PAPER LANTERN EVENTS

Ali & Kris are Married

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Thu, 6 Nov 2014 23:00:00 -0800

These sweet Canadian's and their adorable daughter flew out to California to get married at Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes. Here are some highlights from Sano Film Productions

Ali and Kris Wedding Trailer | Terranea Resort from Miranda Mirsec on Vimeo.

Rob & Mike are Married!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 23:15:00 -0700

It was a beautiful evening at Pelican Hill for Rob & Mike. Congratulations!

Tom & Susan are Married!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Sun, 6 Jul 2014 09:21:00 -0700

I had a wonderful time working with Tom & Susan last weekend. Susan is a new mom to a beautiful 3 Month old Baby Boy. Can you believe it? Here is a sneak peak from the delightful Elysha McMurtry.

Venue: Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
Photography: Elysha McMurtry Photography
Florist: The Eleventh Flower, Lindsay Stone
Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop

Princess for a Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 16:28:00 -0700

With the Royal Wedding upon us (Kanye & Kim, HA ha ha), it's time to be wistful that we too can be a princess.

Here are some beautiful tiara's from Etsy.com

Vintage Dream Golden Tiara

BeSomethingNew

Green Honeymoon 5 Eco Friendly Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Sun, 2 Mar 2014 21:09:00 -0800

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA

"…Walk around the extensive grounds to see the beautiful tree, plant and bird life - not forgetting the Redwoods..."

Viceroy, Miami, FL

"Beautiful views, amazing pool area, spa was simply gorgeous."

Bardessono, Yountville, CA

"I loved all the environmentally friendly practices used at the hotel. I truly appreciate all your dedication..."

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Wyoming

"Built into the mountainside in Teton Village... this LEED-certified contemporary hotel is gorgeous!"

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, Albuquerque, NM

"The locally made farm fresh food is delightful... They… go to great lengths to be environmentally friendly." Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle, WA

"Sleek and contemporary with all the important technological touches... and LEED-certified."

Epic Wedding Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Sat, 1 Feb 2014 15:44:00 -0800

My Husband likes to brag that he did a "Full 360" at our Wedding Reception. We have an image from the photographer but it's not so epic. Here's a website that is dedicated to sharing "Epic" images from Weddings around the world. Image via Joe Hendricks

Botanical Wreath Party Decor by Minted

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:24:00 -0800

I love everything about Minted. Their cards, invitations, EVERYTHING. So I am so beyond thrilled they have created pre-made party packages for Weddings. This Botanical Wreath Party Decor is Fabulous!

Personalize your Cake Toppers

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Tue, 1 Oct 2013 15:47:00 -0700

Gone are the porcelain Bride and Groom figures that once adorned your Grandmother's Cake. Today's Cake Toppers are cute representatives of the couple, where they came from, favorite sports team or an activity they love. "State of the Union" "The Love Pinch" "Surfer Couple" "Sporty Couple" "Fireman & Teacher"

Happy 4th of July

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Thu, 4 Jul 2013 06:00:00 -0700

http://www.kaylaorourke.com/

Happy Father's Day Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:23:00 -0700

Happy Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Fri, 1 Mar 2013 14:45:00 -0800

Creative Engagement Sessions Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:37:00 -0800

Living in Southern California there are few who haven't tried (and fallen for) "SUP" or Stand Up Paddling. For their engagement session, Sarah + Luke took to their boards dressed to the nines and made this shoot look effortless. Photos courtesy of Fondly Forever.

Creative Engagement Sessions Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:22:00 -0800

I have an unnatural fear of Turbines but I absolutely love this engagement session in Palm Springs. These pictures are HOT HOT HOT! Images Courtesy of Fondly Forever

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:19:00 -0800

Happy Valentine's Day!

Still Obsessing Over Chevron

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:37:00 -0800

Cake via Sweet Grace Dress via Etsy Bouquet via Jen's Blossoms Bowtie Dog Collar via Etsy

Holiday Cards Already (Oh My!)

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:58:00 -0700

The kids are back to school and life is beginning to get over-scheduled again...but I am going to get a head start to the Holiday Season...Starting now!

Shutterfly.com has the most adorable Greeting Cards (they will even mail them for you). If you move quickly you can even score 10FREECARDS (expires today).

Here's a sneak preview of mine ;)

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Sun, 8 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

DIY Bourbon Tasting Bar

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Sat, 7 May 2011 15:48:00 -0700

A guest post by Calder Clark.

If you think Southern weddings are all about peonies, parasols, and pink bows, you just wait...

Case in point: one of our clients let us have a little fun at their fall wedding down on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, recently. When tasked with conjuring up a cocktail activity that was Southern and sure to be a crowd pleaser, we jumped at the challenge. And that's exactly how our small batch bourbon bar (pictured below) was born.

My groom dutifully “researched” the barrel-aged sauce while we spent the summer haunting antique malls for a collection of old cut crystal decanters and vintage cocktail glassware. After selecting two beautiful charred oak barrels as a table base, we had our production team build and patinate a thick piece of copper for the bar top. A few leather-handled ice buckets and pewter ice scoops later, and voilà—the cocktail hour pièce de résistance was finally assembled.

Guests literally drank us out of house and home, which is the ultimate goal of course. I think I saw some elbow-throwing as folks bellied up to the bar to sample the various batches.

With or without a production team, all you really need for a party version of this idea is great bourbon and great friends. We provided the list of bourbon!

Here are some of our go-tos:
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select
Labrot & Graham
Versailles, Kentucky
Aged, Unknown
Proof 90.4

Ridgemont Reserve 1792
Barton Brands Distilling
Bardstown, Kentucky
Aged, Eight Years
Proof 93.7

Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Jim Beam Distillery
Clermont, Kentucky
Aged, Eight Years
Proof 80

Jefferson’s Reserve
McClain & Kyne Distillery
Bardstown, Kentucky
Aged, Twelve to Fourteen Years
Proof 90.2

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve
Old Rip Van Winkle’s Distillery
Louisville, Kentucky
Aged, Fifteen Years
Proof 107

Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Distillery
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Aged, Unknown
Proof 90

**One more takeaway tip: we had crushed ice, fresh mint, lemons, and limes available on the off chance that garnishes were needed . . . but almost all enjoyed it neat.

Photo credits: A Bryan Photo

Polaroid Escort Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Sun, 1 May 2011 21:33:00 -0700

Cutest place cards i've seen in awhile...

(Special Thanks to The Wedding Chicks & Courtney & Aaron)

Steal Worthy Idea:

One of our favorite details was the place cards. We searched the internet for any pictures we could find of our guests. Using the beauty of facebook, we found snapshots, from safe to totally embarrassing, but if it was on the web, it was fair game! We turned them into Polaroids and with DIY magnets favorsincluding vintage pictures of Lake Tahoe. Guests were laughing hysterically when they saw their old prom photos and Halloween costumes from years past as their place card. We’re still hearing comments about them!

Princess for a Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 -0700

With the Royal Wedding upon us, it's time to be wistful

that we too can be a princess.

Here are some beautiful tiara's from Etsy.com

Vintage Dream Golden Tiara

BeSomethingNew

Rhinestone Collage Ribbon Circlet

by Hippiebride

Lola Rhinestone Beaded Bridal Headband

by AmieNoelDesigns

Rhinestone Rose and Leaf Tiara

by MyraKim

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 08:00:00 -0700

Happy Earth Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:00:00 -0700

Eco Friendly Wedding Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 02:39:00 -0700

I am loving the eco-friendly gowns from The Cotton Bride! All of the dresses are hand-sewn and made of natural fabrics, including an array of cotton and linen, and designed to perfection with hints of beadwork, lace, and embroidery. The concept is simple but the beauty of these dresses is anything but! Happy Earth Day!

Brilliant Earth...Brilliant Rings

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:48:00 -0700

I love a non-traditional engagement or wedding band and when it happens to hold sentimental value and/or be created in a socially responsible manner...it's even better.

Brilliant Earth, founded in 2005 by Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg, has the most beautiful "responsibly sourced" jewelry. Like this Oval Yellow Sapphire on White Gold $2,500.

Rustic Coral Winery Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Norelli) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:14:00 -0700

Photography: Jill Thomas Photography
Venue: David Hill Winery
Rentals: Barclay Event Rentals
Cake: Michelle’s Custom Cakery
Invitations: Cricket Printing
Hair + makeup: Chachi Hair and Skin