Inspiration Photo Shoot at Unlimited Events

Hello Wed Heads!  I was recently asked to design the showroom at Unlimited Events, Inc. for the month of January.  Usually when designing a space, I totally have the bride and venue in mind.  Everything she wants, her color scheme, what enhances the venue, etc...  I thought this would be a great opportunity to design a blank space and do something that I have never done before, something that I would do if just turned loose.  ;-)  I wanted my room to represent January, the month it would be on display.  Ice was my inspiration and 'winter wonderland' was constantly on my mind as I put the room together.

I immediately had the room designed in my head.  I wanted it draped (like soft falling snow), a chandelier (like ice), soft blue up lighting, lucite chiavari chairs (more ice) and pale blue linens.  The table has two linens on it, a pale blue with a sheer overlay.  The swirls in the overlay remind me of swirling snow.  Perfect for my 'winter wonderland.'  I also wanted to utilize some of Unlimited Events' lounge furniture.  Not an easy task in a room approximately 20' x 20'.  Unlimited Events also has these awesome pillows that I HAD to have, so I created a small lounge area behind the table.  You can imagine what it could be with limitless space.  Why a square table?  I find square tables clever and upscale and I always knew it would be perfect for the room.

So now I had my room mostly done.  Already it was stunning, but now I needed the final details.  The details that would really MAKE the room.  A chance 'running into' (I love small towns) with Camilla Svensson Burns led to what you see in the photos.  Camilla is a nationally known floral and event designer based out of Paso Robles.  Her work has been featured in magazines such as Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Your Wedding Day, Santa Barbara Magazine and Ceremony just to name a few.  Camilla graciously offered to help and I was wise enough to let her do anything she wanted.  ;-)  I sent her a picture of the room and told her that I thought I needed some candlelight and a little more bling.  I was soooo happy with what she created!!

The candlelight, mercury glass and jeweled napkin rings were the PERFECT addition of bling that I was looking for.  Those of you that know me know that a tablescape can move me to tears.  Literally!!  I walked into the room at Unlimited Events and choked up.  I just loved it.

My room was nearly there, but what does every wedding need?  Cake!!  Lauren at Two Little Birds Bakery sweetly (sorry couldn't help it) offered to bake some of her scrumptious champagne cupcakes for me.

Now the room was was perfect!  We just needed to document this awesome group effort!  ;-)  I asked friend and talented photographer Jill Hewston of Allyson Magda Photography if she could come by and she was happy to!  She took all of these amazing shots and more!  To see more photos check out my facebook page.

Well, with Jill coming, a gorgeous room with fantastic decor, I thought, I've got to jump in a few of these shots.  Lacey Bragg at Salon Gloss in downtown Paso Robles has been my hair genius since I moved here 14 years ago!  She gave me the sassy do that I rock now and get compliments on daily.  ;-)  So I stopped by Salon Gloss for a little beautification. 

I am so above and beyond happy with the way everything came out!  I will definitely be doing this again.  Thank you Ladies all so much for everything you did.  Pearl, Camilla, Jill, Lauren, Lacey, you rock!!!  xoxoxo

Bonus:  Here is a little video I made with my iPhone 4.  ;-)

Sarah Angelique Named Official Wedding Blogger For TravelPaso

Hello Wed Heads!  As you may have heard, I am the new 'Official Wedding Blogger' for TravelPaso!  I am very excited to bring my blog to their audience each month.  My first post:  Why Paso Robles is so perfect for destination weddings.    Check it out!  Make sure to follow TravelPaso's blog or facebook to read my entry each month.

I'm always looking for things to blog about. Have a question or funny story you want to share with me?  Send me an email.  ;-)

Ask A Planner: Vendor Meals

Hello Wed Heads!!!  The following is a question that has been asked of me many times by brides, grooms, wedding professionals and facebook fans:  "What about vendor meals?"

Great question!  I take pride in making sure that all of the vendors at my weddings are well taken care of and happy!  I make sure they have food, water, sodas, sun screen, anything they need during the wedding.  Unfortunately, I think only about 10% of couples hire wedding planners.  So here is my advice.  ;-)

Brides and Grooms:  

Make sure to ORDER meals for the vendors that will be on site for an extended period of time on your wedding day.  This would be, but not limited to, planners, photographers, videographers, DJs, bar staff, site staff and band/musicians.  Make sure to find out if they have assistants.  Almost no one comes alone to work a wedding.  Do not add these people to your guest count for your caterer.  Let the caterer know a separate count for your vendor meals.  The reason, caterers may charge you a reduced rate for wedding vendor meals.  Most importantly it alerts their staff that they will need to serve your vendors and that your vendors' meals have been paid for. 

Plan ahead as to WHERE your vendors can eat.  Most of us like to eat somewhere close by, but somewhere we can be unseen.  Although some photographers like to eat where they can see the bride and groom so they can jump up and get a shot if they need to.  Ask your venue if they have a location especially for your vendors to eat, ask your vendor if they have a preferred location to eat at the venue.  

Do not serve your vendors a meal that differs from your guest's meals.  Quite frankly, we don't like this and find it insulting.  Your wedding vendors are working tremendously hard to give you your special day, treat them like an honored guest and they will treat you like a cherished friend.  No boxed lunches please.

Plan on WHEN your vendors can eat.  I have vendors eat at different times.  For example, I always have the photographers and videographers eat as close to the time as the bride and groom.  Photographers love this because they are done eating by the time the couple is and can get back to capturing the moment.  I have had a photographer tell me she was yelled at by a site manager for eating before all of the guests had.  A good reason to have a table somewhere close to the action but behind the scenes for your vendors.  Also a good reason to explain your method to the caterer ahead of time.  If your photographer all of a sudden tries to get food before some of the guests, the catering staff could be totally thrown.  If it is all planned out ahead of time, they will know when to serve the paparazzi.  ;-) 

Wedding Professionals:

May I suggest addressing your meal in your contract or at least simply bringing it to your bride's attention that yourself and your assistant will be needing a meal.  You would be surprised how many brides hire me for 'day of' wedding coordination and haven't even thought about vendor meals until I come on the scene.  They will appreciate being alerted ahead of time.  Caterers, please make it a point to ask brides and grooms about their vendors.  Do not assume they will know to add them.  

Hope this helps!  Thanks for submitting all of your questions on my facebook page.  Have a question you need answered?  Want to 'Ask A Planner?'  Leave a comment, I'd love to help.  ;-)

Caroline & Curt ~ Vineyard Wedding ~ Paso Robles, CA

This was one of my favorite weddings of 2009.

I not only coordinated the wedding, but arranged all of the flowers.

The bride's bouquet was adorned with her grandmother's brooch.

I love adding little touches anywhere I can at a wedding.

These are nosegays for the mothers.  I had the bride make necklaces with baby photos of herself and the groom.  The moms loved this gift. As all the flowers are lavender, they will dry nicely and be lifelong keepsakes.

There was quite a bit of detail in the 'tablescape.'  My favorite part was the mini grape vines.  I found them locally of course.  The perfect touch for a wedding at a winery in Paso Robles.

The bride and groom were married under the trees with the sweet smell of lavender in the air and their closest friends and family surrounding them.  Literally.  As soon as the bride took her place next to her groom all of the guests moved in around them like a hug.  It was very intimate.

Amazing photos like these can only be taken in beautiful Paso Robles.  The bride and groom took full advantage of the vineyards and spent some time taking photos among the vines.

Dorian Michael serenaded guests with his amazing guitar stylings. Want him to play at your wedding?  Give me a call, he only works for me.  ;-)

A wonderful evening under the trees at Carmody McKnight Winery. With about 50 guests, it was the perfect number to have a large continuous table.

The mother of the bride made the fun, crafty 'Just Married' banner.  It was so cute I had to hang it from the head table.  Later I made sure it made it into their car for the honeymoon.

Thank you Jon Nickson for these amazing images.  It was a pleasure working with you. And thank you Caroline & Curt for being wonderful clients to work for, love you guys!!

Wedding & Reception Venue:  Carmody McKnight Winery

Photographer:  Jon Nickson

Florist:  Sarah Angelique

Caterer:  Miss Oddette

Music:  Dorian Michael

Countdown To My First Wedding Of The Year

It's almost time for my first wedding of 2009!  I am very excited about this wedding.  The bride, Katie, and I were meant to find each other.  It turns out that we went to the same high school (at different times) and she went to the same school my mom worked at.  Very small world.  So we found each other here on the Central Coast.  This has been a whirl wind of planning.  Katie and her mom Lynn hired me in November.  We only had 4 months to plan this wedding, and that's with the holidays in the middle of it all!  But it is coming off without a hitch, excepting the hitching of the couple.  :-)  Stay tuned to see how it turns out.

Amber & Jeff ~ Vineyard Wedding, Paso Robles, CA

Amber and Jeff were married with beautiful Stillwaters Vineyards as the backdrop.  The couple treated their guests to dinner and fine wine, topped off by a special dance by the bride and groom.  Photography by Amy Wellenkamp.

Stunning bouquet by Fleur Flowers