Archive for the 'Weddings' Category

Continue on my journey to find what is the best thing that my bride can do to be up to date and fashionable and yet elegant and simple without any over dues (and any regret few years down the road) so I purchased a few of my favorite bridal magazines… Town and Country Weddings, of course “Martha Stewart Weddings” and “Well Wed” and head home to start writing.

Going through my notes to put this blog together I realized they all have one thing in common and that is “The glitz of the new fancy big bulky fashion jewelry” …

Today is all about the new fashion jewelry. Some coming from the past antique pieces and couture jewelry and some newer designs, although they all have one thing in common; they are all big and bulky and they present a fashion statement. Passing the Cartier store on 5th avenue I realized even big names like Cartier are going with this new trend. Have you seen the Panther head ring? Oh…beautiful.

Panther-head ring - Cartier

Glancing through the Town and Country Weddings Spring/Summer issue I realized that even some big names in Wedding Gown Designs are using the same concept. For example Rivini put a beautiful ad with the bride wearing a big bulky necklace, another one with a beautiful fashionable ring. Monique Lhuillier has a bulky conversation ring on her bride’s finger; Romona Keveza used an Italian silk satin belt designed with big Swarovski-jeweled buckle like piece and last but not least Oscar Heyman’s creations on some other brides.

When you have time check out Jemma Wynne’s big rose quartz ring, love the Aspray, David Yurman’s, Dior and Buccellati’s new collections on bold and beautiful jewelry.
With spring around the corner, some of these jewels have the spring’s pastel and floral accents which makes it perfect for the spring wedding.

I believe the days for the small pearl necklace and earrings are over. Although they are one of the most recognized jewelry for the brides (and I know most of the time it is from your mother or your grand mother and adds a very sentimental value to your day) but it’s time to use them for the small cocktail parties you through after your wedding to show off your registry items.

So here is my advice: “Simple but classic and timeless, and mix it with bohemian elegance and a touch of a trend”. Also remember you have to find which trend will fit into your personal style and what works with you.

Posted by
Ferinoosh Khosravi
Senior Catering Manager

Our very own Kelli Crean was interviewed by NYC station Fox 5 News to discuss social media as a growing job trend. Watch as Kelli discusses all aspects of social media and The Roosevelt’s growing social media community.

Kudos to Kelli for a job well done!

Growing up in Colorado, I am the biggest “Winter Wedding” fan. The holiday’s mood, clean and crisp air, sparkling snow, wood fires, etc are all my favorites. Although most of the people believe coming up with the theme for the wedding is always the hardest part, I believe the season will set the tone for the theme of your wedding. Putting first things first, besides only a few, most of the time we pick the season of our wedding based on our most favorite times of the year and memories. Some times we pick the season based on our own personal experiences. For example my skin looks much better, cleaner and fresher in winter, so that maybe one reason for me to pick the winter for my wedding…….

Using the season’s elements in all parts of your wedding from invitations, to décor, flowers, food, drinks, music, favors to your wedding gown……

Invitations: If you pick a colored invitation, then pick a very rich color, like Chocolate Brown, deep Rusty Green or deep Burgundy to set the tone. Decorating them with opposite colored robins or use elements of nature like piece of wood or pine cone in the design will help as well.

Decorations: If you go with winter white, use icy blue, metallic and platinum colors. Simpler the better and maybe for design use crystal snow flakes or white fur.
Amidst glowing candles or season’s elements like the crystallized twigs or even a small Christmas tree for the cocktail tables. I would definitly go with a few small arrangements and silver trays. I love the combination of Rustic greens mixed with brown. Crystals, white quartz stones with deep chocolate brownish candles and rusty green robins. The entire elements are there.

Atmosphere: Make sure you pick a location that has fire place….love them in the middle of the reception. Place a few lounge style couches and throws next to the fire place.

Food & Drink: Eggnog, Apple cider, Rich wood wine and cordials. Maybe a big pot of soup on the fireplace outside the reception area? Warm winter soups and winter salads, like ice lettuce with blue cheese crumbs are my favorite. Big chunks of meat….if possible have the meals cook in an outside area where guests can smell the wood firing and the meals. Remember Steaks and Veal Chop and Chicken filled with Berries and stuffing and a good warm Chocolate dessert.

Wedding Cake: Consider serving a winter-inspired side with your wedding cake. Match your wedding cake decoration and favor with a good winter wine or a winter drink. If you are serving tea or coffee, don’t forget the Cinnamon or Sugar Cane Sticks.  For cake décor, instead of white cake consider the winter colors. If you want to stick to the white cake consider robins and pinecones….more winter elements the better. If you use flowers, consider sugar glazed versions to make them look like a winter touched flowers instead of the normal look.

The Dress: A couture vintage lace dress or a fur (fakes are my favorites) short or long Audrey coats or a very nice white or pearl white cashmere shall will do and remember big sparkling vintage brooch for your shall or coat is a must.

Favors: I will send the guest home with something not only to remember your wedding but also the season of the wedding. For example, Swarovski snow flakes ornaments, or wood shaped candles…stuck of cinnamon tuck together with a deep purple velvet robin and a jar of good tea or homemade Jam……

 Posted by
Ferinoosh Khosravi
Senior Catering Manager

Although your budget should be a determining factor for your wedding, let’s remember that having good taste has nothing to do with your budget.  Too many brides have settled for second best and blamed it on their budget. In these modern times, we have such great options like flea markets, flower, fabric and wedding dress whole sales, online shopping and street fairs, I refuse to accept budget as an excuse any more. There is always an option to have your wedding the way you want without spending a fortune.

A few weeks back, I went to two Antique flea markets, both on the west side of the city. I couldn’t believe the amazing things I saw. With less than a $1000.00 I was able to buy so many elegant and time less things. I left with 10 different shaped vases, a few different candle holders, two boxes of 65 pieces set antique silverware, napkins, a dozen serving plates (which is perfect for the new trendy candy bar or sweet station), and a round Stressed Natural Wood Table (love it with real crystal candle holders for place card setting tables). You name it, it was there….

Just by knowing my style I was able to purchase a variety of elegant, timeless items that could be used for a small wedding or at least in different sections of a bigger one.

A few years ago in L.A., I remember planning a wedding in a small boutique luxury hotel in Ojai and the bride brought a lot of her personal things to her wedding. Her favorite set of the silver candelabras that was used once at her mom’s wedding, her mothers’ old antique place mats and a collection of unique plates that her mother had collected over the years (which we served hors d’oeuvres on)

Every corner of the wedding was screaming of her and her personal style. Everyone was bragging of how unique this wedding is and everything was put together with thoughts, love, emotions and meaning. Even if you didn’t know her at the first glance you could say she loved quality vs. quantity and that is my kind of bride.

On my last post, I wrote some ideas to find your style and inspirations for your wedding so make sure you check it out here. Stay tuned, be safe and most importantly, be yourself!!

Posted by
Ferinoosh Khosravi
Senior Catering Manager

First of all take time and enjoy your moment. So many brides I know are ready to start looking for venues the day after they get engaged. My best advice?  Breathe, take it all in and enjoy being engaged!

When you’re ready, start by setting your budget. Think about what you want your wedding to be. An intimate gathering of close friends, a lavish affair, an eco-friendly event? This will help you come up with your budget numbers. Check out The Roosevelt Hotel’s Wedding Budget Planner to help you along.

Read up!  There are so many gorgeous wedding magazines out there, not to mention the tons of wedding blogs that are sure to bring you some inspiration. Finally pick up the wedding magazine you’ve been eyeing, surf the web and keep track of all the ideas you might like to incorporate into your wedding with a journal. If you’re on Twitter, be sure to get the latest trends in wedding planning by following our Wedding Team @EventsEtiquette

You should also go through your personal photo albums. Look at your pictures and use them as inspiration.

….Where were you in this picture that you looked so happy

….Look at all the places you have been, you may want to consider destination wedding??

….What was the season of this trip that made your skin flawless…

We all know that we’ve been through different kinds of haircuts and colors, but look and see which ones were more YOU and only natural you.

Start looking at your friends wedding pictures. You may get ideas of things you may or may not want do as well.

Lastly, window shopping is one of my favorites. Fabrics, Furniture, Dresses, Table Tops…all of these may use as a good source of inspiration.

Coming up next: Personalize your wedding, your way.

Posted by
Ferinoosh Khosravi
Senior Catering Manager