Inspiration: Color

With winter still in full swing, I always try to think bright, vibrant colors! Here's a lush color combination we're working on with a summer client.
Think rich red roses, corals, and burnt orange with chocolate accents.
Textured gold chargers will flank the tables and luxurious rose mounds in gorgeous vessels, and pintuck linens will bring a bit of a shimmer and interest.

The sample place setting we put together

A lovely thank you note from fabulous clients

Stephenie and Ryan were a joy to work with - Nick and I truly enjoyed each step of the planning process and laughed a lot with them. We were thrilled to get a lovely letter thanking us for our support during the planning process - here's a snippet:

"Thank you so much for assisting in making our dreams come true. We are so thankful to have had you there on our beautiful, memorable wedding day and know that it wouldn't be half as glamorous without your helpful touches and recommendations...The passion you have in this field is incredible and really shines in your personalities. It's such an honor to have worked with people who truly care about the outcome of our wedding rather than just a paycheck and rushing through the day. We are so thankful to have met you and to have had you as part of our new life together and look forward to working with you again someday maybe for a milestone anniversary...."
Thank you, Stephenie and Ryan, you guys are the best!

Think Spring II: Sweet Wedding Dresses

In doing some searching for a summer wedding bride, I came across some truly whimsical and stunning wedding dresses for the fun spring or summer brides. These amazing designs are unexpected and unique and will garner many compliments from your guests! If you still want to marry in a traditional, floor-sweeping gown, perhaps you can consider changing into a tea-length or shorter confection for dancing into the night!Stephanie James Couture

This dark, dressy number would be perfect for you engagement party or rehearsal dinner - dress by Monique Lhuillier

Think Spring!

Now that the snow has thawed, it's time to start thinking spring! Creamy pastels, lush floral, and delicate designs play together well to create beautiful and stunning table scapes.
To make your pastel colors pop, add a splash of metallic, like silver matte chargers or gold heels for your festive party wear.
Natural elements like river rock, moss, and willow branches add a breath of fresh air not only to your special events, but also bring new life to your living room or guest room when gathered in an arrangement.

For more casual brunches or easy entertaining, build centerpieces with mounds of citruses that guests can also eat. Silver bar accents, like these from the Pottery Barn, lend well to a warm atmosphere. Deck out your dining table with sprigs from your own garden - use rosemary and sage to accent your table and add a special scent. Cheers to spring coming soon and to your fabulous soiree!

Inspiration: New Year's Eve

The time is nearly here (yikes!) to celebrate New Year's Eve - whether your night is spent at home with your fiance or husband, out at a fabulous soiree with dozens of friends, or celebrating with family, the night should be a truly elegant and fun one.

In thinking about table scapes for this year, I was inspired by a photo I took on a recent trip to Paris this fall - it's near the Louvre and captures the romance, elegance, and Belle Epoque style of the city, much like what I always envision New Year's Eve to be. I am also a huge fan of Veuve Cliquot champagne and their simple, yet dazzling color scheme of black, white, and tangerine. All of these ideas are simple, inexpensive, and will bring a sparkle to your holiday table or outfit.

Here are a few photos I've gathered for inspiration for a decked out bash.
Mercury glass ornaments from Smith & Hawken stacked in glass hurricanes reflect candlelight, like those from the black and white striped sticks from Watson Kennedy Seattle. Also from WK, the Roman numeral low-ball glasses and chic pewter salt containers will surely impress your guests.


An intimate, breathtaking 2006 winter wedding we coordinated in true black-tie style, complete with gorgeous, sparkling birch tree branches

For ultra-easy entertaining, contact your local caterer for a New Year's Eve pick-up of an assortment of snacks and desserts. Most caterers will provide delicious hors d' oeuvres without the price tag of providing catering staff, and you get to take the credit and enjoy your party!

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

We wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2008 - it's been a busy and fun year. A special thank you to all of our fantastic clients, and our fellow wedding "artists." It's been a great year working with you all!
As we ramp up for another busy year we wanted to post a few of our most memorable weddings from the past year.
Happy Holidays to you all!
*Photos by Beccy Hartman, Frank Ross, Kate McElwee, and La Luz Photography
Erica and Rodney's downtown wedding was so unique and colorful - their sparkler exit was fantastic!
Stephenie and Ryan were such a joy to work with; they are such a sweet couple and Nick and I had so much fun creating such a special day with them.
Chris and Mai Lee are an amazing couple. Mai Lee is currently serving her third deployment to Iraq and we planned most of the wedding while she was on her second tour. She and Chris are incredibly sweet and hilarious - our meetings were filled with non-stop laughter.
Stephanie and Tom currently live in Hong Kong, and did while we planned the wedding. Stephanie and I spent most of our time planning email back and forth and developed a fun and strong relationship. We still keep in touch and love to hear what they're up to in China!
Stephanie and Coby (we had a lot of Stephanies this year!) had a stunning wedding at a private home on the water. Frank Ross (who captured our wedding 5 years ago) did a breathtaking job capturing each well-thought out detail and we couldn't be happier. The photos speak for themselves!

Stephenie and Ryan were married on a clear and crisp fall day at the Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland. We couldn't ask for a nicer couple to work with - the four of us had so much fun planning, attending tastings, and laughing. It was a joy to work with them!

Their day was really a reflection of who they are as a couple - from the warm, fall colors to the delicious food and signature Sugar Plum Fairy cocktails, from morning to night the day was beautiful. We wish them the best and hope to see them soon to catch up! Congratulations, Stephenie and Ryan!
Photos by the always amazing La Luz Photography
The beautiful ceremony was officiated by Joel Whitaker
Flowers by Marine View Florist
Catering by the Woodmark Hotel
Stephenie's gown by the Wedding Bell