2016 Wisp Wedding Showcase

Photocredit: Shannon Gray

Fête recently had the honor of styling the McHenry Lodge for Wisp Resort's 2016 Wedding Showcase.  

At our vendor booth, we showed off one of our rentable arbor options, dripping with greenery and blooms.  We featured some of our clients' favorite products: the flask tie and flask scarf (big hits for bachelor and bachelorette gifts), the girly go- garter, and our preppy selection of bow ties and pocket squares.  Sitting in front, we featured our rentable chivari chairs in gold and white.

Photocredit: Shannon Gray

Photocredit: Shannon Gray

Photocredit: Shannon Gray

We always get excited for an opportunity to get creative with our floral design, and decided to focus on creating a range of options, each using some truly unique and beautiful blooms. Parrot tulips, ranunculus, anemones, pink astilbe and lush greenery were flown in from Italy and Holland.  We chose runners in subtle blush tones to set the mood for each chic look.  The variety of centerpiece options were brought together with our telescoping table number holders, and a selection of some of our favorite votives.

Photocredit: Shannon Gray                             One of our favorite centerpiece ideas: a selection of bottles                                                                            in varying heights featuring just a few dramatic blooms.

Photocredit: Shannon Gray       Trumpet vases are a perfect choice for couples looking a lush, opulent style. 

Photocredit: Shannon Gray                                           At Fête, even business card design is a chance to                                                                                                create something new and innovative.

Photocredit: Shannon Gray                  White parrot tulips and anemones are both and exotic and simple.

Photocredit: Shannon Gray            Garlands are a great option for couples looking for a soft, natural design.

Photocredit: Shannon Gray         Our short pedestals make a big impact with these gorgeous stems.  The                                                        size is perfect for creating an opulent look without a centerpiece so                                                                        large it blocks conversation between guests.

We'd like to thank Jessica and Katie at Wisp Resort for giving us the opportunity to style their event, and Shannon Gray for the fabulous photographs.  If you're interested in having Farmhouse Fête style your big day, please call 301-750-6790 or email info@farmhousefete.com.

Photocredit: Shannon Gray

Wisp Resort

We recently found ourselves at Wisp Resort styling their three event venues and thinking about how to optimize the unique personality of each space.  You are probably familiar with the Wisp as Deep Creek’s ski resort and golf haven.  Here we’ll give you an overview of Wisp as a wedding and event venue, along with our vision of each reception location.

There are three reception sites available: McHenry Lodge, the Wedding Tent, and the Yurts.  Couples can marry, dine, and dance in these spaces, although most choose to say their I Dos on top of the mountain with views of the lake below.

Amenities

All three venues have access to:

• Large on-site hotel for guest accommodations
• Restaurants and activities (golf, ski, mountain coaster, skating rink, etc)
• Grand entrance up the mountain on the ski lift (additional fee may apply)
• Katie and Jessica, Wisp Resort's Wedding and Social Specialist and Wedding Coordinator.  These ladies are great to work with, always answering our questions promptly and helping us create a great experience for our clients.  

POLICIES

• Wisp Resort provides all of the catering and alcohol for events on their property.  
• Cakes and cookies may be brought in for events, but a cutting fee may apply.
• No open flames may be used in the Wedding Tent due to fire code regulations.
• Room blocks of 10 or more are eligible for special discounted rates.

McHenry Lodge

Photocredit: Shannon Gray

McHenry Lodge is a large multi-purpose space located in the main resort building.  The room is used frequently throughout the year for meetings, business dinners, and to accommodate skiers, so it is designed to be more durable than elegant.  Here at Fête, we know just how to jazz the space up, and play up the unique and interesting aspects of the room, so the more commercial attributes seem to fade away.  Our favorite design aspects: the large window in the front of the room looking out to the slopes, and the industrial beams that crisscross the high ceiling.  Be aware that this is likely the least private of the spaces available, as other guests of the resort also use the main building.  Wisp provides large black curtains to add privacy to your event.

Style

One of the primary strengths of the room-it's size- can also be a challenge.  The Lodge can accommodate even the largest of guest lists, but may seem like a dauntingly large space to decorate.  Clients who have chosen this space have taken advantage of our large rentable pieces to bring structure to the room, making it feel more intimate.  The Lodge provides a great opportunity for guests to customize the space to suit their needs and tastes.  Many seem to agree that the addition of our rentable chair covers can make a huge difference in the feel of the room.

Formality

The Lodge has the ability to be dressed up for a formal affair, or decorated more casually if you prefer.   

Ideal Client

Clients who choose the Lodge generally have large guest counts, or are drawn to the beauty of the view of the slopes from the large windows.  Most are willing to get creative with decor in order to bring the space to life.

Mountain Mist Tent

Photocredit: Jessica Fike Photography

The wedding tent is a new addition to Wisp Resort, having only been open since 2015.   It is located off to the side of the hotel, where few passers-by would interrupt.  The tent has windows looking toward the slopes and the golf course.  There is also a covered entry that we love decorating for events.  The large white tent is air-conditioned, which keeps it comfortable during the warm summer months.   Our favorite design aspect: the hanging chandeliers against the draped white ceiling.  

Style

Of all the venue options Wisp has to offer, the tent is the most traditional space.  The large white space provides a literal blank canvas for couples in choosing their wedding decor.

Formality

This location tends to appeal to clients who want their event to feel elegant and sophisticated.  While the word tent may conjure more casual visions, one look at the space will convince you it is perfect for a black-tie affair. The Wedding Tent is the most traditionally formal venue space at Wisp Resort.

Ideal Client

Clients are drawn to the tent for the gorgeous views, both inside and out.  It's a perfect choice for those wanting a formal and traditional feel for their big day.

Sundown Yurt Village

Photocredit: Jessica Fike Photography

Here at Fête, the concept of a Yurt was new to us with Wisp's introduction of this venue option.  A Yurt was traditionally a portable, round tent used by Nomads in Central Asia.  Ski resorts have adopted the design style across the country. The Wisp has three connected Yurts that they use for weddings. Our favorite design aspect: the circular room with high ceilings featuring a skylight.  We love the idea of progressing through the connected buildings, from cocktails, to dinner, to dancing.    Keep in mind that the yurts are the smallest of the venue options, and may not work for clients with large guest counts.

Style

The wooden trellis surrounding the room is a traditional design feature of a Yurt, and makes it a choice for couples wanting a rustic garden feel for their wedding.  There are several distinctive touches in the room’s decor, but it is not so stylized as to limit options for styling your event.

Formality

The Yurts put you in the mind of the ideal Sunday brunch location.  The smaller size can create a more intimate feel for the event.  The trellis, skylight, and fixtures create a space that is attractive, but not black-tie formal.

Ideal Client

If glamping is your ideal vacation, the Yurts are the choice for you.  The circular shape and trellised walls create a trendy and unique space for couples truly looking "outside the box" for their event.  

If you are interested in hosting your wedding or event at Wisp, please contact Katie at 301-387-4000.  If you’re interested in having Farmhouse Fete provide your floral design or style the space, contact us at 301-750-6790 or info@farmhousefete.com.

Wisp Wedding Tent Styled Shoot

Fête recently teamed up with Jessica Fike Photography and Wisp Resort for a styled shoot at Wisp's Wedding Tent.  We decided to make the most of the billowing white ceiling panels and create a stunningly sophisticated black and white stripe theme.

Photocredit: Jessica Fike Photography

Gorgeous chair covers don't have to break your budget.  Use our elegant rentable options to really wow with your sweetheart table.  Choose a more economical option for guest tables.

Photocredit: Jessica Fike Photography

Photocredit: Jessica Fike Photography

Layering black, white, and striped layers brings richness and depth to your guest tables..

Photocredit: Jessica Fike Photography

The gorgeous chandeliers create an elegant atmosphere.

Photocredit: Jessica Fike Photography

We'd like to thank Jessica Fike Photography and Wisp Resort for their assistance with this shoot.  As you can see, Wisp's wedding tent is a literal blank canvas, so contact us today to paint your own gorgeous event there.  For information on events at Wisp Resort, please contact Katie Morris at 301-387-4000.  To book Farmhouse Fête for floral or event styling, contact us at info@farmhousefete.com or 301-750-6790.

9 Reasons to Get Married in Deep Creek, Maryland

We may be biased, but here at Farmhouse Fête the general consensus is that there is no more beautiful place to say "I Do" than Deep Creek, Maryland. Here are just a few of the reasons:

1. Location, location, location

Garrett County has long been a top-pick for couples in Pittsburgh, DC, and Baltimore.  We're a two to three hour drive from these cities, which is just far enough away for your guests to feel like they're getting away from it all, without being inconvenient.

2. More than just summer

Many of our brides tell us that they chose Deep Creek for their big day because of fond memories of visiting the lake with family during summer vacation. While summer remains a popular time for tying the knot, there are other beautiful times to host your wedding here.  

If you're dreaming of a Winter wonderland wedding, we're certainly the place for you.  Imagine a dreamy picture captured by your photographer of you and your spouse cuddled up in your wedding duds in the dazzling snow. 

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

The beautiful green of the first spring foliage is unlike any other time.  Aim for mid-May to catch the beautiful spring blooms.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

Fall may be the most beautiful season of all, and if you don't believe us ask Good Housekeeping, who named Oakland as one of the 50 Small Towns with the Most Beautiful Fall Foliage this year.  And in 2014 Travel + Leisure listed us in America's Best Towns for Fall Colors.  We love the way a white dress pops against the beautiful fall hues.  To capture the most vibrant colors, schedule your big day during the first half of October, when leaves tend to be at their best.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

3. Gorgeous venues to suit any taste.  

Looking for a combination of French elegance with the casual beauty of an American farm?  Check out Chanteclaire Farm.

Photocredit: Mountain Soul Media

Wisp Resort is a great choice for large weddings, and has several different venues to chose from such as the McHenry Lodge and Yurt village.  

McHenry Lodge Styled by Farmhouse Fete

Photocredit: Shannon Gray Photography

If you're drawn to the dazzling waters of the lake, there are several options for hosting an outdoor ceremony.

Photocredit: Lauren Smith Photography

Bouquet by Farmhouse Fete

4. Plenty of fun activities to keep the party going.  

Whether your friends and family are into skiing, boating, horse back riding, kayaking, or hiking, there are plenty of activities to turn your wedding day into a wedding weekend that everyone will be talking about for years.  And if shopping is more your group's speed, we have plenty of shops to interest you.  Of course bring them by to see all the goodies here at Farmhouse Fête, and stop by our next door neighbor to the right, Klotz's, for great produce, and our neighbor to the left, Schoolhouse Earth, for unique gift shop items.

An inside view of Farmhouse Fête 

5. Local Favors

A wedding trend that we love is using local products as a favor for guests.  We have so many local artisans in the area to provide fun and unique favors.  Some of our favorites are local honey and maple syrup.

Photocredit: Cassandra Poling Events

6.  Adorable locations for showers and brunches 

Today's weddings have become much more than a one day celebration.  In addition to bridal showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties, many couples host events prior to and after the wedding festivities such as welcome dinners and good-bye brunches.  Consider holding a tasting/pairing experience for your bridal party at Firefly Farms, or a brunch for the ladies at the Deep Creek Lavender Farm, complete with their signature lavender lemonade!  

Deep Creek Lavender Farm Styled by Farmhouse Fete

Photocredit: Jessica Fike Photography

7. Mind-blowing Wedding Photos

Many couples choose the Deep Creek area for the natural beauty of the area.  This translates into not only a beautiful backdrop for you and your guests to enjoy on your wedding day, but swoon worthy wedding photos to enjoy for a lifetime.

Photocredit: Cassidy Duhon

8. Vendors Who Care About Your Wedding

When you love weddings and events as much as we do, you learn to appreciate working with people who share your enthusiasm.  We are very lucky to work with a variety of wedding professionals who genuinely care about making your event a beautiful and memorable day for you and your guests.  Although vendor enthusiasm may not be something you've weighed in your planning process thus far, please consider that vendors that are truly engaged in your event are often willing to go the extra mile to make sure everything is picture perfect.

Chanteclaire Owner Leigh Clarke helps a bride clean up after her new husband was enthusiastic with the wedding cake

Photo credit: With Love & Embers Photography

9. A great design and planning resource on site

Here at Farmhouse Fête we pride ourselves on carrying product and creating floral designs that are unique and elegant.  Our clients love that in addition to our florals and decor items for sale, we have larger architectural pieces available for rent.  We are also familiar with local vendors, and our clients have learned to trust our recommendations.  If you're getting married at Deep Creek, make us your first stop in the planning process. Call 301-750-6790 or email info@farmhousefete.com to make an appointment.

Anniversary Fête at Wisp Resort

Shannon Gray Photography

We were thrilled when Yvonne called us to discuss non-floral options for her 25th anniversary soirée!  The couple were married at Wisp Resort, and were coming back to celebrate the milestone!  To celebrate the silver anniversary, Yvonne and Marc asked for touches of silver, crystal, and "bling" as the theme for the decor.  Garrett County locals are familiar with the McHenry room in the Lodge- it is perfect for large receptions, being able to hold somewhere over 1,000 guests depending on how the room is set up.  Size can be a blessing, but also a challenge for more intimate events.  To create a more cozy space, we made use of the large black curtains Wisp uses to divide the room, but added some champagne color splashes to make them look purposeful and part of the overall picture.  

Shannon Gray Photography

We also made use of a client favorite- our large iron trees- which held crystals, beaded spiral ornaments, and gorgeous glass votive holders glowing with tea lights.  These rentable pieces are so versatile, and can be used for everything from holding escort cards, notes from guests, or decor to match any theme.  They also double as a great way to add structure to an outdoor celebration space, or in this case, a very large indoor space!

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

One of our favorite sayings here at the shop is that a party without a cake is just a meeting.  Well, this was truly a party, because it featured not one, but four cakes!  The group used the opportunity to acknowledge birthdays and anniversaries of other family members.  We supplied the cake stands, and styled the tablescape, which featured a selection of our votive holders and mercury glass accents.  The beautiful cakes were made by Tammy at Lorenzo's Frostburg Bakery.

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

We created two different tablescapes for guest seating to add visual interest.  Both featured gorgeous satin chair covers in a lovely champagne color.  Champagne is a great neutral for any event, as it really picks up either a silver or gold tone depending on the surrounding decor.  Half of the tables featured our silver candelabras adorned with silver votives and strands of crystal sitting on a gray burlap runner and surrounded by mercury glass hearts.  

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

The other half featured glass vases of varying heights with floating candles and a touch of sparkle provided by a submerged acrylic bead garland.  The vases were surrounded by silver votives and sat on a flowy gray rayon runner.  Yvonne and Marc included a hand-written note on each table to welcome guests, which sat in our harp stands.

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

The couple provided guests with chocolate wine bottle favors, and we had fun styling a table to house the cute confections.  Our candle lanterns and a tin tray held the goodies, and we included a tin wine bottle label and resin Cheers sign to play up the wine theme.

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

Shannon Gray Photography

We hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as we enjoyed styling the event!  We'd like to thank the staff at Wisp Resort, it was a pleasure working at your venue!  Also, a big thank you to Shannon Gray Photography!  Shannon is new to the area, so be sure to check out her website for more examples of her beautiful photography work at shannon-gray.com.  If you are interested in any of our decor, or having us style your next event please give us a call at 301-750-6790 or email info@farmhousefete.com.