Pretty in Pink Girls' Tea Party

Catching up on my favorite blogs I came across the St. Louis Entertainers' website, in particular an article titled Pretty in Pink. I am a sucker for birthday celebrations and these little girls' party took the cake!!

Let's start with the activities for the little girls to particpate. There was a dress-up workshop, a fashion show, and an etiquete expert to show the girls how to have tea properly. Wow! I love it!

Here is the original article from the site:

Demi cups, teddy bears, feather boas? Not at this tea party! There's nothing more fun than taking a favorite theme and giving it a fun twist. And at Josie's Tower Grove Heights home, there's always room for something different. No stranger to beautiful celebrations, Josie is a professional wedding and special events planner, running a successful company from her office in Webster Groves. On her days off, she enjoys spending time with her two wonderful daughters and fabulous husband. When the time came to plan a birthday party for her two daughters, who incidentally have their birthdays one week apart, the creative juices were flowing.

The party theme developed into an adorable girls' tea with monograms and silhouettes, inspired by Josie's newly finished tin ceiling and stunning crystal chandelier. Beautiful scalloped china for this small at-home party was rented, and didn't even have to be washed up afterwards. Silhouettes were used on the invitations, favors, cakes, and gift bags. The invitations were designed on a white doily accented with a pink bow. For variety's sake, monograms were used on unexpected party accoutrements, such as cookie favors and table chairs.

The girls were turning five and three, so favors and gift bags had to be interesting yet age- appropriate. For the older girls, each placesetting had a pink "doodle diary" for guests to take home. The younger girls were given favor bags filled with chocolates and paired up with a large marshmallow lollipop. Each birthday girl had a miniature birthday cake with her own silhouette pressed into the side. The cakes, adorned with polka-dots and topped off with fondant ribbon, were designed to look like birthday presents. The initial letter of each guest's name, made of wood cut-out and covered with pink silk rose petals, was draped over the back of her assigned chair.

Just for fun, an etiquette expert was called to come and teach the girls proper tea etiquette and table manners. Afterwards, the girls put aside their lessons and did what they do best... play pretend, giggle, and have a great time!

 

Vendors:

• Photography by Arina Lanis
• Styled by Sandra Meyer
• Invitations by Serendipity
• Cookies by Slice of Lime Design
• Invitations : Serendipity 
• China Rental : Head of the Table Rental 
• Birthday Cakes : Dierbergs Marketplace French Pastry Shop 
• Monogrammed Cookies : Slice of Lime Design

Bugandboo's Etsy Shop

In this week's Etsy Newsletter  Bugandboo's Etsy shop was highlighted. The designer, of Bug and Boo Designs, is a Mommy and has been in business for 3 years. The designer is the oh-so-cute original creator of Personalized Photo cupcake toppers.Here is a message from her shop page:

What makes my shop stand out? Details...Details...Details. Compare my products to others and you will see the difference and quality precision I take with my items. My products are not pieced together. Each hat is custom fit to each photo and printed on an industrial printer then special care is taken to glitter and custom cut each one.

Visit her blog here for the latest designs!!

When you wear my hats, your forehead peaks through for a very professional and clean look.
So don't worry, you won't loose your hat!

Looking for a special hat? If it's not here, chances are I can whip it up for you in no time!

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Bug and Boo designs is a unique way of bringing cupcakes to life. You supply the photo and I do the rest. I also offer monograms, favor bags and favor boxes. Everything is original and individually created for you.

PhotoToppers

So Cute!!

Favor Boxes

Labels

Mr. & Mrs. Young Part II

The professional pictures from Shawnie and Jamie's wedding are in and they are great! See my original post here. The pictures were taken by Heather Coburn and I served as the Day of Coordinator for the event.

     

  

 

James van der Zee's Wedding Photography

I've been a photography buff since I was a very young child, thanks to my Daddy. One of my favorite photographer of ALL time is James van der Zee. His studio was located on Lenox Avenue, between 123rd and 124th Streets in Harlem, NYC. His black and white photography primarily portrayed the lives of well-to-do African American people in Manhattan. When I was younger and would look at the images he captured, I would always imagine myself as a rich society lady living on Strivers' Row, Harlem entertaining friends while he took our pictures. I know vivid imagination. ;)

To this day I have searched for some of his original prints. If you were to ask me what would be the all-time best gift, it would be to pay off my student loans and gift me a Van der Zee original.

 

The Wedding Party

Future Expectations. c. 1915. Gelatin silver print. James Van Der Zee Estate, New York

Wedding Day

Chris + Lynn Photographers: Annie+Paulo

Award-winning International Destination Wedding Photographers, Chris + Lynn captured the special moments of Annie and Paulo's November 2008 wedding. After visiting their blog I was truly impressed with how they make each wedding seem totally fun and care-free. The formal bridal portraits have taken on a whole new dimension. Visit their blog here and you will see for yourself the brilliance of their photographic abilities.

 

Loved the bridesmaid gifts!

  

The AWESOME sneakers gifted to the groomsmen.

   

Custom Velour Tracksuits for Bridal Party

I love the idea of gifting your bridal party items that have practical use for them. One such item is the velour track suit with their monogram, first initial, or first name embroidered on the suit. Celebrities Brittany Spears, Jessica Simpson, Tori Spelling, and Khloe Kardashian gifted their bridal party Juicy Couture track suits.

Advantage Bridal has a whole line of wedding attire that includes, "Soon to Be Mrs" sweat suits, bride hoodies, custom rhinestone hoodies and sweat pants. Their sweat suits come in shorts, cargo pants, and regular sweat pants. They are all 100% Cotton. Another vendor for custom suits is Smarty Pants.

Here are real brides with their bridal party in their track suits.

 

Mr. & Mrs. William W. Jennings III Real Weddings

Heather Prude-Williams and I attended high school together at good old Baltimore Polytechnic. When she posted her pictures on Facebook from her recent wedding I was entralled by the majestic purples, the historic venue, and her AMAZING gown.

Thank you Heather for letting me blog about your Fantabulous wedding! I wish you and William many, many years of peace and happiness.

Heather's Vendors:

• Tremont Grand for ceremony and reception-- I love the simplicity of having a wedding in one location.
• Lynn of Weddingscapes- Florist ---Love the peacock feather detail in each of the floral arrangements.
• Phil of Arthur Remanjon Photographers

   Dashing picture of the groomsmen and groom Placing on her veil Framed picture of Heather's mother on her wedding day. A gift from her new husband. Priceless!  Heather and her Daddy The bride and her gorgeous bridesmaids' in eggplant Magazine worthy bridal portrait The picturesque Tremont Grand- The groom choose the venue. Great selection!  Red Velvet, Strawberries and Cream, Lemon Curd, and Carrot Candy Buffet 

Our Bridal Show Date Has Been Changed!

Ellen and Portia Real Wedding

Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres exchanged wedding vows at their LA home in front of close friends and family. Celebrity wedding planner, Mindy Weiss, was on hand to orchestrate the day. The rings were Neil Lang, the flowers by Mark Held of Mark's Garden, the brides wore Zac Posen, Sweet Lady Jane created a vegan red velvet cake for the event, and their personal chef David Silberkleit prepared the all vegan meal.

Looking at the pictures, courtesy of Lara Porzak, it seems that an intimate ceremony on the back lawn followed by a succulent meal under a partially enclosed canopy is how the wedding occurred. The evening was lit by candle lit and guests enjoyed a cozy, "at home" feel for the reception. I love the idea of a small guest count. Less than 70 guests is an ideal number to create an comfortable and cozy ambience.

 All pictures from Ellen's website here.

      

Real Wedding Roselyn Sánchez & Eric Winters

Roselyn Sanchez, Without a Trace star, and actor Eric Winters wed in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 29, 2008. "The Puerto Rican-born Roselyn wore a princess-style dress with hand-embroidered pearls and diamonds by Venezuelan designer Angel Sanchez, while Eric wore a Calvin Klein suit".

This beautiful couple celebrated with 250 guests in the 4 day long festivities in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, close to Sánchez’s hometown. The ceremony took place at the Castillo de San Cristòbal a beautiful fort in my personal favorite part of Puerto Rico. So if you are looking for a wedding with a bit of pizzazz then this is definitely one to check out.  The reception was just as hot as the couple and with the help of Milly Centeno of MC Coordinators our of Puerto Rico, the couple created a sexy Latin reception.

 

  

Read more: http://justjared.buzznet.com/?s=roselyn+sanchez#ixzz0UV5IjSbo All photos from Just Jared

Jim Verraros and Bill Brennan's Real Wedding

 Jim Verraros & Bill Brennan spoke their vows to each other on September 6, 2009 in Oakbrook, Illinois. The couple planned a weekend full of entertainment and fun for their families and friends.

For more pictures and the couple's love story visit their wedding website here.

 

    

The Decor

There were multiple vendors that collaborated to achieve the look and feel of this wedding at the Oak Brook Hills Resort & Spa. The huge ice bar was created by Nadeau's Ice Sculptures, all event decor and personal flowers were designed and created by Anthony Gowder Designs, the cake was created by Oak Mill Bakery, lighting by Spinnin' Discs Premier Mobile Entertainment & Lighting, linen by Party Linens by DeNormandie, and rentals provided by M & M Party Rentals and Cort Furniture for Events.

   

The event planner for the event was of Barbara Medina Just Say Yes! Events. All photos were taken by Timothy Whaley Photographic Artists.

Hannelore's Bridal Blowout Sale

Damask Inspired Cakes By Carries Cakes

Carrie's Cake located in Utah creates magnificent wedding cakes. I decided to highlight their designs reminiscent of the popular damask pattern. The names and prices of each cake are listed.

Carrie's Cakes

1454 E. Ridgemark Dr. (9780 S.), Sandy, UT 84092
801.571.1620 - phone
801.572.0916 - fax

carrie@carriescakes.com

 

Margarita $800 for 275

Damask $1125 for 375

My Big Fat Greek Wedding $1500 for 400

Damask (Black & White) $925 for 325

Journey $950 for 275

Quinceanera Invitation Inspiration

In my morning search for inspiring tablescape designs I came across the purple, black, and white Quinceanera invitation designed by Lil' Duck Duck. They were so cool, so I decided to change my search and look up unique quinceanera invitations. The popular style for this type of event invite is having a color picture of the guest of honor.Typically the birthday girl will have had a portrait session before the party day to use for the invitation.

The Quince Años invitation is a wonderful way to give your friends and family a sneak peak into all the fabulousness that will be your 15th birthday celebration.

Here is another design. This time around it's a DIY project.

From My Quniceanera Invitations

Etsy Merchant:justembossed

This pink and white design is elegant.

Quinceanera for Less

How about a unique concert ticket inspired invitation.

Invitations Galore

This Paris inspired invite is so cute!!

We've been Featured . . .

Well my wedding was featured on Lauren Wenchel's blog, Charm City Brides today!

Thank you Lauren for sharing my special day with your readers.

 

Traditional Muslim Indian Wedding

Gemma Clarke captured the multi-day muslim wedding celebration of Shaiza and Javed. Clarke's inspiring photography captured the vivid colors of the celebration. Enjoy!

 Original Posts

 Shaiza and Javed – Indian Wedding – Ceremony

Shaiza and Javed – Mt Annan Botanic Garden – Location Photos

Shaiza and Javed – Reception – Orion Centre, Campsie

Shaiza – Henna Ceremony – Indian Wedding – Campbelltown

Photos by: Gemma Clarke – Sydney Wedding Photography – www.gemma-clarke.com

Super Sexy Wedding Hair

While on Essence.com I can across this wonderful step-by-step guide to recreating Jada Pinkett-Smith's sexy Chignon look.

All sets found on original source from here.

Hairstylist to the stars Marcia Hamilton shows you how to recreate Jada Pinkett Smith’s semiformal updo pictured here. Get step-by-step instruction from the woman who keeps the “HawthoRNe” star’s locks in shape.

Step One
Before you begin to recreate this do, start with clean blown-out hair.

“For red-carpet events, Jada prefers to go for an all-American-girl look,” says Hamilton, who also works with Gabrielle Union, Serena and Venus Williams.

Step Two
“Section your hair using the peak of your eyebrow and the top of you ear as a guide,” shares Hamilton.

Step Three
Smooth and twist the hair back into a low chignon or bun.

“I met Jada at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon last year and she is a great person. It’s easy working with her because she likes her hair to look very iconic and classic,” says Hamilton.

                                                                                   

Step Four
Use three to five bobby pins to secure your low chignon or bun into place.

 

Step Five

“Next, I added one to two pieces of clip-on extensions in the front section of the hair,” says Hamilton to create fullness and volume.

Step Six
“Once extensions are in place, lightly twist the hair up and inwards into a giant pin-curl.”

 

Step Seven
“You’ll want to secure the base of the pin-curl with several bobby pins,” says Hamilton. “Use a light hairspray for a lasting style.”

With a new show on TNT and family duties to tend to, the “HawthoRNe” star needs hairstyles that are low maintenance but packed with high style. Looking chic and sleek has never been easier for the girl on the go!

Eva & Tony's Parisian Wedding

I can across the wedding pictures of Eva Longria and Tony Parker today. Their Parisian wedding pictures are here.

Eva and Tony's Rings

All Pictures from Faded Youth Blog

We've been Featured on the Creative Party Place

Happy Monday Folks!

Creative Party Girl, Shannon Dow, has featured our Pink Butterfly Baby Shower from August. Check it out here!

Thanks Shannon for allowing us to share with you readers!

Lisa Wu-Hartwell's Wedding

Lisa Wu Hartwell: The Hyper Worker Bee

Kenya N. Byrd

Gone are the docile, congenial housewives of yesteryear. Far from desperate, Lisa Wu Hartwell, who is married to NFL player Ed Hartwell, is a hustler. She owns a real estate firm, Hartwell & Associates, a jewelry line called Wu Girls, a children’s clothing line, Hart 2 Hart Baby, and juggles a budding acting, modeling and writing career. She’s also mommy to 13-year-old Jordan, 10-year-old Justin and 1-year-old EJ.

ESSENCE.COM: Dramality TV can be tough on a sister’s reputation. What inspired you to do this?
LISA WU HARTWELL: Honestly, I thought it was a great platform for all of my businesses. I discussed it with my husband, Ed, and we both agreed that you can’t pay for that kind of advertising. The cost would be astronomical, [but by doing this] the exposure will be astounding.

ESSENCE.COM: There has been a lot of criticism about the cast and the fact that not all of the women are housewives. Did you have any apprehensions about putting your personal life out there?
WU HARTWELL: It didn’t dawn on me until the preview was about to air. I thought, Oh my God! What have you done? You’ve opened yourself up to millions of people. But I must say I liked the preview. Regarding the criticism, I believe everyone is entitled to their opinions. I could easily respond with a negative comment or thought because I’m human, but I can’t really worry about what the masses are thinking of me, because either you like me or you don’t. There are a lot of hateful people out there, and being on a show like this, you might have to become the sacrificial lamb. Unfortunately, for a lot of folk, negativity is entertaining, but I had a great time with the women. We still chat, and they’re hysterical. At the end of the day, you have arguments and there’s drama, but we definitely had a good time.

ESSENCE.COM: Black women often get the bad rap when they appear on these reality shows. Do you think you came off as an ABW (Angry Black Woman)?
WU HARTWELL: You know it’s crazy because there are always double standards when Black women are angry or upset. It’s more tolerated from White women, and I’m not racist because I’m half Asian, but let a White girl curse someone out and the reaction is like, ‘That’s great and exciting!’Another example is Hugh Hefner; he’s considered the man because he has playboy bunnies, but if you get a Black guy who does the same thing, then he’s a pimp and his girls are considered “hoes.” It’s a crazy stereotype and double standard.

ESSENCE.COM: Sad, but true. Was there ever a moment that the cameras felt too intrusive?
WU HARTWELL: I’m used to cameras being around because I hosted an entertainment show called “The Industry,” but opening up your home to millions of viewers who will be able to see everything you’re going through is another thing. There was a moment where I got sick and had a 104-degree fever. The cameras were still rolling! I’m like, are you kidding me? The hardest thing about shooting this show was that I didn’t get to see my kids. I have three boys, but my 13-year-old son from a previous relationship isn’t on the show because his father wouldn’t sign the waiver to allow him on.

ESSENCE.COM: Since living under the microscope, what’s the one self-discovery you’ve made?
WU HARTWELL: I might need to relax and have fun. The perception might be that all I do is work and that I’m a little hyper and could use a sedative. People always have a hard time believing I’m from the South because I move and talk so quickly. I could definitely stand to unwind a little, but I’m always working. My family knows that I’m driven. I’m always bouncing off the walls and folk must be thinking, This girl is crazy! My husband will say, ‘Baby, slow down,’ and I need that sometimes. But my hope is that when women watch this show, they’ll recognize that you can speak your goals and dreams into existence. If you’re passionate about something, don’t fail to prepare—make it happen!

Article from here. Pictures from here.