All posts tagged Philadelphia Weddings

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Don’t Forget, Tents Also Provide Shade on Hot Summer Days

Written by EventQuip on April 4, 2012 in Equipment, Tenting Tips, Weddings - No Comments

Just outside of Philadelphia lies one of the most picturesque event venues available for outdoor tented parties: Appleford Estate. Dating back more than 300 years, this gentleman’s farm is surrounded by 24 of the most exquisite gardens any bride could hope to find for her outdoor wedding.  Originally part of a land grant from William Penn, Appleford is carefully maintained today as a working arboretum and bird sanctuary.  Tucked into the trees and surrounded by babbling brooks and waterfalls, there’s usually no worry when it comes to heat and shade. Yet, every so often, Mother Nature delivers one of her horrendously hot Summer days and the usually cool gardens need a little extra help.

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Even though the semi-permanent tent we had custom-built for Appleford’s wrap-around flagstone terrace was firmly in place for the wedding season, more tents were required to ensure the guests’ comfort on this particular steamy July day. We installed additional tents in the gardens and over the patios adjacent to the main terrace as protection from both the scorching sun. Ceiling and pole fans were installed everywhere we could attach them to keep the air moving throughout the party.

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At EventQuip, we pride ourselves on providing real solutions to, what can be, serious party busting issues. Most event planners think of rain and cold as the main reasons tents are needed. Yet, our experienced tent specialists know that the need for shade is just as important, if not more so. Yet again, our last minute climate control measures, as simple as they were, managed to save the day!

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{Photos: Stacey Kane, Decor by Evantine Design}

 

A Luxury Garden Wedding Under a Sailcloth Tent

Written by EventQuip on March 7, 2012 in Sailcloth Tents, Weddings - 2 Comments

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This past Fall we had the pleasure of collaborating on a stunning outdoor wedding that took place on a private estate in the suburbs of Philadelphia.  The bride and groom envisioned an elegant garden wedding with organic details and rustic chic tones. Our sailcloth tent and natural wood floor provided the perfect blank slate for the event design created by Beautiful Blooms ~ white washed furniture, farm tables, antiqued silver containers and pewter urns. The weathered gray and taupe proved ideal for showcasing the soft ivory and romantic purple flowers used in the centerpieces. One of our favorite details was the antique hutch placed along our custom-built wooden walkway.  The hutch shelves held multiple frames noting the seating arrangements for the wedding guests.  From start to finish, each and every last detail of this lovely wedding was cleverly considered and successfully produced.  {Photos: Hudson Nichols Photography; Except for the last by Ed Knight}

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Even a Freakish Nor’Easter in October Couldn’t Stop This Outdoor Wedding From Happening

Written by EventQuip on February 8, 2012 in Weddings - No Comments

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Although it ended up taking place during October’s freakish “Snowapocalypse”, Laura and Peter’s outdoor wedding was a joyful celebration made that much stronger by challenging weather circumstances. Certainly, when the bride and groom chose to marry at the charmingly, rustic Miquon School in Philadelphia, they never imagined their outdoor setting dusted in fresh snow and chilly temperatures. Tucked into knolls and wooded grounds, the Miquon School was supposed to provide the ideal open-air wedding ceremony with guests seated on rustic wooden benches, a sunflower-strewn aisle and surrounded by delicate golden Fall foliage. But clearly, Mother Nature had other plans. Several inches of snow mixed with freezing rain would force the bride and groom to move their entire wedding celebration into a series of structural tents. The ceremony tent was indeed challenging, as we needed to fully cover an old-open frame schoolhouse. From there, the guests would be invited into a large heated tent for cocktails, dinner and dancing. Some would think an outdoor wedding would be diminished, if not entirely ruined, by a crazy, out of the blue October snow storm. But not in this case. If anything, the weather only seemed to bring everyone closer together. The bride and groom certainly enjoyed themselves, even in the snow!

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{Photos courtesy of Joe Foley Photography}

The Tenting Bar Has Just Been Raised! EventQuip Won a Gala Award for Best Tent Installation at The Special Event 2012!

Written by EventQuip on January 27, 2012 in News & Updates - No Comments

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As we shared in our previous post, we were honored to receive two of the three available nominations for Best Tent Installation for the pinnacle of event awards, the Gala Award from Special Event Magazine.

Well, we’re happy to announce that earlier this evening at the Gala Awards Celebration in Tampa, Florida we WON the Gala Award! The award honors our work on one of the most challenging tent installations we produced in 2011: the tent installed for the grand opening of the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Affectionately called the “Miracle on Fifth Street” by Philadelphia event industry professionals, our award-winning tent installation was built overnight on one of the busiest urban streets in Philadelphia. We invite you to watch the tent as it’s installed exclusively for this prestigious world-class celebration, check it out here.

As ever, we couldn’t be prouder of our accomplishment and thank each and every member of our hard-working tent installation team for their talent, skill and efficiency.  It takes a committed team to make these momentous events happen!

{Gala Award winners for Best Tent Installation, left to right:  at Tent Specialists, Steve Parsons, Alan Pavlik, Ed Knight (Owner) and Mike Sardanopoli, at The Special Event in Tampa, FL}

 

Tenting Over a Pool Requires VERY Careful Planning for this Main Line Philadelphia Wedding

Written by EventQuip on October 10, 2011 in Equipment, Tenting Tips, Weddings - No Comments

For many, the idea of hosting a large tented event in their backyard seems impossible. The useable area is too small, there’s fencing or landscaping on all sides, the neighbors’ homes are too close, or, as in this case, there’s a swimming pool right smack in the middle.  Have no fear!  Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to turn challenging logistics such as these into sensational entertaining!  For instance, for a recent outdoor wedding celebration at a private home in the Main Line suburb of Bryn Mawr, we built a tent right on top of the homeowner’s existing pool.  Right on top!

As with every tent installation, our Tent Specialists must first perform a thorough site-evaluation of the property to determine the build’s parameters and safety considerations.  The first site evaluation for this event took place on a snow-covered Winter’s day where the entire backyard and pool were covered in several feet of freshly fallen snow.  A couple months later, when Spring returned to melt the snow, our team was able to investigate the pool area in further detail.  All of our careful (and patient) planning proved invaluable this past September when we started the actual tent installation.

Before we can raise the tent we must first build the floor over the pool.  The team systematically covered the entire pool area — the pool itself as well as the surrounding patios — with an intricately layered design of metal beams, sub-flooring and polished hardwood. Once laid out, as if you were installing a hardwood floor in your home, our in-house carpenters cut the edges of the flooring panels to conform exactly to the shape of the area.  This allowed us to provide as much square footage as possible, but also the oval and softly rounded shape was pleasing to look at from a design perspective.

On top of the wooden deck we installed a 30 x 50 white pole tent with ambient lighting as well as colorful paper lanterns.  Add crisp white linens tablecloths, natural wood folding chairs, round dinner tables, colorful table settings, and bright floral arrangements and you have the perfect backyard celebration!

All About Tents and the Importance of the On-site Walk-Through for Outdoor Events

Written by EventQuip on September 12, 2011 in Equipment, News & Updates, Tenting Tips, Weddings - No Comments

The importance of a site inspection or walk-through of the property to be tented is crucial to the success of the event.  One of our tent specialists will accompany the client, as well as their wedding planner and/or event designer on a comprehensive tour of the grounds to envision how the event will unfold.  Although specifications are not final and will likely morph and change as the planning process continues, at least every logistical challenge is reviewed and processed to ensure an accurate plan and project cost is submitted on the event.  At EventQuip, we believe in knowing as much party planning detail up front as possible.  That, in turn, enables our sales team to provide the client or event planner with the appropriate information and guidance to allow them to make the best decisions for the party.

So grab your note pad, pen and camera and let’s go!  We’ll walk the area with you as the guests would experience the event to uncover all possible concerns/issues along the way, such as:

  • In what manner will the guests arrive?  their own car?  by bus? is there space for cars to pass each other? do we need to provide a tent and/or marquee walkway that gives the guests coverage from rain as they depart their vehicles?  is light needed in these areas to help guests at the end of the night?
  • Where will guests first touch the ground? Is the ground level and hard? or are porta-pathways or custom-built stairs needed to allow guests a safe entrance-way?
  • Are there any disabled guests that would require a ramp for entrance to the event?
  • Where will the party, wedding or event take place?  on an existing terrace? on the lawn? in a field? on a tennis court? in a parking lot? over a pool?
  • Will the event take place on the grass/ground as is? or will a subfloor be needed to level off the floor and offer protection from soggy terrain?
  • Is it a seated dinner? a cocktail style event? will there be food stations, buffets or bars?
  • Is there a lounge area that needs to be placed under the tent? or just outside the tent?
  • Where will the entertainment be placed? do you know how much space they will need? is a green room tent required?
  • Will there be dancing? is a dance floor needed and if so, where will it be placed?
  • Where will your food vendor or caterer set up their kitchen or kitchens?  What is needed for them:  water, power, equipment, trash, lighting? does this are need to be floored?
  • Is there an after-party?  Where do you envision this happening?  Do you want to rent a separate tent for it or reuse one already installed?
  • What restrooms will guests use during all portions of the event? Are portable restrooms needed?  is there easy accessible water or is a self-contained restroom trailer required? is a tent needed to hide the potties?
  • Are there any “ugly” spots or eye-sores that need to be hidden or disguised; such as septic tanks, A/C units, old sheds, etcetera.?
  • Does the landscaping company or gardener need to be consulted on decorative improvements before the tent installation begins?
  • Are there landscaping issues that need to be addressed prior to tent installation? such as tree branches overhanging the access road, or where the tent will be installed, or irrigation systems buried in the lawn, etc.
  • How much power is available on-site?  Are generators needed?  How many and where will they be placed?
  • Is there a concern for climate/temperature control?  meaning, will heaters, fans or air-conditioning units be needed?
  • Where will the water go? What are the additional severe weather control measures in place at the site?  tent sides around the tents?  gutters?  additional marquees and tents set aside?
  • Bug off! Will professional pesticides be needed to control the mosquitos in the event area?
  • Are there any domestic pets that need to be secured away from the noise and construction area for the animal’s safety? (as well as the workers)
  • What is the access to the site?  How will that impact or correspond to the setup time required?
  • For access during inclement weather, will road ply be needed to prevent turf damage and work disruption?
  • Where will all event staff and crew members be permitted to park their cars, trucks and vehicles while they install tents?  Can heavier machines be placed in a safe area near the site?
  • When does everything have to be removed and cleaned up?
  • Where will garbage and trash be taken during the installation, while the party takes place and after the event is over?  is a dumpter needed on property? and will it need to be hidden in a tent?

For more information and tenting tips take a look at our post on Tenting at Home.  Otherwise, our Tent Specialists would be happy to schedule an on-site walk-through at your home or event venue to best evaluate the rental equipment needed for your next party.  215-368-6700.

Tenting at Home: What Challenges to Expect from the Unexpected

Written by EventQuip on September 5, 2011 in Sailcloth Tents, Weddings - No Comments

At one time or another, everyone considers the idea of hosting a tented event at their home. Why not? Tents can serve as an extension of your home allowing you to entertain larger numbers of family and friends in a personal, outdoor setting. While the ending result is as romantic as you envisioned, if not more so, the process of installing tents in your backyard can be far more complicated than you ever imagined. In fact, at times your home may resemble a construction site. But trust us when we say these complications are well worth the challenges they pose when the finished product is truly magical!

Our suggestion is to go in with your eyes wide open to some of the issues you may face when tenting at home, such as:

• Space: Not every backyard can accommodate a tent or collection of tents. Knowing what your space limitations are in relation to your expected guest list is important to ensure you are building an appropriate tented space.

• Cost: Tented weddings tend to be more expensive than indoor celebrations. It’s based on time and materials. Be forewarned. More than likely, the bill’s going to be more than if you hosted your event in a hotel ballroom.

• Permits & Local Ordinances: For the most part, no matter where you live, you’ll need permits and fire department inspections to install a tent on your property. You may also need to check on noise ordinances to avoid issues with your neighbors.

• Utilities: Knowing the locations of your irrigation systems, landscape lighting, septic beds and underground utility lines are crucial to avoid disruption or personal harm.

• Weather: You can’t control what Mother Nature brings but you can do your best to take precautions to keep your tented event area safe and dry. Such as building a raised floor off the ground, adding side walls to keep rain from running into the tent, heaters to add warmth, fans to keep air circulating, air-conditioning units to cool entire tents down.

• Time: Installation and removal of tents always takes longer than a homeowner anticipates. Either due to the complexity of the build, access to the property or weather delays.

• Damage: Some damage or wear-and-tear on your property is inevitable. Installing tents means your lawn will be deprived of light and water for several days, your shrubs and trees may be pushed or bent, and heavy vehicles may leave deep marks on pathways and driveways. However, have no fear, nothing that doesn’t bounce back quickly or isn’t easily fixed after the event.

For more information about tenting-at-home, we invite you to contact one of our Tent Specialists at 215-368-6700.

[Photo:  Rachel McGinn; Decor:  Evantine Design]

 

Simple Elegance, EventQuip Now Offers Sailcloth Tents for Events

Written by EventQuip on August 8, 2011 in Sailcloth Tents, Weddings - No Comments

Tents today can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire.  Trust us when we say we’ve seen and done every style!  However,  over the past couple of years, the classically simple, nautically-inspired lines of the sailcloth tent have become a popular party favorite.  Favored by today’s savvy brides and special event planners for their streamlined design and translucent fabric, sailcloth tents bring a lightness and elegance to any outdoor celebration.  Although we enjoy installing fully-enclosed structural tents that can serve as your own private air-conditioned ballroom, there really isn’t anything like the open, airy, light as a feather experience of a sailcloth tent. Whether you’re enjoying a waterside vista in warm natural light or dancing the night away under the glow of the big top, sailcloth tents provide a weather resistant outdoor room that no one will forget.

EventQuip is happy to announce we now offer the rental of sailcloth tents in a variety of sizes for events, weddings and parties. But let’s not forget those finishing details! No sailcloth tent is complete without celebratory pennant flags flying at every peak.  Flags can be ordered in a wide range of colors or custom-designed with your logo or company brand to personalize the event in an original fashion.  We also offer stained wood center and side poles which lend a natural or vintage styling to these beautiful tents.

For more information about the styles and types of sailcloth tenting we offer, or to discuss your event in further detail, please contact one of our Tent Specialists at 215-368-6700.