We pulled together this whimsical and love-filled wedding in a mere three weeks for this adorable couple when their wedding plans in Bangkok got rained out at the end of 2011. Their wedding ceremony in Hong Kong was held on the lawn of the Repulse Bay on a crisp December afternoon followed by an elegant candlelit dinner at the Verandah for 150 of their closest friends and family. Everything worked out in the end, as it always does! After the wedding, they sent us a note to say “Thank you for your help, we received very positive feedback from our guests and it was great work achieved within a short space of time..”  So thoughtful!

 Thank you Alison Mayfield Photography Studio for the beautiful images!

We are a little behind in posting images from the weddings we’ve actually planned as we seem to be constantly engaged with upcoming weddings! Anyway, we are working on it so hopefully we’ll be able to share a few more ‘real weddings’ on our blog.

Today’s featured wedding took place back in December with the wedding ceremony taking place at the Pool House for this lovely couple’s closest family and friends. It was a bit challenging when the guests arrived at the ceremony over an hour early but we were just about done with the setup. Nothing could wipe the smile off their faces which was a joy to behold! It also helped tremendously that the couple were very relaxed and trusted the entire planning process to us. Their wedding ceremony was followed by a traditional Chinese banquet in vibrant shades of red at the Grand Ballroom. A professional Master of Ceremonies, a live jazz band and an instant photo booth rounded up the evening’s entertainment.

Thank you to Lisa B Weddings for the lovely images!

We received the prettiest announcement in the mail yesterday from Smock Paper addressed to The Wedding Company in the most beautiful hand calligraphy on gold ink.  What did it say? Simply to announce that Smock has four new design suites, foil stamping, foil edging, die-cut custom coasters, and two exclusive Smock calligraphy fonts that are heartbreakingly beautiful!  We can’t wait for the album updates arriving in early June so here is a sneak preview of their design suites! Their new pricing kicks in on the 1st July so get your orders in quick!

Came across this beautifully relaxed and oh-so-pretty wedding shoot on Ritzybee’s blog and thought we simply had to share it with you all! This would make a perfect wedding out in Beasriver, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s idyllic countryside Clubhouse out in the well, countryside. Swoon!

The ‘Archiva‘ wedding invitation suite from their Elum Couture Vol. 2 album celebrates lasting love with a save the date timeline and a style influenced by artifacts from a bygone era. Clean and simple typography mixed with vintage postage stamp artwork give a nod to years gone by. This classic design is ideal for the couple hosting a modern event infused with the unique character of antique touches and personal homemade accents. Letterpress printed in 3 soothing ink colors on double thick Tree Free Bamboo Ivory paper, this invitation is all about the little details, such as the delicate texture of the translucent Onion Skin enclosure that houses the invitation and emphasizes the momentous affair. Take a look below at the inspiration behind this timeless design, and check back again for more mood boards coming soon from their custom wedding invitation albums!

1. Mason jar candle, photo by Nicole Polk via Style Me Pretty

2. Bride, photo by Three Nails via Style Me Pretty

3. Archiva wedding invitation, elum

4. Figs and bread, photo by Aaron Delesie via Style Me Pretty

5. Bouquet with artichoke, photo by Jagger Photography

6. Vineyard wedding, photo source unknown via Center Blog

7. Vintage wedding rings, photo source unknown via Bespoke Bride

8. Olives, photo by Keith Levit via Online Poster

9. Rustic boutonnieres, photo by Three Nails via Style Me Pretty

10. Living ring pillow, photo by FotoPerlas via Style Me Pretty

11. Lemonade, photo by Elizabeth Messina Photography via Style Me Pretty

12. Archiva wedding invitation, elum

13. Vintage stamp, photo source unknown via Stampspostagestamps.com

14. Succulent in jar, photo by Trent Bailey Photography

15. Vintage stamps in glassine bags, photo by packandpost via Etsy

16. Outdoor table setting, photo source unknown via Everything Fabulous

17. Baguettes in basket, photo by Meg Smith Photography via Style Me Pretty

18. Flower girl, photo source unknown via Etsy

19. Archiva wedding invitation, elum

20. Handmade soap favors, photo by Jamison Wexler Photography via Style Me Pretty

21. Chocolate blackberry cake, photo by Braedon Photography via Enjoy Cupcakes

22. Man’s best friend, photo by via Katie Stoops Martha Stewart Weddings

23. Vintage key escort cards, photo source unknown via United With Love

We were so happy with the end result of this spectacular two day Indian wedding celebration. The first night was the Sangeet, a night of dancing and socializing held at the Ballroom of the American Club, Hong Kong. Sheer drapes, white furniture and dramatic lighting created a ‘lounge-like’ ambience for the guests who enjoyed free-flow champagne, speciality cocktails and a sumptuous buffet. A caricaturist, silhouette paper artist and an instant photo booth were on hand to entertain the party-goers.

The following day, the marriage ceremony took place in the late afternoon at the InterContinental Hong Kong. A festive (by that I mean, incredibly loud!) Indian drummer and a group of (equally noisy) Scottish bagpipers heralded the entrance of the Bride & Groom up the white marble staircase towards the colourful man dap where an Indian priest awaited them to conduct their marriage ceremony.

Following the ceremony and cocktail reception, guests were ushered into the ballroom which was decorated in shades of vibrant shades of purple, fuchsia and red with glittering crystals on the main stage and table centerpieces. A ten piece band and an international DJ from New York were the perfect finishing touches.

 Nothing makes us happier than a happy couple! They sent us an email afterwards to say..

“(We) want to thank you again and again and again for all the wonderful work you did for us.. I have heard nothing but compliments. All were telling me how the decor, entertainment and organization of the events were impeccable. Ashok and I truly believe that it was all TWC’s effort and of course the love and blessings friends and family had showered us with that made the party. Thank you!”

Aw… That’s why we do what we do and we LOVE it!

Above images are all by the awesome Alison Mayfield Photography Studio

At The Wedding Company, we often get asked by clients how to address their invitations. We were excited then to read Bella Figura’s blog post and realize that our clients aren’t the only ones! They get loads of questions about envelope addressing too, naturally since they print the world’s most beautiful letterpress wedding invitations, clients would of course want to know the best way of addressing their envelopes to match.

With this in mind, Chris Gannon from Bella Figura put together a little crash course of frequently asked questions and ran them by talented calligrapher, Debi Zeinert of Blooming Quill.

Q:  Are there any things you find your clients are consistently confused about concerning addressing etiquette?
A:  The biggest confusion comes when the wife is a doctor.  Mr. and Dr. John Smith is incorrect.  When a woman has a title her first name should be noted, and she should be listed first. For example:  Dr. Susan and Mr. John Smith.   Or, if they are both doctors with the same last name, Doctors Susan and John Smith.

Q:  What’s the best way to organize guests names and addresses before someone sends them to their calligrapher?
A:  I prefer to get guest lists in the form of an Excel spread sheet – this way I can mail merge it to my liking for addressing.  Though i will accept any sort of typed list.  When using Excel its best to organize it in columns as follows: Outer envelope name, Name 2, Address, Address 2, City, State, Zip, Country, Inner envelope.

Q:  When is it appropriate to use colored ink?
A:  I believe that if the return address is printed in color it’s okay to use colored ink.  In fact, if the return address is a dark color such as blue or brown you SHOULD used colored ink. If the address is a ‘fun’ color or a pastel you may want to keep the addressing in black to hold on to formality. For a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or non-wedding calligraphy you always want the calligraphy to match the return address.

Q:  Is your preference to spell out the name of the state, or to abbreviate it?
A:  It’s not just my preference, but I believe it is only proper to spell out the state.  If it does not fit on the same line as the city, use the next line.

Q:  Do you have any other tips you’d like to share with clients planning to work with a calligrapher?
A:  A referred calligrapher is the best calligrapher.  If you find someone who does not come with a recommendation make sure you get actual samples addressed to you.  Seeing work on someone’s website may not be a good representation of their usual work.

Make sure you schedule your job as soon as you know you want to use them.  Don’t wait till you have your envelopes in hand.  Most calligraphers book up weeks out. And be sure to pick a realistic date – remember, you are blocking out days of time on a schedule and if you are not ready you may not be able to get rescheduled.

Make sure you have extra envelopes – dip pens and ink are unpredictable!  And make sure your guest list is complete as possible. There are always stragglers, bit to add a name everyday for a week is difficult on a calligrapher’s schedule. It’s not as easy as just writing another envelope – each job has set up time, drying time and packing and shipping time.

Q:  Any good stories of really tricky addressing etiquette situations?
A:  I’ve been doing this so long I’ve seen everything and pretty much can handle any thing. One thing that is annoying to all calligraphers is the extra long first lines – for example:  Mr. George and Mrs. Martha Washington or Mr. and Mrs. George and Martha Washington.  Way too much to make it pretty. Or when the numbers of an address are all written out – for example:  Seventeen South One Hundred and Forty Third Street. That must really annoy the post office!  Numbers under 20 can be written out, but the rest should be numerals.  I love it when people go ‘informal’ on the inner envelopes – it’s fun to write ‘Nana and Papa’ or nicknames.  One time I even had to write ‘Anna and Shithead’ on an inner!!!!

Q: Are any other common questions you get a lot?
A:  One question I do get is if there is a discount for quantity. The answer is no – if one envelope takes 3 minutes, 10 take 30 minutes and 100 take 300 minutes – it does not speed up with quantity. And personally, I do not copy computer fonts, nor do I copy other calligrapher’s styles.

These are all really great and helpful tips, thanks to Chris Gannon from Bella Figura for taking the time to educate us on calligraphy! And..while we are on the subject of hand calligraphy, here’s a beautiful one from Bella Figura called ‘New Calligraphy’ written out in the most beautiful calligraphy by Debi.

One look at the ‘Starlight‘ wedding invitation suite from Elum Designs’ new Umi 2 album and you’ll be ready to step back to the 50′s and party the night away. Letterpress printed on 100% cotton rag paper, this gorgeous retro chic design features dynamic patterns and modern type that emphasize the depth and texture of this groovy design. They chose a fun color palette of light ‘Water’ blue and rich ‘Pumpkin’ orange, however, with a switch to deep ‘Concord’ purple and pale ‘Fog’ gray, this invitation would be fabulous for a sophisticated evening affair. Take a look below at the inspiration behind this hip invitation suite, and come back again for more moodboards coming soon from their new Umi 2 album! See the real thing at The Wedding Company, call 2869 4222 for an appointment!

Photo Credits: 1. Vintage Spartus wall clock, photo source unknown via ebay 2. Mod bride, Martha Stewart Weddings 3. Eames® Molded Plywood Lounge Chair, Rooms&Board 4. Starlight letterpress wedding invitations, elum 5. Mid century modern wedding venue, The Pearl Hotel 6. Orange cocktails, photo by Andrea Hubbell via The Sweetest Occasion 7. Leica M7 camera, photo source unknown via Whorange 8. Retro table numbers, photo by Andrea Hubbell via The Sweetest Occasion9. Vintage blue mod dress, photo by REiNViNTAGE via Etsy 10. Retro bar, photo source unknown via Tips Decor 11. Orange shoes, photo by Genevieve Leiper Photography via Style Me Pretty 12. Rock candy wedding cake, Cocoa & Fig 13. Starlight letterpress wedding invitations, elum 14. Bud vase, ModCloth 15. Mid century modern pool, The Pearl Hotel 16. Wedding rings, photo by This Modern Romance 17. Orbit chandelier, ZGallerie 18. Bridesmaids with jewel toned tights, photos by Sarah Rhodes of Arrow and Apple via The Etsy Blog 19. Vintage rotary phone, TheModernHistoric via Etsy 20. Curbside Gourmet Food Truck, photo by Chelsey Boatwright Photography via The Wedding Chicks 21. Billy button and Protea bouquet, photo by Cascio Photography via Utah Bride Blog 22. Retro inspired cupcakes, Half Baked 23. Striped bow tie, MeandMatilda via Etsy 24. Earrings, Shopbop 25. Starlight letterpress wedding invitations, elum 26. Mid century modern inspired table setting, photo by Andrea Hubbell via The Sweetest Occasion 27. Vintage Samsonite Ultralite luggage, estatehound via Etsy 28. Mid century modern inspired Anson chair, Room&Board 29. Bride and groom, photo source by nessa k via flickr

Earlier this year we had the pleasure of arranging a beautiful true love story of a wedding.  Their nuptials were held at the Tiffin Lounge, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong followed by a truly glamorous banquet filled to capacity with loving friends in the Grand Ballroom. The couple took care of their wedding invitations, bridal attire and transportation and we took care of mostly everything else from the ceremony to overseeing the floral and venue decoration.

We were thrilled to see how happy they were on the day and even happier afterwards when they sent a message to say how perfect they felt everything went. Given that we had a fairly short time-frame of four months, we were really happy with how everything turned out, see for yourselves!

1. Working with the very experienced Executive Pastry Chef from the hotel on the Candy display (which was a huge hit!) 2. The ceremony setting with a foliage wall with hundreds of real plants 3. The Wedding Co. team hard at work labeling candy jars

‘Fields’ of baby’s breath welcomed guests at the entrance of the Tiffin Lounge

1. More baby’s breath lined the specially constructed wooden entrance to the Ballroom 2. Velvet drapes lined the Grand Hyatt ballroom walls with elegant red table centerpieces. 

A wall of red paper flowers lined the length of the stage, creating a subtle yet visually stunning backdrop

]]> http://www.theweddingco.hk/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3288 1 http://www.theweddingco.hk/blog/?p=3275 http://www.theweddingco.hk/blog/?p=3275#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:26:02 +0000 Michele http://www.theweddingco.hk/blog/?p=3275

Wow, the month has flown past, its been two weeks since our last post! We’ve just been caught up with weddings, new clients and most of all our newest baby, The Wedding Academy.

In addition to our luxury wedding planning services which will continue, we are excited to announce our newest venture, The Wedding Academy, providing younger planners-to-be with the training, tools and know-how to become competent wedding co-ordinators, raising the industry standards as a whole. There will be courses offered in Wedding Planning, Events Management, Chinese Customs and more. We hope to teach and inspire students about various aspects of the wedding planning process from gowns to photographers, officiants to florists, not to mention what ‘really’ goes on behind the scenes. Working with only the most respected professionals, we will be inviting guest speakers to introduce their brands and to share their own experiences and tips as well. Key supporters such as Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and InterContinental Hong Kong have already been lined up to offer ballroom visits and back of the house tours.

We aim to get classes up and running by April/May so please help us spread the word, we’re hoping to put together a great group of curious and interested students for our first class! For more information, call 2869 4221 or email info@twa.hk

Click here for this month’s Academy newsletter!