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Etsy has always been my favorite source for unique, handmade goodies but now that they have an actual wedding section, I am more in love than ever. There are so many talented designers creating original items for all of us to find. Etsy has offered my couples the ability to source original pieces that speak to them and share their story with all of their friends and family.
As you know, there is no possible way one could feature ALL favorite Etsy Shops in one post. That would be nearly impossible! So, today I am sticking with three. Check them out below.
The classic charm and modern style of Belle and the Beau captured my interest with their bold patterns in their Beau accessories! There is also a fantastically romantic and whimsical Belle section of their shop which offers “shoe pretties,” and other adorable accouterments for the ladies.
Sometimes a name says it all and that is certainly true in this case! A Southern Bucket has taken their passion for burlap and metal to create customized and functional buckets and vases. They will not only be a conversation piece at the wedding but they will also find a permanent place in your home.
Let be be the first to tell you if you already didn’t know… Once you get married, the line between mine and yours becomes very thin. The least we can do is identify our own silverware! Beach House Living creates these charming silverware and cake cutting sets that will not only compliment your day but will also eliminate any confusion when setting the table in the years to come!
Do you LOVE Etsy too? We would love to hear from you. Please let us know what your favorite shops are…
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.
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:
Looking for a sweet keepsake from your wedding day that will be a family heirloom for years to come? Well, of course you are!
Jeanette Zeis Ceramics creates custom 10″ cake stands to personalize your sweets and treats. These charming handmade ceramic cake stands will be a perfect accent to set along side a larger wedding cake or even a groom’s cake. Take a look at Jeanette Zeis Ceramics store on easy to find other great mix and match options for a complete dessert spread.
Long after the wedding, these cake stands will be the foundation for many celebratory treats!
Monique Lhuillier‘s second round of invitations has arrived at the LBE studio! The classic elegance with a modern twist has been maintained in her second edition of wedding stationery. True to her fashion roots, the fine paper collection was inspired by Lhuillier’s bridal fashions and her home collections. Just as she uses the most beautiful fabrics, laces and accents in her gowns, her invitations are crafted with the finest papers, ribbons and printing processes.
Give us a call or email to schedule a time to come by the studio to see the Monique Lhullier line and the other fine stationery that we carry at Liz Beck Events.
We were one of the few bridal boutiques selected to carry the exclusive Monique Lhuillier Invitation Suite when it was first released in 2009. The timeless elegance, delicate detail and quality have made it a favorite of our couples for the past few years. We have been eagerly anticipating the 2011-2012 release of the updated designs and it does not disappoint. We have found brilliant texture and subtle color to enhance the already luxurious invitations.
Iris and Frank were married at Scripps Seaside Forum this past September. I had the privilege of working with them for the year leading up to their wedding. From the very beginning, we knew we were designing an event that would incorporate both Iris’s modern whimsy AND Frank’s traditional sophistication. Beyond a beautiful wedding, Frank and Iris wanted to create a warm atmosphere that would share who they are with their friends and family. From the bold colors and spherical shapes to the customized puzzle and sprinkles cupcakes, their wedding was as playful as it was elegant. Congratulations Frank and Iris!
We hope you enjoy the snapshot of their day!
Thank you to Tim Otto Photography for the images.
One of the main reasons Frank and Iris selected Scripps Seaside Forum as their venue was for the panoramic views which we did not want to obstruct with a traditional altar. Rather, Jennifer Cole Florals created a white petal path including the circle altar of petals. Large silver lanterns framed the aisle and were accented with yellow and white pomander balls. The bride and groom personalized the content of their ceremony booklet which guests took home.
The custom dance floor took center stage with guest tables surrounding it. Midnight blue Isabella lines draped each of the tables in a decadent rosette appliqué. The room itself was flanked in a sheer white backdrop allowing the complimentary colors to pop.
Guests were treated to a “Peach Whellini” during the reception followed by a Sprinkle’s cupcake with a carton of milk. Their patterned cake was topped with a pair of penguins. You would have had to have been a guest to understand why but Iris did share the story!
As the sun went down, the room took on an entirely new atmosphere as each of the centerpieces glowed with a soft blue light. Accent lighting softened the room what the custom capiz shell chandelier adorned the patio. Come the end of the evening, Frank and Iris were swept away in a vintage 1956 Rolls Royce. A perfect end to a perfect day!
“Dear Liz,
Thank you so much for making our dream wedding come true! The day was amazing, unforgettable and so smooth. We both had an incredible time and still reminisce about all of the little details. Our family and friends had endless compliments, many of which were that it was the most beautiful wedding they had been to. It was truly a spectacular day! We really enjoyed working with you all the way through. You were always cheerful and made us laugh while reassuring us that everything would come together… and it did! Thank you for being patient with us. I’m so happy we were both involved in the planning because it was an experience all on it’s own. It definitely would not have been so enjoyable if we had not worked with you. Thank You!
Love, Iris and Frank”
THANK YOU to all of the industry professionals involved!
Photography: Tim Otto Photography
Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum
Florist: Jennifer Cole Florals
Caterer: Culinary Concepts
Production (fabric backdrop, capiz chandelier, custom dance floor): Concept Event Design
Reception Entertainment: Positive Energy
Ceremony Entertainment: Caprice Strings
Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company
Stationery Suite: Simply Posh
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rentals
Cupcakes: Sprinkle Cupcakes
What are you planning to do with your bouquet following the wedding?
You sorted through endless pictures to find the ideal combination of colors, textures and flowers to create the perfect bouquet for your walk down the aisle. Once your wedding day is over, what are you to do with that beautiful bouquet? Drying your flowers, sealing them in a bubble glass frame and hanging them on the wall is not the only option.
One of my favorite ideas is to have your flowers dried then incorporated into a painting. Curly Art does a magnificent job of creating art from your flowers following the big day. Take a look at some of the heirloom pieces created from bridal bouquets, bridesmaid bouquets and centerpieces…
Soft blush pink and white roses with peonies.
This 24 x 36 painting was created for the parents of the bride.
The background burgundy color was taken from the beautiful wedding invitations.
A 24 x 36 painting in horizontal format displaying a large variety of flowers.
If you are interested in preserving your wedding flowers, make sure to plan ahead. Your flowers should also be overnighted on the day following your wedding for the best results. For more information, visit Curly Art’s FAQ page!
Welcome Autumn! The days are getting shorter and there is a fall chill in the air (even in San Diego). This time of year, I love embracing my New England roots in my quest for bold foliage, giant piles of newly raked leaves, bushels of freshly picked apples, the smell of pumpkin pie, hot apple cider and my beloved Pumpkin Space Latte.
It’s no wonder why I love Autumn Weddings. The textures and warm, cozy colors set the tone for an intimate celebration no matter the guest count. As the sun will be setting sooner with cooler evenings, have lots of candle light and wraps for the ladies. Add a Hot Apple Cider Cocktail Bar with all of the fixings and your guests will be sure to warm right up to Autumn!
Congratulations to our friends at Sweet Cheeks Baking Company for their VICTORY on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars!!! Krista and Katrina baked their hearts out and we are so proud of them!
The Challenges were all based around one of my favorite Southern California events, Pageant of the Masters.
In case you have not had the opportunity to meet this all girl team, here is their Cheeky Photo…
Way to go Team Cheeks!
Sometimes I come across things that are a little outside the box and today is no exception. I was doing a little research on American made craft beers for an event and came across a brilliant article on the Craft Beer blog. This site is chock full of info for the beer enthusiast from pairings to recipes. Speaking of pairings… have you selected the craft beer to compliment your cake? Well if you haven’t, don’t worry! The research has been done for you.
Andy Sparhawk, a Certified Cicerone, enlisted the help of custom cakery Tea & Cakes as he paired some of our favorite cake flavors with an enticing craft beer. I can’t say that the thought of pairing a beer with cake ever crossed my mind but I am loving the results!
Passion – Red Velvet & Legendary Red
If your zeal for your bride or groom is as fiery as the fans of this cake then you’re set. Red velvet aficionados seem to argue over the perfect recipe more than beer geeks grapple with Black IPAs. Tee & Cake’s red velvet has a pleasant corn bread character; likely from the buttermilk, which is a generally accepted ingredient in red velvet camps. We think that makes the bready flavors of Golden City Brewery’s (Golden, CO) LegendaryRed Ale a match made in heaven… with or without coconut and pecans.
Tee & Cakes: This pairing gave new meaning to the word comfort food. The beer made the whole cake taste like butter. Totally rich and decadent. Red velvet cake is the ultimate in comfort food desserts, and is a staple in the south.
Riding the Wave of Love – Coconut & Currieux
Coconut helps cool hot, spicy foods like Southeast Asian cuisines; Indian or Indonesian. It also quells American heat, like bourbon. Currieux is Allagash Brewing Company’s (Portland, ME) original barrel-aged beer, a Belgian-style Triple that is aged in bourbon barrels for eight weeks. While resting, the beer takes on some of the previous resident’s character; vanilla, coconut and residual whiskey flavors, that blend perfectly with the Triple’s fruitiness. Candy sweetness matches the cake to magnify a long wave of vanilla and warm sugar.
Tee & Cakes comments: This pairing brought out the sweetness and cakeyness of the cake. It made the cake taste like the comfort food we know it to be. This is a simple and traditional cake, but one of the harder ones to pair. It seems like a heartier beer brings out the lightness in this cake.
Spicing Things Up – Carrot Cake & Maricaibo Especial
People get married because they are much better and stronger together than if they were apart—also, for the tax break. The same is true with carrot cake andJolly Pumpkin’s (Dexter, MI) Maricaibo Especial, a sour Brown Ale brewed with cacao, cinnamon and sweet orange peel. Both are amazing alone, but together, they really spice it up. The sugary sweetness of the cake is balanced by it’s more earthy ingredients of carrot and cinnamon, which helps cut the tart acidity of the beer. Meanwhile, the spices in the beer intensify the flavors of the cake. And, if the wild Maricaibo gets too out of hand, the carrot cake’s cream cheese frosting and cooling carrot calms things down before the police get called.
Tee & Cakes comments: This pairing made the spiciness of the cake come out. We never would have imagined a sour beer could pair so well with something rich and creamy like a carrot cake and cream cheese icing. This was one of our faves.
Affinities – Grey Lady & Lemon Curd
Some flavors just go together; lemon goes with a lot. Maybe that is because it enhances the flavors it’s paired with. In Grey Lady, a Witbier brewed by Cisco Brewers Inc. (Nantucket, MA), the piquant esters (fruitiness) liven the tangy wheat flavors and sharpen the spice. When paired with lemon curd (a smooth lemon filling or topping) you flip the switch on a laser light show in your mouth!
Tee & Cakes comments: This pairing really brought out the lemonyness of the lemon curd. It was bright and fresh.
Bustle Blog By Liz Beck 
