29 May, 2012

Luxe Life: Citrus Celebration


Finally!  I have pictures, y'all!  Citrus Celebration was a complete success and the happy couple and their families were thrilled with our work!  We had so much fun Goldifying Siena and David's special day and we were so honored to be a part of it.  Here are my favorite images from the set up.  Enjoy!

I am so proud of this, I want to cry!  I think that after a lot of work, communication and editing, we were able to come up with something really special.  I don't mind telling you that Allison was a centerpiece makin' machine!  I was unavailable in the morning and she really did an amazing job!  Fun Fact:  We created the rigging for the lanterns from scratch.  We wanted something that would be an 'easy up, easy down' situation.

A supah-cute shot of the gift table.  The little card box I made turned out so well, I was sad to give it up.  But, look how sweet it is on the table!  


This is seriously one of my favorite shots of the day.  I love the way the favor table turned out.  From the sweet little sign to the totally gorge arrangement, it's so, perfectly dainty, I can't stand it.  How cute are those freaking matchbooks, y'all?! 


Ah, the 'guest book' table.  Have I ever told you how much I love clever guest book alternatives?  Well, I do.  And I'm still living for those paper flowers.  Trust me, they are even more delicious up close!



These are two of my favorite shots of the sweets table.  Just so beautiful...and delicious, too.

A week or so after the event, we sat down and had a post mortem meeting.  It was a great way to talk through all aspects of the event.  It was so important for us to keep the communication going and I was so proud of us and the way we handled it!  We learned so much from this event and we are so excited for the next one!

To see more (and, believe me, there's so much more) go to our Facebook page.  You'll love it.

Vendors: 
Linens/catering: Irene's Catering
Sweets: Jaceleen Latin-Kasper (She's pretty amazeballs, yo.  She did all the sweets and her own set-up.  Color me impressed.)
Paper Flowers: Posh Studios
Matchbooks: Decadent Designs
Guestbook Tree: Modern Keepsakes
Venue: Kate Funk (a HUGE thanks to Kate, it was so awesome having my own photog there so I could direct the shoot!  She's a huge part of Goldiluxe and I'm so lucky to have her as a friend....and she's an ah. mah.  zing. photographer, too!)

21 May, 2012

Goldi on the Go: Jungle Baby

Just before Easter, we were asked to pack up another cute creation and send it off to a Goldilou in need.  This time, we had the pleasure of putting the Goldiluxe spin on a totally adorbs  safari themed baby shower.  We didn't have much time, but luckily we are suckers for a great theme.  So we got to pinning and soon we turned out (what I hope was) a super cute party kit fit for the king of the jungle.

We were really pleased with the result and couldn't let it go out the door without snapping a few quick pics.  I thought I'd share the best ones with you...



I am just in love with how this turned out.  I don't mind telling you I was concerned that given the serious time constraints we were working under, we may not be able to pull it together.  Look how cute it is!!  I love this color scheme more and more each time I look at this picture.  How cute are those toppers?!


Here you can see a little more of what we did.  I love those bottle labels.  I think if we'd had the time, I'd have also liked to do a centerpiece and a cute coaster set.  Not to toot the Goldiluxe horn, but I am so psyched about how these kits are turning out.  I am dying to do a full post and let you in on the idea, but for now you'll just have to live with teasers of what's to come!


The banner turned out to be super cute.  I worked with a different shape and assembly style this time.  We really love to do the handmade fabric banners, but they really need to be more durable and shippable, so I think it is a bit of an evolution. This one is definitely a step in the correct direction!


See!  Pretty cute, huh!  We're pretty proud of it!

The jungle theme is certainly one of my favorites!  What party themes get your creative juices flowing?

09 May, 2012

You Asked For It: Blogging Blues

Hey G.
I'm having a hard time.  These blogs are making me feel horrible.  I see picture after picture of these pretty people with smiling faces and perfect clothes.  They've got these amazing pictures with, like, vintage cookware and friggin' DIY.  It all makes me feel so inadequate, like I don't deserve all this because I'm not picture perfect enough.  I guess, what I'm trying to say is that I feel like my wedding won't be weddingy enough...am I making any sense?

Oh, honey.  You're making perfect sense.  If I was there with you right now, I'd attack you with hugs.  I'd also bring some champy, because momma was born a drinker (jk, y'all...mostly).  You know, it's funny, I was just reading this post and this one on one of my favorite blogs yesterday.  It deals with everything your heartbreaking message did.  So, go.  Read it.  And read the comments!  All of them.  Then come back and I'll tell you what I think.  Go, ahead.  I'll wait.

Ok, so.  I'm going to tell you something that some people don't want you to know (and by 'some people' I am absolutely referring to stuffier members of the $160 billion wedding industry machine) : Your wedding will be perfect.  Whether you decide to spend $100 or $100,000. You and the love of your life are perfect.  Just as you are.  Right now.  Your love for each other is enough.  It's beautiful, it's real and it's messy.  That's because real life is messy.  It isn't picture perfect.  It shouldn't be.  Picture-perfect isn't real.  You don't need the perfect figure, the perfect dress, or shoes or hair or cake table...you get me? 

So, give all those blogs and magazines that are making you feel shitty the finger and shut out all the chow-chow. Focus your energy on the amazing life you are going to share with the person you love so very much.

What do you say, dolls?  Can we leave our girl some love in the comments?

01 May, 2012

You Asked For It: Logistical Roundup

Hey, gang!
I am starting out the week by answering more of your clever questions.  As you'll remember, we got sidetracked with some events and client meetings and marriage (oop, just seeing if your awake!) and a million other little things this week.  But I wouldn't want you to think I forgot you!  Quite the contrary!

And away we go!

So, we are really excited about the planner we've chosen.  Her designs are amazing!  Unfortunately, though, we are worried about the price tag.  My dude is wondering if we could pay her a little less, or take her ideas to the next planner on our list.  What do you think?
Stop.  Right.  There. You may absolutely NOT take her ideas to someone else.  It isn't an honest thing to do. In my opinion, you've three options:

          1.  Walk away from this designer and try to find someone in your price range that you are equally excited about.  If you choose this option, work with the new designer to come up with something you love.  Something unique...you know, not stolen.

         2.  Work with this designer to figure out a payment schedule that will work for both parties.  If you are drawn to her work and her designs are so amazing, she's probably used to working out payment schedules.  Explain your situation. 

         3.  Stick with this designer, but work with her to distill the design into something a little more budget friendly.  That way, by focusing on the design elements that are the most important to you, you'll settle on something a little more affordable.

Above all, be honest.  Be honest with her and be honest with yourselves.

Do we really need a vegetarian option?  It just seems so overdone.
Well, have you any vegetarian friends?  Family members?  Members of the bridal party?  If the answer to that is 'yes' and you'd like them to be able to eat at your reception, then yes.  Yes, you need a vegetarian option.  It's not overdone, it's proper behavior to accommodate as many guests as you can.

What do we do with the gifts?  
Work with your venue to find a location for the gift table that is as secure as possible. Assign a member of the family or bridal party to keep an eye on them throughout the night.  If your venue is in or near your hotel, can you have them taken up to your room when the dancing starts?  If you are off to a gift opening the next morning, arrange to have them taken to that location.  If not, I'm sure you can find a few helpful souls willing to help you get them home.

Posed shots or candids?  We can't decide.  How do we choose a photographer if we can't decide on what style photos we want?
Choose the photog who's adept at both.  Seriously.  Let me tell you a little story:  Personally, I detest posed shots.  Like, hate hate them.  So does The Hubs.  However, it was really important to his parents to get some.  So we compromised.  It was a Genuis Idea. Posed shots for them and a whole evening full of mindbogglingly gorgeous candids for us (my parents included).

Help!  Everything is so expensive, we had no idea.  How can we manage our budget and get everything we want?
In my opinion,  the first, easiest thing you can do is make a Splurge/Save list.  Just split a piece of paper into to columns.  One marked 'save' and one marked 'splurge'.  Now, think of all the elements you want your wedding to have and put them in one of the two columns.  Want a killer bar? Splurge.  Not really into floral centerpieces? Save.  Once you and your SO can agree on the list-stick.  To.  It.    The other thing you can do that can be really helpful is talk to some other couples you know that have gotten married or seek consultation from a planner.  They can give you some actual, real world cost references.  But remember, your wedding doesn't 'have' to be anything but a fun celebration of your lurve.  Take a deep breath.  You're going to be fine!

Do I need to have my SO's sisters in the wedding party?
Need to, no. Consider your relationship with them and decide the best course of action.  If you choose not to include them in the bridal party, just think of other ways they can be involved.  Dress shopping, planning the shower...there are lots of ways to involve them.  Remember, be tactful and gentle if you decide not to include them.  You don't want to damage your relationship with them down the road.  Besides, we're all adults.  There's no need to intentionally hurt someone's feelings with careless speech.

How can I get the vendors to better understand our vision?
I usually ask that prospective clients bring some of their inspiration with them.  Pictures, fabric swatches, paint samples, favorite books...anything that inspires them.  Are you on Pinterest?  If you are, why not create a wedding pinboard and shoot the link to your vendor.  You can go through it together and discuss what it means to you.  The visual aids can help you more accurately articulate your vision.  I will say this: Do not expect any of your vendors to copy another designer's work.  The ethical ones won't do it and the unethical ones...well, do you really want your special day to be a copy of someone else's?

How do I hold it all together on the big day without a planner?
Be prepared.  Make a spreadsheet of all the moving parts of the wedding (when's the cake coming, when should dinner be on the table, how long is the ceremony).  I'm serious.  You need everything in one, easily accessible place.  Make three copies.  One for you, one for your SO and one for a trusted person (friend, bridesmaid, mom...you get it).  Decide which questions you will answer on the day.  Direct all other questions to someone else with the list. You might also ascertain whether a friend might be willing to step in for the day.  Just make sure to brief them.  The best advice I can give you is to just relax.  Enjoy your day-you're getting married, damnit!  You should be focusing on that!

Want to agree, disagree or share your own advice?  Leave it in the comments.  As always, I am happy to answer (just about) any question you can throw at me.  Feel free to e-mail me at goldiluxeevents@gmail.com.

Photo credit:  smilingsilversmith.blogspot.com