Sofia The First Party Inspiration

I'm back and I'm feeling better (thanks for all the love).  Goodness, I've missed you guys!

 

Today, I’m sharing a very sweet event scheduled for early May.  Remember Tony and Jasmine’s Guess Hoo baby shower (here)?

Just a pic of the cute shower cake 

 

Well, their sweet princess, Lea, is turning one on May 4, 2014.  Yes, this doll-sized toddler is turning one:

10 months old and still the same size as Munch's baby doll (wearing 3 month clothing)

 

 9 months old (on Valentine's Day)

 

In an effort to keep with the woodland animal theme, Jasmine’s planning the perfect princess party.

One of Those Weeks

Hey, Islanders!

 

Long time no see... It's been one of those weeks for me - ocular migraines,  sleep-deprivation, stressed at work, studying for Munch's China test, preparation for a busy weekend at church... it's just a lot.

 

I've had client meetings for all of last week's inspiration and I'm glad they are all excited.  I'm just tired... I need to rest... I'm going to return with updates soon but right now?

 

Source

 

I'm going to finish prepping for my guest speaking gig at the youth lock-in tonight, the rustic wedding floral consultation/meeting tomorrow morning and the VERY important meeting I have with mounds of laundry some time in between, lol.

 

I hope your weekend is productive!

 

Head Over Heels Bridal Shower

Happy cheerful-yet-totally-RANDOM Thursday, Islanders.

 

Yes, you detect correctly, I'm in a sorta-kinda mood.

So many people think the life of an event planner is all fun and glitter.  They think it's easy.  You know, like it's not work.  I love what I do... I really really do but...

I've got news for you.

 

 

Event Planning is HARD!

 

Don't get me wrong, the task of planning an event comes natural for me.  The challenge is translating the encrypted messages clients send in emails and conversations. I have to somehow read minds, determine personal styles and find ways to make every event  a direct reflection of my clients and especially memorable for their guests.  I have to be a therapist, a sounding board, a chauffer, a slave, a pit bull, a Michael's employee, a walking... living... breathing... Pinterest.  If they imagine it, I have to be able to make it... for as-close-to-free as possible.  Thanks.

Again, I love what I do. I love the challenges of each event as they keep the job interesting.  It doesn't, however, change that sometimes, in my mind, I want more for an event than some of my clients.  I care more about details than my clients.  I am willing to do more for an event than clients may be willing to invest.  I've spoken to other event planners about this struggle and... well, believe me, it's real.

 

In the case of our next event in the party inspiration series, the hearts and high heels bridal shower, I was struggling.

 

I received a text from an acquaintance with a request to assist with planning and execution of a bridal shower scheduled for mid-May.  Here's what I received:

 

- Theme: Hearts and High Heels

 

- Colors:  Canary Yellow and Tangerine

 

- Venue: Private Residence - indoors yet primarily outdoors 

 

- Number of Guests: 60

 

In my mind, the colors and venue seemed more garden party than that of a sassy high heels theme.  Despite my initial impression, I took a few days to envision a fabulous event in my mind.  I imagined a crisp white backdrop for the colors and thought of ideas to make it work...
 

 

Then, I got the "logo" for the event.
*insert dramatic music*

 

It totally threw my plans for a loop.

The Logo Description
 

It has a burnt orange heart in the center.  A pair of "clear" platform heels at the bottom, a burnt orange and soft yellow crown above the heart (and at each of the crown's points, there were tiny hearts). O and we can't forget the Irish crest inspired monogram... Yea, I think that's what those squiggly lines were, letters.  RIGHT?!

 

Times like these, I need a prayer.  I have a dinner meeting with one of the planners tonight.  Islanders, while I may not know my specific role in this event, I have developed a vision. I'm hoping to pitch a theme that will tie the heels and hearts together.  Check it out.

Sweethearts Wedding Theme

Today, I have a teleconference with my next event inspiration, the Sweetheart Wedding client.  The phone call is this evening and it's going to be our introductory conversation for her big day (scheduled for June 2015).

 

In response to my request for her wedding vision, the sweetheart bride responded with a potential venue, she's not a fan of flowers, she has a love of hearts and her wedding colors (red, black, white and silver).

 

As a wedding planner, it's my job to hear a vision and find a means to execute a flawless event on the designated budget (which I haven't received at this point).  The following inspiration boards will help drive MY vision for the event (before our discussion where she will provide more deets) and can easily be adjusted to fit any budget and setting.

 

Stripes & Hearts

 

 

 

Isn't that a modern interpretation of her color scheme?!  My first inspiration photograph was the piano keys with the heart; I just LOVE it!  Candle centerpieces with rose petals will give an elegant look without compromising on class.  Black and white striped details will provide a unique accent and provide the perfect backdrop for bright red hearts.  Other fun items would be the striped straws and napkins at the bar (with 2 signature drinks - one for each the bride and groom), lips and mustaches (at a photo-op area, on the doors for restrooms, etc.).  I'd have a custom monogram designed to tie it all together. We would use this monogram for the invitations, save-the-dates and throughout the space day-of. 

 

Romantic Red & Damask

 

Damask, a classic and romantic print, packs a big punch.  The bold print will also provide the perfect backdrop for red hearts.  Damask is also a decorator's secret weapon!  Using damask will minimize the requirement  on the centerpieces and can help save funds in the long run (if your tablecloth makes all the statement you need, you can get thrifty or creative with centerpieces).  The print will also set the tone for a romantic (almost Parisian) event while balancing the cuteness of hearts.

 

...

 

I LOVE the 'Two Hearts Become One' theme.  I would certainly create custom pieces for the décor.  Similar to the images in the inspiration boards, I plan to make unique centerpieces that feel traditional but offer a unique take on flowers (as the bride isn't a fan of flowers).  I might also recommend a sweets buffet as coordinating candy is so EASY to find.

 

I'll keep you guys posted on her decision and the projects as things develop!  Wish me luck :)