Thursday, May 31, 2012

Bizbash Reader's Choice Awards: Event Designer of the Year Finalist!

I'm so excited to share with you something really special today.  I've been nominated for the second year in a row for the Bizbash Reader's Choice Awards... except this year I'm a finalist for Event Designer of the Year.  

Thank you, thank you to whomever nominated me and thank you to Bizbash for including me as a finalist!  I'm in such amazing company too, it's honor just to be included with 12 other amazing event designers in our industry.  





But of course... who doesn't want to win?  Please vote for me at THIS LINK and spread the word. 

Your support is INCREDIBLY appreciated through your vote and always.  Please feel free to help spread the word via email, facebook, twitter and any capacity you'd like really.  Share this with your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and whatever distribution list you’d like to send this too as well  =)!  I promise I won’t object, I will be very grateful for all of your efforts, in fact, the more the merrier!

Voting is open to readers and is public for you to participate in once a day,  now through the 10th of June at 11:59pm.  You may vote once every 24 hours. 

If you are not already registered on the Bizbash website, you'll need to do so before voting but it’s very easy and no fuss. Just follow the prompt once you get to the voting page.


Thank you in advance for supporting Sterling Engagements and myself in this. 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Featured Event: Room Forty Planner Tasting

Last year we had the pleasure of working with Steve Fortunato of Room Forty on a wedding at Vibiana for clients Tracy and Kramer.  Throughout the process I loved working with Steve and co. and was moved by his passion.  Steve impressed me with his ability to produce something new that I had not seen before and it motivated me to want to share him with others.  I decided to produce an intimate, well it started off as intimate, tasting for him with a collection of some of LA's best wedding and event planner's, along with a handful of our industry's top bloggers and PR friends.  

Collaboration is so important on an event such as this as I was designing and producing an event for my own.  Such a task, but I felt so confident bringing in a few of my favorite vendors to do it with me.  I often refer to my wedding and event vendors for specific events as my dream team. When I'm blessed with the privilege to assist a client with hand picking the very best fit for their event it's always such an honor and truly special.  When it's my event and I get to hand select vendor's who I believe would work well together it's equally special and always so fun!  This event was such a labor of love and I cannot begin to express how much I appreciate our team and of course Room Forty for inspiring this design!  

Here are a few of my most favorite photos from this event as captured by the ever so stylish Ryan Garvin of Ryan Garvin Photography.   

Loving the entire stationary suite created by the uber talented Jen of Prim and Pixie.  Her designs are incredible, she's so modern, elegant yet always playful and I'm so grateful for her creativity and artistic ability. 


It's no secret that Vibiana is one of my all time favorite locations ever, not only was it my own wedding location but it also is the venue to a handful of weddings we do each year which really make it feel like home.  For this particular design it was really important to me to infuse the glamour and elegance of Vibiana with the rustic yet modern vibe of Room Forty.  I did this so much through our rentals which were provided by Maureen Harkness of Classic Party Rentals.  Maureen helped me incorporate all of the wood I desired which included this amazing Wood Back Chameleon Chair.  Maureen further told me at the luncheon this chair was actually the original Chameleon Chair which then made me love it even more, I started calling them "vintage chameleon"...     


Shawna Yamamoto Event Design handled all of the florals and then some for this event, including our awesome escort card display and parting gifts.  We always collaborate so well together, it's like a napoleon effect, once we start we just keep adding layer after layer of sheer beauty.  This event shows that effortlessly, from the herbs to section the tables to the mirrors to let people know where to be seated, I just loved every last detail.  Especially the plant with love parting gifts in the burlap pouch at each setting.  I'm so thrilled with how she took the Room Forty brand and translated this to our table incorporating real artichokes, herbs and even kale. 


All of our lovely linens and placemats were handmade by Designer Specialty Linens.  Dahlia is not only one of the sweetest most endearing people ever, she does amazing designs.  She created something extra special for this tasting, a new line your about to see more of, hint hint... These custom place mats were definitely a labor of love as each stitch was done by hand!  Aren't they amazing!


The table was one long 42-foot span but as planners we all know we needed a bit more direction as to who would sit where or it would be frenzy trying to figure it out.  So we came up with naming each section an herb or ingredient that was featured with in the menu.  I really loved this because as you see above, part of their take home was the fresh herbs to plant.  Plus of course the table smelled incredible even before the food starting coming out too.    


Room Forty really went above and beyond with the menu, even the cocktails were thought about!  It was great to see all of our guests reactions.  Cell phones were snapping course after course!


I love their style of service too, the wood planks are my favorite but this soup dish below was served like this and then at each setting the broth was poured fresh... So neat!



Another favorite detail of the day was the parting package we sent guests away with as they departed.  In case hours upon hours of a 9-course meal weren't enough, we spoiled them with a make-your-own salad kit, recipe cards, a thank you note made by Jen for them to use as they wish and a neat little package that included all of the event collaborator's details...


There were a handful of blogs that have been so kind to write stellar posts about this event and I'm so grateful for their support.  
    
Check out this lovely post by Summer of Grey Likes Weddings


Also, head over to The Bridal Bar Blog for more awesome love from Harmony Walton


Lastly, thank you to Rhonda and Melissa for their fantastic post on the Rayce Marketing Blog


Be sure to check out Room Forty's website and learn more about their incredible culinary magic and the amazing wine dinner's that they host.

Thank you to all of our amazing event collaborators, I appreciate each and every one of you in making this event truly special not only for the guests but also for Room Forty.

AV: OCAVS
Catering: Room Forty  
Entertainment: Espi Music
Event Design and Planning: Sterling Engagements
Floral Design and Decor: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Invitations/Event Stationary: Prim & Pixie
Linens and Custom Placemats: Designer Specialty Linens
Photographer: Ryan Garvin Photography
Rentals : Classic Party Rentals- El Segundo
Valet: Beverly Hills Best Valet
Venue: Vibiana

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Bold, Chic & In Love: Getting Ready Outfit

Every single bit of your big day should be new and exciting! Why not plan out what you will be wearing as you get ready to slip into your gorgeous dress. Not to mention, the photographers will most likely be shooting you getting ready, so might as well look fashionably beautifully at all times.

I've put together a few items you should consider for your big day. Cute but comfortable are key here. Victoria's Secret has an entire line of clothing for brides as they are getting ready!


1. Velour Bling Hoodie by Juicy
2. Bridal Graphic Tee by Victoria's Secret 
3. Chiffon Robe by Betsey Johnson
4. Bridal Graphic Tank Top by Victoria's Secret
5. Cozy Fleece Ribbon Slipper by Victoria's Secret
6. Bridal Robe by Victoria's Secret
7. Bridal Hoodie by Victoria's Secret
8. Five Star Fleece Pant by Juicy

It is almost mandatory that you get a cute outfit to get ready and take photos in. My favorite is the Betsey Johnson robe. If you have some amazing getting ready clothes that I didn't post, I'd love to see them! Email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com.

xO,

Jocelyn

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Bold, Chic and In Love: Honeymoon Beachwear

With weather as beautiful as we have been experiencing in Los Angeles this past week, I know our brides may have begun daydreaming of the days after your wedding- THE Honeymoon!  Time to relax and spend some quality time with your new hubby.

If you are heading to a beach, all you really need to pack is some light dresses and beachwear. Here are a few of my favorite comfy, flattering and sexy dresses you can live in for the entire trip!

All photos courtesy of Victoria's Secret
1. The Caftan Dress
2. Daytime Jersey Sleeveless Wrap Dress
3. Cross-front Knit Dress
4. Cross-back Sundress
5. Straw Fedora
6. Strapless Lace Dress
7. Straw Pop-pop Tote
8. Knit Caftan Dress
9. Twist-front Bra Top Dress

All of these dresses are perfect to throw on for the beach, dinner or a walk in the sand! You really cannot go wrong with Victoria's Secret, they are made for every woman in every body type. Not to mention how colorful all their options are!

My personal favorites would have to be the Caftan Dress & the Cross-front Knit Dress. Which is yours?

xO,

Jocelyn

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Inspired by Keep Calm And....


Last May we had the pleasure of planning Brandie + Ede's big day at The Parker in Palm Springs and one of her most favorite wedding elements was a Keep Calm Party On Banner.  So today more than ever, I've noticed an increasingly large amount of Keep Calm Banners, Posters and Fun that continue to pop up.  Here are a few of my favorites!

 
  Photo courtesy of Zank You



Reach for the starts and follow your dreams too!  Love the background of this one.... Makes me want to finger paint a little...
 
 

All photos above courtesy of Pinterest

Love this one too!  How cute would it be to have this on your big day?  So sweet for a rustic wedding too!  I love wood signs as you know.  I'm sure we could have our favorite sign maker Nana of Family Attic Shoppe make something like this up...   

Photo courtesy of Etsy

Of course a personal favorite one, for those of you that don't know about my deep seeded love for coffee and making coffee all the time... 
 
 Photo courtesy of Lord Noel and Lady Jacqueline

 Photo courtesy of Memoranda

Photo courtesy of Tux and Tales Photography 
   Photo courtesy of Dog Art Today

And of course... just for fun and not to be taken seriously.... Had to include this one in the mix!

 Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Hope you enjoyed some of these fun and sassy images as much as I enjoyed picking out my favorites to share... If you were to create one, what would your Keep Calm and.... say?  Feel free to comment and let us know!    

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Bold, Chic and in Love: Vera or Monique?

Recently I was able to assist a stylist for the cover of the September issue of the Knot Magazine. It was a ten look shoot on couture wedding gowns. Needless to say, I was absolutely dying! All the dresses were far more beautiful then I could possibly describe, not to mention that they were being worn by a perfectly stunning model. I also got to play with some of the most beautiful (and expensive) wedding rings I had ever seen!

Naturally, of all the designers that we had there were two that really stood out to me- Vera Wang & Monique Lhuillier. Two of the most well-known wedding gown designers, who design to perfection but are so different in style and technique. Monique creates beautiful, feminine dresses that are heavily textured. Vera is equally stunning, also beautiful yet often pushes the envelope with her designs.  They have that extra bit of sass oftentimes.

While we can admire both designers, there must be one that makes you squeal a little louder! Are you more a Monique or Vera bride?

Here are some of the looks for each designers spring 2012 line.

All photos courtesy of Vera Wang & Monique Lhuillier
While all designer gowns are lovely and do come with a price tag for a designer label, they can at least provide great inspiration for what you look for!  However, they do have some simpler gowns that start at a more moderate number.  For example, Monique Lhuillier's gowns start as low as $2200.  Also Vera's new White Collection at David's Bridal makes a Vera Wang gown affordable for various price points and budgets too.  

I must admit, I'm definitely a Monique girl myself ;), what are you?

If you ever want a stylists opinion on your dress, feel free to email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com.

xO,
Jocelyn

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Judie + BJ: Old Hollywood Inspired Engagement Session by Callaway Gable Photography


We are so excited to share this amazing engagement session with you! Judie and BJ were married this past weekend at Majestic Halls in Downtown Los Angeles. We had such a special time working with this dynamic duo that we had to share this shoot!

Their old Hollywood glamour engagement shoot couldn't be more perfect to set the scene for their wedding. Not only did they have one of our favorite photographer duos, Callaway Gable Photography, shoot it. But the location, style, and their obvious love and attraction to each other made for a beautiful photo shoot. The entire shoot was flawless, from their wardrobe to the venue to the emotions in each photo. Of course it helps that Judie herself works in the fashion industry.  

The shoot took place at the gorgeous and historic Craven's Estate in Pasadena. 


 





Photos like this are my favorite- so beautiful and study it closer... At first sight you a shoe shot, but examine it closer and Judie and BJ's profile are in the background. So lovely!





 



Such a stunning shot. Black and white just makes it magical doesn't it?  Judie just looks breathtaking here!







Can you imagine what they did for their big day after such a glamorous engagement shoot???  Look forward to seeing their wedding photos soon, but in the meantime, here's a sneak peek!

To view more of the photos from this shoot, please visit the Callaway Gable blog.