Bling Wipes - Where Have These Been All Our Lives?!

We hope you are all having a great start to your week.  Today we want to share with you something that might make your Monday a little... sparklier!  Bling Wipes!  This amazing new product was created by a husband and wife team for those moments when you are on the go and notice that your bling isn't as blingy as it could be.  Bling Wipes are individually packaged, lint free, disposable towelettes that are perfect for convenient on the go jewelry cleaning.  Their unique solution restores jewelry's natural brilliance by removing oil, make-up, lotion and other residue.

Isn't the retro packaging just so cute?!

These are the perfect gift for a bride to be or just about anyone who likes to wear diamonds and prefers that when they do, they sparkle like they should!  These wipes don't just work on diamonds, they also work wonders on gold, silver, gemstones and even men's watches (although they are not intended for use on emeralds or pearls).  They can be purchased on the Bling Wipes' website.  A pack of ten individual wipes costs $12.00.  We are not affiliated with Bling Wipes, we just love this product!

Photos courtesy of Bling Wipes

Love,

The Sterling Team

My Fave Mondays: Event Painting by Agnes

Agnes Csiszar Russo is an artist to say the least but not just any artist, a live event painter. Today I want to share with you an incredible gift can give, be gifted or even gift yourself. A live event painting is an amazing piece of art you can hang on your wall to remember your wedding or special event.


Agnes is one of the best and we're thrilled with her artistic talent and the incredible gifts she continues to create for couples or event hosts.


Agnes was so kind to share to share with us a little peek into her world and how she makes her magic.


Live event painting is so unique, how did you first get into this?
"I am from Hungary, where I grew up in small cities, moved through gypsy villages, where people had plenty of time to pose for portraits. Later I was trained in traditional fine art in Budapest and when I moved to Los Angeles in 1995, I started to work in the movie industry. I worked as an illustrator, creating concept sketches, posters, and set design.

One day I was drawing a presentation sketch for a big event and the client loved the illustration so much that she wanted me to paint on the location during the event. That was my very first "Live Event Painting". I met several future clients at that event and this became a wonderful passion of mine. It developed into a new profession that I love."

How does it work?
"I come early to set up my easel and I sketch the background elements for the painting, by the time the guests arrive, there is a vibrant sketch on the canvas. I then can start focusing painting in the people. I take photos of the special guests that the bride and groom choose an advance and place them into the foreground of the painting, carefully creating a balanced composition. I pay special attention to their body language, and try to capture their characters with natural poses. My little digital camera is a great help for reference, since naturally no one has time to pose long enough for their portraits."


I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about Agnes and the gorgeous "live event paintings" she creates. For more information , please visit her website and see what kind of magic she can paint for your next wedding or special event.

My Fave Mondays: Red Carpet Photo Shoot

We heart Red Carpet Photo Shoot! Iris and Alex do an amazing job at creating an interactive experience for your guests and taking your event to the next level! Guests get so excited for these magic photos and this is truly an activity for all ages.

Red Carpet Photo Shoot will rock your party! If you want to create a lasting impression, they are exactly what you need. Their professional photographers will set up a complete photo studio at your wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, sweet sixteen, reunion, corporate event, holiday party etc.

The photo studio includes a camera, backdrop, studio lighting and event props! They will photograph you and your guests and the poses can be as fun and creative as you'd like them to be!


The photos are printed instantly on-site and your guests will get to take the photo favor / souvenir home. You can also add on a custom photo frame which includes your event information, logo, monogram, etc!

Happy Posing!

My Fave Mondays: SoulMates Bridal Boutique

We are so excited about this weeks My Fave Monday pick! SoulMates Bridal Boutique is an adorable store that features everything but the dress! It's located in Camarillo and owned by our friends Megan and Vanessa. They do an amazing job at welcoming each guest into their boutique and assisting them in every way possible.


Here's what Vanessa and Megan have to say about SoulMates and what they offer...

If you're a bride who's looking for those perfect shoes, or another must-have accessory...you've got to come into SoulMates Bridal Boutique! Where we carry, "everything, but the dress." We're not like most other wedding shops... we're a small boutique, where you can feel comfortable and deal straight with the owners themselves. We believe in having a one-on-one relationship with each of our clients. And we make finding all the small things easy, we carry beautiful shoes, amazing jewelry, ring bearer pillows, cake serving sets (free engraving), toasting glasses (free engraving), flower girl baskets, unity candles, cake toppers, bridesmaid gifts, groomsmen gifts, and much much more!!!! Plus, if you live far, search our website, where you can buy directly and have items shipped straight to you!

We’re also your FREE information resource! If you can’t find that perfect vendor that fits your taste, personality or budget...drop in our store for complimentary Ventura County vendor information. We ONLY refer out to reputable vendors that share in the same level of professionalism, as we do. So you can find comfort and ease…and definitely feel confident in the referral.




Photos courtesy of Phase 4 Photography.

Happy planning!!

My Fave Mondays: Affectionate Digitals

We are so excited about today's My Fave Monday pick. Affectionate Digitals is a custom invitation company that designs stunning invitations, stationary and more! We love working with Ruth and know that her handmade creations always contribute to creating a buzz about our client's events!

Affectionate Digitals started as a husband and wife team dedicated to helping couples design and create unique and elegant invitations and cards. They have over eight years of experience designing cards, and many years in the computer technology and photography fields. The combined experience allows them to serve all your needs when it comes to creative design and exceptional attention to detail.

They really strive to offer something different in terms of design, style and content so that the invitation to your special event will delight your guests. They help you add a personal touch, whether it is with a photo, a specialty paper, your own special wording or an "affectionate digital". By adding a personal touch, you will gain the attention of your guests. Your honored guests will know they are being invited to a very special celebration.

This is to date our favorite design we! The detail is amazing throughout each layer of this invitation. Not to mention the actual event was at a favorite venue also, Hummingbird Nest Ranch.


They have a beautiful assortment of handmade papers, which they order from Nepal and other amazing sources all over the world.

They also assist clients to create custom monograms special for the day. These are a beautiful accent on the outside of a folded invitation. It compliments the handmade paper and is such a great personal touch!














Their line of products include:

* Specialty Paper Custom Invitations
* Photo and Non-Photo Invitations
* Save the Date Cards and Booklets
* PHOTO Thank You Cards

* Maps
* Programs
* Menus, Table Cards, Escort Cards

* Traditional Styles
* Embossed Border Designs
* All Forms of Printing
* Computerized Calligraphy

* Guest Calligraphy Font
* Other Paper Accessories

* Fine Personalized Stationery
for your personal needs and
social requirements


Affectionate Digitals also does an array of fabulous Mitzvah invitations as well!

















Happy Viewing!

My Fave Mondays: Fantasy Frostings

Something to appreciate about Leslie Maynor and Fantasy Frostings is her passion and desire to make a dessert and not just the wedding cake. So often we find clients interested in doing dessert bars, candy bars, a dessert within their coursed meal, cupcakes etc... While these are all delicious, the one thing these items happen to do is take away from that fabulous wedding cake! What we love most about Leslie and her team at Fantasy Frostings is they make beautiful cakes that taste just as decadent as they look! This is why they are our favorite pick this week.


Fantasy Frostings is a family owned and operated business on the West Coast, opened by Joyce Maynor 30 years ago. While they do bake up whatever you wish to order, they definitely specialize in Wedding Cakes. They understand that an unforgettable cake is essential to any wonderful event. It embodies all the elements of style, beauty, and taste that a party represents.




















Their attention to detail, outstanding customer service, and unmistakable taste have earned Fantasy Frostings recognition from some of the nations most prestigious food, wedding, and lifestyle magazines including:
● In Style
● InStyle Weddings
● Bride’s Magazine
● Los Angeles Times Magazine
● Elegant Bride
● Los Angeles Magazine
● People
● Modern Bride
● Angeles Magazine
● Grace Ormonde Wedding Style 2003


Numerous wedding books have also highlighted Fantasy Frostings’ cakes including:
● Weddings a Celebration - Beverly Clark
● Town & Country - Elegant Weddings
● Here Comes the Guide - Wedding and Reception Sites


The Fantasy Frostings Menu includes the following...
We love the Chocolate Fudge Surprise and Marble Chip!

White Satin
A moist, luscious, old fashioned white cake sprinkled gently with Grand Marnier and filled with layers of white chocolate mousse and shaved dark chocolate alternating with Raspberries on a bed of whipped crème.

Chocolate Fudge Surprise
Dense, Dark Chocolate layers glorified with hand beaten fudge, dark chocolate mousse and a rich layer of ganache with crushed English toffee. Our tribute to all world class chocolate lovers.

Lemon Squeeze
A sunny lemon pound cake enhanced with a perky lemon sauce and filled with a tart English Lemon Curd alternating with tangy lemonade mousse for a great taste sensation.

Banana Walnut
A rich cake batter laden with fresh bananas and walnuts, lightly spiced and filled with fresh bananas and whipped cream or if you prefer a soft banana cream.

New Orleans Spice
A soft, lightly textured cake generously flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a gentle splash of brandy before baking. A soft cream mousse is the favored filling.

14 Karat
Pineapple, walnuts, cinnamon, and carrots make this a heavy favorite. Cream cheese frosting is the popular choice but for a change of pace we suggest our thick apricot filling.

Red Velvet
A light chocolate cake flavor with a deep red color create a unique dessert, filled with a cream cheese frosting or cream mousse is favored as the grooms cake in many southern states.

Marble Chip
Swirls of white and chocolate cake gracefully mingle together. Sliced bananas folded into a rich chocolate mousse, alternating with fudge complete this dessert.


Here's a peak at Kendra Wilkinson's cake which Fantasy Frostings designed for her wedding last month. Photo Courtesy of The Bridal Bar.

Happy Tasting

My Fave Mondays: Robert Edward Woodworking

Robert Edward Woodworking, specializes in designing and building unique wedding cake and cupcake stands. Each of his stands are completely handmade and exquisitely detailed. From a custom vintage design to a retro inspired eye-catcher, REW definitely creates a custom look for each wedding or event their work is a part of. That's why they are our pick for today's spotlight.
Standard designs as well as custom stands are available. Custom designs can include a stand that focuses on the design of the cake. For instance, if the cake contains a floral pattern, the stand could subtly suggest a certain element of the design, such as a flower or vine. Another option would be to include an architectural element or logo of a particular venue you are working with. The design possibilities are virtually unlimited!
Whether one of their exquisite standard designs or a spectacular custom design is preferred, I can assure you this type of stand cannot be found anywhere else! Be sure to visit the Robert Edward Woodworking website or contact Robert directly at (201) 393-0507 for more information.

Happy Standing!

My Fave Mondays: Raj Tents

If you want to take your wedding or event to the next level, Raj Tents is the company to help you accomplish that! We absolutely love adding these stylish tents to our designs and that is exactly why they are our favorite pick for this week!


Raj Tents has become the leading luxury tent rental company looking after discerning clients tenting and décor needs in California and nationwide from their offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco. With an exclusive and unique inventory, Raj Tents fills the gap in high-end, detail oriented and just simply beautiful tenting to make weddings and events stand out from the crowd.


Raj Tents can provide tenting for a variety of themes, including Moroccan, Indian, eclectic modern, beach chic through to French provincial and the understated elegance of ivory and gold. Raj’s inventory ranges from smaller, immaculate Pergolas and Pavilions for lounges, food or bar service and that work wonderfully as focal points for ballrooms, all the way to large frame tent linings to transform standard white vinyl tents into palatial settings for your nuptial celebrations.


Our favorites are the Maharaja range of traditional pole tents – just about as romantic as you can get. We also love the Chandeliers, it is such a beautiful accent!


Check out the Raj Tents web site to view more of their stunning sensations. They are consistently written up in the press for their Oh So Chic and Glamorous designs. Raj Tents are definitely the company to call when you don’t want to compromise on style or quality. If you have questions you can always contact them at their main office in Los Angeles at (310) 320-6600


Happy Tenting!

My Fave Mondays: The Cappuccino Connection

This week my favorite Monday vendor pick is The Cappuccino Connection. They are located in Santa Barbara, but available to serve all of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Adding a bit of luxury to your event always proves successful when The Cappuccino Connection is serving your guests...



Established in 1989, The Cappuccino Connection is widely recognized as the premier West Coast espresso catering company. With brass domes, silver trays, samovar urns and fine decoratives, they always add to the ambiance of the occasion. Elegant in presentation, yet affordable in price, this trendsetting beverage service offers a wide selection of both hot and iced blended beverages for every season of the year.

They have a very extensive client list and in years past, participated with the Emmy's, Golden Globes and The Academy Awards. It is worth noting that at every venue, it is the guests themselves who appreciate the addition of the espresso bar as a wonderful moderating alternative to the alcoholic beverages, and compliment their participation as a great catering idea.



Here is a sneak peak of their Menu options.

Menu

Espresso

Macchiato

Cappuccino

Latte

Mocha (hot or iced blended)

Café Royale (embellished with fine flavors or liqueurs)

Hot Chocolate

Herbal and Black Teas

European Roast Coffee

Also available: Iced Chai Latte, Strawberry Lemonade, Fruit Smoothies and Tropical Iced Teas.

Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail The Cappuccino Connection for a price quote and to book their espresso catering services.

Ken Cohen & Julie Russell
The Cappuccino Connection
1-800 270-0188

Happy Monday!