paper olive • the blog

dishing on la with luxe magazine

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

last fall, i was contacted by the fabulous luxe interiors + design to take part in a feature for the winter edition of their equally fabulous publication, luxe magazine. as a designer in la, i dished on eateries, cocktails, escapes, local adventures, and of course, all things design.

i am thrilled to share a sneak preview of the article here, which features an amazing watercolor rendering of yours truly. i am so proud to have been asked to dish on my favorite city for such a lush, stylish institution!

look for the issue to hit newsstands on january 17. 2012 couldn't have started off any better. :)

vintage cakes by superfine bakery

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

next to the stationery and fashion, my favorite part of any wedding is the cake. i've featured many different cakeries on my blog over the years, but a consistent fave has always been superfine bakery in studio city california.

what i love most about superfine's style — set by owner and master baker andrea boudewijn — is the eclectic whimsy. always elegant, and always delicious, there is a grand simplicity and playfulness about all of andrea's designs, like this set of vintage cakes for a wedding aboard the queen mary.

andrea understands what it is to have fun with your design choices, and so she attracts brides who appreciate this too. always a pleasure to see what's baking over at superfine!

romance and carolina herrera • spring 2012

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

while my personal tastes in wedding gowns probably fall more towards the sleek, chic and simple these days, there is nothing that can change my mind quite like a classic carolina herrera gown.

her designs are so uniquely feminine, lush and romantic that i can't help but fall in love. this is my favorite from the 2012 collection. outstanding.

photo credit: brides.com

lovely lotus wedding invitations • sami & aaron

2011-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

we are so honored to have been a part of sami and arron's recent wedding at the terranea resort in palos verdes, spectacularly photographed by lin & jirsa. you should spend a moment reviewing their blog feature on this exceptional wedding — ideal for any couple planning to work with color.

speaking of color, when sami first came to me asking for elegant wedding invitations that successfully featured bold colors — like plum, silver and teal — i was immediately excited. when she then revealed that her wedding theme was designed around the ever-elegant lotus flower, i was even more delighted.

we will follow up with further photos of the final product, featuring a magnificent dupioni silk envelope and lush thermography. check back for details. :)

and congrats, sami and aaron!

peacock wedding invitations • a beautiful thing

2011-05-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite all-time visions is the sight of a fully completed order of beautiful wedding invitations, just before they are packed up to be delivered to a happy bride. this is one of my recent favorites. :)

spotlight on brilliance • shopstyle.com

2011-03-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

have you ever wished it were possible to simultaneously shop at all of your favorite stores for all possible styles of red heels, black dresses or some other fabulous piece? or better yet, find out if another store might have the item that sold out at your local bloomingdales?

guess what? it's possible — and i actually cannot believe i haven't blogged about it before.

shopstyle.com is a brilliant website that not only gives you a window into the best online stores — nordstrom, shopbop, bluefly and more — but let's you save favorite items, track when they go on sale, and even schedule email reminders. ridiculously cool, right?

i love sharing the fun stuff. just don't blame me for the effect on your wallet.

couture wedding studios captures pure joy

2011-02-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

sometimes i come across something so refreshing, so fun, and so original that i feel the need to share it for that reason alone. this is one of those times.

wouldn't you have loved to have been a guest at this wedding? such pure joy and delight, captured beautifully by couture wedding studios. in love.

paper olive featured again in weddings in houston magazine

2011-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

one of our favorite magazines, weddings in houston, has once again featured paper olive in one of their glorious style articles — this time, on the beauty and importance of a couple's first impression: the wedding invitation.

we are delighted to be counted among such fabulous design experts, and as always, think the cover is simply spectacular!

inspiration • indian weddings

2011-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

happily, one of my long-time favorite style trends is becoming quite popular with 2011 brides: the indian-themed wedding.

whether you are marrying in new dehli, met in bombay, or just want to add some exotic colorful flair to your day, these ideas are sure to spark a little bit of bollywood glam.

design and photo credits

first row — {wedding cake} design cakes via flickr • {ceremony site} olivia leigh photography

via elizabeth anne designs • {bridal makeup} wedding come true

second row — {henna} luxury hindu weddings • {bouquets} heather parker photography • {shell ring pillows} the knot

third row — {groom on horse} serendipity photography • {bride & groom with petals} slr lounge

style faves • monique lhuillier 2011

2011-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

if anyone knows how to ring in a new year, it's monique lhuillier. with a signature style that always seems to reinvent itself from year to year, lhuillier's gowns are continually fresh, showstopping, and always one of my favorite things about any new season.

from an exquisite spring collection that absolutely tops itself from dress to dress, these are my two favorites in the bunch — jules, a super chic short dress for the fashionably flirty, and giada, a breathtaking embroidered stunner that i've never quite seen anything like before. just in love.

twist on a holiday favorite

2010-12-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

there is nothing more inviting or comforting than the sight of a family of christmas stockings all lined up above a warm holiday fireplace. visions of red and green and reindeer come to mind.

but i'm absolutely in love with this chic twist on the idea — cozy cable knit and simply elegant, these ivory stockings from pottery barn line the mantle with clean happy lines, letting the thoughtful gifts poking out above each embroidered red name be the joyful focal point.

merry christmas to all, and in fabulous style!

wild about anemones

2010-12-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

i've always been a fan of crisp black and white anemones, but i've seen them recently with a splash of color...and i think they may be my new favorite trend.

there is just something playful and delicate about these flowers, and the hint of color makes them slightly more casual, as well as versatile. they are just so unapologetically bold, with their robust black centers and curvaceous petals. looking for unique floral ideas? you can't go wrong here.

design and photo credits

{bouquet} martha stewart • {wedding cake} the caketress • {hair accessory} brina babe

unique chic • colored diamonds

2010-11-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

i am a huge fan of the unexpected, the original, the uniquely chic. and one of the most unique things i've discovered recently is a new trend towards unusual engagement or wedding rings.

sapphires, rose gold, canary diamonds. there will always be something timeless about a perfectly cut clear diamond, but there is also something exciting — and highly personal — about the inclusion of color. these colored diamond rings available at icestore.com are some of my favorites.

which one appeals most to you?

type style obsessions • penabico

2010-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

i love pretty things. especially when those pretty things meet paper, color and fabulous accents.

of course, all pretty stationery elements are incomplete without an equally gorgeous type style, which can transcend a smart design into something truly spectacular — and my very favorite new font is penabico.

it's vintage and full of flourish, but also quite whimsical. it would be perfect paired with a modern block font, or filling up an entire card with its luscious lines. it's fonts like this that make me love printed calligraphy.

in love also? you can get this from myfonts.com and make your own pretty things. be sure to share them with me!

image of the week • gavin photography

2010-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

sometimes, you don't need words. sometimes, simple beauty speaks all on its own.

photo courtesy of gavin photography.

cake chic • a halloween wedding

2010-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

i love a good theme wedding when it's done with a sense of whimsy and true personal style, so in the spirit of all hallows eve, i thought it would be good to share one of my favorite halloween-themed cakes, masterfully created by anne heap at pink cake box.

inspired by the time burton move the corpse bride, we have nothing but ghoulish things to say. all of them good, of course. happy halloween!

real weddings • jessica and jeff • a vintage southern fete

2010-10-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

recently i had the honor of attending the vintage-inspired wedding of jessica and jeff, a gloriously joyful affair that spanned a full weekend in historic elkin, north carolina — complete with antique lace, chic rustic touches and full-on southern charm.

starting with custom invitations screen printed on vintage flea market handkerchiefs, the couple was deliberate in every creative choice. from the peacefully lush wooded ceremony backdrop at elkin creek vineyard in the bride's hometown, to the low country menu at twenty one and main (which featured favorites like shrimp & grits and sweet potato cakes) this southern wedding was complete — right down to the fabulous red velvet cake made by the bride's mom. do you love it?

wedding photos courtesy of abigail seymour photography.

chic wedding appetizers

2010-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

gorgeous gown? done. fabulous venue? got it. showstopping invitations? literally signed, sealed and delivered. so, what's left? only the most important element — the food.

people are far more likely to fondly remember a wedding at which they've been well fed, so be sure to give your wedding menu the same personal thought you give every other decision. need some inspiration? we've got plenty.

consider the shapes and colors of your food — and have fun with your presentation. skip the napkins and serve apps straight from a spoon. or stick shrimp on a lollipop skewer. bright chilled soups and artfully presented sushi are great for a summer wedding, and we love the organically rustic feel of crostini served on a wooden plank, perfect for an outdoor vintage fete.

our favorite idea in the bunch? has to be a toss up between that stenciled mini-burger and the monogrammed caviar spoons. each promises to be a wonderfully memorable mouthful.

design and photo credits

first row — {stenciled mini-burger} elaine bell catering • {crostini en plank} house and home • {chilled spoon appetizers} pacific weddings

second row — {tomato & cheese bruschetta} inspired occasions • {salmon tarts} inspired occasions • {cucumber & meatballs spears} pacific weddings

third row — {shrimp lollipops} one lovely day • {monogrammed caviar spoons} one lovely day • {tri-colored soups} dm cuisine • {roe sushi} pioneer paper

military bridal gown giveaway by mon amie

2010-10-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

attention all troops (and readers)! i've just discovered a wonderful, timely, and supremely generous offer from one of california's premiere bridal salons — for the seventh year, mon amie bridal salon will be giving away 100 bridal gowns to military brides-to-be...for free.

the details

date: october 17th, 2010

estimated time: 10 am to 4 pm

place: marine corps air station - miramar office's club (building 4472)

to be considered, brides must be engaged, be on active duty in the military or have a fiancé on active duty. all military brides must show id, copy of deployment papers, orders or other qualifying proof. brides do not have to reside in the area where the giveaway is taking place.

to learn more visit mon amie. and the best of luck to all. :o)

beach wedding ideas • seahorses

2010-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

i love beach weddings. and while i adore the more traditional beachy elements like starfish and sand dollars, i am simply wild about the seahorse — there's just something inherently whimsical about it that adds a cheerful playfulness to any beach wedding design aesthetic.

these are merely a few of my favorite ideas, all featured in muted blues and sandy earth tones, which helps keep the design scheme sophisticated and breezy. the best in the bunch? those hand-knitted cupcake toppers. crazy fun.

design and photo credits

clockwise from top left — {beach wedding invitations} paper olive • {cupcakes} diy via fat orange cat studio photography • {seahorse totes} beachik via etsy • {vintage spoon} beach house living • {candles} escape concepts • {napkin ring} pottery barn

organic chic wedding invitations

2010-09-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

a friend recently enlisted me to design her wedding invitations, with three very specific design requirements: simple, chic, and organic. below is the resulting suite i created for her, and i think it is already a favorite.

the lush tree silhouette is clearly the organic focal point, but i also brought in tactile elements like white linen paper and mailer boxes, as well as natural dupioni silk ribbon as a clean, fresh accent. the entire look is proof positive that you don't always have to be over-the-top in your presentation in order to make a unique first impression.

plus, anytime you can keep that impression green by celebrating the beauty of earth's natural elements, i'm always a fan.

louboutin love • tahiti in spring

2010-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

okay, these heels are ridiculous. and by ridiculous, i mean out of control fabulous. i just finished browsing the christian louboutin spring 2010 collection, and these (called tahiti) jumped out at me beyond any other pair.

the soaring high heel, the classic red sole, the super chic white with demure black piping, all paired with a dramatic, whimsically exotic flower make these louboutins equally perfect for a black and white wedding, a little black dress of your favorite pair of jeans.

some people dream of tahiti. i dream of these shoes. :o)

inspiration file: pacific weddings

2010-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

when looking for design inspiration, one of my favorite things to do is comb through the covers of old wedding magazines (yep, i keep 'em). the cover shots are often noteworthy, and always have an extra something special about them worth a second (or third) look. after all, if they weren't amazing, they never would have wound up on the cover in the first place.

i recently ran across across this summer/fall 2008 issue of pacific weddings, and my breath caught in my throat. the bright and cheerful yellow, the mix of floral textures, the bejeweled bouquet band. has memory lane ever been more lovely?

paper olive + superfine bakery = coordinated custom cakes

2010-08-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

design inspiration can come from anywhere, but possibly our favorite source of inspiration has come from our partnership with superfine bakery — who have recently outdone themselves with their cake interpretation of our popular viceroy invitation design.

the cake

bright white, crisp lime green and sleek black are the perfect palette for this cake trio, with each individual tier focused on a different facet of our viceroy design — a chic combo of contemporary shapes and playful classic flourishes.

the inspiration

a luxe combination of linen papers, chic colors and clean modern lines. the multiple square layers were a big inspiration for the trio of cake layers above, and the various textures provided many opportunities for whimsical embellishments.

the best part? coordinating your invitation to your cake does two things: it sets a creative tone with the opening of the invite and carries that tone through to the last moment of the event — the all-important cake cutting.

look out for more details on our partnership with superfine bakery, and many more fabulous design pairings.

i heart design star

2010-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

already prone to obsessions, i was a sucker for this past season of hgtv's design star, and was absolutely in love with this year's winner, emily henderson.

emily's mix of clean, modern lines and eclectic, slightly vintage, almost boho chic is something i was immediately drawn to, and her new show, ostensibly titled style to lifestyle, sounds like a brilliant concept (and another impending obsession).

these are just a few of my favorite shots from emily's portfolio. they give me both interior design inspiration as well as stationery design ideas. aren't they fabulous?

jacqueline belle fleur photography

2010-08-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

is it possible to make a beautiful child even more beautiful just by capturing her in the best light, the perfect moment, and a few precious accessories? in a word, yes.

jacqueline belle fleur photography recently captured these magnificent photos of my niece taylor, and when i saw them, i burst into tears. sure, i'm susceptible to waterworks because my niece is my favorite little lovebug, but still, the whimsy with which these images were shot makes jacqueline my new favorite photographer.

the pink tutu. the floral props. those pearls. jacqueline knows how to photograph children with playful beauty, and seems to coax a joy from them that is remarkable.

what a talent. if you live in the new york metropolitan area and you have a child you'd like to capture as the perfect cherub he/she is, hire jacqueline immediately.

highlights from a day of the dead wedding with david tutera

2010-08-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

i love my job. especially tonight, after watching a playful episode of my fair wedding with david tutera, during which david transformed a charming couple's "day of the dead" inspiration into a romantic, luxe, larger-than-life gothic explosion of red roses and black lace.

i was honored to be invited to participate in this magical event, and watching david work was a spectacle in itself. but it was an email from the bride herself that truly made me grateful to be able to do what i do.

katie wiggins is a gracious, thoughtful, delightful person — her thank you email was full of compliments, and it sent me over the moon {katie, you two deserved it!}. these are just a few of the exceptional photos she was kind enough to share with me, all expertly taken by harvard photography.

from the mexican/vintage black and red rose bridesmaid dresses, to the soaring black trees dripping with crystals and amaranth from tic-tock couture florals, to the dramatic table linens, this wedding was an exercise in truly personal spectacle. non-traditional doesn't mean non-fabulous — just the opposite.

and just our style. :o)

true romance in the carolina herrera spring 2011 collection

2010-08-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

while my aesthetic is usually clean and modern, i am absolutely mad about elaborate wedding ball gowns with showstopping design elements. one of my favorites of the spring 2011 collections has to be this gown from carolina herrera, with its delicate bodice and cascading full skirt.

it's romantic, lush, feminine — but also youthful and fresh at the same time. herrera is a favorite because she is such a master with fabrics and the feminine form. ah, i'm in love again.

photo by firstVIEW.

paper olive featured on my fair wedding with david tutera

2010-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

are you a fan of david tutera and my fair wedding on we tv? we certainly are. so we were thrilled when david's team invited us to create one-of-a-kind wedding stationery for katie, his day of the dead-themed bride. the episode airs sunday 8/15 at 10pm pacific / 9pm central on we tv.

as the show says, every bride has a vision...and david has revisions. in this case, the revision included a gothic romance aesthetic for the fabulous ceremony programs, table numbers, escort cards and menus, all in lush rose red and dramatic black lace. below is a sneak peek, shot by the amazing harvard photography.

we are delighted for the bride & groom and their families, and were honored to be a part of their amazing day. we hope you tune in and join the fun!

personalized custom wedding invitations

2010-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

one very important detail to know when choosing wedding invitations is that many designers offer to personalize some of the custom designs they have in their galleries. this is good news for brides who may love a design but not its color scheme, or love a color palette but feel it needs an extra custom touch.

consider these two options from our safari chic collection — both are safari-themed destination wedding invitations featuring similar design and font elements, yet each is uniquely styled to the event and personality of each couple.

while the first is rustic and organic, using recycled materials and an earthy color palette, the second option is sleek, slightly more formal — and at the same time more playful and wild. i adore the addition of the guinea fowl feather, which adds a unique natural opulence.

bottom line is, never be afraid to point out the things you love about a stationer's work and ask them to personalize to your tastes. many designers (like me) take pride in making something new out of a design they already love.

sleek summer wedding fashion

2010-08-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

no matter if you're planning your wedding or happen to be in the wedding industry (like me), sooner or later you're going to have to attend a wedding — and thus start thinking about dresses on a much smaller (and non-white) scale.

naturally, i obsess over my guest attire as much as I do everything else wedding-related, and have found that fashion choices for a late-summer evening wedding can be a little tricky. of course, with help from elie tahari, christian louboutin and kate spade, i'm always in good hands.

my faaaavorite piece is the elie tahari dress. it's light-as-air silk, and with the tulip sleeves, it will be perfect for warm weather that cools down in the evening.

with all the sleek black and splashes of purple, i thought the clutch should be simple. kate spade is queen of simple chic, so her lella clutch was an easy choice. as were these onyx drop earrings from forever 21 — they look like a million bucks but barely cost anything at all. honestly, forever 21 is one of my favorite accessory stores, because it lets me save so i can splurge on critical items like shoes.

oh, and these shoes. purple louboutin suede pumps. don't be afraid of suede in summer. the peep-toe keeps these airy and appropriate. and, um, they're louboutin. need i say more?

beach wedding ideas • sand dollars

2010-07-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

living in los angeles, i am privileged to have easy access to the beach — the inspiration for today's blog, which is all about one of my favorite beach wedding elements, the sand dollar.

elegant, nautical, and whimsical at once, the sand dollar offers dozens of design possibilities for a perfect beach wedding. from chic beach wedding invitations, to tactile escort cards, to amazing photo and decor options, these are just a handful of the ideas available for your seaside event.

design and photo credits

first row — {shell escort cards} laura hooper calligraphy • {napkins} family circle • {striped cake} cake work

second row — {wedding rings} lisa schaffer photography • {silk box invitations} paper olive • {beer escort cards} laura hooper, photo by lisa franchot photography, via bridal bar

third row — {boutonniere} blue flourish • {floral centerpiece} maimy m&m via flickr • {ring pillow} to have and to hold

the condor's nest ranch

2010-07-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

a good friend turned me on to this fabulous southern california gem today, and i simply had to share with you immediately — the condor's nest ranch in pala, california.

on a perfectly secluded california ranch, the condor's nest is not only naturally beautiful, but designed to make the planning process an absolute breeze. their packages are full of options and amazing prices, and the views are...stunning.

owner's bob and lisa have this to say: "we are committed to making the overwhelming process of planning your wedding day as easy as possible! ...we include as complete a package as we can so you can focus on the fun details (cake, flowers, invitations!) and being as creative as you want to be! (for the non-creative types we can do it for you, or recommend someone who can!!)."

if you're planning a los angeles wedding and want a unique, all-inclusive venue, give it a whirl.

photo by amy kaplan.

win a $100K wedding from us weekly & wedding channel

2010-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

want the chance to win a $100,000 wedding hollywood style? then listen up, brides and grooms.

weddingchannel.com and us weekly today announced the launch of their 3rd annual “dream wedding” program — a contest for celeb-loving engaged couples to win a $100,000 hollywood-style wedding. the winning couple will get a wedding planned entirely by weddingchannel.com and their favorite a-list wedding experts. as if that weren’t enough, all of the wedding details will be profiled in us weekly magazine, usmagazine.com/wedding and weddingchannel.com.

details, details:

today to july 29 — enter the contest at www.usmagazine.com/wedding
august 3 to august 10 — 10 couples will be announced online, and america votes for their favorite couple
august 13 to september — the dream wedding winning couple is announced online and the wedding planning begins!

according to the peeps at wedding channel, thousands of couples have entered past contests and there have been millions of votes for people’s favorite couples, so they can’t wait to see the submissions this year. what are you waiting for, get started! and good luck. :o)

artisan wedding cakes from superfine bakery

2010-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

okay, so when i love something, i can sometimes get a little...obsessed. and my obsession with superfine bakery, an artisan cake shop based out of studio city, california, is no exception.

i've had the pleasure of tasting superfine's creations, which are, quite simply, cakes for foodies. superfine believes that cakes should not only look exceptional, but be made of exceptional quality and extra-mile ingredients like italian butter cream and madagascar vanilla. i agree.

but more than that, i am nuts about their latest cake designs, expertly photographed by andrea bricco, which are equally high-concept and exceptional. i don't know which i like better — the clean mod design with the simple black allium flowers, or the uber chic ocean/orchid creation, with its delicate piped coral and ron ben-israel quality sugar flowers.

what's your favorite?

color splash miami • inspired

2010-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

as you may have noticed from my recent posts, i am obsessed with the colors and freshness of miami lately. one major obsession is color splash miami on hgtv.

not only are david bromstad's interior design transformations dramatic and vibrant, they are fabulous inspiration for other areas of design .

behold my latest color transformation fave, and the inspiration for a new line of stationery and invitations. sunny lemon yellow, soft white marabou, hot pink silk and hints of moroccan texture? i'm wild about it.

i'll be sure to send my own after pics when the designs are complete. :o)

image of the moment • brilliant studios

2010-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

photography (like paper artistry) is a core obsession at paper olive, so i am always delighted to discover someone new — especially when their work jumps off the page like this image did.

shot by brilliant studios at a wedding styled by good gracious! events, this image absolutely delights in every way. the trendy lemon yellow pops against hot pink flowers (a color combo i'm mad about), and the over-sized white love lettering is just...i can't even find the words.

i love this love.

beautiful miami blues

2010-06-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

with the summer in full swing and an obsession with hgtv's color splash (set in south florida), i've found myself in a miami state of mind.

what makes a perfect miami wedding? beyond beachy elements or tropical mainstays, a modern miami wedding is a little more sophisticated, like the four seasons wedding featured below — all watery cool blues, rich sandy golds, and lots of crisp white.

i not only love the simplicity of this palette, but the various opportunities it allows to play with multiple hues of blue. i just want to dive into a plate of those aqua macaroons, don't you?

design and photo credits

first row — {wedding cake} gimme some sugar via chelsea nicole • {bouquet} martha stewart weddings • {bride on chaise} rodrigo varela photography

second row — {event space & design} the four seasons hotel miami • {cocktail ring} polyvore

third row — {blue shoes} klk photography via project wedding • {macaroons} la prochaine fois

celebrity event designer preston bailey goes back to school

2010-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

for anyone as in love with the wedding industry as i am, you are surely also in love with the work of world-renowned design icon preston bailey. well, you'll be happy to know that now, you can learn from the expert himself through the wedding planning institute.

bailey has joined forces with lovegevity's wedding planning institute, the industry leader in certification and training for wedding and event professionals. together, they will create and launch the first event design course of its kind, based on bailey's 30-years of experience with celebrities such as donald trump, oprah winfrey, uma thurman, joan rivers, donna karan, liza minnelli, matt lauer, catherine zeta-ones, ivanka trump and others.

preston bailey’s signature wedding & event design course will allow students to experience the step-by-step processes and techniques he pioneered. starting august 15, 2010,the course will be rolling out to nearly 2,000 local academic institutions around the country, including university of texas in arlington, miami-dade college, university of colorado in colorado springs and brooklyn college. it will also be made directly available to students through an online program hosted by the wedding planning institute.

for more details, or for curious prospective students, hop over to the wpi site and enroll. college has never been so cool.

orange + teal = a fresh modern wedding palette

2010-06-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

you probably know by now that i am in love with the color orange. one of my favorite things about it is its flawless ability to pair beautifully with almost any other color — rich chocolate brown, crisp lime green, and of course, moody teal blue.

while i adore orange and aquamarine (that's worthy of another post), there is something almost magical about pairing vibrant orange with this deeper, darker teal.

these vanda orchids absolutely pop against crisp white containers and a base of dark blue linens. i just love it.

these colors, in fact, were a major inspiration for the custom invitations featured here, which paired bright tangerine with an elegant, almost inky teal. they're modern and sophisticated, like the overall palette. the overall effect is unique — and doesn't every bride want to stand out from the crowd?

design & photo credits

first row — {custom wedding invitations} • paper olive; {clementine dessert favors} • photo by rodney bailey photography, flowers by enchanted florist, place settings & linens by dc rental

second row — {cocktails} • photo by rodney bailey photography, flowers by enchanted florist, place settings & linens by dc rental; {boutonniere & tie} • photo by amanda herzberger, suit by men's wearhouse, via the knot

third row — {orchid tablescape} • jules bianchi photography; {satin shoes} • photo by hillary mayberry, via the knot

black damask & plum silk box wedding invitation

2010-06-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

we just had to share one of our latest wedding invite designs — a glorious silk box invitation that mixes classic with modern, and lush with super luxe.

a rich black damask pattern is given a contemporary twist with the addition of lively plum purple. we love the mix. coordinating rsvp and directions cards continue the look, neatly tucked into their own individual pockets.

then, a smooth ivory silk box with a dramatic gatefold is paired with gorgeously tactile black dupioni silk ribbon, which finishes the gift-like package with whimsical elegance. the look is clean, upscale, luxurious, and still very simple. our favorite kind of design.

this look could be mixed with a dozen other color palettes — black with pink or lime green, or perhaps even a blue or plum box with coordinating ribbon and inks. the possibilities are endless. what would you choose?

favorite floral trend — king protea

2010-06-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

i gravitate towards the unusual, the unexpected and the unique. so naturally, my list of personal favorites tends to include some uncommon choices.

this definitely applies to one of my favorite flowers — the king protea, south africa's national bloom. the juxtaposition of its delicate pink color mixed with its spiky, almost cactus-like leaves makes the king protea a dramatic choice for a bridal bouquet. carry this down the aisle and everyone will be talking.

these are just two of examples of how to soften and highlight this magnificent flower. it pairs with bright and soft palates, blends beautifully with rustic twigs or sophisticated roses.

can you not also imagine it in cascading centerpieces on tables and ledges all throughout an event? spectacular.

photo credits

top photo, christine meintjes. bottom photo, kent meireis.

laura mercier on gilt groupe

2010-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

for all my gilt groupe members out there, you'll love this. renowed make-up powerhouse laura mercier is going to available beginning this thursday, june 10, at noon (eastern time, that is).

for those who may not know, gilt groupe (www.gilt.com) is a by-invitation-only luxury retailer, offering access to fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer. in other words, it's fabulous.

two of my favorite offerings? the spring blooms lip & cheek brush kit — i'm nuts about the case, and the colors. also, the body & bath duo crème brulee. crème brulee and beauty products? brilliant combo. and the fact the this creamy set is applied with a honey stirrer promises an even more luxurious experience.

see you thursday? :o)

starfish beach wedding invitations

2010-06-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

we're delighted to share some updated color palettes for one of our favorite designs — our starfish beach wedding invitation.

our original starfish design featured a creamy palette of sunny orange and warm chocolate brown, a truly beloved color combo. but possibly even more delightful are our combos in sage & aqua, and aqua & chocolate.

this oceanic blue is always a perfect match for chocolate brown, while the light, crisp sage green adds an ethereal touch that is just delightfully cheerful. both are beachy in a totally unique way.

another new touch? silk dupioni ribbon in place of hand-dyed silk in the original. the textured fabric adds an incredible tactile quality. we love the new options, and hope you'll agree!

striking color decor

2010-05-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

i love color. in design, in fashion, in the home. probably my favorite thing about color is its versatility, and the fun you can have playing just with one palette or shade.

below are some incredible images i came across this week, offering two very different options for two very different color pairings.

yellow and teal — sophisticated and muted vs. bold and vibrant

plum purple — modern and cheerful vs. opulent and dramatic

photo & design credits

yellow and teal — image one • greystone estate; image two • canadian house and home

plum purple — image one • pottery barn; image two • the posh review

vintage wedding chic

2010-05-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

i've been heavily involved in the wedding planning of my dear friend jessica, who is set on a modern vintage affair with lots of rustic touches, antique elements, and rich colors. naturally, i'm now obsessed with all things vintage, and had to share some of our best inspirations.

there's something very personal about an eclectic vintage aesthetic — from the dress, to desserts, to mismatched pillows and antique birdcages, each style choice speaks volumes about the couple. and of course, the look never goes out of style.

favorites? the amazing birdcages handing in the trees and above the tables, lit with candles and bedecked with flowers. and the vintage tins bursting with colorful bouquets are stunning.

its the cleverness of vintage decor that is probably its biggest charm. an old watering can on a distressed wooden chair is suddenly chic when it becomes an unexpected vase. how can you not fall in love?

design & photo credits

first row — {watering can with flowers} • via the knot, kimberly brooke photography and jocelyn filley; {couture wedding gown} • natalia misslin designs; {vintage wooden bird cages} • styled by duet weddings, photo by corbin gurkin

second row — {hanging bird cages} • bonnie tsang via ruffled blog; {vintage chalkboard} • mclellan style via nashville garden weddings; {vintage desserts} • rosie parsons

third row — {vintage flower tins} • martha stewart weddings; {vintage shoes} • haberdashery boutique; {cake on distressed table} • cake by montecito confections, photo by elizabeth messina, styled by carissa jones of jl designs

the ebell of los angeles — a true vintage gem

2010-05-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

i've been blessed to discover several amazing venues this season, and the ebell of los angeles is truly a favorite. the fact that i only discovered it recently makes it all the more appealing.

a little history: the ebell is an educational and philanthropic organization founded by women in 1894 — already it's fabulous. they administer a college scholarship program for women and men, as well as a program assisting women in need. they also maintain and preserve art collections, an historic clubhouse, and the wilshire ebell theatre.

what makes this place additionally special are the exceptional grounds, gardens, ballrooms and grand spaces that are open for wedding and other special events.

there is something so romantic, nostalgic, almost otherworldly about this place. with its vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, lush landscaping, its history... it's so uniquely los angeles.

plus, they can accommodate guests in varying numbers, from an intimate 100 to a bash of 400. so if you're considering tying the knot here in town, or you're traveling in for a vintage hollywood destination wedding, you must put the ebell on your list.

and then, you can invite us. :o)

silk box invitations — the ultimate luxury

2010-05-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

we're seeing quite a few requests these days for all things luxe: dramatic presentations, crystal embellishments, silk boxes. we do adore mixing luxury with our designs — after all, we pride ourselves on being experts in paper couture.

yet while we love luxury invitations, we always strive to keep modern whimsy a part of the mix. nothing transforms a delicate silk box like bold colors, uncommon trimmings and playful design elements.

above are just a few of our favorite and most popular designs. our lush peacock invitation, floral poppy invitation and beachy hamptons invitation are great examples of classic luxury blending perfectly with fresh, contemporary elements.

for all you couture brides considering silk boxes for your invitations, be sure to also consider a personal touch — a swatch of beloved fabric, an opulent peacock feather, something that makes your invites more than luxurious. make them truly and uniquely you.

a bora bora honeymoon from tahiti legends

2010-04-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

one of my dearest friends has just gotten engaged, and i am delighting in the opportunity to relive my own experiences through her. my favorite part of advice-giving? the honeymoon.

my dream has always been a tahitian escape, so for all you brides out there with the same dream, i must recommend tahiti legends, an incredible travel website focused on the south pacific. they offer travel, accommodations, and activity packages at varying price levels, so you can choose the luxury combination that best suits you.

just a few of my loves? the overwater bungalows, like the ones shown here at the intercontinental bora bora le moana resort. the primitive thatched roofs and hot pink bougainvillea against the aqua blue water is just a stunning, a one-of-a-kind view.

and then there are the suites. oooh, my. they're not cheap, but then, you are buying heaven.

my favorite are the rooms at the hilton bora bora nui resort, with its romantic draped bedding and view of the water off the private deck.

a close second, though, are the rooms at the sofitel motu bora bora, with their vibrant colors, fresh flowers, and glass coffee tables that open up on the sea life swimming below.

hey, if you're going to have a honeymoon, have a honeymoon. it's a once in a lifetime splurge, after all.

birds of a feather

2010-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

i am loving this dreamy, rustic, vintage-esque trend of including birds and branches in weddings this season. it's fresh and airy and organically delicate.

i'm seeing the design trend in gowns, like this feathery confection from the 2011 pronovias "dreams" collection, called fidji. i'm also seeing it in decor, like these chic birds and branches centerpieces from martha stewart.

probably my fave, though, is applying the theme directly on the wedding cake, like this tuscan birds and berries stunner from superfine bakery. there's something so familiar and yet so unique about it.

now, you know this means a birds and branches invitation design from paper olive is not far behind. :o)

a rustic southern wedding at fearrington barn

2010-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

while i love all things modern, i am also a sucker for all things vintage and rustic — and of course, chic. to that end, what could be more rustic and chic than a southern wedding held in an historic north carolina barn?

the folks at fearrington village may just have one of the most appealing, charming regional venues in all the south. in truth, there are several venues at fearrington, but my favorite is definitely the barn.

there's just something exceptional about the image of a couple enclosed in a rough-hewn barn made soft and romantic by silks, fresh flowers, twinkling lights, and an army of guests decked out in all their finery. if you're a bride anywhere near north carolina, you must consider this venue. and of course, send pictures!

photos courtesy of fearrington village, missy mclamb photography and abigail seymour photography.

welcome baskets from sara's gracious goodies

2010-04-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

we love a good welcome basket, and even more, we love a really good story. we found both at sara's gracious goodies — a gift package service located in long island, ny.

first, the baskets. with incredible resources like chocolove, delancey dessert company and crumb's bake shop, sara's baskets are lush, bountiful and absolutely delicious. they are the perfect way to welcome weary travelers and special guests after the long journey to their hotel.

not only are the treats fabulous, you have the option of packing them in clever totes — like these, designed with maps of the five burroughs of new york. utterly adorable.

as for the story? as sara was expecting her first child, she and her husband travelled across the country for a wedding. exhausted and hungry from a long ordeal, they were met by a welcome bag that unfortunately added to the misery of a long days travel {oh, we've been there}.

it was in that moment that sara knew that there could be a better and more fulfilling way to greet a weary and tired loved one. sara got back from her trip, told all of her ideas to her mom and together they created sara’s gracious goodies.

we're so glad they did.

in a new york {wedding} minute

2010-04-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

my latest hobby is discovering new photographers, so when i stumbled upon this heart-stopping new york image, i absolutely had to share it.

taken by new york wedding photographer ryan brenizer, it captures more than merely the beautiful couple in love, but also the locale — which so obviously played a key role in this event. the glowing street lamps, the city vibe, the casual pose on the park bench...

it's a perfect photo of a perfect moment.

couture gowns for less at preowned wedding dresses

2010-04-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

so, you have your heart set on an incredible $10,000 lela rose {like her mansion gown pictured here} or a dreamy $12,000 monique lhuillier straight off the runway. problem is, finding budget for the dress would mean your guests won't get any food.

well, if you haven't already heard, there is a solution.

in 2004, the brilliant peeps at preowned wedding dresses came up with a comprehensive listing service that connects newlywed brides with engaged brides — those with expensive gowns they can no longer use can recover a little cash by reselling their couture to those without the budget to buy new. it's genius.

think about it. most brides are so protective of their beloved dresses that they come through the wedding in near-perfect condition, totally resellable. you can search the listings by designer, size, style. it's simple. and in this age of reuse-recycle, buying a preowned gown is totally eco-chic.

have a look and see if you find your dream dress — or a buyer for the one you already wore. :o)

chocolate chic by rogue confections

2010-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

so, i love chocolate and i love weddings, right? well, nothing makes me happier than combining these two things, and the ever-amazing amy shey jacobs of chandelier events was kind enough to send me the deets on a company doing just that.

rogue confections makes yummy chocolates that are so ridiculously pretty i almost don't want to eat them (but i will). available in 56% semisweet, 31% milk & 25% white chocolate, the sweets come adorned in lovely vintage patterns that make incredibly unique favors.

and what's more? you can customize the designs. provide your own monogram or a favorite pattern for stand-out wedding favors or clever save the dates. love it!

spring color + easter chic = a hip holiday wedding

2010-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

just in time for easter, i thought i'd share some of my favorite finds and color obsessions for this wonderful spring holiday.

honestly, pastels and bunnies can be too cutesy for a sophisticated wedding. however, blending several rustic vintage elements with delicate florals creates fabulous texture. mix in pale pinks with bolder spring colors like teal and you have an elegant formal event that has the perfect hint of holiday whimsy.

favorites in this bunch? that gown. oooh, lela rose. so lush, soooo romantic. i just love it.

another fave is the brooch bouquet by fantasy floral. i can't get over that these are not flowers, but rather, an eclectic bunch of vintage brooches gathered in lieu of flowers, creating a stunning bouquet that can be kept as a unique keepsake far beyond the wedding day. it's too clever, don't you think?

design & photo credits

first row — egg cup arrangements • dreamhouse; chocolate egg favors • country living; tiered tea buffet • the ritz carlton via fête à fête

second row — wedding gown • lela rose; brooch bouquet • fantasy floral

third row — tablescape • bbj linen

just plain gorgeous — wildflower wedding cake

2010-03-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

sometimes i feel the need to share beauty when i find it, for no other reason than it's beautiful.

i discovered this photo while seeking inspiration for a spring wedding recently, and it caught my breath — romantic. delicate. just utterly stunning. in fact, this cake was selected by the editors of brides magazine as one of america's 50 most beautiful cakes in 2008. guess i'm not alone in loving it.

expertly designed by wildflower custom cakes, it has four sage tiers of green rolled fondant, decorated in the style of the french milles fleurs. a grosgrain finish to the fondant is probably my favorite touch. it sets off the tiny handmade peaches, pears, apple blossoms, leaves and berries with a soft, vintage feel.

i love me a modern cake, but sometimes, a classic is just untouchable.

purple splendor at the four seasons

2010-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

we are delighted to share one of our favorite recent events — the january wedding of lisa & andrew at the four seasons hotel in los angeles.

with fabulous design by cobalt events and lush, sophisticated arrangements by the hidden garden floral studio, the amethyst and periwinkle palette was bold, romantic and utterly chic. we looove the use of creamy white flowers against bright plum vases and wisteria linens. it's a perfect balance of soft and vibrant color.

for our part, custom stationery was designed in hues of rich purple and delicate periwinkle to match the overall aesthetic. custom menus, table numbers, escort cards and programs varied in color to coordinate both with the couple's wedding invitations, and to complement the surrounding decor. we loved being a part of it.

for more details about this wedding, visit the secret life of flowers — the official blog of the hidden garden. their work {and blog} is synonymous with elegance, so you're sure to pick up a few great ideas.

photo courtesy of the hidden garden.

win $1000 for your wedding from weddingchannel.com

2010-03-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

brides, have you heard the latest from wedding channel? if not, you'll want to hear this.

today weddingchannel.com launched a contest where the two most “popular” wedding websites will win $1,000 each. all you have to do is ask your friends and family to check out your wedding website (on wedding channel, of course) — and people can visit as often as they like. there’s no voting or anything, the two wedding websites with the most “visits” by the end of april 21 win $1,000 each.

that's big money towards a couture gown, or an open bar, or a few fabulous extras on your exotic honeymoon. it's so simple it's crazy, so get on this!

click here for more information, and to grab a badge that you can embed on your facebook page to encourage friends and family to visit your wedding website.

good luck, all!

aqua + lime = fresh summer chic

2010-03-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

with warm weather peeking its way into los angeles, i'm reminded that summer is coming — and somehow, few things feel more summery to me than a splash of watery cool aqua blue.

paired with lime green (clearly one of my loves) aqua positively comes alive. this uncommon palette is crisp, contemporary, and super chic. probably my fave item below is the trio of lime velvet cuffs adorned with blue jewels. i am crazy about them.

we also adore the textural blue ribbon on the lime green favor boxes, and of course, a major inspiration was our own frolic letterpress invitation, with its modern shape, playful polka dots and clean lines. and that blue beach lemonade just looks fun. what's not to love about this combo?

design & photo credits

first row — ring pillow • meandmatilda via etsy; velvet cuffs • susan jane; bouquet • precious petals, photo by faith west photography via the knot

second row — wedding cake • montecito confections, photo by bb photograpy via the knot; custom letterpress invitations • paper olive; tablescape centerpieces • photo by antonis achilleos via the knot, styling by dominique baynes

third row — boutonniere • tickled pink; favor box • beau-coup; cocktail • the lazy bride

a winning wedding giveaway & two lucky couples

2010-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

each year, the incredible team at jessica's country flowers design and deliver a dream wedding for a deserving couple — people who are in financial hardship and yet still make it a priority to give back to their community.

this year, we were thrilled to be invited to participate along with the many talented vendors who will help create a fairytale wedding for two lucky couples in 2001: anna & justin and karri & chris.

here's a snapshot of the generous experts who will be working with these deserving winners:

team one

• jessica's country flowers

• justin & mary marantz

• details wedding & party planning

• stonington paperie

• lovely cakes

• the white dress by the shore and designer modern trousseau

• dancing pen calligraphy

• sandra downie beauty

team two

• jessica's country flowers

• steve depino photography

• sixpence for your shoe

• paper olive

• toria dolce fine desserts

• the plumed serpent

• dancing pen calligraphy

• sandra downie beauty

we couldn't be more delighted. visit style me pretty for more details on this and previous giveaways, and for continuing news & updates. and congratulations to both couples!

photo courtesy of jamie collins photography, jessica's country flowers, emily's catering group and jubilee events.

location is everything

2010-03-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

okay, now this is cool. i literally just discovered the location connection, an incredible venue resource that provides access to unique privately-owned mansions, homes and estates across the country.

initially intended for use by the film industry, the company has opened its doors to couples looking for an unforgettable setting for their dream wedding — something above and beyond the ordinary.

that's exactly the kind of couple we cater to at paper olive, so i immediately had to share this. i honestly had no idea some of these spaces were even available, so it makes the idea of wedding planning even richer in potential. can you imagine some of this imagery as your ceremony backdrop?

from spectacular grand estates with sweeping vistas and sparkling pools, to chic intimate spaces with exotic flavor and eclectic decor, it seems these guys have access to anything and everything.

rental prices are comparable to those charged by 5-star hotels, so if you're looking for a genuinely original venue that sets the tone for a sophisticated, truly personal event, you definitely need to check them out.

a study in purple — celebrity style

2010-03-02T08:00:00.001-08:00

so, i've found myself with a little invitation crush — on two designs i recently put together for a celebrity couple who was in love with the purple palette.

and why wouldn't they be? purple can be arresting, chic, even regal. i've actually noticed a trend towards purples & plums this season, and had a blast exploring several possibilities with this couple. which is your favorite?

modern & minimalist

this one was for the bride, who wanted clean lines and a simple design. i love the use of multiple hues within the same color family. from deep to muted, the color is elegantly subtle here. hand-stamping gives the floral design an extra tactile effect that mirrors the texture of the silk dupioni ribbon. it's sophisticated and classic, but also contemporary and fresh. a true fave.

playful & pink

this one, designed for the groom, plays with similar hues but has an entirely different tone and mood. it's bright, whimsical, a bit more casual but still entirely chic. clearly, tactile elements are huge with me, as with the french floral ribbon that brings green and pink into this palette. accents of pink ink and a textured liner give these purple hues a softer vibe. it just makes me happy.

i think i'll have to rethink my favorite color...

win a monique lhuillier gown worn by america ferrara

2010-02-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

girls, you know i love monique lhuillier, and i know you do too. so how would you like the chance to win a monique lhuillier wedding dress worth almost $7,000? you'd love it, right?

now, what if america ferrera (of ugly betty) actually wore the dress in the upcoming wedding movie our family wedding? could you stand it??

well, it could happen. our family wedding (in theaters march 12) partnered up with weddingchannel.com to give away this one-of-a-kind wedding gown that monique custom-made for america’s movie character, as well as a $3,000 bed bath & beyond bridal registry gift card. now, WHY didn't i know about this stuff when i was getting married?

not only can you enter to win these amazing prizes but you can also check out a personal wedding website that weddingchannel.com created just for the movie. it features the main characters’ love story, proposal story, wedding details, and an opportunity for fans to leave well wishes in the guest book. total fun.

good luck, girls. :o)

design chic • a modern backyard office

2010-02-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

i've recently been spending a great deal of time and effort attempting to redesign my new office space. considering i spend so much time in this room — writing, drawing and designing — it's critical to me that i make it a true sanctuary.

of course, all of my delightful progress was blown out of the water when i discovered this modern modular office being offered by kithaus. how chic is this?

the ingenious prefab module allows homeowners who desire new living space for a studio, office or meditation room — but don't want the pricetag of hacking into their existing structure — almost unlimited flexibility.

what i love is the ability to plop it in your garden or a shady area of your back yard and make the outdoors your office space. why didn't i think of this before?

website couture by wang, lhuillier and weddingchannel.com

2010-02-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

picture it — you’re wearing a vera wang gown and laser-printing the fabric pattern onto your wedding cake. want to have a vera wang-designed wedding website to go with them? now you can.

weddingchannel.com recently announced the launch of more than 100 new, free personal wedding website design variations, including ones inspired by a-list designers vera wang, monique lhuillier, lela rose, and oscar de la renta. four of my faves.

i absolutely looove the idea of choosing a motif or signature element — like peonies or a modern damask — and then carrying it through the entire event, starting with custom invitations. so why not coordinate gowns with websites?

"brides love tying in a signature detail throughout the entire wedding to create a chic, cohesive look," said sharon stimpfle, deputy site director of weddingchannel.com. "we’re thrilled that oscar de la renta, lela rose, monique lhuillier, and vera wang are working with weddingchannel.com so brides can incorporate their favorite wedding designers in their personal wedding websites too.”

on top of selecting an exclusive “couture” wedding website inspired by these celebrity designers, brides can also utilize an array of new, hyper-personal tools and features with 33 different weddingchannel.com wedding websites.

for more info, visit weddingchannel.com to explore the fabulousness for yourself.

hot pink + lemon yellow = joyful chic

2010-02-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

this bold color palette was inspired by a very dear friend — andrea boudewijn of superfine bakery. hand-cut pink hydrangeas against mod yellow fondant were an immediate favorite, and i instantly saw an entire wedding design in the first glimpse of her original work.

deep fuschia paired with screaming yellow may not suit everyone, but i know many brides out there who want to stand out on their magnificent day, who understand the importance of being personal and expressing joy in all their choices. what colors say joy more than these two?

design & photo credits

first row — cocktails • photo via brides, flutes by vera wang; bride with bridesmaids • photo by kate benson photography

second row — plumeria bouquet • bali wedding; wedding cake • superfine bakery

third row — beaded clutch • judith leiber

fabulous pieces

2010-02-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

since this blog is about all things fabulous, i absolutely had to share my latest find with you all: the wonderful, eclectic, i-can't-believe-it-took-me-so-long-to-find-it gem of an vintage-esque store called pieces.

i say vintage-esque because it's really a modern store that features mostly vintage items that have been brought back to life by founder lee kleinhelter (who opened pieces when she saw a gap between the high-end antiques and mass produced items offered in her home of atlanta).

though vintage, everything seems to have a clean, contemporary feel. you really get the best of both worlds — something that has been loved, but then reborn into something fresh and new.

here's how it works. hop on the site, and there's this gauzy, dreamy navigation bar that lets you search by things or by colors. i wanted yellow lamps. i found these. yummy.

one of my favorites is this moss green antique english server. it's sold, but i can still drool over it. i'm redecorating my office, and i think i just found some grey pillows that i can't live without.

what can you find?

always a bridesmaid, never a dull dress

2010-02-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

okay girls. the ever-in-the-know amy shey jacobs of chandelier events recently tipped me off to a fabulous new design company that i simply had to blog about. pretty, chic, rewearable bridesmaid dresses? seriously?

it's true. 57grand is a hip new line of bridesmaid dresses — inspired by nyc — and it is the 2010 answer to the ugly bridesmaid dress. they come in awesome colors, luxe fabrics, and are all $200 and under. crazy, right? gowns are made in 12 weeks in new york, and their website makes it super easy to shop. they're also big on promoting recycling their looks (tonight the wedding, tomorrow the cocktails is their motto). they even offer suggestions on how to rewear their looks. very clever.

even better, in march they're hosting a bridesmaid dress drop where ladies can recycle their gently worn frocks by giving them to teens who need them for prom through operation prom. they promote operation prom year round, but they'll be collecting dresses that week in their nyc showroom.

what's not to love?

pink + peonies = perfect

2010-01-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

the peony is hands down my all time favorite flower. so when i saw an airy cluster of them featured on a pair of strappy pink heels recently, i went absolutely craaazy and was instantly inspired. a whole wedding built around pink and peonies? what could be more perfect?

the stunning badgley mischka shoes were clearly the inspiration, but there are many fabulous ways to incorporate this lush flower into your design aesthetic.

how about an outdoor central park wedding that mixes the summery peony with coordinating flowers and elements in the same pink hue? bold boutonnieres by ariston florist would mix beautifully with cherry blossom accents and a playful cotton candy display that looks like a vase of peony stems (very clever).

i'm nuts about this peony cake, which is whimsical-yet-classic and just plain gorgeous. it makes a perfect complement to the sweetly simple tablescape by martha stewart — don't you love the pink glass china? crazy pretty.

and finally, what bride would be complete without this dupioni silk-lined peony clutch by red ruby rose? it's like a breath of spring. all right, how many brides out there love the peony as much as i do?!

photo credits
cake • tara donne; cotton candy • kristin spencer photography; boutonniere • patricia kantzos photography; shoes • ling photography, st. paul, mn.

image of the week — white wedding dessert table

2010-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

though i lovelovelove the use of color in a wedding, i am a huge fan of finding new ways to make white sparkle.

amy atlas is a master at this, and i just had to share one of my favorite images of her white-on-white wedding dessert table. color is bold and vibrant, but sometimes, the subtleties of white are unmatched. don't you just love this?

alternative wedding music

2010-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

when i originally saw the now-famous youtube video of jill & kevin's outrageously original march down the aisle to chris brown's forever, my first thought was, "finally!" it was a risk, it was refreshing, and it was undeniably something that couple (and their guests) will remember the rest of their lives.

music is such an intimate reflection of a person or couple, and too often, i think couples make their music choices based on what they have liked in other weddings, and not necessarily on the statement they'd like to make with their own. canon in d, the bridal chorus and water music are all timelessly beautiful, but are they really the only options?

contemporary choices like israel kamakawiwo'ole's charming somewhere over the rainbow and elvis' can't help falling in love are wonderful favorites — but again, these songs have been around for awhile.

what i loved about jill and kevin's decision was not necessarily the dance, but the fact that they decided on a personal tone for their event and then made the music match their personalities. for couples who truly want a memory — and to stand out from the crowd — i can't recommend this approach enough.

while i can't boast a video of a fabulously choreographed bridal party, i can vividly recall the smiles on the faces of our guests as i walked down the aisle to tony bennett's jaunty just in time. and we nearly brought the house down when my new husband and i receded down the aisle to the unmistakeable sex and the city theme. we had bonded over the show when we first got together, and i simply had to honor this in our music. i still get comments about it.

point is, jill and kevin's song was unapologetically personal, just as the songs my husband and i chose were personal. and silly. and uncommon. don't be afraid to make choices that are unique to you, no matter how unorthodox. you may not wind up on youtube, but the memories will most definitely last a lifetime.

photo courtesy of wedding music samples.

weddings on the mount • edith wharton style

2010-01-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

edith wharton, nineteenth-century author of such classic novels as the age of innocence and the house of mirth, was as fascinated by architecture and garden design as she was by old new york society.

probably the most exceptional example of wharton's many talents was her first home and self-designed estate know as "the mount," built in 1902.

now a museum and tourist attraction in lenox, massachusetts, the mount is a lush, vast american estate that is now often used for weddings and elegant gatherings. how breathtaking is this place?

we particularly love the glorious landscape and walled gardens of the mount, which seem almost to be designed for celebrations and entertaining. if you're planning a wedding in the new england area, it's definitely worth a visit.

image of the week: wedding silhouette by stephanie moore

2009-12-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

when you run a blog, you often find that it's a great tool merely for sharing the beauty you discover in your personal travels. this photo, taken by stephanie moore of stephanie moore photography, absolutely falls into the must-share category.

it's striking, hauntingly personal, and just utterly beautiful. stephanie might be a fabulous choice if you're having a north carolina wedding, don't you think?

romantic bouquets

2009-12-27T23:21:00.000-08:00

i am clearly in love with contemporary design — fresh ideas, clean lines, bold colors. that said, there is something about a classic, perfectly romantic bouquet of flowers that just melts me.

not your average, everyday, ordinary bunch of pink roses, mind you. i'm talking about vintage artistry with an updated twist. simply put, when romantic meets modern, it is absolute magic.

like this lush, gorgeous bridal bouquet by castle & pierpont, courtesy of instyle weddings, which mixes peachy roses with milky white peonies and ranunculus (my favorite wedding flower of all). it's just dreamy.

or this delicately ornate rose bouquet by karen tran, with its sleepy lilacs, soft greens, and just enough shimmer to keep it from being too pale. this is what it means to put a modern spin on a true classic.

just two of my favorite finds for this week. :o)

paper olive featured in weddings in houston magazine

2009-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

we are proud to announce that paper olive has been featured in weddings in houston, an award-winning wedding magazine focused on beautiful, elegant and upscale weddings based out of the greater houston area.

our beachcomber couture wedding invitation is currently highlighted in their january 2010 issue, which is the houston bride's guide to what's hot, new and exciting in weddings as well as top houston resources. we love their idea-packed website, which is jammed with beautiful imagery.

please join us in our delight, as we adore weddings in houston!

a very merry christmas wedding

2009-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

in celebration of this gorgeous, wondrous holiday season, i thought i would share this equally gorgeous photography of alicia and anthony's real christmas wedding. simply stunning.

diy calligraphy by bride. gown by ian stuart. venue, st. lucy's catholic church in newark, new jersey. real wedding courtesy of the knot, photography by sameer kahn of fotobuddy.

merry christmas to one and all!

an eco-chic honeymoon • gaia hotel & reserve • costa rica

2009-12-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

my love of this industry has so much to do with my own glorious wedding experience, and my unforgettable honeymoon had a lot to do with it.

we chose costa rica as our exotic destination, both for the beauty of the country, the exceptional food, and the gaia hotel & reserve — an eco-friendly resort that boasts gorgeous ocean views and its own rainforest.

the suites are lush, modern, and equipped with every possible amenity. the spa is a luxurious sanctuary into which you could literally lose yourself. and the on-site restaurant, la luna, features fresh, fabulous local and international cuisine. we never wanted to leave.

but our favorite part of the whole gaia experience was the level of effort and detail that went into building a luxury resort around and within the existing eco-system, actually featuring the surrounding rainforest and its creatures as a highlight of the escape. it's sustainable, green and brilliant.

our best day was throwing on shorts and boots and hiking down to the waterfall at the base of the nature reserve — then showering in the luxe oversized bathroom, grabbing a massage at the spa, and feasting on fresh ceviche and a margarita at the in-pool bar, while watching the sun set over the pacific.

these photos, courtesy of small luxury hotels of the world, offer just a glimpse of the majestic, natural beauty of costa rica, and gaia itself. can you imagine anything better?

all about orange

2009-12-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

i'm crazy about the color orange, especially for big events. it was the focal point of my wedding, and recently the same hue has been popping up with several new brides, which makes me positively giddy.

since vibrant color is a paper olive signature, i thought it would be fun to offer three unique examples of how bold color can absolutely transform an event from common to couture.

classic roses

in the first photo, courtesy of wedding style magazine, orange roses and white lacquered manzanita branches are set on an all white feasting table at the johnathan beach club. orange is truly the star here, expertly arranged by r. jack balthazar. wedding by kelly michelle, linens by bbj linen, chair covers by covered affairs, table setting by unique tabletop rentals.

california chic

orange gets an edgy, even more modern twist in this fruit-centric design by modaflora, which comes courtesy of brides.com.

using the actual fruit is not only organic and elegant, but unexpected here, and the juxtaposition of the round fruit and square plates is a wonderful mix.

the best part? citrus greens and delicate branches give the bountiful fruit an artistic aesthetic that is light, windswept, and truly uncommon. it's pure sophistication.

tropical breeze

of the three photos, possibly my favorite concept is this one designed by yvonne chapman, shot at the loulu palm estate by chrissy lambert, courtesy of pacific weddings. the fresh, cheerful hues of orange and peach are simply magical here. it's a celebration of color, delicate and bold at once. i am in love with it.

which one is your favorite? let us know!

bridal splurge — giuseppe zanotti heels

2009-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

okay, girls. if you know me by now, you know i love shoes. and among italian shoe designers, giuseppe zanotti is one of my faves. i was just browsing the latest collection of zanotti bridal shoes at myglassslipper.com and came across these beauties.

i mean, these shoes are hot. at $598 they're also a genuine splurge, but after the wedding you could easily dye them purple, red or black and have an incredible pair of couture shoes to wear with jeans or a little black dress that will never go out of style. love it!

the knot, beyoncé, and the ultimate bachelorette bash

2009-12-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

we love las vegas, we love the knot, and we love beyoncé...so naturally, we love this.

the knot.com and beyoncé are offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one lucky bride and her bridesmaids in the knot and beyoncé bachelorette bash: single ladies in sin city sweepstakes. this unique sweeps offers a bride and her party the chance to win the ultimate girls getaway in las vegas.

to kick off the party, the lucky ladies will have the exclusive opportunity to learn the signature moves for the hottest dance, "single ladies (put a ring on it)" in a private dance lesson with beyoncé's legendary choreographer frank gatson, jr. — who choreographed the popular video, and who will be joined by one of beyoncé's own back-up dancers.

also included in this one-of-a-kind prize package:

· round trip tickets courtesy of jetblue

· 2-night/3-day stay at the celebrity favorite wynn las vegas

· dinner at the famous botero restaurant

· spa treatments at the salon at wynn or encore

· 4 vip indulgence tickets to see le reve, including champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries

· complimentary entry into any of the nightclubs at wynn las vegas

· the ultimate beyoncé prize package filled with a selection of her cd's and dvd's

brides and bridesmaids can sign up here to win now through december 31. good luck, ladies!

a winter wedding wonderland

2009-11-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

today los angeles was hit with a chill that shoved me prematurely into winter...which i didn't really mind, given all the gorgeous wedding design concepts that winter brings with it.

from fur-lined boots to crystal-accented invites to fire & ice martinis, winter is one of my favorite event seasons. i mean, all-white candy displays are just pretty. below are just a few of the many sophisticated possibilities for all you wintry brides.

forget snowflakes and pinecones — this season is a chance to be truly original. think aspen, think light and feathery florals, think crystalline landscapes. after all, winter gives white an extra dash of dazzle that no other season can match. you simply can't overdo sparkle right now.

and anytime you can add fur to your wedding ensemble, i'm all for it!

design & photo credits

first row — winter bouquet • martha stewart; candy display • the knot, photo by mary ellen bartley; winter wedding photo • david barss

second row — winter wedding invitations • paper olive; fur-lined booties • salvatore ferragamo; winter tablescape • tampa wedding rentals

third row — white wedding cake • the cake girls; fire & ice martini • the knot

autumn and thanksgiving weddings

2009-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

the leaves are turning color and there's a chill in the air...perfect timing for some warm apple cider, a thanksgiving feast, and a wedding celebration.

autumn and the holidays are a great choice for your event not merely because of the rich orange and red color palettes, rustic backdrops and festive mood. thanksgiving weddings are fabulous in a very practical sense — guests are already traveling, and are often eager to spend the holiday in a new, unexpected way.

these are just a few of the lush design options for fall or thanksgiving. we love the bountiful joy of an apple motif, which is the star of this design collage.

from the unique, incredibly realistic apple candles by candle bay, to our own delicious apple-themed custom menu, the tone is bright, warm and inviting. mini-caramel apple favors by jody perlberger for perl continue the motif and match beautifully with earthy bouquets, also by jody.

round out the look with a simple, elegant table setting with rich golds and browns — including an all-brown chocolate & fruit wedding cake like this one by cheryl kleinman. you're sure to have an unforgettable wedding and a very happy thanksgiving!

the knot, philosophy and a wedding day sweepstakes

2009-11-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

okay, we love good gossip and good shopping, and this post has the best of both.

we just learned that the knot has joined forces with lifestyle and beauty brand philosophy on an exciting new partnership. the result of their unique collaboration is “tying the knot,” a just-for-brides gift set created to pamper the bride-to-be so she looks as beautiful as she feels on her special day. how brilliant is that?

retailing for $100, “tying the knot” includes nine essential bridal beauty products, including purity one-step facial cleanser; amazing grace firming body emulsion, bath gel, and spray fragrance to help her feel amazingly clean and beautifully feminine; and kiss me exfoliating lip scrub for soft, smooth, kissable lips.

additional philosophy products in the gift set are:

· hope in a jar moisturizer

· microdelivery peel pads

· kiss me clear lip balm -- spf 20

· eye hope deluxe sample

the “tying the knot” gift set is now available for purchase on theknot.com and philosophy.com. our favorite thing about the set is an inspiring message that is included for the bride, along with a philosophy created exclusively for the knot: you must love yourself before you can love another. we simply adore this.

surrounding the product launch, the knot and philosophy are also launching the wedding day hope sweepstakes. the interactive site invites brides to share their hopes and dreams for their big day, and the personal messages will be posted anonymously on the site’s user-generated bulletin board for everyone to see. again, we love the idea.

brides who share their hopes are automatically entered to win the grand prize of a luxury honeymoon worth over $10,000, courtesy of viceroy anguilla resort & residences. other prizes include a wedding day makeover for one lucky bride and her bridesmaids, courtesy of philosophy beauty expert and makeup artist john trau, as well as “tying the knot” gift sets.

talk about a marriage made in heaven. :o)

hooray for hollywood

2009-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

so, you're getting married, but a church wedding just isn't your style. gardens and beaches aren't grabbing you either. what to do?

well, if you're the kind of bride who simply must find the most original wedding venue possible, then you might want to consider the special events department at paramount studios.

not only has this legendary institution been making movies for almost a hundred years, they are also in the business of making memories for couples everywhere. the experienced event staff offers 5-star service in creating your event, utilizing many of the same resources used by blockbuster productions. it's magic.

i mean, where else can you mingle with hollywood history while sitting beside such an iconic backdrop as the paramount studio gates?

and speaking of iconic, what better way to complement your event than with our hollywood save the date? it's fresh, irreverent, and totally fun. after all, if you're going hollywood, you might as well go all the way.

for more details on paramount studios special events, check out their website. lot wedding photo courtesy of paramount studios.

get engaged and maybe win a spa package from wedding channel

2009-11-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

proposal season is upon us, and wedding channel is ushering in the happiness by launching a playful new facebook application: 10 reasons to marry me!

whether the top 10 reasons to marry someone are snarky — “i’m not an aspiring reality star” or “i already come with a ring” — or really sentimental — “i volunteer every thanksgiving” — wedding channel hopes the facebook application will be a fun way to share why someone’s such an amazing catch.

to make it even more fun, spaweek is sponsoring the application, so two random winners will be selected to win a $300 spa package for two. you can check out the new app and the details here.

plus, weddingchannel.com has launched a new proposal guide as well. we love the poll section where you have the opportunity to weigh in on how the etiquette of modern-day dos and don’ts has changed. amusing stuff!

real weddings • allison and kevin • cape may seaside fete

2009-11-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

other than my own wedding, one of my favorite events has to be my sister's wedding 3 years ago. fabulous modern color mixed with sophisticated antique accents made her wedding truly original in every way — it is still a model for my own personal wedding style.

probably my favorite thing? the incredibly unique juxtaposition of a hot pink and black color scheme against a beachy blue backdrop, and a reception hall with tiffany blue and silver walls. it was beach-meets-old-hollywood-glamour, and it totally worked.

allison's venue, the congress hall inn in cape may, new jersey, did a fabulous job with the special touches, like accommodating a special menu of mini-philly cheesestakes for the groom, and an out-of-this-world sugar seashell wedding cake for the bride.

with all the attention to detail, allison was fortunate to have bella pictures on hand to capture all of the gorgeous scenery — especially since they turned into a stunning custom photo album as part of their package. i just have to crack it open every time i see it on her coffee table.

oh, yes...and it doesn't hurt that my sister and her husband are both gorgeous! of course, the lazaro couture wedding gown did put everything over the top, and i absolutely loved it.

i gotta tell you, girls, sometimes the dream dress is just worth the splurge, don't you think?

laura hooper calligraphy

2009-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

as a designer, i gravitate towards artists who have truly transcended their craft and elevated it beyond the ordinary. one such artisan is laura hooper, who has mastered the traditional art of calligraphy and enlivened it with a fresh, contemporary flair.

not only is her work beautiful, it looks just as good on classic cream letterpress as it does on uber-modern black linen. she's the first calligrapher we look to whenever a bride inquires about using this incomparable addressing method.

it's no surprise to learn that laura has been featured by multiple icons like instyle weddings, the knot magazine, ceremony magazine, town & country weddings and bride & bloom — to name just a few. her vast array of styles and expertise is almost hard to believe.

no matter the color palette, paper style or design aesthetic, laura has a calligraphy solution to match. and she's a doll to boot. how can you not love her?

welcome your guests in style

2009-11-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

for the couple having a destination wedding or otherwise expecting guests from out of town, there's no better way to welcome travel-weary loved ones than with a unique gift basket.

and there are no better gift baskets around (we think) than those dreamed up by kate parker weddings. chock-a-block with fabulous regional goodies and conveniences, they immediately set the tone and catapult each guest into celebration mode.

the styles are endless. big city wedding? try the philadelphia basket, which among other fun things features fiji water, a med kit, a local map and a local philly favorite — tasty cakes. the chicago basket has the same practical items plus brownies from the chicago brownie company. yum.

or maybe you're headed for new england, to the harbor hideaway of nantucket, or the vast wilderness of vermont. either way, you can't go wrong with nantucket style cape cod potato chips or some delicious nutty steph's vermont granola.

beach wedding, you say? no matter which coast, kate parker has you covered. grab some gum balls from florida by mail out of the miami basket, or — speaking of orange — bite into some handmade gecko cookie company shortbread from the o.c. basket.

possibly the best of all the baskets? those geared towards the little ones. the kids basket comes with juice, crayons and a pack of uno cards. perfect for keeping the ragamuffins occupied while mom and dad tear into their grownup delights.

and of course, let's not leave out your guests' other baby. this lola parker couture doggie bag features rawhide twists, a dog bowl and pee pads. can you stand the cleverness? we can't!

a hip halloween wedding

2009-10-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

what do you get when you mix classic autumn elements with gothic black, burgundy wine, and a little bit of whimsy? a fabulous halloween wedding.

with the amazing contrast of colors, the limitless favor and decor ideas, and a great sense of humor, there's no reason lovers of this holiday can't be a little spooky and sophisticated.

our favorite idea in the bunch? has to be a tie between the surprisingly chic skeleton ceremony site decor, and the ominous black widow cocktail. do you drink it or does it drink you?

design & photo credits
first row — skeleton bow photo • chung li photography; guest book • better homes and gardens

second row — day of the dead wedding cake • wiltelang's flickr photostream; candy favor display • the knot, photo by janae shields

third row — black widow cocktail • talk of tomatoes; bridal bouquet • melia's floral

irreverent imagery

2009-10-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

i absolutely love it when couples have a sense of humor about their wedding, and love it even more when a gifted photographer gets the joke and finds beauty in it.

these two photos by ben james are truly playful, personal and gorgeous. most "wedding rings" shots include flowers or fabric — this wiley couple chose chucks. too cool.

in the second photo, i love the juxtaposition between the romantically sunlit bride and the happy gerber daisies in a funky pair of cowboy boots. thing is, having clever ideas is key to a unique event, but even more important is a photograher who knows how to capture them.

if non-traditional and unexpected are two words in your personal style book, then be sure to have fun with your wedding photos too. and consider ben james, who runs studio benjamin james out of ventura, california. he also does engagement and other personal event photos. we love him.

wedding gowns in short supply this season

2009-10-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

probably my favorite trend this wedding season is the mini-wedding dress — something stylishly bride-appropriate, yet totally non-princess and trainless. think simple, short chic.

take for example these incredibly fun, feminine gowns from priscilla of boston, who has an entire line of short dresses, in fact. one is more adorable (yet elegant) than the next.

and priscilla is not the only designer to jump on the short bandwagon. reverie by melissa sweet (part of the priscilla of boston family) and carmela sutera are just two other designers who know that one sure fire way to wow is to show a little leg...with class.

just look at this video of my gorgeous client angie, who recently married in a completely non-traditional short wedding gown. watching the processional i could literally hear her guests gasp as she came down the aisle. now that's what i call fabulous.

gown credits

first row — priscilla of boston • platinum style pl218; priscilla of boston • vineyard style karalyn

second row — reverie for melissa sweet • 2009 collection; carmela sutera • style 459

fabulous is in the details

2009-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

picture it: you've planned the perfect event, with a beautiful location, one-of-a-kind dress, stunning florals, the coolest music, and crazy good food — but you're still looking for that hip something extra to grab your guests' attention and make the day truly memorable.

solution? head to for your party for unique favors and event extras. consider favorites like these chic personalized coasters, which come in several shapes and colors — you can even upload your own design.

or perhaps these custom match boxes for a portable memory after the event is over. a gorgeous glass bowl filled with these is sure to show your guests you thought of everything.

for the cocktail hour and the bar, how about fabulous cocktail napkins in your coordinating wedding colors, complete with your favorite love poem or monogram?

the best thing about for your party? they not only have a terrific idea gallery, but their unique party elements are generally super affordable. it's a little extra touch you'll hardly feel in your wallet and that your guests are sure to remember.

i should know — i ordered bright orange cocktail napkins with a witty little note, and some of my wedding guests still have a few as keepsakes. crazy!

anatomy of a chic event • an interview with rachel hollis

2009-10-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

i recently had the pleasure of talking to rachel hollis, founder of chic events, an innovative event planning company comprised of a collection of l.a.'s best planners. the staff are all women and all under 30 — rachel herself was named on inc magazine’s top 30 under 30. amazing.

always on the look out for innovative ideas, the chic events team has become synonymous with exceptional weddings and soirées, with a roster of celebrity cliente and a portfolio of truly stunning work. happily, rachel was gracious enough to share her thoughts on dreaming big, the importance of good food, and setting the right tone for your own big day.

{p.o.} what initially inspired you to choose this line of work?

{c.e.} my first job was in entertainment (at miramax films). i was able to do all kinds of fabulous celebrity laden parties, and i was totally hooked! i love that event planning is the perfect blend of organization (which feeds my OCD) and creativity (which feeds my soul!).

{p.o.} in your experience, what are the top three elements a bride can explore to make her wedding truly personal and original?

{c.e.} well, i always say, every choice you make is a chance to express yourself (even down to the type of silverware), but floral is a huge element for me. whether it’s peonies or succulents, it sets such a tone. also, food, food, food... go with dishes you grew up eating, or your favorites as a couple. EVERYONE loves a great meal, and i think this is often an afterthought when it should be one of your firsts. lastly, music... don’t feel the need to play “typical” wedding music, play van halen if that’s what you love... your guests will appreciate (and remember) it so much more than canon in d! {rachel is so right — my recessional was the "sex and the city" theme. it brought the house down.}

{p.o.} with so many successful events in your portfolio, what is your trick to making each event fresh and uniquely chic?

{c.e.} i believe there’s no “one-way” to do a wedding, there’s only YOUR WAY. if that means we have your wedding in a barn or on a train... whatever rings true to the couple is what we design the day around.

{p.o.} how important is the stationery and paper design in the events you plan, and what role does it play?

{c.e.} stationery sets the tone!! it’s the first thing your guests see, it’s what excites them about the party and gives them an idea of what to expect. i think it can make or break the event as a whole. a stunning invite can have your guests buzzing in anticipation! {i couldn't agree more!}

{p.o.} what is your favorite moment in the design & planning process — the initial creative discussions, the reception reveal, etc. — and why?

{c.e.} oooh, this is a tough one for me! i love love love to daydream and come up with concepts, i’m the queen of telling clients “don’t think i’m crazy, but what if we...” but i also adore seeing it all come together. what a sense of accomplishment, and pride. it’s like sophie’s choice, i love them both equally. =)

{p.o.} what do you look for in the vendors you choose to work with, in order to maintain a cohesive look and your desired level of style?

{c.e.} a vendor needs to understand our sense of style and the caliber of work we expect. they need to ALWAYS take care of our clients first, and need to think outside the box. i will use the same vendor a million times if they can make each job look unique and original... that’s the key.

{p.o.} what has been the most rewarding moment of your career thus far?

{c.e.} probably being named on inc magazine’s top 30 under 30... i was so ashamed of my age when i started (at 21) and thought no one would take me seriously. five years later, to have someone celebrate me because of my accomplishments AND my age was a big moment for me.

photography courtesy of chic events.

real weddings • rika and jeff • a safari wedding

2009-10-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

in fall 2008, i was contacted by rika and jeff, an amazing couple seeking custom, highly personal, eco-luxe safari wedding invitations for a destination wedding in africa. i was delighted to work with them, and had a blast crafting a design that met their original, earthy-yet-elegant vision.

i was even more delighted when i saw recent photos of their exceptional event, which took place at the tuningi safari lodge on the madikwe game reserve in south africa. it's no surprise that the imagery of the backdrop, the decor, and the intimate details were as unique and impressive as this happy couple, who got engaged at the lodge over a year ago. congratulations to them both!

the wedding photos featured here are courtesy of the august issue of the tuningi lodge newsletter.

it's all about the shoes

2009-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

i have long been a fan of the anti-bridal shoe — a dramatic black heel or a pop of color peeking out from beneath a diaphanous silk skirt or sleek sheath.

one big benefit? your wedding day fashion gets a modern, unexpected twist, and the shoes can be enjoyed long after your big day. so why not consider something other than white for your wedding, and let your bridal footwear be an excuse to splurge on a fabulous pair of louboutins?

take these black & tan chiffon ankle strap heels from rene caovilla. with an l.b.d. they'd be stunning, but they'd also look perfect under a vera wang. same with these lace christian louboutin bouquet peep toe pumps — equally at home with couture or a pair of true religion jeans.

or perhaps a pop of color? take a cue from carrie bradshaw herself, and grab manolo blahnik's something blue jeweled heels, made famous in the sex and the city movie (which i've seen nine times). can you imagine these babies playing peek-a-boo as you head down the aisle?

god knows you'll wear them everywhere, maybe with a pair of crisp white slacks and a blousy halter top. i mean, they're blue. i love it.

speaking of blue, why not make your something blue something sparkly with these dazzling giuseppe zanotti silver sandals. zanotti is a favorite, and i've been caught wearing uber-glitzy heels with a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. it always works.

finally, one of my favorite pairs in the bunch — the ornate coral satin objet d'art ankle strap sandals by christian lacroix. oh my. paired with a lacroix gown, simple jeans or another little black dress, they stand out in a crowd (i should know. i've worn them).

any excuse to buy shoes works for me, girls. any excuse.

a wedding in black and yellow

2009-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

i have always thought black & white pairs beautifully with almost any pop of color, but there's something about the mix of sunny modern yellow with classic black that creates something fresh, unexpected, and crisply stunning.

inspired by our black tie silk boxed wedding invitation, this black & yellow design collage is, quite simply, the essence of chic.

our favorite elements? those amaaaazing christian louboutin shoes. you can build a whole wedding around those alone. and we adore the personalized blumebox floral favors, along with that incredibly unique curl cake. really, there's nothing we don't love in this fabulous collage.

what's your favorite black & yellow concept?

design & photo credits

first row — candy display • amy atlas; ring pillow • allofyou via etsy; wedding cake • the cake girls

second row — yellow parasol • hollye schumacher photography; personalized favors • blumebox containers, flowers by the spiraled stem, photo by sarah k. chen; heels • christian louboutin

third row — custom wedding invitations • paper olive; tablescape • bliss events

paper parasols and a perfect pink wedding

2009-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

just recently, while i was browsing chic accents for a new bride's invitations, i came across this glorious photo of a pink-hued wedding ceremony featuring delicate paper parasols cascading down the aisle.

um, it's pure and simple bliss. along with the vibrant fuschia rose petals, this entire look is perfection — pretty. unfettered. uncomplicated. and it probably wasn't very expensive. how can you beat that?

i remember wanting this exact look for my own wedding, yet having terrible luck finding parasols in the right shade of orange. if only i had known about the australian company, pink frosting.

with lovely parasols like the ones above, they're bound to have something to suit your wedding style. from lace to bamboo to cherry blossoms, pink frosting has tons to choose from.

another favorite is this amazing bird and peony design from luna bazaar. can't you just see the bride or her girls sporting these under a brilliant summer sun at an asian-inspired wedding? or a basket of them set out for guests to grab as a chic shade?

it's unique — and we all know how much i love that!

win a free cake from pink cake box • charity raffle on 10.17

2009-09-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

if you live in the new york metropolitan area and you love pink cake box as much as i do, you're about to have another reason to love them.

in an effort to support breast cancer research, owner anne heap and her team at pink cake box are holding a charity raffle to raise money for the american cancer society. as part of the fundraising effort, they're offering up the following prizes on october 17:

1st prize - free cake (any occasion) valued up to $500
2nd prize - 1 dozen free cupcakes
3rd prize - 10% off next order of more than $300

all proceeds from the raffle will benefit the american cancer society making strides against breast cancer walk. as a team, which is comprised of 95% women, they've raised over $1000, but they hope to exceed that amount.

that's where you come in. click here to enter the raffle and offer your support. or, visit the pink cake box blog to find out more about the raffle and the rules.

for anyone who knows anne's incredible work, from experience or her food network challenges, it is no doubt she will make this effort a success. many thanks to anne and her team!

whimsical chic • a lady bug wedding

2009-09-16T08:00:00.001-07:00

i've had several inquiries recently about one of our favorite design motifs — the lady bug. perfect for everything from a tea party invite to a garden wedding, we love this particular design specifically because it doesn't take itself too seriously. it's whimsical, fun, and (we think) lovely.

given all the seriousness in our lives, sometimes it's worth celebrating something light and fanciful, as we do with our lady bug couture wedding invitation. it comes to guests in a cheerful polka dot box lined with black taffeta.

just as cheerful is the "l'amour" lady bug pocket folder invitation, which comes from our contemporary chic collection. sleek and simple, the shimmery red pocket holds all key inserts and information in a really playful way. honestly, they just make us happy.

there's nothing that says something as personal as a wedding can't be designed with sophisication and whimsy. if you believe in the luck of the lady bug, why not consider them as a motif for your event?