Get Golfing as a Group this Summer! May 21, 2012

It’s that time of year again when the sun is peaking out, temperatures are creeping higher and we’re all looking forward to the occasional afternoon (day, or days!) off to enjoy our favorite warm-weather destinations and activities.  In many corporate settings, a great round of golf can be just what the doctor ordered to solidify new relationships or to rekindle ones from our past, as well as to encourage teamwork and camaraderie within teams from the office.  This week, we’re highlighting some great courses in the tri-state region that also offer some fabulous amenities for your group, such as meeting space or fine dining.  Whatever your needs, Hello Productions’ team is skilled at organizing golf outings, retreats and events of all sizes, so don’t hesitate to contact us with your company’s event request today!

 

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

1001 LaFayette Dr., Farmington, PA 15437

Phone: 724-329-8555

 
In Western Pennsylvania, one would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful, luxurious or versatile golf and meeting destination than at Nemacolin Woodlands.  Nemacolin is a family and luxury vacation destination situated on 3,000 wooded acres in the Laurel Highlands, perfect for a one-day meeting and outing or a weekend full of great events. Located just seventy miles southeast of Pittsburgh, Nemacolin is consistently recognized in the travel and hospitality industry for its superior service, championship golf courses, internationally acclaimed Woodlands Spa, fine dining and as a meeting destination. Accommodations range from their AAA Five Diamond Falling Rock hotel to comfortable townhomes for entire families. With activities galore, there is something for everyone at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, no matter your age!

 

Longaberger Golf Club

One Long Drive, Nashport, OH 43830

Phone: 740-763-1100

 
As one of America’s Top 100 Public Golf Courses You Can Play, and ranked #1 in the the state of Ohio by Golf Week, you really can’t go wrong choosing Longaberger for your next outing.  The course was designed by Arthur Hills in 1999, and is defined by panoramic views, rolling hills and “immaculate playing conditions.”  It was also the first public course in Ohio to achieve certification by the Audobon International Signature Program, and is a Certified Signature Sanctuary as of April 2001.  The fine golf course is complimented by an extraordinary clubhouse with numerous amenities to accommodate your event. They also feature full-service banquet facilities and meeting packages.  Treat your golfers to a first class, fun and enjoyable golf experience at – one that will likely not be matched and that they will surely remember for years to come.

 
The Resort at Glade Springs

255 Resort Drive

Daniels, WV 25832

 
If outstanding service and superior resort meeting space are on your criteria list for selecting a conference center resort, West Virginia’s Resort at Glade Springs is your best choice for meetings, conferences, incentive trips and golf retreats.  The Resort at Glade Springs offers an all-in-one one destination that is easily accessible, has infinite possibilities for conference setups, and caters to the specialized needs of groups. Your first meeting at The Resort will become a tradition of meeting excellence, repeated again and again.  Their three championship golf courses – the Cobb Course, the Stonehaven Course, and the Woodhaven Course – are among the best in the state and offer some great challenges for players of all skill levels. The manicured golf courses of Glade Springs have been visited by numerous golfing greats over the years, and a number of tournaments, including the West Virginia Open, the NCAA National Championships, and the U.S. Open qualifier, have been hosted on these greens as well. New to Glade Springs are the qualifying rounds for The Greenbrier Classic, a PGA TOUR and FedEx Cup event to be held at Glade’s sister resort The Greenbrier for the foreseeable future.  Check us out today!

 
~Lindsey Bradley, lindseyb@helloproductions.com

Best of: Baby Showers April 24, 2012

‘Tis the season for showers of all kinds, and of course, this means countless days spent pondering the perfect theme, favors, cakes, games and details that will make the day special.  While bridal showers are no doubt fun and exciting to plan, baby showers can be just as exciting but even more difficult to organize.  What follows are some great ideas that we hope you will impart at your next shower!

 

Themes

• Sweet Pea: There are countless ways to weave this theme throughout your shower, most appropriate for a little girl’s arrival!  Fill up vases half-way with green peas, then top off with bright gerbera daisies for a sweet touch to your centerpieces and use “Pea in the Pod” mini soaps as favors for each guest.
• Cowgirl/Cowboy:  Add a little whimsy to your gathering with burlap accents, hanging hats, mason jars for drinks or centerpieces, serve fresh-squeezed lemonade and tea, and lean chalkboard signs on the food station denoting where the “Grub” will be served.
• Hollywood: Think the new girl or boy is bound for stardom?  Give your guests and the lady-of-the-hour the star treatment with “paparazzi” as they enter the venue (the men of the family and friends are great!), feather boas tied to each guest chair, cinema reels and Oscar cookies for favors!
• Parisian Bebe: Celebrate the romance of this glorious city!   Hang or prop up parasols in sophisticated shades like pale pink, blue and black and serve a bounty of French patisserie for dessert.  Stage a Parisian backdrop for pictures where each guest can take their turn with props like a beret, scarf, and parasol for their own memorable keepsakes of the day.

Decor

• Make an easy garland out of onesies (0-12 months) and hang with string or ribbon (doubles as a great gift for the new Mom-to-be)
• Add gingham touches to napkins, placemats or tablecloths and use burlap to line food baskets or use as table runners at your Western-themed shower
• Go Hollywood glam and make centerpieces using tall glass vases, long feathers, sparkling stones and pewter candlesticks on top of glitzy tablecloths, and use cinema-themed place cards at each guest’s seat
• Make it bedtime with pillows, soft baby blankets, framed pictures of sleeping babies and baby books set up in various places in the room (consider asking each guest to bring a book to add to baby’s collection!)

Games

• Baby’s Face: Is your baby bound to get Mommy’s petite nose or Daddy’s hazel eyes?  Blonde or brown hair?  Hand out a variety of large pictures of Mom and Dad’s faces to each table (or person, depending on the size of the shower) and have guests cut out the features they think baby will end up with and piece them together on colorful construction paper with glue sticks.  The pictures can be displayed and everyone can vote for their favorites, with the winner receiving a small treat.
• Book of Advice: Beginning with the mother of the Mom-to-Be (or another significant woman in her life), write down your most trusted words of advice, encouragement and even funny parenting stories in a small, decorative book for the new parents-to-be.  Pass the book around throughout the shower and present it to the MTB at the end of the event.  This is a great gift that the new Mommy can then begin to write her own story in for months and years to come.
• Celeb Babies: To complement a Hollywood theme, consider a fun quiz about everyone’s most loved (or those we love to hate!) celebrity offspring.  Think “Brangelina,” “Tomcat,” and Beyonce & Jay-Z (Blue Ivy, anyone?) as the beginning of a humorous game that all can enjoy no matter how much they follow the gossip column.
• Designer’s Studio: Let your guests put on their creative caps by setting up a Design Studio table at your shower.  Purchase non-patterned bibs, onesies and socks as your canvas, and provide non-toxic fabric paints and markers, stencils, iron-on letters or decals (remember to bring the iron!), and let your guests go to work creating fun, memorable pieces of original art for the new baby.
• Words of Love: As most parents know, the first few weeks after a new baby is born can be hectic, exhausting and will test any person’s emotional fortitude.  Why not set up a way for the new parents to be encouraged each week after the baby is born (up and through the number of guests you have?)  Provide a pre-numbered note card to each guest at their place when they arrive, and ask them to write a brief note of support corresponding with the week they’ve been given.  The host/hostess can send out the card to the new parents during the week corresponding to the number on the cards for weeks of welcome love and encouragement.

Favors

• Hand out mini Sweet Pea hand sanitizers (something every Mom needs lots of!) with a little note of thanks tied with ribbon around the neck
• Tie sheriff’s badges to the neck of mason jars filled with candy, cookie mix or your favorite bath salts to say “thanks”
• Oscar cookies can be made and pre-packaged in cellophane for each guest’s enjoyment (…and the award goes to…)
• Customized swag bags with Mom’s favorite things (lip gloss, hand lotion, chocolates and bubble bath)

 

Need help organizing your next shower?  Contact Lindsey today at lindseyb@helloproductions.com!

Advice, Trends, and Even Tips to Save Money on Invitations from Jody Stein of CREATE Studio April 16, 2012

An invitation is often the first impression your guests have of your wedding, fundraiser, event, etc. so it’s important to make that first impression one that lasts!

 

For fabulous invitations (and first impressions), we turned to Jody Stein, owner of CREATE Studio. Jody creates custom designed invitations and coordinating collateral for all types of events. We had the opportunity to talk to her about her business, designing for brides on a budget, and new invitation trends to watch for.

 

Q. Tell us about yourself and your business.

A. I was born to create. My mother knew I would grow up to be an artist when she found me making clothes for Barbie when I was 3. She was positive when I painted my Dad’s car to look like the Beatles Yellow Submarine! I eventually created my way through childhood and college; graduating with a BFA from Washington University. My creative career was launched art directing print and television commercials for major brands in New York and Chicago. Marriage brought me to Pittsburgh which led to the creation of CREATE Studio. Now, I collaborate with exciting event planners and with clients planning one of the biggest, most important events of their lives. So many ideas! So many decisions! Coming up with jaw dropping, WOW! creative solutions that bring their vision to life is my niche. I love to create traditional invitations, also traditional with a twist, or, completely out of the box. No pun intended! It all depends on their sweet dreams!

 
 

Q. How far in advance do you recommend sending invitations? Is there such a thing as sending invitations too early?

A. Most people have jam-packed calendars so my advice is to shout out the date of a big event early with a creative, fun, Save the Date. This is the very best way to never be too early or too late, to build anticipation, and to informally set the tone for the formal invitation to come. For a destination or event with a large out-of-town guest list, mail the Save the Date as soon as possible. If the guest list is made up of mostly in-town guests, at least 6 months out. Once the Save the Date has been mailed, plan to mail the formal invitation no later than 8 to 10 weeks before the event. For weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s or large parties, a website devoted to the big day is a great way to keep guests posted as the event unfolds in-between mailings.

 

Q. Do your clients typically create custom designs or choose from a design book?

A. Whether or not a client wants a one-of-a-kind custom invitation suite, or falls in love with a standard design from one of our books, we sit down to discuss all of the ideas swirling around in their head. Then we decide how to best organize these thoughts to create their own perfect invitation. It’s funny because a standard design almost always ends up being customized with individual choices of colors, fonts and paper selections. I usually suggest adding little unique details that make an invitation their very own. For custom, one-of-a-kind invitations, I create mood boards as a visual reference for the entire event. It includes a color palette, paper selections, photographs of flowers, and if apropos, bridesmaid dresses, swatches of linens and trims, and images of the venue. This way, when we meet, we can clearly see how every element at the event will coordinate and tweak it to perfection. These boards become invaluable tools when trying to make decisions and are great for planning ahead for the “day of” materials; programs, escort cards, menus, table numbers, gifts, and even projections on the walls and dance floor.

 

Q. Any advice for clients and brides on a budget?

A. Everyone has a budget whether it is on the low side of the production spectrum or the high. Being on a budget does not mean we can’t create one of the most beautiful invitation suites ever. It is my job to create a “winner” at many different price points. This is one of my strongest fortes. What matters is how the design and materials work together to tell the story. I take time to resource the right materials that will work for each individual budget in order to make each clients dream a reality.

 

Here are a few cost saving tips:
- Choose a rectangular shape instead of square. Square invitations cost more to mail.
- Do not include a lot of extra layers. Multiple layers increase labor and weight.
- Consider digital printing instead of raised or offset. This is a huge cost saver. With today’s high-end digital printers, digital printing can look as nice and vibrant as offset printing.
- Include a coordinating accommodation and event information insert. This saves costs on a second mailing, not to mention your time answering questions by phone or emails.
- A new cost saver is to have guests respond by email, or to an event website. This does away with printing a reply card and envelope, and the cost of its return postage.

 

Q. Are there any new invitation trends on the horizon?

A. There is no end to new trends. With the internet, finding clever options are endless. I literally look all over the country and the world for interesting trends. Invitations can be etched into wood, Plexiglas and metal. Sending invitations in custom, fabric covered boxes has become very popular. Many clients are asking for custom logos to “brand” every detail of their special day. Logos are usually introduced on the Save the Date, become an integral part of the invitation, then appear later on programs, menus, escort cards, projections, dance floors, gift tags, and on custom stamps. Finding ways to repurpose and combine different materials is a big trend. For example, I just won a LOUIE award, “Best Bar Mitzvah Invitation Design”, from the Greeting Card Association for repurposing a large wooden initial letter “A” block on the front of the invitation. Mirroring fashion trends, bold patterns and pop colors are huge right now.

 

Q. Anything else you want us to share with our readers?

A. It is always important to figure out your event budget before we get started. This way, I can do the best job resourcing materials to present the best, unique concepts at the best price. Don’t be afraid to shoot for the stars. It is my job to figure out how to get the job done.

 

Q. What’s CREATE Studio up to now?

A. I just won a LOUIE Award for Best Bar Mitzvah Invitation Design. I just finished designing two special event invitations for Bethlehem Haven and Pittsburgh Opera which included the invitation, eblasts, posters and programs. And, I am currently working on a party being held in Paris, and a bunch of lovely weddings.

 

Interested in custom designed invitations from Jody Stein? Visit her website: createstudioinvites.com for more information.

 

Or let Hello Productions help you set up a meeting with Jody. Call us at 412-298-7333 and let us handle the details.

What is the Hello Productions staff excited about for the Summer of 2012? April 10, 2012

We typically like to write posts for our readers that give you great tips, offer helpful advice or just get you excited about planning the perfect event. So, we thought we’d let you know what we’re anxiously anticipating in our summer months this year to allow you, our readers, to look through the window at some of the great women behind the fabulous events at Hello Productions. Enjoy!

 

Ashley Moss, Owner and Event Director:

I’m looking forward to the beautiful, warm summer weather, and of course, I always look forward to my time on Conneaut Lake with my family.

 

Hello is busy with many exciting projects for 2012, and we welcome the professional challenges that await us this year!

 
 
 

Lindsey Bradley, Corporate & Private Event Coordinator:

Has anyone else been feeling like the past year has flown by, or is this just what happens when you get older? I have so much to be thankful for this year, and have a whole lot to look forward to. I’m anticipating the culmination of some of the exciting corporate events and fabulous weddings we have been planning in the next few months, my first since starting with Hello Productions in January. My husband and I are also super excited about the arrival of our daughter this summer, a wonderful addition to our lives and a welcome change for our family (watch for my baby shower-themed blog coming soon!)

 

Although no big vacations are planned this year, I am looking forward to those beautiful summer days & nights filled with swimming, cookouts, Pirates games, trips to our family farm and the outdoor concerts that only make an appearance in the summertime here in western PA.

 

As for the Fall, we have a lot of hard work ahead of us not only on some new, exciting events, but on some of the annual events that have helped to put Hello Productions on the map. The next 8.5 months are filled with many exciting milestones for me, both personally and professionally, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

 

Kelsey Clayton, Assistant Event Coordinator:

Doesn’t it seem like swimsuits are in the stores earlier and earlier every year? I had barely retired my Ugg boots when the 2012 swimsuits made their appearance. I’m hoping our warm spring is a sign of many sunny days to come!

 

In addition to working for Hello Productions, I am an Event Manager at Seven Oaks Country Club and this summer, I feel fortunate to be a part of so many events and weddings being held at the club.

 

But it’s not all work … house-hunting with my husband, celebrating our one-year anniversary, working in our garden and cookouts with friends are just a few of the things we have planned.

 

Doing something fun this summer? We want to know about it! Tell us what you have planned for the summer in the comments below.

Fun Retreat Ideas for 2012 March 26, 2012

Is your company planning a retreat this year? Stuck on ideas to make it memorable and special for your company’s valued employees? Then it’s your lucky day! We’ve gathered some information on great venues and activities in the tri-state area that just might be what you’re looking for in 2012. As always, Hello Productions loves to plan retreats and company meetings, and we would be happy to help you build on any of these or other ideas for your next event!

 

Seven Oaks Country Club

Brighton Township, PA 15009

www.sevenoakscc.com

 

Seven Oaks is a beautiful, private country club situated in Brighton Township, PA, with numerous amenities and options for your next corporate outing or retreat. They pride themselves on putting forth the same professional service to meetings and banquets that they do to individual members, outing attendees and brides. By making this a one-stop shop for your retreat in terms of hosting a golf team-building activity, meetings, catering and of course, the scenery that will take you away from it all within a short drive from the city, it’s a great option for your next corporate event.

 

While you’re in Beaver County, why not consider kicking off your retreat weekend with a private group tour and cocktail reception at the beautiful and historic Merrick Art Gallery? Or, if you’re looking for more action, perhaps a trip to the Darlington Polo Club to watch an exciting a match and enjoy a tailgate under the lights might be what you’re looking for?

 
 
 
 

Glenmoor Country Club

Canton, Ohio 44718

www.glenmoorcc.com

 

Glenmoor Country Club, voted “Best Retreat Location in Ohio” by the readers of Inside Business Magazine, is home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, an 18 Hole Championship design that combines challenge and beauty in perfect harmony. They also have a State of the Art Practice Facility including a driving range, target greens, putting greens & chipping green. Glenmoor CC caters to all of your golf events and planning needs at an exceptional value, and can also house your guests at The Bertram Inn on site. Glenmoor also offers such amenities as a full European Spa for those attendees who don’t or would prefer not to golf. With a wide variety of pre-packaged retreats available, as well as the option to create your own unique company event, Glenmoor provides all of the tools at a reasonable price needed for a fantastic event.

 

 

While staying at Glenmoor, consider a day trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame to see and experience all the history and excitement of the game! Once you come back to the Country Club hungry, consider having a private cooking demonstration and dinner provided by their Executive Chef in the Black Heath dining room.

 

Stonewall Resort

Roanoke, WV

www.stonewallresort.com

 

The Stonewall Resort, a Four Diamond-rated property nestled distinctly in the mountains of West Virginia, features 208-guestrooms with a lakeside lodge and lakeside cottages, a conference center, restaurants, complete fitness center and swimming pool, spa and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. With approximately 15,000 square feet of IACC approved conference space and exceptional outdoor venues, the resort can host corporate events with ease. There are no shortage of team-building opportunities available at this mountain oasis, including indulging at the Mtn. Laurel Spa, Guided Segway/Hiking/Biking Tours, Lake and Fishing activities, the Little Sorrel Lake Cruise, as well as the aforementioned Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course- and this is just to name a few!

 

The available activities in the vicinity of the Resort are endless! How about a crazy but educational dose of fun when your group visits the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, featured on the Sci-Fi Channel’s “Ghost Hunters,” in Weston? Both late-night Paranormal tours as well as Historic Tours (including a tour of All 4 Floors+Medical Center, Civil War Tour or Photography Tour) are offered throughout the week. For something a little more tranquil and, dare we say “sanity-promoting,” consider heading to Lamberts’ Winery for a vineyard tour, tasting and pairing class after a day of workshops.

 

The Barn At Fallingwater

Laurel Highlands, PA

www.fallingwater.org/49/about-the-barn-at-fallingwater

 

 

Whether hosting a one day or a multi-day conference or retreat, The Barn at Fallingwater is a unique site that will allow you to create the ideal event for your business or organization. The Barn itself is a converted historic Pennsylvania bank barn, located about 500 yards north of Fallingwater at the entrance to the Bear Run Nature Reserve. By combining or using their distinct settings individually, you can create a memorable group retreat. The Barn has all the modern amenities you might need for group training and teambuilding exercises, all the while taking you out of the hustle and bustle of the city within a short drive. The proximity to Fallingwater allows you to create the perfect ending to your conference – take an interesting tour of the house followed by a social hour complete with music, catering and lush scenery on the bridge.

 

Of course, The Barn at Fallingwater offers you the unique opportunity to walk to the fantastic gem that is Fallingwater, built by Frank Lloyd Wright between 1936-1939. In-Depth tours are available for groups, offering you an inside look into the design, architecture and story of the home and its surrounding grounds, as well as non-guided tour opportunities to take in the beautiful, natural scenery that is part of the property. Why not consider a group scavenger hunt while you’re on the trail? To really get your group’s hearts racing, look no further than the whitewater rafting trips offered by Laurel Highlands River Tours? Not quite ready for the Class III experience? Tamer all-day teambuilding can be had with their fun Kayak and Canoe Instructional Courses, complete with lunch for the whole group at a reasonable price.

 

 

Keep in mind that your company’s retreat should be designed to accomplish certain but small corporate objectives, while keeping true to the real idea of a “retreat” (defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as A. a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director, and B. an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable.) We all need and deserve a break from the daily pressures of our work lives, and a corporate or group retreat should be designed to offer that to your attendees, as well as to provide you with a forum to motivate and rejuvenate your team in a non-work environment. Have a great time “retreating” in 2012!

 

For help with or for more ideas on creating the ideal retreat, please contact Lindsey at lindseyb@helloproductions.com today!

Last Minute St. Patrick’s Day Party Ideas from Hello Productions March 12, 2012

Looking to throw together a fabulous last minute St. Patrick’s Day party? Here are some tips and tricks from Hello Production’s event planners!

 

Before you start with the shamrocks and green food coloring, let’s find out exactly who St. Patrick is …

 

Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. While we think of gold coins and shamrocks, Saint Patrick is probably most known for driving snakes out of Ireland. While there are no snakes in Ireland today, many believe the snake was more a symbol for driving out pagan practices at the time, not the actually reptile.

 

So how did we get from Saint Patrick and snakes to green beer and luck? Thanks to the home country of Saint Patrick, the holiday is now closely associated with anything Irish: green and gold, shamrocks and good luck.

 

Some theories suggest Saint Patrick died on March 17, which is why the holiday is celebrated that day each year. Saint Patrick’s Day may have started as a religious holiday in Ireland, but today it is recognized throughout the world.

 

Now let’s get to the fun part …

 

Whether you’re having a few friends over for a casual get together or want to have an Irish-themed dinner, make the day all about the details.

 

Pick up a bottle of green food coloring and go to town! Add one-two drops to a fun Irish Beer or a several drops to a homemade punch. If you’re planning on baking something with green food coloring, stop by a specialty cooking or craft store for gel food coloring (such as Wilton’s Icing Color). Gel allows you to easily control how much you’re using and produces a richer color. If you’re not feeling up to baking, place an order for delicious cupcakes at one of the Dozen Cupcake locations (dozenbakeshop.com).

 

For the main course, plan on having traditional Irish dishes such as Irish Soda Bread, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Stew or Shepard’s Pie. Have Irish Whisky or Crème de menthe for (adult only!) after-dinner drinks. We love these Emerald Eggs as an easy appetizer from the Food Network Kitchens.

 

While there are some beautiful green flowers and plants available this time of year, if you’re looking for an easy and low cost centerpiece ideas why not get a bag of green apples and several bunches of green grapes? Pile them up in a glass bowl or stack them on a cake stand. A few gold springs from a craft store will add an eye-catching sparkle. Not only can you pull it together at the last minute, but it’s edible once the evening is over!

 

To set the mood with some Irish tunes, iTunes has you more than covered with groups such as The Chieftains, The Irish Rovers, the Irish Tenors and The Corrs.

 

A few more ideas …

 

Have kids to entertain at your party? Most party stores have gold-wrapped chocolate coins right now. Pick up a few bags and hide them around the space. Have the kids (either individually or in teams) try to find all the “gold”.

 

Having a girls’ night? Add a drop of green food coloring to your favorite white wine and rent one of these “Irish” movies (think: Far and Away (1992), Once (2006) and Leap Year (2010)).

 

Have fun because on Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!

 

Want help planning your St. Patrick’s Day party? Call us at (412) 298-7333 or visit www.helloproductions.com.

Favorite Wear-Again Bridesmaid’s Dresses for 2012 March 6, 2012

If you’ve been to or in a wedding in the last few years, you’ve likely seen a wonderful shift in the availability and range of styles now available for bridesmaids of all shapes, styles and tastes. Long or short, formal or not, uptown or down on the farm, gone are the days of the puffed-sleeve and one-size-fits-most styles of the past- whew! Here are some of our favorites for 2012 that you or your bridesmaids can wear long after the lights dim on the wedding day:

 

Right: Style 508 by Alfred Angelo $$. Left: Alvina Valenta Style 9246 with Tulle and Chantilly Lace $$$.

This Alfred Angelo cocktail-style dress is so unique, and would really stand out on your maid of honor. Perfect for a Spring or early Summer wedding, this dress would also translate beautifully into something you could wear to a social affair or even as a guest at another wedding! It is so stunning with the ruffled left shoulder. The Alvina Valenta dress is so classy, and definitely suited for the fashion-conscious bridesmaid. This style would be beautiful on a variety of body types, and would give your bridesmaids the option to pick out shoes with a pop of color associated with your wedding to really give the look its “wow” factor.

 

Jim Hjelm Occasions Style 5207 in Silk Taffeta (call for pricing)

 
 
 
 

I love this Jim Hjelm dress for its simplicity, as well as its wearability- and who wouldn’t love the surprise of the open back as she walks down the aisle? It comes in a variety of colors with contrasting ribbons at the waist to complement a wide variety of color stories. Your bridesmaids would be dressed with modesty, but not without style in this dress, and they could wear this again and again through the Summer and even Fall months with a dressy cardigan or wrap.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Right: J. Crew Arabelle in Silk Chiffon $$$. Left: Floor-length, One-Shoulder Dress by TB Dress $.

I love the versatility of the J. Crew Arabelle dress. There are numerous colors available, and this dress could easily be personalized with a sash or festive pin to make it unique to each bridesmaid. The ease-of-wear of this type of dress is also a major bonus! This dress would also be perfect for a late Summer dinner and theater date, ending with long stroll hand-in-hand with your sweetheart. The TB Dress one-shoulder style is elegant and classy, with a touch of architectural flair with the front draping. It is also available in a variety of colors, and with the beautiful beading on the shoulder, would allow your bridesmaids to wear a simple pair of sparkling studs to complement the overall effect. This dress would be lovely for your next charity gala or company’s holiday soiree!

 

Right: David's Bridal Satin, One-Shoulder Ruched Waist Style 84333 $. Left: David's Bridal Spaghetti Strap Chiffon Style 83961 $.

 
 
 

Both of these David’s Bridal dresses are sophisticated yet playful, perfect to complement any wedding theme. They are both available in a myriad of colors, and would be easy to wear out on a great date or even to an office party. The one-shoulder, ruched waist design is a beautiful silhouette on most body types, and could be paired with long, flowing waves or a sassy updo. The spaghetti strap dress offers your bridesmaids the option of wearing a long, sparkling necklace or shoulder-swooping earrings to complement her personal style. With a jacket, the chiffon dress could go from uptown office to evening drinks in a snap. The satin style could easily be Fall or even Winter-ready with a long wrap and patterned hose. I love how both are so easy to wear again! Yes!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

If you’re picking out your bridesmaids dresses for them, keep their individual body shapes, personal style and your wedding theme in mind at all times. No one dress usually fits every girl! If you’re torn, allowing them to choose similar dresses with differing necklines or dress shapes (A-Line vs. figure-hugging cocktail) may be a great option. If you want everyone to have the same dress, it’s a great idea to let each girl pick out her own shoes, hairstyle or sash to give them some individual style while not detracting from the main attraction- the bride!

 

If you’re the bridesmaid, I hope that we’ve given you some good ideas and a starting place for your journey on the bridal party train of your friend or loved one. There’s no reason that you should be uncomfortable in a dress or maxing out your credit cards just to be a part of the big day- never to wear “that dress” again! If you or the bride have any questions or would love to have some help and guidance planning The Big Day, please contact Lindsey at Hello Productions today at lindseyb@helloproductions.com.

Kick Off Your Annual Meeting in Style! February 27, 2012

It’s that time of year again when we’re gearing up to help our clients plan their annual meetings – expertly balancing engaging content, superior venues and high-quality, exciting entertainment for the attendees. As our clients are realizing more and more the value in providing not only a great meeting, full of important content for their employees, but also in providing them with an experience that will help to energize them through the next year and beyond, it is becoming imperative that we find the most creative, cost-effective and fresh entertainment and outing ideas possible to include as part of the overall concept.

 

So as you look to find that delicate balance of fresh entertainment with HR-friendly material, what kinds of options do you have? Try the following on for size:

 

Lee Terbosic - Professional Comedy Magician

Treasure Hunt: Get everyone bonding and learning all about the city the meeting is being held in with a distinctive treasure hunt…the winning team could be recognized at the opening dinner.

 

Lunch Cruise: If you live near the water, provide your staff with a fabulous cruise including lunch, musical acts and networking activities…consider adding a private wine or beer tasting by a local winery or brewery to the itinerary if this fits within your budget and corporate culture.

 

Comedy Troupe: An array of acts can be found within the comedy world…consider asking them to do some creative improvisation with ideas from the audience, or impersonations of your top-level executives to get everyone laughing (or laughing at themselves!).

 

Invite the Circus: If you’re kicking off your event in a large auditorium or banquet room, hire stilt walkers, gymnasts, trapeze artists, fire eaters and more to wow your guests and get everyone feeling like a kid again! If your CEO is up for it, ask them to conduct the dinner or opening discussion dressed as the Maestro of the Circus. If this happens in the afternoon or early evening, have cotton candy, Cracker Jack and lemonade vendors circling the crowd.

 

Murder Mystery Dinner: Hire a professional team to perform a murder mystery while your guests enjoy their meal. This will engage your attendees, get them working together and also entertain them.

 

Tradeshow Floor Fun: Since many vendors and attendees have been at their fair share of boring and/or lengthy tradeshows, make yours “pop” with strolling entertainment! Invite a magician to do card tricks, a mentalist to read the minds of attendees, position living statues at strategic points on the floor, and celebrity impersonators to mingle with the crowd. The possibilities are endless, and can be tailored to your specific tradeshow theme.

 

As always, the entertainment and outings created for your guests can and should be tailored to your company’s culture, the message of the overall event and the “look and feel” you’re looking to convey to your employees about the company for the upcoming year. In many cases, the annual meeting is a way for your company to show your appreciation for your employees. If that is the case, keep in mind that you’ll want to balance presentations and executive messages with engaging activities of all types to suit the makeup of your audience.

 

Hello Productions would love to help you create your best annual meeting to-date in 2012! Contact Lindsey Bradley, lindseyb@helloproductions.com, today to learn more about our services and to see what kinds of killer events we have up our sleeves for you!

Five Creative Places to Have a Pittsburgh Wedding February 24, 2012

We love the blog I heart PGH and recently they posted creative places to have your wedding. Below, we are sharing our five favorite venues from their list, as well as a few comments of our own.

 

Springwood

I heart PGH: 1000 Indiana Road Verona, PA info@springwood.org 412-793-7453 About: Sixty acres of wooded Pennsylvania hills, walking trails and wildflower meadows with a glass atrium, gazebo, and walking trails.

 

Hello Productions: Don’t be fooled by this conference center – Springwood feels like a remote retreat surrounded by an abundance of lush, natural landscape. New for 2012 is a 55 foot waterfall, several ponds and a stone-lined stream.

 

Oak Lodge

I heart PGH: 693 Donegal Lake Road Stahlstown, PA info@oaklodgepa.com 724-593-2913 About: Have an entire three-day wedding weekend at the Oak Lodge. There’s indoor seating at the chapel for up to 120 guests, tables and chairs provided for 150 people, and tiki torches. Main Lodge accommodations for bridal party up to 15 and a luxurious bridal suite with a Jacuzzi, fireplace, views, and a waterfall.

 

Hello Productions: The Oak Lodge is perfect for the outdoorsy couple who want to spend their whole weekend enjoying the Laurel Highlands region. And what better idea than giving their half-pints of their maple syrup as your favors – love really can be sweet!

 

Lingrow Farm

I heart PGH: 188 Forks Church Road Leechburg, PA info@lingrowfarm.com 724-472-1305 About: A two-story, fully renovated, 1850′s barn, complete with two oversized, covered decks, situated on 40 peaceful acres. The barn is heated and air-conditioned and if you book an April wedding, you will receive 30% off venue cost.

 

Hello Productions: With plenty of 2012 dates available (and a 30% discount offer on its website), the historic Lingrow Farm is worth considering. Ask about their charming farmhouse that can accommodate up to eight guests – perfect for the bride and bridesmaids the night before the wedding or the bride and groom on their wedding night!

 

The Barn at Fallingwater

I heart PGH: 1491 Mill Run Road Mill Run, PA kandyjohn@paconserve.org 724-329-7802 About: With four different spaces to choose from, The Barn at Falling Water will make for an unforgettable wedding.

 

Hello Productions: Stepping into the renovated barn, you would never know it was once an active dairy farm. The barn has been restored to preserved the integrity of the space but includes modern features such as high-speed internet connection and full a/v capability. Make sure to walk through the courtyard space, perfect for a ceremony or cocktails. And don’t let your guests leave without visiting the famous Fallingwater!

 

The University Club

I heart PGH: 123 University Place Pittsburgh, PA uclub@pitt.edu 412-648-8213 About: Complimentary wedding night accommodations for the bride and groom, linens and napkins, candlelit mirror centerpieces, personalized service from their event planner.

 

Hello Productions: Their rooms are elaborately decorated with lavish chandeliers and soaring ceilings, making it an ideal place for a wedding reception or grand event. However, don’t forget to ask about the rooftop space – perfect for an afternoon ceremony or evening cocktails!

 

Read the entire post here.

 

For more unique venue ideas, be sure to check out Hello Productions Website!

Corporate Event Venues: We’re looking out for you in 2012! February 20, 2012

As we look to find the perfect venues for our corporate clients in 2012, we always need to keep in mind the objectives of the event, the overall budget, and the “look and feel” of the venue to provide the perfect meeting place. There are also several other things that drive us when looking for those extraordinary properties:

 

 

Easy Access

It might seem like this is a no-brainer, but especially in an age when all attendees and companies are looking for ways to cut costs, it is imperative that this is kept in mind when planning an event. It doesn’t make sense for our clients, much less the attendees they hope to attract, to have to come by plane, train AND automobile! While we used to think of an airport hotel, or one located within the immediate vicinity, as a negative, it is becoming more of an asset for our clients if they can just hop on a shuttle to their event property after a long flight. Also, consider the time of year you host your meeting and in what part of the country. If you’re really tight on budget, it can at times make sense for us to look into venues during a time that is considered “non-peak” for an area (think Chicago or New York -snow!- for a February conference, or Miami -hurricane season!- in October.) Just understand that there could be delays or other issues involved for your guests in getting to and from the venue, not to mention the airport, on time or with minimal effort.

 

A Real Sense of Place

Have you ever attended a meeting or conference in a desirable city, only to leave feeling that you never actually got to “see” or “feel” the city at all? This can go back to what I referred to in point #1, especially if it is a venue adjacent to an airport. If we are able to secure a metropolitan location for an event, it is in your best interest as the client to showcase, at some point, what a great area you’ve secured and that you thought about your attendees’ needs at the event. This could be done through a simple but chic cocktail party at the hotel’s rooftop bar, or if that’s not possible, perhaps in a beautiful, enclosed ballroom with panoramic views of the surrounding city. Special touches during this event could include featuring locally-brewed beer or spirits, as well as making sure that the staff on-hand is prepared to answer questions about the city’s great landmarks.

 

Keep It Local

Just as serving locally-brewed beverages during a cocktail party is a great idea, perhaps you could theme this year’s luncheons to reflect locally-grown or sourced products, as well as traditional local fare? The worst thing for your travel-weary attendees is to feel as if they’ve “seen this before” at other conferences. It will really make your event stand out if you serve a meal consisting of local favorites, while providing your guests with a menu pointing out all of the farm sources for today’s meal. As planners, it is our job to work with the venue to provide your guests with the best experience possible, and food can be a big part of that experience.

 

Tech Savvy

In our digital age, no matter where you plan to host your event, no doubt your attendees will want to not only see that you’re using the newest technologies, but that they can still adequately access the technology that they need throughout their stay. As we explore venues for our clients, we want to ensure that they are wired for all attendees to have wireless internet access, strong connections (so that attendees aren’t missing and dropping calls, and so you are never interrupted during a presentation), capabilities for all types of presentation formats, and a strong technical staff onsite to assist with your every need throughout the event. And there is nothing worse than not having a back-up (or better yet, a back-up for your back-up!) when it comes to things like wireless mics, projectors or the internet connections. And, most hotels are becoming more negotiable on in-room or meeting room internet access, as this is no longer on the “nice to have” list, but is on the “must have” list for any event or meeting.

 

If you have questions on any of the above, or want to talk to Hello Productions more about your next corporate meeting or event, please contact Lindsey Bradley at lindseyb@helloproductions. We’d love to talk to you about all the ways that we can make your next event extraordinary!