poppytalk: A Thank You: Free Printable Summer Gift Wrapping Set

I love Poppytalk and can't wait to get my daily dose of their unique market place. Today I was so happy to find this little gem in my inbox, because I also love FREE downloads. This is the sweetest little set of summer gift wrapping! Thanks for sharing.


Now, Happy Tuesday...go get it.



poppytalk: A Thank You: Free Printable Summer Gift Wrapping Set

Owl + Baby Shower

My sweet Daughter-in-law asked for some help to plan a Baby Shower for her friend, and this board was inspired by the search for cute little girly owl ideas.  My inspiration board is on Pinterest, and if you haven't joined yet, well, you're just missing out.  What are you waiting for...a personal invitation?  Just click here, and you'll even get that!

clip art

fondant cupcake toppers

 See the full board and lots of "Owly" ideas and sources on my Pinterest Board

 

 

 

Vintage Wedding Details + Nostalgic Summer

Pearls, rhinestones, crystals, and jewels, OH MY! . Longing for dreamy vintage inspired bridal accessories? I Thanks to networking through "Linked In", I've discovered so many new sources and fabulous vendors. Nostalgic Summer bridal line “Something Old, Something New” offers a vintage yet updated look for your special day.  I love so many different styles, but I must admit, I have a soft and romantic spot in my heart for the beauty of vintage details.  Renee's designs are gorgeous, and would be a perfect addition to any special occasion.

Visit Renee's Etsy shop Nostalgic Summer for these and other gorgeous designs.

RUFFLED INSPIRATION

It's Sunday night, Cake Pops order is chilling in the fridge, and I am cruising Pinterest. I admit, this has become my latest obsession.  If you haven't signed up for a free account yet, you really should try it, although I have to warn you that it is addictive.  So much inspiration, so little time.  So, to begin the week, ruffles caught my eye, and made me feel girly, and giddy, and happy.  Feminine, soft, flirty, and so much fun.  What a great theme!

Source: lavenderandlilies.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: google.de via Angela on Pinterest

Source: creativechaos.typepad.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: daisychainae.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: dessertgirl.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: camillestyles.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: None via Angela on Pinterest

Organic Elegance + Bridal Shower Inspiration

Angela Saban Design

Is chocolate a color, or a flavor?  As I designed this Bridal Shower Inspiration Shoot, I wondered. For a bride who loves chocolate, pairing it with green and white creates a crisp, clean and delicious palette. Special thanks to the sweetest photographer, Diana Elizabeth, her amazing pictures captured my design so perfectly!

The cake was inspired by a wedding dress, with a ribbon sash, and pearl broach, and a delicate petal skirt made from sugar.

Nourish Restaurant in Scottsdale was the perfect location for this organic, elegant celebration.  The bright colors of the interior were my inspiration for the bright green silk/taffeta fabric used for the skirt of the tables. The huge chocolate and white floral pattern of the Waverly fabric pulled it all together.

I contacted Elizabeth at Swanky Press to ask for a custom deigned invitation, and was tickled pink when I opened the package to find the perfect match to the flower in the fabric. Gorgeous!

 The food at Nourish is amazing, and this fabulous find is also the only exclusively gluten free heaven I know of.  Being gluten free for 20 years, I've struggled, but Kirstin and her staff have created a very special menu and you will not be disappointed!  The fresh tastes and colors were perfect for this day.

The Dessert Table was set up outside the restaurant in one of the many courtyards at Camelview Village.  This entirely "Green" property is so amazing.  I love the cool, chic and very serene surroundings.  And, with the waterfall and ponds everywhere, I can almost forget that I am in the middle of a big city...in the middle of the desert! 

Little Pear Tartlettes with pistachios and whipped cream

Chocolate Dipped Lime Coconut Pattie-pops

Chocolate, of course, and more white rosebuds, Mini Cherub Cakes covered in ganache, cupcakes with green luster dust and fluffy meringue frosting.  All Gluten Free!

 

 The favors doubled as a backdrop for the dessert table.  Handmade plantable paper seeded roses were hung from branches by delicate white ribbon and included green taffeta leaves.  Find the tutorial here.  A great idea for a "green favor" and the girls will have beautiful flowers in their own garden to remind them of the lovely day.
 The cutest baby succulents resting in soft moss were favors at each place setting and also graced the dessert table.

The amazing real flowers were provided by Elba Brown, and I must say, she read my mind.  All I gave her was green, white, and chocolate for the colors.  I added... the theme is Organic Elegance, and she provided the most gorgeous arrangements, loose flowers and branches.  The Dogwood is my favorite, and truly summed up the feel of this design, the location, and the day.

Top Ten Ways to Create an Unforgettable Event

When I ask my clients to describe the most unique weddings they’ve ever attended, I’m  always surprised that they can usually think of no more than one or two.

Here’s my top 10 list on how to create a unique wedding or event using a few key reception ideas:

1. Flow is extremely important. Make sure you have enough servers so that your guests are never kept waiting. No one wants to stand in a long line at the bar or buffet.

2. Everyone loves a great band or DJ, but if the music is too loud guests won’t be able to converse without screaming at each other. A few seconds of screaming and your guests will start to hate the music. Early in the evening, keep the music at a low volume. Later in the night, pump up the volume to get everyone dancing. It will make all the difference for your reception.

 3. Try to avoid too many long speeches, and keep the microphone away from any family members who are likely to drink too much. All of the important speeches should be given at the rehearsal diner the night before.

4. Pace your meal so that everyone gets each course at the same time. There’s nothing worse than when some tables are finishing their course while others are still waiting to be served.

5. Your wedding is not the Superbowl. Make sure that your wedding decor includes dim lighting, which will create an intimate and romantic environment. Candles help, too.

6. Speaking of which, candles generate heat. You don’t want your event space to feel like an oven. Keep the air conditioner a bit higher than usual to balance the heat.

7. We live in a culture that believes the more alcohol that is consumed, the better the party. However, if one of your guests drinks too much he or she may become mean or disruptive. If this happens, don’t hesitate to ask the person to leave, and if the individual won’t leave, you should have him or her removed.

8. As for wedding reception decorations, remember to leave enough room for your table settings (people need those glasses and plates!) No one enjoys eating at a table that is overcrowded. (I’m guilty of this one!)

9. If you’re a wedding photographer, PLEASE leave your bright lights at home. You know the ones I’m talking about: they ruin the bride’s romantic walk down the aisle. A much better option would be to work with the designer before the event to make sure the lighting is strategically placed. That way, you’ll get every shot you need without any blinding lights.

10. Don’t forget about the flowers! Whether your client prefers simplicity or drama, the absolute worst thing a client can say after an event is, ”I can’t even remember the flowers.” What a shame, considering the flower arrangements can be one of the most memorable aspects of the wedding decor.

Now a question for you:
In your experience, what’s the one element guests are most likely to remember after a wedding?
How many unique weddings have you been to and what made them so unforgettable?