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}

susan + michael

We love this wedding for it’s pretty simplicity, but also its DIY touches, lovely lace, vintage accessories and the most stunning floral bouquets and arrangements! Tables were set with burlap runners lined with lace borders. Such a pretty combo.  Centerpieces by one of our faves, Cori Cook, were a mix of old wooden planter boxes with beautiful arrangements of juliet garden roses, succulents, roses, veronica, cafe au lait dahlias, scabiosa pods, astible, sweet pea, lavender and seeded eucalyptus. The details and the setting made for a beautiful garden wedding.

Thanks for Harper Point for sharing the amazing photos with us. Ya’ll are good!

VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Harper Point Photography
Flowers: Cori Cook Floral Design
Paperware: Paper + Ink
Rentals/Vintage Props: A Vintage Affair Rentals
Venue: The Tapestry House

{images via Harper Point Photography}

welcome bags…to do or not to do

Weddings are expensive. Plain and simple. Flowers. Photographers. Food and Drink. The Dress. Reception Site. The list goes on and on. So, many ask, “Is it necessary to give guests welcome bags at our wedding?” We are no Emily Post when it comes to etiquette, but having worked in the industry a little, and meeting with brides at Fleur de Lis on a daily basis, here’s our opinion. No, welcome bags are not necessary. It can be another expense, and often a logistical nightmare.

However, if the budget allows, it is a nice gesture, especially when you are having a destination wedding. Plus, we {especially me} are obsessed with the ‘little touches’ at weddings, so we believe a welcome bag is another opportunity for the bride and groom to share their personalities and relationship with their guests, it’s another chance to be creative and its a way of doing something special for your guests who traveled to attend your wedding.

If you’re getting hitched soon, and are contemplating gift bags, here’s some useful tips when putting it together.

IT’S ALL IN THE PACKAGING
Everything looks better and more beautiful when it’s in a pretty or cute package.

{images via destination tote bag: LH Calligraphy, roots wedding tote: Wedding Chicks, Wrapped frame art-print: Martha Stewart}

MAKE IT PERSONAL
Add a personal label to items {hotel door hanger like below}, share your favorite restaurants or things to do in the town of your nuptials, include a personal hand-written note and homemade treats {banana bread and honey butter or vanilla extract with a family tradition recipe like below}.

{images via…door hanger: Fleur de Lis, a paperie, banana bread: Everyday Occasions by Jenny Steffen, vanilla extract and recipe: Snippet and Ink}

INCORPORATE LOCAL FAVORITES
Highlight the towns best treat, and buy from local companies. It will give guests a taste of the town, and a deeper appreciation for it. And, be sure to include items guests will need/enjoy related to the town’s activities and weather.

{images via Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Miami tote: Jesi Haack Weddings, boston: Style Me Pretty}
INCLUDE ‘NECESSITIES’ FOR SURVIVING A FUN WEEKEND
Guests will likely enjoy a cocktail or two, so make sure they stay hydrated and you provide hangover essentials.
{images via…Hangover Kits bags: Jennifers CookiesMartha StewartNewlywish}

INCLUDE THE WEEKEND AGENDA

Make sure to include an itinerary of the weekend, tips on how to stay warm or cool, what to wear, who to call – the who, what, when, where and how of the weekend.

{images via Good Morning Newsletter: Martha Stewart Weddings, Oh So Beautiful Paper}

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}