium orchids. Beautiful.

Stoneblossom has 7 feature weddings in the new Southern NE Weddings issue. To see more of our Newport and International soirees visit www.stoneblossom.com!

Catering: Blackstone Caterers

Photos: Daniel Doke Photography

Party Planner: Excelebrations

It's all about HEAT!

2009-01-10T20:54:00.008-05:00

The annual Celebrate RI Ball - "Twistin' the Night Away" is not to be missed on January 31st! So important in these economic times is taking care of our fellow Rhode Islanders in need. Proceeds from the event will help warm the homes of those that just can't swing it by benefiting the RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

This amazing fundraising effort will transform Rhodes on the Pawtuxet to a 60's throwback extraordinaire - great music, atmosphere, vignettes, games, food and drink are on the menu!

Sandy Winslow, a great friend and inspired scavenger heads up the Decor coordination and is staged to pull off yet another glama event with a crazy budget of less than 2 grand. And that would be for 600 guests ladies and gents!

She starts as soon as the last one's over, grabbing loads of deals at our annual "yard sale". She has an army of dedicated volunteers from Johnson and Wales University who are amazed at her resourcefulness. We love you Sandy! You Rock!!!!

The Event is chaired by Governor and Mrs Carcieri and a terrific hands-on committee. Thanks so much for all you do!

May we ALL stay warm this crazy winter!!!

New on the Scene!

2009-01-10T15:28:00.003-05:00

We have the insider info on a new artist in our midst!!! Uber talented Neil Alexander has recently relocated to the area from New Orleans and we're sure you'll soon be seeing lots of his great images at some of our most exclusive events!

His new site is under construction, but we'll keep you posted as soon as it's uploaded. If you're looking for a great photographer with an uncontrived, quirky, journalistic style give Neil a ring. Not lots of fussy poses - he captures the essence of your big day with extraordinary attention to detail! Tell him we told you so!!!

Shagrila and Justin at Rosecliff

2009-01-10T13:04:00.009-05:00

It's all in the details! That's the trademark of Something Fabulous, an award winning "creative, full service event planning boutique and invitation studio". They are based in Detroit and DC and we had the pleasure of working with pricipals Jennifer Charles and Kimberley Allen on a tres fab wedding at Rosecliff last Spring!
This Shakespearean-inspired wedding had lots of great literary touches. Favorite books were nestled into the table designs and even the place cards were wonderful mini leather-bound "books" filled with Nantucket chocolates. We especially loved the gorgeous custom charger plates they made as a surprise for the couple!

Peonies were at their peak and we did a showstopping head table incorporating crystal chandeliers into a solid floral "runner" of pink peonies, creamy roses and spirea on a rectangular Tuscan table!

Check out the great photos on their website portfolio under Storybook Love. Sota Dzine flew in to take photos and were also a treat to work with. Beautiful images. It's also one of our featured weddings in the Venues area of our website. Click on Rosecliff.
It was a beautiful collaboration and we hope we get the opportunity to team up again in the future!!!

Floral Class at Stoneblossom through RISD

2009-01-08T10:39:00.005-05:00

Looking for something fun in the dead of winter? Join us at our East Greenwich studio for "Floral Design Demystified" - an inspiring, hands-on workshop! We'll cover the basics of conditioning and mechanics, water vs floral foam, selecting the right container as well as inspiring design tips. Refreshments will be served. you can sign up on line by clicking this RISD link - or call the Continuing Ed office at 401-454-6200

Saturday January 31st

10:00 am to Noon

See ya there!!!!

Why we do what we do.....

2009-01-07T19:36:00.004-05:00

So nice when happy couples drop us a line to express thanks and let us know how happy they were. It's so important to all of us here at Stoneblossom that everything is just perfect and exactly - and more - than the client imagines!

Jenny and Rob were just great to work with - their Rosecliff wedding was stunning- and so was she! Check out the great photos on Meghan Sepe's website under Jenny and Rob!

Thanks Jen! We love that you loved it!!!!

Snap! and Chat with Joyce

2009-01-05T17:30:00.009-05:00

We love the girls from Snap! Photography! Such a talented trio!!!

For the first in a series that they are calling Snap! and Chat - they chose Joyce and Stoneblossom for their premiere!

It's a fun look at the showroom, a great interview and pix of Joyce. They even coined a new acronym that we love: WWJD or What Would Joyce Do! paying homage to her highly respected business saavy!

Here are a few pix to enjoy and be sure to check out their full blog dated December 26th at www.snapweddings.com!

Thanks guys!!!

Grace Ormonde releases two new issues of Wedding Style!

2009-01-03T13:09:00.005-05:00

Yes, the much anticipated release of the 2009 issues of grace ormonde Wedding Style and grace ormonde Wedding Style New England has finally happened. And what a release it is!!!! Grace is a longtime friend and she never ceases to blow us away with cover-to-cover over-the-top world-class offerings! The tabletops, linens, florals, lighting, cakes, gowns - all to die for. Her editiorial is always top notch - and the exotic locales she takes you to are really, really something.

Stoneblossom is honored to be included in her prestigious 2009 Platinum List of the Nation's finest vendors.

Very exciting is the Featured Wedding of Elly Chou and David Newbower from last August at Rosecliff. Be sure and click on the link to read their great love story and see all of the pix!!
Below are a few - with more to follow in a later blog! She was absolutely stunning in her Vera Wang!!!

Lighting by Ormonde Productions

Photos by Corinna Raznikov Photography:

Check the blog periodically for more insider info on the amazing Grace Ormonde!

The New Site is Launched!!!

2008-12-31T18:09:00.007-05:00

After months of selecting and editing photos - and many late nights to get it just right - today we launch our fab new website!!!

We're sure you'll be inspired by the gorgeous photos - lots of recent work and many that we just couldn't omit from our old site. Some of the terrific photographers whose images you'll see include Snap! Photography, Kristin Spencer, The Bristol Workshops, Meghan Sepe and M Benedicte Verley

And our hat's off to Lindsay Logan of WOMA graphic Design who did an amazing job bringing our vision to gorgeous visual reality. We love you Lindsay!!!

Visit us often, as our front page will change monthy with exciting new stuff to check out - and of course our Blog will keep you posted on everything happening. We'd love to have your comments!

We've also included pix from some of our many International Events. While we call Newport home, you may not know that we are old hands on the road. Stoneblossom is glad to create our magic wherever you may be!

To our friends old and new - we thank you for visiting our site and hope to hear from you soon!

2008-12-31T09:39:00.000-05:00

Featured Wedding on Chattybrides!!!

2008-12-30T09:44:00.003-05:00

Check out the December 22nd post on www.chattybrides.com! It highlights one of our summer weddings at Mt. Hope Farm. It's also a featured wedding in the just-released Southern NE Weddings 2009 issue! Beautiful photos from Armor & Martel!

"These are a few of our favorite things"!

2008-12-27T14:39:00.007-05:00

Looking back at the many, many extraordinary events of 2008, we wanted to share some of our favorite images - with many thanks and kudos to the talented photographers who took them!!!

kristin spencer photography:

The Bristol Workshops:

Snap! Photography:

M Benedicte Verley:

Clouthier Photography - Stoneblossom :

Christmas in Newport

2008-12-24T08:18:00.003-05:00

The Breakers - the largest and grandest of Newport's Gilded Age summer "cottages" was dressed to the nines this past weekend for the Preservation Society of Newport County's Holiday Dinner Dance. Built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the ornate designs of its 70 rooms were all crafted and assembled in Europe and shipped and re-assembled here. It's named for the crashing Atlantic Ocean waves on the rocks of this 13 acre estate.

Stoneblossom was honored to participate in this lavish affair - a seated dinner in the Great Hall for 250 guests. Our (75 lb!) tall iron stands provided perfect scale for this over the top space - although delivering them in a blizzard was an unexpected challenge!

Warm and Happy Holidays to you and yours from all of us at Stoneblossom!

Onward to Spring!!!

2008-12-22T18:22:00.008-05:00

The shortest day of the year is passed!

We've been shoveling out here in the Northeast!

One of our annual Holiday bashes took place on Saturday - and not only did we get our White Christmas - we watched the best numbers from the movie after much holiday cheer! The blue-feathered "Sisters" pictured above with Rosemary Clooney and Vera Allen is particularly campy. And it doesn't get much better than Bing Crosby crooning away, snow flying, with those who worked so hard together all season all around you.

It's no surprise that a creative gang that makes fabulous visual statements are also great cooks. One in our midst took his famed meatloaf to a competition on The View - which we all got to sample! Perhaps we can coax him to share the recipe.... The desserts were to die for!

There's so little time during the crazy season to stop and appreciate the wonderful people that make the magic all happen. We've got the best team ever and are so grateful for all that they do to make every special Stoneblosssom client's day something they'll never forget! It was so great to all be together and chill.

So onward to Spring!!! We've had crocus bloom as early as February 1st which is a mere 6 weeks away!!!

The WOW Factor...

2008-12-17T11:55:00.005-05:00

Check out this fab Castle Hill wedding from this past season! The couple wanted the lounge tent to have real POP - and we delivered! The black and white undercloths fitted with cerise "caps" gave a tailored look to the cocktail tables. We reversed the combination for this square place card table. Black vases with strong lines, sculptural florals, and trays of black sand for the place cards all made for a stunning look!

We're big fans of lighting if it fits in your budget! It's the finishing touch - adding drama and atmosphere. Notice how effective it is on the place card table after dark. And not to mention how terrific and inviting it makes our lounge look!

Check out more of this great wedding in the Venues section under Castle Hill!

Lighting Provided by Ormonde Productions. Click on the link to see lots of lighting in many of Newports venues - and beyond!

Huge Full Moon and thoughts of Exotic Locales!

2008-12-12T19:41:00.002-05:00

The next few weeks are always pretty quiet here. Everyone's in the holiday mode and hopefully

Getting Enganged!

We look forward to hearing from you in January and making your dreams come true.

As we hunker down with our crock pots and fireplaces, under the biggest full moon of the season - it's fun to remember warm and sultry places!

Who could forget when a rogue typhoon hit during our set up in Puerto Rico! It passed as quickly as it came, but a great memory over a bowl of robust winter chili!

Southern New England Weddings Hits the Shelves!

2008-12-10T16:22:00.005-05:00

The much anticipated lauch of the 2009 Southern New England Weddings issue took place Monday night at the Providence Biltmore. The whole Stoneblossom staff was there for this annual event - with great food and wine - and the best part - hanging out - rather than stressing out - with friends and other vendors that we work with throughout the crazy season!

Stoneblossom has six - yes SIX !!!! featured weddings in this year's issue. Many thanks to Lisa Schryver and Tracey Becker for their continued support!

Also great news is that SNEW has joined forces with chattybrides.com! - a new interactive website that includes a blog, vendor resources, photo galleries and a new featured wedding every week. Check it out!

Stoneblossom in Sylvia Weinstock's New Book!

2008-12-05T14:48:00.006-05:00

We are honored to have one of our weddings featured in the "Queen of Cakes" new book - Sylvia Weinstock's Sensational Cakes!

This was a stunning Newport wedding! We loved working with Maggie and Scott and we still keep in touch. Their eye for detail was impeccable. Even the cake was based on the ornate beading of her Reem Acra gown.

It was also featured in the Grace Ormonde Wedding Style New England 2008 issue

Corporate Holiday Dinner at the New York Yacht Club

2008-12-04T08:23:00.004-05:00

photos: Perrettaphoto

The final night for this corporate event was held at The New York Yacht Club, a glorious Beaux Arts masterpiece on 44th street. The nautical-themed facade is amazing!

Cocktails were served downstairs in the bar - built as if inside the hull of a boat!

An enormous fireplace and decorated tree held court in the "Model Room" where dinner and lots of dancing took place into the wee hours...

And speaking of wee hours - we got back to our RI studio at 5:00 am - but heck - tis the season!!!