The Soiree Blog

Seafoam | Dusty Shale| Purple

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

This week is all about what Kim is inspired by...and if I do say myself, I'm pretty smitten with the contrast of the soft seafoam, shale and purple, grounded by rustic wood. If you remember our post from last week, I have tasked the girls with putting together inspiration boards comprised of whatever trends, colors, patterns, or styles that catch their eye at that moment.

I was especially drawn to this board because of our McCall and Shore Lodge weddings we have this season- over half of our events on the books are in the pristine Payette Lake resort town. McCall is the perfect balance between relaxed and luxurious, and many of our events there have a subtle rustic feel to them. How about you? What do you love the most about this board?

Sources:

1. Airy, asymmetrical dress from Anthropologie | 2. Wood reception table | 3. & 4.- Table number and seafoam tie, unknown | 5. Purple balloons along an aisle

xx,

~Brandi

Inspiring Photo No. 44

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Loving the stripes, loving the twirl, loving every inch of this...

Via

~Happy Monday!

Trending | Wedding Menus

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:18:00 +0000

We are impressed with all of the different ways we've seen a wedding menu done of late. A traditional card tucked into the napkin is fine, but surprising your guests with a creative menu presentation is not only thrilling to the stomach, but to the eye as well. We are constantly trying to come up with new ways to do old things, and since food is so important to your guests' experience, we like to make the menu a star of the show too.

Sources:

Window panes are great for more than looking outside. Use them for menus, seating diagrams, escort cards, bar menus.

Chalkboards never go out of style. Use small easels to place on each table. Or use big chalkboards as an entrance to a buffet like our Tablerock Wedding. In this case, the lettering was projected on to the board to match the same fonts as the wedding invitations.

We have a love of all things kraft, especially bags used as menus. We also love using items for double duty- in this case it's your reception menu and guest favors.

These menu books are gorgeous and also double as a place card. The more you use an item in different ways, the more bang for your buck.

A professional chalk lettering design just adds to the beauty, and as we mentioned in this post, we think it would be a very cool wall art in your home after the wedding. Once again, never underestimate the ways to get the most use out what you choose to put in your wedding!

Have any other great ideas for menus? Do share in the comments!

Blush | Champagne | Ombre

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Currently loving these colors together- a little pink, a little champagne, taupe, and even a dusty blue is gorgeous. And the ombre effect (fancy term for the graduating colors) is something that is all over weddings and the runway right now. Each week I have the girls (Kimberly and Stephanie) put together inspiration boards based on whatever they're inspired by at that moment. I give them full creative license and they surprise me each week with their concepts; the only direction they get from me is how the borders look, because I'm perfectionistic like that. And perfectionistic is a word, in fact one that was on their job descriptions so they're ok with it. This is Stephanie's beautiful creation this week- who wants to plan a glamorous wedding like this? We're open for business, let's chat.

1. Champagne and gold sequin gown | 2. Pastel bridesmaids dresses all in a row | 3. Ombre wedding cake | 4. Lovely amethyst ring | 5. Ruffled chiavari chair backs

~Happy Wednesday!

Inspiring Photo No. 43 + 501

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Happy Monday...Hope you and your love have plans for tomorrow night- even if it's just a glass of wine.

Via

Today also marks our 501st post...I can't even believe it. This blog has been a source of inspiration, fun, and I won't even lie to you- frustration at times (I don't have a tech bone in my body). So thanks to our brides, clients, and future readers, we've been able to keep the blog going for so long. Also stay tuned this year as we perform some much needed TLC on the site, and we can't wait to add to the new look of both our website and our lifestyle blog. On that note here's to a lovely start to your week, and don't forget to give your honey an extra kiss tomorrow.

xx,

~Brandi

The Special Event 2012 | A Week In Pictures Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:14:00 +0000

We're back with another installment of snippets from our trip to Tampa, Florida for The Special Event:

Row 1: Another view of the amazing fabric chandelier at The Wedding Event | The sweetest little Columbian Cafe on our last night in Florida | A French Blue tablescape

Row 2: "Ice cream" cake pop | A rustic wedding vignette | Gorgeous altar design

Row 3: One of four different chair designs at the Wedding Event | Another cake design | Hands down the best presentation of mini tacos I've ever seen.

Be sure to check out our previous post on my week in sunny Florida, here.

~ Happy Wednesday!

Love Notes | Sweet Valentine Inspired Invitations From Ceci New York

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Loving these vintage Valentine invitations from the ever-talented Ceci New York...and even though they were meant for a brunch, they would make a perfectly romantic wedding invitation too.

Take a peek at the website for more details on this invitation and to see all of the beautiful designs. Happy Tuesday!

~Brandi

Inspiring Photo No. 42 | Love Week

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

It's love week!

Via

This whole week is dedicated to the holiday of hearts. What plans do you have with your love?

~Happy Monday!

Weekly Faves | Stephanie

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

This week it's all about what Stephanie is eyeing now...

To Buy: 1) Smashbox Hydrating Powder | 2) Serious hair repair | 3) Much needed chocolate | 4) OPI polish via the Caribbean Collection | 5) French coffee press

What's on your wishlist this week? Here's to a safe and happy weekend!

Trending | Mismatched Groomsmen

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

I have a thing for all things not so matchy matchy. At Soiree, like a good color palette, kitchy patterns, and we just love surprises. I also think the grooms tend to be forgotten..but they are almost as photographed as the bride is. Which is why I love it when the men switch it up:

What kinds of things are your groomsmen doing to make a statement?

The Special Event 2012 | A Week In Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:10:00 +0000

Last week was a blur. A time warp, really. It would be 8am, then it would be 2am. Just like that. But it's amazing what one can get accomplished and who one can meet within an almost 24 hour time span. If only I had the energy (and shoes that didn't absolutely kill my feet) to do it all the time!

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to witness the best talent around the country, met entertainers, artists, planners, lifestyle gurus, and many, many event and wedding industry pros at The Special Event. I met some of the people I admire and look up to most, Twitter friends, and fellow wedding bloggers. I have way too many photos and videos on my camera and phone and I'll be sharing them, along with tidbits from the conference, over a series of posts. For now, here's a sneak peek of my week in sunny Florida, via the iPhone and camera:

Top Row: A fall table display | The fabric and chandelier ceiling treatment at The Wedding Event | The lighting each night was nothing short of amazing

Second Row: Walking Champagne Ladies | A giant tree constructed for the TSE Starts Here Event | The apple on the white dance floor at the same event(Theme: Adam and Eve)

Third Row: One of the four cakes at The Wedding Event | Starburst glass charger | A "modern organic" vignette

Stay tuned for more posts on TSE in pictures....

~Happy Wednesday!

Jetting Away....

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

....To Florida today! That's right- we (me, Danielle, and Teresa) are hopping a flight together to travel across the country to attend The Special Event, an annual international event planning conference second to none. While basking in 70 degree temperatures (this is what Floridians call winter?), we'll also be going nonstop all day every day from educational classes that range from design to event management tracks, as well as networking with planners and event pros from all over the world. Are we excited? Just a little. I'll also get to meet, in person, some of the industry peeps that I've connected with either via Twitter, the blogosphere, or through mentorships I've participated in the past, and I'm beyond words about it all.

Via

Once the whirlwind is over, I'll be posting my finds from The Wedding Event and the Wedding Event Galleries, as well as photos from our adventures on the East Coast, so stay tuned! You can also follow all the commentary on Twitter throughout the event with the official hashtag #TSE2012.

Our blog posting may be a little far and between this week as the girls fill in for me at the office, so be sure to check back next week for all the updates!

~Happy Monday!

Weekly Faves

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

This week is all about what our newest intern, Kim, is currently coveting. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we formally introduce her on the blog, even though she's already been a busy bee helping around the office for two weeks!

Kim is the queen of bags, as noted by the great hobo bag she chose here, and shh..don't tell, but she's also my little sister. More on how this came about and why she's such an asset to Soiree...

Shopping Guide for Kim's Weekly Faves:

1. Vintage Leather Hobo Bag | 2. Pearlescent Trim Necklace | 3. Sephora Nail Polish |
4. Patent Leather Ballet Flat | 5. Empire Waist Coat

....In the meantime happy shopping, and have a fabulous weekend!

Pretty Parisian Gowns By Rime Arodaky

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Being that my background is in Spanish and Culture, along with fashion, textiles, and design, I have a soft spot for really beautiful fashions. My mom always said it was "my calling" to be a clothing designer, and I can remember being very little saying to myself that the only thing I would be interested in designing, clothing wise, was a wedding gown. Fast forward 20 some years and even though I don't design wedding dresses, I am hopelessly addicted to designing weddings- pretty close if you ask me! So it was natural for me to flip over these wedding dresses from Parisian designer Rime Arodaky- the perfect mix of romance and couture.

Aren't these flowy gowns just dreamy?

Photos 1,2,4 via This Is Glamorous; Photo 3 via Rime Arodaky

~Happy Wednesday!

What's Your Invitation Style?

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:47:00 +0000

I ran across Clementine while searching for wedding invitation examples to put in a new design board we're putting together for a client, and not only do I love the ready to order line, but also love their invitation style indicators. How many times have you tried to put into words what the theme or vision for your wedding will be? Or, if you're a wedding planner, how many times have you tried to decipher what your bride is trying to tell you? Maybe if we all introduced style files along with descriptions like these, we'd be well on our way! Below are all the style descriptions, along with some of our favorite designs for each.

So tell us, what's your favorite invitation style? You can also take Clementine's style quiz to help you decide. I took the quiz, and it's declared that I am officially a cross between the "Sentimental Mood" and the "Old World Glamour" styles. And I think it's pretty spot on.

~Happy Planning!

Inspiring Photo No. 41

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Via

I was inspired by all the color in this dress....which got me thinking: will you be wearing any color in your wedding dress this year? Or how about your wedding party?

Here's to a colorful Monday,

~xx,
Brandi

Weekly Faves

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:51:00 +0000

For me, this week was all about getting back into working out, being healthy, and being sane.

Fage Greek yogurt is my absolute favorite go-to Greek goddess. I like to mix this with honey and fruit or one of the Davinci sugar free syrups. For any of you watching your sugar and carb intake, but love your yogurt, this is the way to go.

Lara Bars are a beautiful thing. I discovered these when I was pregnant with my kiddo and needed fast snacks without sacrificing my diet. These bars are all natural, with nary a word you can't pronounce. Bonus- you can find a variety pack of these at Costco.

I've been hearing more and more about these Lululemon yoga pants. I try to do my hot yoga at least twice a week, and need a good pair that will last all the washing.

Finally, this Mentha Lip Gloss is amazing in every way- good breath freshener too.

What are you favorites right now?

~ Brandi

Bridal Hair How To | Beachy Waves

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

We love the look of relaxed waves for hair...both on brides and non brides alike. This easy to follow tutorial from Cupcakes and Cashmere allows even hairstyle-inept folks like myself the chance to look like we just walked out of a salon.

~Happy Thursday!

On 2012 | Aspirations, Reflections, And My Top 10

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

It's the second week in January. 2012. Most blogs I read regularly have already posted their goals and aspirations for the new year last week, or even before the ball dropped at the end of December. But for me, I've taken a different approach this year. First, I did something I never do- I took a week off between Christmas and New Year's Day. And while I paid dearly for it in the way of being slammed all last week, it was also like chicken soup for the soul (the man really had something there with his books!). I mean I really took the week off. Nary a blog entry, a few emails here and there in the beginning, but soon I found myself losing my iPhone. But that time, and even my horrifyingly busy* week last week, proved to be just what I needed to really determine what I wanted, what I didn't want, and what I was going to do for myself and my business this year. This all spurred one of the best Soiree Pow-Wow's to date this past weekend, and I can't wait to put some of what we talked about into action. And this year I'm starting with something I haven't done in past years- I'm posting those goals and aspirations here for accountability. Because it's one thing to tell your friends. Another to tell half the planet. So without further adieu..my top 10 for 2012:

1. Planning. I know, ironic, isn't it? I'm a planner yet I'm aspiring to plan more- in business. I think it can be so tough for small business owners to be the jack of all trades- the manager, the designer, the planner, the coach, the mentor, the finance person. I found myself overwhelmed more times than I can count by starting most weeks without a plan. Fact of the matter is, there needs to be a plan for the team, for the projects that week, and for the back end of the business. Now I'm making myself take just a few minutes each Friday afternoon to plan for the week ahead.

2. Becoming a truly full service firm. Soiree went through a lot of growing pains this year- which is expected and I'm actually thankful for, because it taught us all a lot. But one thing that has become clear to me is that I no longer want consulting to be the basis of my business. We are moving towards becoming a true full service boutique- one where our clients come to us with a need and we produce that with class and flair. This involves a lot of processes I'm not used to using, such as outsourcing, but in the end I know we'll be more profitable, be much happier, and I just know our clients will be serviced so much better.

3. Keeping a gratitude journal. Speaking of being thankful for things that happened last year, I'm starting this year off with a way to document my gratitude. I've heard so much about people logging their thanks each day, and I can see now how helpful they can be. I don't expect that 2012 will be all roses with perfect clients and profits handed to me on a silver platter, so at times when we're in the trenches I think it will be nice to be able to look back on this journal to remind me why I do what I do. I'm looking at the gratitude app for iPad- anyone use it?

4. Processes and systems. This is something we have been working on- the book E-Myth (I have the revisited version) really had it down in this respect. However, lack of vision has kept us almost chasing our tails with crazy amounts of form revisions and training. This year we've got that vision, we know where we want to be and we know what the entire team needs to be doing to get there. By this time next year I hope to report that we are a well-oiled machine.

5. Delegation. I love how interior designer Tobi Fairley put this: you can either delegate or dump. If you're overwhelmed as a business owner and trying to do it all, you tend to dump without properly training or giving the team a chance to grow. I'm hereby announcing that I believe I have been dumping 85% of the time just to get things off my plate. And, being a little on the type A side of life, it's really hard for me to delegate as it is. But I know with planning, and systems in place, we'll be effectively delegating in no time.

6. Health. This past year I really let my health slide. Between a toddler, a business, and a home to keep up, I was last on the list. I put on a little weight and I constantly felt a little foggy. I am making more time for myself- because what's the old saying? If mom's happy the whole family is happy?

Via

7. Pricing. Yep, the entire pricing structure is changing this year for Soiree. It's been a long time coming and the delay is only from fear on my part. Even though I've known this for some time, it's time to face the music- having your own business should always be working toward giving you the life you want to live. The new pricing model will be easier to understand, simplified. That's what I want.

8. KISS. (Keep it simple sweetie). This is one of my resolutions for personal and business- It's time to quit making things so complicated. That goes for our operations, our consultations, my home life.

9. Branding and Marketing. Last year we launched the new Soiree brand, which was so exciting. But we haven't done much more from there...We've got a good marketing plan in hand and we're hitting the ground running this year. Delegation, planning, and new systems will all help me make the time for projects like these.

10. Staying true to the vision. Every single masterminding book or publication you read has at least this one thing in common: if you can visualize it clearly, you can attain it. This is the one area of my business that has been foggy: what do I want? Where do I see Soiree going? Well even though I know things will always be changed a little, I am more clear than ever before- and that is amazingly liberating. By always staying true to that vision- in other words, asking myself, does this decision move us toward that vision- we will constantly be honing and attaining these and future goals. Which will only lead to good things.

What are your big goals for 2012? What have you been keeping to yourself out of fear? Let's get them all out so we're all accountable this year...and GO!

*Don't worry I still encourage taking vacations. They just aren't for the light at heart when you're in this industry! Play hard, work hard, right?

~Brandi

Inspiring Photo No. 40

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

~Happy Monday!

Portfolio: Brian + Ashley's Tablerock Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Ashley and Brian's wedding was sincerely one of the most heartfelt, personalized weddings we've designed ever. Ashley and Brian met at Boise's Twilight Criterium and the love blossomed from there- which is why it was imperative that a slight vintage bike theme take place in the wedding. Starting with the wedding invitations by Ampersand Studios, all the way through the wedding day with the couple's vintage beach cruisers making an appearance, the bike emblem was perfect. Other must-have details of the wedding were: Bright orange (Brian's signature color- just ask Ashley, as she managed to fall in love with a man wearing a neon orange shirt upon first meeting), spring green, and lots of natural elements like burlap. A live band from Portland, Wisconsin cheese, and oyster bar all got the party started...and kept it going well into the night.

The setting was a Brian's family's house, with the ceremony on top of the mountain overlooking the city- absolutely breathtaking. It was our first experience with straw bales, but we did have fun getting to know all of the farmers in the state of Idaho :) So without further adieu, here are some sneak-peek photos from their September fall wedding..don't forget to head over to the Ampersand Studios Blog for even more photos.

We welcomed guests into the cocktail hour with mojitos in mason jars- they were a hit especially since Ashley and Brian got lucky with Indian Summer-like weather.

Guests on their way up to the top of the mountain.

The wedding flowers were a combination of fall dahlias, the bride's favorite, and sweet little succulents.

The tented dinner area in the front of the house was one of our favorite parts of the day- we used a bare tent frame and hung patio lights from the poles. Dinner was right around sunset; soon the guests were eating under the stars and lights, alfresco style.

Overall, the wedding was a smashing success with the help of the amazing team of vendors:

Caterer: Metro Gourmet
Band: The Design Band, Portland
Design & Planning: Soiree
Photography, Invites: Ampersand Studios

~Happy Thursday!

Inspiring Photo No. 39

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Here's to all the 2012 weddings...

Via

...And to a fabulous start to the year. Happy Monday!

~Brandi

Inspiring Photo No. 38 + The Knot's 2011 Engagement Ring Stats

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:30:00 +0000

Well the Christmas holiday is over, and we're guessing quite a few happy couples were engaged over the weekend. Were you one of them?

A lovely wintry photo of the happiest couple, via

We also found these interesting statistics from The Knot about the average engagement ring and wedding band buying process....so you can see what your fella had to go through to find the perfect sparkle for the perfect you.

2011 AVERAGE ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING RING STATISTICS

Engagement Ring Cost: $5,200

Carat Size: 1 carat for center stone; 1.4 carats total stones

Most Popular Engagement Ring Shapes: Round (53%) and Princess (30%)

Most Popular Engagement Ring Metal: 73% of rings are made of white gold

Time It Takes for Groom to Find Engagement Ring: 3 months

Wedding Band Cost: $1,126 for brides; $491 for grooms

Most Popular Wedding Band Metal: For brides, 70% are white gold; for grooms, 34% are white gold

The Luxury Ring Segment: About 12% of couples spend more than $8,000 on the engagement ring

Luxury Engagement Ring Cost: $13,500

Luxury Engagement Ring Carat Size: 1.5 carats for center stone; more than 2 carats total stones

The Knot also goes into trends for proposals and other such goodies all brides in their current giddy state will find interesting, so be sure to check out the entire article here.

And if you are a newly engaged bride with a perfect new sparkle on your finger, let us be one of the first to say, "Congratulations!"

~Happy Tuesday,

Brandi

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:48:00 +0000

Via

Hope your weekend is filled with love, family, and warmth. Be sure to take some time to sip the hot cocoa and don't forget the marshmallows!

Here's to a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday from our family to yours.

~The Soiree Girls

Pinned Favorites | Muted White + Silver

noreply@blogger.com (Soiree) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:30:00 +0000

Here are some of our favorites we've pinned this week...

Together they made a lovely little palette of muted whites and silvers, perfect for a winter wedding or New Years Eve party. Have a lovely Thursday!

Sources: 1.) BHLDN Shoe Clips via 2.) Bolsa Wood Bouquet, Via 3.) Felt Christmas Wreath, Via
4.) White Wedding Cake, Via