cool picks on kaboodle

Looking for the perfect creative gift? Is the bride or groom a foodie? Designer? Or simply a lover of functional design? Into vintage-inspired toys? Check out Kaboodle's section for Home & Gadgets, an online retail site with picks and finds of some of the most unique gifts, trinkets, and accessories that don't just explore the boundaries of design, but actually work!

Nom Nom Pillow


Bird Salad Bowl and Server Set


Nut Bowl


Camera Pencil Sharpener


Dachshund Salt & Pepper Shaker


Jaws Kitchen Mitten


Chalk Board Calendar


Measuring Tape Dispenser


Icon-imprint Toaster


6-pc Minimalist Espresso Set


Kitchen Drawer Hooks


Age-your-own Whiskey Kit


Velvet Tufted Head Board

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

jamie+erwin's debut {anika london photography}

Brace yourselves for J+E's debut to the big screen! That is, in front of the big screen! These knock-your-socks-off engagement photos were taken by the oh-so talented, and two of my faves, Ariel and Josh of Anika London Photography. We'll be stirring up the design+coordination for this lovely, fun couple's wedding, and what a way to personalize an e-session and tell a story about the couple -- utilize the backdrop of a movie theater to embody their affinity for the movies. I love the vivid red seats and the contrast of the couple by using scale. What a creative backdrop; seeing something new always sticks for me. And I also love the fact that they got their two kiddos in the session (Bella the yorkie and Rocky the bulldog) along with the infamous San Diego skyline. E-sessions are fun when they tell a story about the couple! Awesome job, Anika London Photography!! How can you personalize your e-session?














Click here to see more photos from J+E's e-session.

Photos: courtesy of Anika London Photography (blog) . . .(click for full post)

creations with baby's breath

Baby's breath in a centerpiece? Why, yes! I love receiving flowers, but slap me on the hand for always wanting to toss the baby's breath. For some reason, baby's breath seems more like a filler vs flower, and when I receive bouquets, I like to simplify the overall aesthetic, leaving the flowers to be the main focal point, eliminating the fluff of green leaves and typically, the baby's breath. But floral designers are proving me wrong -- this elegant, lush filler can be the floral focal point after all, and I wouldn't doubt this would be one truly cost effective way of creating a centerpiece for any occasion, like a wedding, anniversary party, bridal shower, or baby shower. Its elegance is created by its almost cotton-candy like appearance. Delicately arrange the stems using a narrow, curvy, elongated black or white vase to create a chic display. And spruce them up with stringed crystals or colored runners.




Photo sources: (top) Pacific Weddings / Chrissy Lambert Photography, (middle collage) Bride's Cafe, JLDesigns, Justin Marantz Photography, Lacey Hansen, The Knot, (bottom) Project Wedding . . .(click for full post)

Maria Karin designs for 2011

You would think that these couture dresses were crafted by a seasoned fashionista who has been in the industry for decades, but low and behold, young upcoming designers are making their way into the fashion scene, not backed by years of experience, but by raw talent. Maria Karin couture gowns are the product of a young and ambitious 33-year old designer, named Carina Patricia Ferriera Costa. Born in Portugal, Carina developed an understanding for fashion, fabrics and mechanics. She went on to pursue her dream and now has satellite offices in Madrid, New York, and Lisbon.* Take a look at some of the gowns from her 2011 spread. Carina does a fascinating job of intercepting a variety styles, textures, and fabrics.









Source: www.mariakarin.com . . .(click for full post)

COLOR FANATIC: #008 Warm Summa Breeze

Here's another COLOR FANATIC board (#008) in anticipation for this year's summer. We can't wait to cruise the streets with the top down, get some rays, and enjoy the warm weather! Can't decide between warm and cool? Well, here's a color palette that just might hit the spot. The blue (malibu) isn't a turquoise; it's more like a muted turquoise without as much green.

Color board #008 is perfectly suited to add umph to a luncheon wedding or outdoor setting. It's a modern color palette with a sweetness to it. If you are getting married indoors, like a ballroom, ditch the black color and try a deeper navy blue. And try incorporating fun parasols, signature cocktails, popcorn, and ice luges to catch that true summer feel!


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D+K's rockin' invitations

I posted D+K's custom brewed beer giveaway, and wanted to showcase their custom invitation ensemble today. I included some photos of several other details we made -- there were so many, I'll just have to wait to debut Atrero Photography's glam photos.

From the beer labels, linen selections, centerpiece designs, bridesmaid dresses, to the smaller details, such as the paper goods, we stay consistent throughout the entire wedding with our full year clients. And with the invitation project as part of our design challenge, we had to ensure that these invitations not only fit within the couples' expense criteria, but with the overall feel and mood we wanted to convey on the day of. The wedding was to take place at the uber hip Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, and to fit the venue selection, we presented D+K with ultra modern invitation designs. You'll also notice music quotes throughout -- another personalized detail that was incorporated into the wedding. They selected this metallic purple pocket fold, which explored a more minimalist, chic, and vibrant direction. No frills here -- just a clean design to evoke the clean look D+K were trying to achieve.

We used a combination of paper materials, from vellum to metallic, to cotton rag and even matte stock. And to bump up the level of luxury, we had these printed two color letterpress on thick cotton rag paper. Check out their stylin' RSVP postcard with an e-session photo taken by Atrero Photography. These components were tucked into a translucent vellum envelope stamped with custom address labels, which mimicked the plexiglass elements we used throughout the wedding.









Other matching paper goods: reception program/menu card, custom table #, and ceremony programs.



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edible D•I•Y favor ideas

Most clients ask advice on favors. I almost always recommend giving away something edible. Why? Well, edibles are cost efficient and functional -- people will eat them! Big or small budget, I would advise against spending an arm and a leg on favors. So many ideas for DIY (do-it-yourself) favors can be found online, in books, and from friends. If you've got a thing for baking, or have friends/family who love to dish out some sweets for parties, be resourceful and DIY! These favors will be more personal, original, and appreciated (and they most likely won't end up collecting dust on a shelf).

For our last wedding, the groom and his close buds home brewed their own beer (a chocolate porter) for the adult guests. We created custom beer labels to attach to the bottles to create a cohesive look with the rest of the paper goods. The beer was distributed at the end of night along with another box of chocolate treats, and were gone within minutes!



(these came straight from the fridge...so they're chilled...)

Here are more creative DIY favor ideas I found online. Again, it's down to execution, so get in touch with a creative person to help with labeling, or email us -- we can help you!

Packaged S'mores Kit (found on Thig & Thistle)




Cupcakes in a Jar by Cakies (recipe can be found here)




Creatively packaged individual goodies (photo from Wedding Paper Divas)


Hot Chocolate w/Marshmallows (found on BudgetMindedBride)
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