Over the Top Cake Toppers!

Welcome to "Feature Friday!"
This week's hot pick?  Bling Cake Toppers

Bling Cake Toppers, based out of Ohio, make cake toppers and other cake and bridal bouquet decorations that are covered in Swarovski crystals - any letter and any number in just about any font.  If you want your cake to sparkle and dazzle, Bling Cake Toppers are the one for you!

 

We asked Diane Bradley, the owner of Bling Cake Toppers, how she got her start designing cake toppers, and here's what she said:

"I started the company because I have a knack for the arts and crafts. My aunt was turning 90 and I was responsible for planning the whole event. Turning 90 was cause for a major celebration and I wanted to put extra emphasis on the "90" at the top of her cake. I made my first cake topper and it looked fabulous! My husband was the person who inspired me to turn making cake toppers into a business. He saw me make the first topper and noticed that the activity was not a chore, but more of a labor of love and he planted the seed of "why don't you offer to make toppers like those for others who want them?" This was the start of Bling Cake Toppers."

What's so special about Bling Cake Toppers?
There are over 100 crystal color options to choose from!  Why, because Diane understands "bride speak", the language of brides.  What that means is, if your wedding colors are "pool blue" or "eggplant purple", Diane understands exactly what you are referring to and she can coordinate the crystals to match!

What does the Brower Power Design Team love about Bling Cake Toppers?
Bling Cake Toppers are not just for weddings!  They can be a fabulous addition for birthdays, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvah, quinceaneras, and any other event that has a celebratory cake.  And best of all, Diane can customize your topper!  They are not limited to just letters and numbers -- if you send Diane your image file that can be converted to a pdf, she can make your custom shape!  Super cool!!!

Can I afford a "custom" Bling Cake Topper?
The answer is yes!  Dont let the word "custom" scare you away from your perfect topper because you fear it will be to costly. Most times, there is no increase in price for a custom topper. Pricing is based per image/object, letter, or number. The price you pay is determined by the height you want your topper and is not dependent on the letter, number, or object you choose. Pricing range from $45 for the 3 inch height to $145 for the 6 inch height.

What other products does Bling Cake Toppers offer besides cake toppers?

Bling Cake Toppers also sells ribbon letters and keepsake stands and frames. Ribbon letters are covered in the same Swarovski crystals as the toppers and can be used to decorate any bouquet. This is an option for an unexpected flare for any bouquets and are a great option as a bridesmaid wedding gift.  And your cake toppers are much to pretty to only make a one time appearance at your premier event.  Get your name, date, or event title embossed on a wooded stand or shadow box frame and display your beautiful topper on the mantle of your fireplace, on your end table or nightstand, or hang in a special place in your home. These toppers make prominent statements well after the event is over and make for a wonderful conversation piece!

Contact Information:
Bling Cake Toppers
www.blingcaketoppers.com
Diane Bradley
e-mail: diane@blingcaketoppers.com
(513) 259-7894
Follow on Facebook at Bling Cake Toppers
Orders may be placed securely online or feel free to email or call for additional information.

So what are you waiting for?  Get over the top with Bling Cake Toppers!

See you on the next Feature Friday!  In the meantime dont forget to join our blog and follow us on facebook and twitter @BrowerPower.

Have an "event"-ful weekend!
Hugs,
Christine & the Brower Power Design Team
at C. Brower & Co Creative Events

Some "Ideal" Entertainment for Your Next Event!

Welcome to "Feature Friday!"
This week's hot pick: Ideal Ensembles

Ideal Ensembles is a group of musicians, string quartets & trios, specializing in writing arrangements of your favorite music for your wedding, anniversary party, corporate event or special occassion. When it comes to popular songs they strive to preserve the sense of the original while adding their own artistic twist. Their repertoire ranges from classical music, to The Beatles, to U2, to Billy Joel and more!

What's so ideal about Ideal Emsembles, you ask?

All of Ideal Ensembles performers are active performers in and around New York City. They are classical trained musicians and composers with extensive backgrounds in the arts and symphony's. They've perfomed in many of New York's famed hot spots including Cipriani's, the Central Park Boat House, Tavern on the Green, Oheka Castle, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and countless others!

We asked owner of Ideal Ensembles, Yury Shubov, to tell us a little about himself and how he got his start in the entertainment industry and here's what he had to say:

"I was born in Odessa, Ukraine and began studying violin at the age of 5. 

I was a member of several youth ensembles and performed on

Ukrainian television as well as in a variety of venues including The Odessa Opera House. After moving to the United States, I continued my music education through private study and at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City and then at SUNY College at Fredonia. I was the concertmaster of the College Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra, and was frequently invited to play with the Fredonia Chamber Players (currently known as the Western New York Chamber Orchestra.) Additionally, I led a string quartet that was often referred by faculty to couples looking to hire wedding musicians. After graduation, I returned to New York City and quickly integrated myself into the music scene.

As a wedding musician, I’ve worked for top music contractors and have performed for many high-profile clients. I play an average of 40 weddings a year. Every wedding brings the new challenge of creating the perfect ambiance for each individual client, a challenge that I am always happy to accept."

What type of services are available for events?

String quartets (2 violins/viola/cello) and trios (2 violins/cello or violin/viola/cello) are their primary focus, however, virtually any instrument can be substituted or added to an ensemble.

Duets and solo performers are also available.

Can I afford a string quartet or trio for my event?
The answer is YES!!!
Ideal Ensembles rates are more than affordable for your next event! Trios range from $600 - $900 for 1-2 hours, and Quartets range from $800 - $1200 for 1-2 hours.
(Note: Prices listed are as of 12.1.10 and are subject to change in 2011. Additional travel rates may apply based on location of your event.)

Contact Information:

For more information or to book Ideal Ensembles for your next event, contact Yury Shubov at info@idealensembles.com or 917.754.1938

Website: http://www.idealensembles.com/

Facebook: Ideal Ensembles

Twitter: @idealensembles

Linked-In: Ideal Ensembles, LLC

The team at C. Brower & Co Creative Events can't wait to work with Ideal Ensembles at our next event! Maybe I can get them to work on a Lady Gaga arrangement for me! Do I hear Paparazzi or Poker Face anyone?

See you on the next Feature Friday! In the meantime don't forget to become a blog follower and join us on facebook and twitter @BrowerPower!

Have an "event"-ful weekend!
Hugs and kisses and holiday wishes!
Christine

Something Old, Something New, "Something Heirloom", Something Blue

Welcome to "Feature Friday!"

Today's hot pick?  Emici Bridal

Dupioni Silk Flower Sash  $250

Something Old

What I love about the products by Marie Conrad, owner and designer extraordinaire of Emici Bridal - Heirloom Quality Bridal Accessories, is they evoke the feeling of being in a different era, that of a classic 1940’s wedding. One can imagine a beautiful bride walking down the aisle in a vintage gown wearing a beautiful silk sash with hand dyed, hand crafted silk flowers and rhinestone embellishments.

Catala Bloom Bridal Sash  $90

Emici has a wide range of bridal products for your special day including sashes, ring bearer pillows, hair and dress accessories, flower girl baskets, and even bridal bouquets! 

Many hours go into each of these works of art with hand picked fabrics that are grouped together and then cut, formed, embellished and added to the silk wrapped stems.

Every item is created and carefully constructed with great affection by Marie herself with the hopes that it will be enjoyed for years to come.

Ruffle Ring Pillow Collection  $110

Something New

Here’s a sneak peek at a new collection of ring pillows coming soon to Emici Bridal. These pillows feature silk ruffles in various shades and shapes. The photo to your right is created out of silk satin with an ombre hand dyed dupioni ruffle topped with a gorgeous rhinestone center. These creations are one of a kind as each hand dyed ruffle will have variations.

Fuschia & Orange Crush Silk Dupioni Catala Flower Bouquet  $520

Something Heirloom

I asked Marie what inspired her to start creating heirloom bridal accessories and how she got her start in the business. Here’s what she had to say:

“I first got started making bridal accessories about 10 years ago. I had a job in retail at the time so it was not really about making it my career. I just always liked to design and create so it was a great outlet. The progression is what interests me. Experimenting with new techniques, figuring out ways to seperate my designs from all the others. The challenge of creating something memorable for my clients using the best materials I can find. Inspiration comes easy, picking one new project to finish is the hard part. I have no less than 12 ideas I am contemplating at any given time. Some make appearances in my offerings and some hang around for months while I wait for the perfect finishing touches.”

Fleur de Lis Silk Dupioni
Lavendar Sachet  $20

Something Blue

Those of you who know the Brower Power Design Team know we love blue (just like our logo!) so it’s no doubt we would have to highlight one of Emici’s beautiful blue creations. The photo to your left is the Fleur de Lis Silk Dupioni Lavendar Sachet (set of two)  in a Robin egg blue embroidered silk dupioni with light brown ribbon. Thin satin ribbon attach to your rings and a ribbon strap across the back to help the ring bearer carry the pillow. It is hand tufted with a mother of pearl button on the back. Truly gorgeous!

Tulle Accent Feathered Silk Rapture
Rose Fascinator   $95

It’s no surprise to us these exquisite creations have been featured in Modern Bride Magazine, marthastewartweddings.com, Brides Noir and numerous e-zines and blogs.

Price Point

The price point for these heirloom treasures can range from $20 to $1600 so there is something for everyone at Emici Bridal!

Ivory & Cream Silk Catala  Jeweled
Bloom Bridal Bouquet  $900

Contact Information

If you would like to view more beautiful Emici Bridal creations, visit their website at http://www.emicibridal.com/ and become a fan of their facebook and twitter page.  If have any questions please feel free to email Marie at marieconrad@emicibridal.com

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Feature Friday!  Don’t forget to join our blog so you don’t miss out on any Brower Power Feature Friday fun!  Follow us on facebook and twitter!

Have an “event”-ful weekend!!

Hugs!

Christine

ACE OF CAKE STANDS!

Heard of Follow Friday on Twitter? Well the Brower Power Team is starting a new program called “Feature Friday” where we will be featuring some of our favorite new vendors and products we’ve found along the way in our travels across the land! We’re excited to introduce you to some people you haven’t met yet, and some exciting new products out there.

Who will be the first you ask and how did we choose??? That one is an easy one!

Let me introduce to you Robert (Bob) Calabrese of Robert Edward Woodworking located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Bob is an incredibly talented woodworker who designs unique and exquisitely detailed, hand carved wedding cake and cupcake stands. Bob was chosen as our first “Feature Friday” not only because of his incredible talent, but by how we met him – over Facebook! Thanks to the power of social media, it’s another planner to vendor match made in heaven! Planners and brides alike are going to love this product for their special event!

We asked Bob how his career creating custom designed cake stands began and here is what he had to say:

“My love for woodworking started at a very young age – probably about 10 or 12. I was always making things from scrap pieces of wood from my Dad’s workshop. As I got older, my attention shifted to pencil sketching, oil painting and much later photography – particularly architectural photography. During a recent trip to Savannah, Georgia I took many photographs of all the beautiful homes in the historic district. I thought I might try and sell some of my work. One of the homes I photographed was the Mercer Williams House, in my opinion, the most beautiful home in Savannah. I sent some of my photographs to the owner and Carriage Shop manager and we developed a very good relationship. I mentioned to the Shop Manager that I do woodworking – things like very detailed birdfeeders, candle holders and planters. The Shop Manager liked my work, but didn’t think there was a market for it. She suggested I build a replica of one of the gazebos in Savannah and try to sell it as a wedding cake topper. Since this gazebo was popular for weddings, it might be of interest to wedding planners. It took me several months to build the gazebo, but once it was completed, I was totally hooked on woodworking. Building that gazebo convinced me to start a woodworking business and in 2008 Robert Edward Woodworking was born. The gazebo cake topper idea never really took off, but it lead to the cake stand concept after speaking with one of the wedding planners in Savannah.

Many, many people in the wedding and event industry that I have had the pleasure of coming into contact with over the past 2 years have been unbelievably supportive in helping me promote my work. However, there are three that I must acknowledge.

Collette Foley, owner of Collette Foley Specialty Baking in New York City put me in touch with editors of several major wedding magazines after we exchanged only a few e-mails. Her positive support and frequent advice helped me immensely as I tried to find my way into the wedding industry. Collette created an opportunity for me to build my first round stand for an Elegant Bride Magazine photo shoot.

Kerry Vincent, famed Food Network judge and cake decorator, responded to the first e-mail I sent her by asking me to call her. She said she wanted to offer me some advice on how to market my work. One day I saw Kerry on TV and only a few days later I was actually talking to her on the phone! To say I was thrilled doesn’t even come close. That was almost 2 years ago and Kerry remains unbelievably helpful. Each year I work with Kerry in designing and donating a cake stand for her Oklahoma Sugar Art Show in Tulsa. I am completely impressed with the time she has devoted to helping me and countless others. She is a gem of a person.

Nancy Kay, owner of Nancy Kay Confections in Santa Barbara, California sent me pages of advice relating to starting my business as well as advice specific to the wedding industry. After knowing NancyKay only a few weeks, she was kind enough to take the time from her very busy schedule to contact me with advice.”

What a fantastic story! Our design team loves creative people and learning how they got their start. We love Bob’s product and are happy to share it with the world. We think he is definitely the ACE OF CAKE STANDS!! The price points for his product are fantastic with Cake Stands ranging from $170 - $300 and Cupcake Display Stands ranging from $200 - $415 for 3 and 6 tier displays. Coffee table stands are also available!

If you would like to meet Bob and see his gorgeous cake stands in person, he will be showcasing at the ISES New Jersey North Chapter Cake-Off Kick-Off at Harborside Creative Catering in Jersey City on September 22nd! You can register for the event online at http://www.isesnjnorth.org/.

If you can’t make it to the event but would like more information about designs and pricing, feel free to contact Bob directly at:Robert Edward Woodworking
Phone: 201-393-0507
Cell: 201-394-4835
Fax: 201-462-0634

Follow on Facebook!http://www.robertedwardwoodworking.com/

We hope you enjoyed our first Feature Friday! So you dont miss out on any future Brower Power Feature Friday fun, join our blog or follow us on facebook and twitter!

Until then, have an “event”-ful weekend!!!

Hugs,
Christine