Pioneer Soi-Salon

Soi-Meme! What a great name, huh? I'm so grateful to have met such lovely pioneers of the eco-lifestyle and wedding movement on Saturday at the salon. My killah Twitter friends, The Broke-Ass Bride and her hubby Hunter. How rad are they? Wiley Valentine ladies, sweet as can be, and their designs are perfection. Kimberley of BBJ linens, Jen from IdealBite, Lindee from Puridee with her graceful gowns, Mendy Pound from Cakes by the Pound. Of course, my girls Tracy and Lauren from YDT, (we couldn't get over the heat!). Pink Cloud and the savvy Sarah Shewey did a wonderful job putting it all together. The JACCC is an absolutely beautiful venue for weddings or any outdoor event. The gardens were magical! Wonderful food from Large Marge, Good Gracious, and the lavender honey cakes by Ghalia Organic Desserts were devoured (mostly by moi). Gorgeous succulents and florals from Wisteria Lane and Seed Floral. Great panel discussions, DIY tips, and take home goodies. (I had two vodkas before I had to speak...shhhh, don't tell anyone.) What a day! My feet are still sore from my high heels, seems I was the only one who didn't get the Soi-Memo to wear flats to an all day bridal salon.

See more of the wonderful vendors here. Photos by shoot me please.

lovely littles

I'm busy stamping and stuffing little muslin pouches for all you brides coming to Soi-Meme tomorrow. Come say hi and get your bridal day 'just in case' pouch. (Oh, and have a bite of lavender honey cake from Ghalia Organic Desserts, delish.)

xoxoxo - photo by moi

Utterly Engaged

Check out the lovely story about our wedding on the beautiful ezine: Utterly Engaged.

Rocknrolla Wedding

Once upon a time Alexander McQueen, Betsey Johnson, and Christine Chang all lived happily ever after at the Jefferson Street Mansion. (Oh and the bride and groom did too.)

Major blog love for Lolliblog.

Make Me Blush

A fresh flush with subtle apricot undertones. Oh so dainty and frothy. Enjoy my project board for this week.

Images: juliet ring pillow, love scrabble, cake, tulle pouf

freshwater blush, vera wang, rose bouqet, vintage pattern.

Joy Joy Joy!

Better late than never! Been such a busy day, no time to blog. But I'm settling in with a glass of wine and re-connecting with all the cyber candy.

Tuesday: Project board day. I just had to showcase my new favorite wedding stylist,

Joy Thigpen. Her installations, sharp eye, and impeccable details make me wish I knew her 3 months ago when I was getting married. Check out some of her gorge inspiration boards. Right? Yeah, she's good. Really good. Dive into more joy here. (pun intended.)

Theatricum Botanicum

Willow and Jamie (my Topanga lovebird clients) are getting married at the Theatricum Botanicum theatre on September 9th. Willow's grandfather, Will Geer, was the founder of the outdoor sanctuary for actors in the 50's who were blacklisted by McCarthy campaign. It is now a professional repertory theater and educational program (And also a venue to get married!) I toured the grounds on Friday and am so inspired by the Shakespearean setting, that I can't wait to share all the details of the wedding with you. Centerpieces with purple grapes and artichokes are a must have. Stay tuned, more to come.

Happy House

I'll take a polka dot house please.

via LIFE.

Happy Weekend!

Off to a busy friday feeling happy and lively. Full spectrum fun is in order. The old man is painting all weekend so I'm off to new client meetings, picnics with the kids, and wine date with friends. Happy Weekend!

images courtesy lovelorn unicorn, our kitchen sink, and we heart it.

B.E.E.s KNEEs - We Make Words

The other day I discovered a blog that is just so charming, I had to share. It's a blog of photos of words arranged with objects in various locales. Two talented gals Amy and Luci keep boredom at bay with all their quirky creations. Delight in their we make words project and buy a 'nice' or a 'hello' from their cute shop vanilla bug. Maybe they will come up with 'bees knees' soon. Hint hint.

Pie Pops

All I can say is... BRILLIANT.

via Bakerella

Whimsy on a Wire

Whimsical love birds with an urban pop. That's what she said she envisioned. So, here is a mock wedding invite by Miss Justina Blakeney. Gonna pitch it to the new bride soon (unless she is viewing it right now online, hee hee.)

Wedding Wednesday almost gone.... good night! xoxo

Feather Love Stole My Heart

Wedding Wednesday! I have to dash off to meet a potential client for a wedding in Ojai today, which I'm over the moon about. Ojai is divine. But first up, I absolutely had to post this wedding that Noa from Feather Love shot in Oregon for Emily and Royal. (Hello, I was up till 3am gushing over all these photos, it was beyond tough narrowing them down.) Backyard weddings are my favorite and when I saw this one, I got all teary eyed. (Call me a sap.) Emily and Royal's wedding was naturally elegant with touches of modern vintage and homespun love all neatly tied together in a pretty little package. Feather Love caught all that goodness with perfection. This one is going in my big book of things I love. See lots more love here. (Sheeesh, how many times could I possibly say 'love' in this post? LOVE.)

Confetti + Cake

via snippet and ink, the master maker of inspiration boards.

Cherry Pie

Is it tuesday already? Summer is passing too quickly. I'm hanging on with every sunny thought I have. The project board I made today is completely inspired by my wild craving for cherry pie. I'm currently eating no sugar, no wheat, no dairy in attempt to cleanse and lose some lbs that have acquired around my middle since starting this blog. (Seriously, do all you full time bloggers stretch your legs much? Sheeeesh, blogger belly is upon me.) Lately, all I can think about is cherry pie. Crumble crust, sweet cherries, gooey filling. Yes, please. In one week, I'm heading straight to Huckleberry for a grilled cheese and cherry pie. Enjoy all the rouge delight!

Images via Jenna Walker, EyeSpy Photography, Martha Stewart, Jennifer Causey, Dandelion Ranch, Miss Pickles Press, Ceci NY

ECO-ish

I coordinated a seaside event for one of my favorite clients recently where we chose to give a live animal party favor. Cute little goldfish. The kids went mad for these! (The parents went mad for the bowl, aquarium decor, and a box for carrying it home.) A few days later, I was talking to a lady that had attended the party and wanted to hire me for her daughter's birthday. She exclaimed "I love how eco-friendly the party favors were!"

Hmm, I thought. Were they really?

No, they weren't plastic toys, or high fructose corn syrup-laden candy, so I scored 2 points there. But was the aquarium decor Made in China? Yes. Were the fish raised with eco-ethics? Doubt it. Did the fish live longer than a week post-party? Not sure. (I can say the bowls were re-used from another event.) But my point is, sometimes my events are simply ECO-ish. (Don't judge me you sustainabullies!) I have clients that are über-greenies and some that don't even like the color green. I gladly work with all of them. I try and do the best I can to make their event stylish, personal, and earth friendly. Sometimes I come out ahead, and sometimes not. But if all the eco I do is help them use spudware instead of plastic, and bring in a recycling bin, I've at least made a small dent. (Or rather prohibited a small dent to our mother earth.) Being a green guide with small suggestions is a gracious way to bring awareness. God knows I have my own eco-sins, and I hope I can always be humble enough to admit that I still love heaps of fun, beautiful, playful things that are often not made as sustainably as they could be. Let's just admit that most of us are ECO-ish, and that's okay.

Small steps lead to greener paths. And greener events.

Los Angeles flâneur

From pink friday to aqua sunday. Still, Happy Weekend.

L.A. photographs by misha ashton.

Happy Weekend!

A road trip + a pink sky cab ride are in order. Happy Weekend to all the dreamers out there.

Roadside finds by Jen Zahigian.

The Princess behind Walt Disney

Currently designing a 5 year old's birthday celebration and all I can think about is Mary Blair. What an extraordinary talent she was! Old Walt himself couldn't get enough of her, she is responsible for a heap load of the original Disney icons. Not to mention her children books that we so fondly read over here at Casa Appel. Show me someone who compares to her brilliance today? Anyone? I'm waiting. (I hear crickets.) Her illustrations were so dreamy. They capture the childhood I always want to remember. I must find a way to create this joyful aesthetic for CoCo's 5th birthday party.

Wanna meet me at It's A Small World?

B.E.E.s Knees - Ekobo

Squeezing this in tonight, as I've had a very busy day!
Conference calls, LACMA with the family, O! Burger. Parfait!

French-based Ekobo is the next BK pick. Accessible, durable, beautiful, sustainable.
As the smarty Boo Louis explains, it is ecology meets contemporary design.
(She is also a kick-ass graphic designer. Like the Bash Events logo? Yep, she designed it).
Their ethics are straight up-stand up, so I feel extra super good about buying their products. They have been featured here and here, so read for yourself how cool this company is.

Attention caterers, buy in bulk. Attention mommies, buy more cups.

B.E.E.s Knees - Loup Charmant

Today is BK day. I have a couple of features for you, both frenchy-inspired again!

First on the BK list is the lovely Loup Chamant. That's French for Charming Wolf.
Appropriately titled and gracefully made in NYC, it has stolen my heart and my closet.
Kee Edwards PURE Collection is 100% organic cotton voile. Elegantly ethereal and oh so soft and comfortable. (My honeymoon lingerie, the bloomers and nightie tank, became my daily lounge wear.) My LC Scallop dress has taken me from client meetings to mommy playgroups to dinner parties complete with praises from each outing. My scoop slip wears many hats: nightgown, swimsuit cover, belted over my skinny jeans for hipster concert attire. Charming indeed.

Get your LC here.

Perfectly DIY

Sneaking in one last wednesday post. I can't get enough of weddings!
This cake? And the splattered tablecloth? Yes, please. Bravo, Scout Holiday.

See the tender night here.

Handmade Weddings by Once Wed

Emily Newman of Once Wed (one of my all time favorite wedding blogs) 

is guest blogging over at Etsy! Check out her exquisite taste and her showcase

of four beautiful handmade weddings. Cheers to you Emily!

See full story here.

Style Me Bethy

My friend and colleague Beth Helmstetter is über talented. I just had to re-post this multi-cultural wedding that she designed and is featured on Style Me Pretty. I mean, c'mon. Those colors, the table settings, the gorg flowers! I'm around to kiss your feet anytime Mrs. Helmstetter.

See all the gorgeousness here.

Soi-Meme

It's Wedding Wednesday and first up is the bridal salon you don't want to miss. Following the success of last year’s “Love is in the Air” eco-luxe bridal salon, Pink Cloud Events is once again hosting a day-long salon with workshop sessions for eco-conscious brides and grooms to connect directly with the most inspiring eco-friendly wedding products and service providers. “Soi-Meme” – a French word meaning “oneself” – characterizes the spirit of the modern couple searching for affordable, Do-It-Yourself solutions to planning a wedding with unique style. The event will bring everything needed to plan a sustainable wedding on Saturday, August 29th in the James Irvine Garden at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, located in the heart of downtown LA’s Little Tokyo. Future newlyweds will find thoughtful solutions for everything from catering services, the wedding dress, invitations, furniture, the photography and even the Honeymoon. Between delicious bites from Good Gracious! Events, sips of organic beverages and loads of giveaways, expert-led workshops throughout the day will give brides insightful tips and new ideas for creating their own centerpieces, organizing a multitude of vendors, and more.

Brides who pre-register online (for only $25) before the 28th at http://pinkcloudevents.com/soi-meme will get the chance to win a four-night honeymoon stay at one of 14 private villas in the Azulik eco-resort located in Playa del Carmen’s Tulum, Mexico.

Come by and say hi at the Bash booth. See you all there!

Yeehaw!

Shout out to the Heartland!
via Snippet and Ink.

Français bleu

Bonjour! It's Tuesday, project board day. Recently, I've been all about France. After visiting my 88 year old French Nana in July for a family reunion, I've been yearning to delve further into my heritage and implement new traditions into my lifestyle. Baking Cannelés de Bordeaux, lingering at the dinner table, engaging in meaningful conversations, slowing down and walking. The French know how to live, and I'm determined to celebrate a piece of that here in America.

Sunday I partook in a joyous matinee of Julie and Julia (Meryl in divine form as usual). The scenes filmed in France had me itching for oversea travels and the French food had my mouth watering for cream sauces. (More butter, please.) My friend Sage and I sat in the dark pretending to eat boef bourguignon, drinking a French bordeaux, and feeling giddily empowered by the "flailing females find fulfillment" stories. (Note to the cineplex, wine drinking and cheese eating should be allowed while watching this movie).

Yesterday my friend Alli and I were talking about a new secret venture she is up to (will be revealed soon) and design ideas for this venture. Provencial tile, croissants, an iconic Citroen. French countryside came up in our musings and we both had a eureka moment. Classic and warm, with a touch of urban modernity. Oui, oui. (Hmmm, I think that's all I can say about that now.)

Anyhoo, last night when sitting down to make my project board for today, it was all Frenchy in my head. Here is the outcome. Enjoy the blue palette while sipping on some red wine. Au revoir!

images via Lars, etsy, OnceWed, SweetAmbs, Prairie Peasant, Kyle Hale, Duet-Weddings, Palinkas Tamara, Boss.

Stability

Thank you all who read and commented on my d*s posts last week. It was enlightening to experience what the talented Grace Bonney does full time. What a superfun time I had, but wow, full-time blogging is hard work! My hats off to you GB for being so ambitiously stellar at it and for your good taste/finds/articles that inspire me daily. Which brings me to my next point. Some of you emailed me asking when the next b.e.e.s knees will be and how often will I post project boards. (I'm already being held blog-accountable, sheeeesh people!) I tend to be uber-scattered and my work is 80% based on my emotions which means I wake up and think "work or play? green tea or bloody mary? heels or havianas?" Translation: I'm bad at planning my days in advance, much less my blog, 'cause I'm not sure how I will feel when I wake up. (Who does, right?) Whatever strikes me, I usually end up doing, which isn't very grown-up of me. But with the hopes of being more stable and productive I've decided to make a loose schedule for my postings. Of course, loose being the operative word here. But I'm gonna give it my best shot.

Mondays = Me, Myself, and I. I will post about events I have planned, my clients, my experiences as an event planner.
Tuesday = Project boards for your own bright ideas. Mine and others.
Wednesday = Wedding. I will post all things blissful for wedding inspiration.
Thursday = b.e.e.s knees. My posts about my favorite things.
Friday = Fun day! Whatever goes. Weekend trips, design, art, travel, movies, fashion, recipes, who knows?

Course, I will probably get outta line sometimes and post renegade topics on the wrong day, but gimme a break. I will most definitely, absolutely be disciplined with my schedule. Even if I have to stay up till 1am to get it done. Emotions be damned, I will learn this lesson.

disciplina image via here.

Melissa's 40th Birthday Bash

Pink sunset at the beach, white hot disco ball, Michael Jackson bringin' the jive.
Retro inspired cocktails, fresh sushi bar, fancy feet + friends waxing nostalgic.
Melissa's fortieth was celebrated with a groovy shebang.

See full storyboard here.

Dash DJ's rocked the music!
Ghalia Organic Desserts made the delectable cake.
Polite in Public props + photobooth.
Seed arranged the poppin' flowers.
Jonathan Beach Club brought us the locale.
Charley*Star caught it all via point and shoot.
Event design by yours truly.

escape the madness

off to play outdoors. 

happy friday.

via thedrifterandthegypsy