Kate Beck Events

It's All About Color

2011-05-02T19:46:00.000-04:00

As all of the magazines and catalogs are telling us ~ it's all about color this season! Spring has sprung with gorgeous bright and vivid hues, making pastels and paler versions of our favorites seem, well, pale in comparison. While flipping through my latest Boden catalog, I was struck by how many of their dresses would make a lovely look for your bridal party! So for all of you last minute brides, and especially those of you attending summer weddings: check out these festive frocks...

Boutique Warehouse Sale ~ Girl's Night Out: Friday 3/25 @ 7pm

2011-03-24T05:01:00.002-04:00

Well ladies, it's that time of year again: time to grab your favorite girlfriend and credit card, and shop for a good cause at the Junior League of Baltimore's Boutique Warehouse Sale! You have the lovely option of shopping with a glass of wine in hand this Friday night from 7-10pm, or going it the old fashioned way with your Starbucks in hand on Saturday 10m-5pm. Plus, it's tax season, and what better way to celebrate tax time, then by adding to next year's right offs?! Don't miss it ~ these sales never disappoint. Details below, and online at the link above.

Aisle Style ~ "Garden Chic" ~ sneak peek

2011-03-21T20:28:00.000-04:00

A few early images of our vignette design at Aisle Style, compliments of Jax Photography. Floral design graciously provided by Amy @ Crimson & Clover.

Sharon & Matt

2011-03-20T21:10:00.000-04:00

Sharon and Matt are two of the sweetest people I have ever met... and a perfectly adorable couple! Their ceremony & celebration were both held at The Peabody Library, with dinner catered by Chef's Expressions, flowers designed by Crimson & Clover, music by Absolute Entertainment and every detail captured by the super talented Jill Gately! Take a peek at a few shots of this beautiful winter wedding:

Topless & Barefoot

2011-03-20T20:43:00.001-04:00

I was lucky enough to head to the Florida Keys for a sunny spring break two weeks ago, and had the pleasure of running into Brooke {a former client of mine} at the salon for my pre-vacation pedicure. Quietly debating one of life's ongoing dilemma's: pink or darker pink; I was pleased by Brooke's suggestion to go "nude"... and chose Essie's new color: topless & barefoot for my toes. While I'm sure many of you are wondering why I am posting about something so insignificant as nail color; I had to take the opportunity to toss in my two cents on the newest option for honeymooning toes. And while most of you may not choose to get cozy on a "clothing-optional" beach - I just can't imagine a more suitable polish!

Baltimore Bride Magazine's ~ Aisle Style

2011-03-20T20:11:00.001-04:00

We were so pleased to participate in this year's Aisle Style, presented by Baltimore Bride Magazine, as a featured designer. Stay tuned for pictures of our vignette ~ inspired by our magazine photo shoot!

Baltimore Bride Photo Shoot

2011-03-20T20:08:00.001-04:00

One of four designers featured in Baltimore Bride's current issue... we are so proud to share a few pictures for those of you yet to treat yourself to a copy of the magazine! Thank you Crimson & Clover for the fabulous floral design.

Ruxton Station: Holiday Shopping tonight ~ December 16

2010-12-16T08:11:00.002-05:00

Holiday Shopping Evening at

Ruxton Station

Thursday, December 16

All Shops Open til 7pm

SHOPPING SPECIALS AT ELLIE!

30% Off 1 Item of Your Choice*

20% Off All Denim

Gift With Any Purchase Over $100

*excludes UGG & sale items*

They're Here! Stay warm with the hottest styles of the Season from UGG!

7701 Bellona Avenue

Ruxton, MD 21204

410.823.8544

ellieboutique.com

Holiday Entertaining: Option One

2010-12-16T07:49:00.000-05:00

At our last Happy Hour we featured a table design that we thought would be perfect for Thanksgiving. We created a soft palette with a neutral gray linen, and then added festive elements with silver chivari chairs, silver chargers and hammered silverware all from Select Event Rentals. But the true highlight of the table design was the centerpiece by our featured vendor Amy Epstein of Crimson & Clover. The holiday touches were in the whites, pinks and oranges and the special golden painted feathers, gold nesting and silver berries. It was perfect ~ see Alexander's images below!

KBE: Holiday Happy Hour

2010-12-16T07:29:00.000-05:00

Join us for a festive evening of Holiday cheer brought to us by one of Baltimore's best DJ's! John Paul is not only one of Absolute Entertainment's most requested DJ's, he's also the company's Vice President and Director of Operations. Stop by for a glass of sparkling, a taste from our candy bar provided by Glauber's Fine Chocolates, and to meet this music wizard.

Holiday Happy Hour: Meet the Vendor Night

featuring

John Paul Berry of Absolute Entertainment

Thursday December 16th, 5-8pm

1515 LaBelle Ave, Suite 4

Baltimore

Our Holiday Happy Hour supports Toys for Tots . We welcome you to bring along an unwrapped toy for our donation box.

United With Love & The Garter Girl

2010-12-09T09:59:00.002-05:00

We recently learned that we can add another name to our fabulous list of multi-talented women in the Baltimore/DC area! Not only is Julianne Smith the co-editor for our new favorite wedding blog United With Love, she is also the creative genius behind The Garter Girl. Now all you old-fashioned brides ~ looking for the perfect garter ~ don't have to settle for an old-fashioned adornment. And better yet, my neighbor and bride & maid retail extraordinaire Garnish Boutique will be your local Baltimore source for these hand-made beauties. I'm thinking that it might even be ok for the rest of us to hide one over tights this winter, or even over our skinny jeans Springsteen style... you decide.

Leah and Brian

2010-11-12T10:20:00.001-05:00

Leah and Brian are two of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting - and so, so, so in love. One of my most favorite parts of a wedding celebration, is listening to the toasts. Though I won't go into detail ~ I must give a nod of admiration to their courtship involving a work water cooler and more than one trip...

Their wedding celebration included beautiful blooms designed by Crimson & Clover, a first glance and shots around Fells Point, a stop for photographs and corned beef at Attmans, a gorgeous ceremony at B'Nai Israel, and a wonderfully festive reception at Pazo, featuring music by The Kurt Gibbons Band. Take a minute to look through these beautiful images captured by Susan Stripling. Their faces say it all. Congratulations Leah and Brian!

KBE Happy Hour: Meet The Vendor Night

2010-11-11T09:42:00.000-05:00

Kate Beck Events is pleased announce our next Happy Hour: Meet the Vendor Night, featuring Amy Epstein of Crimson and Clover. If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Amy, you should! She is the type of friendly, vivacious, and happy person that you just want to be around. And her floral designs are no different. Full of personality, flair, color and life; Amy's creations make you fall in love all over again with old favorites, and lust after "new-to-you" blooms. With her move from Canton to Roland Park, she welcomed more studio & retail space, as well as a new large cooler always hosting a gorgeous selection of cut flowers to satisfy any walk-in fancy. Please stop by our studio next Thursday to view festive holiday ideas, and visit with this super talented florist. Take a peek...

KBE Happy Hour: Meet the Vendor Night

featuring

Amy Epstein of Crimson & Clover Floral Design

Thursday, November 18, 2010

5:30-7:30pm

Garnish Boutique ~ Twigs & Honey

2010-11-11T09:40:00.000-05:00

We at Kate Beck Events are so excited to welcome Garnish Boutique as our new neighbor in Ruxton Station! Offering a collection that features some of the most coveted bridesmaid fashions, the boutique also dresses the bride in styles from designers that include Thread, Jenny Yoo and Siri, just to name a few. While visiting recently with boutique owner Mia Antalics, I learned that she will also soon be Maryland's hot-spot for fabulous accessories by Twigs and Honey! Take a peek...

Becket Hitch

2010-11-11T09:23:00.000-05:00

Sure to delight shoppers eager to stow away holiday gifts... or treat themselves perhaps!

Beckett Hitch: A Makers Market

a boutique pop-up shop in Baltimore

Saturday, November 13 ~ 10-3

located at Woodberry Kitchen

a few of the participating vendors...

Membership has its Privileges

2010-10-22T09:19:00.001-04:00

I was so excited to be invited to participate in a Wedding Planner Retreat at Turf Valley last weekend. What a lovely resort! It's clear why they are a top choice of wedding venues for local and regional brides. The retreat's itinerary began with a champagne brunch, ended with a hot air balloon ride, and included everything from property tours, make-overs by Symmetry, glamor shots by Joe Sachs, a 5 course wine dinner at Tersiguel's, massages and facials at the spa, and a luncheon that included a private fashion show by Simply Divine and music performed by the very talented Antares Musicians. Basically, the ladies at Turf Valley treated 12 local wedding planners as if we were brides for 30 hours! And what fun we had. However, I must admit that the most fun was getting to visit with our gracious hosts from Turf Vally and the A-list of talented and seasoned event professionals. Those in attendance included Doreen Tisone of Engaged!, Elizabeth Bailey, Jodi Moraru and Danielle Couick of Evoke, Laura Weatherly of Engaging Affairs, Terri Bergman, Jennifer Charles of Something Fabulous and Shelby Tuck-Horton of An Exquisite Event. I think it's safe to say that we all left refreshed and renewed and ready to tackle to another busy October week. "Thank you" to Turf Valley for hosting such a wonderfully informative and rejuvenating visit, and "Cheers" to my new friends: it was an honor relaxing with you!

New Studio, Inside Peek

2010-10-16T09:03:00.001-04:00

We finally unveiled our newly designed studio space on August 19th, and I'm so pleased to post a few images, compliments of Jennifer McMenamin, of our little event planning haven!

Wedding Planner as Guest

2010-10-13T16:46:00.003-04:00

My BFF tied the knot in June, and I must admit: I loved, loved, loved being a guest. While of course I also love designing, planning, coordinating, and executing wedding days for clients - it was just so much fun enjoying the celebration without a clipboard in hand! Based on my referral, Lauren hired fellow Wilmington, DE native, and multi-talented Kristen Nichols to design her invitations as well as photograph her special day. I knew Lauren would fall in love with Kristen's style and as you will see, it's easy to do. The nuptials and merriment were held at the Hotel Tabard Inn. If you haven't been there - go. The location, food and ambiance is simply perfect. And the lovely flowers were designed by the similarly multi-talented Sidra Forman. Professional note: if you are planning an intimate affair in the DC area, you must check out the aforementioned vendors. Personal note: it was a stunningly beautiful wedding, and a tremendous joy to witness. Congratulations Lar and Dre! xo, Kate

Color Inspiration: violet stone and fall

2010-10-07T07:03:00.002-04:00

When Liz and Tim booked me for their wedding this weekend at Pier V, we had two months to go, and a lot to do! With regard to design, the Harbor West Ballroom has a strong personality comprised of yellows, golds, purples, oranges and reds - not the easiest to compliment, especially with flowers. However throwing a fall wedding makes it a tad easier, and when Liz described her J. Crew bridesmaid dresses as a "violet stone" I new we were in luck. All we needed was a touch of grey, and Christine at Fleur de Lis to pull it all together! Here are a few images of our inspiration for this lovely October wedding:

photo credit: Anne Marie Photography via Style Me Pretty

KBE Happy Hour: Meet the Vendor Night

2010-10-07T06:12:00.001-04:00

Kate Beck Events is pleased to announce our next Happy Hour: Meet the Vendor Night, featuring Jennifer McMenamin Photography! If you're a bride or groom, mom or dad, "expecting", or a professional in need of a new head shot, then this next Happy Hour is for you! Stop by the studio for a bite and a cocktail, to view Jen's latest work and to meet the talent behind the lens.

Thursday October 21, 2011

5-7pm

Kate Beck Events

Ruxton Station

1515 LaBelle Ave Suite 4

Baltimore, MD 21204

Cakes Worthy of Your Inner "bridezilla"

2010-10-06T16:18:00.006-04:00

We are lucky in Baltimore to have a number of local cake bakers creating yummy tiered options for the bride and groom that taste as good as they look. We are also lucky to be so close to DC, should the bride and groom opt for even more options. However, I just learned that DC is also host to one exceptional option when it comes to edible art: a client of mine recently sent me the link to Maggie Austin's website, and I couldn't believe my eyes... just take a peek... as these sculptures are worth every penny.

Stacy & Jon

2010-08-15T11:32:00.001-04:00

Stacy and Jon are the type of endearing couple that make me absolutely love my job. They are clearly crazy about each other, were super excited about getting married and greeted the entire process with beaming smiles! Witnessing their ceremony & celebration was a joy, and I promise that you'll love taking a minute to view their slideshow of images shot by incredibly sweet and talented photographer: Maria Vicencio. Some of my favorite elements of the day included the beach glass in the bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, the fun ties purchased for the groomsmen from Etsy, centerpieces of large orange spheres of carnations, a tator tot & loaded potato skin bar (a nod to the Bride's favorites!), a spontaneous gospel-style jam session delivered by the band after the blessing, and the professional bartenders and bar service provided by long-time employer and friend, Mothers. Check it out!

update: Bridal Happy Hour

2010-08-13T17:54:00.001-04:00

Fun updates to the line-up for our Bridal Happy Hour next Thursday the 19th:

~ Elan Artists is graciously providing a Latin/Jazz trio for the evening

~ Jewels will be featuring a very neighborly discount on gorgeous Gumuchian wedding bands

~ Ellie and J. McLaughlin will be open late

Baltimore Inspired

2010-08-13T17:35:00.001-04:00

My husband and I hosted out-of-town friends last weekend who had never been to Baltimore. He took Dustin to the county for a 90 mile bike ride, and I took Rachel to the city for shopping and an afternoon glass of Vinho Verde at V-No Wine Bar. While in Fells Point we popped into Robert McClintock's gallery. I'm a huge fan, and think those visiting Charm City should definitely take a peek at his unique perspective on life around town.

Wedding paper idea ~ 1: use 5x7 prints of your favorite locales in place of traditional table numbers. They have oodles to choose from, neatly organized by neighborhood.

Wedding paper idea ~ 2: it's never too early to start planning your first anniversary gift... and paper it is. Surely if they don't have your reception location, they may have your rehearsal dinner spot, a favorite date spot, or perhaps even your engagement spot!

I mean, who wouldn't want such a cool representation of their celebration? We have Red Star in our kitchen....

Bridal Happy Hour: Stephanie Bradshaw

2010-08-03T09:26:00.005-04:00

I am thrilled to announce the first in a monthly series of Bridal Happy Hours: Meet the Vendor Nights! On August 19th from 5-8pm Kate Beck Events will be hosting Stephanie Bradshaw of Bradshaw Styling Stephanie is one of Baltimore's great stylists, as she "dresses people, parties & places", and has given me a tremendous amount of help dressing-up my new studio!

Please stop by to visit with Stephanie and learn fun new ways to add style to your celebration. Or simply enjoy a bite and a cocktail, view bridal & bridesmaid styles from Garnish Boutique and shop beautiful jewelry trends from Stella & Dot. We look forward to seeing you!

Kate Beck Events

Bridal Happy Hour

August 19, 5-8pm

featuring

Petal and Print

2010-08-03T08:58:00.001-04:00

I am so excited that I will soon have my very own fabric flower bouquet for my new studio space, from local talent Katie Kutil of Petal and Print. I must admit that I gained a particular fondness for her fabric flowers after she so generously gifted my baby girl an embellished dress at my baby shower last year...

But what a great way to add a unique look to your wedding day! Below are a few of my favorite images from her website:

photo credits to: Emily Fuselier and Katie Kutil

Rachael & Scott

2010-07-26T13:17:00.004-04:00

Rachael (bride) and Loxley (mother-of-bride) were definitely two of my favorite clients. While Scott (groom) was the epitome of the helpful & supportive fiance, participating in much of the planning, I worked most closely with the mother-daughter duo. They were quite a team! We had such a great time working together over the course of a year or so, and what a beautiful wedding it was...

Below are a few images from their photographer: Dennis Drenner's blog. Dennis is a dream to work with and terrific at making the happy couple feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. The wedding ceremony was held at St. David's Church in Roland Park, with the reception immediately following at The Evergreen House. The beautiful flowers including lilac and peony were designed by Shawn at The Floral Studio, and the guests were treated to a delicious southern themed dinner catered by Lynn Piette at Classic Catering. Such a fun night!

More images to come...

Random Act of Kindness

2010-07-25T10:09:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of working with Kimberly Brooke and Kathy Freundel at Sharon & Mike's wedding in June - and what a pleasure it was! They are two fabulous women and fabulous photographers.

That evening, Kim and Kathy were horrified by my choice of footware (flat sandels without any support) and then proceeded to rave about fitflops! Realizing that I was completely out of the loop on what was being described as the latest miracle cure for foot pain and sculpting the derriere, Kathy was kind enough to let me slip my feet into her pair. It was love. After wearing them for a few minutes, I happily returned them exclaiming that I would own my own pair before my next wedding.

Random act of kindness: the following week, I opened my inbox to find an email waiting for me from Kathy. She had in fact treated me to a pair, and they were already in the mail! I was overjoyed, and completely overwhelmed by her generosity. It was a gift to be the recipient of such kindness, and was an inspiration to pay it forward.

KBE just made a contribution and applied to be a wish granter with Wish Upon a Wedding

Practice a random act of kindness. I'd love to hear your ideas & updates!

Consultation, Crimson & Clover, and Cocktails

2010-07-22T13:25:00.002-04:00

I have an initial consultation this evening in my office, and then heading over to Crimson & Clover for a Summer Jewelry Showcase! Can't wait!

Engagement Shots at the State Fair

2010-07-22T09:12:00.011-04:00

While I'm anxiously waiting to see the images of Stacy & Jon's wedding at AVAM, from the very talented and super nice wife-husband photography team led by Maria Vicencio, I thought I would post about the bride & groom's cute idea to have their engagement session shot at the State Fair! Stacy and Jon told me that they picked the fair as their destination with high hopes that it would help them relax, laugh and reduce their fear of the spotlight! So with September right around the corner, my advice is for all of you camera shy couples out there to grab your favorite photographer and head for the ferris wheel!

New Studio, New Blog

2010-07-21T23:35:00.004-04:00

So, the website is updated and the blog is live - hooray!

Kate Beck Events is super pleased to finally announce it's new home in Ruxton Station. It's perfect, and such a lovely space to set-up shop. I must thank the talents who helped me get to this fun place in time: Rachelle and Katie @ Chelle Paperie for helping create my "brand", Christine @ Darling Design for designing my website, Ben @ Make Things Studio for updating my site & adding my blog, and Shawn @ The Floral Studio for giving KBE its first home and adding such beauty to the weddings of so many clients. And finally, a thank you to Stephanie Bradshaw of Bradshaw Styling for helping me fashion the "lovely" in my new studio. Take a peek at the fun changes on her facebook page... it has a long way to go, but it's getting there! A bit of inspiration:

Stay tuned for our grand opening ~ open house coming soon...

credits: (1) Meg Perotti from Style Me Pretty, (2-3) Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic, (4) Thom Jesse