sharon and lito's e-session by Schnack Studios

B&W is fortunate to work with some of most fabulous, creative, and fun clients; not only that, but we get to inspire and meet plenty of fans who love to refer us to their friends and family, and we couldn't be more appreciative. **Thank you!** Sharon and Lito were referred by Tina and An (An's a previous B&W client). Sharon and Lito were in search for a month-of coordination team who could handle their intimate, yet highly anticipated wedding at the famed US Grant in San Diego. After a casual meeting and over a really fun conversation at the LA Printers Fair last year, a booking was made for their July 24th event. Also, we were able to help out with their custom address labels which dressed the front of their luxe duponi silk boxed invitations. The real excitement? We can't wait to see what they've been stirring in the pot (they've been doing all the designing on their own) -- it's going to be our first event at the US Grant, and as San Diego locals, we are so excited! Here's a sneak peek at their lovely e-session with Schnack Studios -- these amazing photos are truly personal, and I love that they chose La Jolla as their backdrop -- ode to SD!







Photo source: Schnack Studios . . .(click for full post)

...and down the stretch they come! {wedding invitations}

If you loved Joanne and Justin's clever gatefold save-the-date magnets, check out their couture wedding invitations! From the stylish font choices, to the sexy wine colored letterpress print, to their personalized monogram, these invitations, designed by B&W, encompass a high-end feel with a color palette reminiscent of the Kentucky Derby and the interior design of the Randle Ballroom at the Hyatt. When you're working with a theme, it's a great idea to be more clever and fun with the save-the-dates and then introduce a classic/couture design for the invitations, especially if you're getting married at a gorgeous place like the Manchester Grand Hyatt! Can't wait for this spectacular destination wedding -- lots of hard work, traveling, and out-of-the-box creativity to produce this unique event. And so many details to look forward to! J&J's guests are in for a treat. *** BTW, this project wins the award for the "Most Invitations Made by B&W" -- an astounding 380 ensembles ordered! ****

Save the Dates

Above: Gatefold save the date with 3.5x4 inch magnet and red envelope with wrap around address label


matching Wedding Invitations


Above: creative wrap around address label

Above: monogram tag adorns front of invitation

Above: custom bi-fold jacket with pocket. B&W designs these from scratch!

Above: beautiful 1-color letterpress printing on 100% cotton rag

Above: entire ensemble uses a mixture of cotton paper, metallic paper, letterpress and digital printing



More images

Above: printed RSVP return envelopes

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san diego STYLE :: ends June 27th

Here's a recommendation for your June calendar: visit the San Diego History Center in the famous Balboa Park to catch San Diego STYLE, an intimate fashion exhibit showcasing designer works dating back to the 1800s. The 40 pieces, loaned by the San Diego's Historical Society's Costume Council, are among a whopping 7,000-piece collection! The exhibit ends Sunday, June 27th. And don't forget to swing by the Prado Restaurant to enjoy a satiating lunch!

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it's fun to be one! by christy q.

Bellz & Whistlez had an eventful week, with a corporate event last Thursday and a "It's Fun to Be One!" birthday party on Sunday for one of our team members' son. Read Christy's approach to the theme, details, and planning for this special occasion. Weddings, corporate parties, birthdays, grand openings -- call us! We can plan any event!

{written by Christy Q -- bellz & whistlez}
Turning one is a major milestone, especially for new parents! It's a celebration of surviving the newborn stage and an anticipation of exciting surprises for a toddler that is beginning to walk, talk and most importantly, discover the new world around him! So when my bundle of joy, Elijah, became a li'l boy on May 20, my husband and I knew we had to celebrate this new chapter of our lives that encompassed both our love for education (Francis is a 5th grade teacher, and I'm a college counselor) and the importance of reading for intellectual development and family bonding! Hence, the Dr. Seuss theme. It was going to be the perfect way to "bookmark" this special occasion in our lives.



Party ideas were centered around concepts associated with books and Dr. Seuss. From a "Cat in the Hat" rhyming word invitation to "Thing 1 & Thing 2" face cut outs for photos, our guests were treated to a Seuss-filled environment that released the kid inside all of us! The space was splashed with paintings of Dr. Seuss characters, Elijah-themed book cover posters, and a colorful birthday banner that served as a backdrop for a "Cat in the Hat" cake. A "creation Station" was also available for parents to work with their child(ren) in personalizing their goodie bag, a white canvas tote filled with a Dr. Seuss stationary set (pencil, pen, sharpener, eraser and a mini-notebook). In addition, kids were invited to make their own "Cat in the 'Hat'" with red and white construction paper, glue sticks and markers. To top it off, guests had tons of fun creating their own photo flip book, provided by A Little Scene. This interactive station allowed families and groups of friends to be fun and zany for seven seconds and turn that action into a memorable photo flip book to take home and enjoy. It was the highlight of the entire party as it was a unique, original and personalized give-away! Overall, the details were consistent with our book theme and it really embraced and captured the spirit of Dr. Seuss! Here are some shots to enjoy from Elijah's birthday party. It was such a great way to turn the page into a new chapter of our lives!









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wedding forecast by JM :: Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids

"Introducing Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids"
A couple of months ago, my boyfriend and I took a short trip up to L.A. to check out ANdAZ West Hollywood. During our little getaway, I ventured inside a bridal salon where an associate complimented my Cynthia Rowley crossbody bag and mentioned the newly announced partnership between The Dessy Group, a leading manufacturer of bridesmaids’ dresses and bridal apparel, and Cynthia Rowley , top American fashion designer. Excited by the news, I graciously thanked her and noted it in my head for a future blog topic.




Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids, an exclusive collection with design elements taken directly from her eponymous ready-to-wear collection, will launch in stores next month! “We wanted to bring a chic sensibility to bridesmaids dresses-a look that is pretty yet sophisticated,” said Cynthia Rowley.
Although brides promise to have their sweet attendants in dresses that can be worn again, Rowley’s creations really are appropriate for use long after the reception. And with retail prices from $175-220, it’s hard to believe these designer dresses are reasonably priced.

“Rowley’s modern silhouettes and rich fabrics are complemented by our signature array of color choices, and are sure to be a centerpiece of any wedding celebration,” said Alan Dessy, chief executive officer of The Dessy Group.



Looks like this partnership has entered a win-win agreement with one another.
Photos: via Dessy.com
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take it up a notch :: prop rentals

Creating your environment or space is probably the most challenging task when it comes to planning an event. Hiring a professional will help you bring that vision to reality, whether you are preparing for a wedding reception, corporate event, or birthday celebration. While I continue to add to our vendor contacts, from catering, to flowers, furniture rentals, to lighting companies, I want to share another addition to our growing list of vendors: Energized Events, a prop rental company that provides audio, catering, linens and tableware, and some of the coolest prop rentals. Most of the images below are great for corporate events or birthday parties!

With these prop rentals, you're sure to take your party to the next level. Be daring and step outside your comfort zone!









Photo source: via EnergizedEvents.com . . .(click for full post)

art of the paper doll

We've been super busy here at the office, working on our summer events -- back to back weddings, which means, we're working a ton of really cool projects. I took a mini break to do some treasure hunting on the web (more specifically WeddingNouveau.com) and came across these ethnic goodies -- handmade paper dolls by Kirakirahoshi on Etsy.com. Check out WeddingNouveau.com if you have some time; it's a great resource to snatch some ideas for multi-cultural weddings -- I've recently become a big fan!

In the meantime, check out these card toppers. You can also mount these to make a paper cake topper, or even have 'em custom made for a unique engagement photo/keepsake -- much like the one designed and created by Ricky Nierva (last image) for the Scrabble wedding.

Kirakirahoshi's wonderful craftsmanship:

Korean wedding couple


Indian wedding couple


Japanese dolls


Filipino dolls


African-American dolls

Photo source: Kirakirahoshi for Etsy

Ricky Nierva's custom engagement photo/paper art:


Photo source: Atrero Photography . . .(click for full post)

wedding forecast by JM :: May events

"May 2010 Events"
Just wanted to post this weekend's events!

Sunday, May 23, 2010
Bridal Showplace
Hyatt Regency, Long Beach
200 S. Pine Avenue
11-4PM
web: bridalshowplace.net/shows.html
RSVP: bridalshowplace@yahoo.com
$5 at the door

Sunday, May 23, 2010
A Perfect Surprise Bridal Show
Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach
1107 Jamboree Road
11-3PM
web: www.expobridal.com
RSVP: 213-272-0748
$7+1 free guests with pre-registration . . .(click for full post)

plastic in the form of sustainable art & functional design

Zaha Hadid is a true visionary. Taking architecture and combining it with one of the most functional materials available, plastic, her Melissa line of shoes has proven to be a fashion icon throughout the industry. This manifestation has opened doors to collaborative projects by other fashion names as Vivienne Westwood. Just check 'em out -- it's like putting "couture" in jelly shoes.






Above: Melissa's UltraGirl

Above: Melissa's Vinyl III

Above: Melissa's Joy

Above: Melissa's Vivienne Westwood Anglo Mania

Above: Melissa's UltraGirl IV


Above: Melissa's Sapatilha

Above: Melissa's Love Foxx

Above: Melissa's Malika

Above: Melissa's Vivienne Westwood Anglo Mania 3 Strap

Above: Melissa's Origami

Above: Melissa's Gold

Photos: from MelissaPlasticDreams.com . . .(click for full post)