For those of you who are unfamiliar with this craze that has afflicted girls age 4 to 12, American Girl is this brand of wholesome dolls that are basically your little buddies throughout adolescence. When my younger sister used to like American Girl, this was merely a book series of girls growing up in different time periods of history. Since then, the book series has exploded into this enterprise with stores with cafes in target cities around the US. I was really in awe when I first walked into this store. It is truly amazing how much great make believe fun can be had with your doll.

My niece turned 5 this year, and she wanted a luncheon at American Girl at the Grove. I made a reservation for all the Aunties and even Uncles that wanted to sit through a nice tea party and lunch at the American Girl store at the Grove. My niece would also get a chance to pick out all her birthday gifts in the store.

The day of the luncheon, we arrived a few minutes early to the store to find a mob of girls with their moms and friends for their special party. I felt like I was waiting in line for some ride at Disneyland. All the little girls were dressed up in their cute outfits, some matching their dolls. Inside the cafe, the tables were beautifully set with coordinating pink, black and white place settings. There were white linens and napkins and delicious sticky rolls waiting for us. Wrapped around each napkin was a pink bow hair elastic for every guest to take home. I was really impressed! I think I should be taking tips from American Girl! The menus were so colorful and pretty with a short story about American Girl and then printed prix fixe food choices on the other side. There is even a gluten free menu available for one of the Aunties.

Did I mention that the dolls have a seat too?

The tasty and pretty displays of the food

This was really a treat and so fancy for little girls. I know my niece loved her special 5 year old birthday party here with all the Aunties and Uncles. I think this is such a cute idea. This outing to American Girl has made my mind start cranking some gears on some potential new ideas. There will have to be more thought into this…

Happy 5 to my B!

I’m very excited that Betsie and Andy’s summer wedding in Santa Monica at the Beach Club was featured on the Ever Thine Mine Ours blog today!

Thanks so much for featuring Type A Planning on your blog today, L! Please go to Ever Thine Mine Ours blog to see the details today! It’s a three part series!

Courtesy Carolina Herrera

Thanks for entering the contest to win the $500 Carolina Herrera Gift Certificate! I am now ready to announce the winner!

MARIA! You are our lucky winner of the awesome giveaway!

I hope that you get to enjoy the gift certicate on something special for yourself.

CONGRATS!

- Betty with Type A Planning

This post is about the behind the scenes of the Fall tablescape design that I worked on in September. I now realize that I basically didn’t take any photos of the getting ready part of the day. HOW SMART! I know for next time that I’m going to do this so that I can show more stuff instead of writing about it.

Well, I can use this post as a way to describe some of the steps that I had to go through to get set up for the day and I do have a couple photos to share.

This is just a little bit of detail into what goes on during the design, concept and proofing part of something similar to wedding planning.

First of all,I decided that I wanted to start doing these tablescapes to keep myself up to date and keep challenging myself to design something that is a bit of a stretch for me each time. It helps to keep my ideas fresh and keeps me interested in current styles and materials and sometimes even bringing back some of the old and classic.

Fall was my first attempt in the tablescapes, and don’t worry, you’ll see more of these now since the season is slowing down. I picked fall because I love how its cool down time from summer, and you get a lot of options with richer and deeper hues of colors.

First things first…we had to plan and draw up some ideas for the design!

Part of the conception process is writing down the key themes and the element that you pull all the details around. I basically equate this to finding that perfect pair of beautiful shoes and then matching the clothes around this shining star.  For me with this tablescape, it was purple-y fruits, food and white ceramic.

I had all these thoughts swirling around in my head about how it could be familiar yet different, playful and utilitarian, and interactive. Finally, you just have to draw it all out in order to see how everything works against the other.

Everyone has their own style with how certain materials and products stand out to you. My style is primarily focusing on the simple and clean lines. Saying more with less…keeping it understated but still pretty and has a bit of a wow factor.

The execution part was so much fun! We had a chance to build out the ideas we put on our sketch design. Here is a quick snapshot of the build in progress. There were pieces of things lined up in construction waiting for the last touches before making it out to our cafe setting.

I think I really get a high from building the final product and seeing it in real life. I had an opportunity to cut flowers, tie ribbons, arrange fruit and french macarons, rip and cut fabric. Everything was hands on and a bit messy during the set up and then the great part is that the end result is a fun and crafty looking fall dinner tabletop.

See our previous post of the actual Fall Tablescape. http://blog.typeaplanning.com/2009/10/13/fall-wedding-tablescape-project-and-blog-series-by-type-a-planning/

I look forward in bringing you the next tablescape by Type A Planning.

We have one Carolina Herrera Gift Certificate to give away that is worth $500!

Courtesy Carolina Herrera

This will come in handy for upcoming events…maybe even your own special one?!?! I think that the Carolina Herrera store has a bridal boutique too…

 You can use the gift certificate at one of their 4 flagship locations. Gift certificate can be used according to their listed restrictions on the card. You must have the certificate in hand to redeem. Lost certificates cannot be replaced by Type A Planning.

Good luck!!

How to Enter:

1. Subscribe to our newsletter via the link on the right frame “Subscribe to Type A Planning | Events via email“

2. Comment on this post about why you love Carolina Herrera

3. Twitter tweeting this giveaway @typeaplanning

Rules:

1 (One) Winner will be chosen randomly by Type A Planning from the subscription list on November 5, 2009 and the winning prize package will be sent out on or before November 30, 2009 from the Type A Planning office. The prize will be sent directly to the winner’s home address. Prize package is not redeemable for cash. $500 cash value of 1 (one) Type A Planning Giveaway prize pack is an approximate retail value. By entering, participants represent that they are eligible, and agree (a) to be bound by these rules and the decisions of the judges, (b) to release Type A Planning from any and all liability for any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind caused by any prize or resulting from acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize, and (c) to Type A Planning use of entrants’ personal information for the purposes of notifying the entrant about Type A Planning information through the subscription link and emails.

Winner must respond within 48 hours of email contact from Type A Planning or prize will be given to another randomly selected contestant. Type A Planning has the right to substitute prize colors, sizes, and or configuration based on availability at the end of the contest. Winners will only be chosen from contestants who have subscribed to the newsletter and made a comment on the post. Prior to receiving the prize, winner must submit a testimonial back to the Type A Planning offices. This contest is restricted to US Residents.

I mentioned in my previous post that I would be working on a series of blog entries with tablescape projects that I’ve been inspired to do for the budget bride! I decided to do this series of blogs and photoshoots because as a planner, I’m working with real people every day who have budgets for their weddings, and I really want to help. Though, I have to say I had a ton of fun doing this shoot too, and I’m looking  forward to the next one already!

I did this first one about a month ago with a couple of great wedding vendors! Both Nina Brav Photography and Erica O’Brien cakes were so awesome and helpful with creating the look that I wanted to achieve. Also, I can’t forget to thank my friend Chris for her help and being my sounding board to getting my ideas down.

Since we’re well into fall now, I wanted to bring you readers my interpretation of beautiful fall inspired decor, special materials and elements that made me think about this favorite season of mine. I think I have a special place in my heart for the fall wedding season because I got married in the fall. It made sense to me to start this series off with Fall!

Our core colors were taupe, purple, green, sand, creme brulee, with splashes of fuscia and burnt orange or burnt sienna. These I felt were rich for fall and gave us the grouping of colors that were delicate and refreshing.

I mentioned that we focused on a budget bride who wanted to have a beautiful table but without killing herself trying to use a huge amount of decor and fuss. We used a small amount of flowers, because flowers are too beautiful to miss on a table and we added edible elements! Rustic looking artichokes in large and mini size. We used these cute egg cups for the mini artichokes!

I am looking to evoke a fun atmosphere using your everyday items (that you might even have at home!) but repurposed for a centerpiece. I mentioned earlier the egg cups, I also used ramekins to place a big bloom of celosa which made me think about a big souffle of flowers. I also repurposed wine glasses and champagne flutes for the varying heights in the design. The candle hurricanes are filled with lentils for that added rustic feel!

As I was putting together this tablescape I was imagining wedding guests snacking on the grapes, plums and the pluots. That’d make for some funny pictures! Fruits and other edible pieces of a centerpiece can be less expensive than an arrangement of flowers, and people can take something home easily if they want.

I used a lot of dried lavender in this photoshoot because the color was pretty and felt like fall folliage. You could see it on the fruit bowl, in the oil cruet, and the napkin decor. I tied a simple sprig of lavender on top of each napkin with some twine. Dried lavender is plentiful around this time and its so versatile.

I also got a chance to use french macarons! I love how they come in different colors and some have texture on them too! I put them in wine glasses as sort of a mini dessert buffet. How can anyone resist eating some of these delicious beauties?

I also want to mention that I’ve used muslin as the runners on the table, which matched the color scheme so well and its very easy to work with. Its a different approach to linens if you have a beautiful wooden table like this one to use. Its too rustic to cover up entirely!

Now, I have to show you this simple, clean and cute cake that Erica O Brien designed and created for this shoot. Erica mentioned to me that the more simple a design is, the more economical a wedding cake can be for a couple. This is good information to keep in mind when working with a budget.

What’s a wedding shoot without a bouquet? I love these deep purple calla lilies. They were gorgeous! I tied a simple knot of muslin and put some coordinating purple ribbon around it.

I love when I get the opportunity to stretch a bit and do something different. My best feeling is when my clients ask me for my suggestions on how to make things unique and fresh. I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite shots of the day. I had this really awesome backdrop and I really want to show it off!

Welcome to the garden cafe!

Thanks to Nina, Erica, and Chris for their help on this shoot!

Send us any comments or questions about this shoot or our Type A Planning wedding planning services to info (at) typeaplanning (dot) com ~ We would love to hear from you!

Next post will be a bit more about the behind the scenes and how we did the preparations for this shoot. This might be interesting to some of you who are more DIY’ers out there.

I am so incredibly happy for my friend Nina and the Start A Revo crew for putting on a terrific art show on Sunday! REVO LA was the first art show for Start a Revo, to bring art and awareness of their cause to the public. I was able to attend this terrific event to support their efforts and also to see some cool art. The artists either created pieces just for this show, or volunteered to contribute all or a portion of the proceeds to REVO. I really got the warm and fuzzies from knowing how generous everyone was for REVO and this show.

I forgot my digi camera so I was trying my best to take pictures with my blackberry. They aren’t the best quality so hopefully Nina will post up some of her awesome photos. Did I mention that she’s a wedding photographer too? How amazing is this girl?

I’m going to just post a few photos of the pieces that I liked the most.

I think I loved the MJ and the John Lennon ones the best. It was so cool looking at those two up close. It was a great tribute to the artists.

Congrats to START A REVO and Nina!

My husband and I just came back from celebrating our two year wedding anniversary! How amazing to be celebrating TWO blissful years in Paradise! Since we are not yet parents, we’ve made it a tradition for us to travel and see the world together. This year took us to the Big Island of Hawaii. We had never been to the Big Island before and have heard so many amazing things about this place, so it was a must see destination. I wanted to share some of the things we got to see while on our trip and to recommend this place for your next travel destination or your honeymoon perhaps??

We had a chance to see the entire island and stayed in three different areas to experience everything in greater detail. We also picked up this really awesome guide by Andrew Doughty, “Big Island Revealed.” I think we saw no fewer than 15 copies of this guide in people’s hands, cars, and bags. There was even a fellow tourist who yelled to us, “we have that guide, its the BEST GUIDE out there!” I had to agree. If you go to Hawaii, pick up this guide and you’ll be glad you did.

Cool, so our first days were spent on the West coast (Waikoloa). We got in late on Saturday evening and in the mall by our hotel, we found Sansei still open. It was one of the only restaurants still open after 8pm so it was a lifesaver and conveniently located. They had a late night happy hour, 50% off sushi and appetizers on a special menu. I had my first mai tai right then and there…and it was delicious.

Our next days we spent taking in the scenary, beautiful views and sunsets. How amazing are the sunsets in Hawaii?!!

The Big Island Hawaii is the best place to see nature in its original form. I really have to say that I haven’t had quite an experience like this on any other island in Hawaii. This place was magical. We got to see sea turtles, a volcano, lava flow, waterfalls, unusual plants, caves, and rainforest.

We cannot overlook my favorite subject…FOOD! While I can’t say that my best dining experience was found here, it was still pretty good and I enjoyed my meals. Here’s a sample of the things we tried on the island.

We really enjoyed finding local food restaurants for meals. Also, the locals were really nice about recommending their favorite sandwich or fine dining restaurants.

Overall, this was a really great travel experience. The location, sites, people, food, nature, and everything else was beautiful and memorable. I highly recommend a trip here!

Happy Anniversary to my loving husband of 2 years!!

I am putting together a series of blog entries about my recent fall wedding tablescape project. It will be dedicated to the bride on a budget. We’ll talk about our design concept and elements, colors, and saavy ways to make your wedding look so spectacular but not break the bank. I’m also crossing my fingers that the photos will be accepted for a bridal blog, so I do have to hold back for a bit to wait on that first.

Until then please be patient while I get some details together to provide all my readers out there some goodness for your wedding inspiration.

Here is a photo that I loved…shot by Nina Brav

I just got back from my weeklong trip to the Big Island Hawaii. It was my second wedding anniversary with my husband! It was such an awesome trip, I loved every minute of it in the sun, surf and sand.

I wanted to share a few photos of the cutest little wedding chapel that I saw at my resort. It was quaint and quite cozy, enough for a small wedding guest list. I think this would be magical for the couple getting married in Kona. You have this chapel overlooking the beach and water, amongst your closest friends and family.

Here are the photos that I snapped:

The view!

Are you picturing yourself getting married here?!?! Amazing! I love it.