Strawberry Milk: a blog for fabulously fashioned fetes.: The Knot Market Party

Monday, March 21, 2011

The Knot Market Party - Baltimore

The Knot magazine hosts an annual bash to treat existing advertisers and entice potential new ones. Attendees range from event planners and photographers to floral designers, caterers and entertainers. For those of you who might not have guessed, this can be a pretty challenging audience to impress. This year, I had the honor of planning this great event and needless to say, it was both nerve wracking and exciting to plan an event for some of Baltimore + DC's top industry professionals. This year, the event took place at The Engineer's Club - a gorgeous venue in Mt. Vernon that presented it's own set of unique challenges. We decided to use all four fabulous spaces on the first level, which meant coming up with a design and purpose for each room. The rooms are all rather large, so it made sense to only have people occupy one or two rooms at a time. Soon, the idea of a progressive evening was born, and incorporating the four seasons to reflect the different personalities of the four different spaces. A statuesque model in each room modeled gorgeous seasonal attire provided by Love Couture Bridal. Each model held a sign that let guests know which room they were in. Seasonal sips and bites were served in each room (courtesy of MK Catering) to match the ambience. Please enjoy all the lovely pictures by David Hartcorn Photography!

{a copy of the program by Little Bit Heart}

As guests valeted at the mansion, handsome gentlemen clad in sharp suits were on hand escorting ladies inside to check in - only identifiable by their boutonniere's "Mr. Right" and "Mr. GQ."

The first room (Spring in Versailles) welcomed guests with a signature cocktail, Spring Fling. Before pictures were snapped in front of The Knot's step and repeat, complete with blue carpet runway ladies had a chance to get dolled up with a finishing touch at the "Lips + Lashes Beauty Bar." A cake gallery courtesy of Charm City Cakes was on display atop a plexi video bar that was showing the film 'Marie Antoinette' - let them eat cake! DJ Jaime of E2 Events was spinning cool tunes a la Amy Winehouse in a hip white tufted leather DJ booth. White leather lounge seating, LED cocktail tables, crystal lamps and ghost chairs set the scene. One of my favorite hors d'ouevres was passed - dried apricots with a goat cheese mousse filling and crushed pistachios.

{Charm City Cakes gallery atop Da Vinci's plexi video bar}

{Amie Decker applying lashes at the Beauty Bar}

{Jaime of E2 Events in our hip DJ booth; iphone shot}

{Spring Model in a gorgeous mermaid rosette gown from Love Couture Bridal}

To find your picture in front of our step + repeat, please follow the link: http://abbyjiu.com.instaproofs.com/enterEvent.php?id=344688

As guests progressed to the second room, Summer in the City, the vibe changed to a chic rooftop terrace scene. We brought the outdoors inside with faux topiaries and orange trees. The classic film "To Catch a Thief" was projected on the back wall, providing stunning views of vintage French Riviera, and of course Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. The space was completely tranformed with lighting and hanging chandeliers. Big hits in this room were the handwriting analyst, crystal sangria bar and saladtini station.

{Beautiful hors d'oeuvres display by MK Catering}

{Regal gold lounge furniture + video cocktail table provided by Da Vinci}

{Topiaries, orange trees + boxwoods provided by Strawberry Milk Events}

{Adorable food signage by Little Bit Heart}

{Chef mixing a Saladtini for a guest - shaken, not stirred; iphone shot}

{A focal point created in the middle of the room with chandeliers + an elevated plexi table}

{Crystal Sangria Bar}

{Summer model wearing a short, vintage inspired dress from Love Couture Bridal; iphone shot}

{The amazingly realistic magazine cake by Charm City Cakes, of course!}

Our featured presentation occurred in the third room, Autumn takes Stage. Blue Sky 5, a six pc. vintage jazz band was front and center. Cabaret style seating allowed guests to relax, chat and enjoy the band. Da Vinci, who provided all of the amazing florals, specialty furniture and lighting also custom made these black crystal lamps just for the event, per my request. Aren't they amazing?!

{Fall model wearing a vintage inspired, embellished sheath from Love Couture Bridal}

{Vintage jazz by Blue Sky 5}

{Carpaccio + Guinness - mini hors d'oeuvres pairing}

{Talented ladies: Carla David Design + Abby Jiu Photography}

As guests exited they hopped in the Shutterbooth for some fun snapshots complete with props. On the way out, guests passed through 'Winter in the Library' where they could pick up mini desserts and some signature swag, courtesy of The Knot.

{Mini dessert display by MK Catering, Florals by Da Vinci}

Winter made her way to Spring for a full length shot of that gorgeous gown!
{Gown from Love Couture Bridal}

A HUGE thank you to all of our great vendors who participated, my wonderful staff, as well as Susana Diharce from The Knot for pulling off a truly extraordinary event!