NACE Holiday Jingle Mingle

We were honored to be asked to do a holiday-inspired candy and dessert table for the NACE 17th Annual Holiday Gala. NACE is a wonderful organization that Chic Sweets is proud to be a part of and where we've been able to build some fantastic relationships with some of the best wedding/event professionals in the industry. Coordinated by the wonderful Sandy Rule, owner of Sandy Rule Events Inc and also on NACE's Board of Directors, she graciously gave us free reign to come up with the concept and the color scheme.

For this table, I wanted to stay away from your typical Holiday colors and I got inspired from a an elegant and charming plum blossom and branch pattern in red, blossom, and white on a pool background with branches, that was silkscreened on handmade Japanese paper. The paper was used as a backdrop for the candy vessels, cookies and popcorn. In addition to the paper, I also fell in love with the always-wonderful Holiday cookies created by Thea Zegata. She incorporated a bird image that I brought into our signage and centerpiece (what can I say, I'm all about the birds and branches on this one.)

Along with my (Real Wedding-Chic Peacock Inspired) I am bitting my nails waiting for the wonderful photos taken at this great party, but in the meantime I will leave you with a snippet of what I managed to take right before everything started.

More detail shots to come shortly...

Real Wedding: Chic Peacock Inspired

So Chic Sweets has been on a blogging hiatus for December but we are back again with a few updates on some great candy and dessert tables we've been able to do recently!

We were SOOOO excited to work with the wonderful Event Planner/Designer, Staci Mandikas from Unique Event Design. She had a challenge for Chic Sweets: create a peacock-inspired table that was dramatic, but also tasteful and modern. Ari and Allan were such a great couple to work with and so we took their feedback and went with it. There are so many great colors to pull from a peacock feather so all I can say is that I'm anxiously waiting for the professional shots from the lovely husband and wife duo of Shakespeare Photography.

In the meantime, enjoy a few sneaks that I took personally-not the best, but I will be able to share a few more along with some additional details shortly!

Daytime Segment!

So we hope everyone had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Okay, so we finally have the Daytime segment to share with all of you! Daytime is a daily morning show with hosts Cyndi Edwards and David Nemeth that airs across the Southeast. This was such an amazing experience and I am so very grateful to Cyndi for her constant support since we started Chic Sweets. It was so great talking to her that although I was nervous, it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

Of course, the dessert table looked fantastic and would not have been a success with all the other FANTASTIC vendors that helped make it happen!

Cookies: The Gum Drop Shop
Cake: Sweetie Pies Cakes
Cupcakes: The Cupcake Spot
Linens: Linens by the Sea

Also-I would like to take a moment and thank MMD Events and Limelight Photography-their constant support and guidance of our work from the beginning has been unwavering-THANK YOU ALL!

Natalie
Chic Sweets

Thanksgiving Cookie Favors

It's getting close to Thanksgiving and so hopefully everyone is getting ready to spend time with their friends and family. At Chic Sweets we were asked by the wonderful Yvette Price of YRP Events to design Thanksgiving cookies since she is hosting dinner this year with her friends and family. Yvette wanted all of her guests to feel special from the moment they walked in the door with personalized cookies that will act as placecards at each plate setting. Packaging completes the look and we wrapped each cookie with a double-faced satin ribbon in alternating colors of orange and gold.

The remaining cookies contained a different Thanksgiving image and of course, we made extra special favor boxes for the younger ones that will be in attendance. We can't wait until they see them.

From Chic Sweets we wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

White Crane Dessert Table

Image Credit: Limelight Photography Image Credit: Limelight Photography
Image Credit: Limelight Photography

Image Credit: Limelight Photography

Image Credit: Limelight Photography

A few weeks ago, I posted about a white project that we were working on at Chic Sweets. We were lucky enough to have the uber-talented husband and wife duo from Limelight Photography capture some of the details! The photoshoot took place at the magnificent Intercontinental Tampa--the always-fantastic Matt and Amanda Allan from MMD Events coordinated this photo shoot and provided all the floral and decor. The theme was a dazzling modern fantasy done completely in white.

The design of the dessert table was a paper crane motif, and was largely inspired by a Japanese decorative paper that was used throughout. I always say that you can take your inspiration from anywhere! We thought that the all-white cranes that dangled from white birch branches would complement the pattern. For desserts, we worked with Thea Zagata to create personalized cookies and well, who can have cookies without a shot of milk?! We also made marshmallow pops on our "lollipop towers." - - and yes, we're slightly infatuated with marshmallow pops! I will share the recipe soon. We also worked with Sweetie Pies Cakes to create an all-white fondant cake that just pulled the look together. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Of course, none of this would be possible without all of the wonderful wedding professionals we worked with for this AMAZING Photoshoot: THANK YOU!

MMD Events: Floral, Decor and Coordination

Limelight Photography: Photography

Signature Events by Design: Chivari Chairs & Chargers

Linens by the Sea: Linens

A Hair Affair: Hair Styling

The Dressing Room: Wedding Gown Anglo Couture: Wedding Gown

Chic Sweets Segment To Air on Daytime Morning Show!

So I am so excited to share with everyone some news! Chic Sweets(me!) will be on Daytime live on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 on NBC (channel 8, in Tampa). Daytime is a daily morning television show with hosts Cyndi Edwards and Dave Nemeth that airs on stations across the southeast including: WFLA/Tampa, FL; WRBL/Columbus, GA; WNCN/Raleigh, NC; WCWJ/ Jacksonville, FL; WSAV/Savannah, GA; WCBD/Charleston, SC.

I've have been in touch with host, Cyndi for some time now, and she has been extremely supportive of Chic Sweets and our work. On the segment, I get the chance to talk with Cyndi about the challenges of running a business and the progress we've made so far. As a working mother of three, it's very easy to talk about the work it takes to get a business up and going. Cyndi is such a gracious host so I'm SUPER EXCITED to see the segment.

I also had a chance to recreate a dessert table we recently did for another photoshoot we did in conjunction with the fantastic MMD Events and Limelight Photography. The table was an all white-on-white with a crip and modern, "winter" feel to it.

Of course, the table would not have been a success with all the other FANTASTIC vendors that helped make it happen! THANK YOU!

Cookies: The Gum Drop Shop

Cake: Sweetie Pies Cakes

Cupcakes: The Cupcake Spot

Linens: Linens by the Sea

Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!

I have an official cookie crush! So part of what makes Chic Sweets' unique is that we are constantly on the look out for the best bakers out there.

When the Gum Drop Cookie Shop, a fantastic cookie shop based out of New York sent us a batch of their cookies, we instantly fell in love. Their line of cookies not only is delicious but is stylish, unique and personal. The owner, Thea Zagata has a wonderful staff of graphic designers that work to create a line of cookies that are so reflective of today's "modern bride."

We recently worked with Thea to create a batch of wonderful cookies, personalized with the "Daytime" logo for a segment that Chic Sweets taped on Monday. Everyone love them and we were so excited to debut our edible pieces of art on our "winter wonderland" table.

You will have a new place in your heart after trying these cookies! Trust me!

Pictures from Ariel's Cancer Awareness Dessert Table

Image Credit: Artistique Photography

Image Credit: Artistique Photography

Image Credit: Artistique Photography

Have a few more pictures to share from Ricco and Ariel's wedding at the Embassy Suites in Downtown Tampa! It was a special dessert table with plenty of details including white "candy" cones, cake pops in a pool of pink and white M&M's, a pink table centerpiece with branches and light pink roses, and of course, hanging pink ribbons with rhinestones.

One of the more touching moments of the evening is when the father of the bride told us how touched he was by the gesture and tribute to his wife that had passed away from this terrible disease.

Thanks again to all the other vendors that helped put the rest of the pieces together: Flawless Occassions; FishHawk Florists and Artistique Photography-it was a pleasure working with all of you.

More Pictures of our Candy Buffet at MMD Events/Limelight Photography Photoshoot!

Image Credit: Limelight Photography

Image Credit: Limelight Photography

Image Credit: Limelight Photography

Image Credit: Limelight Photography

Image Credit: Limelight Photography

We're super busy with lots of projects today, but I wanted to get some more pictures up of our candy buffet from the photoshoot courtesy of MMD Events at the Tampa Marriott Westshore. MMD's Matt and Amanda Allen created a fantastic ceremony site inspired by shades of pinks and golds, a chic poolside cocktail lounge complete with centerpieces floating in the water and a reception area in the ballroom!

We were also so fortunate to collaborate with many talented professionals for the event, including the incredible Michael and Rebecca Zoumberos from Lightlight Photography. They were able to capture everything and so much more!

Thanks again to all the wonderful professionals Chic Sweets got to work with:

Uplights, Flowers, Draping and Design: MMD Events Photography: Limelight Photography
Wedding Gown: The Dressing Room Linens: Connie Duglin Hair and Makeup: The Michele Renee Hair and Makeup Artist Group Chiavari Chairs: Signature Events by Design

Sneak Peek: Breast Cancer Awareness Dessert Table

Last night I had the pleasure of working with an absolutely lovely couple at the Embassy Suites in downtown Tampa. The event was quite the affair, with friends and family members, and the party was filled with love and energy. The dancing was nonstop!

The Chic Sweets' table was in honor of my bride's mother who passed away from breast cancer. After talking to the bride, we wanted to do something special and memorable for her and the guests. There were so many wonderful, meaningful details, but here is a sneak peek of the dessert table. I'll provide more pictures soon!

Fabulous Vendors:

Venue: Embassy Suites Tampa

Coordinator: Beth Carrick at Flawless Occassions

Photography: Artistique Photography

Florist: Fishhawk Florist

Chic Sweets Teams Up with MMD Events and Limelight Photography for Photoshoot!

Chic Sweets was so honored to be asked to participate in an amazing photoshoot courtesy of MMD Events at the Tampa Marriott Westshore. MMD's Amanda and Matt Allen are two amazing artists and such a great team! They created a fantastic ceremony site, a chic poolside cocktail lounge and a reception area in the ballroom!

Tampa's Limelight Photography was there to capture all the magic--the colors were pink, hot pink and gold accents and I was amazed at how the space was able to transform with some great decor elements such as lighting; table settings/linens; chairs; floral, etc. Limelight Photography's Rebecca and Michael Zoumberos captured everything and I can't wait to see the final pictures (we will be sure to post them soon).

What made everything extra special was Limelight's model/bride Sarah Kate who wore her own (fantastic) wedding gown for the shoot!

Thanks to all the wonderful professionals Chic Sweets got to work with:

Wedding Gown: The Dressing Room

Linens: Connie Duglin

Hair and Makeup: The Michele Renee Hair and Makeup Artist Group

Chiavari Chairs: Signature Events by Design

Uplights, Flowers, Draping and Design: MMD Events

Photography: Limelight Photography

Sylvia Weinstock, "Queen of Cakes" Event!

Check out this slideshow by Moberg Photography : http://mobergphotography.com/nace/

Additional photos: http://www.mobergphotography.com/blog/2009/09/26/sylvia-weinstock/

Chic Sweets had the honor of providing a candy/dessert table for the Sylvia Weinstock, "Queen of Cakes" luncheon at the beautiful Renaissance Tampa Plaza. Sylvia was a featured guest for Florida West Coast NACE!

Sylvia shared her career highlights, including her famous clients (Ivanka Trump, Cathrine Zeta Jones & Michael Douglas, etc.), and becoming top in her industry.

Sylvia took plenty of questions from the audience, giving us some insights into she got her start, how she has established her business and brand (those trademark glasses), and how she has maintained her business for years!

FWNACE Members that helped to contribute to making a great event!

Panache

BBJ Linen

Botanica Showorks

Events Room Service

Grand Dames Car Service

Café Al La Carte

Capital Grille

Paper Presence

Click Marketing Group

Dj Felix

Catering by the Family

Bay Stage Lighting

Grant Hemond and Associates

Gasparilla International Film Festival

Some of Tampa's best and brightest artists showcased their latest works at The Ritz in Ybor for a silent auction. Many other great prizes, including a trip to Puerto Vallerta, Mexico, were auctioned and raffled off to support the 2010 festival!

The Gasparilla International Film Festival, is one of Florida 's largest independent film festivals and is dedicated to advancing film education and community involvement in film in the Tampa Bay area. Nothing beats helping out a great cause and organization!

The night was fantastic and everything looked beautiful-it was definitely a team effort and we look forward to participating again next year!

Fantastic Vendors

Event Coordination and GIFF Board Member: Elan Event Studio/Monica Varner

Floral Design/Lounge Furniture: MMD Events/Amanda and Matt Allen

Espresso and Cappuccino Catering: Cafe Ala Carte/Diana Tamayo

Linens: Linens by the Sea/Allison East

Photography: CSE Photography

As Seen in Brides Florida...

In Brides Florida..my new ad!

And please do not forget to pick up Brides Florida latest issue for the best wedding ideas and the local professionals who can bring them to life!

Butterflies...Butterflies...everywhere...

Well, I am finally getting around to adding a few sneak peak pictures from a recent surprise birthday party Chic Sweets was asked to do. When creating a table, it's not only important to use a great palatte (love yellow and navy) but also adding different elements which will only serve to complete the look of your table. That includes florals, coordinating linens, candles, great ribbons and of course, a running theme--winter, Halloween, fall and in the case of this table...Butterflies!

New, Fresh, Exciting Wedding Cake Stands!

How gorgeous is THIS?! I love the dramatic, raised platforms for your cake, and the site allows you to custom-design your own coordinating-color cake platforms (which you can also use as a cupcake platform, or use for other great desserts.) I can even see them elevating table numbers or framed photos as centerpieces!

The owner, Kathy Jo Peterson has been in the industry for over ten years and was always on the lookout for some better alternatives to the usual, silver platter. I have been working with Kathy on an upcoming event later this month and I cannot wait to see the "final product!"

Visit, explore, design...and Raise the Cake! http://www.raisethecake.com/

Whew...finally recovered from a great event!

Had a great time doing a Chic Sweets candy buffet for George and his lovely wife, Becki who celebrated her 50th birthday! Everything for our table came out great. I'm excited to share some pictures soon! Special thanks to a few that helped make another great Chic Sweets table!

Photographer, Faith Jordan from http://www.ourtownfla.com
The Cupcake Spot, http://www.thecupcakespotinc.com
And to my food stylist and designer extraordinaire, Natasha Nielsson!

Newest sources of inspiration....

So I'm always on the look out for great jars, vases and cake stands for my candy bars and have come across a gorgeous site called by Clara French. They create custom made cake stands....everything is so beautiful....check them out!

http://www.clarafrench.com/index2.php?v=v1

Okay, so I was definitely inspired by the Julia and Julie movie I dragged my husband off to last night so I will make an attempt to blog more often! I am often taking looks at my favorite blogs: http://hostessblog.com and http://greenweddingshoes.blogspot.com where I came across another fantastic candy/dessert buffet from Amy Atlas Events from New York.

Some other great take-home tips from the Hostess with the Mostess for creating a dessert buffet like this:

1. Start with a great color palette and pattern that can serve as the “inspiration piece” for your buffet. It’s even better if you can find a few different patterns that all coordinate well (such as 3 different designs from a scrapbook or gift wrap collection) – so that you have a few different prints to incorporate into the buffet.

2. When it comes to your large serving trays & dishes, stick with all-white for a clean, modern look. Line serving trays with your patterned paper and embellish cake stands and tiered servers with color-coordinating ribbon.

3. Bring some of your key pattern into the decoration ON the dessert if possible – just like how the cake & mini cupcakes pictured above boast some of the chic Moroccan-inspired pattern detail.

4. Embellish the table with a little non-edible decor – just make sure to stick with the overall colors & theme of the buffet. Floral elements such as the Moroccan mum trees pictured here are a perfect example, but you can also opt for things like framed photos or prints, wrapped gift boxes done up with fun bows, unique vases & home accessories, or even toys! This is actually one of the easiest ways to help play up your theme!

Working on a surprise candy buffet!

Okay, so have to share. I am so excited to be working on a candy buffet that will be a surprise for my client's wife who will be celebrating her 50th Birthday next Saturday at The Groves Clubhouse in Land O Lakes! It's been a unique process since it is a surprise but I have a great vision for the event and we are working with my new favorite color palette: Navy and Yellow. In addition to having some great candies complementing the color scheme, we are working with The Cupcake Spot to provide some "Lemon cupcakes" and Linens by the Sea to provide us with the perfect table linens! Pictures soon to come!

Candy Buffet sayings!

Time and time again I get asked about candy buffet sayings. There are quite a few out there that are used quite frequently:

1. Sweet Dreams
2. Love is Sweet! Enjoy a Treat!
3. Enjoy the Sugar Rush.
4. Love is Sweet!
5. Use the scoop, Use what you like. Leave some for others. Be polite.
6. Step right up to our Candy Buffet. Its a Sweet addition to a wonderful day!
7. Sweet Shoppe. [Insert wedding date]
8. Serving you a little treat, just to say we think you're sweet!

In addition to these sayings, I also recommend that you come up with something personal-it doesn't have to rhyme and it will be unique!