It's time to celebrate! Chic spring bridal party fashion

Nothing says wedding like a well-heeled and dressed wedding party! Here are some tips for finding unique, fab, and chic wedding attire, including a look at some of my favorites from Vera Wang's Spring 2010 Collection:

For the bride: think gowns that are more whimsical, vintage, and adorned with gorgeous detailing like these from Augusta Jones. Don't be afraid to be vibrant with a colored sash or amazingly cool shoes that will peek out from your dress!

Look at this deliciousness that is Vera Wang! I love it! Spice it up by adding a sweet color - Vera Wang
Also Vera Wang - I love her adornments here

For the groom: While a classic tux is always GQ, more and more grooms are going with a traditional 3-piece suit. Not only is it economical for the groomsmen as they can wear it again and again, but there is more flexibility with colors, patterned ties, and fabrics. Banana Republic and J. Crew have some stylish new suits just out! *J. Crew seen hereA well dressed group of bridesmaids: flirty, floaty, and ethereal fabrics are gorgeous and fun for bridesmaids. Not only are they sweet, but the girls can wear them again and again! Shoes by Anthropologie, chartreuse and chocolate dress and gold cuff by J. Crew, navy number by Vera Wang

Accessories: while your wedding gown shouldn't be overshadowed by over-the-top jewelry, these fab pieces from Anthropologie would be amazing for bridesmaids or with that flouncy rehearsal dinner dress!

Happy planning!

Best of San Diego Magazine Party!

Come and check us out and enjoy delicious food, amazing entertainment, and so much more at San Diego Magazine's Best of Party! We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here for more details

Inspiration: Plum and pale pink

My inspiration for this color splash came from a photo I took on one of our trips to London - I love the plated gold accents in this photo and it lead me to think of a rich, yet subtle pairing: plum and pale pink. Think tea party and pearls! Pair delicate fabrics with ruffled flowers like peonies and hydrangeas for a romantic feel. Utilize traditional fine china like this set from Vera Wang to create a whimsical, yet traditional table.
Bridesmaids or party dresses in tea length is perfect in any shade of lighter purple, like this one from J. Crew. The table setting photo came from theknot.com - the top left photo is one I took - invitation by our lovely partner in the Good Life Collection - Izzy Girl. The cocktail ring and necklace are from my personal collection; as is the pale pink fabric.
Whether you utilize this color splash inspiration for a garden tea party or a wedding, have fun and happy planning!

Sneak Peek Pro Photos: Alex and Renee

Check out these gorgeous photos by Alex Studios!
More to come!

Renee's custom couture Luly Yang gown was absolutely breathtaking!

Tips: how to be a gracious guest

You'd be surprised at how many guests never respond to wedding or party invitations and then show up! Is that you?? Maybe it got accidentally tossed or it slipped your mind, but that little card weighs heavy towards the final count at a wedding (brides and grooms can pay anywhere from $50-500 per guest overall so every guest counts)! We recently planned a wedding where over 30 guests did not respond, despite the self-addressed and stamped response envelopes! Needless to say, the bride and groom paid extra as a bumper for those who might show up; we were right - nearly all 30 guests did show!

Here are some tips on how to be a gracious and fun guest:

1. Répondez s'il vous plaît means please respond in French, and it's not a term used lightly when planning a big event, especially a wedding. Your hosts have usually gone above and beyond to create, self-address, and stamp your RSVP card, so please take the time to check the box and RSVP!
2. Show up on time - plan ahead for freeway, airport, or other traffic and consider any special events going on near the wedding or event (often times your hosts will have thought ahead and posted such notices on their event website or provided an enclosure with your invitation)
3. Greet your hosts and thank them for inviting you and....have fun! Be a lively, happy, and supportive; if it's a friend's wedding, help out by getting people on the dance floor and making it a memorable day.
4. Send a thank you note - if you attend a super fun party or wedding, it's great to send along a thank you note. I know, the bride and groom will be sending you one for attending and bringing a gift, but I always think a hand-written thank you note goes a long ways!

The bottom line: formality is still alive, as it should be! The written word is always better than a text message thank you. As much as you appreciate the art of a well planned event, your hosts appreciate the art of etiquette and formality!

New Additions to the Collection!

Please visit our storefront: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27793965
to view our newest additions to the Good Life Collection by Izzy Girl!
We invite you to contact us to personalize your order. Our designer collection is inspired by our gorgeous coastal surroundings and offers affordable wedding invitation suites, personalized stationery, and thank you notes. Enjoy!

More photo love: Emily and Ryen

Check out this gorgeous image from Amore Studios taken at Emily and Ryen's romantic woodland wedding!




Scroll down for more awesome photos!

Hitched! Emily and Ryen

Emily and Ryen are such a sweet and funny couple; they were married on July 25th in Gig Harbor, WA at Emily's parents' home.
It was a perfect day; the setting was woodland and the floral design, linens, and overall ambiance set the tone for a romantic wedding in the woods.

Aren't they so cute together? Emily was a stunning bride!

Emily's sweet dad worked hard the year leading up to the wedding! From bulldozing the yard to accommodate the dining tent to building the scotch bar and this cool sign, his hard work paid off!

Wedding Artists:

Amore Studios took these stunning images

Whimsical floral design by Floressence

Awesome dance music by CFO - Chris Friel Orchestra

Ceremony guitarist: Glenn Letz

Delicious food: Ravishing Radish Catering

Gorgeous paper goods: Izzy Girl

Shuttles: British Motor Coach

Tasty cupcake bites by Suzanne's Cakes

Officiant: Julie Cooper

Congratulations and we hope you enjoyed your honeymoon in Mexico!

Sorbet and Ice Cream Terrine with Blackberry Compote

Nothing says summer like a delicious and light dessert. I came across this scrumptious recipe on Epicurious.com from Bon Appétit Magazine. The best part about this recipe is that no baking is required! Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Terrine
1 pint raspberry sorbet
1 pint lemon sorbet
1 pint vanilla ice cream
1 pint mango sorbet
1 pint boysenberry sorbet compote
1/2 cup seedless blackberry jam
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 1/2-pint containers fresh blackberries
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh mint leaves

Preparation:
For the terrine:Line 9x5x2 3/4-inch metal loaf pan with 2 layers of plastic wrap, extending 3 inches over sides. Scoop raspberry sorbet into medium bowl and stir to soften; let stand at room temperature until sorbet is spreadable, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

Spread sorbet evenly in bottom of prepared loaf pan. Place loaf pan in freezer. Scoop lemon sorbet into another medium bowl; stir and let stand at room temperature until spreadable, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Spoon lemon sorbet in large dollops atop raspberry sorbet, then spread in even layer. Return loaf pan to freezer. Repeat procedure with vanilla ice cream, then mango sorbet, and finally boysenberry sorbet. Fold plastic wrap overhang over terrine; cover with aluminum foil. Freeze terrine overnight. (Terrine can be made 4 days ahead. Keep frozen.)

For the compote:
Stir blackberry jam in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat until melted. Stir in grated lemon peel and fresh lemon juice. Cool to room temperature. Stir in fresh blackberries, crushing some with fork to release juices. Refrigerate compote until cold, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
Stir sliced fresh mint into blackberry compote. Invert terrine onto platter; peel off plastic wrap. Cut terrine into slices. Serve with blackberry compote.

Enjoy!