Green + Gingham Favor Boxes

Love these green favor boxes with the sailors knot from Martha Stewart.  You can download the cute horseshoe tag template here.  

Image{MarthaStewartWeddings}

Beau-coup End of Summer Sale

Hurry on over to Beau-coup to check out their Summer Sale! Great favors for every event.

Swanky Deal: Stellar Fire Pit from Sundance

Ever since I saw the candles and fire pit from the Pink Lotus Lounge event on HWTM, I've been searching for the gorgeous fire pit they featured. The same or very similar one happens to be on sale at Sundance Catalog.  Even better, although still not a huge bargain.  The pit has been filled with glass pebbles and then the candles were added.  Check out more details over at Hostess with the Mostess.

Image: Hostess with the Mostess

Don't forget to invite the Sprinklesmobile!

I want a Sprinklesmobile at my next party!!  How fabulous would that be?  You can rent the Sprinklesmobile for your wedding/event or find out where it will be parkin' in the LA area next, by following them on  Twitter.

Image{Sprinkles}

Butterfly Tea Party Part II

Here's Part 2 of the butterfly tea party!!  I had so much fun planning this event.  A few years ago I would have thought a red and fuchsia color scheme would be crazy, but I absolutely love it now.  Here are some of the details from the event:

Front Door: Ikea Black Frame

Cake Stands + Teapot: Rosanna Inc.

Butterfly Cupcake Wrappers : Baker's Nook

Cake: Truly Scrumptious

Lanterns + Parasols: Luna Bazaar

Butterflies: Floraltrims

Little Doll + Marshmallows: Uwajimaya

Images: Swanky Tables

Butterfly Tea Party Pictures

Here are some of the pics from last weekends Butterfly Tea BirthdayParty!  More pics and details to follow on Monday!

Smilebooth at Bridal Bar Atlanta Grand Opening

I'm completely in love with the background designed by Dolci Odille at the Bridal Bar Atlanta Grand Opening!   The Smilebooth created by the fabulous Our Labor of Love  photographers totally rocked the party!  In the Smilebooth the guests take the pictures themselves and they pop up on a LCD screen.  Guests can later buy pictures online at a very reasonable price.  

I know these pics have been around the "blogging block", but I just couldn't resist!

Cheers!

Images{OurLaborofLove}

Green and Brown Sweets Table Inspiration Board

I'm working on candy and sundae bar tables for a wedding in September with a green and brown color palette. The bride and groom are incorporating a lot of personal details which I love, love, love! The top sweets table designed by Jesi Haack Weddings and photographed by Aaron Shintaku has cute little chalkboards to highlight the special family sweets. The second moss-covered sweets table from Martha Stewart Weddings{Katie+Ian}. The Hammonds Caramel Apples come in cellophane and be sure to add a cute custom tag. Of course, we can't forget the sundae bar, add a Paper + Cup custom wooden spoon for that personal touch!

On a side note, the photobooth strip inspiration boards are driving me nuts. I guess I need a new format. Any suggestions?

Swanky Spotlight: Portland Boudoir

Classy, fun, and gorgeous, those are just 3 words to describe Portland Boudoir, a new site launched by Kate Kelly Photography.   Are you busting your butt getting in shape for your wedding?  No one is going to see that six pack you earned at Boot Camp Class when you are in your wedding dress!  What better time to do a "Little Black Book" shoot for your husband-to-be.  The perfect gift to present him the day of the wedding.  Even if you are not getting married, this is the perfect gift to give your special someone who has everything!  Book a session with your girlfriends and get a discount on your package. My husband would never, in a million years, imagine I would ever do this, and he will be falling off his chair when he sees his anniversary gift.  Katie makes you feel completely comfortable,(the cocktails help too!), great music, and a fabulous studio!!  Don't worry about being in perfect shape, otherwise I would have never done it!  It was really fun and I think everyone should do it at least once in their lives.  Check out the Portland Boudoir site for striking photos and the blog for "sexy deals"!

Images{KateKellyPhotography}

DIY Summer Cabana

What screams summer more than a CABANA? Entertaining and Lifestyle Expert, Kelley Moore does it again, with a fabulous DIY Cabana from Seattle Magazine. Love the striped Ikea fabric on the one pictured above. Check out the directions HERE.

Image{Seattle Magazine}

I heart Raclette

In honor of Bastille Day, I have to share my favorite meal growing up. Ok, so its more Swiss than French, we'll call it Swiss-French. Who does not like potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and little pickles? Of course, toasted Peanut Butter and Pickle sandwiches were also a staple in my family, so maybe its just me. Happy Bastille Day!

Notes: Any smooth-melting cheese - cheddar, fontal, fontina, gouda, gruyère, jack, Swiss, taleggio, or teleme, even brie - can stand in for raclette. You can bake or boil potatoes.

Yield

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds thin-skinned potatoes (1 to 1 1/2 in. wide), scrubbed
• 1 red onion (1/2 lb.)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• About 1 pound raclette cheese (see notes)
• About 1 cup cornichon pickles
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

1. Put potatoes in a 4- to 5-quart pan. Barely cover with water, put lid on pan, and place over high heat. When boiling, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced, about 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, peel onion and thinly slice lengthwise. Mix with lemon juice.

3. Slice cheese; arrange in a shallow 8- by 11-inch casserole or 4 individual casseroles, each about 5 inches wide.

4. When potatoes are cooked, drain off most of the water and keep warm.

5. Broil cheese about 6 inches below heat until melted, about 5 minutes.

6. To eat, put potatoes, onion, and pickles on dinner plates. Spoon hot cheese, a few bites at a time, over potatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. If cheese in casserole gets hard, return to broiler to soften, 3 to 4 minutes.

Image {Sunset Magazine}

Sweet + Chic Signature Cocktail: The Vanilla Drop

This yummy Vanilla Drop would make a gorgeous signature drink for your wedding.  This cocktail was created for Seattle Bride Magazine by Len Nahajski, a mixologist for Lisa Dupar Catering in Redmond, Washington.  Click here for 5 more fabulous signature cocktails for the BIG day!

Vanilla Drop

2 oz. premium vodka (such as Kettle One)

1 oz. fresh lemon juice

3/4 oz. simple syrup

1 1/2 oz. Vanilla Bean Dry Soda

Vanilla bean sliver for garnish

Shake vodka, juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and strain into a cocktail glass. Top with Dry Soda and garnish with a split sliver of vanilla bean.

Image{victorialahti}

YELLOW means HAPPY!

Today one of my 3 year old twins told me Yellow means Happy. This sunny yellow event makes me oh so happy! The table looks fresh and chic with the grey floral runner and ribbons flowing from the canopy. Love the shape of the grey and white labels on the candy station paired with the fluffy yellow marshmallows and bee topped lemon bars. This event was created by Lollipop Events and Design and photographed by Cary Pennington. Check out the Lollipop Events site and their blog for great DIY and event inspiration. This would be perfect for a baby or wedding shower, too!

via Project Wedding, images Cary Pennington

Summer Table Trends from Atlanta's StudioWed

StudioWed Atlanta has done it again!! From a Romantic Summer table to an Eco-Green inspired tablescape, your summer wedding will be picture perfect! The Ultra Chic StudioWed is a stylish and sophisticated planning studio where Atlanta's best wedding vendors come to the bride. Meet with a photographer in the morning and chat with a florist in the afternoon. Best of all, there's no cost to the bride to use StudioWed's services.

I'm drooling over the Summer Romance table pictured above with the lush linens by I Do Linens, sweet peach place cards by Luxe Expressions, and that CAKE by Sweet Sensations!!! I want to take that flower off and wear it is so beautiful. This gorgeous table was designed by Michelle of Lemiga Events. Click HERE for more details on this table.






Loving the colors of the Modern Peacock table designed by KIS3 Event Planning! The lighting, flowers by SHOSHO Designs, and peacock feather napkin rings really make this table pop! I love the idea of putting a bright cupcake from M Cupcakes in a clear take out box. Click HERE for more details on this table.

Favor Events designed this Fresh Eco-Green table accented with splashes of pink. This table would be perfect for an outdoor affair in the Pacific Northwest this summer. A fresh from the farmer's market family style dinner with a beautiful pink cake from Sugarplum Visions to make the event extra special. Click HERE for a more details about this table.

Images{BlueWorldStudios}

Swim Party Treats from Martha Stewart

Fun Summer treats for your swim or sprinkler party this summer:

Ginger Bathing Beauties

Fish Bowl Gelatin

Shark and Beach Cupcakes

Sandbucket Angel Food Cake

Images + Recipes {Martha Stewart}

Swanky Spotlight: Anna Mara Floral Design

Hello, floral gorgeousness!! I first met Portland, Oregon designer, Anna of Anna Mara Floral Design while working on the Bouquet of Hope Benefit in May. From the first time I met her I could see her passion for her work and community. She was donating her time and resources on two community benefits that day. I also love that she believes in using local and seasonal flowers when available. For brides on a tighter budget, going local helps keep the bottom line down.

I literally have fallen off my chair reading her blog when I see some of the floral designs she has created for events. I'm just dying to see the rest of the photos from the event with the chartreuse arrangements below.

Anna has been featured in Portland Bride & Groom multiple times and you can see why. Her style and unique designs would make any reader swoon. Check out the articles and photos here


I'm a huge peony fan(as I've said many times) and this pale pastel design Anna created for a recent wedding makes me wish I could get married again!! Love it.

Not in the Portland area? No problem, you can order online and she will arrange for delivery anywhere in the US and internationally. Click HERE for all the details and to see the gorgeous selections!


Keep up with Anna's fabulous floral designs and events on her blog and check out her website here. She is definitely on my Event Dream Team!!!

Top two images{Peter Koptiuch Photography}
Middle images{Anna Mara Flowers Photo}
Bottom images{Kate Kelly Photography}