Hello Beauties Memorial Day weekend has come and gone and Summer is right around the corner. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves while spending time with loved ones, grilling and most importantly remembering the heroes that make sacrifices for our country. … Continue reading
Mint and Peach gowns and table decor
MInt & Peach is the perfect color combination for your late spring/ early summer wedding (or bridal shower or even baby nursery) because it is soft and romantic. You can incorporate the colors into a variety of styles, such as vintage garden or modern beach. Another great thing about this color combination is that you can incorporate both silver and gold finishes, since peach is warm and mint has cooler undertones.
Attach a small envelope of peach confetti to programs
Ditch the traditional buffet and have a food truck cater your wedding.
Choose a refreshing Peach Rum punch for the signature cocktail at the reception
Mint & Peach Inspiration
An amazing mint green bridesmaids gown
Use peach wIldflowers for natural bouquets and centerpieces
Push-up Pops by Courtney Whitmore is an instant classic for anyone that loves entertaining. Her new book has made it easy to impress with unique desserts. A Push-up Pop is a little plastic device that can hold anything from cake and pudding to sorbet, cheesecake or pie filling.
Courtney Whitmore and her book, Push-up Pops
The book is divided into chapters for tips and techniques, cake push-up pops, pie push-up pops, frozen push-up pops and cookies, candies and more.
Courtney suggests using sheet pans for the cake layers. If you turn one of the plastic pops upside down and press it into the sheet cake, you will have perfect circles that fit wonderfully into the layered push-up pops. Plus, she provides measurements and their conversions, which is extremely helpful when determining how much to make for your guest count.
Mocha Madness
The recipes in Push-up Pops are easy and fun to make. I do not always make my desserts from scratch but, Courtney has made it impossible to mess up the most fickle recipes. I love cheesecake and I love the fact that I can have my own little no-bake cheesecake treat in less than 10 minutes.
Dreamy Chocoholic
Rainbow Cupcake Party
Dreamsicle Daiquiri
Key Lime Pie
Birthday Brownie Sundae
I I have already ordered my set of push-up pops and I can’t wait to incorporate them into my next event. Push-up Pops is available on Amazon and Courtney’s new book Candy Making for Kids is now available for Pre-order.
Also, be sure visit Courtney’s amazing site Pizzazzerie! It is on my daily must-read list because of the adorable party inspiration, recipes and DIY projects.
The invitation is the first impression your guests will have and it will set the tone for the entire event. There is an endless selection of styles and techniques to choose from and the opportunity to make a statement should not be overlooked.
Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2012
Martha Stewart Weddings (Spring 2012) featured an amazing guide that describes Stationery A-Z. Their comprehensive guide will help you navigate the traditional techniques and latest trends to ensure you choose the perfect reflection of your personality. Be sure to grab the latest issue of MSW (before it gets pulled for the summer edition) to see the full a-z list.
A
Add Ons: A typical wedding stationery suite will include an invitation, reply card, and envelopes for both. Any extras like a reception card, custom map or itinerary are considered add-ons and will be an additional cost.
B
Backer: Add a patterned card stock to the back of the invitation to add some color and interest.
C
Calligraphy: Fancy lettering done by hand. Each suite can be done individually or the calligrapher can do one master copy and have reproductions made, which is a cost effective approach to a high end style.
D
Deckled Edge: A feathery, natural and unfinished effect.
Deckle Edge
E
Embossing: A printing technique in which a 3-D design is created when a piece of paper is pressed between two heated molds.
Embossing via Piccolo Press
F
Foil: Thin sheets of metallic paper to give a luxurious, reflective design.
Gold Foil
G
Gilded Edges: A rim of metallic ink or foil around the edge for a formal look.
Gold and Silver edge
L
Letterpress: Plates of raised type are inked and then stamped into thick cotton paper. It is a luxurious choice but an ambitious bride can find some great DIY kits for less than half the price.
Letterpress with a Calligraphy style font
P
Postage: For most invitations a 45-cent stamp won’t be enough. Weigh a completed invitation at the post office so you will know how much postage you will need for each suite.
T
Thermography: A surprisingly inexpensive printing style where is ink is applied, then dusted with power and heated. The powder liquefies and then hardens creating a raised surface.
Thermography
W
Wax Seal: A few drops of wax that is pressed with a metal stamp. I especially love a monogram seal.
I often get asked wedding etiquette questions and I love helping people solve their problems by mixing traditional wisdom with modern solutions. In the past, the rules were very strict when it came to the proper way of handling the events surrounding the wedding day but for today’s bride, I like to think of them more as guidelines. It is more important to make things as easy and relaxed as possible than follow a set of rigid rules. I will share the questions I get asked in a new series called, Ask Missy. Be sure to send in the questions you need answered!
Does the maid of honor plan the bridal shower?
Dear Missy,
I have a close group of girlfriends and I made the difficult decision of picking my maid of honor. She lives out-of-state and it has been hard to get her involved with the planning of the showers, going bridesmaid dress shopping and just being a support system before I walk down the aisle. She is flying in for the bachelorette weekend in Las Vegas but I was expecting her to plan the bridal shower too. When I mentioned this to her, we got into an argument and now I am contemplating her maid of honor status. How should I approach this subject without ruining our friendship for good?
Sincerely, Missing my BFF
Hello Missing,
I can understand why you are feeling exasperated with your maid of honor but you have to try to be understanding of her situation too. She may be struggling financially to fly back and forth to your events, plus buy the ultra glam dress and accessories for your big day and may be too embarrassed to come out and say that. In the past, the maid of honor was responsible for planning and hosting the bridal shower but now it is not uncommon for the bride’s mother, aunt’s or even future mother-in-law to host the bridal shower. The most important thing to stay focused on is the love your friends and families have for each other. The details of who planned what party will be forgotten as the years go on, but the laughter and pleasant memories will linger for a lifetime. Have a private Skype session with your bestie and let her know that you understand why she can’t fly to your state multiple times and that you are so excited for the amazing bachelorette party she has planned for you. Then let her mom and your mom (who are also besties) plan the most amazing shower a girl could ever ask for.. and who knows she may just make a surprise appearance when you least expect it.
xo, MLM
Summer is quickly approaching and that means it is Graduation season. High School and College graduations are an exciting time in a person’s life and a festive party is the perfect way to celebrate their accomplishments.
I was celebrating my boyfriend’s Law School graduation this past weekend (proud girlfriend moment, sorry) and I hosted a wonderful after-party at our apartment, filled with pizza (his favorite), salad (my favorite) and a beautiful dessert bar (complete with chocolate fountain!). I was running around tending to my guests and I completely forgot to take any pictures of the event before our family arrived. By the time I remembered to pull out my camera there were plates, wrapping paper and chocolate everywhere.
Keys to Success
As I was searching the internet for party inspiration I came across an adorable display on Celebrations at Home. The site was founded by Chris Nease, who is a true expert with over 15 years of experience. Celebrations at Home is one of my daily reads because of the vast amount of party inspiration DIY, Themes, Recipes, plus so much more.
Chris created an Anthropology inspired Graduation Party that incorporates a vintage key motif and her “Keys To Success” party will be featured in the Spring/ Summer issue of Bird’s Party Magazine. The features three separate displays a Dessert Table, a Dining Table and a Favor Table and each element of the party incorporates the modern yet vintage look that Anthropology is famous for.
Take a peek at some of the photos from the style shoot and be sure to check out the complete Graduation Party entertaining series on Celebrations at Home.
Keys To Success Dessert Table
Favor Bags
Brides magazine recently underwent a modern transformation. There is a subtle change in the font on the front cover and the layouts look so much fresher. Brides website is also a hot spot for beautiful wedding inspiration with the same new look as the magazine.
Each month a new inspiration board is featured and I was so excited to see this month’s inspiration Hollywood Glamour in Cannes. Cote de Azure is the most unpretentious, glamorous place I have ever been on Earth and I love the idea of using that as inspiration for your wedding day.
Cannes Modern Glamour Inspiration on Brides
Using a palette of vibrant orange, pink and green is a nod to the Art Deco style of the 1950′s, when the Cannes Film Festival was the place to launch a young starlets’ career. Use the photos as an inspiration for your wedding day, your bridal shower or even your engagement party.
Use a postcard from zazzle.com as an invitation or save the date
Alvina Valenta Mermaid style Wedding Dress
Hot pink suede and red patent leather Louboutins’ are unexpected with a ball gown
Pop Rose Gold Bottles
Fresh caviar in the same color palette as your event
Red Anemones centerpiece
Jewels are a must have: whether they are real, fake or borrowed is up to you
A glistening crepe cake is modern
A beautiful red gown for the bridesmaid or mother of the bride
Remember to smile because the paparazzi are everywhere
Find the rest of the inspiration photos at Brides.com
I am back from the most relaxing vacation. I took a long weekend to unplug and get some much-needed R&R. On the first night of my time off, I received Amy Atlas’ book, Sweet Design, from the UPS man. I had been waiting to get my hands on it ever since I pre-ordered with Amazon.
I was lucky enough to indulge my inner crafting goddess by reading 5 books total over my vacation: Amy Atlas- Sweet Designs; Handmade Weddings-Eunice Moyle, Sabrina Moyle and Shauna Faust; The DIY Bride- Khris Cochran; Push-up Pops, Courtney Dial Whitmore; Simply Divine Lisa Vanderpump. I will begin a series of book reviews so stay tuned for these and new reviews each week.
Amy Atlas, Sweet Designs: Bake It, Craft it, Style it
Amy Atals- Sweet Designs: Bake it, Craft it, Style it
This book is quite massive at 375 pages. It has chapter after chapter filled with ideas for creating tablescapes. The majority of the designs focus on the sweets table but a little imagination can inspire ideas for the whole party. There are fourteen chapters that focus on a specific theme, such as Game Night (Ch.8), Pastel Pretty (Ch. 5), Honey, I Love you (Ch.7), and Vineyard Afternoon (Ch.12).
Each chapter provides Amy’s initial inspiration for the tablescape, a Bake It section with a recipe for each home-made dessert featured, a Craft It section explaining how to create the DIY elements of the table (runners, backdrops, favor bags, etc) and a Style It section which explains how to pull everything together (use all ruffled elements, for example). Plus, it offers ways to switch it up by making the beverages more adult or advising of a different color scheme that would work equally as well. It also has advice on what to purchase pre-made (candies, cakes, decorations, etc.). This book is a must have for anyone that loves bringing a wow factor to everyday events.
Vineyard Afternoon
Pastel Pretty
Amy Atlas includes a lot of great tips for creating a tablescape that is pleasing to the eye. For example, use different heights and sizes for the vessels on the table. Put the tallest containers in the back of the table so that it is easy for everyone to grab their treat. Also, when styling your sweets table, be sure to use a few different textures to create an exciting experience. For example, use light fluffy cotton candy, crystalized rock candy and gummy bears for the candy. Then use, a textured table-cloth with a DIY streamer and pom backdrop. 
Amy Atlas hits it out of the park with her first book, Sweet Designs. It is an instant classic and a must have for anyone that entertains in their home.
Casa Romantica
Style Me Pretty always showcases the most romantic weddings from around the country and today I am featuring a beautiful event that took place at the Southern California gem, Casa Romantica in San Clemente.
The venue is a beautiful mix of Spanish influenced architecture and romantic gardens. Casa Romantica sits atop a bluff with the Pacific Ocean in the background. It is actually open to the public as a garden and can be visited year round for events such as a Fourth of July Spectacular or a student art exhibition. I highly recommend taking a stroll around the grounds if you can. There a ton of great places to eat and explore in the area as well.
Lush floral surrounding the fireplace
All wedding photography and cinematography was done by Picotte Weddings. Floral Design is by Flower Wild and the rentals were done by Signature Party Rentals. The catering and day of coordination was handled by Christina Carbonara of Carbonara Catering.
Choosing the perfect venue is critical to the overall ambiance of an event. I love exploring new event spaces and I had the opportunity to attend an amazing party at the Rolling Stone Lounge (RS/LA) for a Clique Group, LLC networking event. RS/LA is located at the famous Hollywood and Highland shopping center in the heart of Hollywood.
The venue offers a full restaurant and bar on the main floor, but once you go down the dark stairwell you will enter a sexy lounge that offers plenty of style. A huge, modern chandelier dominates the main seating area and plush booths surround a circular dance floor where the hottest DJs spin every weekend.
Chill out in a private booth or dance the night away
Just a few steps away is a great bar that serves up specialty cocktails, wine and beer. There is also more seating near this bar for a more relaxed vibe. This venue would be perfect for a bachelorette party with your closest girlfriends or a huge birthday blowout. There are multiple spaces to reserve, no matter the size of your event. The decor is ridiculously hip but the attitude is relaxed and unpretentious. Beautiful servers walk around with specialty appetizers and the bartenders are model material.
The RS/LA bar has an amazing selection of cocktails, wine and beer
RS/LA is a hidden gem in an area known for tourists and gift shops but the real surprise is the super glam, super VIP, speakeasy hidden behind the bar. It is the real deal and if you want a glimpse of it you will have to come see what everyone is talking about for yourself.
If you are interested in booking an event at RS/LA shoot me an email (mlmworldwidellc@gmail.com) and I will work my magic!
