Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year! I saw these Manolo Blahnik BG 111th Anniversary Lacelimi Crystal-Covered Satin Bootie $7,800 crystal boots at Bergdorf Goodman and thought they would be perfect for a New Years Eve party or wedding with our handmade accessories.  We're in LOVE!

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com 

The Devils in the Detail

Romantic Spring Wedding Details - if you're interested in any of the details below please contact us at info@ricerafferty.com

We make wedding invitations, name cards/escort cards, accessories, pins, veils, bridal belts, garters, bouquets and anything else you can dream of.  Also please check out our youtube video for more wedding day details.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUHrWAbGPvc

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

Venue: Buffalo Historical Museum
Photographer: Dave Wahl and Amy Lee Resuch
Makeup and Hair: SalonSalon
Cake: Carriage Trade Pastries
Caterer: Oliver's
Florist: Maureen's
Officiant: Monsenieur Leising
DJ/Band: Music Krew
Wedding Dress: Mori Lee
Veil: Rice Rafferty Couture Accessories www.ricerafferty.com
Jewelry: Carolee
Shoes: Poetic License, Nina
Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Groom's Suit: Brook's Brothers
Groom's Shoes: Mercanti
Groomsmen's Suits: Brook's Brothers
Stationery: Rice Rafferty
Transportation: Buffalo Limousine Service

 

Searching for Stars Hollow

I'm so sad about the shooting in Newtown.  My heart goes out to all of the families this holiday season.  Last year, I recall driving through central Connecticut in search of Washington Depot which is right outside of Newtown.  We found this campus that looked like a prep school, but it was actually Fairfield State Psychiatric Ward, which was shut down years ago, located in Newtown.  The abandoned buildings were fascinating to look at - beautiful architecture and you tend to wonder...if only these walls could talk.  I got chills when I realized that we had been through that town after the shooting occurred last week.  It's a reminder to us all - we need to enjoy every moment because we never know how much time we have.

So, what led me on the quest to Washington Depot in the first place?  I've been a long time fan of the hit TV show Gilmore Girls.  My dream for years has been to find a town like Stars Hollow to live in.  Stars Hollow is a fictional town that has a strong sense of community, quirky characters, and constant seasonal activities.  Amy Sherman Palladino, the creator of Gilmore Girls, stumbled upon a town, Washington Depot, which was the inspiration for Stars Hollow during a summer road trip.  She fell in love with the community.  Everyone seemed to know each other.  We stopped by The Mayflower Inn and were surprised with a gorgeous Christmas tree with gifts and a large fireplace.  It was the coziest Christmas scene I have ever seen.  The town reminded me of my hometown of Clarence, NY.  What I realized in the end is sometimes the thing you've been looking for may be right in front of you all along.  Every area has beautiful little gems.  Wishing you a happy healthy holiday!

Merry Christmas!  Go explore around your hometown! 

Boston Ballet's - The Nutcracker

 

We're feeling the holiday spirit over here.  We have our mini tree up and the Christmas village on display, and we even celebrated St. Nicholas Day (one of my favorite holidays).  Last weekend we went to Boston to see Patrick's cousin perform in the Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker."  She did an amazing job as well as everyone else in the production.

This year, The Boston Ballet made all new costumes, thanks to designer Robert Perdziola, and I must say they were absolutely gorgeous!  The costumes this year are figure-flattering with sweetheart necklines.  One of my favorite costumes was the "flower" costume - the long pink and purple skirts.  I read that each tutu required 11-14 layers of tulle.  We, at Rice Rafferty, know what it's like to make a tutu, so we understand the time it takes.  There were so many Swarvoski crystals glittering; it looked like snow!  One of the costumes had 4,000 jewels on the tutu and bodice!

My favorite part is the Party scene.  Wouldn't you LOVE to attend a party like that with so many beautiful decorations and well dressed guests?  While watching I couldn't help, but feel nostalgic for my childhood...remembering the last time I saw "The Nutcracker" and how special it felt to put on a pretty dress and go out to a beautiful theater.  I lived in Pittsburgh at the time, so it was Heinz Hall that held the theater productions.  I remember going outside after the show into the cold dark streets and snowflakes were coming down - it felt so magical.  Going to see "The Nutcracker" is one of my favorite holiday traditions.  It makes you feel like a kid again!  I highly recommend checking out Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker."  Bravo!