“In the Garden” Party for Miss Hattie

My favorite little red head, Hattie, turned the BIG TWO this past weekend and we all got to celebrate!  Miss Hattie is an independent and vivacious little firecracker that would choose to spend everyday picking flowers and playing in the backyard if she could.  There have been many times that I have arrived home to find little cups of wildflowers hand plucked and delivered by Hattie via the Radio Flyer.   When thinking about ways to celebrate her second birthday, there was no doubt that it had to be in the garden amidst all of her favorite things (flowers, dirt, trees, rocks, snails, etc…).

I was the amateur iPhone photographer for the day.  I tried but none of my tricks got her to look at the camera.  

“Hattie’s Seed Company” packets adorned the backyard along with Burlap, Sunflowers, Wellies planted with succulents and all sorts of other goodies.  Hattie’s banner was a joint effort created with love!

All of the guests participated and brought something special to add to Hattie’s Garden Party.  Abby (Hattie’s NINE year old niece) amazed all of us with her chick cupcakes.  Yes, I did say that she is 9 years old and she made these.  I will be sure to share her information when she opens up her bakery!

Thanks to Cookies by Design, we all got to decorate flower cookies.

Hattie decorated her cookies and then made sure she shared them with everyone.

 Happy Birthday Hattie!!!

Heaven Sent… Ivory Sparrow

We had the great honor of co-hosting the Association of Bridal Consultant’s (ABC) Favorite Things Event on Wednesday evening at the one and only Prado in Balboa Park!  I am working through sharing the featured apps, ideas, locations and products that I am most excited about.  There were so many to select from.  What’s a girl to do?

I was introduced to a company called, Ivory Sparrow which is right here in our backyard of San Diego.  They customize the most decadent and heavenly wraps and robes for the pampering that comes before the merry occasions.  I had the opportunity to introduce them and actually feel the softness of their fabrics and I am telling you ladies, it is amazing!  Not only that but the packaging and presentation makes the perfect gift for your bridesmaids, moms, flower girls and even your groom.  While you are at it, let’s not forget your wedding planner!  Did I mention that they can be personalized?

They also offer Swarovski embellished flip flops packaged in a satin bag as well as two different options for a coordinating cotton totes.  Wrap it all together and you have a gift that anyone would swoon over!  Not to mention, how picture perfect would it be to have all of your ladies coordinated in style for any prep shots taken before you get into your gown.

I found that one of my savvy and stylish brides gifted these lovely wraps for her bridal party at her wedding.   The one and only Miss Jessica is pictured with her girls below.  Check out the full post on the Ivory Sparrow Blog!

For the Appy Couple

I was going to write a post about the “tech savvy” couple but I would be completely aging myself by even thinking there would be an alternative.  That being said, I am SO over-the-top excited to share a new app (soon to be launched) with all of you.  It is for the “apply couple…”

Appy Couple is a unique, online platform that makes it possible for an engaged couples to easily create their own mobile wedding app, to share with a private circle of guests, family and friends.  There is far more information below to get you as excited as I am!

Appy Couple lets you compile all the information about your wedding, including photos, the story of how you met, the proposal story, events associated with the wedding, hotel information for guests, the bridal party, and way more into one app.  Once you set up your information, Appy Couple offers an email package that notifies all of the people involved that an app has been created for her wedding, and that they can access it by downloading the app and entering a specific code. Each guest’s email address is pre-registered so when looking through events, they will only see the ones they are invited to.

 

Couples can start by visiting Appy Couple online and requesting an invitation.   The app is currently invitation only and has a waiting list of 8,000 but that is only because it has not launched yet.  I am on the waiting list and will be sure to share new things as I learn of them.

Once you have access, you can choose from hundreds of themed designs to pick the one that best fits the mood of your wedding.  Themes range from free all the way to $200 for some limited edition designs.

Guests can also upload photos of their own, which will be transformed from a gallery into a slideshow the moment the wedding begins. This means that anyone who unfortunately can’t attend the wedding can still keep up with the magical day remotely.  Worried about guests who don’t have smartphones? Don’t! AP will throw in a free, coordinating wedding website.

The Cape Veil?

We are in love with Reem Acra’s interpretation of the traditional veil.  It is so sheer over the skin and skims the floor so eloquently.  All of this and it won’t stick to your lipstick or tangle in your eye lashes.  GENIUS!  For all of you ladies that want the length and drama of a veil without the actual hair accessory, this could be your answer.

Martha Stewart’s recent post asked what you would call it.  Some said a “Shoulder Veil” while others said “Cape Veil.”  I am leaning towards the Cape Veil because who does not want to feel like a super hero on their wedding day?  Whatever you call it, I love it!

The Man’s Guide to Summertime Formal Attire

As we cruise through spring, we are gearing up for the sunshine of summer and the wardrobe shift that we love so much.  Gentlemen, we are talking to you today.  As the summer months draw near, the hot weather is not far behind.  The thought of wearing a heavy tuxedo in 90 degree weather does not sound very comfortable to me at all…  Today we are sharing some tips from The Art of Manliness on how to most comfortably wear formal attire in the summer months.

A Guide to Summertime Formal Attire

 Trousers- Tropical wools or high end cotton weaves should be the fabrics you look for in a good pair of summer dress trousers.

Dress Shirt- Most men know to select cotton, but few realize the fabric make-up is only a part of the equation for staying cool.  Search for weaves and weights that allow cotton to do what you want it to do – transmit the moisture and heat from your body right out to your surrounding environment.

Handkerchief – It’s not just for your nose, and the handkerchief does a much better job of cleaning off sweat than your shirt sleeve.

Stylish and Functional Hats- Panamas, Straw Fedoras, Tilleys, and Linen Caps are great options available and made from plant fibers and woven in a way that they can block light, retain their shape, and allow airflow.

We did a little window shopping at our beloved Mr. Porter to find a little summer time inspiration for our men.  

1. RICHARD JAMES
Linen and Silk-Blend Chambray Blazer

2. RICHARD JAMES
Straight-Leg Linen-Blend Suit Trousers

3. UNIFORM WARES
300 Series Chronograph Wristwatch

4. ALICE MADE THIS
Edward Round Brass Cufflinks

5. LOCK & CO HATTERS
Straw Panama Hat

6. LANVIN

 Buttonhole Flower Pin

7. TURNBULL & ASSER
Ribbed Silk Tie

8. O’KEEFFE
Pebble-Grain Leather Derby Shoes

9. ILLESTEVA
Leonard Round-Frame Transparent Acetate Sunglasses

Erica and Creed: Love at La V

Erica and Creed are both anesthesiologists with a passion for the coast and a love for the great outdoors.  When they aren’t in their scrubs (which is rare), they are immersed in some sort of activity or excursion.  When it came to their wedding, there was no doubt that they would select a location with an ocean view and they did just that.   It took one visit to La Valencia and they were decided.

I am excited to share the beautiful images of their day.  Thank you Jennifer Dery Photography!

Adorations Botanical Artistry worked with Erica and Creed to design the overall floral decor that worked in the yummy elements of succulents, driftwood, dahlias and roses.  There were many other intricate elements worked into every piece they designed.  LaVonne and her team truly captured the essence of the couple from the bouquets to the ceremony and the reception.

The ceremony aisle was lined with driftwood, blooms and stones leading up to an ornate botanical structure framing the couple.   Creed’s brother had his guitar on hand for a special song performed by a close friend.  It added such a great personal touch to the ceremony and even captured a few laughs!

Guests entered the ballroom to find their succulent escort card that also functioned as the guest favor as well as the entree indicator.  Table numbers were suspended from the table landscape and surrounded by candlelight.  I actually planted my succulent and it is happy and healthy in my backyard.

Erica and Creed wanted to treat their guests not only with a wedding cake, but also mini cupcakes.  Sweet Cheeks Baking Company provided all of the decadent desserts and Adorations designed the table.  We had a caricature artist on hand sketching black and white images of guests.  The reverse side of their caricature design functioned as the guest signing with personal questions about the bride and groom.  At the end of the evening, the newlyweds left with sketches of each of their guests along with their stories, advice and predictions.  It will be fun to read those five years from now!

Concepts Event Design created the custom seamless dance floor and Jerry Beck of Beck’s Entertainment kept everyone on it throughout the evening.

 Thank you Erica and Creed for trusting LBE with your wedding day.  It was such a pleasure working with you and your families!

A very special Thank You to the following vendors:

Venue- La Valencia

Photography- Jennifer Dery Photography

Floral Design- Adorations Botanical Artistry

Decor/Production (custom dance floor, chairs, furniture)- Concepts Event Design

Ceremony Strings- Caprice Strings

Reception Entertainment- Beck’s Entertainment

Cake- Sweet Cheeks Baking Company

Hair & Makeup- Model Call, Katie Hollis

Linens- La Tavola Fine Linen Rentals

 

Loving Letterpress Save The Dates!

The Save the Date is the first peek of your wedding that guests will receive and it certainly sets the tone for everything that follows.  There are all sorts of creative ideas out there from flip books to video but for today, I wanted to share something a little more traditional.  Letterpress printing gives the rich texture of light and shadow created by these clean-walled impressions giving it its unique beauty.  While the art of this relief printing is classic, the customization of color and font allow for a variety of personalized looks.

I have been loving so much of what I have been seeing from the SMOCK letterpress wedding line.  Their Save the Dates are part of their overall wedding stationery suite which coordinates invitations as well as all reception stationery.  Their use of the timeless letterpress print is often combined with contemporary design and beautiful color.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Pairing Beer and Chocolate

Eclipse Chocolat of North Park (Recently featured in Sunset Magazine) is hooking up with Stone Brewing Company on May 3 at the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido, CA, for a little BEER & CHOCOLATE PAIRING.  Can you say, “Hello Lover!”

 

Belgian beer and Belgian chocolate. This is a country whose people have their priorities straight, but beer connoisseurship stateside has seen a recent resurgence. Following the microbrew boom in the 90s, once again even foodies are opening up to the delectable world of craft beer.

If you can’t make it to the event at Stone Brewing Co. (and rumors are the event is sold out), consider having your own pairing party. Or a beer and fondue party while the weather is still cool.

Stouts or Porters are going to seem like an obvious choice for pairing with a rich or dark chocolate, but experiment with the champagne flavoring of a Blonde Ale like Duvel or try a Pale Ale with lemony or citrusy flavors. Peppery flavors. Smokey flavors. Try contrasting or try complimenting. The unexpected combinations are half the fun.

As for the chocolate, look beyond the bar and try a flourless chocolate cake or truffles.

The Stone Brewery blog where I read about the pairing.

Brown Paper Tickets, Where you can (could) buy tickets for $25 for the event. Says it is sold out but some tickets may be available at the door.

Community Tap and Table, a site that has recipes for beer and chocolate pairings

A Modernist Kaleidoscope of Color

Every year we look forward to the  The US Grant Wedding Showcase as an opportunity to not only design something fun, but to be inspired by all of the other brilliant designers.  For those of you that were able to attend, I am sure you will agree when I say that it was a treat for the senses.  Brides and Grooms were literally spoiled from the moment they walked into the luxurious US Grant Lobby and that was just the start.  The entire hotel was transformed with a unique experience around every corner. Bravo to the US Grant team for putting together such a spectacular event for attendees and exhibitors alike.

The Liz Beck Events Booth:

Rather than creating a heavily flowered wedding tablescape, we decided to create a mini version of the LBE studio complete with a lighthearted interpretation of wedding day essentials.  A mock-up of a table-scape was centered  among our cubbies of colorful “Day Of” items to complete the studio showcase .

When thinking about the overall design, I wanted something that could represent a bit of a playful sophisticate.  Bold with color while still keeping the clean lines.  There are no better muses of color (in my humble opinion) than Jonathan Adler (happiness!) with his mid-century modern interiors and Kate Spade (swoon!) with their witty sense of style.  Inspiration Found!

So, where does someone go when they have an outside of the box idea that calls for innovation and a great design aesthetic?  That would be LaVonne of Adorations Botanical Artistry.  She has an amazing ability to translate an idea into a work of art.  I mean, look at the bouquet created with the yellow billy balls (upper left);  it belongs at The Parker.  LaVonne created monochromatic bouquets to work into our color blocked vignettes.

The center table represented our modernist couple that wanted an alternative to the flowing linens and traditional floral centerpieces.  The white Bistro Table and clear ghost chairs certainly set the modern in motion.  Magenta, Tangerine, Butter and Gold brought life to the table. Velvet geometric upholstry was used to create the lamp shade that sat atop a clean line bulbous vase.  Tangerine chargers, Gold Flatware, Retro Stemware and a Patterned Gold Plate were placed at each setting.  The stunning gold textured menus from J.Grace and the vintage metal tags completed the table.

Are you wondering how those flowers are so perfectly set into the bottom?  That is a secret that LaVonne will have to share.  I will just say that I was impressed!

The color blocked backdrop was so much fun to put together.  Everything a Bride and Groom may need from their wedding planner could have been found…

Pink Bubbly to CELEBRATE, Still Water to quench

A gift of Kate Spade for the BRIDE

Lollipops and Bubblegum to REWARD the little ones (or the BIG ones)

Journals for PLANNING, Place card holders for holding

A Boutonniere for the lapel and CUFFLINKS for the cuffs

Hair PINS, Safety PINS, Straight PINS, Collar PINS and Push PINS

Shoes for DANCING

The all important 911 BAG OF TRICKS (known to fix any problem that may arise)

We would not have been able to even do this post if it wasn’t for Joshua Aull Photography.  Thank you for your amazing detail work and for allowing us to share a story created through your photos.

We hope you enjoyed our corner of color as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

A HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful industry friends that helped to bring everything together:

Adorations Botanical Artistry

Joshua Aull Photography

Concepts Event Design

Hire Elegance

Wendy Ware

J.Grace

Sweet Cheeks Baking Company

West Elm

From the Red Carpet to the White Aisle

The 2012 Award Season gave us a bit of a bridal runway on the red carpet. Soft neutral shades were styled from Sleek and Slender to Sexy and Sultry and everything in between. Every year, we look forward to seeing how red carpet fashion will be translated into bridal couture. The creamy whites and muted blush designs of 2012 may just be a literal rendition of what will be walking down the aisle in the very near future.

The neutral palette was not the only red carpet trend. Fishtail silhouettes, intricate sleeves, peplums and a little leg were hard to miss as well. Classic glamour has not only made its way back to Hollywood, it’s making its way back to weddings.

(Above) Cameron Diaz in Gucci Premiere , Charlize Theron in Dior Couture, Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford,

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace, Jessica Alba in Gucci, Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

(Below) Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward, Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli, Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture,

Milla Jovovich in Ellie Saab, Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji, Jessica Biel in Ellie Saab