Cakes and Sweets: Icy Treats

June 29, 2011

When planning an outdoor summer wedding, consider the type of desserts you can serve along with your wedding cake. Icy desserts like Popsicles, shaved ice, and ice cream are a refreshing treat that guests will appreciate in the summer heat. Here is a sweet little preview of the summer inspiration boards that PBL has in store for the month of July...


Shaved ice is such an easy way to incorporate a unique color palette. Keep it simple (and clean) with disposable Dixie cups.


 Who said popsicles have to be childish? We love the blunt shape of these "icy poles" from Gourmet Traveller almost as much as the adult flavors (watermelon and gin and lemonade/passionfruit).


How delicious does this marbleized strawberry ice cream look? This photo calls for an inspiration board.
Thank goodness its summer!

Photo Credit: Cocktail Details, Gourmet Traveller, Bron Marshall







Real Wedding: Prep Perfection

June 24, 2011

We are so, so excited to share this charming wedding with you. It is the epitome of prep perfection. Sarah Barnett and Douglas Bria held their wedding ceremony and reception last summer at Solage Calistoga in Calistoga, California. We are happy to announce a complete vendor list of the amazing people who made the event possible. 

Wedding coordinator: Lisa Duffell and Adriana Cox of Aloe Events 
Invitations, Menus and Progams: Mr. Boddington's Studio
Cake: The Model Bakery, St. Helena
Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids dresses: Amsale
Grooms and Groomsmen tuxes: Tom James 
Honeymoon: Ischia, Italy


These photos never get old- this wedding is simply fabulous! Thanks again to Angie Silvy for sharing the prints.

Edible Trends: Seafood

June 22, 2011

Attention seafood lovers! Our latest obsession is seafood at weddings. Fish entrees are common, but think how creative you can get with appetizers and buffet bars. Here are the favorites...

Lobster rolls are the yummiest new trend. Sweet, crunchy, and delicious!

The classic crab cake- but mini! Don't they look like gourmet tater tots?

If you are setting up a seafood bar, try mini-fish or shrimp tacos and let guests garnish to their liking.

For a cozy vibe, offer clam chowder bread bowls!

Anyone hungry yet?

Photo Credit: Glamour, Savvy Eat, Martha Stewart, Food Mayhem

Vendor News: Meet Jamie Fields

June 20, 2011

Hello Pink Blossom List Readers! We are happy to introduce another fabulous new face. Meet Jamie Fields, the latest addition to one of our favorite event planning vendors, A Savvy Event.


A few months back we interviewed Kelly from A Savvy Event and Jamie has just joined the team. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did!

PBL: Did you always work in event planning? Where did you work prior to ASavvy and what brought you here to work with Kelly?

Jamie: After college graduation I was thirsty for a new adventure and decided to relocate to New York.  I found myself working as a hostess at a fine dining establishment in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.  It was at Atlantic Grill where I quickly realized my passion for organizing and planning in a chaotic, fast-paced environment.  From that learning experience, I set my sights on a career in the hospitality industry.  I targeted a role within the restaurant group’s busy, corporate office – And, took advantage of this great opportunity.  I administered and oversaw the events and parties for a dozen popular and upscale restaurants, and a trendy, spin-off nightclub.

After a handful of years in NY it was time for a change of venue.  My now husband and I drove cross country embarking on a journey out West.  We landed in my hometown of San Francisco where I took on a catering manager’s duties at The Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill.  Throughout my five-year tenure, I fell in love with planning every aspect of the wedding process – From the traditional, formal ceremony…To the most progressive and non-conventional nuptials.  I had the pleasure of running and supervising hundreds of wedding parties and special events.

I knew it was time for a work lifestyle change after the birth of my baby girl Chloe.  I needed a more flexible situation.  Kelly and I first met while we both worked for the Fairmont brand.  She was working events at our sister Sonoma property.  We always had a good rapport and remained in touch after she left to start A Savvy Event.  I’ve long admired the fabulous job Kelly has done catering to her Napa Wine Country clientele.  After some exciting conversations we agreed that I could help put A Savvy on the map in San Francisco market.

PBL: Favorite bouquet of the moment?

Jamie: My favorite bouquet design style remains constant and conforms to my simple, yet modern taste. I am a big fan of bunching one type of flower or using multiple species with similar coloring throughout.  Add in a touch of glitter for some sparkle and you have a sophisticated, sleek creation.  I love bouquets that incorporate Calla Lily’s, Star Lilys, Tulips and Orchids.

PBL: Can you think of a wedding trend this season that has been popular with the brides? Any color trends?
Jamie: Summer’s arrival brings splashes of hot pinks, corals and shades of Tiffany blue.  Trending now is Navy blue…Brown is fading out.  Navy blue is a very rich, elegant color. It’s the new black with a bit of pizzazz.
PBL: What is your favorite Bay Area wedding venue/ or where would you choose get married?
Jamie: The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel atop Nob Hill is a favorite.  No other venue offers such a range and variety of event space.  From the Crown room with it’s near 360 degree views of the City…To the traditional Gold and Venetian room’s ornate details.  The Garden Terrace is a great spot for an outdoor ceremony or a breath of fresh air during your cocktail hour.
When it came time to select a venue for my own wedding I quickly realized that getting married at the Fairmont where I worked as an employee everyday wasn’t ideal.  My husband and I researched several dozen potential locations throughout the Greater Bay Area.  Our site touring included fabulous visits to the Julia Morgan Ballroom, Legion of Honor Museum and Kohl Mansion.
We eventually decided the perfect spot for us was the Old Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Building, now known as the Bently Reserve.  We chose the Banking Hall for its contemporary marble floors, travertine walls and bronze finishes.  The tall columns accentuate the height of the space, and grand chandeliers give balance to the room.  We added up lighting and color washes, stylish linens, and stunning floral and candle arrangements.  The space was the perfect canvas to paint my fairy tale wedding with the groom to match.
PBL: If you could give brides one piece of advice from a planner's standpoint what would it be?
Jamie: Get a Planner!  I promise it’s the best money you will ever spend for your peace of mind. A wedding planner’s sole responsibility is to have their eyes and ears focused on making your event flow flawlessly for you and your guests.  Let somebody else take control over who is supposed to walk down the aisle at that appropriate moment, labor over timing your meal service, or deal with unruly Uncle Harry.
We hire a professional to assist us in most every other aspect of our life’s endeavors; Why would you not make that same type of investment for arguably the most memorable (and let’s face it expensive) day of your life?
Thank you to Jamie for sharing such great insight and advice. Contact Jamie and the rest of the A Savvy Event team here.

The List: Top 10 Wedding Trends

June 17, 2011

With wedding season moving into full force this month, we thought we'd share some of the biggest trends to look out for. Thank you to OneWed for this solid list. Can you spot any of the following trends at your next event?

1. Sophisticated Elegance Returns (modern design prevailing over DIY)
2. Outdoor Venues (minimal backdrops leave more room for personalization)
3. Grey is the New Black (and Navy Blue is a close runner up)
4. Metallics and Bold Color Palletes
5. Big Ball Gowns (Think whimsical and dramatic)
6. Stylish Grooms (finally!)
7. Wedding Invitations Go Green (i.e. Paperless save the dates)
8. Luxurious Textures (in dress and decor)
9. Ethnic Influences and Cultural Details (another way to keep things personal)
10. Revved-Up Wedding Receptions (After party? Yes please!)


We are curious to see what trends our readers would like to see GONE by next season. Find us on Twitter and share your thoughts on 2011 Wedding Trend do's and don't!


Cakes and Sweets: Funnel Cakes

June 15, 2011

PBL is always on the look out for new dessert trends and wedding cake alternatives. This week, funnel cakes have taken the spotlight. Who does love a dessert that is crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and cover with sugar?


Powered sugar is a must, but don't forget other delicious toppings (strawberries, bananas, ice cream, and chocolate syrup)


Loving this "minimalistic" funnel cake. It looks fun to eat!


Styling funnel cake dessert into a wedding or event might be just as fun as eating it. Think Coney Island Carnival meets city street fair.



Serve with other fun goodies like doughnuts, popcorn, cotton candy, or cupcakes. Always eat while warm and crispy!


Photo Credit: Pioneer Woman, The Seated View, Babble, Martha Stewart Weddings

Inspiration: Farmer's Market

June 13, 2011

There is something therapeutic about shopping at an farmer's market. Maybe its the idea of shopping outdoors or getting lost in the hustle and bustle of so many people. This inspiration board is a representation of the sights, smells, and tastes you would find at open air market. Wouldn't this translate nicely into decor for a summer wedding?

Inspiration: Farmer's Market
Colors: Dark Eggplant, Violet, Pinks, Eggshell, Butter Yellow, Golden Honey  
Textures: Fresh Flowers, Honey Jars, Kettle Corn, Wooden Crates and Signs, Newspaper, Chalkboards



Photo Credit: Partridge Hill Wedding, Desmonies Photoblog, Green Wedding Shoes, Our Recipe Club, Postcards and Pretties, 101 Cookbooks, Elizabeth Anne Designs

Real Wedding: Glitz at the Ritz

June 10, 2011

We are so excited to share Real Wedding #3 shot by Sherman Chu. This wedding is sophisticated and elegant with a touch of bling. The couple Matthew and Teresa chose to have their ceremony and reception at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco and event planner Maxine Andrew from Instead of You did a great job executing this lovely affair. The flowers (courtesy of Floramor) were all-white at the ceremony and bright purples and pink for the reception.  We especially love the contrast between the clean, almost angelic ceremony and the fun and glitzy reception. Enjoy!


This last shot captures San Francisco romance and sophistication perfectly. Just stunning!

Edible Trends: Tasty Vegan

June 8, 2011

When you think of Vegan cuisine do you think bland, boring, and healthy? Hopefully not,  because vegan is anything but that- if it's done right! Most event planners and party hostesses consider vegetarian options, but why not go vegan all the way?

Look at the following menu. Can you believe it is all vegan?

Hors d'oeuvres
Sweet potato spread and plum tomato crostini with balsamic drizzle
Endive and apple haroseth salad
Fresh fruit skewers
Veggie brochettes with mushrooms, zucchini, and red bell pepper romesco
Dinner
Southern-inspired fried "chicken" with barbecue sauce
Seitan meatloaf with mushroom gravy
Collard greens and garlic mashed potatoes
Wedding cake
Chocolate cake with raspberry filling and chocolate ganache frosting

(menu borrowed from a real wedding feature on VegNews)


Here are some tasty vegan dishes that are wedding friendly and fun...

Love this "pho-bulous" noodle soup recipe from Messy Vegetarian Cook




Can't go wrong with vegan tacos from Real Simple 


For the more casual crowd, try an Italian "Sausage" dog (and never know the difference). Wouldn't it be fun to create a build-your-own hotdog bar with tons of crazy toppings? 


Instead of catering vegan there is always the more causal (and trendy) option of having a food truck at the wedding. Most major cities are catching on to this dining trend and it makes feeding guests easy and fun. One of our favorites is Seabirds Truck based in Southern California (famous for their Beer Battered Avocado Tacos). Even the truck looks classy!


So it's true-vegan menus can be a total hit at any event!


Real Wedding: Kelly and Alex

June 6, 2011

As promised, here is the lovely wedding shot by Kevin Chin. The couple Kelly and Alex chose this gorgeous Healdsburg location for their ceremony and reception. Kevin worked with Jenne Hohn of Jenne Hohn Events and the flowers were done by Sharla Flock. Kevin used both film and digital to shoot this wedding and the results are just breathtaking- Enjoy!



What a wonderful looking event. Thank you to Kevin for sharing such beautiful images!


Blog Widget by LinkWithin