Spring Inspired Place Setting

Spring is slowly starting to show its face here in California but I'm hearing of snow for some of you! Today's place setting was inspired by the upcoming weather and introducing some bright colors back into my life (Although if you follow me on Instagram, it is pretty evident that winter doesn't stop me from color). spring-place

Creating the perfect place setting is one of my favorite parts of a wedding. This is the chance to give each guest an individual experience of your wedding. the stakes are high and the options are endless.

Recently I've been loving the horizontal napkin under the salad plate. If you are doing something with a brighter color, the horizontal napkin gives the setting a pop of color but doesn't overwhelm the table as a whole.

The pink, purple and aqua color palette is so fun and so spunky! Perfect for spring time.

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Photography: Jason & Anna Photography | Styling: Engaged & Inspired | Flatware, napkin, bowl, cups: World Market | Plates: Pottery Barn 

Bachelorette Accessorizing

This week I have to admit I was slacking big time with my own wedding planning. This past weekend we celebrated my future in-laws Bachelor/Bachelorette party in Palm Springs. I decided to finally make one of those Pinterest DIY projects I have been contemplating. These t-shirts are super adorable and easy to make so I wanted to share my fun find with all of you!

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Source: Something Turquoise

SUPPLIES NEEDED:  Clorox Bleach Pen, wax paper, piece of cardboard and your choice of t-shirt.

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Source: Something Turquoise

For the full directions, click here.

Mine did not turn out quite as cute as these (so I'm not showing my finished product ). I left the bleach on for over 20 minutes, but for some reason my "Bride" was still a light pink color instead of a crisp white.

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I will definitely try making these again with thinner material! What's your favorite bachelorette DIY project?

 

Getting the Glow: Bridal Hair and Makeup

Let me just start this post by saying one thing: FOUR MONTHS. AHHHH! Now that that's out of the way...on to one* of my latest obsessions:  bridal hair and makeup. For makeup, I've hired the amazing Audrey Crandell, but I haven't quite found the perfect hair stylist. I'm planning to keep my hair and makeup elegant, sophisticated, and not too fussy. I know I want a hair comb, so for hair, I'm loving vintage-inspired updos, with some movement. I'm also finding myself drawn to makeup with dark (but still natural-looking) eyes, and kissable lips. (And obviously, I'd like to look like a celebrity. Please and thank you.) Here are some of my favorites.

*Please don't ask my fiance Mark about bridal headpieces or he may have a complete breakdown...sorry honey! Pretty sure that I have looked at thousands at this point!

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A Warm Welcome {Baskets}

Since we are having a destination wedding many of our guests will be arriving Friday evening before the wedding to get settled. This is one of my favorite things about destinations weddings because everyone gets in the party mood and relaxes like a mini vacation. To get everyone acquainted with the town we are getting married in, I will be putting together welcome baskets with a few goodies. Screen Shot 2013-03-20 at 10.26.22 PM

As much as I love each of these above, mine will probably a simpler and more cost effective because let's face it, there's not too much budget left for these kind of extras. I still love these simpler options too:

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But here's my question, what should I put in them? Right now I'm thinking a map of the town, a couple water bottles, some snacks, and maybe a few Advil. But I'd love your help to think of fun things to put in them. Share in the comments!

Polish Perfection

All I can think about are pretty, polished, shiny nails this week! I love when brides go bold and pick a bright shade. It makes me think the bride is fun and laid back. And, then again, there's nothing like the perfect, classic nude to let your dress take center stage.

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While I plan to go neutral for my own nails, I'm thinking it would be really fun for my bridesmaids to do bright colors - best of both worlds!

Will you be going for a bold or nude hue for you big day?

Where to Find Awesome Bridesmaid Dresses

Often times I am underwhelmed by the options in bridesmaid dresses. Between organizing my 7 bridesmaids dresses, as well as being in quite a few weddings, I have become very good at finding rad bridesmaid dresses from highly unexpected places. First tip, don't even try to look at this "bridesmaid" collections offered at stores. They just aren't worth it. Instead, here are some resources to find the perfect options no matter what style, color or price you are looking for. blog-0019

Dresses from: Express, BCBG from Nordstrom, Asos, AsosAsos

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Dresses from: Urban Outfitters, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Asos, Forever 21

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Asos.com is a great resource for inexpensive hip options. Searching by color is easy, and they offer so many in-fashion options for your girls! You won't find any satin or stogy looks here, only the best, and at some incredible prices.

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Nordstrom is the best place to shop the best brands all in one place. No matter what style, color or price range you are looking for, you will definitely find it here.

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J Crew is more sophisticated and a little more expensive than some other stores, but who doesn't love everything J Crew has to offer.

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Express is probably one of the most unexpected places to look for bridesmaid dresses, but they often times have some great formal dresses that fit any body type.

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Urban Outfitters is the go to spot for some incredibly hip looks. We all know that. But what you might not know is that their selection of formal dresses is really starting to look up. I find it to be a secret spot for some of the best looks if you hit them on a good day. I'm loving all the mesh they offer this season, so it is in fact one of my favorite spots for dresses.

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 If you want your girls to look their best be prepared to do a little bit of hunting. Give each of your girls the color palette and have them do the shopping. It is incredibly worth the extra hours when your girls look their very best on your wedding day. And when they look good, you look even better!

Mint to Be

In the aftermath of St. Patty's Day and with spring right around the corner, this post is dedicated to my new favorite color, mint green! I’ve always loved how this soft, sweet color pairs well with any Springtime pastel shade. Check out this darling round up of the perfect ways to keep your wedding minty fresh! Adorable (and super affordable!) dresses for the bride or her bridesmaids.

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Darling mint ph0tobooth.

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Add a little mint to your cake!

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Lollipops to find your table. Great way to re-purpose those berry containers! ba2e4f3f2cf267cd52f9cd597c1bc79e

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Subtle minty details

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Have you added some mint to your wedding pallet?

 

Linens 'n Things: Finding the Perfect Rentals

Depending on the venue you choose, you will either have to get a lot of rentals or some rentals. I've pretty much never heard of caterers or venues that come completely equipped. That being said, we are very lucky that Paradise Ridge comes with tables, chairs, and an amazing view, so we really only had to get the basics.

Last Saturday, we headed to Wine Country Party & Events, and chose our linens, flatware, glassware, outdoor lights, and ceremony arch. While we're definitely still finalizing everything, these are some of our favorites so far.

Have you chosen your rentals yet?

Source (all photos): Wine Country Party

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Planning a Wine Country Wedding, Part 3: Where did you get that?

As an event designer, one of the questions I’m asked most by both clients and wedding guests is where I find all the unique elements — from the perfect dinner chairs to the adorable ring bearer’s pillow — that make a couple’s wedding uniquely them. For wine country weddings, you typically want thoughtful details that beautifully bridge both rustic and elegant looks. Here I share some of Esla Events' favorite sources.

Paper Goods

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The Aerialist Press. They offer beautiful designs – both house and couture collections, and are two of the nicest people you will ever meet, who are inspiringly passionate about what they do.

Little Miss Press. She offers beautiful stationery design AND stunning calligraphy. Getting your invitations designed, printed, and addressed all in one spot? Can’t get any easier than that.

 

Materials & Special Touches

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Save on Crafts. For all you DIYers out there, this is a gold mine for materials. From candles to moss to baskets, this national site’s warehouse is located just down south in Watsonville, so getting your items is very quick and easy.

Pressed Cotton. One of my new favorite sites for special little details. The products are tastefully done and well curated.

BHLDN. While some items are overpriced, sometimes you just can’t find that perfect coral cake stand anywhere else. Great for items you think you’ll want to keep long after the wedding.

Etsy. And no list can be complete without this “DIYer outsourcing” site. Sometimes it takes some patience to dig through all the postings, but usually you can find the perfect item at a great price.

 

Pretty Sweets

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Miette. A San Francisco classic, this store just makes you happy. If you can incorporate some of their jaw-droppingly beautiful cupcakes and macarons into your dessert table, do.

Batter. One of my favorite sources for baked goods. Delicious, unique, and beautiful.

Candy Warehouse. There isn’t anything that glamorous about this site or source, but it’s a lifesaver if you’re trying to find a range of candies in one particular shade.

 

Rentals

Hartmann Studio Rentals. Tip: They have one of the best shrubbery collections in the region. So if you need some olive trees or boxwoods to help define large outdoor spaces, and make ceremony spaces more intimate, this is the place to go.

Wine Country Party & Events. Not surprisingly, their inventory is geared beautifully towards the rustic yet romantic and elegant look of Napa and Sonoma weddings.

Classic Party Rentals. Looking for a great dark-wood farm table? They rent them for $85. Also, their benches and Descanso lounge furniture are quite popular with my clients.

For fans of mid century modern, industrial, and custom design rentals, keep an eye out for YEAH! Rentals and rEvolve (site coming soon!), who will both be expanding their presence in the Bay Area this coming year.

 

Vintage Touches

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One True Love Vintage Rentals. Incredibly tasteful collection, with exceptionally beautiful pieces for lounge vignettes.

Heritage & Craft. With a beautiful selection of vintage goods, they also are able to craft custom pieces for you.

MilkGlass Vintage Rentals. Her selection of tables and glassware are fantastic, and she also can help you create a customized piece to perfectly suit your needs.

Wine Country Party’s Circa. Need to try and get all your rentals from the same place to avoid multiple delivery charges? Wine Country Party has a Circa line of vintage goods, so you can get 150 standard white plates and 5 wooden crates for styling your dessert table all in one place.

 

Linens

Napa Valley Linens. Amazing customer service and a constantly updated and beautiful selection of linens.

La Tavola. My clients go crazy for their Tuscano line (which are linen linens). Beautiful understated elegance. They have showrooms in both Napa and San Francisco, making sample viewing a snap.

Happy hunting for your perfect items!

The Hardware: Rings

With only about 3 months left in our planning madness it has come the time to start looking at wedding bands. I think much of the hype about "the ring" happens around the engagement ring but there's a lot to consider, like style and significance, when choosing the perfect band. My fiance and I have stopped into a few jewelry stores to check out options for him and I have been absolutely blown away. Who knew that men's rings have a whole new selection of metals and textures to choose from?! I think we both have narrowed what I want in our rings so I thought I'd share a few of our favorites. I'm really leaning to adding some colored gemstones into mine but I do worry this is a phase I'll regret..What do you think?

I'd also love to know, how did you go about selecting you wedding bands?

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