{Cake & Sweets: Color Me A Cake}

Recently, one of our fans wrote in about Studio Cake in Menlo Park, California. We are definitely going to do a spotlight feature on the talented Beth Ann Goldberg of Studio Cake but in the meantime, we just had to feature her beautiful sketches. As part of the concept design of a couple's wedding cake, Beth Ann creates these whimsical sketches. We think these would make a wonderful keepsake. Not only is Beth Ann a terrific baker, she is also a talented artist.

Aren't these sketches lovely?

We want to ask our fans, should Studio Cake be on the Pink Blossom List? You decide!

{Decor: The Great Outdoors}

From Hawaii to Orange County to Miami, they are blessed with warm sunshine which is perfect for those outdoor weddings that seem to be all the rage. Today, Evonne Wong of Events by Evonne, a fellow Pink List Panelist, is going to share with us some great outdoor decor ideas.

Evonne writes, "here are some great ceremony and reception decor ideas if you are one of the lucky ones who will tie the knot under the beautiful sun". We can't thank you enough for giving

CEREMONY

Arch or Canopy
The most dramatic look is using hanging crystals and flowers such as the dendrobium orchids. Of course, you can use other flowers and even fabric to match your wedding colors. It creates a nice backdrop during the entire ceremony and perfect photo op as well!


Aisle
There is a lot you can do... One of them is with the shepherd's hooks and pomanders to line both sides of the aisle. This creates a more formal look as you walk down that aisle. Another option is to decorate the chairs with small floral arrangements in which you can reuse during the reception. We are all about going green, so any decor you can reuse is a good thing!




RECEPTION

Dining Canopies
There is nothing better than sitting under a gorgeous dining canopy draped in flowing fabric and hanging crystals. It's ultra romantic and it gives your reception a very exotic look at the same time. You can match the fabric with your wedding colors and different lighting options are available - lanterns, chandeliers, pin spots are all great for these canopies.


Clear Top Tent
These are great if you are getting married in one of the winter months (normally November through early March) where the weather can be unpredictable. You can still enjoy the beautiful sun and stars, and they come in different sizes that can accommodate anywhere from 20 guests to over 200. There are several choices for the fabric draping as well as the lighting which includes colored Chinese lanterns, chandeliers, spot lights...etc.



Top Photo from Karen Tran Florals
2nd Photo from Events by Evonne
3rd Photo from Designs by Hemingway
4th Photo from Yvonne Design
Bottom photo from Events by Evonne

{Photography: Foto Fridays}

We are starting a short series which is the brainchild of talented photographer, Michelle Walker. We are going to feature ten of Michelle's most favorite wedding moments. We begin with...an image from the album of wedding couple, Van and Zack.

Michelle writes, "Van and Zack got hitched at the Ritz [Carlton] in Half Moon Bay. A sudden rain shower did nothing to dampen their smiles (and made for this great candid). The staff at the Ritz are prepared for every emergency and was right there with an umbrella. Thanks, Brad[of the Ritz Carlton]!" Stay tuned for more from Michelle.

{The List #11: Inspiring Wedding Blogs}

There really are many wonderful blogs out there, so how can we possibly list our favorite ten wedding blogs? It just isn't possible so we are doing Most Inspiring Wedding Blogs(we'll do another follow up with Favorite Web Wedding Resources and Sensational Sassy Vendor Blogs). These blogs are known for inspirational ideas, created with the bride in mind. You'll find real weddings, decor ideas, and beautiful inspiration boards on some of these blogs. Let your summer reading begin.

100 Layered Cake
The Bride's Cafe
Flights of Fancy
Green Wedding Shoes
Once Wed
Polka Dot Bride
Ritzy Bee Blog
Something Old, Something New
Southern Wedding Magazine Blog
Snippet & Ink


Inspiration board courtesy of 100 Layer Cake Blog.

{Decor: Topaz and Lemon}

We were very inspired by this amazing color board that's been floating around many blogs. Founder Laura E. Frank of The White Dress Events put together two very summery colors - topaz blue and sunny lemon. The effect is strikingly and apologetically bold, beautiful, and modern.

It reminds us of the Caribbeans too. Thanks Laura for letting us share this wonderful board with our readers! You can read more of Laura's wedding insights and follow her candid posts at The White Dress Events Blog.

{Flowers: Button Boutonnieres}

We usually don't feature DIY projects but when fellow PLP, Nancy Liu Chin, wrote about her red and blue button boutonniere, we thought it would be a great repost since July 4th is just around the corner and we happen to think this DIY project is adorable.

We hope you enjoy this repost which was original featured on Nancy's Brown Bag.

______________________________

Sure, we are floral designers but sometimes, I'm a seamstress, other times a floral engineer, and more important, a decorator. That being said, I want to encourage more floral designers to think of themselves beyond the scope of flowers. To be ahead of the times, we have to embrace and craft our way through the craze of DIY, eco green, and shabby chic movements.

Here's my project for the week that is affordable, great for DIY, but also something exceptionally charming for floral designers that want to add to their portfolio.

Let your crafty brides and grooms know that you aren't wedded to flowers.


For this all floral button boutonniere, you will need:

3 dainty floral buttons
2 medium floral buttons
1 bolt of matching ribbon
1 floral tape
1 box of pins
Medium Gauge Green wire
wire cutters

Loop green wire through button holes. Then wire with tape. Once all buttons are individually secured with green wire and floral taped, place them accordingly. To secure the boutonniere of wired buttons, pinch the 5 wires tightly and secure with green floral tape from the top to the button. Cut off any remaining wire so that the stem is no longer than 2.5 inches. Wrap your choice of ribbon from bottom to top. Secure with a straight pin. Make sure the pin does not poke through the front. You don't want to accidentally poke some when you pin this on them.

Enjoy!

Thanks Nancy!

{Real Weddings: Coastal Mist Chapter Three}

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel ballroom was recently remodeled. The white chaivari chairs were perfect in that room to compliment the modern crisp look of all white flowers by Asiel Design. Other cobalt accents included the napkins and that dramatic deep blue lighting.

One fun detail that we love - the "Y" Yale cupcakes! Go Yale!

Thank you Details Details for another great real wedding.






Photography John Schnack

{Real Weddings: Coastal Mist Chapter Two}

Some of the beautiful decor included all white ceremony pieces on top of acrylic tables. The flowers by PBL resource, Asiel Design are to die for! We love how round kissing balls are hidden in the base of those see through stands. Very clever.

Jeannie Savage writes that the couple, "Libby and Ravi are one of the sweetest and most genuine couples I’ve ever met. The couple began dating during their senior year at Yale and both obtained their Master degrees at Harvard...what a power couple!! I have so much admiration and respect for them". And so do we.



Photography by John Schnack.

Real Weddings: Coastal Mist Chapter One}

For years, it seems as if light blue, aquamarine, turquoise have been the heavy favored accent colors for beachy and coastal celebrations.

Until recent, we hadn't seen anyone use those darker and moody blues like navy or midnight for an outdoor affair. Well, our resident decor mavens, Jeannie Savage and Michelle Weita of Details Details proved to the Pink Blossom List that you could do midnight, navy, and cobalt in a glamorous way. And that those deep colors do look great for outdoor ceremonies if you know how to incorporate them. This beautiful Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel wedding is truly beautiful thanks to the Details Details creative team. .

We'll never doubt the talents of Jeannie and Michelle again.




Photography by John Schnack

{Decor: Outdoor Modern}

You can do outdoor weddings in so many different ways but one of our favorites is a modern island style. It's not rustic or vineyard or even garden. It's clean, tailored, soft, romantic but all done uberchic.

These images from JL designs and events take backyard, garden chic to a whole modern level that we are so crazy about. Simple wooden tables and benches from Classic Party Rentals, milky white vases, hanging bubbles and sheer organza drapes combine to create something so - oh la la. The usage of all white orchids with accents of orange and kiwi green is just up our alleys.

{Real Weddings: Sonoma Style Chapter Three}

One of the couple's favorite detail was that petite and adorable cake by Patisserie Angelica(featured cake vendor on our Pink Blossom List) The bride wanted a cake that stood out and even though it was a small gathering, this did not stop the wonderful co owners, bakers, and sisters, Condra and Deborah of Patisserie Angelica, from creating a 3 tier cake. The top tier was just 4 inches in diameter. Boy was that darn cute!

The adornments of green orchids, chocolate ribbon, hydrangea florets and yellow Billy balls was both pretty and also authentic to the couple's wishes of something simple, not too serious.




Thank you Nancy and Lisa for sharing this wedding with the PBL!

{Real Weddings: Sonoma Style Chapter Two}

This is the second chapter of a lovely outdoor Sonoma wedding which was photographed by the ever delightful Lisa Lefkowitz. To create a great wedding, floral and event designer, Nancy Liu Chin, says that it is "never one person but a great team of vendors". We agree that the combined talents of many went into creating these memorable details.

{Real Weddings: Sonoma Style Chapter One}

We asked floral designer Nancy Liu Chin Designs to share a recent favorite wedding of hers and we weren't surprise at all that she shared one of her Sonoma weddings. Nancy's trademark style is defined as modern American classic and this informal wedding at B. R. Cohn Winery is ever the All American standard.

The bride, Noriko, is a vision of loveliness. This intimate wedding of around 30 guests featured noteworthy centerpieces that reflect Nancy's belief that a wedding reception should feel like a "family affair as if everyone is just sitting down, breaking bread and feasting on delicious food".





Photography by Lisa Lefkowitz.

{Décor : Neon Pink}

We all know that the 80’s made a big comeback in the fashion scene about five or six years ago. And if you flip through the latest issues of Elle or Bazaar, you’ll know that the 80’s have never left since then! The trend is actually bigger than ever! From shoulder pads to fingerless gloves to Flash Dance asymmetrical sweatshirts, it seems as though we cannot get enough of that era. To add to the mix is Neon. Neon Pink is a color that ruled the runways last season and will be a hot color for Fall 2009. What does this have to do with weddings, you ask. How would you interpret this Neon trend for your wedding without looking ridiculous, you probe further.

The answer is… keep it modern, use it minimally, and turn it down a slight notch. Build your color palette with a plethora of neutrals (i.e. shades of greys, taupes, and crisp bright white). Incorporate Neon Pink in unexpected areas. The idea is for your guests to only get a peek of the shocking color here and there throughout the wedding. You don’t want to overwhelm anyone with too much of it! Keep the exterior cover of your ceremony program a neutral color, but make all the interior pages Neon Pink. Use Neon Pink as a font color only for your names on your paper goods. Buy Neon Pink pumps and wear under your wedding gown. Ask your bridesmaids to wear Hot Pink lipstick. Ask for Hot Pink boutonnieres for your groomsmen. Line your food trays with Neon Pink paper. Line your end-of-the-evening favor bags with Neon Pink tissue paper.

The key says Gloria Wong is "to always reveal the Neon Pink in the company of neutrals and to only show a splash of it".

Top image from RockPaperScissors
Bottom Image from Elle Magazine

{Invitations: The Luxury of Alia Designs}

An invitation is the first thing guests (our family, friends and loved ones) receive to introduce them to the style, the look, the feel of a wedding. And we at the Pink Blossom List love invitations and all things paper related.

Well, the ultimate in correspondence is Alia Designs…it’s custom, elegant, romantic and pure luxe! Their portfolio feature the most stunning and beautiful designs. If I received an invitation designed by Alia in one of those matching silk presentation boxes, I’d be over the moon anticipating the event.

The lovely sisters at Alia Designs create correspondence that is both personal and intimate, conveying the personality and character of the bride and groom. The invitations are designed to invoke romance and elegance, carefree and whimsical, or fun and chic. All this is achieved by using fine fabrics and ribbons, or unique and creative materials.

One of our favorite is this blush pink classic invitation...and let us just say "pink" invitations have never looked this good. Look at how gorgeous!!! The elegance of the font…the ornate decadence of the ribbon…the pureness of the color and cardstock…the graceful texture…this is an invitation to something grand!!!

{The List #10: Favorite Summer Bouquets}

June is about summer colors. And we looked all over for great summer bouquets to inspire, to delight, to tickle, to thrill.

Here's ten fabulously, Pink Blossom worthy bouquets for Summer!






Top left by Au Ciel, Top Right Nancy Liu Chin Designs
2nd Left from Martha Stewart, 2nd Right L'Oliver NYC
3rd Left by Artfool, 3rd Right Martha Stewart
4th Left from Martha Stewart, 4th Right Nancy Liu Chin Designs
Bottom left from Martha Stewart, Bottom Right Leah Lowery for Sasha Souza

{Decor: Oh La La Tavola Linens}

Ever since we heard about La Tavola Linens, we've been anxiously waiting to share it with you. The company has been around for just over a year now but it's making such a great impact for it's wonderful and broad collection of linens.

La Tavola was created because the founders realized that "the table has developed from a mere piece of furniture from which meals are served into a much more integral part of our lives".

A table truly is an intimate spot for gathering, for connecting, for conversing and for celebrating.

For the most important gathering and meal of our lives, shouldn't we have a collection of rich fabrics to choose from in various price ranges? La Tavola is commited to serving celebration needs whenever, wherever!



If you don't have a great resource for linens, don't worry - La Tavola is prepared to ship worldwide… be it Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Hawaii or Japan, wherever there is an event in need of incredible linens, they have the potential to be there as well. We found many of their prices very competitive. Most 134 inch round linens fit a 60 or 72 table. Retails for $35.00 and up. They have napkins as well as runners in select collections.

{The List #9: Favorite Wedding Cakes)

Sometimes, you've just got to have cake.

We are all fond of sweets here at the Pink Blossom List. We like our cakes well designed, original, creative, uberchic, polished, refined, and utterly divine.

Whether it's intricate pattern design, unique shape, or gorgeous detailing, we love our cakes and here's ten gorgeous cakes that fit the cultured, the elegant, the colorful, the sweet, the simple, the informal, the vintage, the garden, the classic and the whimsical weddings.








Top left, Cakework. Top right Ron Ben-Israel
2nd left Robyn Loves Cakes, 2nd right, Martha Stewart
3rd left Martha Stewart, 3rd right, Martha Stewart
4th left Martha Stewart, 4th right Jan Klish La Petite Fleur
Bottom left Anna's Custom Cakes, Bottom right Cheryl Kleinman Cakes