Adore

NEW BLOG!

2011-11-30T13:42:00.001-08:00

Hi Readers! I wanted to direct you over to our NEW BLOG!

Please visit www.TrishaDeanEvents.com/blog for all future blog updates!

xoxo

Trisha

Wedding Style - Jewel Tones

2011-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Wednesday!
I am loving this season’s fashion trend of blushes and neutrals. I love it for everyday (I believe there is a shade of peach that flatters EVERYONE), and I love it for weddings (I’m talking to you, Reese Witherspoon). The palette is all over the place, from J. Crew and Urban Outfitters, to wedding blogs and magazines and tweets and then blogs again. I, however, would like to focus on the other trend right now, all the way on the opposite side of the spectrum…yes, that’s right. I want to dedicate this Wednesday on Adore to the big, bold, beautiful jewel tones that are all over the place right now!

I just bought a fabulous blue dress for my cousin’s wedding in June. I am obsessed with it. It’s a little outside my usual fashion box, and I proudly refer to it as a “big girl dress”. It just wouldn’t look right on a 17-year-old and I love it all the more for that! Purchasing it got me thinking about how most of my go-to dresses are black, and about how excited I was to wear this crazy shade of blue. Everyone should have some rich, juicy jewel tones in their closet! My dad rocked a fuchsia polo yesterday, so I do mean, EVERYONE. So let’s all get out there and attack the plums, emeralds, bright blues, teals and pinks!

Have fun with color! (It goes without saying that I think jewel tones are fun and fabulous at weddings, right? I mean, this is a wedding blog!)

Cheers!
Christy

Photo sources: Chrisitan Louboutin, Zappos.com, Dessy.com

Sneak Peek - Real Wedding - Cavallo Point

2011-05-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to share with you this wedding that the lovely Mary McHenry and I worked on together at Cavallo Point. This bride had a lovely, soft sense of style and we pulled some amazing things together for their wedding. Here is a sneak peek!

Photo source: Mary McHenry Photography

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Natalie Bowen Designs

2011-05-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!! So here is the amazing and talented Natalie Bowen doing what she does best - creating different and exquisite floral designs. How cool are these? I love the bright colors and the tropical feel! These were designed for a very special and fabulous wedding planner's engagement party and I am so happy for her and her man! :)

Fav finds for the week!

In love with this blush pink wedding and a menu card and place setting that I am swooning over!
Dream a Little Dream Events

I agree - my favorite photo from the Royal Wedding
Amy Nichols Special Events

I want painted edges on my business cards and on all of my client's invites!
Dauphine Press

Yellow and sweet
Jenny Cookies

I am a sucker for Gatsby - loving this board!
Snippet & Ink via The Ritzy Bee

Wedding Decor: Twigs and Texture

2011-05-16T21:25:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends! In my fantasy world, it would still be Friday especially since Blogger hated me last Thursday and Friday (I think some other bloggers had problemos to!) So my Flower Friday post is now slightly useless until this Friday. I mean really, Fav Finds + Flower Monday does not have the same to ring to it, right? Well, hopefully all of this will be solved soon as I work on a behind the scenes plan to shift blog management systems (enter evil villain laugh here).

So last Friday's post will come this Friday and I am excited as it is about the lovely and talented Natalie Bowen! And then look for the fab Christy and her post on fabulous color this Wednesday! But today is another dreamy inspiration board from Erin! Take a peek...

Twigs and Texture

Inspiration: Natural elements, twigs and branches, backyard wedding, rustic but polished
Colors: Cream, chestnut, olive, taupe and all shades of brown
Details: Unfinished wood, branched altar, woven table settings

xoxo
Erin

Photo Credits:
Top row: Cheddarngrits, Blush Botanicals, Suitie Central via Magpiepaperworks; Middle row: Princess Panda; Bottom row: Ruffled, Tahoe Unveiled, Ooh Events via Magpiepaperworks

Wedding Tips - The Kid Conundrum

2011-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was Mother’s Day and I celebrated for my second time as a mom. It was a wonderful day for me, starting off with roses in my son’s room when I got him out of his crib that morning, and ending with a massage and mani/pedi arranged by my husband (thanks, honey!). I thought about how nice it was that there is one day in the year when we celebrate the moms. It’s a bonus that restaurants don’t make you feel awkward for toting the kids in on Mother’s Day. Usually, it’s a bit of an ordeal. I live in a city that isn’t exactly kid-friendly in the dining-out-department.

Speaking of kid-friendly... Lets talk about kids at weddings! It’s a sensitive issue and Mother’s Day capped off a week of wedding work that actually included not one, but several, discussions with brides about kids…or rather, NO kids, at their weddings. I also received an invitation to a wedding in June and had to call to find out if kids were “invited” since the invite didn’t mention it one way or another. So I’ve been on both sides of the issue, so to speak. Here’s the thing: like “fancy” restaurants, small kids just aren’t welcome at some weddings. It’s harsh sounding, but true. I find that dealing with how to make this clear to guests is a challenge for my clients. Here is some of my advice:

1. If the guests with kids are your friends or close family, call them yourself after the invitations are sent and tell them that it’s an adults-only party. If you can help with babysitting arrangements or suggestions, that’s awesome. Some guests bring their kids with them and then leave them with a sitter in the hotel.

2. Have your mom and mother-in-law do the dirty work and call their family members with kids for you! They’re probably good at that stuff, right?

3. Include something in the invitation or on your wedding website that says “Please note that this a wedding for adults only”

4. If you don’t mind kids there, but want to wrangle them a little after dinner, hire a babysitting service to set up camp at the reception site.

In my experience, it feels like a big deal, and some people do get a little peeved, but it is best to get all the explaining and arranging done as far ahead of time as possible. Remember that this is your wedding and it should be the kind of party that you want. If you want to throw a kid-friendly, family oriented party, accommodate people and have fun! If you want a black-tie affair with an ice sculpture bar and passed martinis, go all out and have fun! If your wedding falls somewhere in between…do your own thing (kids or no kids) and HAVE FUN!

Spa Day is adults-only in my world, but Joey can look the part!

Back in a week!

Christy

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

A belated Happy Mom's Day to all those Mother's of the Brides! My momma is my bestest friend and I love her lots and lots. Here we are back in 2004 on my wedding day. It was an amazing, amazing day and I would be lost without her!

xoxo
Trisha

Wedding Decor - Springtime Romance

2011-05-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

The lovely and talented Erin of Trisha Dean Events has created a gorgeous inspiration board to for your Friday viewing pleasure! Flower Friday and Fav Finds will be back next week. In the meantime, here are the deets on this gorgeous board!

Springtime Romance:

Inspiration - femininity, vintage chic, floral details and grandma's closet

Colors: pale pink, cream, crystal and old gold

Details: soft florals, vintage glassware, peonies, costume jewelry and salt water taffy

xoxo,

Erin

Photo sources:Top Row: Country Living, Brooke Keegan Weddings via Style Me Pretty, Dusty Rose Events; Middle Row: Once Wed; Bottom Row: Style Me Pretty, Coco SMP, Cath Kidson

Wedding Decor - Picado Flags

2011-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of Cinco De Mayo we are doing a quickie post from a lovely bride and groom that we worked with a few weeks back. They had amazing custom made picado flags to wave as they walked out hand in hand as the new couple. I just had to share! How fabulous are these!? Wait until you see the amazing paper picado flag chandeliers the bride made for the ballroom! More to come soon! Now, go grab a margarita! Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Photo source: Author's personal collection

Wedding Decor - A Succulent Session

2011-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Wednesday!

I am working on design with a bride right now and I am really excited about her vision and my plan for it. She loves succulents and wants them incorporated into centerpieces, her bridal bouquet, and as favors for guests. There are plenty of wedding blogs out there that feature beautiful succulent designs, so I started collecting pictures and the wheels started turning…pretty soon, I had my own picture of a unique succulent wedding and I am stoked about it!

We are now sourcing small, delicate glass vases and large galvanized metal tubs. I am busy getting quotes for a living wall that may serve as a backdrop for a self-portrait photo booth and am reviewing florist proposals filled with burgundy dahlia pomanders and barely-there succulent boutonnieres (I love how structural and masculine these are!). I am researching how to make lush arrangements for the tables; low wooden containers filled with pale green and almost blue desert plants, anchored by dark dirt and small stones. It’s all coming together! A mix of glass, wood and metal, greens and reds, dirt and understated, natural elegance. I’m especially excited about a fresh fruit dessert bar labeled “Succulents” with a copper herb garden sign. The groom wants fruit and fruit he shall have!

All in a day’s work for this excitable wedding planner! Sigh…I love my job.

Xoxo!

Christy

Photo Sources: CactusLimon.com, PotteryBarn.com, Save-on-crafts.com, Torontolife.com, ElizabethAnneDesigns.com, PotteryBarn.com

Not Feelin' So Fine

2011-05-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

Sorry for the posting delay! I have a serious case of strep throat and it is kicking my booty! Thank goodness that Wednesday is Christy's day to post so I can take another day to try and recover. I'm thinking we will hear from our lovely intern Erin this week as well!

Hope you are having a good week so far!

xoxo

Trisha

Wedding Style - Rain, Rain, Come This Way!

2011-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Wednesday! It was my birthday last week and having an April birthday usually means a few drops of water on my special day, so I thought I would dedicate today’s post to April and her BFF: Rain!

Rain on a wedding day is the stuff of song lyrics and bridal nightmares. It’s said to be lucky and if you blog-surf, it seems to be even trendy these days! With the endless parade of adorable wellies (or galoshes, as we call them in my house) and colorful umbrellas, I’m wondering if some couples are actually hoping FOR rain!

I once saw a play in LA, 2004 I think, and the stage was set to look like a tall forest. The treetops were all made from different patterned green umbrellas, upside down, forming a beautiful canopy. I never forgot that set and I think a canopy of upside down umbrellas, covering a tent ceiling, allowing light to shine through in places, would be awesome! Now I just need my rain-loving future clients to call!

Here are some of my favorites…from the seemingly impractical shoe known as the “rain flat” to some whimsical and creative hanging umbrellas (these were found at The Venetian in Las Vegas!).

Next month, May flowers of course!

Cheers!
Christy

Photo sources: clockwise from left to right, Bridesmaidtrade.com, gwynethcolleen.com, Favors and Flowers, J.Crew, BridalBubbly.blogspot.com, Orange Girl Photographs, It's a Jaime Thing

Wedding Decor - Contemporary Neutrals

2011-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

My all time favorite trend this spring is neutrals! I must admit my excitement is partially based on the fact that my wardrobe is literally all shades of neutrals, specked with a few prints and pops of color. The best thing about this palette is that it can easily be an updated classic. Mixing and matching different shades of neutrals like beige, ecru, and khaki and adding hints of metallic elements makes muted colors fresh and new. Hope you enjoy this inspiration board evoking the trend I'm calling "Contemporary Neutrals". Don't you just love the unexpected blue soles of those studded heels?

Colors: Taupe, Khaki, Ivory and everything in between

Elements: Rich fabrics, Metallic details

xoxo

Erin

Photo Sources:

Top row: Martha Stewart Wedding, Style Me Pretty, Trendhunter, Middle row: Stitches on 8^th, Robert Mc Nary Photography via Style Me Pretty, Bottom row: La Maison Reid via Potato Boutique, The Brides Guide via Martha Stewart Wedding, Not Your Ordinary Bride

Wedding Decor - Another Amazing Barn

2011-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello hello! I had the fabulous pleasure of working with Mary McHenry this weekend and in our chats throughout the day, she let me know of this amazing place, a barn in fact, in Petaluma that was an amazing, amazing venue. I took a quick peek over at her blog and fell head over heels in love with Chileno Valley Ranch.

Head over to Style Me Pretty to see this wedding in all it's gorgeous glory shot by the talented Mary!
xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Mary McHenry

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - The Little Branch

2011-04-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Friends! I have a special treat for you from those amazing gals Annie and Meg at The Little Branch. Wait until you see these boutonnieres! Rustic, super cute and very unique. I am thrilled that they sweetly thought to send them my way to share with you! LOVE! I can't get enough of the burlap wraps for the bouquets and fabulous mason jars, vases of all sizes and colors! This wedding was last week over at Orcutt's Ranch down south - what a gorgeous and cost friendly place to have your wedding. Okay, now for the flowers! PS trying to get exactly what the bouts are made of, and will update once I hear from them!

You love them right?! How could you not?!!

Great links from this week:

One of the hippest invites EVER - a record player? Awesome!
Green Wedding Shoes

Pretty n' Punk
The Sweetest Occasion

Embrace the Stripe!
La Tavola Linens

Hello dress!!
The Inspired Bride

Forget desserts, bring on the potatoes! A spud bar!
Somewhere Splendid

Wedding Style - Little Boy Prep

2011-04-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

I have been on the look for a cute little outfit for my son to wear to a wedding we are attending in Virginia this June. Joe will be 17 months then, and I want him to wear a bowtie…and I would love to find a tie in the same pattern for my husband to rock. I might take my needs to a fabulous seller on Etsy…but for now, I am just searching for inspiration. The wedding is at a vineyard in Leesburg…I’m envisioning my boys in their preppy best. Here are some of my toddler-boy-wedding-fashion-finds:

J. Crew - Crewcuts

Strasburg Children

Janie and Jack

And two of my very favorite ring bearers from Style Me Pretty!

Cheers!

Christy

Photo sources: J.Crew (tie), Strasburg Children (vest), Janie and Jack (shoes, hat and pants), via Style Me Pretty Jessica Johnston Photography and Orchard Cove Photography.

Another Fabulous New Face!

2011-04-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! I want to introduce another fab friend that Christy and I have made and are so excited to bring her on board to Trisha Dean Events! She is our wonderful and talented intern, Erin! And I will let her take away her very first post on the Adore blog!

. . . . . . . .

Hi everyone!

My name is Erin and I'm absolutely thrilled to be a part of Trisha Dean Events and Adore. I am somewhat new to the blogging world and so far, I love it. My passion for design, presentation, and working with people has led me to where I am now – entering the world of event planning. I received my degree in Landscape Design from UC Berkeley almost a year ago (it seems like yesterday!) and I'm so lucky to be pursuing what I love. If I had to describe my style in one word it would be feminine with a mix of classic and vintage. I am so excited to share my ideas and be inspired by all things weddings and design!

xoxo

Erin

P.S. Look for my first inspiration board this week - it super pretty with all sorts of amazing neutrals for spring!

Photo source: Classic Party Rentals Open House, Erin and Christy having a darn good time.

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Church Street Flowers

2011-04-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Last weekend we did the most adorable wedding at the Marin Headlands Center for the Arts and we worked with an amazing team of vendors - one of which was Church Street Flowers. We went over to their site to take a peek around and found a gorgeous bouquet and an adorable boutonniere! Their team was amazing to work with and the flowers for our bride were to die for!

Here are the fav finds of the week!

The bird is the word
The Inspired Bride

Made me smile!
Eat Drink Chic

A gorg Napa Wedding
The Bride's Cafe

You NEED to check out these modern flowers!
Elizabeth Anne Designs

Pour some sugar on me!
The Ritzy Bee

Wedding Decor - Eat Drink Chic: New Blog Love!

2011-04-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

I must admit, Wednesday Readers, this week’s post is a bit random. I’ve been experiencing a little bloggers-block this week. I blame it on the 80 degree weather in San Francisco. I was inspired by the sun, the frozen yogurt, the long days at the park with my son…and I would sit at my computer at night, ready to delve into the blogosphere, open to my usual effortless brilliance…and…nothing!

Tonight, though, I persevered, fought through it and this is what I came up with. I have been researching for an upcoming wedding and I am loving my bride’s bright colors and Indian touches. She sent me a link showing me what kind of hanging pomanders she likes and I fell in love with the website. Before I knew it, I was an hour deep into Eat Drink Chic. Check out the cluster of paper poms and lanterns that wooed me out of my block!

New Love—eatdrinkchic.com

With interior design, fashion and weddings all organized and displayed in the most beautiful way, it's love at first sight! The way Amy Moss puts together her inspiration boards, with the numbers…I don’t know, I just can’t get enough! Click here for a fun, whimsical example, and then go exploring throughout her blog!

Cheers!

Christy

Photo source: Photos by Ashley Ann Photography, found via Eat Drink Chic via Oh Dee Do

Wedding Decor - Gloria Wong Design

2011-04-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! Today I wanted to share one of my most favorite weddings of all times, and I was lucky enough to be a guest at it! Leslie and Jeffrey are two of my very dear friends and I was thrilled to find them on Style Me Pretty! Leslie and Gloria of Gloria Wong Design worked closely to create the amazing look and feel of Leslie and Jeffrey's wedding. The attention to detail, the color palette, the personal touches were unreal and made their wedding so incredibly special. Please head on over and take a peek! Here is a teaser photo for you - the photos are from the incredibly talented Lisa Lefkowitz!

Photo source: Lisa Lefkowitz

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Plan Decor

2011-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy happy Friday! We are gearing up for our first wedding of the season this weekend at the Marin Headlands Center for the Arts! A stunning venue that feels as if is was ripped straight from the pages of an Anthropologie mag.

Now on to Flower Friday! For your Flower Friday viewing pleasure - this Bay Area floral designer does some amazing things with sweet peas and lilac - not your average bouquet flowers! And let me tell you I LOVE me some lilac! It is blooming in my backyard this week and I am in heaven!

I am loving the colors and the pop that she brings to centerpieces as well! Karen of Plan Decor does amazing work and we hope to work with her one day soon!

Fav finds for the week!

Super dainty and very pretty paper cut out invitations
Oh So Beautiful Paper

Walking along Union Street in SF last week, this was one of the best cuppies I have had in a while!
American Cupcake

In my search for an eyelet charger, I came across this loveliness
The Ritzy Bee

Hello yellow satin shoes and yummy donuts!
100 Layer Cake

Flower gorgeousness....
Elizabeth Anne Designs

xoxo
Trisha

Wedding Industry Love - Certified!

2011-03-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Wednesday!

I am proud to announce that I have completed the Gay Wedding Institute certification course taught by Bernadette Coveney Smith, owner of 14 Stories in Boston. 14 Stories is America’s first gay wedding planning firm, and GWI is the first gay wedding planning certification course in the world. I participated with others in the wedding industry from across America and Canada and we learned about what makes gay wedding planning different than planning for straight couples. Same-sex couples have a few more issues to deal with (legally…), and planners need to know which vendors and venues are gay-friendly, plus, I needed to learn how to market and appeal to gay and lesbian couples.

I am sharing my journey into uncharted territory! At least for TDE and as a planner myself. I have yet to plan a wedding or party for a gay or lesbian couple, but now, I feel ready to dive right in! I’m excited to make some changes to our website and to make sure we use totally inclusive language in our forms and on the site. I am now prepared to help a gay or lesbian couple plan their event, but in some ways, I feel like I have always been ready for this job. My background, my family, my passions…everything leads to being a wedding planner and in some ways especially for gay couples. I love my job and I am very excited to be actively expanding my client base from a business standpoint and from a very personal place as well.

We believe in marriage equality for everyone!

xoxo
Christy

Wedding Decor - Anthropologie Home Design Studios

2011-03-28T11:59:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday!! Did you know that one of my favorite retailers is adding a home design studio to 12 of it's stores? Anthropologie has had a huge year! First launching BHLDN and now design studios. Think of the fun this could mean for wedding decor! And lucky for us the Marin Store in The Village at Corte Madera will be one of the stores.

The Marin Anthro is actually my favorite store. Did you ever notice that there are "good" Anthros and some "not so good" Anthros. My favs are the Marin, Burlingame and Blackhawk ones. Great selection, great sale items and lots of sizes. I feel the same way about J.Crew. The Burlingame J.Crew is my go to store, with the Stanford and Marin ones not far behind.

But back to Anthro's new design studios...the concept will be a store within a store that showcases a mix of home decor items, with design experts waiting to answer questions, give tips and even offer classes.

I have always looked to Anthro for inspiration when designing my client's weddings. And I find myself often picking up key pieces to highlight on accent tables, or within the ceremony. They are such a fab place for wedding decor.

So head to Marin and check out the new store within a store - they launched March 24th!
xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Anthropologie.com

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Kristy Mitchell Photography

2011-03-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! We have some GORGEOUS images of flowers and people to share with you today. My momma found this photographer and sent her my way. Kristy Mitchell's style is so unique that I just could not wait to share with you! Check out the amazing creations of flowers and stunning women. And how incredible is this first dress?? Not to mention the umbrella of flowers! So pretty. Ok, let me be a bit more honest - I NEED that dress. No clue where or when I would wear it, but I need it. Bad. Like right now so I can put it on and spin in my living room. :)

Here are some of my fav finds for the week!

I fell in love with this simple stunning southern wedding.

The Knotty Bride

Purple Pasta

Design*Sponge

Oh shoes!!!

The Cinderella Project

A gorgeous mushroom wedding cake

Once Wed

Loving the orange of it all

Camille Styles

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: www.kristymitchellphotography.com

Wedding Style - The Pretty Pink Dress

2011-03-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Wednesday! I thought that for today’s post, I would get personal. To let you in on a little secret…I have been heavily influenced throughout my life by a wonderful little film called Dirty Dancing. I know, I know. “I carried a watermelon?” I love it! I wanted to BE Baby. I know every word, the entire soundtrack, and Patrick Swayze will FOREVER be my first crush as Johnny Castle. I love everything about the movie and watching it as a 14 year old certainly skewed my expectations of family vacations for a decade. My poor parents. I was always disappointed when I didn’t meet a Johnny to teach me dance moves and fall madly in love with me for my bravery, my innocent good looks…my hutzpah!

And below are two BEAUTIFUL examples of a modern-day Baby wedding dress. Pale pink and begging to dance and sway like the dress Jennifer Grey wore in the last scene of the movie. So iconic. I’m not suggesting a Dirty Dancing themed wedding, but the dresses are inspired by the movie. And if you were a couple looking to incorporate the movie in another way, you would have to include “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, and “Love is Strange” by Mickey and Sylvia. You could also get married at a resort in the Catskills! Take your engagement pictures on a log over a creek! Okay, so maybe I have imagined my own Dirty Dancing themed wedding just a few times. Sue me.

Nobody puts Baby in the corner,
xoxo
Christy

Photo sources: coutureallure.com, bridalwave.tv

Dainty Details - Letterpress Lovelies

2011-03-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can tell, we had some technical difficulties with both last Friday's and today's post. So, I promise that this upcoming Flower Friday and Fav Finds will be fantabulous and today's post will be just as amazing.

In high school, I was lucky enough to meet and befriend a very talented gal named Amber. And of course, I was then even more lucky to run into her one night at one of our favorite restaurants a few years ago and our friendship was reunited. I was also incredibly excited to learn that Amber and I were both graphic designers, and shared a love of designing pretty things, but she was cool enough to launch her own very successful graphic design studio and letterpress print shop called Flywheel Press. And so, today I share with you all the stunning wonderful things, including amazing wedding invitation suites, that Amber can design and print.

Oh and look out world because in May, Trisha Dean Events launches it's new look and feel and our business cards were designed and printed by the fabulous Amber! Yay! We can't unveil them just yet, but we will shout it from the rooftops when we do!

See? Aren't they amazing?! I can't get over how pretty the dainty pink Anemone card is! And I showed all of my favorites invites - the Fireworks one is especially fab! Check out her site for even more amazing things! And you can find her on Etsy too!

xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: www.flywheelpress.com

Dainty Details - Perfect Pinwheels

2011-03-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve got summer on my mind! I’ve been doing research for one of our upcoming summer weddings and now I’m a little bit obsessed with pinwheels. Pinwheels aren’t an entirely new idea in weddings, but I’ve enjoyed the browsing and want to share my take!

I’ve collected many images for this post…there are plenty of ways to incorporate pinwheels into a wedding theme. I started to wonder though, if a pinwheel theme would come across too “cute” or “precious” for a wedding. But I really think that a summer wedding…think linen suits, crisp green lawns, lemonade cocktails, and bright wildflowers…could absolutely include pinwheels thematically from start to finish.

I’m imagining a picnic reception with a preppy look, maybe pinks and greens, with blankets on a lawn next to a croquet game...how perfect would pinwheels be at this country club affair? I can see them on ties or socks, cufflinks or boutonnieres, planted in the lawn and in a flower girl’s bouquet. The trick with themes is to pick and choose where you integrate, especially with a tangible single theme—like pinwheels or bicycles or snowflakes—as opposed to a more broad theme like “circus” or “Gatsby”.

Pinwheels could be a part of your invitations with a stamp or an illustrated image. Or, you could include a pinwheel pattern on the back of your invitation, and guests can fold their own if they want! From there, you might include pinwheels on signage at the ceremony and reception, lining the aisle, in centerpieces, or as large format lawn ornaments. You could have mini-wheels like flags in cocktails, or give them to guests as favors to spin for a big entrance, or even a colorful send-off. The possibilities are endless!

Here are some pics for more pinwheel fun! Etsy is a great place to start!

xoxo
Christy

Photo sources: 1&2 L. Sharp and Jackie Herb, 3 Big Star Photography, 4 The Knot - MadeinHeavenCakes.com, 5 Etsy - Pickled Parlor Shop

Dainty Details - Couture Pink Shoes

2011-03-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am on the hunt of some pink satin shoes for a little black dress o'mine. In my search, I came across these couture pink Christian Louboutins that I just cried over - they were that gorgeous. Of course the photograph is pretty amazing too - it is from Kiss the Groom and the talented Elizabeth Messina.

Happy Monday!

xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Elizabeth Messina via Kiss the Groom

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Gray and Pops of Red

2011-03-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

One of most favorite cyber-friends is Jennifer Medley Gillespie who has an amazing calligraphy company called Calligraphy by Jennifer. She is just the bestest and her calligraphy is jaw dropping pretty. She posts about some gorgeous things and she has a knack for finding amazing shoes!! So you need to check her out.

Today's Flower Friday was found via the lovely Jennifer's blog and you can see the entire post here. She found this stunning bouquet on the Hello Bella Events blog and I am loving how it pops against the gray dress.

Fav Finds for the Week:

Loving this Spring Fling Inspiration Board
The Inspired Bride

These are so dainty and teeny tiny!
Hello Lucky Blog

I am a bit of a design geek and I thought this was SO COOL!!
Design*Sponge

Birds of a feather
Rue Magazine

A hip black and white modern invite
Camille Styles

xoxo
Trisha

Dainty Details - Pretty Placesettings

2011-03-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! Welcome to a new week! I am loving this carnival themed wedding I found over on La Tavola's blog (which is a fantastic blog by the way!!) and I am especially loving the table - how fantastic is this place setting?! Loving the colors, the textures, and well, everything about it.

You can check out more of the wedding by clicking here. Photos were taken by Jeff Shipley who does some fab work I might add!
xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Jeff Shipley

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Brown Paper Design

2011-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! It has been a crazy week over here - in a good way crazy - but crazy nonetheless! I found Brown Paper Design through Jose Villa's amazing blog. The flowers from this wedding are slightly unreal and so unique! Loving them. It also doesn't hurt that Jose Villa is behind the camera. Seriously that man can do no wrong when it comes to shooting weddings. Each image is so darn dreamy.

Here are my fav finds for the week!

Yellow and gray perfection!
The Inspired Bride

A Tangled Wedding
The Wedding Chicks

A different kind of registry
100 Layer Cake

xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Jose Villa

Wedding Industry Love - Gay Weddings Part 2!

2011-03-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, Adore-readers!

As many of you know, my brother is gay and I wrote a post last month about my personal plight to stand for gay marriage and to plan weddings for couples in the LGBT community. Today, I am excited to announce that I am enrolled in the first and only Gay Wedding Certification course, taught by Bernadette Coveney Smith of 14 Stories, owner of the first gay wedding planning company in America. I am taking the course in March and (barring any unforeseen circumstances), I will be certified by April! I am taking this step so that we can officially move forward in our support of marriage equality for everyone! Yes, this is absolutely personal to me, but it’s also about business. I am currently a certified wedding planner and feel that this will be a huge asset to my existing skill set.

Trisha and I are both attending Engage!11 in May and we are looking forward to learning even more about where the wedding industry overall is heading. I am proud to be a part of a company that supports gay marriage and I can’t wait to get certified and get started!

This is my little guy Joe, last May - he supports his gay uncle and so do we!

xoxo

Christy

Wedding Style - The Dress

2011-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yay for the Oscars! There were some amazing dresses that graced the red carpet last night - I personally think Sandra Bullock seriously looked jaw dropping stunning in her red Vera Wang! I think in my perfect world, she and Ryan Reynolds would end up together. My other fav was Anne Hathaway in her Valentino - another gorgeous red dress! Feeling the red dresses at the moment.

I found another amazing dress I wanted to share - quite the wedding dress I might add, but I am a bit sad that I am unsure of the designer! The lovely Lilia, of Lilia Photography shot Lisa Marie and Richard's Elopement at the San Fran City Hall and this dress is just stunning. Super duper stunning. Take a peek...

xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Lilia Photography

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - The Little Branch

2011-02-24T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hi hi! Happy Friday! I know it was just a wee bit ago that we were yapping about how fantastic the floral designs were over at The Little Branch (if you want to go back and see the loveliness we are talking about, click here), but the two fab ladies behind the designs, Annie and Meg, sent me some photos from a wedding last weekend and I could not help but post them! So many different sweet milk glass vases overflowing with prettiness and a boutonniere that I adore! Take a peek!

Fav finds for the week:

Finding your wedding inspiration from a gorgeous book cover
Wedded Twist

Surf's up!
Snippet & Ink

I so want this heart-y chair!
Design Sponge

The most amazing Italian castle in Tuscany! A wedding here would be unreal.
Vicarello.it

Sweets that are ruffled and romantic!
Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas

xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Annie of The Little Branch

Wedding Decor - Perfectly Funky Engagement Photo Shoot

2011-02-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Since Trisha and I are really quite on top of all things hip, some time back, Trisha featured styled engagement sessions here by Sarah Yates and here from Millie Holloman that were down right cute and romantic. However, today's shoot is one that I just HAD to blog about - I adore the recent wave of fun, quirky, kitschy, highly stylized engagement photo shoots.

My friend Joanne and her husband Britt are definitely the kind of couple that can pull off one of these shoots. Joanne’s inspiration for her pictures was “Mad Men”, and you can see from her interpretation, it was served straight up with twist!

Engagement pictures are meant to capture the personality of a couple, and these photos absolutely do just that. They aren't taking themselves too seriously, they have a super cool style, (how great is that pink rotary telephone!?) and they are having a fabulous time!

xoxo
Christy

Photo source by Karl Preston and the awesome trailer belongs to clothing designer Charlotte Tarantola

Dainty Details - Cake Topper Love

2011-02-21T19:17:00.001-08:00

I'm sure you all thought I was taking a holiday today! Well, it seems Blogger and I got into a little tiff and blogger did not want to behave. So, no, I wasn't really on holiday today, just a smidge late. And so this post will be short and sweet - simply love this photo - made me smile a huge grin the first time I saw it!

Found over on Perfect Bound, Johanna McShan on Hanna Mac Photography snapped this lovely shot of the bride and groom and their pup - and how fantastic is the cake topper to match the family of three! Love!!

Enjoy the rest of the holiday! Happy President's Day!
xoxo
Trisha

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Kelly Makes Things

2011-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Rainy Friday! It is P-O-U-R-I-N-G here in Nor Cal today. Raining cats and dogs. So since I am awash in water, I thought it fitting to feature a nifty nautical bouquet styled by Kelly Makes Things and photographed by the amazing Jasmine Star.

Kelly used aged rope, roses and lamb's ear for this nautical inspired bouquet. Simple, elegant and different all wrapped up into one!

Here are my fav finds for the week:

New blog love: Jenny's Cookies - is there any theme this woman can't do incredibly well?! Stunning party decor!

Re-designed blog love: Huge congrats to Ami of Elizabeth Anne Designs for her gorgeous blog re-design - it looks amazing!

Sweet and Saucy does it again! I want this cake stat!

Open wooden ceiling and chandeliers - yes please!
Ritzy Bee

Loving these deep teal dresses and super bright bouquets
The Bridal Bar

xoxo
Trisha

Wedding Decor - The Floral Deck

2011-02-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

Today, I want to share a little secret weapon of mine: the John Henry Floral Fan Deck. It’s a pretty amazing set of cards that describe flowers. Sounds simple, right? It is simple. And it’s ingenious! And if you are a florist, planner, designer, or are planning your own wedding…it is an invaluable resource. This box of cards is an absolute wealth of knowledge, I have used it so many times and I always get the information I need. Check it out!

There are 8 decks total, they are separated by color and each one has about 50 cards. Each card has a large picture on one side and details on the other. I have brought the box to meetings with clients when we are discussing flowers and design. A bride can tell me her favorite flower, and then I can see if it’s in season, what colors are available, and tell her the “meaning” of the flower. I know I can look up all this information online, but having all of it in one place…something to browse through for ideas and inspiration…I prefer it to googling while brainstorming with a couple.

It’s just a great addition for your office if you are in this industry or for your bookshelf if you just love flowers.

In the meantime, get in touch with me if you have specific flower questions, ‘cause I have the box!

xoxo

Christy

Dainty Details - Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends! I just know the blogosphere is going to be plastered with my favorite shape today - the heart. So instead of doing the obvious and searching out all things heart-y, I am embracing all things red instead. I found this image over on Snippet & Ink and fell in love with this wedding.

I think one of my favorite things in this photo is the pearl bracelet (necklace?) wrapped around the bride's wrist. And those shoes! Sigh. Love! Here are a few more of this wedding shot by Elisabeth Millay...

Happy Valentine's Day lovies! Hope you have a wonderful hug and kiss filled day!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: Elisabeth Millay via Snippet & Ink

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Sharla Flock Designs

2011-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! Par-tay! I know that I've raved about Sharla Flock Designs on Flower Friday before, but I can't get enough of this amazing bouquet I am about to share...again it doesn't hurt that Anna Kuperberg was behind the camera...

Right!? Unreal! The contrast of the deep eggplant with the green berries and silver dusty miller? So darn gorgeous.

Here are some of my fav finds of the week:

Loving the slate and lemon mix

Kate Parker Weddings

It would be so hard for me to put an actual glass on these gorgeous coasters!

Amy Atlas - Sweet Designs

My idol Tara Guérard launches the new look of her blog and a stunning real wedding as well!

Tara Guérard - Bon Bon Blog

From a few weeks back but too jaw dropping gorgeous not to link to, please please look.

Jose Villa

Beer cupcakes? Why of course!

Oh Lovely Day

Dainty Details - From Personal to Practical - The Wedding Emergency Kit

2011-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

My dear cousin Courtney is planning her wedding right now and as I will be a guest and not a wedding planner on her big day, I vowed to help her out in the advice and preparedness departments. She is an avid wedding-blog-reader and has gotten countless ideas and creative inspiration from blogs (100 Layer Cake and Snippet & Ink are her favorite…other than Adore of course!), but has expressed to me a lack of “insider tips” for the bride who truly is DIAH (Doing It All Herself). I want to occasionally post to fill that deficit a little, with some added charm, of course! I’m confident that by sharing a few wedding planner tips and advice based on experience isn’t the same thing as a magician sharing his secrets—there are things you can do as a bride (or groom!) to be more prepared and confident on your wedding day. That being said…I still firmly believe that hiring a wedding planner is the best way to go!

So, today I will share some wedding planner tips about the ever-important Emergency Kit. All brides need one. Sometimes the venue provides one; I’ve seen them in church getting-ready rooms. If you are going to hire a wedding planner, definitely make sure that they will be bringing a very thorough kit. And…if you are a bride or groom putting the kit together yourself, great! Just pass it off to a trusted friend or member of the bridal party on the wedding day. It can be stored in a coat closet, under a table, or even in the bathroom if you have a private bathroom for your event. Remember, this isn’t just for the bride. A well-stocked emergency kit can be called upon for bridal party wardrobe malfunctions, flower fixing, cake tweaking, paper product edits and re-dos…you name it, it might need some TLC come wedding day. A wedding planner will have a much larger kit than a bride will make herself. I’ll focus here on just what you’ll need in your own small personal kit.

First, a list of my MUST HAVES. Put these items in a separate, smaller bag in your emergency kit. These are the items I carry in a hip bag when I am the wedding planner. I use them all day long. Small pair of scissors, bobby pins, safety pins (several sizes) and straight pins, double-sided tape, and oil-absorbing sheets (they are in the face-wash aisle and they are awesome). One new fabulous tool in my Must Haves is the helix bobby pin from Goody. For the messy bun, which always needs fixing and re-messing as the reception goes on, this fancy hair-thing is the best!

Here are my BASICS. Extra paper and pens (for escort cards, buffet labels, favor tags, placement cards, table numbers…whatever you used paper for, include some extras), green flower tape (Michael's carries it), a lighter, a small sewing kit, extra ribbon if you used any in the décor anywhere, a brush, a couple extra hairbands, a lint-roller, toothpicks, a small mirror, a Clorox bleach pen and the basic toiletries: hairspray, deodorant, Advil, antacids, gum or mouthwash, hair powder (I love Shampowder and I use it and share it all the time at weddings: Buttercream Cosmetics), band-aids, chap-stick, and your makeup for re-touches.

Add in some feminine products if necessary, and a flask of whiskey (Just kidding. Kind of.) And Abracadabra! You have yourself a boy-scout-worthy emergency kit for your wedding day! And you did so much work on it…why not pass it off to a bridesmaid or friend that is getting married next? This is a great gift idea for couples, especially from a maid-of-honor or best man. Nothing says, “I’ve got your back!” like a hand-crafted emergency kit!

Happy Planning!

Christy

PS. I am personally obsessed with Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers. I have been for over a decade now. It’s a great addition to the kit because it is a chap-stick with a great red-ish tint to it and it is small and cheap. Love it! DP Obsessed.

Dainty Details - Perfect Endings

2011-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I have been in love with yellow for some time now. I was doing some research for a client this weekend, building color palettes and inspirations boards, and ran across this gorgeous cake. Loving the architectural lines, the art deco feel and the colors! The infamous Perfect Endings in Napa created this beautiful cake.

Of course, the oh-so talented Anna Kuperberg captured it's beauty, so how could you not fall in love with it for that reason alone? I can totally see the details of this wedding unfolding before me...great pops of yellow detail within the black and white...simply gorgeous.

xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Anna Kuperberg

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Florali

2011-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's no lie that I love me some Florali. Simply gorgeous flowers. Who wouldn't fall in love with these adorable glass milk bottles filled with gorgeous blooms...

Here are my favs for the week!

I can't get enough of these colors!
Ritzy Bee

A snow filled path (seriously stunning photos!!)
The Bride's Cafe

Congrats to a fab new site!
Inspired By This

Gorgeous pale green and gold, might be my new favorite colors!
100 Layer Cake

Loving these blues and greens
The Inspired Bride

xoxo
Trisha

Wedding Industry Love - Gay Weddings

2011-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

An Open Love Letter to my Brother...
With Love, Christy

My dream career is to plan weddings for gay couples. I am a certified wedding planner, have been working in San Francisco for over 3 years, and got married myself in 2009. My brother, Alex, stood as a groomsman while our vows were exchanged and I know one day, I will stand up for my brother as he recites his own vows with his husband.

Here’s the thing: My brother is awesome. To know him is to love him. He is brilliant, ambitious, handsome, hilarious and loyal. He is the best person in the world to people–watch with. His sense of humor is wicked and no one makes me laugh more…or laughs with and at me more, which is a true delight in my life. I think he might rule the world one day. Thing #2: He is gay. So in most of America, by law, he is not allowed by to get married and he is stared at if he so much as walks down the street holding hands with another man. Not to mention the myriad of civil liberties he is not afforded. I don’t want to rant about politics here, but you can see where I stand and where I am going with this. I love this man. He deserves to be happy the same way that everyone else does. While I continue to love planning straight weddings, I need to put out there that I also love the gay and lesbian community, I support gay MARRIAGE, and I would be living a personal dream if I were working for gay couples right there along with my beloved straight couples.

So…here is my mission for 2011: I will work tirelessly (and happily!) to create beautiful, personal events for my clients. I believe weddings are a heightened experience and we have so few of these elevated moments in our lives. I also believe everyone deserves to feel loved and supported as they make the monumental life decision to get married. I hope one day planning gay weddings will be as "normal" as planning straight weddings, especially out here in California. But that day is not now, and this year I want to learn how to reach out to the gay community, market to the gay community and better support them through my career as a wedding planner. I truly look up to Bernadette of 14 Stories, who has created the first gay wedding planning firm. She is an inspiration to me and to the wedding industry overall.

I don’t just want to stand up next to my brother when he gets married one day. I want to plan the wedding. I want to plan the wedding in a country that recognizes, accepts, and embraces love and marriage for all.

So catch up with me, America!**

**you know who you are

xoxo Christy

Photo source: Shaughn Photography

Dainty Details - A Snow Day 1st Birthday Party!

2011-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! It rained all weekend long, and I loved every minute of not feeling guilty and lounging around the house. I finally downloaded Em's 1st birthday party off my camera and made a little snow day inspiration board to share!

I had so much fun with this theme - we had a snowman that met you at the front door, painted snow resting on our window panes (let me tell you how fun spray snow is! I hit every window in the house and am a professional snow sprayer), mini snow flakes greeted you every which way, from the bathroom mirror to along the hall and falling from the chandelier.

The color palette we worked with was silver, navy blue, light blue and white. Favors for the little ones were light blue mittens wrapped in snowy paper and tied with snowman name tags. Older kids received snowman "take-out" boxes that had fun striped finger-less gloves hidden inside.

The cupcakes were by Glass Slipper Gourmet and were to die for. I personally ate 5, and no they weren't the small cupcakes. One of my clients hired them for their wedding and for me it was love at first bite. I was so excited Kelly was able to make these little cupcakes for Em's big day. Em is allergic to dairy so Kelly was amazing and made her a special angel food cake with non dairy frosting so she could partake in the fun.

The birthday girl rocked a sweet little navy sweater with embroidered snowflakes from Janie and Jack and the little snowflake hair clip was made by the mom of her BFF Callie Jo.

Have a fabulous week!
xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Trisha Dean

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Hello Peony!

2011-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

I mean, really!? Are you people seeing this color? This fabulous hot pink? This peony is stunning! And they are straight from the garden of Holly Heider Chapple. I would like a bouquet please, in my living room to gaze at...right now! So happy Flower Friday and go take a peek at Holly's blog. It is just full of gorgeousness!

The finds of the week:

In preparation for Valentine's Day

The Inspired Bride

Anthro's new wedding fun, coming soon

www.bhldn.com

Are you kidding me with these desserts??

The Knotty Bride

I'm a sucker for all things heart

Ritzy Bee

More hearts, fabulous pewter dresses and a stunning bouquet

Ruffled

Happy Weekend!!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: Genevieve Leiper

Dainty Details - And the Award Goes To...

2011-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

The mini calla lily! I am in love with this flower. When I was looking for flowers for my own bridal bouquet, I stumbled upon bunches of these at my Trader Joe's. It was love at first sight. They are extremely easy to work with and since I was making my own bouquet…the simpler, the better. With their long, slender stems, lack of thorns and leaves, colorful blooms and ombré-like quality…I knew I had found “the one”.

I love how architectural mini calla lilies are. They are the perfect combination of feminine and pretty, without being too frou-frou (yep, that’s an adjective in my world). This makes them great for bouquets because they stand straight, don’t have much of a fragrant quality, and you don’t have to worry about any pollen or stamen staining your dress (it’s pretty tucked in there). Plus, they are sturdy. Petals tend not to shed, and they don't easily wilt.

Here are some facts: Mini calla lilies come in white, lavender, purple, pink, red, peach, orange, yellow, green and can even be dyed. They are available year-round, don’t cost an arm and a leg, and last for about 4-8 days.

They even work for an elegant yet masculine boutonniere! The first photo is my Maid of Honor with flowers I purchased at Trader Joe's, the other photos are from a wedding I designed and planned in October of 2010. The bride wanted a very natural, lush and organic feel for her plum colored florals. I LOVE the effect of the berries and branches and I think the mini callas are simply stunning!

xoxo

Christy

Photo sources: Photo by Shaughn Crawford, Florals by Christy, Photo by Nicole Goddard with flowers by Anne Mendenhall, Photo by Trisha Dean flowers by Anne Mendenhall

Wedding Style - Mix and Match

2011-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

And...it's Monday again! Amazing how fast it goes. It was gorgeous here this weekend. All sun-shiny and warm. LOVED IT!

Wanted to share this fun thing that brides and bridesmaids have been doing for a while now, but saw this photo and LOVED it. The mixing and matching of dresses, styles and colors. I think we will see more and more of this in 2011. Loving the greens, seriously.

And this photo is from Heather P. Moore Photography, the gal we were raving about on Friday with those photos of the fab flowers from The Little Branch.

Ok, off you go! Have a good Monday, see you Wednesday with Christy's post!

xoxo

Trisha

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - The Little Branch

2011-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Friends! I could have sworn I smelled Spring in the air yesterday, and that the warm weather is slowly making it's way! I wanted to share a fab florist I found over on Once Wed. The Little Branch is the LA area and just has the sweetest little florals. The photos are by Heather P. Moore who does amazing work. Seriously people, check out her blog.

Okay, are the boutonnieres to die for or what!? So darn cute.

Here are my fav finds for the week!

Another barn, another long romantic sigh
100 Layer Cake

Down by the winter sea shore
Ritzy Bee

Love in Wine Country
The Inspired Bride

Stitches for you
Oh So Beautiful Paper

Who doesn't need a gorgeous bag?
Shop Holly Scott

Have a fab weekend!
xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Heather P. Moore Photography

Salutations!

2011-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Blog Universe! Allow me to introduce myself…my name is Christy Daly, I am a wedding coordinator living and working in San Francisco. I work as a consultant and planner for Trisha Dean (whom you must adore if you are reading this blog) and I am so excited to be a contributor to her blog and company!

Trisha and I met while getting our wedding planning certification from Cal State East Bay. I am happy to be part of Trisha’s team and my goal with blogging is to give readers a good idea of my aesthetic, my background and my personality. I find a lot of wedding blogs to be ‘fluffy’ and I’m not that kind of gal…I know my blog posts will be opinionated but informative, and I will draw from a lot of my personal experiences.

For example, I got married when I was 6 months pregnant. By then, I had already been working as a planner for another SF company. I planned my own wedding, complete with “Shotgun Wedding” DIY invitations, in about 7 weeks, with a budget of $10,000. In San Francisco. Labor Day Weekend. My background, education and experience made it all possible. I can honestly say that planning my own wedding, having the knowledge from working in the industry, and under the special circumstances I had at the time, have made me an incredibly well-rounded and confident planner for other people. I’m ready to take on the world with enthusiasm and experience! I absolutely believe that weddings are a heightened experience and I treat the planning and execution as such. I never forget that a person has so few times in their life when all their loved ones gather in one space to celebrate and support them. Weddings are rare and sentimental events in a person’s life and I love helping to create them for the couples I work with.

So…that’s a summary of me, I guess. I am excited about sharing with you through this blogging endeavor and I will “talk” to you soon!

xoxo

Christy

Photo source: Shaugn Photography

A Fabulous New Face

2011-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I know, I know. What can I say...first we had the holidays and then Emmie's first birthday and I will admit I am totally and completely behind! Excuses, excuses! But I do still have wonderful and new info to share. I will start by sharing the first and most exciting piece of news...and introduce to you the wonderful, the talented, the amazing...Christy!

Trisha Dean Events is THRILLED to welcome on another full time planner! Things are hopping over here and 2011 is looking like a fab year so I am beyond happy that Christy has officially decided to join my little company and help me grow. We've had fun dreaming up all of the wonderful ideas we have in store for you this year. She will be posting on the blog and sharing her witty sense of humor, her fab sense of style and her ridiculously helpful wedding tips with all you brides and grooms out there. You can learn all about her this Wednesday when her first post goes live!

Ok, I am off to download photos from Em's party and will post them soon so you all can see what fun we had with our snow themed birthday.

xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Misti Layne

A New and Improved Adore...

2011-01-04T00:21:00.000-08:00

...is on its way!

Welcome back! Our holidays were a blast and we hope yours were too! We have some fancy, exciting, spanking new changes over here at Adore! Of course I wanted to be able to launch into them on the first post of 2011, but as they say, change takes time, and we are still recovering from too much egg nog over here. :)

So keep your eyes peeled for new features, new faces and new fun. And slowly but surely a new look. In the meantime, here is a gorgeous image that I can't get enough of in attempt to hold you over. I found this on the lovely Elizabeth Anne Designs and it was taken by Marie Labbancz. The dress, the red soles, the brick path! Sigh. Love.

Happy New Year!

Photo source: Marie Labbancz via Elizabeth Anne Designs

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

It is the most wonderful time of the year! The radio has been tuned to KOIT 96.5 since November 18th, when I heard the first Christmas song of the season and has not been turned off once - I really do think the cats enjoy it when we are out and about!!

Most of the holiday to do list is done...I delivered some fun toys and much needed donations to The Bay Area Crisis Nursery and know they will go to good use, the house is decorated and ready to go, although I am debating adding more lights out front - the cool white LED lights just don't give off the holiday glow I am looking for.

The trees are done, yes, we have two this year! Emmie gets her very own little tree, because it is cool to have more than one tree, and it is her first Christmas! Oh alright, the real reason is I am super picky about my type of tree and particular about each year's theme. Crazy right?? This year's tree theme is snow and the tree is covered in silver, white and blues. I love glitter ornaments, especially old school ones, and always, always have white lights on my tree.

The thing I have yet to complete, ummmm, should I say start...is my Christmas shopping. It is so hard to find the perfect gift! I must let you in on a little secret though...one little gift I am giving my hubby and daughter this year is a mini vacay from blogging. So, this will be my last post of 2010, and I will resume the week of January 10th bright eyed and bushy tailed!!

Happy Holidays my friends and I will see you in the new year and I can't wait! I hope Santa brings you all that you dream of and more...

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source from an adorable new blog I found called Kate's Place.

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Kate Healey Flowers

2010-12-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! It's a bit rainy, but that won't dampen my spirits as I am headed to Carmel for a little R&R! Super excited! I plan on hitting up those outlets, a few wineries and then catch up on some reading in front of a roaring fire, hot cocoa by my side. So now that I have tortured you with visions of my perfect weekend, let me also say that I have barely touched my Christmas list - no shopping or wrapping has been done! So much to do!! Maybe those outlets will come through for me!

While we are there, we will also be revisiting the restaurant Casanova where my adorable hubby proposed! So excited to go back and take it all in! When we were there the first time, after he popped the question, I couldn't eat a thing I was so excited! Now I can't wait to go back and try it again and clean my plate!!

OK, enough ramblings about me. This week's flower Friday reminded me of some of the gorgeous and rich shades of purple that pop up in holiday decor. Purple is known as the color of royalty and it simply looks divine in this wedding.

The photography is from my fav, the amazing Sarah Yates, the flowers are by Kate Healey Flowers in Big Sur and the mixing and matching are simply stunning! The lovely cake is by Royal Bakery - so sweet and simple!

Here are some of the best of the blogs this week!

A cake in an unexpected place and a gorgeous shoot
Kiss the Groom & Nonpareil Magazine

The holidays are almost here!
Ritzy Bee

Dainty glass baubles
Postcards & Pretties

Gift wrapping party prettiness
The Sweetest Occasion

Mirrors and greenery = love!
Elizabeth Anne Designs

Dainty Details - Wedding Winter Wonderland

2010-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm in winter wedding mode. I'm torn between loving an all white wedding or a winter wedding with fun pops of color such as bright teals and yellows. Dreaming of soft faux fur shrugs and wedding snow boots (is there such a thing you ask? Of course!!) I've also really been into the perfect table setting using multiple textures and colors. Check out this nifty teal winter wedding shot from the talented Jessica Claire and Carissa of JL Designs...

And then I couldn't resist showing you these great ideas and images I found over on Once Wed...

And then speaking of winter wedding boots, I had to share this image from Thayer Allyson Gowdy found over on Martha Stewart Weddings - I also blogged about the entire wedding over on Bay Area Bride Guide today - you should check it out! But first peek at these warm boots and this sassy lil' shrug...
And the image over on the right - yup those are the guest favors - flasks for him and snug boots for her! Wish I had been invited!

Stay warm by the fireplace friends, I am excited to say that my little fam will be headed to Carmel for a few days this week at the stunning Bernardus for some pre-holiday R&R.
xoxo
Trisha

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - A Nashville Wedding

2010-12-10T01:21:00.000-08:00

Hi hi Hi! As your read this post, me, the hubs and baby girl are on a plane to the Happiest Place on Earth! I know our little one is a bit young but our whole extended family is going and it should be crazy and fun. Every year when I was little girl my Grandparents would take me to Disneyland (I am a bit of a spoiled brat right?!) and so this year when my Grandpa passed away, our family decided to honor him by heading down there for a fun trip. I'm excited and happy to go especially since it will be decorated for Christmas and oh my lovely readers, I am a
Christmas-aholic. I get serious about Christmas, but let's save that post for another time. I could ramble on and on about my decorating traditions for ever.

Flower Friday! Here is a gorgeous, GORGEOUS bouquet from Souder Photography, found on their blog but the wedding was also featured on Style Me Pretty (you should take a peek!) The sad thing is I have no clue who did the flowers! SMP didn't list anyone either. So, not knowing where to give credit, I simply share! Loving the softness and really loving the burlap and twine!

Here are some of my favs this week!

Are you kidding me with these adorable succulent Christmas trees?!
Somewhere Splendid

Let it snow, pretty white details
Ritzy Bee

I need a simple bunny hat for Emmaline stat!
Sugar B Baby

This couple took the plunge, seriously!
The Bridal Bar

I want this! And some chalk of course.
Design Sponge

Sweet Treats & Dainty Details - Black and White Wedding Cake

2010-12-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I rambled on and on in a recent post about my almost black and white wedding dress. Well, I have now found the perfect cake for the wedding theme that almost was! How gorgeous is this?! The lace detail is amazing! I think later this week I will be building an inspiration board around this baby! I can't wait! Keep your eyes open! ;)

Photo source: Real Simple.com

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Peaches and Greens

2010-12-03T00:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! It's a rainy day here in Nor Cal and this lovely photo I am about to share truly is a bright spot of happy color! I am loving all of the orchestrated chaos in these bouquets - succulents, grapes, garden roses! I'm seriously giddy about the color combos too! The fabulous Holly Heider Chapple created these lovelies and Kristen Gardner captured their beauty. I found this image over on the Southern Weddings blog and although they had a rough day today with their new site launch, I know it will be simple AMAZING when it does get up and going - so an early congrats to the rad gals over there at Southern Weddings on all their exciting new things!

Here are this weeks must see posts!

Pretty soft colors for a romantic inspiration board!

The Inspired Bride

A little holiday cheer!

Twig & Thistle

I'm a sucker for a wrap around porch and a snakeskin belt

Magnolia Rouge

Excuse me, but the back of this wedding dress is a MUST SEE!

Alchemy Fine Events

Thank goodness for this fab little gift guide for all your holiday shopping needs!

Design Sponge

Happy happy weekend!

xoxo

Trisha

Real Wedding - Elliston Vineyards - Evonne and Chris

2010-11-29T19:47:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving and stuffed yourselves silly! We went up to wine country to visit with family and had a wonderful time.

Today, I am so excited to share with you a Real Wedding! Evonne and Chris got married at Elliston Vineyards in the gorgeous Livermore Wine Country. This wedding was featured over on The Inspired Bride last Wednesday (which just happened to be my hubby's birthday - must be good luck!!) Here are a few more great photos from the amazing Gabriel Harber but please head on over to The Inspired Bride to read the full story! Just a little note, one my favorite thing about this wedding were the yummy peanut butter and jelly cupcakes by Marisa Cakes. I was a bit apprehensive at first - PB&J in a cupcake but they were seriously delish.

Enjoy!

Photography by Gabriel Harber, Florals by Mary at Out of the Weeds

Dainty Details - Ice Blue Inspiration Board

2010-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Winter is here! A chill is in the air, twinkle lights are going up around the neighborhood and the holidays are getting closer. The season introduces a whole new element of detail to a winter themed wedding. So many fun colors to play with - dark rich reds, pine colored greens, and what about cool ice blue? Adding a sweet sophistication to baby blue is a fern green color. Boxwood wreaths, blue foil wrapped chocolate hearts, dainty swirls that mimic a snowy gust - I am loving this cool icy blue inspiration board that I pulled together!
Photo sources: Clockwise from top left: Missy Photography via The Wedding Chicks, Cake found via WeddingPaperDivas.com, Bella Pop Photogrpahy, Bella Figura, Wedding Favors with Luv, Martha Stewart Weddings, Country Living.com

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Pretty Purples and Rosemary

2010-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Rainy Friday! A cold front and thunderstorms are headed this way, so grab the hot coco and marshmallows friends it will be wet this weekend!

To brighten this rainy day I wanted to share this lovely lil' bouquet made by the bride's friend's mom! Crazy town! How gorgeous?! I found this wedding over on Magnolia Rouge and was smitten. You should click over and check out this bride's wedding dress - not only was it super pretty it was totally break away to an adorable cocktail dress...click over for more fun details on how she tricked her new hubby with it during the garter toss!

Here are my favs this week!

Think pink! A stunning pink wedding dress + beautiful hot pink bouquet = LOVE
The Inspired Bride

LOVING every single thing on this post - the dress, the font, the bouquet, the giant teacup!

Wiley Valentine

The most adorable short dress and some pups

Postcards and Pretties

Millions of peaches - pretty peaches

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Pretty Turkey Day Centerpiece Ideas

Design*Sponge

Stay dry lovies! Chat with you next week!

xoxo

Trisha

Dainty Details - Design your own wedding shoes!

2010-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Monday Monday...still recovering from the worst cold ever and getting better every day! Now, my poor husband has it! I can finally almost talk today! Whoo hoo!

I wanted to share this nifty site that my momma showed me...Milk and Honey Shoes where you can simply design the perfect shoe! Think of the possibilities! Every bridesmaid could have a similar shoe in color and material but just in a different style! High heels, low heels, sparkles, straps, really it is whatever you dream the perfect shoe to be!

Two sisters, who adore shoes, came up with this amazing concept so if you have yet to find that dream shoe for your big event, start designing. They also have a lovely selection of ready to wear shoes that are simply fab.

Here are the sweet little pair that I designed for me. I am looking for the perfect gray suede T-strap and then I just couldn't help myself and had to add a little glitter to the toe. LOVE!

Head on over, check them out and just for fun whip up a shoe or two!

Happy almost Shoesday!

xoxo

Trisha

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Michael Daigian Designs - SF Floral Designer

2010-11-12T22:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Friends! Things have been a bit crazy over here in my world. So please forgive the spotty posts these past two weeks. My little girl has an ear and eye infection, and I then I caught a nasty cold that made me lose my voice - now that was entertaining! It is finally back today, a little froggy but back in action.

Last week I was invited to visit my new friends at Michael Daigian Design and check out their pretty SF studio. I was treated to a lovely tour, yummy cookies and received a sweet little yellow orchid that I adore and am doing everything to keep alive (my past history with plants is a bit scary).

That said, I wanted to share this gorgeous dark bridal bouquet they designed. Loving how dramatic this is and how it would just look stunning at a black and white wedding.

On to my fav finds for the week!

A wooden wedding
My nifty weekly post for The Inspired Bride

This dapper and dandy dinner party is adorable! Check out the tie escort card display!
Alchemy Fine Events

A sweet circus birthday party
The Sweetest Occasion

Seriously incredible calligraphy
Twig & Thistle

Adorable fall fondant toppers!
Somewhere Splendid

See you all next week!
xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Michael Daigian Design (blog)

Wedding Decor - Bee Mine - Bee Details

2010-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

I do love the little bumble bee. Stingers aside, they are just so darn cute! My family threw me the most adorable bee themed baby shower with last summer. I was way impressed. I came across this cake from Maggie Austen Cake and was immediately smitten. LOVE!

I also squealed a bit when I found a whole inspiration board dedicated to the bee over on Snippet & Ink. Reminds me of a warm summer day. Good stuff!

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: www.maggieaustencake.com and snippetandink.com

Wedding Decor - Lovely Location - Rustic and Romance

2010-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all handling your candy hangovers with dignity and grace. I want to share a gorgeous photo to kick off your November.

Location, location, location! Loving this romantic and rustic reception room. Very barn like and you know how I love those darn barns. The colors of the room are reflected across everything and then fun pops of green and it all works. The ribbons, the fireplace, the hay bales and the lanterns - really good stuff. Check out those table legs - the fun reverse situation?!

Photo source: Amy Osaba for Southern Weddings Magazine found via Going to the Chapel

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Grapes + Flowers - Branford Flower Shop

2010-10-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Are you just so glad it is Friday? I sure am! It is World Series Madness out here in the SF Bay - everyone, and I mean everyone is walking around in head to toe orange and black and more people than not - men and women combined - are walking around sporting large black beards. I was in Fiddler on the Roof way back in my high school days and I am having flashbacks of the L'chaim song and dance number with all these beards walking around!

So the Giants and Fiddler on the Roof couldn't be further from the Flower Friday gorgeousness that I want to share. I found this AMAZING bouquet over on the lovely blog Sparkle and Hay.

Branford Flower Shop is located in Branford, Connecticut and they did this jaw dropping beauty.

I mean, come on, there are GRAPES in there! Grapes! And look how amazing they look! Love it. The colors, the textures - love love love it!

Here are my fav finds from this week! Think good thoughts for the Giants and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Loving this new blog I found with TONS of super cute DIY paper printables

Paper and Cake

In the spirit of Halloween a lovely inspiration board that keeps it pretty

Magnolia Rouge

I love me some coffee - how about you?

The Inspired Bride

Very cool things out of unexpected everyday items

Alchemy Fine Events

Tablescape Love

Somewhere Splendid

xoxo

Trisha

Sweet Treats - Gorgeous Wedding Cakes

2010-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

I can't put into words how perfect I think the cakes from The Sweet and Saucy Shop are. Melody and her team do an amazing job on creating the most beautiful cakes ever - the details, the colors, such fun! Here are two new ones I found over on her lovely blog. These two cakes take the meaning of detail to a whole other level! How amazing is the floral work on this baby?

For our next cake, I have a little ditty to share...when I was getting married waaaay back in 2004, I fell in love with an ivory gown that had a cathedral length train. The whole bottom of dress and train was embroidered in a black floral pattern that then repeated along the strapless top. (I know what you're thinking - you're thinking it sounds scary - it wasn't I promise, think Halle Berry Oscar dress with a long train). I LOVED this dress. Lots. My mom and I brainstormed about what fun we could have with a black and white wedding...the trouble was my venue was outdoors practically in a vineyard. Since the dress and the venue were pretty much polar opposites, I said goodbye to my black and white dreams. I eventually found THE dress, but a little part of me still wants to have a black and white wedding (now to tie it back to the cake) and below would be my perfect cake!!

Enough of my rambling on and on - enjoy the rest of your Wednesday!
xoxo
Trisha

Wedding Decor - Dainty Details - Mini Wedding Cakes and Lacy Birds

2010-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Over on the fabulous blog of the lovely Amy Atlas, she featured an amazing pick up truck dessert bar. I loved the whole idea, but my little eye spied these ADORABLE mini wedding cakes on sticks. How super sweet are they?! I personally think they are really homemade marshmallows with a bit of icing but you never know with these crazy desserts - they really could be mini cakes that some baker perfected some how! I think this idea is simply fantastic and know it can be used a million ways as a decoration detail.

My other fun find was over on Shop Friend.com. These lacy bird cut outs are just the bestest. I can see them perched on the top of a wedding cake, or even hidden among flowers as centerpieces, maybe even somehow highlighting table numbers. Really, the possibilities are endless with these cuties.

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo sources: Jeanna Hayes via Amy Atlas Events and I Wanna Be via ShopFriend.blogspot.com

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Anne Mendenhall - East Bay Florist

2010-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with the amazing Anne Mendenhall of Anne Mendenhall Flowers and wanted to share the amazing work she does on this lovely Flower Friday! Unfortunately you will have to wait for the talented photographer Nicole Goddard to see what magic she and Anne both worked last weekend since my personal photos came out not so fab.

In the meantime, here are some quick snap shots of my favs from Anne's site!

And here are my favs for the week!

These shoes need to be mine now - the pink pair AND the silver pair.

The Knotty Bride

Wine barrel wedding decor love

The Inspired Bride

In love with this Real Wedding

Sparkle & Hay

Moss Frames? Ingenious!!!

Ruffled

Mix and Match = Super Pretty

Engaged & Inspired

Wedding Decor - Backyard Wedding

2010-10-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

I am sorry friends! I had SO much trouble with Blogger today! No matter how I tried to sneak attack it - it would not let me upload photos! So finally, here we are. I just wanted to do a quickie post today. I love me a good outdoor party and this image made me want to throw one immediately! I loved so much about it! The wooden tables and chairs and benches, the piazza lights (I love to call them that and can get it away with it because I am Italian right?) and the colors! Loving the red flowers in the sweet tin. The gorgeous trees and open space! This whole image is made up from simple elements yet when all pulled together it looks amazing and elegant! Happy Wednesday!

Photo source: Max Wagner via Green Wedding Shoes

Wedding Industry Love: Engage '10 Recap

2010-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

I won't lie, I have been avoiding the writing of this post like the plague! It's just, I am afraid that what I want to say about my Engage!10 experience isn't easily described with words. Silly, I know, but so true. Engage'10 was the most amazing wedding industry conference I have ever attended. From the moment my cab pulled up to the stunning Breakers Hotel I was in awe.

Coming from the west coast it took me three flights and four airports to get to Palm Beach and yet for someone who is not the biggest fan of flying, I was thrilled to be attending this conference. I have been having some medical issues lately, and then when my grandpa passed away the Sunday before I was to leave, I thought about reaching out to Rebecca and Kathryn (their company Engaging Concepts created the Engage conferences) and seeing if I could postpone. My hubby and I chatted and realized that this trip might just be the R&R that the doctor ordered - away from the hum drum of every day, in beautiful sunny Palm Beach and focusing on my passion - weddings!

So once I pulled up to that gorgeous hotel and met some lovely friends in the bar, all was right in the world (maybe it was the amazing glass of chardonnay that was in my hand 5 seconds after exiting the cab or maybe it was the company I was surrounded by Harmony, Daniela, Paula, Alex and Lara you were a fantastic welcome wagon after a long day of travel!)

The next few days were a whirlwind of meeting wedding royalty, as well as the industry's up and comers, and then people like me, newbies trying to make a name for themselves in this fabulous industry. Every person I met, no matter what "level" they were at, was a kind and genuine person who seemed truly happy to meet me and chat. There were times I wanted to pinch myself (dinner with Marcy Blum, hanging bar side with Randy Fenoli, meeting Carley Rooney and Carol Poon, dancing up a storm with Tara Guérard and Todd Fiscus, photobooth fun with Bryan Rafanelli, chatting beachside with Lara Casey, discussing photography with Amy Atlas, I mean COME ON - SO darn cool!!)

I had two wonderful roomies, the fabulous Amy Nichols and the incredible Daniela Ferdico Faget. These two ladies were so much fun to be around and bounce ideas off of whether it was wedding related or simply what shoes look best with which dress. I know we had a blast on the dance floor late night and we took good care of each other making sure we all had heavily caffeinated morning lattes -- the three of us were damn good roommates!

A quick side note about The Breakers, the service at this hotel was AH-MAZING. Seriously. Unreal. It was almost as if, before I could think about needing it, these people made it happen. It was an incredible environment to be able to learn and play in.

I won't go on and on about all of the fabulous events and mind blowing surprises that Rebecca, Kathryn and The Breakers team created for us (the video can also show you a bit about that), but it was an experience of a lifetime, and at times allowed me look at event design and planning in completely new ways. The speakers were inspiring and fascinating - I could listen to Liene Stevens from Splendid Communications for hours....and David Beahm had tears glistening in the corners of my eyes...Tara Guérard and Liz Banfield had me giggling with bloody mary in hand while chatting about photography - the whole thing was such an unreal experience.

I have to give a ridiculously large shout out to two amazing people who demanded I go to Engage - Harmony and Ali, you are the best! Thank you for welcoming me into your worlds with open arms, lots of laughter and for letting me be your sidekick while I learned the ropes (and continue to do so!) It is talented, genuine people like the two of you that makes the wedding industry an incredible place to be.

And to all of the new friends I met, I can't wait to watch how our friendships unfold over time and how we will continue to inspire and support each other.

Seriously, this conference rocks. I know this was not the most eloquent and entertaining post I have written (and I use about a bajillion adjectives over and over) but just know that it was straight from the heart. Thank you Rebecca and Kathryn for an unforgettable experience. My goal is to contribute to your amazing conference in the future, some how, some way and I can't wait to experience my next Engage!

Take a peek at the awesome videos from Cloud Nine Creative that give you a little glimpse into my fun filled experience...

Engage 10 {Day One} from Cloud Nine Creative on Vimeo.

Engage '10 {Day 2 + 3} from Cloud Nine Creative on Vimeo.

xoxo

Trisha

Photo sources: Amy Atlas, J Sandifer from Live Books (and also from Portland, Maine, not Portland Main), and Bruce Patterson of Cloud Nine Creative.

Fav Finds + Flower Friday - Bellissima Floral Creations - Tahoe Floral Designer

2010-10-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! I have the most gorgeous flowers to share with you! Sara of Bellissima Floral Creations was the amazing designer behind these jaw dropping bouquets! Her and her team are an absolute dream to work with and seriously her floral designs could not be any more stunning!

The photos above were taken by another amazing Tahoe vendor - Annie X Photographie. She is also a blast to work with and her photos are beautiful. She captures the sweetest moments.

Here are some of my fav finds from the blog world this week!

Just like Janie, I heart these too!
The Bride's Cafe

Cupcakes + Hearts = Adorable yummy-ness
Elizabeth Anne Designs

A gorgeous wedding in a sweet red barn
Green Wedding Shoes

Tablescape Love by Me
The Inspired Bride

Hello black and white - beautiful! This invitation may out do them all!
Oh So Beautiful Paper

Photos source: Annie X Photographie

Pretty in Purple

2010-10-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I contribute to a few blogs, one of which is the fabulous Bay Area Bride Guide every Tuesday. And this last Tuesday I created a gorgeous purple inspiration board that I wanted to share with you - so here is my post from BABG!

.....

I have been loving all of the purple wedding details I have been seeing lately in the wedding world, so I thought I would pull together a pretty little inspiration board for you. The one image that inspired it all was the top left photo of the bride with the stunning bouquet. How amazing is that photo?! The bouquet is from the incredibly talented Natalie Bowen of Natalie Bowen Designs and the image is by the fabulous Joel Flory of Flory Photo. Taking that one image as my lead, I then went searching for images with a romantic yet modern and clean vibe in purple and and lavender hues. Enjoy!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source clockwise from top left: 1) Flory Photo via Natalie Bowen Designs, 2) Photographer unknown via www.Idoinspiration.blogspot.com 3) East Six Invitation via Style Me Pretty, 4) Susan Stripling via Green Wedding Shoes, 5) Natalie Norton Photography via Green Wedding Shoes, 6) Photographer unknown via www.ComfortandLuxury.Blogspot.com

Brides!! A Fab New Search Tool!

2010-10-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Party People! I am switching things up a bit this week and posting Tuesday instead of Monday, I know I know, crazy but I thought I'd give it a whirl. I wanted to introduce you to this nifty list that I am loving, and it's not just any list, it's a list that will seriously help brides search out and organize their favorite wedding vendors. Allison from the fab little blog Engaged & Inspired created this tool with it with her tech guru fiance Ian, and I must say they made a rad little site.

The Inspired List is an awesome source list for all things wedding. You will find amazing vendors listed here in a different and, in my opinion, better way. It focuses on simplifying the search process for brides - they can search by budget, location and service and compare vendors. The site is super clean, easy navigate and pretty all at the same time.

I actually got pleasantly lost on it last night looking at all of my amazing competition out there! ;) They Bay Area has some great vendors listed! So if you are searching for the perfect florist or event designer - take a peek!

xoxo

Trisha

Fav Finds + Flower Friday: Peony and Plum

2010-10-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!! While we are out and about this weekend - we wanted to share with you some pretty florals from Peony and Plum.

How gorgeous are the deep purples and reds?

Here are our favs for the week:

Tie me up

The Inspired Bride

Twinkle twinkle

The Sweetest Occasion

Just a lovely photo

Kiss the Groom

A stunning engagement ring

Head vs Heart

Dish love

Alchemy Fine Events

Have a wonderful weekend - some of you may even have Monday off - if so enjoy the loooooong weekend!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo sources: Stephanie Williams Photography, John Martorano Photography

Photo Love - Tahoe Wedding Photographer

2010-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi gang! I just had the opportunity to meet the amazing and talented Annie X! I am loving this sweet shot she took!

Click through to her blog to see even more fabulous-ness. Happy Wednesday!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: Annie X Photography

Dainty Details - Wedding Accessories - Pearl Necklaces

2010-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am loving multi-strand pearl necklaces on brides lately. Especially ones that have a huge stunning sparkly brooch on one side. The chunkier and bolder the necklace is, the more I am loving it. To me, the necklace you wear on your wedding day is a huge personal statement. Sometimes it is a family heirloom, sometimes it is a gift from your husband to be, but it is always a personal reflection of you. How great are some of these below? This bride in the first photo actually made her necklace. Loving the different sizes and colors of the pearls.

Here are some pretty ones I found out and about.

The changing lengths, the ribbons, and the different sizes of pearls on the same strand are all so darn pretty I'm not sure which is my fav! How cool is this last one - so unique! It feels very elegant and Audrey Hepburn-esque to me!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo sources: Style Me Pretty, Etsy: Treasures 570, Bella Lu and Me, Ribbons Galore, Jurgita's handmade, and Dutch Pearls

Fav Finds + Flower Friday: Bird of Paradise

2010-10-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

Since I've got Grandpa and Grandma on the brain I thought I'd share my Grandma's favorite flower, the bird of paradise. I remember as a little girl walking into her backyard which was filled with them. I did a quick search to see how they could be used in weddings and I really didn't find much. I think brides are a bit afraid of it's boldness. It is also a fairly large flower and stalk.
I thought the bouquet below was pretty cool...

Here are some of my fav finds from the week!

A shameless plug for my Berry Beautiful inspiration board
The Inspired Bride

I LOVE the holidays and love that people have started thinking about them!!
The Sweetest Occasion

Adoring these black envelopes

Twig & Thistle

How much fun does this look?

Green Wedding Shoes

Who wants pie??

Ritzy Bee

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: The Bubbly Bride

Love and Memories

2010-09-29T01:24:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

I have a bit of a different post today - one that is a little more personal. Instead of the fun wedding details, I wanted to focus on the love part that gets us to the wedding that leads to the fun wedding details.

My Grandpa passed away this past weekend. My Grandma passed away a few years back, and I know he is incredibly happy to be with her again. They were married for 64 years, had three children and a sweet little home in San Bruno, California.

My Grandpa served in World War II and was one of the first troops to land in Normandy on D Day. He spoke 7 different languages - was fluent in Italian, and made enough money winning poker games during the war that my Grandma was able to purchase and furnish a home on the winnings he sent back to her. How cool is that?! My Grandparents loved Disneyland and my sister and I were spoiled with summer trips and wonderful memories of being in the happiest place on earth. They were the best!

In my little post today, I wanted to remind us that love is timeless and sacred. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, love will get us through. It amazes me that this feeling on which we build a life with someone has the ability to create such an impact in our day to day lives - and I wouldn't have it any other way! I am such a romantic and to me, a wedding is a moment in time with family and friends where love is celebrated.

Ok, enough sappy stuff. Go hug and kiss your loved ones, live in the moment, and be happy. Here is Grandma and Grandpa - Bob and Bernice - not sure of the date, but thrilled to have found the photo.

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: Author's personal collection

Wedding Decor - The Art of the Frame

2010-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the simplest things can create huge impact. The wooden frame - simple or ornate - can be a fun element to add to wedding decor, especially since there are so many different ways to use it. It can have a purpose or it can be purely decorative but I am loving all the fun ideas below.

How great are the different color frames in this photo booth? The pops of color against the pretty patterned background are fab.

Then there is the framed menu, adding a bit of elegant decor to you table or reception entrance like the photo below.

And this incredibly romantic ceremony backdrop with the framed mirror, sweeping drapery and chandelier - how gorgeous is this?!

Using frames for table numbers has been a sweet detail for some time now, but I am loving the very french feel to the one below.

This next idea is the coolest frame decor idea I have come across yet! This couple used the frame and fun circles as their guest book AND ceremony backdrop. Each guest wrote a love note on a circle and then the bride and groom wed in front of it. LOVE!

Another great way to display seating - here is a fun alternative to a chart, a pretty list of names on doilies in a lovely wooden frame.

And this last one is pure genius. And the woman behind that genius - none other than Ms. Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events. How incredible is this photo booth backdrop with the wallpaper and family photo montage?! I love how the bride and groom poke all the way through for a sweet kiss.

Are you using frames in your wedding decor? How? Share? I wanna know!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo sources: 1 + 2 Shona Henderson via summerpicnicewedding.blogspot.com, 3 Trisha Dean's personal collection, 4 Boucher Photography via Style Me Pretty, 5 West Park Photography via Style Me Pretty, 6 + 7 Matt Brooke via Green Wedding Shoes, 8 Studio Castillero via Green Wedding Shoes, 9+10 Sasha Souza Event Design with photography by Elizabeth Messina

Fav Finds + Flower Friday: Pretty Pops of Color

2010-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! We are off at a weddin' but don't fret! We have flowers to share! I think this bouquet is pretty darn all over the place but then again it's not. Loving the bright colors and the contrasting textures. Mark Goins at Flower Art created this lovely bouquet and it was featured in an adorable wedding over on 100 Layer Cake.

As for some fun around the web this week, here goes...

Turquoise heels on a gorgeous yellow chair

Elizabeth Anne Designs

I want this table in my backyard stat

The Sweetest Occasion

Oak trees, red shoes, and really the most amazing wedding I've seen in a long time

Style Me Pretty

Fun food details

Ritzy Bee

Sophisticated Rustic

The Inspired Bride

Happy Weekend everyone!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: Max Wagner

Real Engagement Session - Erin & Chris

2010-09-22T00:10:00.000-07:00

Hi All! I am so excited I can FINALLY share the fab breakfast engagement session that I styled with the amazing Meg Sexton! It posted yesterday over on The Inspired Bride, please jump over there and take a peek!

Just a few photos to get you excited! ;)

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: Meg Sexton Photography

Moment in Time - Bay Area Wedding Photographer

2010-09-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

They say, a picture is worth a thousand words - but when I saw this photo by Matthew May Photography - I was speechless. I love that he was able to capture so much sweetness in a moment on a city street. And that dress, how incredible is that dress! I want to put it on and dance in it for hours! This couple shared a gorgeous wedding with the help of the amazingly talented Kathyrn of Dream a Little Dream Events. Please check out more photos on Matthew May's blog here!

As for us, we are catching up from an fabulous wedding weekend and getting ready to launch into our next one up in Tahoe!

Happy Monday!
xoxo
Trisha

Fav Finds + Flower Friday: Cool Crisp White

2010-09-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

I know I have blogged about Florali on Flower Friday before but I have to do it again today because man, oh man, this place understands flowers! The photos that are on the Florali Journal are just stunning. I want them matted and framed and hung in my house please!

I was feeling a bit cool and chilly today - like Winter was not so very far away and this lovely centerpiece and bouquet jumped out at me. I love the soft textures with the firm cool greens of the succulents. And how fantastic are the photos?? LOVE.

Here are some favs from the week. We are off to a hang with a very cool bride and groom this weekend and we can't wait to see how their amazing wedding unfolds on Saturday!

Can't get enough of this photos - to die for!

Kiss the Groom

Love being the Teacher's Pet

Engaged and Inspired

Little letterpress owls

Twig and Thistle

An espresso cinnamon mushroom truffle??

Shop Friends

Sunset wedding kisses in a sweet yellow boat

Postcards and Pretties

xoxo

Trisha

Dainty Details - Flip-Flop Fun - Beach Wedding

2010-09-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

As the leaves start to change color and summer drifts into fall, I sit here feeling a bit sad that we only got a handful of the super hot days I am used to out here in the East Bay. So I thought I would cling on to summer as long as I could and post another fun find about a sweet sandy detail for beach weddings.

I don't know about you, but when I see a wet sandy shore, where the ocean has just washed up on it, I want to run to it and immediately carve my initials in it as big as possible, and of course surrounded them by a fat heart.

This idea I am about to share is borrowed from an adorable couple who recently got married at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. These two provided all of their guests sandals (or as I prefer to call them flip-flops) to wear to the ceremony. Each pair had the bride's initial on one side and the groom's initial on the other so as guests walked across the sand, the newlyweds were commemorated in style wherever they went. How cool is that?!

Other fun flip-flops I have seen also write Just Married in the sand, but I personally think the initials are super darn cute.

Happy Wednesday!
xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: The Image is Found Photography via WeddingBeePRO

The Perfect Chocolate Brown - Wedding Dress Sash Love

2010-09-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

What happened to Sunday Funday?! I had a blah Sunday. Don't fault me for not trying, oh I did. I made an effort to clean, and when that didn't work, I then went to relax in the sun, and then when THAT didn't work, I gave up and went shopping. And still found nothing. I am searching for that perfect black dress that we all long for - the one you can dress up and down and wear on any occasion and feel amazing.

So of course, now you are scrolling down to see which stunning little black dress I am coveting that I found over the net. Well, I haven't seen a thing! So friends, if you have any good leads for me, PUH-LEASE send them my way.

Instead, to try and put some happiness back in my day, I hit up some of my favorite blogs...

For those of you who have been following for a while you know how madly in love I am with Sarah Yates and her photos. In the attempt to turn my day around, I found her lovely post (and then even more over on 100 Layer Cake) and something about this bride's dress just struck a cord with me.

The brown sash did it - the color - the perfect rich chocolate - just made my day.

Love the naked wood tables and simple runner, the white peaches, golden nectarines, and the pretty pastels of the floral decor. So gorgeous!

I'm hoping when you read this on Monday that your day is going fantastic and the little brown sash makes you smile too!

xoxo

Trisha

Fav Finds + Flower Friday: The Gerbera Daisy

2010-09-10T00:34:00.000-07:00

So, I will share a dirty little secret with you. I am not a huge fan of the gerbera daisy. I actually think carnations are cooler and more fun to work with than gerberas. Don't get me wrong, gerberas are fun and happy flowers - perfect flowers for a "Get Well Soon" bouquet, or a "Happy New Baby" arrangement, but not wedding flowers!

Well, I think I may be eating my words because today I uncovered a gorgeous gerbera daisy, yes I said gorgeous, centerpiece on Details Boston! I was so pleasantly surprised. Now don't get me wrong, part of me feels this centerpiece is perfect for a day wedding (or bridal shower!!), but it is a super fun option!

Details Boston has a great little site so if you are in the Boston area check them out!

Have you guys found any great gerbera floral decor that I just need to see to be proved wrong again? Share the links in the comments below!

Just a friendly reminder that Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back at Starbucks and you know what that means...Summer is sadly coming to and end and the Holidays are around the corner. I get so giddy when the Peppermint Mocha comes back! EeeeeEEEeeee!

Ok here are my fav finds from the web this week!

Tooting my own horn again, but these antler and snake skin tablescapes are SO COOL!

The Inspired Bride (written by me)

Loving the sparkly shoes, flowing dress and fresh gardenia hairpiece in this real wedding

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Again the heart gets me! Check out the sweet heart shades in the engagement session

Green Wedding Shoes

DIY to Die For Cute Shoes!?!?

Bonafide Bride

Back to school adorableness wedding style

The Ritzy Bee

Happy happy Friday!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: Unknown via Details Boston

Sneak Peek - Real Wedding - Elliston Vineyards

2010-09-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day! Hope you are all out enjoying the day wherever you are! We are frolicking around the Bay, and excited for our 2nd annual neighborhood Labor Day ice cream social tonight.

In the meantime, hold tight, I am sharing a sneak peek of our Elliston Wedding from a few weeks back. The amazing Gabriel Harber took photos of the lovely Evonne and Chris. Such an adorable couple. So many more fab photos to come but in the meantime, here is the ceremony at Elliston Vineyards.

How great are those purple dresses? So much color in this wedding! More coming soon...
Happy day off!
xoxo
Trisha

Fav Finds + Flower Friday: Flourish

2010-09-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

I am back in action! Thank GOODNESS! I missed you all! I did have a few lost files but I was thankfully able to restore most of my little MacBook - hip hip hooray for Time Machine!! Thank you all for hanging in there with me!

The vacay was fantastic! The Mai Tais were so yummy, the beaches so amazing, the cabana boys so adorable! I loved every moment of it! But now, back to business as usual...

This Flower Friday I bring you the incredible, the wonderful, the hilarious Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas of Flourish. I was fortunate to spend some time with Shannon during The Simple Plan SF and she is not only a blast to chat with but you could really feel her passion for floral design. I personally am in love with a specific bouquet she designed with the lovely Kate Miller of Kate Miller Events for a fabulously whimsical Alice in Wonderland photoshoot.

How amazing are the details in the brooches on this baby!? Love the mixing in of the fresh flowers as well! You need to check out the gallery on her site, in my mind she truly understands how to use textures to create jaw dropping flower gorgeousness.

I am in love with vines peeping out of bouquets, and loving the gold twine wrapped around these centerpieces!

Ok, here are some of my loves from the web this week!

I am a sucker for hearts - all shapes and sizes!

The Knotty Bride

A drop dead gorgeous teal wedding gown

Elizabeth Ann Designs

Apple cupcake adorableness!

Head vs Heart

Super cute ring bowls and dishes

The Inspired Bride

(written by yours truly!!!)

Unicorn shoe beauty

Postcards and Pretties

Enjoy and Happy Labor Day!! See you all on Monday!

xoxo

Trisha

Photo source: Brooch bouquet: Sarah Maren, other images: www.flourish.com

Back on the Mainland

2010-08-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

Aloha!
Remember the technical difficulties I had when I started my vacation? Well, they are back - with a vengeance! The nifty trick I tried so that I could access my computer remotely didn't work AND now it seems to have completely wiped my hard drive. I will be at the Genius Bar tomorrow at 4:15pm praying they can save my baby. Wish me luck! Until then I will only have my trusty iPad for internet access and sad but true probably no post until late tomorrow...in the meantime, think good thoughts for me!
xoxo
Trisha

Dainty Details - Hawaiian Wedding - Floral Chandelier

2010-08-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's our last day here! I wanted to share one final piece of stunning decor before we hop on the plane home.

How stunning is this setting!?! This was created for a couple that chose to elope in Hawaii and thier was their sweetheart table for dinner after the ceremony. The flowers and decor were by th iamazing Flower Girls in Hawaii.

Hope you all have a great week and I will chat with you on Wednesday when I am back on the mainland! :)
xoxo
Trisha

Photo source: Chrissy Lambert Photography