Three Rules + DIY Brides

For all the DIY brides out there, I have a few words of advice:

First of all, I was a DIY bride.  I did it all.  Silk flowers, all of them, bouquets, arrangements, garlands, swags, I even bought fresh pineapples, sand and mini tiki torches for my centerpieces.  A balloon release after the ceremony required a helium tank, custom balloons and 3 hours of my time on the morning of my wedding.  Rental pickups, vendor deliveries, tuxedos and bow ties ( my boys were young and needed help getting dressed), the girls hair (they were young too and needed help to get ready...this all left me with about 30 minutes to get dressed, stop sweating, climb into the car, and race to the church.  

Bottom line?  Whether you are the bride, mother of the bride, bridesmaid, best friend, or just the designated DIY helper, don't underestimate the time, effort, and steady nerves that are required to make a wedding come together.  Not just come together, but come together in the way that you have imagined all of your life!

Rule #1
Estimate the time it will take you to set up/execute the decor element you are imagining....then multiply it by at least 3.
         Unless you are willing to mock up the decor element you are executing, then you are really only estimating this time.  When actually setting up/executing, the time gets away from you, tools needed are not available, and venue restrictions may exist.  If you are willing to mock up an element, make sure that you multiply the time it takes you by the number of elements you are trying to reproduce.

Rule #2
Plan for the worst, expect the best. 
          A wedding planner is really just a pessimist, we follow this rule, or we would be constantly in the middle of chaos. Before the wedding day, sit in a quiet place, go over every detail in your mind, from the moment you wake on wedding day, until moment you wave goodbye to your guests.  Go over every step, what needs to be done, who will do it, and how long (realistically) each will take.  BE REAL!  Can you, or whoever you will trust with your special details, really make it happen?  If so, write it all down, plan it, share it with them, and then....make it happen.  If not, GET HELP!

Rule #3
All of the money spent will be worth nothing if not executed.
          Wondering what I mean by this one?  An example is always best:
I purchased wonderful walking stick/branches to bury in the ground at a beautiful outdoor ceremony, even tested them 2 weeks prior, and they just slid into the wet ground. 

When wedding day arrived and the watering system had been turned off (anticipating women's high heels sinking into the ground)  the branches absolutely REFUSED to be driven into the ground.  After 2 hours of struggling with tools, and techniques, we decided to place the bottle and baby's breath next to chairs at the end of each aisle. Great look, wasted money, and wasted time.  Lesson learned.  do you want to learn this lesson on your wedding day???? The bride never knew, didn't even notice the change...I was upset!  I had at least 6 hours and a considerable amount of money into these, with a less than desirable result. 

Rule #4
Your Mother loves you, but wants to enjoy the day of her daughter's wedding.
               She is also, probably contributing to this day financially, so she wants to enjoy it along with you.  To watch you with your girls, having fun is sweet, but she has been waiting for this day (in reality a lot longer than you) just like you.  Let her enjoy it, don't expect too much, and make time to spend alone with her (and your Dad) right before you walk down the aisle.  It's so sweet if she wants to be your wedding planner, but first of all...she's your MOM, honor her.

Stephanie + James Vintage Inspired Wedding

When I first met James, it was to deliver a dozen Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.  The next communication was from Stephanie, she was inquiring about consultation services for a completely gluten free wedding.  I was hooked. I have to say that many of the gluten free brides that I meet are scared to have a gluten free wedding.  But the reason is usually because they really do not have any idea just how fabulous an entirely gluten free wedding can be. Together with James, Stephanie, and Jennifer's Catering,  I think we proved my point.  The food was so delicious, the cocktails were yummy and no one knew that even the cake was gluten free.  Perfect meal, good friends, loving family, inspiring music, and a perfect evening.

 The 1920's style Sue Wong gown was the inspiration behind this intimate, garden, vintage inspired design, and it was so much fun.  Although the day was warmer than expected, the love that radiated between this couple really provided the heat. I was so lucky to be a part of this beautiful union.  Thank you Stephanie and James for choosing me, I hope you have many, many happy years together!

 Thank you to Style Me Pretty for choosing to feature this on your beautiful blog!  See it here.

 

 I must give a very special thanks to the staff from Jennifer's Catering, Andrew, and especially Maggie Wark.  She started this project with James and Stephanie, and was there to save me when time got tight.  Without her, my ever amazing daughter Jennifer, my very own sweetheart Charley, and Kayla, my newest and hard working assistant, this day would not have been as spectacular as it was. And of course, the graceful, talented photographer, Diana Elizabeth, who gives everything her special touch, always beautiful.

Photographer: Diana Elizabeth Photography,   Mariana Marie offers gluten free and cruelty free makeup applications and did a beautiful job with Stephanie’s makeup.Venue: Private Arcadia Estates Residence / Event Designer, Coordinator: Angela Saban Design / Gluten Free Desserts: Angel Cakes Bakery / Makeup: Mariana Marie / Wedding Dress: Sue Wong / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Groom’s Suit: Bar III / Groom’s Tie: Hugo Boss / Bridesmaid dress: Ann Taylor / Florist: Designs by E / Caterer: Jennifer’s Catering / Bartender: Pourmasters / Rentals: PRO EM / Event Music: Apperson Strings / Wood Sign: My Soul Speak / Second Shooter: Amy Gallagher

National anthem + my 6 yr old Grand daughter

My precious grand daughter auditioned to sing our National Anthem at an Arizona Diamond Back's baseball game, and today she got the call that she was chosen!  I have always known that she sings like an angel, but today, the rest of the world, or my little corner of it, agreed.  Way to got Promise Rose, don't ever stop dreaming!!!  We love you so much!
This is the video of her audition.....

Custom Table Linens

I began a project tonight and as I sat at the sewing machine trying to coax some gorgeous platinum satin into submission, I thought about the first time I completed a fabric project all by myself.  I was in Home Economics class somewhere around 5th grade.  Ok, I'll say it, I was a geek.  I loved Home Ec and Math, Accounting later in High School, and English, I loved to write stories. 

Anyway, the first project I remember was an outfit, a shirt and pants.  I was so proud, especially after taking it apart and starting over.  Using a pattern, cutting it perfectly, and performing the correct stitches and steps to make it fit just right, well it just made my world a better place!  Corny?  Maybe, but now I am grateful for the lessens learned because now, when I see a beautiful dress, I want to duplicate the flow on a table. 

No patterns, no directions, not even a YouTube video to help me figure it out.  Just my imagination, a machine, scissors, thread, and a glorious piece of fabric.  I think about it, worry about it, measure, pin, sketch, and finally, I cut.  After I cut, there's no turning back, it's sort of like jumping off a cliff.  A little dramatic maybe, but after the cut, you better have a plan.

My plan for the famous pink table skirt on this table was a layered chiffon skirt that felt like a fabulous pink wedding dress that I spotted online.

 I watched my Grandmother fashion wedding dresses, carefully covering little buttons with satin, until her hands began to shake from Parkinson's Disease made it impossible for her to continue.  My own mother was a seamstress, creating hand painted and custom designs for the rich and famous Cattle Baron's wives throughout New Mexico and Texas, until rheumatoid arthritis crippled her hands and made it so painful to hold the fabrics she loved so much.  I am blessed to be able to feel the fabric in my hands and fashion it into flowing, sparkling designs that make a couple's special day even more glorious.  \

Stay tuned for the latest linen, platinum, layered and laced vintage dessert table linen.

Until then,I  hope you are grateful for whatever gifts you have, and that you give them freely and with a happy heart.

Design + Decor + Dessert

Do you know the song from "The Sound of Music", it goes.........these are a few of my favorite things?   the lyrics are.....I simply remember my favorite things, then I don't feel so bad.

Well, here are a few of my favorite things-

Design..... my definition: taking a story and making it visual and touchable, giving it a scent, setting it to music, and making it taste amazing.

Decor......The look, the touch, the feel, anything that transforms you into a time or place.  An element, or smell, lighting, the texture of a certain fabric, the way a ribbon falls just so.  All of these things and so much more can transport me into a special space and time  The 1920's or 1890's, it really doesn't matter, because if you are surrounded with decor and color from the era, you can imagine yourself there.  Add some great music and take a bite out of time.


Desserts......without the perfect cuisine and a decadent dessert, the transformation is not complete.  Rich, dark, and spicy, or crisp, light and juicy, whatever the time and place, there is a combination of tastes and textures that will send you back into time or transport you to a new and exotic destiny. 


The Phoenix Bridal Show was amazing, we met so many eclectic and fabulous brides and their love stories were all so unique.  Definitely the most interesting group I've had the pleasure of visiting with so far.  Just a few of the themes in the works- Alice in Wonderland Wedding, Steam punk Wedding, A Halloween Wedding based on The Shining (the movie), and an East meets West Wedding. Sounds like a lot of fun, and themes are shining through for 2012, for sure. 

I think it's important to make sure that your wedding says a lot about who you are, and it's got to be a great party.  My best advise is to keep it elegant, not too "kitchy", and always keep in mind the "experience"  What experience do you want your guests to have as you tell your love story?  But, most of all, what experience do you and your new husband want to have?  Keep this always in sight as you design, plan and execute your perfect day.  And if you find that you need help...call us, we love to help!

Romantic Vintage Elegance + Wedding Chicks

When Diana Elizabeth Steffen contacted me about this styled shoot, I was so excited to be working with her again.  It had been over a year since she shot our Organic Bridal Shower and it was so much fun to see the photos published on Wedding Wire ; Style Unveiled. This time we were featured on Wedding Chicks!

 When I first met Julie Read of Juju's Tutu's, I immediately felt a connection.  She is beautiful and sweet, just like her adorable dress designs.  A busy Mom, a savy business woman, and a very talented designer, I can't wait to see where she takes her business next.

The venue search for this shoot was "guided", and by that I mean, we didn't know where we were shooting until 2 weeks before the shoot.  I'm not sure how Julie found The Felch House Inn, but this was definitely where we were supposed to be shooting.  With an elegant, vintage, romantic theme, there was no better place to shoot!  This venue has been recently listed and was renovated over the last few years into a gorgeous garden setting.  Located in the Historic Roosevelt district, this beautiful 1920's home was a mansion in it's day.  Becky and her husband have kept it's charming history in tact and added a lush, romantic garden setting for weddings, luncheons, and cocktail parties.

  All of the vendors involved were so wonderful to work with.  I've listed them all below this post and hope to work with them again very soon.  I will be recommending them all to my brides, as there couldn't be a better group to work with. Below are  just a few of the beautiful vintage jewelry and custom hairpieces featured.

I featured a Peach Bellini Bar complete with cake pops and canned peach favors.  My favorite detail of this little signature drink bar was the vintage button threaded onto each little mason jar with plain twine.

The Sweetheart Table was positioned under the most lovely orchid tree.  I chose gold details and lined the chairs with gold lace.  A heavily embroidered gold lace overlay echos a vintage, elegant moment in history.

Photographer: Diana Elizabeth

Event Designer: Angela Saban Design
Venue: The Felch House Inn
Makeup: Aeni Domme
Hair: Vonn Wynn
Cake: Angel Cakes Bakery
Dress Designer: Uptown Bridal & Boutique
Flowers: The Garage by Ivy
Jewelry: Twice Loved Vintage (the bridal jewelry)
Veil or Hair Accessories: Posh a la Mode
Flower Girl Jewelry: 51st Ave. Designs
Wooden Signs: My Soul Speak
Parasols & Aisle Runner :BellaAisleRunners
Flower Girl Tutus: Juju’s Tutus