Featured on Apartment Therapy Los Angeles: Cutest Photo Booth Idea to Steal

via www.apartmenttherapy.com

Wow, Wow...what an honor to have had our photo booth appear on Apartment Therapy! So, excited!  Check it out! 

Apartment Therapy Blog

Signature Sasha: Magnificent Weddings by Design - Exciting News!

For quite a while we've been working on a design book which will debut in January 2010. 

The wedding design book Signature Sasha: Magnificent Weddings by Design is a stunning, hard cover wedding design book featuring beautiful photography of all aspects of wedding design including never before seen Weddings by Sasha Souza Events.  The book will have a cover price of $50.

The four color, hard bound book will be available at all major bookstores and online through our website:  http://www.signaturesasha.com  Which will feature the most up to date information about the book release, speaking engagements and book signings and information about our line of products including the Team I Do Business Coaching program. 

As the release gets closer, we'll share on the site information from the inside of the book and probably even a sample chapter!  Keep an eye out for these updates by following us on Twitter & becoming a fan on Facebook! 

Kristen & Todd's Fabulous Vintage Photo WALL!

I know this has made the rounds of blogs and websites and even twitter over the past week, so I figured I might as well post something that we created.  It was created for Kristen* & Todd's wedding which was recently featured in Modern Bride but also on Kiss the Groom and I've seen it popup on the Knot & Weddingbee. 

The top one showcases the creativity of my staff Galen & Mel along with Mel's husband Matt. 

 

 

 

I'm holidng Giada for Alisha + Brook so they could have a family photo. 

PURE BLISS* NUPTIALS {via Kiss the Groom}

The always amazing photographer Elizabeth Messina featured my good friend Kristen's wedding today on Kiss the Groom.  The wedding is currently in the Fall issue of Modern Bride Magazine {thanks to Tony, et. al}  and Elizabeth showcased even more of the lovely, lovely wedding!  Kristen is the owner of Bliss Video Productions a boutique film company based in California. 

it is with great happiness that i share with you the intimate photographs of kristen* & todd’s elegant summer wedding….you simply must pick up the newest issue of MODERN BRIDE, which has a beautiful four page spread on this truly unique & inspiring wedding….all the elements of this special day were brilliantly executed by sasha souza, an amazing event planner in northern california…..

 

the couple exchanged vows at nestledown a stunning location, literally “nestled” in lush foliage & beautiful redwood trees….it was the perfect backdrop for kristen’s vision of a wedding inspired by nordic mythology & art nouveau….their wedding felt like a A Midsummer Night’s dream soiree…..

 

this vintage london taxi was the stylish couple’s get away vehicle

 

kristen’s wore a beautiful hand crafted shrug over a stunning lace la sposa gown….the shrug was not only a work of art but a very special momento for the bride….it was made by holly stalder from lace that belonged to kristen’s great great grandmother….such a stunning and meaningful piece….

 

kristen* also wore a stunning one of a kind headpiece made by leah c…..todd wore a vintage suit, made by al’s attire…. kristen* & todd are such a beautiful couple…so sweet & incredibly stylish….

 

todd shielded his eyes as he waited to see kristen* for the first time….and at the ceremony, sasha souza created the most adorable “toss me” table for the couple…….the guests filled little cups with an array of  beautiful flowers & herds & tossed them at the stunning couple as they walked down the aisle…

 

the amazing florals were created by northern california based leah lowery for sasha souza events

the guests dined on locally grown organic cuisine at stunning tables designed by sasha souza

kristen’s hair was an amazing nordic inspired updo with braids woven throughout….

 

at the end of the evening, the couples & their guests danced and celebrated inside a barn, adorned by sasha souza with beautiful fabric & candles…their art nouveau cake was created by san francisco based i dream of cake….and guests enjoyed hundreds of homemade cookies made with love by the bride’s mother and grandmother…. i hope this incredibly beautiful blissful event inspires your own….

La Tavola - 2009 Collection Event (they give good table)

My good friend, Betsy Stone, owner of La Tavola Fine Linen Rental had her 2009 Linen Collection's "Coming Out Party" and she did not disappoint.  La Tavola is now celebrating their one year anniversary and while it may sound like they haven't been around a long time, Miss Betsy has been around the linen rental block having owned two previous rental companies. 

Check out the new finds from La Tavola!

La Tavola has napkins in numerous styles and every color of the rainbow...

We recently used this same topper for an upcoming issue of The Knot, but in an amazing deep coral.  glamorous, sexy & sparkly.  Three of my favorite things.

I love Betsy's eye for style and what a well dressed table looks like.  It doesn't have to be matchy, matchy to be chic and trendsetting!

The chair covers Betsy has created are ASTOUNDING with sweet fluted bottoms, buttons and piping, the attention to detail is never lost in exchange for style.

I love this kiosk table topper and full tulle skirt - like a wedding gown for the table.  Lovely.

And it comes in black for the new color trend of black & white weddings!

If you have not visited the website, sorted the linens by color and ordered your Sally Spicer design bag, you're missin' it for the best in linen rentals.  Miss Betsy & her wonderful, attentive and hardwroking team will take good care of you!

Say I Do With: Alesia & Charles compliments of Alisha+Brook Photography - Dinner & Dancing

BRAVO!! to the Vendors Who Created this Wedding!
Planner/Designer Allison Van Every: Allison Weddings

Caterer: Outstanding in the Field

Band: Five Second Ride

Lighting: AV Solutions

Invitations: Ceci New York

Other printed items: Heart Paper Soul
Venue:  Pie Ranch

Dressmaker:  Catherine Martin

How Much Is That? Brilliance from the Brown Bag Blog by Nancy Liu Chin

 

{image source} & how to make a $ rose

Ihave been an avid reader of the very talented Nancy Liu Chin'sBlog | The Brown Bagfor a very long time and when I saw this post yesterday, I knew I had to "borrow" it with her permission.  I think it brilliantly outlines the differences between a florist shop and a floral designer.  Because THERE ARE DIFFERENCES.  Good Job Nancy!!!  Thanks for letting me share this info!

The Price Is Right

This entry is a response to many of our potential clients and vendors who ask the proverbial question...

{"Can you give me a price list for flowers for my wedding?"}

Or….

{"What should I budget for wedding flowers?"}

These are the most frequently asked questions and I'm not at all surprised because information is not as easy to find as you might think.

-          Why aren't many wedding floral designers and florist able to provide a price sheet on their website?

-          Why is it so hard to determine how to budget for wedding flowers?

The answer is not so simple as we discovery. As consumers, we are accustomed to seeing flowers at our local grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, or Safeways(Vons). We often see "bucket shops" with pre-made flowers with clear pricing. We can buy flowers at BULK warehouses like Costco. However, in those instances, flowers are sold as COMMODITIES or PRODUCTs not as a custom designed ARRANGEMENT.  A floral arrangement is a hand crafted, custom product and it varies in price.

What are the components in pricing wedding flowers?

-          Creativity

-          Quantity and Quality

-          Seasonality of flowers

-          Color of the flowers

-          Holidays - supply of certain flowers during peak holidays increase

-          Fixed Costs of a Business

-          Labor and Design Costs

-          Delivery and Setup

-          Materials

-          Props, Rentals, Containers, Supplies

-          - Customer Service

-          - Exclusivity of a Designer

-          - Travel Costs

-          - Location

I'm sure I've missed a few but in general you get the message...right?

What is the salesperson at a floral shop thinking when you ask how much wedding flowers costs?

1)     When is the wedding? i.e. Weekday? Holidays weekend?

2)     What color is the wedding?

3)     How many floral pieces do they need? i.e. Ceremony? Reception? Bouquets? Boutonnieres? Food Stations?

4)     What containers? What props? What rental items do they need?

5)     What is their style? i.e. Modern? Simple relaxed? Country rustic? Formal, Black Tie?

6)     Is this a complex setup? How many floral installers will it take? What is the distance between ceremony site and reception site?

7)     What flowers do they like? Is there additional cost to import? Can we source locally?

8)     When is the breakdown of this event?

9)     How much lead time will we have to create this wedding?

 

Do you see why it's a very difficult question to ask any floral designer or florist

about pricing? It is almost as general as asking how much is a car? (Do you want a

sports car? A sedan? What are the options? A/C, navigation, leather seats? Do you

want a luxury brand? Is it a 2 door, 4 door? What year? What make?)

BOTTOM LINE: There are many options for wedding flowers. What is important is to do some INDEPENDENT research. We are so lucky that we have great online floral delivery services at our finger tips.

Websites like bbrooks.com, ftd.com,1800flowers.com, teleflora.com can give us GENERIC pricing on a range of pre-made, pre-designed flowers. If you have designer tastes, you know that you will have to pay above such prices.

There are many quality vendors who do show pricing on floral arrangements through their websites. One of the best in LA is Eric Buterbaugh who has a fabulous collection of flowers.

Remember, when you research, these are single arrangement and all floral have added delivery costs so DO NOT be surprised that for wedding flowers, you too should also expect DELIVERY, SETUP, BREAKDOWN, DESIGN costs. This is industry standards and completely justified.

- DO YOUR HOMEWORK - research is important.

-          Be Specific with your questions. AVOID sending lengthy emails. If you ask a generic question, you will probably get a very general answer back

-          Pick up the phone. Make a floral consultation. Make a connection.

-          Review the vendor's website and see if they address your questions.

-          Go to wedding related websites for general PRICING answers but do not expect that it will fit to your wedding needs.

-          Ask if your vendors have a minimum.

 

 

What I'm Gonna Be Up To...

A big beautiful spread for one of my very favoritist magazines...

We'll be shooting for three days with an amazing photographer.  It's going to keep my attention most of this week...

Unfortunately, I don't have many posts in the queue while I'm out and about making something wonderful for the January/February issue. 

You'll have to wait until then to see it (no sneak peek)!  I know you'll love it and it's killing me not to tell you more about it!

Say I Do with Jenny & Keith (in New York)

Jenny and Keith came to an event we had done in Napa Valley for a good friend of Jenny's.  They hired us to find a site and design an event for them just outside NYC.   They had a few requests though...it had to be within 25 minutes of Manhattan, had to feel like a secret garden,  had to be on the Chinese calendar chosen auspicious wedding day chosen by the fortune teller, had to have a tent and the groom wanted a Moroccan influenced lounge.  Other than that -- we could just have fun with it.  :)  And did we ever. 

The night before the wedding, it poured rain in Manhattan - 3" in Central Park with hundreds of lightning strikes.  I was truly worried for the next days' festivities -- but the skies parted and dried all of our pre-hung fuschia fabric and nobody was the wiser.  All photos are by Meg Smith

One of my favorite bridal bouquets we've done below...

The property had several gates which gave it the "secret garden" feeling

Inside the tent, we setup four long tables for dining and dancing with a DJ. I *love* the picture of the lighting - one of my most favorite images ever.   

The groom's moroccan lounge featured flavored teas, nuts, dried fruit and pillows for guests to chill on the floor.  The dessert table was imported from California as well as the cake.

   

Lookbook: Wine Country Weddings

I'm supremely lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth - California's Napa Valley.  The weather is mild most of the year (except this week), we have a built in destination wedding location.  We live a great lifestyle here, made famous by numerous TV shows like Falcon Crest and Napa Living.  Food & wine are integrated parts of everyday life along with outdoor dining in the summer and gorgeous views driving to work.  But enough of that... :)   

When I think of Napa Valley or Wine Country Weddings, I think about barrel rooms, caves, mountain views and acres of vines.  I also think about food, wine, decadence, massages, olive oil, mustard and wineries.   One thing I'm not a fan of is hitting your guests over the head and neck with a grape motif.  There are so many ways to incorporate the wine country without putting grapes in the centerpieces, bar arrangements, cake, invitations, favors, ceremony decor, etc, etc, etc, etc.  You get the picture...believe me, when people arrive in the wine country, there is no mistaking where they are and they're very aware of it.  So, plan a great party with fun little touches, serve them scruptiousdilliumptious food and slammin' wine and they'll think you're the best party planner EVER.

Hope you enjoy this lookbook that includes everything great about my hometown...

 

top: Susan Stripling/Sasha Souza Events, Sherman Chu/Sasha Souza Events, Tu photography/Sasha Souza Events

second row: Union Photo, Dauphine Press, Tu Photography/Sasha Souza Events,

third row:  Fleur De Lisa Cakes, Anna Kilbridge/Sasha Souza Events, Beau Coup, Sherman Chu, Union Photo

fourth row:  Union Photo, Sherman Chu/Sasha Souza Events

When The Events Industry Shows Off...

...they do it in grand style, make no mistake -- we give good party!

A friend of mine, Karl Heitz who is a DMC with the Arrangers in Denver and who is also the ISES Denver Past President forwarded images of a showcase event that his ISES chapter did with their members. 

They called it ISES in Wonderland and it was held at the Denver Ritz Carlton hotel.  I was blown over by the creativity of the members in the tabletops they put together.  I had to share them with everybody in the world who reads our blog.  So, enjoy!  This type of an event is what I call "taking it to the promised land" Good job!! 

And if you're an event planner and not a member of ISES - tisk tisk on you...there's great ideas to be found by networking with your peers.

All images by Frances Marron Photography

I had to showcase many of my favorite tables from the slideshow..check these beauties out

Top Row:  Dramatic Events & Bella Fiore, Catering by Design, Dramatic Events & Bella Fiore

Second Row:  Decor N More, Dramatic Events & Bella Fiore

The curved table with glass block and succulents and ferns is whimsical and gorgous. 

Delilah's and Table Six Productions

Probably my most favorite table for use of theme was the one below.  I love the drum shade with the old fashioned Alice in Wonderland images on the inside. 

Table design by The Perfect Petal.  Don't you *LOVE* the flatware in the julep glass?  LOVE IT!

Not only do the desserts look divine, I love how they incorporated the "Drink Me" tags on the jars.

This is exactly what happens when you give talented event professionals a theme and ask them to run with it... you get amazing creativity and attention to detail.  So inspired!!   

Say I Do with Michelle & Nate (in Cabo)

We have been really lucky to have worked many weddings in Mexico and this one is at the One & Only Palmilla - a very exclusive celebrity haunt that often hosts the most sought after weddings.  Michelle & Nate were married before 80 guests on the chapel followed by a cocktail party on the chapel deck and dinner on the beach in a custom built tent along with dancing in the ballroom into the wee hours.

I loved so much about this couple -- and the bride & groom both had a very defined sense of style and were very gracious and they're both gorgeous!  I adored working with them.   We brought all the linen, chair pads, decor, candles and flowers from the US and worked with our team to create a really beautiful ambiance for the wedding.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we do :)

Thought I'd share their wedding -- shot by Meg Smith.

Michelle's gown was so beautiful for the location and we paired it with a gorgeous white and green bouquet.  The bridesmaids were super chic in their gowns carrying similiar white bouquets.

The bride arrived at the chapel in a horse drawn carriage lead by a mariachi band.  I loved the rustic feeling of the church along with their more modern touches. 

Out on the beach we constructed a tent for dinner which hosted long tables and tones of chocolate, mocha and pistachio with touches of key lime and white flowers. 

After dinner, fireworks and silt walkers and drummers entertained the crowd before they went to the ballroom for a night of dancing and lounging. 

Lookbook: Clear as a Bell

I get A LOT of interesting requests from clients who want something different.  Recently I was reading a design questionairre from a bride where she said she wanted to keep the event very clear/sheer and she liked the idea of things being see-through.  It got me thinking about how many things at events we could do as see through.  Food, Cake and Flowers will be hard, but everything else?  Here's a Lookbook to support her idea on how sheer could fit in at a wedding.  Enjoy!

Colorspotting: Reach Up for the Sunrise

I saw the most beautiful sunrise the other morning -- it was yellow and red and had a hint of a cocoa color. I wished that I had my camera to take photos.  So, instead...I'll have to remember it in this colorspotting lookbook:

Chuppah - Huppah - Chuppa

However you spell it...everybody has a different idea.  I, personally, like Chuppah.  That's how we spell it in our office.  This is probably the most common tradition from Jewish weddings to have taken hold across the board on all weddings.  The idea of the four posted structure for the bride & groom to get married under.  For a non-Jewish wedding it doesn't have to have a cloth top, but can be draped, bedecked in flowers, have candles on top, simple wrought iron and vines -- etc, etc.  If your mind can dream it, there's an event production company that can build it.

Below are some fabu CHUPPAH-esque structures for your wedding ceremony.    What I *LOVE* about ceremony structures is the fact that they are then the focal point of the ceremony -- a place to draw the guests eye while the exchange of vows and rings takes place.  No matter how elaborate or breathtaking, the CHUPPAH is always the frame for the ceremony -- not the main photograph.  Remember that no matter how "beautiful the garden is in June" -- it can always use a little bit 'o CHUPPAH love. 

Lit from Within

I personally think there's a fine line between something that's considered to be cool and something that unfortunatley turns out as tacky and how the items is used can be the ultimate determination of which category it falls into. 

Take ice sculptures.  Mention the words "Ice Sculpture" to a bride and they often pull a face -- thinking of the awful swans and intertwined hearts of the 80s.  Today, ice isn't the only thing that can be lit from within or have that same "could be cool if used properly" idea. 

These days the events world is full of things that are lit with LEDs -- the less expensive, higher impact type of lighting.  They can range from the tens of thousands of dollars like the lighted & interactive dancefloor to just a few hundred dollars like the light up cubes. 

So when the lights go down...turn on the lighting within. 

top:  sashasouzaevents.com, bwdesigns.com, bwdesigns.com, blueprintstudios.com

middle: sashasouzaevents.com, bwdesigns.com, bwdesigns.com

bottom:  bwdesigns.com, airstar-light.us, socoolevents.com, socoolevents.com

Felt, Yes, I Said Felt...

I've never been a crafty person -- so don't look to me to make scrapbooks chronicling my life or sew you a handmade gift for the holidays.  I buy gifts for people -- it's easier that way -- and they're happier than receiving some unrecognizable attempt at a gift.  Oh, I can visualize what I want and even tell people how to make it, but my hands don't work that way. 

So, I have MUCHO respect for people who have the talent to create really unique things.  I came across a super cute set of wool felt place cards and then my obsession began.  I found all things felt -- from wonderful thank you notes and ring bearer pillows to huge hair pieces.  If you're lookin' for some fun and funk in your party -- felt may be just the ticket.

Pretty Seats

It's easy to forget the chair your guest sits in...I mean, they're just a place to rest your weary tush, right?  Is it AS important as the rest of the table?   Well, duh... do you want to put your rump on a seat made of plastic in the hot summer sun?  While the chiavari chair has become the workhorse of the events industry, it's starting to get a much needed makeover.  The chair is as much part of the design as the tabletop itself...but it's the most often misunderstood part of the table decor.   Enjoy the very creative tables below which showcase the most beautiful in chair decor.

Photos above from brides.com, resourceone.info, wildflowerlinen.com, chameleonchair.com and bbjlinen.com

White Paper Parasols... blech.

White paper parasols are nothing new to weddings -- we've seen 'em in magazine layouts and at events we've been to.  But!  And there's always a But! at Sparkliatti... these parasols are made to be a major focal point of the party.  They are offered in many colors and patterns

top:   eparasols.com, dragonflydesignstudio.com

bottom:  jedicreations.com, jedicreations.com

Do you know how easy it is to paint a parasol?  All you need is spray paint and some rubber gloves to keep your french manicure in tact.  You can sponge and batik a parasol all by your little self.  Make it FABULOUS -- if it's one for you for pictures or paint them in coordinating wedding colors for the guests.  You can start with a colored or white parasol depending on the color you want it to come out.  Super easy!  Try it!

On a side note, make sure you know the SIZE of the parasol you're purchasing.  Not all of them are 24" - 30" wide -- some are as small at 10", can you imagine a guest trying to stay shaded under a parasol no bigger than a cocktail drink umbrella? 

We had a bride who provided her own parasols once -- It's pretty funny to watch the guests open the umbrellas and wonder where the rest of the umbrella went!

Eleven Most Useful Wedding Books - EVER!

We all know that there's a million and one wedding books out there...but what are the books that the event planners use?  Well, I'm here to tell ya...we have a lot of books -- probably more than 250 in our office -- everything about weddings, decor, home, food and anything else I can get my hands on.  I couldn't pick just TEN books... so I'm giving you eleven. 

These are the books we refer to time and again, some are brand new and fabulous like Style your Dream Wedding & the Modern Bride Suvival Guide (by Antonia van der Meer - love her) below.  Others have been around a while but don't seem to get stale and  have lots of ideas that can be updated for your event. 

Take a look around, you may find your inspiration...

Say I Do with Sarah & Patrick

Sarah & Patrick were married at her family estate in Sacramento, CA.  What I loved about Sarah & Patrick's wedding was that she wanted to combine the rustic beauty of the redwood grove behind the house, have a French market style cocktail party, lounge on hay bails and have an elegant family style meal and dancing with a 14 piece band.  Talk about eclectic taste...  I know you're scratching your head and wondering how we pulled this one off.  Well, the photos are below - see for yourself. 

The bride wore a custom designed Jin Wang gown and carried a bouquet of hydrangea, sweet pea, orchid and calla lily.  The bridesmaids wore very light tones of pink and carried apricot and green toned bouquets of roses, hydrangea, Camellia leaf and lambs ear.

Upon arrival, guests were escorted through the wrought iron gates decorated with floral wreaths.  Escort cards in wheat grass and fastened with lavender bunches for the cocktail party.  Letterpress escort cards by Dauphine Press.

The ceremony set in the redwood grove provided a shady area for the ceremony.  Very light tones of pink and white and cream were used for the red dogwood arbor and ceremony flowers.  Copper entry pieces greeted the guests and provided an interesting contrast to the wrought iron chairs and rose toned pads.

The French country marketplace featured a hay bail lounge covered in blue and yellow fabric, his & hers food stations, and linen in coordinating tones with yellow and green flowers. 

Although Sarah wanted the look of a French country marketplace...the hors d'oeuvres reflected their favorite things including Duck Confit wontons, sushi, pancetta wrapped chicken skewers, and chilled soup.

Dinner in the tent featured coral toned carpeting and linens in three tones of pink ranging from sunrise to watermelon.  Flowers in a variety of containers graced the tables with tulips, peony, hydrangea, orchids and dogwood.  Square, round and long tables were utilized for guest seating.   The brides' head table featured custom made candlesticks and candles were coordinated to the event's linen. 

The table place setting for the three course family style meal featured letterpress menu cards by Dauphine Press and taupe colored charger plates. 

Got Light?  The cake by Fleur De Lisa Cakes was a modified gift style in fondant and handmade white chocolate roses. 

The 60x100 pole tent set on the front lawn of the estate was lit both inside and out by

The dancing was followed by late night sliders and fries. 

all photos are (c) Sherman Chu Photography

Ring bearer Pillows

Ring bearer pillows have come a long way since their satin & lace predecessors -- now they're made of everything from woven reeds or moss all the way to small boxes filled with fresh flowers.  Check out these super-cute ring bearer pillow ideas we scavenged from the internet.

Perfume My Party...

For years we've been using scent at events and weddings as a way of creating a mood.  But until now, there were only HUGE industrial units which were hidden in a corner of the room and produced a LOT of fragrance...they had to be used carefully to keep from blowing people over with the scent of green tea and lavender.  Think of it as perfume for your party!  You want to smell beautiful on your wedding day and so should your event. 

For years hotels, restaurants and retail have used scent to lure shoppers, make guests feel more at home and make them feel more hungry for dinner.  The use of scent in our lives can drive our desires and our wants and needs in that moment.  It can also remind us of the past and trigger our brains to bring forward strong emotions and memories. 

I even use the machines in my office and home -- at Christmas it smells like sugar cookies, right now it smells of lavender and vanilla.  In the office we normally use a lemon grass and sage but have also used a white ginger & amber.  Most of our events use our scent machines to make a cave smell a little bit better or to match the scent of the flowers in the room to make it smell just a little bit more beautiful. 

The leader in this technology is ScentAir Technologies which owns Scentevents and ScentAir Home.   They will custom blend a scent just for you -- as most of the hotels and retail establishments have done -- thus branding your wedding with your very own fragrance! 

Here's a sample of some scents offered by Scentevents - I would encourage you to stay away from Locker Room and Magic Marker, personally ;)

La Tavola è Molto Bella

The most exciting thing to happen in linen rental took place last Thursday night.  Betsy Stone formerly of Sister's Party Rentals and LaBella Party Rentals (both Northern CA companies which are now part of the Classic Party Rentals family) launched her newest adventure...La Tavola.  A fine linen rental company which is "dedicated to creating a table to not only showcase your meal, but create a lasting impression for both you and your guests."

Betsy only knows how to give 150% to her pursuits.  She's a perfectionist, a strategic business woman and powerhouse...she's pretty darn nice, too!  The beauty of La Tavola is that they are using green technology to clean all their linen and RIFD tags to monitor the inventory -- no more calls on the day before the event that they don't have your burgundy topaz king's drapes :).  She's on the beautiful cutting edge of both technologically and design and I'm thankful to have her back. 

Enjoy the preview below of some of the new linens -- they're the most beautiful available and there must be a thousand or more different linens to choose from... enough to keep me busy for a day or two!

Colorspotting: Coral & Orange & Red...Oh My!

Everybody who knows me understands that I really like orange (well, maybe more than really like...). 

Today's Colorspot is on my favorite color and a combo that we have become known for -- orange & red -- but we paired it with an unexpected shot of coral for a little bit of extra punch.  Enjoy the inspiration board below, we hope you can pull some ideas for your own fabulous event. 

I love when you can tie color into all aspects of the event, into the food, decor, lighting, stationery, bridesmaids gown...

dress by INC at Macy's, shoe by ViaSpiga at Macy's, flowers, decor and design by Leah Lowery for Sasha Souza events, invitation & stationery by Dauphine press, lighting by got-light?, event at a private winery

Nuveaux Vintage Cake Toppers

With the renaissance of everything vintage, it makes sense that the cake topper is making a comeback of it's own.  Cake toppers have traditionally been really ugly plastic pieces with a bride & groom on top when have NO RESEMBLANCE to the couple (except the plastic hair color) and isn't something you would want to keep (or even display) in your home for years to come.

We found some really great cake toppers on Etsy -- handmade by real people -- and I think you should check them out.  Just do a search for Wedding Cake Toppers (beware of the strange) and have a great time!!

 

Say I Do with Becca and Drew

I have to say that I really enjoy the clients who hire us to plan their weddings and Becca and Drew were no exception.  As far as I was concerned, they were about as perfect a client as I could have had.  They trusted, they had a great time planning their wedding and they were full of energy. 

BEAUTY:

The gown was made by Amy Kuschel in San Francisco and she did everything right -- it was well made, beautifully simple and very Becca.  She's made several of our bride's gowns now and I just think she takes the right amount of time learning about what the bride loves to create the perfect dress for her. 

Becca's bouquet was joyous and what I loved about it most (aside from the colors) was the huge red peony focal point.  I love the spring for all the flowers that we can get which aren't available the rest of the year and Becca was married at the right time of the year for gorgeous brightly colored flowers. 

Becca and Drew were married on a day in May at a Northern California Organic Farm. When guests arrived at the location, they were greeted by a memory lane -- guests walked down a long row of apple trees through the orchard where photos, which included pictures of the couple's childhood and photos of them with the guests, were strung from ribbons while the trees were strung with dozens of wind chimes.

CEREMONY STYLE:

The ceremony was in the round and we created a structure which made the guests feel "enveloped" and a crucial part of the ceremony.  One by one, guests came forward to tell stories, read poems and participate in the wedding.  The colors were taken from Indian Sari's -- in vivid hues of turquoise, cantaloupe and moss green. 

Chairs circled around the center ceremony riser where the bride & groom exchanged wedding vows.

What was so wonderful about this wedding?  For me, it was the unique aspects of the ceremony design & flow.  There were two aisles guests could seat from and there were fantastic views of the ceremony from every angle.  The 10 foot tall structure & draping was topped with flowers, which didn't detract from the intention of the ceremony but added to the design.

YUMMM....
Anybody who knows me can tell you that the hors d'oeuvres are my favorite part of the event.  Little bites with big flavor.  It's too bad that the cocktail party is only an hour... :)  It's also a perfect place to put a little bit of personality into your meal.  The caterer did a fantastic job doing just that for Becca & Drew.  Mini shots of chilled pea soup with a crab stuffed pea pod, a variety of house made sushi rolls with soy ginger dipping sauce, deep fried calamari shooters with spicy Sciracca and my personal favorite -- won tons of cheve and chicken with a yogurt dip.  Anything I can dip makes me happy and we had a great time coming up with their favorite foods.

Party Time:

I learn a few things about every couple, but I can definitely tell you this... Becca does not like cake and Drew does not like colored glassware (which also came as a surprise to his bride).  Well, Becca got her way and we did a sumptuous pie and ding dong/cupcake buffet -- which could have been on any old table -- but use an old truck bed on wooden stumps for the display -- it was really cool and fit with the organic farm "scene" -- Drew wasn't as fortunate as we did sneak a light blue water glass on the table. 

The tabletop design for me is the most fun I get to have.  Mixing color, texture, metal, glass, paper, flowers and cloth becomes a symphony in my head.   This one was no exception for me.  The tabletop was a copper charger  mixed with a whimsical wrought iron flatware, crystal stemware and fabric in tones of ocean, sea spray and dark walnut chairs.

Keeping flowers low to the table when outside is imperative in case of wind.  I've broken enough Reidel crystal glassware to know now -- it needs to be under 24" at the base.  Since we make all of our own candles in house they were all coordinated to the tones of the wedding and really finished the look of the event. 

Looking back at this event, I can't pick one thing that I would have changed and would invite Becca and Drew to let me know if they ever need to have another party -- I'd love to work with them again.   

Hot New Product Alert!

The hottest thing to hit tent design in...like forever...just hit the scene.  Printed velon ceilings & walls are available from Velon Designs & Classic Party Rentals. 

You're asking yourself..."Self, What does this mean?"  It means the rules for tents have completely been turned on their ear.  Not only are there really cool "standard colors & patterns" but you can have ANY design printed on the material with enough lead time. 

Imagine the designs!  Imagine the possibilities!  Now you can have walls that look like expensive fabric since velon (which is a thick plastic material) drapes so well.  I'm so happy for this new item -- and all that it brings to events.  It's exciting -- even better than exciting...It's hot sh!t...

And Then There Was Light...

If there is one thing for your wedding that can completely transform your space…it’s lighting.  It will accentuate the positive and help you ignore the negative.  It will make you glow and it will make your food look yummier.  It helps create mood and can incorporate color.  All great event designers appreciate the importance of transforming space using light & color.  In the end, it’s gonna cost ya some benjamins…maybe quite a few benjamins — but without it your wedding cannot be all it can be.   Here’s some great examples of before & after lighting design…by Got Light? 

Calistoga Ranch Cave:

Finding a good lighting designer is easy … finding a SPECTACULAR lighting designer isn’t easy.  But for all that they do — manage power, create space and transform rooms — it’s smart to find somebody whose portfolio shows that they “get it”

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Ballroom:

So, if you do one thing today for your wedding… call a lighting designer.   

Glow Lighting has a list of terms to know when talking about lighting...I've copied it here for you:

Enhance your room, reception hall, lawn or event center with beautiful uplighting effects. CONVENTIONAL UP-LIGHTING Add elegant and eye-pleasing uplighting to your room or event center.  Lighting shed up walls, columns or spotted onto a specific area will bring a beautiful and stimulating feel to your event -- all to make it better!  Even place them outside and shine them up trees or into bushes and shrubbery. Choose from 8 different colors to beautifully match your colors, theme or the desired feel you're looking to achieve.  Uplighting can be placed on the floor to shine up columns, up walls or behind trees and other props to give that extra appeal.  They can also be clamped onto railings, trusses or onto tree's for outdoor applications. L.E.D. MOOD LIGHTING - DECORATIVE DESIGN & UPLIGHTING Create a mood.  Create an atmosphere.  Re-create a mood.  Re-create an atmosphere. It is all possible using high-end LED lighting.  LED lighting can give a room the special touch you are looking for -- as a matter of fact, redefining the space and enhancing it with light.  This enhancement will influence the aura of the room and lead to what light designers including ourselves call mood lighting.  With the simple click of the mouse, our on-site lighting technicians can easily change the mood before your guests can blink an eye.  LED lighting is by far our most popular and favorite product line. INTELLIGENT MOVING FIXTURES Intelligent lighting fixtures are the ideal lighting instruments.  Virtually any look can be created with intelligent lighting from razor sharp logo projections to bold washes of color.  A common use of intelligent lighting for weddings and corporate events is a custom color spotlight to focus on key-note speakers, a grand entrance, and even a first dance.  We use a wide variety of intelligent lighting fixtures for our shows.  The following pictures show intelligent lighting in different applications and settings. PINSPOTTING Pinspotting the aisle for a wedding ceremony and pinspotting the centerpieces on the dinner tables makes a world of a difference.  Pinspotting is an essential element of the décor.  Allocating a portion of your event budget to pinspotting is money well spent.  It gives the room an elegant, rich feel.  And, with all the money spent on the table centerpieces, why not pinspot them to show them off? Pinspotting is a technique used by all event designers to really make your dinner tables pop.  You can have a spotlight focused on your centerpieces and cake table, ultimately drawing everyone's eyes to the amazing florals you worked so hard to design.

Inspiration - It's Closer Than You Think

Every time I have the opportunity to speak to event planners and brides, the number one question they ask me is “where do you get your inspiration?”  The answer for me is always the same – “everywhere” — I find it in supermarkets, email, magazine covers, books, catalogs, in the bride’s wedding gown, in the scarf she’s wearing…we find it in the linen for the tables or a simple piece of jewelry.  In essence, that is the basis for the Sparkliatti blog & brand…it’s all about inspiration, where to find it and how to define your style. 

We’ve had brides who have described their design style as “Glamarustic” and others who are “Vintage Nouveau” or even “Bling it On”.  Sometimes it’s shiny, sometimes it’s sleek but it always leads us down a interesting path — one that we relish because of its’ challenges and it also helps my ADD. 

We invite you to open your eyes and find your own inspiration for use in your everyday life and create your own “brand” — this leads me to today’s Behind the Scenes. 

Today’s Inspiration Palette comes from our most recent event at Calistoga Ranch.  Juliana & Alex wanted a chic, stylish and couture style wedding mixing in little bits of fun & surprise.  With three different venues, it was easy for us to create different event styles for each area. 

The palette for the wedding was rose gold, jute, peacock, burgundy and copper

Ceremony was overlooking a lake with the mountains & trees in the background juxtapositioned against the light and airy dogwood & apple blossom branches for the ceremony chuppah.  Vases of orchids submerged in water lined the pathway to the ceremony which took place after dark.  The bride carried a light and airy bouquet in tones of pink & deep burgundy including orchid, roses and calla lilies.  We found inspiration for the ceremony in the brides’ Christian Laboutin sequined shoes…they were DIVINE (see them on the dance floor below). 

Dinner was in a rustic Arts & Crafts style restaurant on the property and featured two long kings’ tables seating 86 guests with peacock feather accents & sleek arrangements lining the length of the 36” wide table.  Each arrangement featured copper colored orchids, red peony, roses, leaves and calla lilies all in glass containers.  Candles were custom poured in simiar colors to the linens and the chiar pads popped off the copper colored Chiavaris – the linen was custom made by Classic Party Rentals.  The table for the escort cards was mossed and planted with wheat grass and long peacock feathers for each card.  What I loved most was the neutral tones of linen mixed with the bold tones of peacock feather & metallic sparkle of the copper chairs.  The inspiration for the dinner came from the menu cards and invitations which featured rose gold colored monograms and handpainted edges.

   

Dancing & After Party was in a cave dug out of the side of a mountain complete with white leather couches, a photo booth and illuminated bar, chocolate table and dessert buffet.  Even topping it off with miniature bundt cakes set on chocolate chip cookies (the bride’s favorite). Dancing to a DJ was secondary to the noshing and libations — along with the super fun photobooth by Red Cheese.  Guests simply lounged, chatted and enjoyed the change of scenery until the wee hours of the morning. 

Here's to hoping that all your days are inspired!  See you tomorrow...

All photos above are by Sherman Chu

Tags: wedding+colors,+wedding+design,