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Gift Ideas For Bridesmaids

Buu — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Don’t forget your bridesmaid(s)! These ladies are taking the time out to accompany you on your special day–from confirming your beauty at dress fittings to listening to your meltdowns over menu snafus. We have some DIY-budget friendly and designer gift ideas on how to say “thank you for being my bridesmaid” and make sure your friendship stays intact after your day haha

{Survival Kit, Clutch, Mason Jars, Canvas, Parasol, Bangles}

The Knot offers a “Bridesmaid’s Survival Kit” that makes sure all last-minute emergencies are handled with ease and preparation. When we were searching for clutches online, we came across this showstopping feather clutch that could be an amazing bridesmaid’s gift or a bridal clutch to compliment your wedding gown.

For the more DIY/ budget-conscious bride, the doily covered mason jars are an adorable and personal gift anyone would appreciate! You can use them as candle holders or fill them with a delicious treat, even put some thank you notes and photos in them. The personalized button canvas is personal, easy to make or order via etsy, and who doesn’t love more home decor items? Another personalized bridesmaid’s gift is a monogram parasol with the first letter of each bridesmaid’s name on them.

No budget? Awesome, then your bridesmaid’s will adore these Nordstrom exclusive Alexis Bittar ‘Miss Havisham’ Encrusted Skinny Bangles! They come in different colors like gunmetal and rose gold, and are priced at $195.00 each.

Inspiration Board: B&W Swarovski Crystal Wedding

Nahid — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:52 +0000

In the midst of all the craziness with rebranding our site, we wanted to take some time to inspire you with decadence. As we’ve mentioned before, “vintage chic” or “rustic chic” has become a little over-saturated and cliched as far as wedding themes go. So let’s go back to our childhood roots, where we dreamed about platinum weddings full of diamonds, romance, and everything that money could buy! Well, those were our childhood dreams haha

{Invitations, Bouquet, Cake Topper, Bridesmaid Dress, Swarovski Crystal Heels, Bridal Gown, Cake, Tablescape}

What’s a dream wedding without being a little over the top? Black and white is classic, chic, modern, and romantic. It compliments all tastes and really balances both feminine and masculine aspects of a couple. The bling aspect? Not gaudy when you choose to go with Swarovski crystals as embellishments to your gown, heels, and decor. We love the inspiration board we came up incorporating black and white, and crystals to create a “wow!” factor. Last year, we created another black and white inspiration board showing you the different ways we can create black and white without looking like a bunch of jailbirds. This black and white board’s theme is “showstopping decadence for a Hollywood starlet.” Fancy, right?

Real Wedding: Beach Elegance at L’Auberge

Nahid — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:00:24 +0000

Bay and Casey are a gorgeous couple who wanted an elegant beach wedding at L’Auberge Del Mar. The couple met through mutual friends and family at a Christmas party nine years ago. Their personalities are like mirror images of each other and they love to be active. While on a snowboarding trip in Big Bear, Casey proposed to Bay at a bed and breakfast resort… how romantic!

L’Auberge Del Mar is an elegant setting for any wedding! It’s known as one of the best North San Diego coastal resorts.

Love the floral accents on the cake and the couple’s decision to have a modern, sleek lounge for guests to mingle during cocktail hour.

Bay’s fondest memory of her wedding: Seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony.

Bride’s words of wisdom: Relax and have fun. Involve your partner and do it together. It’s actually fun. Be very organized and get things done early so you’re not stressed. Hire a great planner like Nahid!

Ceremony Site: Seagrove Park in Del Mar, CA

Reception Site: L’Auberge Del Mar

Photographer: Brett Charles Rose Photography

Florist: Haydee’s Creative Flowers

Hair: Jessica Bertheau

Makeup: Mirror Mirror

Linens: Concepts Event Design

Rentals: Lounge Appeal

Lighting: England Lighting Systems

Stationary: Paper Paper Del Mar

Cake: Cake, Inc

Ceremony and Cocktail Entertainment: Caprice Strings

Reception Entertainment: Wayne Foster Band

Videographer: Pristine Videos

Transportation: LA Class Transportation

Holiday Sparkle Inspiration Board

Nahid — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:10 +0000

With the holiday season being here, we’re sure you’ll be invited to many festive holiday potlucks, parties and company parties. Now is the best time to wear as much sparkle as you want! From dresses to heels to makeup, you can bedazzle practically any part of your body and stand out in the crowd. New Year’s Eve parties are another great chance to break out some sparkle and glitter to celebrate the good times. Here’s some inspiration to help you shop and get in the festive, sparkly mood

{Dress, Heels, Sparkles, Cake, Makeup, Silver Dresses}

Pinktober Inspiration

Nahid — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:00:14 +0000

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, and whether you choose to participate in a marathon or host a party to raise awareness, we’ve got some pink inspiration for you. Just wearing pink and giving a donation can help tremendously in spreading the message–breast cancer can affect anyone, male or female!

[Gumdrop, Rosette purse, Lamb]

“This little lamb is named ‘Pinky,’ Pretty Pink Ewe and was designed as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. ButtermilkCottage has pledged 15% of all its sales of ‘Pinkie,’ the model, kits and PDF pattern will be be donated to The National Breast Cancer Foundation.”

Fridge, Candle tablescape, Boutonniere, Tablesetting, Hot pink tablescape, Menu display

[Tablescape]

Temecula Creek Inn is hosting a Charity Boot Camp on October 22, and proceeds benefit Michelle’s Place, a breast cancer resource center. For more information on how you can help, visit National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Wedding Color Trend Forecasts for 2011-2012

Nahid — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:56:30 +0000

As a wedding planner, you have to be forward thinking and keep up with trends or soon-to-be trends. Brides want to be on top of trends the moment they hit, not repeat something that’s been done. So with a little research from other industry folks and what clients love, we’re going to share with you color trend forecasts for 2011-2012!

Daring Bolds

Chicago’s Kehoe Designs has created two color palettes called “Chicago Classics”: jet black, gentleman’s gray, opal white, shadow gold, and accent hues like emerald green, Turkish blue, and garnet red. The other palette, “Istanbul Style”: azure blue, Indian pink, pearlized turquoise, copper gold, petrol blue and ruby red. “This look is more theatrical, exotic and glamorous than in previous years.”

[Jessica Tierney.com]

[Better Homes and Garden]

Neutrals for the Refined

In fashion right now, neutral shades like pale pink, taupe, and shades of white will stay prominent in wedding color trends. The colors are great for brides who want to project a sense of refinement, simplicity, and tradition. They also work well for budget-friendly brides since they can function as backdrop colors with bursts of color popping up in florals or lighting.

Our Favorite and What Works For Us

Orange! Yes, sometimes you just have to go with the color that works best for you. Sometimes you have to say “To heck with these trends!” and opt with complimentary colors or colors which represent you and your groom. We love the orange color because it’s warm, vibrant, exciting and it attracts others. Finding out the meaning of colors or how others perceive it can help you determine if the color is right for you.

Valuable Vendor: Pow Wow Vintage Rentals

Nahid — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:00:08 +0000

Rustic chic and vintage romance are super huge wedding trends that look like they won’t be fizzling out anytime soon. Vintage decor–from frames and teacups to furniture and lighting, Pow Wow Vintage Rentals has it all! They’ve provided decor for magazine shoots, engagement shoots, and events like this past weekend’s Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center’s “Hearts of the Harvest” fundraiser (in which yours truly helped to coordinate ).

They are based in San Diego, CA, but they are willing to deliver rentals 75 miles out. We think they’re a great resource for inspiration and all things vintage. So if you’re thinking of renting a few statement pieces at your wedding or event, please give Pow Wow Vintage Rentals a call!

*All photos were lovingly borrowed from Pow Wow Vintage Rentals. We take no credit.

Dark Fairytales–Halloween Inspiration Boards

Nahid — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:00:51 +0000

Halloween is a little more than a month away and we wanted to give readers inspiration boards that make us think of Halloween without being obvious or tacky. You could say it’s more of an “editorial” take on a Halloween-inspired wedding theme! If you’ve watched shows like “My Fair Wedding with David Tutera,” you’ll notice he likes to pull key elements like the feel, and colors of a theme rather than using literal items to create the design of the wedding and receptions. Here, we focused on words like “spooky,” “haunted,” “dark fairytale,” and “dark beauty” to create these inspiration boards which are still very “Halloween” but with a grownup taste.

Cinderella, Alexander McQueen, Book, Candle

Headpiece, Pumpkins, Rings, Clutch, Terranium, Fireplace

Model, Favor bags, Estate, Necklace, Invite

Candles, Apothecary, Princess, Canopy, Tag

You can find inspiration anywhere, you just have to let your imagination run a little wild

New Wedding Trend: Bali Feather Wedding Banners

Nahid — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:00:29 +0000

We love to share new trends with our brides and readers, so when we came across this new trend we knew we were going to blog about it! Balinese banners/flags represent hope, meaning and strength; generating an energy people may use to build a better future with. With such an amazing meaning behind them, it’s no wonder these bali banners are becoming a great alternative to florals at weddings and receptions. These banners work great in outdoor settings and can create an exotic and breathtaking ambiance that’s both different and modern. Bali or feather banners come in different colors and when used with lighting, they can transform any space into a dramatic setting.

Monogrammed flags, Ceremony site flags, Feather flags

Feather banner, White Bali flags

We just love what a statement they make! Once the wedding’s done, there are no flowers to throw away (sustainability and being green is always a plus!)

Long Beach Hyatt Indian Reception Setup

Nahid — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:37:12 +0000

Over the Fourth of July weekend, we had the pleasure of working with Neil & Archana to create a gorgeous and exotic Indian wedding at the Hyatt Hotel in Long Beach, CA. Although this is just a preview of the spectacular two-day event, here are some pictures of the reception setup.

The gorgeous elephant, an iconic symbol in Indian culture

Reception colors were royal blue, white, and silver. Tables were named after the couple’s past and future travel destinations.

Setting up for a 500+ person reception was not a small task! Alongside with our assistants, the catering crew, linen vendors, A/V and lighting, and floral we were able to finish in a few hours.

The dramatic white backdrop for the sweetheart table.

Can you see the fabric hanging from the ceiling in the picture below? It’s for the aerial acrobatic entertainment during the reception!

Thanks to Gene Higa Photography for these amazing pictures!

Venue: Hyatt Regency in Long Beach

Stationary: Simply Posh Design

Linen and chairs: Kumba Entertainment

Floral: Isari Flower Studio & Event Design