Viceroy Inspired Wedding Invitation

 

I couldn't be happier with the finished product.  I just received my wedding invitations from the Mandate Press and every imprint is perfect as always.  I just love receiving the neatly packaged invitations.  It is such a huge rush to see your electronic product converted to the age old letterpress.  Designing the invitation was a walk in the park.  The Viceroy provided more than enough inspiration for my wedding invitations but rather than pulling from the Hollywood glam vibe I decided to focus on my favorite feature at the hotel. The lobby's yellow and white mosaic tile feature defines the entry while exhibiting true Palms Spring inspired design.  I can't wait for the guests to get this bold, striking invitation and ultimately bring the experience full circle when they enter the lobby.  

Chris + Ana

I had the pleasure of taking engagement photos for Chris and Ana. The couple recently relocated from Central Coast in CA to Ballard, WA and wanted to take photos that captured their new community. We started our journey at Golden Gardens then made our way down Market. The Ballard Farmer's Market was in session and we meandered in and out of some of their favorite boutiques. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day. Again, Thank you Ana and Chris for letting participate. I had a blast taking your photos. Beth

Viceroy Palm Springs| Destination Wedding Location

I recently had the privilege of touring, sampling, and experiencing The Viceroy Palm Springs while on a destination wedding venue search. The Viceroy is a luxury boutique hotel located in sunny Palm Springs, CA. The manicured grounds, private villas, and 3 refreshing pools makes this the perfect destination wedding location.

Kelly Wearstler is the interior design genius behind the resort's modern Hollywood Regency design. She recaptures the look and glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age by featuring modern styling amidst a black, white, silver and lemon yellow palette. The location is a photographer's, wedding planner's, and bride's dream come true. There is no need to re-create the wheel when planning your wedding. Kelly has conveniently and tastefully set the tone for your event. The Viceroy website alone will serve as your wedding inspiration board.

The hotel's 67 guest rooms, studios, and villas that are situated perfectly to create intimate and secluded locations throughout the hotel grounds. The Viceroy, first unveiled in 1933, rests on 4 acres divided into 4 very elegant environments for your wedding (click for map). My two favorite locations are the Regency Courtyard and the Presidio Ballroom. The surrounding mountains provide a dramatic backdrop in the Regency Courtyard which is perfect for your garden ceremony while the Presidio Ballroom exudes Hollywood glamour with mirrored walls, glass chandeliers, and amazing silver wallpaper. The first time I entered the ballroom I felt like I had slipped into gray satin evening gown, my hair was pinned back in finger rolls, and from my ears dangled diamond chandelier earrings. It was like stepping through a portal to old Hollywood.

The Palm Springs International Airport is conveniently close to the hotel, about an 8-minute cab ride. No rental car required for your guests; The Viceroy is located in downtown Palm Springs near all of the boutiques and restaurants.

The Citron, the hotel's gourmet restaurant, features California modern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and poolside. I would recommend their grapefruit martini or lemon drop, it's like the Viceroy in liquid format. The restaurant staff are extremely attentive; you will never be without a drink.

The Viceroy hospitality is only rivaled by The Parker. You and your guests (and your puppy) will feel welcome from the moment they arrive. The staff is genuinely friendly. It is obvious that each member of the Viceroy team is madly in love with their job.

I look so forward to my next trip. Please make sure to visit their website. It contains amazing photographs of the venue along with all of the details you need to plan your Palm Springs destination wedding. All photographs above are from the Viceroy website.

Thinknow Takes on Vegas

Becky Ellis of Thinknow Design thought it would be fun document her eco-fashion pieces on the road. I absolutely agree. During a recent trip to Las Vegas I pulled out a pair of my favorite earrings at the Ghost Bar at the top of The Palms.
Floral Metallic by Thinknow Design

Sex and The City Love Key Chain

After hosting the SATC Movie pre-screening party in Seattle all the ladies were buzzing about the Love keychain that Louise gave Carrie. It is one of the most iconic images from the movie (besides the blue Manolos). After some research I learned that the keychain was custom designed by H. Stern for the movie with a fat price tag of around 6k. How Louise could ever afford that keychain is beyond me!

After my crushing discovery that the keychain cost more than the Manolos I let my dream of carrying around a little piece of SATC and the reminder to have "faith in love" slowly fade away. Fast forward to present day. I happened across the movie on HBO and the key chain grabbed my attention yet again. Then I had one of my "inspired" moments and thought A) what a great way to ask your girlfriend to move in with you and B) those would make fantastic bridesmaid gifts. So after a single google search their she was, a reasonably priced replica. Check out Love is Key NYC, The HBO Store, or Seen On for the key chain and Mr. Lock or your local hardware store for the house key cap cover.

So fellas, if you are looking for the perfect way to ask her to move in try it Sex and The City Style with the Love Key Chain. Then when the time is right you can propose with the Blue Manolos and she can in turn give the key chain to her bridesmaids as thank you gifts!

Eco-Fashion by Thinknow Design

Thinknow Design, based in Seattle, produces eco-fashion jewelry designed by Becky Ellis. I am madly in love with her creations. Her patterns are inspiring, color palette invoking, and when paired with sustainable wood and recycled paper the jewelry is irresistible. The pieces are designed for tree-hugging fashionistas. Stay tuned for additional photos. I am taking some of my favorite pieces on the road.

"I Prefer Umbrellas in My Cocktails" - Cheeky Umbrella

I truly do prefer umbrellas in my cocktails, however, living in Seattle an umbrella is a staple. Finding fun, fashionable, and reasonably priced umbrellas is even a difficult to manage in our rainy city. So today when I stumbled across the most fantastic umbrella holder I have ever seen I decided to try and find some umbrellas to fill it. All of the umbrellas I found are under $50 and BONUS . . . I even found and umbrella that lights up!

From top to bottom and right to left Marimekko Kiku Red Umbrella, Groovy Garden Rain Umbrella by Umbrella Society, Sprig Rain in blue by Tray 6, Slow Flow by Bright Night, and Cocktails Umbrella by Cheeky Umbrella.

backyard beach wedding

Want to get married in Hawaii but your budget only allows for a backyard wedding? These classy beach elements will certainly transform your back yard into a tropical paradise.

Functional & Fabulous: Fashion Rain Boots

The battle of function versus fashion is over with the creation of high heeled rain boots. I have always struggled with being practical on a rainy day. Now you can look fabulous while staying dry.

http://shop.davrain.com/

Burlesque Bachelorette

I was planning a surprise bachelorette party for a dear friend. Myself, the bride, and the guests have all arrived at the age where we no longer head to the club for your typical bachelorette party. So I made her a burlesque head dress and booked dinner reservations at The Can Can in Pike Place Market to watch a burlesque show. The guest had a blast and the planning was so much fun. I designed a custom damask background and created a fishnet pattern for the invitation. A burlesque invite wouldn't be complete without feathers and gemstones. For the finishing touch I created a closure that is reminisent of ladies lingere. The invites were mailed in clear envelopes so you could immediately see the fun that was awaiting you.

Here are some photos from the evening.

SATC Movie Pre-Screening Photos Posted

Visit http://www.mikeluong.com/SATC/ to view the Sex & The City Movie pre-screening photos. Photos courtesy of Mike Luong.

I apologize for the delay!

Wishing you all the best,
Beth

Get Carried Away - SATC Pre-Screening 5/29

Ikhatta Events announces VIP Pre-Screening of Sex and the City the movie at Big Picture on Thursday, May 29, 2008 Be 1 of 90 VIP guests to see SATC the Movie before it releases to the public. Choose from a 5:30 pm or 6:45 pm dinner seating where you will enjoy a 3-course dinner and Pearl Vodka cosmos at the Apartment Bistro in Belltown. After savoring your dinner and sipping your Pearl Vodka Cosmos you will be whisked away by Amy’s Limo to a red carpet entrance at Big Picture. You will be escorted into the lounge for an SATC cosmo and a live DJ will be spinning SATC mixes from the TV show & Movie. While you are enjoying the music grab your Big Picture signature Champagne Popcorn. The movie pre-screening will begin at 8:45 pm.

So grab your girlfriends, dress up, and find your most fabulous pair of shoes - see you there!