sweet peony

We’re obsessed with peonies, so when we saw these pretty images by Becky Young Photography from her sister’s bridal shower, and peonies were in the details, we were in love.

The soft colors, ribbon backdrop, sweet peony arrangements by the one and only Cori Cook and desserts made for one lovely bridal shower. And according to Cori, the bride, Jenny, is as sweet as pie. We want to meet her…and see her August wedding!


VENDOR LOVE
photography: Becky Young Photography
florist: Cori Cook 

{images via Becky Young Photography}

buzzworthy {continued}

Yesterday we showed you some amazing eye candy from the grand opening celebration of Eclectic Hive’s new warehouse. Today, we’re sharing the rest of the beautiful party…and some of their inventory.

Epicurean Catering catered the event, and did a fantastic job creating a ‘hive’ look. The tubes in the wire netting below had delicious soup in them. And I was told the honey bacon brittle was yummy.

For those of you LOVING the aspen tree bar like me, it is a white bar frame that they can slide different panels in such as the aspen trees you see here, corrugated metal and hedge wood grass to name a few.

And now, here’s just a glimpse of some treasures in their warehouse that may just be perfect for your next event.

VENDOR LOVE

Eclectic Hive (warehouse/decor)
The Workshop
 (event planning/coordination)
Jensen Sutta Photography (photography)
Peak Beverage (drinks)
LMD Productions (lighting)
Jacob Sanchez of DanceTrax Productions (music)

{images via Jensen Sutta}

buzzworthy

When I met Jillian at this year’s ICON Awards, I knew I wanted to learn more about her business. She was wearing a fashionable peplum top and she was so friendly. Both of us ran out of business cards when we met at the end of the evening, but with a unique company name, I didn’t forget it, and once I looked it up, I was ‘stung’ by ‘the hive.’ Let me introduce you to a fabulous, talented, fun and amazing group of women who are going to {already do} rock the event world with their decor company.

Eclectic Hive.

It’s a Colorado decor house and furniture rental company with unique decor for corporate functions, weddings, non-profit and social events.

Honestly, I took one look at their inventory and wanted to move in…or take some pieces home with me. I could live in a different ‘room’ in their warehouse each day of the week. From vintage couches, modern chairs and antique tables to eclectic accessories and unique lighting – their inventory will blow your mind.

The ladies at The Hive are constantly searching the streets of New York City, the markets in LA, vintage shops and small businesses across the country to find unique pieces. And, with years of experience in event design and event planning, Heidi, Jillian and Danielle have the expertise and ‘good eye’ for making events one-of-a-kind.

Jillian lived in LA and managed some of the hotspots in hollywood which led her to work in the special events industry.  She worked her way up to event manager, which she did for about 2 years in LA before moving to Denver, where she planned events for about 6 years. “I wanted to be more on the creative side and was ready to leave the planning part of the business, which is when I found my business partners (ironically, they were my competitors),” Jillian commented. “We found each other at the right time. They had always wanted to be a part of a décor company and I needed the support of strong women with a successful background in running a business and alas, here we are!!!!”

I {it’s me talking again} really believe that decor sets the stage for an event, and it tells the story of what the party if about, or if it’s a wedding, what the couple enjoys/appreciates/their style. I know the setting around me, and the unique details are what I remember most about events. And, whether the budget is large or small, unique pieces on any scale make a lasting impact.

The ladies at The Hive feel the same way. Jillian said, “Creating intimate and inviting places for the guests to nestle with a good friend and a cocktail or two is what we hope to provide.  We love pieces that are conversation starters and know that offering quaint, clever, seating and accents is the difference between a room without love and attention, and a room with the intention of creating memories.  Close.  Intimate.  Comfortable.  Clever.”

With all the versatile, gorgeous inventory {that’s constantly growing}, what’s Jillian’s favorite? “Right now, we have this insane crystal sphere floor lamp that blows my mind every time I see it.  This may be a favorite for a while.”

I have to say, I L.O.V.E that piece too.

We’re thrilled they are located in Denver, but for those of you outside of Colorado, they venture outside the state on occasion too…lucky you!

Today and tomorrow we have photos from their Open House. Insanely beautiful!


VENDOR LOVE

Eclectic Hive (decor)
The Workshop
(event planning/coordination)
Jensen Sutta Photography (photography)
Peak Beverage (drinks)
LMD Productions (lighting)
Jacob Sanchez of DanceTrax Productions (music)

{images via Jensen Sutta}

patriotic playlist

We all know music can really make or break a party. Today and tonight, we plan to gather around the grill, golf course, pool, campfire and watch fireworks as we celebrate our nation’s freedom. Call me a sap, but when I hear God Bless the USA, my eyes well up with tears! I really have ‘a moment’ as I watch fireworks and hear that song. So, we’ve put together a list of our favorites so you can have your own ‘moments.’ It will take no time at all with iTunes or Spotify!

Ray Charles with Alicia Keys, America The Beautiful or
Ray Charles, America the Beautiful

Dierks Bentley, Home

Whitney Houston, The Star Spangled Banner

Toby Keith, Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)
Lee Greenwood, God Bless The U.S.A.Tim McGraw, If You’re Reading This
LeAnn Rimes, God Bless America
Crosby & Nash, My Country Tis Of Thee
Don McLean, American Pie
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, American Girl
Katy Perry, Firework
Sugarland, Everyday America
Miley Cyrus, Party In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen, Born In The U.S.A.
Toby Keith, American Soldier
John Mellencamp, Our Country – Rock Version
Neil Diamond, America
John Mellencamp, Jack & Diane
Brooks & Dunn, Only In America
Martina McBride, Independence Day

{videos via YouTube}

building hope around the world

My husband is a builder and an Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties. Every year Habitat for Humanity hosts a Carpenter’s Ball in celebration of their mission of bringing people together to build homes communities and hope. It’s their signature fundraising event, and after attending 3 prior Ball’s, this year was my absolute favorite. They mixed things up from their standard cocktails/silent auction and ceremony/sit-down dinner…and it was a fabulous time!

This year’s annual ball, “Building Hope Around the World,” brought people together in a festive way – each guests received a Passport to experience food and drink from regions around the globe where Habitat is making a difference offering housing solutions. Here’s why I think this international wine and food tasting worked and was a success:

It allowed everyone to mingle and not be stuck at one table.

Guests really learned about Habitat and the places they make a difference around the world, not just by reading it in a program or hearing it from the President of Habitat during a speech in a ballroom, but by ‘visiting’ stations inspired by the locations, along with interesting facts about the specific location.

We were able to try all kinds of new and delicious foods inspired by cultures from around the world, along with paired beverages. The talented Chef Richard Hinojosa of Larkspur Restaurant designed six, three course tasting menus paired with great wine and other beverages. From Braised Fennel Citrus Sea Scallops to Little Larkburgers at the USA station. Shrimp Pad Thai to Steamed Pork Bao in Asia & Pacific. Crème Fraiche Pierogi {my personal fave} and a Hungarian Risotto with Spring Pea Pancetta created the European flavors with Veuve Clicquot to compliment the cuisine at that station.

Opportunity to bid on unique auction items.

Great, live music.

Being a DIYer, I was impressed with the construction-themed DIY details Elyse Howard, Development Director at Habitat Humanity, and her team executed beautifully. Some of my fave DIYs were the nuts and bolts in mason and hob nail jars, real ladders that we use at the job site and wood for auction shelving, burlap runners and habitat hard hats with mints and labeled lotion and soap in the bathrooms. They also used biodegradable bamboo “vessels” for the food which you can find here.

Lighting, which I’ve come to believe really sets the tone for a party, was warm with amber up lighting around the room, and custom gobos added a personalized touch. And a wow factor was the exposed lightbulb chandelier, which exuded an elegant work site feeling.

Can’t wait for next years party, Elyse. Thanks for sharing this year’s photos with us.


{this was my favorite display – food and wine lined up along wood planks {anchored at each end with different sized wood blocks} at different heights to appear ‘stepped.’}

Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.  Habitat builds simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with local families in need.  Founded in 1995, Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties has served 42 families to date housing over 120 children. To learn more about Habitat, or how to become involved, visit http://www.habitatvailvalley.org/.

VENDOR LOVE

Photography: Joe Kania from Axel Media Solutions
Annual Event Operations/Production and Planning
: Highline Sports & Entertainment {special thanks for Katie at Highline for her help in planning and DIY projects}
Decor: Pink Monkey Solutions {chandelier, gobo light, lounge areas, burlap pipe and drape, burlap runners, hob nail and mason jar centerpieces, food station decor and overall look and feel}
Venue and Food: Larkspur Restaurant
Photo Booth: Patrick at Go Photo Booth
Invitation: Bahan Design
Entertainment:  My Brother’s Keeper Band
Alcohol: Veuve Clicquot, Grand Marnier, Milbrant Vinyards, Crazy Mountain Brewery
Auction tablet software/smart phone bidding: AES  Solutions

Sponsors:
ANB Bank
Amanda Precourt
Hermes Resort Properties
Alpine Bank
Beck Building
Bob and Sue Baker
First Bank
Gallegos
George Schaeffer Construction Company
Land Title
Laureen Hopkins Interior Designs
Remonov & CO
Ron Byrne & Associates Real Estate
Ruggs Benedict
Slifer Smith and Frampton
VAg, inc Architects and Planners
Vail Board of Realtors
Vail Daily
Vail Resorts
Veuve Clicquot