Tablescape Inspiration from Past Events

My favorite part of wedding design is the reception layout.  The layout you choose has a huge impact on the overall "feel" of the space.  It can add interest and dimension, and it can turn an ordinary room into something extraordinary.  Here are some of my favorite layouts from weddings past.  Enjoy (and get inspired) :)

Happy planning!

Choosing a Cake Topper

Cake toppers are fun way to bring your interest and personality to your wedding. There are tons of different styles to make sure that your cake topper truly represents you and your fiancé's taste. You can choose from fresh flowers, fresh fruit or sugar flowers, which are all stunningly beautiful, or you can pick a topper that can be saved and used for a later date, such as an anniversary, renewing of the vows or your children's weddings. The keepsake toppers can range from a monogram to a Disney couple and everything in-between. 

Happy Planning!

Breanna

* the last five photos are from Pinterest

Babies to Celebrate: My Little Sister :-)

Being an Event Coordinator can be tough in one respect: You have to work HARD (or at least I do) not to go over-board on things like your childrens' birthday parties, friends' showers, etc. I, like so many other people these days, am on a budget. While I would love nothing more than to throw the most outrageous parties, I still have to write the check (and explain the expense to my hubby) at the end of the day.

Well...my baby sister is expecting her first baby in March. She is the best sister a girl could ask for ... close doesn't begin to describe our relationship. Throwing her a shower was a no-brainer. But what's a girl on a budget to do?? Here is what I did. It was simple. But elegant. And oh so fun. :-)
  • Invitations - I went "green." I sent a really cute electronic invitation from Evite's new website: Postmark. If you haven't seen it yet, you should check it out.
  • Food - I opted for a brunch shower. Breakfast foods are typically less expensive than other alternatives. And it helps that my sister loves a good brunch. :-) I served french toast shooters, fruit skewers, my Mother's famous chicken salad with crackers, and pigs-in-a-blanket.
  • Beverages - Who doesn't love a good mimosa? We had them, of course. Along with orange juice for the mommies-to-be and sparkling water for anyone who preferred a non-juice alternative.
  • Flowers - It took going to four different grocery stores, but I finally found white stock (love) and white tulips. Yes, you did read that correctly. I said grocery store. I got 8 stems of stock and 20 tulips for less than $30. I used two vases and one coffee mug that I already owned.
  • Other decor - I am all about using what you already have. I own 20 beautiful wood mingling plates and 10 champagne flutes. I borrowed 10 more flutes from my sister (they didn't match mine, but they didn't need to). Throw in a few colorful napkins, some existing placemats and an old baby-blanket, and you're all set. The mingling plates allowed guests to wonder around without feeling the need to sit down. If you don't know what I'm talking about, google them. They are my go-to choice for any party I throw. Best.Buy.Ever.
  • Favors - My sister loves macaroons, so I opted to splurge on them. We didn't serve cake or any other sweet during the shower (with french toast & fruit, I thought it would be sugar over-kill), and I thought they would make a great little take-home. I threw them on top of two cake plates I already owned, and they made for another great decor piece.

Here are a couple of pictures I snapped with my iphone that day. I know they aren't the best quality, but I was busy playing hostess :-)



Happy Planning!

Weddings to Celebrate :: Leslie and Andy {Barton Creek Resort, Austin, TX}

Mood Board page from the Design Board I created for Leslie's wedding


Classic, lush, stunning.... this wedding was so much fun to design! Leslie and her mother, Kay, hired me about one year prior to help with their long-distance planning. We spent a lot of time together, and the hard work paid off. So excited to show you the images, captured by Stacy Cross! At the end, I've also included a video preview that you don't want to miss.

Leslie and Kay - thank you so much for choosing me. Your attention to detail and aspirations for perfection were a delight to work with. I miss working with you ladies!

Leslie and Andy - congratulations!! Your celebration was one for the books, and it was such a joy to see you enjoy every second of it. :)

Much love to the three of you!
jess


Not sure who was more emotional - Leslie or her sister. :) Love.

Leslie and Andy were able to spend some time together after their "First Look."

Gorgeous people!

Barton Creek Resort :: Pavilion

Aisle marker in urn by David Kurio Designs

Truly a collaborative creation, we spend a lot of time planning this Chuppah. Couldn't be more pleased with what David Kurio produced!



Two of the three table designs



Third table design in ballroom. Picture Display in atrium.



Amazing dessert display - bananas foster, creme brûlée, and a large assortment of truffles, parfaits, cheesecake bites, etc. Lovely.

Hora!






Leslie & Andy, the Introduction from Chris P. Jones on Vimeo.


Cast of Vendors:
Jessica Moore of Something To Celebrate
Barton Creek Resort
Stacy Cross Photography
Mason Jar Productions
David Kurio Designs
Dennis Prager
Collector's Item
High Island Hepcats
Emerald Entertainment
BBJ Linen
Marquee Event Group
Ilios Lighting
Say Cheese
Pamela's Beauty Secrets
Maris Malone Calderon Makeup Artistry

DIY Projects


Whether it's because you're on a budget, or simply because you are crafty, there are a ton of fun do-it-yourself projects that you could use for your wedding.

These candle-holders can be used to set your tables and are very quick and easy to make. You just need some old jars, yarn, masking tape, spray paint and fabric, as well as candles to put inside. Photo credit and tutorial found here.


These beautiful chiffon and tulle flowers can be used in your hair, on your bridesmaids' dresses, as a cake decoration, or as decor for your wedding venue. Photo credit and tutorial found here.

If you're into flowers, creating your own bouquet could be a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Photo credit and tutorial found here.

If you want to send your guests home with favors that you can make yourself, or even just favors for your bridal party and special guests, these bottles are a great way to show your appreciation by including personalized notes inside. Photo credit and tutorial found here.

For outdoor weddings, monogrammed luminaries are a creative way to light up the pathway with your initials or a nice message. Photo credit and tutorial found here.

If you like to sew, then you probably have most of the materials needed to make this garter for your wedding day. This could be a fun project and maybe even a stress-reliever. Photo credit and tutorial found here.

Finally, these do-it-yourself wedding fan programs are so pretty if you have the time to create them yourself. All you need besides a computer and printer are some scissors, cover stock, and some eyelets and eyelet-setter tools. Photo credit and tutorial found here.

These are just a few ways to add some personal touches to your wedding if you like to be hands-on. They are also great for keeping costs down and making space in your budget for something else. There are so many fun projects for your wedding that you could do yourself if you just get creative. If you have trouble coming up with fresh, new ideas, browsing the internet is always great for inspiration.

Zineera

Creative Centerpiece Ideas

Although I love floral centerpieces, sometimes you might want to go a less traditional route and do something different. I went to a wedding recently where some of the centerpieces were vases filled with water beads. It was the first time I had seen that done at a wedding, and it got me thinking about some other creative centerpiece ideas.


Photo credit: San Diego Wedding Insider
The water pearls in the vase are created by adding water, which forms the spheres. They look beautiful, and you can choose from a variety of colors.


Photo credit: Bridal Inquirer
Another interesting idea is to use upside-down wine glasses as decorative pieces, as well as candle-holders.


Photo credit: EHow.com
If you want a fresh look, using fruit can be a great way to brighten up your tables. These are especially nice for spring or summer weddings.


Photo credit: Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas

Photo credit: Brides.com
Using fishbowls is another great centerpiece idea. The decorating options are endless - you could use live beta fish or goldfish, floating candles, flowers, seashells, or whatever else you desire.

Photo credit: SuperWeddings.com
If you're a fan of floating candles, and want to go for a softer look, this centerpiece could be for you. Keep in mind to go for a sturdy base for your bowl of floating candles and rose petals. You could also opt for red roses for a change of mood, or any other color to suit your theme.

Photo credit: San Diego Wedding Insider
Finally, in my opinion, you can never go wrong with candles. They're perfect for adding a soft glow and romantic feel to your wedding. This might look hard to recreate, but all it takes is a whole lot of tea-light candles, some floating candles and wide vases.

Whether you decide to stick with traditional floral centerpieces, or try something a little different, there are countless ideas out there to create the perfect centerpiece that suits your personality and your wedding.

Happy decorating!

Zineera

The Language of Flowers

Photo from theknot.com



Choosing flowers for your big day can be a bit overwhelming. There are SO many types, textures, colors and scents, it can be hard to know where to start. Because I'm a romantic (or maybe because I obsessively watch BBC dramas about the 19th century) I love the idea of the language of flowers.




Photo from http://culturecommunication.org




Ladies used to await a bouquet, or a posy, from that special someone so they could analyze just what he thought about her and their romance. Here's some of those meanings--why not incorporate a flower or plant because of what it means, adding a unique, thoughtful touch to your bouquet and decor?

Garden rose: Love 
Ranunculus: You are "radiant with charms"
Dogwood: Duration
Tulip: A declaration of love
Ivy: Friendship or fidelity
Fern: Magic
Lily-of-the-valley: Return of happiness
Pink carnation: Woman's love
Snowdrop: Hope
Lilac: First emotions of love
Sweet pea: Delicate pleasures
Peonies: Bashful
Wheat: Wealth and prosperity

Both photos above from marthastewartweddings.com



Happy flower hunting, and remember,

Love is in the details,

Katie