Sage Wedding Pros - The Simple Plan Workshop

As a new business owner in the wedding industry, I'm always looking for additional educational opportunities to help grow my business . I've found blogs and workshops that directly relate to my industry, to be the best source of information. One of my very favorite business blogs is Sage Wedding Pros, started by Michelle Loretta of mmm...paper and Kelly Simants of Sweet Pea Events. Its a daily dose of invaluable information for wedding professionals and those interested in joining the industry. In Seattle, on November 6th and 7th they will be putting on an amazing workshop, The Simple Plan, to help you write or re-write your business plan. All you veterans, time to dust off your old plan and work on your new one for 2010. What better way to do that than surrounded by other outstanding wedding professionals and listening to speakers Junebug Weddings, Aspire to Plan, and Sage Wedding Pros. For more information go to Sage Wedding Pros-The Simple Plan.

Swanky Tables in Your Wedding Day Magazine!

I was beyond excited when I found out Swanky Tables had been selected to be in YWD's Top Wedding Blogs!  So honored to be in the company of Style Unveiled, 1oo layer Cake, Junebug Weddings, Amy Atlas Events, Snippet & Ink, Style Me Pretty, Flights of Fancy, Green Wedding Shoes, Kiss the Groom, and Lollipop Events to just name a few!   Be sure to pick up a copy of Your Wedding Day for stunning pictures and informative articles.  Thanks YWD, I'm celebrating!

Mélangerie Welcome Bags and Who's Who Wedding Chart

I feel personal details infused in your wedding is what makes it so memorable for guests. Mélangerie, a design studio and etsy store, is a go-to source for beyond fabulous wedding items to add that personal touch. They just introduced some amazing new items, a Who's Who Wedding Genealogy Chart and two new Welcome Bags. The wedding genealogies are customized charts, similar to a family tree, that detail the relationships of the bride and groom to all of their wedding guests. Great for the cocktail hour and receptions, these charts fill guests in on who’s a friend from childhood, a neighbor, a family member, and more. What a great item to hang in your new home together after the wedding. I love the modern look and you can customize it in your wedding colors. I love welcome bags for guests from out of town. You can have so much fun incorporating locals treats and personal details into your gifts. Mélangerie has two great bags to choose from, the To Have and To Hold Tote Bag and The State-By-Celebrity Tote Bag. Go check out what celebrity is featured from your state.

Images: Mélangerie

I dig the StudioBooth

I've never seen a backdrop quite like this. Amazing design from StudioBooth! Check out their website for more fun party scenes.


Image: StudioBooth

iacoli & mcallister mini pedestals - Perfection!

I want one of every color!!! Of course they are all unique, so that may be very difficult and expensive. Not to mention they seem to be flying off the shelves. The vintage powder coated brass candlestick holder base is handmade in the iacoli & mcallister Seattle studio and then topped with a detachable corian top. A perfect piece you can create a complete tablescape around. Genius!

Fall Birch Wedding

Its amazing how a little birch does great things for event decor. Just makes me want to curl up in front of a fire and drink hot apple cider. Yummy!

Lavender Zinna Birch Wood Invitation from Night Owl Paper Goods
Birdie Banner Place Card from Night Owl Paper Goods
Birch Bark Napkin Rings from NHWoodscreations
Birch Bark and Moss Ringbearer Pillow from NHWoodscreations
Woodland Peony Centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings
Faux-Bois Placesetting from Martha Stewart Weddings
Faux-Bois Dessert Table from Amy Atlas Events Photo by: Rainbeau Seitz

Kate Kelly Fall Mini Photo Session + Halloween Treats!

Time to start thinking about your holiday cards! If you are in the Portland, Oregon/ SW Washington area be sure to take advantage of the Fall Photo Sessions on October 30 from Kate Kelly Photography. I will be setting up a festive Halloween Sweets Table that the kids can dig into after their session. I have so many fun ideas for this table its keeping me up at night. Contact the studio for more information.

Top off your Cake!

So many more cute and unique ways to top your wedding cake now. Where was Etsy when I got married?
Lucky Horseshoe Cake Topper from Baumbirdy
Custom Wedding Cake Topper from Lollipop Workshop
Wedding Cupcake Toppers from goosegrease
Wedding Bird Toppers from fernanimals

How did I miss these favor boxes?

These boxes just scream "fill me with candy". Perfectly cute at each place setting or stacked on your Sweets Table. These lovely boxes created by Kathleen of Twig & Thistle for the Style Me Pretty blog can be downloaded HERE. Love them!!

Image via Style Me Pretty

WedLuxe Pink Lady Luxe Sweets Table

A little Sweet Eye Candy for you. This glamorous Sweet Treat Table was designed by Art of the Party, Lori L Fraser Signature Events, and Bouquets Special Event Floral for WedLuxe magazine. The hanging frosted boxes filled with hydrangea is jaw-dropping and look striking with the mix of pink candies displayed on the same boxes used as risers. Gorgeous details.

Image: BEBB Studios

Drop it SWANKY.

A photo booth or background is a fun activity and keepsake for a wedding or special event! Drop it MODERN takes the backdrop to a whole new level. I fell in love with their 09 collection, especially the pink and gray damask. Of course, it helps that its name is SWANKY and my company colors. Hmmm....I see a late birthday gift, or early Xmas gift arriving in the mail. I think it would make an amazing background for a candy or dessert table. How about the Back in Black damask for a Halloween party? What do you do with your backdrop cloth after your celebration? Turn it into a tablecloth, runner, or great pair of drapes. Check out the Drop it Modern Blog for specials.

Publish Post

Table Stars: Fab Containers

You can really change the look of a table by using a unique container for your flowers, greenery, or candles.  I'm really into sculptural containers like the white ones above.  Use alone or fill with flower or other goodies.  Get creative!

Modern Boxes: Instyle Weddings

Black Cake Stand Centerpiece: Rachel Ray Mag

Satoko and Alex Wedding via Martha Stewart : Vintage Tea Containers
Eco-Chic Tablescape using Apothecary Jars by JL Designs, Sweet & Saucy, and shot by Jasmine-Star
Grace Box Set by Modern Dose

Cowgirl Birthday Party

Cowgirl Invitation from Roxter Designs
Bandanna Tablecloth from Martha Stewart
Cowgirl Cookies from Bakerella
Sunflower Tablescape from Country Living
Bandana Favor from Country Living:
Cut Bandanna into four's and tie with ribbon and Bandanna Printed Paper Tag. Fill with Cinnamon Popcorn.

Win a Destination Wedding from Wedding Paper Divas!

Dreaming of a destination wedding on the Riviera Maya? It is one gorgeous location and the water is unbelievably blue. I had a fabulous time attending a wedding in this area a few years ago. The perfect place to get married barefoot on the beach if you like.
The fabulous Wedding Paper Divas, known for there unique wedding invitations is is giving one lucky couple the chance to win a gourmet inclusive destination wedding from El Dorado Royale, a spa resort by Karisma! Highlights of the package includes: A three-night stay in the luxurious bridal suite, The Gold Wedding Package, A $500 gift certificate to Wedding Paper Divas and more! Head over to their site to submit your contact information. Hurry, the deadline for submissions is Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 11:59pm PST.

Not quite ready to leave Hawaii....

Although I was excited to see my boys, it was hard to leave such a gorgeous place.  Thought I would keep the memories flowing with a couple pictures of one of my favorite weddings in Hawaii via Yvonne Design.

Love that they forgo a wedding tent and opted for dining canopies for their guests and can you think of a better getaway car?  Perfection!

Coordinated by Parasol Events

Photos by Visionari

Sippin' Mai Tai's in Hawaii

I'm in Maui sippin' Mai Tai's celebrating my 10 year anniversary.  I'll be back on Tuesday, September 8th.   Here's a little recipe so you can celebrate too!  Have a great long weekend. CHEERS!

Yield

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients

    * 2  tablespoons  light rum

    * 2  tablespoons  orange curaçao

    * 1/4  cup  orange juice

    * 1  tablespoon  fresh lime juice

    * 1  dash orgeat

    * 1  dash simple syrup

    * 1  tablespoon  dark rum

    * Mint, a pineapple slice, and a paper umbrella for garnish

Preparation

1. Fill an 8-oz. glass with ice. Pour in light rum, orange curaçao, orange juice, lime juice, orgeat, and simple syrup.

2. Drizzle dark rum on top. Garnish with mint, pineapple slice, and paper umbrella.

RECIPE & PHOTO: Sunset Magazine

The Macbeth Collection Summer

Have you checked out the new Cabana Club Designs at The Macbeth Collection?  So fun and cheery I just want to break out a fruity cocktail.  Loving the new Monogram Metal Letters pictured above!  Click on over and become a VIP member and get 25% off.

DIY Lollipop Stands

Love these lollipop stands from Cheree Berry! I made these a few weeks ago for a photo shoot and wedding and they turned out great!! I used the 24inch cone and 1.5 inch ribbon(instructions say to use 1 inch, but it seemed to work fine). Its a great way to show off your handmade lollipops and it gives the table some height. Here are the instructions on Martha Stewart. If you don't feel like making them you can purchase custom ones on the Cheree Berry site.