Aimee + Colin: Engaged!

Aimee and Colin are the simply the best. Really, we scored with an incredible couple with such a deep, true love for one another, and a bride who makes us giddy with excitement every time we meet. Aimee's ideas for the wedding keep us hoppin' with excitement! Their wedding next April is going to be incredible, and so much fun. Their engagement photos were recently shot by Shawn Kennedy. I love that these photos go along with the theme of their wedding next April. Don't they make such a handsome couple?! Loving that peach....

Love,

Ashlyn+Heather

C&C

C&C Spotlight: InkandButton

Sigh. We are [so] proud. Working with creative brides is such a delight and what makes our job so much fun. You might remember Lisa & Derren's wedding we did last spring. Lisa was the ultimate DIY bride, which included designing each and every felt flower bouquet for their wedding. Lisa has recently opened a new Etsy boutique called InkandButton, which features her latest, brilliant creations! Run over to her online shop and check them out for yourselves...too cute!! And at this time of year, these would make ideal Christmas gifts, look wonderful in your upcoming engagement photos, or even be a creative and unique gift for your bridesmaids. She will also take any custom orders, if you brides would like one for your big day! Enjoy!

I am so, so very in love with this one, the Isabella Fascinator!

Love,

Ashlyn + Heather

C&C

Party with Etsy.

Etsy.com makes party planning just that much better. If you haven't checked Etsy out yet - you're really missing out on all the rage. Here are just a {few} finds the will make your party, holiday event, shower [or wedding!] that much cooler. And if you're a guest at a party this season, be sure to stock up on sweet hostess gifts too!

Row 1: Party Garland, Maple Log Candles, Bird Cupcake Stand Row 2: Linen Banner, Holiday Tags Row 3: Little Vases, Golden Egg Place Card Holder Row 4: Custom Cloth Gift Bag Set, Pinwheel Cupcake Toppers, Party Invitations

Row 1: Tea Towel, 2010 Letterpress Calendar, Vintage Brass Deer Row 2: White Rose Pillow, Keep Calm Print, Gourmet Hot Cocoa Row 3: Vintage Wallpaper Lampshades, Felt Lotus Blossom Set, Fabric Ball Kit

Real Wedding: Jesse + Sheila Ross

Jesse + Sheila are one of the sweetest, kind hearted couples we've been able to work with. Sheila and her mom Liz did a fabulous job in designing the 'bird of paradise' inspired wedding. The wedding was held on the rooftop at La Jolla Cove and Suites, and the view did not disappoint! Turquoise and splashes of orange were found throughout the entire wedding, complementing her tropical theme and vision.

The reception was truly rockin' with live music by The Heros, which were amazing! The dance floor was never empty. We love when the groom gets involved and parts of the day reflect him. Jesse LOVES Phil's BBQ (Who doesn't...right?) so Phil's agreed to do their first ever plated meal. They did a great job, and the food was enjoyed by all! We loved seeing the bride enjoy her ribs! :)
Jesse and Sheila, thank you for allowing us to be involved and help coordinate your amazing day! We know you two will have an incredible and blessed marriage!

Thank you Andy for being SO much fun to work with and for the FAB photos!

The beautiful bride and her stunning dress by Pronovias.

Jesse and Sheila opted for the "first look" option.

Venue: La Jolla Cove and Suites - La Jolla, Ca
Photogrpaher: Andy King Photography
Florals: Hartworks Floral
Cake: The French Gourmet
Band: The Heros
Catering: Phil's BBQ
Rentals: Raphaels

Fall Inspiration: Seeded Eucalyptus

There is something incredibly charming about seeded eucalyptus. A common "foliage" filler you can find year round, "seeded euc" is rustic, beautiful, adds great texture and is quite fall-ish! I recently bought a whole bundle of seeded euc at Wholesale Flowers and Supplies for $6! I found it in the most lovely shade of a plum purple. You can also find it many times in the more common silver dollar eucalyptus green color, burgundy or even chartreuse! There are a wide variety of shades and colors that look spectacular in any arrangement of flowers, or even your holiday decor! The fragrance is absolutely incredible and will leave your home smelling fresh and fall-like for several days. [Happy Fall!]

[photo source] row 1: Vango Florist, Martha Stewart, The Brides Cafe

row 2: Sunset, Saipua row 3: The Knot, Martha Stewart, Sunset

Love,
Ashlyn+Heather
C&C

Why should I hire an event planner?

Photographer: Cameron Ingalls [Source: Green Wedding Shoes]

A commonly asked question we know that every bride asks, or even just ponders is,"Why should I hire and event planner?" I'm creative....I already know what I want...I've had lots of parties before....I helped with my best friend and sister's weddings....I can't afford it...the list goes on!Today we were asked by an editor at Exquisite Weddings Magazine, what are the top reasons we think why it is important to hire a coordinator, so I thought we might just share with our readers a few of the things we expressed to them...

• You don’t know, what you don’t know. Often times, by the time you figure out the answers to those questions, it is too late. The money has been spent and the contract has been signed.
  
• Have you ever hosted 20-40 people at your home for a dinner party? Try to imagine how it would feel hosting 100, 150, or 250+ and you are the main attraction! How are you going to be the Star and still run around demanding when you want the bread and butter to arrive and let the DJ know when to start the first dance? IT'S NOT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE TO DO THAT! You are there to enjoy your day and be with your guests.
  
• Family matters. Dealing with your family that day is chaotic and managing them that day is a full time job. It is important to have someone there as a mutual third party that can be that person to bounce ideas off and help you stay calm and do things in a orderly manner.
• We are your ally and advocate. Another important piece a wedding coordinator can offer you is that they act as your advocate. The WC {wedding coordinator} will motivate and manage all the vendor teams. That day we manage nearly sixty people who are assisting with that day.
• Money talks. Money is stressful. You have a budget and think, “well, I can work with that amount." But then you find the perfect dress which is $1,000 more than expected. A WC will help you stick with your budget. A couple may say, “well, its only $100 more." But if you do that multiple times, it adds up. The money you spend with a coordinator will more than make up the amount they help you save, and because of their relationships with vendors, a WC can get you better deals in a variety of ways.
• The home stretch. The last week, the list of details is huge. There is a lot to accomplish that week and the last thing anyone would want is to have their friends and families running around stressed. The last week or more, everything should be communicated through the WC to avoid frustration and pointless questions.
• And lastly, having a planner on board allows you to slow down and take a deep breath and truly enjoy the process of planning your wedding!

Love,

Ashlyn+Heather

C&C

more ::Out of the Box:: party love.

We wanted to share a few more photos from the Out of the Box party with Posh Paperie. If you didn't see the first post with more details...visit here! Much thanks again to Julie from Journey of the Lens for the photos! A few photos are also from Melody at Sweet and Saucy shop, one talented gal! :) Thanks again to the folks at Point Loma Wine Steals! The event space was perfect for the event!

Love,

Ashlyn+Heather

C&C