Inspired By Plaid and Houndstooth - Our Favorite Prints for Fall!

The air is crisp, boots have been dusted off and the smell of pumpkin spice is everywhere.  Its fall and we are thoroughly enjoying all this season has to offer.  We are busy working on a fall inspired event and enjoying mixing warm colors, textures and patterns.  We've decided to incorporate plaid into this project and it has made us realize how much we are loving plaid at the moment!  We can't say too much yet, but we thought we'd share the inspiration board with you.  The concept is "Rich Fall Meets Warm Boho".  Our vision is rustic, elegant, bohemian, warm, cozy and indulgent.  This unexpected color palette (mustard... where have you been all our lives?!?) is stunning and so very "fall"!

We love plaid because it comes in so many colors and sizes and if done right can be oh so chic!  Another one of our favorite fall patterns is houndstooth.  Although it is classic and has been around for quite some time, it seems to be making a big comeback this fall.  It is everywhere - and for good reason!  It is simple yet bold, classic yet modern and equally appropriate on both men and women.  These two prints are the perfect addition to your holiday entertaining designs.  You can incorporate them in a big way or subtly - whatever suits your fancy.  Below are a few of our favorite ways to use plaid and houndstooth in both decor and at events.

We love these place settings.  The top setting's houndstooth napkin is the perfect touch and looks fantastic agains the tribal linen.  The lower setting's plaid placemat is holiday festive but in an understated elegant way.  We love it!

Photos courtesy of Glitter (houndstooth and tribal print) Everything Fabulous (plaid)

Plaid bridesmaid dresses are not common, but we think they are super cool.  We especially love the large plaid because it is so unexpected.  Consider wearing something like this to a holiday party this season.

Photos courtesy of Bride Power (single model) and Elizabeth Anne Designs (bride with bridesmaids)

We love the simplicity of the blue plaid napkin tied with an orange bow on the place setting.  Blue gingham is featured in the photo on the right.  Gingham is plaids adorable cousin.  Although typically more appropriate during spring and summer months.  We do however, feel the blue gingham paired with the orange cocktail makes for a very "fall" appropriate combination.

Photos courtesy of Ruffled (place setting) and (drink)

Oh houndstooth.  Isn't it lovely?!  The bow tie shown below is perfection and the favor bags couldn't be cuter.

Photos courtesy of Wedding Chicks (bow tie) and Ruffled (escort cards)

These invitations are so striking and unexpected.  Whether used for a wedding, holiday party or any other celebration, we'd love to get something like this in the mail!

Photo courtesy of Hey Wedding Lady (houndstooth) and Rustic Wedding Chic (plaid)

Lastly, we wanted to share with you a few chic ways to incorporate plaid and houndstooth in your own home holiday decor.  These would make great gifts as well!

Photos courtesy of William Sonoma (plaid plates) and Joss & Main (houndstooth pillows)

xoxo,

The Sterling Team

Color Trends Part One - Inspired by Emerald

We can't believe we've made it more than half way through the year without paying tribute to the Pantone color of the year (better late than never, right?!).  This year's color is edgy, luxurious, and unexpected!  For those of you unfamiliar with Pantone, it is the world-renowned authority on color across various industries.  Every year Pantone names a color of the year.  The process of choosing a color is a lengthy one as Pantone combs industries throughout the world (entertainment, travel, art, technology, fashion, decor, beauty, etc.) searching for inspiration and influence.

Emerald is the 2013 Pantone color of the year and for good reason.  According to Pantone.com, it is "Lively.  Radiant.  Lush... A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."  The color Emerald can be seen throughout history and it continues to sparkle and fascinate.  "Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world.  This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors." (Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute).

This stunning color was our inspiration for the tabletop we produced for the Girari Sustainable Event Furnishings' tabletop design event at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles last spring.  The entire look was placed inside a clear bubble structure from Casa Bubble.  For more information on this event, click here.

Our tabletop was described as "Edgy Emerald" when it was published in a recent issue of South Asian Bride Magazine 

Photos courtesy of Christopher Todd Studios

We are in love with this color because it oozes elegance and glamour (how could we forget Angelina Jolie's earrings at the 2009 Oscars?!); however, it can also be very earthy and sensual.  Its gorgeous for Fall!  This bold jewel tone exudes confidence and is so fresh and a bit unexpected at a wedding, which makes it so interesting!  Below are some of our favorite ways to incorporate emerald into a special event.

A bold color like emerald can quickly become overwhelming if overused.  This table is a beautiful example of how using just a bit of emerald can make a big statement and really showcase the color.  Emerald and metallic look stunning together and are a natural combination.  We like how the emerald is sprinkled in with blush pink, gold and ivory.

Photo courtesy of Sugar Branch Events

If you are not ready to commit to such a bold color, consider adding splashes of the color here and there.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Adding emerald through accessories is a way to incorporate the color into your big day.  These emerald shoes are adorable!

Photo courtesy of Ruffled Blog

This dainty little bracelet would add a splash of emerald to your wedding day ensemble.  It would be gorgeous for Bridesmaids as well!

Photo courtesy of Jewel Sugar

And ofcourse, the most perfect pair of emerald earrings...

Photo Courtesy of Hollywood Makeup

We've enjoyed paying tribute to the Pantone color of the year and can't wait to share some of our color predictions for 2014 in our next post, "Color Trends Part Two".  Keep an eye out for it!

Inspired by All White Weddings & Events!

Spring is in full force for Sterling Engagements and we have been busy bee's prepping for all our amazing Spring and Summer weddings.  But with all the chaos, I still find myself more inspired then ever even by just seeing a window display or reading a magazine.  It's incredible how inspiration just magically appears in the most unconventional of ways and I always challenge myself with what I want to do with it.

Today, I had to share one of my favorite looks with you as we have several designs inspired by this coming up that are very white!!!!  There's something so pure and serene about all white.  It could be simply designed or extraordinarily over the top, either direction always ends in one result, truly stunning!

Whether it's an all white wedding or event, everything white always excites my mind and with that being said... I have to share a few of my favorite images that I've been lusting after lately.

I love the lighting installations on this one.  Notice how on the actual tabletop it's more simple and understated but adding that extra design element from above just takes it to a whole new level!

Photo courtesy of  Bridal Banter

Again, simple but elegant with a more understated ceiling installation.  When you are designing with an all white palette it doesn't always have to be or need to be over the top and this image shows us that...  Yet view how beautiful it is!


 

Photo courtesy of Damon Tucci Photography

Then of course we go over the top and look how amazing that can be!  It's whimsical, romantic and oh so angelic.  I just adore this ceremony setup.
  

Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

So classic, so timeless, so garden romantic!


Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

 I just love how the fabric draping begins from the very top of the ceiling.  It makes such a difference to the eye... I also love the potted arrangements flanking the sides while they still have a more simple tie back in combination with it.  So beautiful!

 Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

This image just makes me want to drift away right now to Palm Springs where the event actually took place!  It's stunning, modern, elegant and sexy!  Both the acrylic columns and the covered ones add such great dimension to this look.  Dimension and texture are always a favorite of mine...

 Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

 I just adore this period!  There's obviously a lot going on between the candles and the lighting plus the florals with the textured linens... but events like this whisk you away to a far away place, a happy place.  A place where guests are just enamored with their surroundings and that's an incredible experience to provide.

 Photo courtesy of Once Wed

I love the balance of this cake.  How it's a heavier base with roses and as you go further up it gets lighter and more simple.  Yet it still has just the right amount of detail to wow you.

Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

Again the most simple of tabletops with all the action above eye level to blow you away!  Just extraordinary!

 Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

I love everything mirror, so of course this one's in my top 3 of the bunch!  From floor to ceiling it's just incredible!

Photo courtesy of  Unique Bridal Dresses

I love all the different white textures going on here.  Controlling the lighting with blue and even purple hues when doing an all white palette is always breathtaking as you can see below!
 

Photo courtesy of Shawna Yamamoto Event Design

Today I'd like to try something different.  I'm going to end this post with a challenge.  I challenge you to get inspired this week over something unconventional.  Let something out of the ordinary or that you find in a unique way inspire you and be creative with it!  Creativity for myself is just there.  It's very apparent everywhere I look, design, touch and feel.  For some, they relate, for others it's more of a challenge than that.  Push yourself to be inspired and be creative with it this week.  Let us know what you find and what you do by commenting below.  I'd love to see you push outside your comfort zone whether it's for your wedding or event, professionally or even personally and do something amazing with it.  I can't wait to check back and hear what you've done... =)

Star's Inspirations: Personalize your Big Day with Photos!

We have seen photos used a myriad of ways as a decor element at weddings and events.  No matter how they are used, photos add a nice personal touch and a bit of uniqueness to your Big Day.  Whether you exhibit a bunch of photos or just a few favorites, your guests will enjoy the opportunity to view them at your wedding.  If you've had engagement photos taken, consider using them as wedding decor - it is a great way to show them off to your friends and family!  Another idea is to display childhood photos of you and your fiance or maybe use a variety of photos taken at various times throughout your relationship.  Some couples choose to display their parent's wedding pictures or photos of loved ones who have passed.  Whatever you decide will be perfect!  Display your photos in elaborate crystal frames for a formal look or string them along a clothes line for a casual garden wedding.  Below are just a few of our favorite ways to display personal photos at weddings.

Amanda and Hal, one of our September 2012 wedding couples, displayed their parent's, grandparent's and great grandparent's wedding photos on a table at the entrance of their venue.  A little sign naming the couple and their wedding date was placed next to each frame.  This was such a sweet touch and we loved how they included a photo from Hal's propsal to Amanda in the center.  For more on Amanda and Hal's big day, see this previous post.

  

 

 Photos courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography

Another one of our couples displayed various family photos to create an ancestry table.  Guests enjoyed  perusing these photos during the reception.

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography

Jessica and David, one of our October 2012 couples, used framed photos from their engagement shoot as table numbers.  This was a clever way exhibit their favorite engagement shoot photos!  For more on Jessica and David's wedding, see this previous post.

Photo courtesy of Docuvitae Photography

One of our October 2011 couples also used photos as table numbers.  For more on Stephanie and Darren's stunning wedding see this previous post.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Phillips Photography

We love how this couple displayed a variety of photos at their bar.  They included baby pictures of the bride and groom as well as a few quirky and sweet photos of the couple together.

Photo courtesy of Found Vintage Renals

Stringing photos around a tree (or fence, or wall, for that matter) is such a simple way to utilize your personal photos. 

What a great photo op!  Love this!

Photos courtesy of Simply Chic Events

We love the look of black and white photos strung across a mirror.  So simple yet elegant!

Photo courtesy of Ashley Bee 

xoxo,

Star

Featured Wedding: Jessica + David at Saint Sophia's Cathedral & Vibiana

Jessica and David tied the knot on October 20, 2012 in a stunning ceremony at Saint Sophia Cathedral followed by a beyond beautiful reception at one of our favorite venues, Vibiana. 

It was a gorgeous autumn day – cool, crisp and a bit cloudy.  The Bride, dressed in a Lazaro gown and Christian Louboutin heals could not have been more stunning.  Her Hugo Boss clad Groom looked so handsome (and smelled amazing, trust me on this one J).  In the morning as they got ready they exchanged vows via messenger.  This sweet and intimate gesture seemed to bring a sense of calm to both of them.

Jessica and David are a very traditional couple who decided to forgo the popular “first look” and waited until Jessica walked down the isle to see each other for the first time.  Time seemed to stand still when David first saw his Bride standing at the end of the ilse with her father.  The opulence and splendor of SaintSophia’s was the perfect setting for their traditional Coptic Orthodox ceremony.

After the ceremony the Bride and Groom escaped to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles before heading to Vibiana for photos.  This photo session was a great opportunity for Jessica and David to spend some time together, just the two of them, basking in the joy of their matrimony.  Rebecca with Docuvitae captured the most beautiful shots of this happy couple – don’t they just ooze happiness?!

Vibiana was adorned with whimsical décor including stunning florals by Shawna Yamamto Event Design, vintage furniture, gold accents and amazing lighting.

In lieu of a Sweetheart Table, the Happy Couple enjoyed their own intimate lounge area just under the Vibiana alter.  It was georgeous, luxurious and cozy all at the same time!

Guests sipped Champagne as they dined on culinary delights prepared by Jay’s Catering.  The savory dishes were matched by the delicious dessert bar and wedding cake also prepared by Jay’s.

The evening was lively and filled with love, laughter and dancing!  A surprise performance by Jilliana’s SahlalaDancers really got the party going.  Guests danced into the early morning hours and finished off the amazing night by doing The Macarena!

We feel so honored to have been a part of this amazing day.  Cheers to a lifetime of love and laughter Mr. & Mrs. Gobrial!  

All photos courtesy of Docuvitae

Accommodations:  Millennium Biltmore
Belly Dancers: Jillina and the Sahlala Dancers       
Bar: The Cocktail Concierge     
Catering: Jay’s Catering
Church (ceremony):  St. Sophia’s Cathedral           
DJ:  DJ Nara
Event Design & Planning: Sterling Engagements
Floral Design: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Bride Hair: Shirin Salon
Bride Makeup: Monique Powers                 
Lighting and Sound: Amber Event Production
Photographer: Docuvitae
Rentals:  Classic Party Rentals & Archive Event Rentals
Venue (reception):  Vibiana     
Videographer: Wind Production