Something Promised! To buy or rent that is the question!?

I am a huge fan of Karin's style and work from Something Promised. I was connected with her a year or so ago and since then we have done some fun projects together. Her work is unique and makes for a big statement for any occasion: weddings, gifts etc... 

One of my all time favorite things that she has done for me is her custom rustic trays.  She made me one and I get SO many compliments on it. It sits on my coffee table and really attracts attention. She uses reclaimed wood to build the tray, and then inside of it (at the base) she takes an image of your choice, edits it to your liking and then prints the image on METAL. It is then nailed into the wood tray. Not only does it make it water proof, it adds a depth and new element to the standard printed image. I just LOVE these trays. I have started to buy them as wedding gifts for my friends. :) The pics below do not even do it justice. You can then pick out the handle or your liking! 

She also has signs to buy or rent for your wedding! Directional signs or just fun ones like "Mr and Mrs"



I love this project that we did together. This particular bride and groom's parents both got married on the same day, so naturally they did too. We created an amazing collage showing the significance of the day! They were then able to gift the images and frames to their parents after the wedding so they could have them in their home forever. So cool!

Mason Stanley Jewerly

I could NOT be more proud of my dear friend Brooke Taylor! She and her business partner just launched their jewelry line - Mason Stanley.  I got the chills looking at the site for the first time and watching their look book video.

They have been hard at work getting this line ready and now it is open for the world to see.  I have known Brooke since high school and since way back in the day she was always one step ahead of all of us when it came to fashion. She has a unique eye for design and it is proven here in Mason Stanley's first line.

I already have my wish list item picked out for my "push gift" from Jay. :) Whether it is a wedding gift, anniversary gift, push gift or just a plain ol' splurge - you must take a hard look at these amazing pieces!

You have to watch the short video - do NOT miss out! http://blog.masonstanley.com/

Greek Goddess Inspiration Shoot by Before I Do Events

I have been saving this post for well.... too long! We are going to feature this inspiration shoot because, it is just too fun not to share with the world.  Our team had such a blast putting this together back in March. We were inspired by all the beauty that a greek goddess holds put wanted to put a modern coastal twist on it. We stayed away from the traditional cobalt blue, white and gold - instead used a palette of blush, ivory, gold and black!

The backdrop was an ocean front modern world class custom build home with 360 degree views of the La Jolla waters. We used bold fabrics and colors from La Tavola Linens, modern vases but then softened it with the whimsical look of organic and lose floral arrangements. Annette Gomez did her magic once again on each and every floral piece, from the arrangements to the giant olive branch urns.

You will see that same balance of modern and soft throughout the shoot. The chairs are a blend of modern and whimsical with the golden leaves attached to the back. The dessert backdrop shares the goddess charm as well as the modern elegance of clean, straight and organized.

Thanks to the always amazing Campine Catering we were able to present a stunning array of family style Greek cuisine which is so true to their culture. Classic Party Rentals supplied the gold kissed flatware and stemware that really put a finishing touch on the table.

We feel SO blessed to be able to have worked with SUCH a talented group of vendors. Thank you to all! Take a look at the gorgeous shots from Stone Crandall Photography!



Contributors:
Styling, Design and Coordination: Before I Do Events: http://beforeidoevents.com
Location: Private Residence in La Jolla, CA

Photographer: Stone Crandall Photography: http://stonecrandall.com
Videographer: Cloudless Weddings http://www.cloudlessweddings.com
Florist: Flowers Annette Gomez: http://www.flowersannettegomez.com
Food and Beverage: Campine Catering: http://www.campinecatering.com
Rentals 1: Classic Party Rentals http://classicpartyrentals.com
Rentals 2: Hire Elegance http://hire-elegance.com
Linens: La Tavola Linens http://linens.latavolalinen.com
Wildflower http://www.wildflowerlinens.com 
Print Work: Posh Paperie http://www.poshpaperie.com
Female Model: Alicia Strom
Male Model (Shoot 1): Zach Hanan
Make Up Stylist: Krysta Demetris, The Gilded Brush: http://www.thegildedbrushartistry.com
Hair Stylist: Rachel Ellen, Indigo Salon http://www.indigohair.com
Cake/Desserts: http://www.boucheegourmet.com
Dress: M Bride http://www.mbridesalon.com
Men's Attire: Friars Tux Shop http://www.friartux.com

Need a Bridesmaids Gift Idea?: Macaron Boxes

Need a Bridesmaid gift idea!? We have the cutest one for you... Check out these macarons in a trinket box from Urban Outfitters. They are so sweet and petite we just want to eat them up :). This is such a fun gift to give to each girl with a piece of jewelry inside. We even like the idea of putting a surprise in each one. Maybe:

~ Jewelery
~ Advil - just in case :)

~ Mints

~ Hair Tie

~ Bobby Pins

~ A sweet note

Bluetastic!

We are wild about BLUE over here! Don't you just want to jump into these images and stay awhile! It is just such a fun, yet peaceful color! Rich, elegant and a color that demands attention. Who says blue is for boys! Not us!

Blue wedding? Blue dinner party? Blue Decor? We love it all.

If you are feeling a little "blue" today hopefully this picks you up a bit! Sorry I had too! :)



Credits:

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Wedding Wednesday: Wine Box

Needing a unique and personal gift for a wedding!? I have found your answer. The concept behind the wine box is so smart and just perfect for a special gift.  You can toast to closest friend/couple on each anniversary.  They will know that you are thinking about them, each major leg of their relationship.

Wine for a Wedding  has crafted the most beautiful wine box. The front of each box features a unique, engraved design that contains “Open On” Anniversary instructions for each compartment. As a couple reaches each anniversary, they reveal a bottle of aged wine along with a personal message from you engraved on the back of each lid. 

They have been acknowledged as a impressive company to work with from Style Me Pretty, The Knot and other wedding publications. I have already placed my first order!

Thouroughly Inspired Thursday: Jojoba Oil

You all heard about the fabulous "Favorite Things Party" that I blogged about. Well, I went to it over the weekend and walked away with something that is now my "Favorite Thing". I guess you could say the party was a success. Someone gave a bottle of Jojoba Oil. I thought it was neat but since using it everyday it has now gone from neat to amazing! I love this stuff. The gal who gave it away told us to put it on our body right after the shower when you are still damp and warm. The body absorbs the oil much better when your pores are open from the heat and moisture. It feels weird because you think you will wipe it all off with the towel but you don't.

Since using it I have noticed the biggest difference in my skin. SO much softer and healthier. I have really dry heels and in days they have gone to baby soft.

I had a appointment with my homeopathic doctor this week to talk about care for the baby to be. I told her I was using the oil ( I have to run it by her in case its a no no product :)) and she said it is a great oil. She even recommends washing the baby with this oil because it can be used in place of a soap. Who would have known. So my Johnson and Johnson shampoo and soap is being returned and replaced with Jojoba. You can get the oil at any Heath Food Store - ie. Jimbos, Traders Joes etc.. Just make sure the oil is 100% pure.

Read below some of the other amazing uses:

Finishing Touches Tuesday: Anthropologie's Dinnerware

I just love the designs and elements to Anthropologie's Dinnerware line. There are so many exciting shapes and sizes. I could go totally nuts ordering different sets for tabletops online. These plates make the whole table. You do not need much else, a unique plate with simple flowers and stunning food! If you want to step it up a notch put a different print (but not too busy) table cloth underneath. Your guests will walk away so impressed and thrilled with the magical night.

I am missing throwing dinner parties, can you tell. During wedding season my dinner party nights go on the back burner. I will get back in action soon, and hopefully make a stop by Anthropologie on my way to Jimbos! :)

Finishing Touches Tuesday: Meg's Shower

I have the amazingly lucky privilege to be pregnant along side a few dear friends. We are all just weeks apart! Miss Meg is only 1.5 weeks behind me, so we found it totally perfect to have a baby shower bonanza weekend. It was a weekend full of SO many laughs, spoiling, oh and FOOD. :) Meg flew in from Denver for the weekend and we got out last single/alone time together before life changes dramatically. On Saturday my sister in laws threw me the most gorgeous shower (Thursday's Blog Post...) and then on Sunday Shana, Vanessa and myself threw Miss Meg a spoiled day with her closest ladies.

We built the menu around "Meg's Cravings". We had 4 stations:
1. Salt and Vinegar Chips and French Fries with a Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
2. Chicken Curry Croissants and a Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
3. Bloody Mary's and Blood Orange Sparkling Juice
4. Fruit Salad with a Thyme Dressing and Double Chocolate Chip Carmel Brownies

Told you we ate well!!! Del and Meg are waiting to find out what baby DeWindt is going to be so the shower theme was just a bi-gender elegant mix of all things beautiful and fun! We did send Meg and Del off with quite the book collection, as we had people bring a book (directions to sign the inside cover) instead of a card. I cant wait to see how the book shelf is coming along back home in Denver.

Vendor Love: Nate Donnis

You know you are a crowd favorite when there is a buzz around all chatting over how dreamy and amazing the guitar duo is. I worked with Nate Donnis this past weekend and him and his crew where right on the money all night! Nate's voice is so unique and distinguished. Take a look at some of his work below!

I highly recommend them for a cocktail hour or any other event.

Thoroughly Inspired Thursday: Baby Woodcock's Secret Email

I was doing errands the other day and ended up spending way too long in the bank. The teller was so friendly and sweet and would not stop chatting my ear off. In the beginning I was kinda annoyed because my day to do list was longer then any normal person should squeeze into a day let alone a pregnant one. But I am so glad I stayed around to listen and talk because he gave me a little tip that I just LOVE!

He asked if I had kids and I said the first is in the oven (why people cant tell I have no idea). He then told me what his parents did for him when he was in the oven and I almost died...

Before he was born which happened to be the beginning of the .com era, his parents created him a AOL email account. They would send him emails all the time, recapping major things in his life or just checking in to chat. For instance, his Mom would talk about what it was like to have him in her belly and want giving birth was all about. When he was old enough to realize and appreciate the hidden email account, they gave him the log in and let him sit back and read all the adventures he had lived but maybe forgot! He said it was one of the most special teary eyed days he can remember. How COOl is that!

So baby Woodcock- GMAIL awaits you!

Finishing Touches Tuesday: Simple Florals

One of the many perks of doing a wedding is taking home some of the pretty flowers! As usual the florist had some extra scraps left over from the wedding we did on Saturday (You can never have too many flowers). When I got home and threw the 3 elements together in a glass vase I realized how simple is just so pretty! I love the look of the white hydrangea, dusty miller and ranunculus. Clean and elegant.

If you are looking to add some love around the house, this arrangement is so easy and affordable to do. Often times Trader Joes has these exact 3 flowers and their prices are sometimes better then at wholesale! Have fun arranging.

Vendor Love: MIHO Gastrotruck

It was so much fun to meet and hang out with "HO" this weekend. Kevin Ho and his buddy started MIHO Gastrotruck a few years back and have never looked back since. I meet Kevin at a wedding I was doing at the New Children's Museum. He very sweetly lent his creative artist hand and helped with some of the chalk art murals we were doing around the property. From our time together I got to find out all the buzz about MIHO.

I am not only so impressed with the quality of their food and uniqueness of the truck but their vision for the "event" world. I think we will be seeing a lot of fun things come out of these two gentlemen. Keep them on your radar...

They cook with all locally grown organic meats, vegetables and fruits. They are also not only a street truck but handle all types of catering events. Take a look at the delicious menu!

Thoroughly Inspired Thursday: Favorite Things Party

I just got this invitation in the mail and I am dying over the concept of the party. This may not be as new to you as it was to me, because apparently if you are a Oprah viewer you have seen her do something similar. For me, receiving this was like a big box of chocolates! Can you tell I am pregnant. :) I think the concept is so cute and fun!

So here is how it works: You come to the party with 3 of the same thing. The item has to be under $15 dollars and something that you just love. Ie. a makeup item, gift certificate for a polish change at your favorite spa, cooking utensil etc... Then everyone switches and takes the items they like best. You then walk away with a collection of fun treats that you probably will LOVE because they are everyone's favorite things!

I even think the last line is so creative "Please RSVP with your favorite song and recipe". I can only guess that they are going to make a play list with those songs and maybe even dish out a few of our favorite eats.

Thank you Paige and Kristen for putting on such a fun event, I can't wait to join.

Finishing Touches Tuesday: Themed Sweets Table

Congrats to the 2011 Navy Seal graduating class. This past weekend I had the pleasure of helping put together a party to honor the graduation of these brave souls. Not only have they survived hell week but a year long intense series of back to back tests and trials. We are all so proud of them. The crazy part is their journey has only now begun...

We had 400 people come to the Bowman's residence to celebrate the big day. The Bowman's were so gracious to host the event and did so with so much love and dedication. Their son, Gray was a member of the graduating class and they were beaming ear to ear as any proud parent would.

I want to highlight my favorite part of the party from a planners perspective - The sweet table! Claudette from Urban Confections did such an amazing job on the spread. We had agreed to not make it girly and to instead play off the Navy Seal look that they had grown accustomed to. We had camouflage sugar cookies, mini cheesecake tarts, dipped strawberries and mini cupcakes all sitting on top of real ammo cans and barrels. The table was a complete success and crowd favorite.

A special thanks to the always amazing Studio Castillero for taking these incredible shots! I heart you Rach!

DIY Friday: The Women in My Life

When I saw this picture it brought the biggest smile to my face. I am starting to get SO excited for our little girl to come into this world. The chances of her being a toe head are strong so when I saw this sweet picture it melted my heart.

It also gave me a fun idea. This weekend's project is to "start" on the baby room. I thought it would be fun to have a spot of the wall be a collage of black and white candid pics (so not smiling into the camera) of all the women in my life, which in turn will be the women in her life. I think it will be fun to point to the old memories and have her know how they are. It will also bring a richness of the past into her "new" little life and room!

So, to my dear sisters and mothers and grandmothers: Mom, Norine, Ann, Eleanor, Julie, Nina, Amanda please look through the pics books and pick out your favorite picture of you as a little girl!

After the 400+ person Navy Seal Graduation party that I am doing today :) I am off to make my DIY collage of women!

Thoroughly Inspired Thursday: Nutella Pancakes

Yesterday was my husband's birthday. I luckily woke up with some energy and decided to cook up a nice breakfast. I am a major fan of Nutella. I could eat it all day, everyday. My favorite is putting it on banana's. It sounds strange but just try it, I promise you will never look back.

It was not only a new thing to try it on pancakes but a major success! Just spread them inside a stack of warm pancakes and dig in. YUM!

Finishing Touches Tuesday: Buy your own Linens

I have recently discovered this site called TableClothFactory.com. Initially I was not loving it, because well, I really judged the book by it's cover but as I dug deeper I found the real gems. On a side note, they really do need to hire someone to spruce up there site. :) Regardless they have a great product.

It is expensive to rent custom linens and sometimes it works out much better (and cheaper) to buy your own linen or runner. In some cases you save and then you have something to show for it after. Granted the custom linens that people like WildFlower and La Tavola put out are simply stunning but in some lucky cases a site like this might just be the trick.

You can order sample swatches to see if the color and print is what you are hoping for. Their pricing is so great and so far the quality I have seen is up to par.

Vendor Love: Sea Breeze Vacation Rentals

This weekend I went by a few of Sea Breeze vacation rentals. I was very impressed with the quality of the homes and the customer service they offered. I was looking for the perfect property for a brides family to stay in during the wedding week, as well as a property that would dual up to host the Welcome Dinner. It is really hard to find La Jolla homes with a big grassy backyard, one big enough for a large group. We did just that, our hunt is over because Sea Breeze presented us with the perfect property.

After looking at a few homes, I was even tempted to take a "staycation" and soak up one of these fancy pads in style! :)

You can access there site here: Sea Breeze

Thoroughly Inspired Thursday: Red Gingham Picnic Linens

Check out these handy place Gingham mats and napkins that stay neatly on their rolls until you need them. All you have to do is tear off as many as you need to quickly set your preppy themed picnic table!

I found these at Neiman Marcus and was not only glad to come across my find but shocked at the cheap price! What a great gift or addition to your party!

You can view and purchase them here: