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

DIY Pinwheels

You might remember our Sweet as a Peach tablescape? Those sweet 'lil pinwheels were thought up by none other than those so creative Posh Paperie ladies, Karrie + Elizabeth. Style Me Pretty requested a DIY post...and here is what they came up with! Photos by the talented Jackie Wonders.

These little lovelies are a great addition to any event!!

[DIY Pinwheels] - as seen here today on Style Me Pretty!

Step #1: Supplies.

Pick your paper and buttons. *Hint*: text weight paper works best. Choosing coordinating patterns and colors for the paper is fun, and choosing different sizes and shapes in the buttons is cute, too. Choose scissors or a paper cutter, and adhesive. Cut 2 strips of paper, equal length and width, depending on the size of the pinwheel you want (thicker strips = larger pinwheel).

Steps #2 and #3: Folding + Combining.

Evenly fold (like an accordion) the 2 strips of paper. Make sure the widths match! (Note: smaller folds make tighter pinwheels. Larger folds are more loose and show more of the pattern. We like to make several of each size – makes for an adorable display). Line up one end of the folded accordion with the end of the other accordion. Fit together and adhere securely. Permanent adhesive squares work nicely, and lie flat.

Step #4: Securing.

Pull the loose ends of the accordion strip around towards each other and adhere securely. The pinwheel will look like a cardstock “circle” (similar to the coffee sleeves they give you at Starbucks). You will need to pop the pinwheel out and push it down (work with it until it looks like a pinwheel should look), holding it in place with your fingers. In the photo, the paperweight is doing the job of holding the pinwheel in place.

Step #5: Finishing Touches.

Choose your button and secure *tightly* with glue dots (you may need to use several!). Note: we recommend weighing the pinwheels down for several hours once they are fully assembled). This will help to ensure that they are secure.

:: Out of the Box :: Event!

Last week we had the honor of working with our gals over at Posh Paperie to create a fun holiday event featuring their new line of Christmas cards! The event was held at Wine Steals in Point Loma, and we truly had a wonderful time! Below are just a few photos and preview from Julie Dent of Journey of the Lens. Be sure to check back soon for more photos.

[Out of the Box] theme was holiday inspired to create "out of the box" thinking, ideas and fun for the upcoming holiday season! We designed a warm tablescape that featured florals from The Floral Lab. Our dear friend Melody from Sweet and Saucy Shop highlighted her goodies on a beautiful dessert table!

Thank you to Posh Paperie, Sweet and Saucy Shop, The Floral Lab and Journey of the Lens for making this event so much fun!!! Make sure you visit Posh Paperie's blog to see more and purchase your Christmas card for 2009! Such an adorable collection...

Thanks to all who came and made the event so much fun. It was wonderful to meet so many others in the industry!

Love,
Ashlyn + Heather

C&C

Love these gals! {C&C, Posh Paperie + Journey of the Lens} Mel+Leigh Anne..sad we missed you at the very end for our group photo!

Source

C&C Wedding Tablescapes

I know these pictures have already been posted on Style Me Pretty, but I wanted to share a bit more details about this shoot.

Our first table was inspired by peaches. Peach is such a cool color. Word on the street is that Peach is the new pink. ;) This table is catered to the bride who loves the soft romantic fee. Peach, creams and other complimentary shades complimented this tablescape. What I love most is the way the table pulled together. The textures and colors fit perfectly. The peach place mats, café ole dahlias and pinwheels completely seal the look. Hydrangeas and dusty miller with scattered peaches played into the soft, natural vibe. Definitely the favorite!

Our next table turned out incredible. The way the jewel tones popped against the natural backdrop was perfect. Raspberry and greens were the color scheme, while accenting hints of vintage antiques. It was definitely bold and beautiful, but still very classic. The shutter down the center of the table was used as a focal point for all the old green vintage depression glass. The glass was filled with amazing, bright shades of flowers which added to incredible color. We used adorable floral printed napkins found at Pier One.

We seriously have to give most of the credit to Sean and Brianne from Sean Walker Photography. He has such great skills to make these tables look fantastic. Karrie and Elizabeth at Posh Paperie were amazing and put together some killer pieces. Those pinwheels were NOT easy. And Robin from Red Floral Designs did an incredible spread of flowers and knew just the look we were going for on both tables. Thank you all for helping us pull off this vision – it is so rewarding to see it done.

This is why we love our brides…..why we love design…..and why we simply can’t get enough!

[Sweet As A Peach Tablescape]

[Bright & Vintage Jewel Toned Tablescape]

For the {love} of Fall & Stephanie Fay Photography

In honor of my favorite season Fall, I thought it would be appropriate to share one of Stephanie Fay's weddings she shot recently in beautiful Idaho which took place near apple orchards. Typically we don't post other weddings, but I literally gasped when I saw the shoot. The bride had incredible taste and my favorite part about the wedding details was that her brother built the outdoor structure to give off a chapel like feel. I love the use of colors against the natural backdrop. Stunning!

Stephanie's gift for photography is beyond amazing, and only a few years upon entering the photography world she has left her mark, and in a h.u.g.e way. I may be a bit bias, because she was my (ashlyn) wedding photographer, but she is also a dear friend who comes with incredible talent.

Enjoy the photos and be sure to follow Stephanie Fay's fabulous work on her blog.

Oh, and happy [fall]!!!

she's just cute - so I had to share that too!

Seriously....?? How awesome is this?!

See more from Courtney & Scott's wedding here!