Monday, October 29, 2012

Under The Big Top Halloween + Vintage Circus Theme

I can finally share with everyone the gorgeous pictures taken by Diana Elizabeth of our Under The Big Top, vintage themed circus party.  Costumes, desserts, and balloons, OH MY!

So proud to be featured on Hostess with the Mostess, I've waited a long time to be featured on this wonderful site.  The big top tent with red and white stripes was the perfect backdrop for the circus themed costumes created by the talented Julie Tadano at Juju's Tutus.  Vintage details and desserts that would delight little animals and performers alike.  This shoot was more fun than a barrel of monkeys, even though it was over 110 degrees in Phoenix the day of the shoot!

 Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}


 Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}

 Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
 Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}

 Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}

Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}

Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
 Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
 Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
 Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}
 Under the Big Top Circus Party {+ Kids Costumes}

VENDOR CREDITS & RESOURCES:

– Photography: Diana Elizabeth
– Event Design: Angela Saban Design
– Flower Girl Dresses & Tutu Costumes: Juju’s Tutus
– Furniture: Modern Revival
– Bakery: Angel Cakes Bakery
– Hair & Makeup: Aeni Domme
– Flowers: Garage By Ivy
– Paintings: Dana Railey
– Appliqued Tops & Leos and Leggings: Makmay Designs
– Children’s Headpieces/Bows/Hats: Princess Pie Bowtique
– Children’s Jewelry: Tinsel for Tots
– Invitations & Paper Items: Page & Mason Invitations
– Tight Rope Walker Custom Parasol: M’Lady’s Parasols and Accessories
– Hand made felt goodies: Sweets By EJ
– Hair: Jenny Strebe

Monday, October 22, 2012

The Felch House Inn October Open House

My new adventure with The Felch House Inn, a lovely vintage venue in The Roosevelt District, began this month.  We hosted a beautiful Open House last Thursday, and the weather was perfect.  A clear, starry sky, great food, twinkling lights, and a house full of brides, eager to imagine their weddings in this gorgeous garden setting.  Carmichael Studios took these beautiful pictures.  Our chef from Jennifer's Catering provided the amazing food, and we provided (Angel Cakes Bakery) vanilla cake with raspberry filling and our latest creation, french macarons.  More pictures will be appearing soon, but this is just a taste of what you can expect to see in the months to come at a very unique venue, hope you can join us soon.










Monday, October 8, 2012

Phoenix Bridal Show + Blushing Romance

We just wrapped up another Phoenix Bridal Show and it was so much fun meeting all the girls, their guys, and families.  Every single one looking for that extra special something that will make their wedding day perfect.  So, as we chatted with many of them, my favorite question to ask is always.."have you decided on a theme for your wedding?"  95% of the time, this question will strike fear in even the most organized and creative bride.  The mouth falls open, a blank stare usually follows, and one bride even tilted her head slightly and asked "where do I find one of those?" 

A lot of trends come and go, but themes are always a great place to start planning any event, especially a wedding.  Hollywood, Retro, Vintage, Glam, Movies, Space, Books, Travel, you name it, someone has done it.  A theme doesn't have to be a period in time, or an object, or a hobby.  It's really about telling your story, expressing yourself and giving your guests a unique experience.

My favorite themes begin with a feeling.  As Kayla and I were planning the booth for the bridal show, we considered what most brides are looking for in a theme.  Romance.  No matter what colors, songs, or flowers they choose, in the end, a wedding is the most romantic event in their lives. Romance is a feeling.  Soft, edgy, sleek or elegant, all can be over the top romantic.  And by the way, linens are a fabulous way to add some soft romance.


We chose our linens from La Tavola.  Their nude sequined cloth added a glamorous sweetness to our sweetheart table.  The gold chivari chairs from ProEm were covered with the matching sequined chair covers in a beautiful vintage pink to match the dessert table linen which was covered in blooms made of silk ribbons.My favorite element of our Blushing Romance Themed Wedding Vignette was our canopy structure draped in yards and yards of flowing white chiffon.  The addition of an antique chandelier made in Spain and donated by Shannon at Modern Revival definitely topped off the romantic feeling.




Vintage China courtesy of Modern Revival, a lush and romantic floral from Garage by Ivy and a very special little sweetheart cake for the bride and groom brought lots of "ooooo's and ahhhhh's" from many brides. 

A sweet little antique vanity from my collection was graced by cupcakes and cake balls covered with sugar flowers and gold sugar pearls. 



We served samples of Double Decadent Chocolate, Luscious Fresh Lemon, and the most popular, Peach Cobbler Cake.  I heard lots of "Yum" which makes me so happy!

For the Vintage Pink Blooming Dessert Table, we chose 3 special cake designs.  The first a "Vintage Circus" striped cake with gold-tipped fondant ruffles, gold rhinestones, gilded leaves and a bow of vanilla on top.  Our "Petal Cake" in gold and black was simply chic, and the large square "Lace and Orchid" cake covered in sugar vintage lace  and a mixture of black and pink sugar flowers gave the table such a romantic feeling. Don't miss the black umbrella with gold ropes holding our escort cards.  Page and Mason created this unique element for us. The black and white admission tickets lead the guests to their table seating.





Also on the table was our latest and most exciting creation, a tower of crispy, melt-in-your-mouth French Macarons. Created by combining almond flour, egg whites, sugar and vanilla, they are pure heaven. They are filled with dark chocolate ganache or your favorite flavored butter cream and can be custom colors to match your theme. Stacked high with white sugar roses, they offer a very elegant and delicious alternative to the traditional wedding cake.



Thanks to all of our fabulous vendors who helped to make this bridal show one of our very best.  Congratulations to all of the brides and grooms to be!  We can't wait to help you start planning your uniquely themed celebration. And, as always, a special thank you to my family and staff (who feel just like family) for all your help.  I couldn't do it without you all, and even if I could, it wouldn't be nearly as much fun!