All images ©The Caketress.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Caketress
I have always loved wedding cakes and think it is the perfect place to express yourself as a couple. I recently stumbled upon the Caketress from Toronto and fell in love immediately. Their cakes are drop dead gorgeous and their attention to detail is immaculate. I don't even need to go on as a picture is worth a thousands bites in this instance.
All images ©The Caketress.
All images ©The Caketress.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
Lily is one very lucky little girl I must say. I had the opportunity to work closely with my good friend Nicole Chibnik from Flour Cake & Pastry for her daughter's 2nd birthday party. Nicole had an ice cream theme in mind and wanted something very pretty and modern.
There is so much to talk about for this pint sized birthday that I have added descriptions to the images. We hope you think outside the box and hope we inspire you to plan something special. Please click images to enlarge and all photos are ©Just Say Yes Events!
The event was held in a private tenant event space offered by the Palmolive building. On our initial walk through I spied a gorgeous modern round black table in the foyer that had candy buffet written all over it. For some time now I have been wanting to design a candy buffet on a round versus the usual banquet size table to try something different. Nicole and I ran all over the city brainstorming together for a centerpiece & candy. When you think of candy buffet you think candy of course so we used GIANT versions of lollipops for the centerpiece and kept all jars glass so the vibrant candy was visible. The candy had to be vibrant so we went with twist lollipops, gumballs, starbursts, pixie sticks, hard candies, skittles & Nicole made custom chocolate lollipops to match the invitation. I think back to when I was a child and this candy buffet would have been absolute heaven. It was a huge hit with both the children and adults but most importantly Lily loved it.
Table Design: We kept it very modern, simple & pink of course. The event space is divided into three rooms all in a row with large open doorways. With such a large or should I say long space we knew a very long table would be perfect. Nicole needed to sit at least 30 guests at the main table and an additional two 60" rounds that would seat 8 guests tucked in the windows overlooking the street below. All tables were covered with a bright pink satin linen and all chairs, plates, cups & balloons would be white. While designing this birthday we had a go big or go home attitude and ordered extra large 40" balloons to hover over the main table in a row, which took quite a bit of helium I might add. To hold these down I used a balloon weight tucked into a glass cylinder vase that was then surrounded by gumballs. Nicole being a pastry chef custom made candy bars for every place setting using the graphic that was on the invitation. Instead of place cards each place setting received a personalized ice cream cone cookie with guest name.
This was a very simple and modern design but packed some punch with just one main accent color....PINK!
Lily's Play Space: For all those parents who have attended a kid's birthday party, you know it's best that the children have their own area. The venue space had two additional rooms flanking the main space so we utilized one as the play space and the other for the adults food buffet & lounge.
Nicole purchased two awesome kid size table in white with twelve chairs in different colors which we placed towards the front of the room as the focal point. The center of the room remained clear since there would be games, face painting, pinata & more for the children. As a mother of three I knew we had to have kid friendly food & beverages so we set up one food station along with one drink station. It was a huge hit since smaller children are usually picky eaters ;)
Details: *Sigh* Oh how I love details.
Nicole is the owner and pastry chef for Flour Cake & Pastry so we knew the cake was taken care of. She out did herself and re-created an exact replica of the ice cream pint invitation. Honestly it was the coolest cake I have seen in a while and so excited that it would be the centerpiece of the main room. To make it just a bit more special Nicole made white chocolate dipped pretzels & sable cookies to compliment the cake. We also brought in taffy apples & french macaroons all in bright colors that we pulled from the invitation.
Let's talk ice cream!! what ice cream themed birthday with be complete without it's very own real life size ice cream cart.....YES, that's right we brought in a huge ice cream cart stuffed with all your old favorite ice cream bars fromGood Humor. Little Miss Lily will turn 3 years old in August of 2011 and I am already looking forward to it. She is my new little friend =)
-Just Say Yes Events!
There is so much to talk about for this pint sized birthday that I have added descriptions to the images. We hope you think outside the box and hope we inspire you to plan something special. Please click images to enlarge and all photos are ©Just Say Yes Events!
The event was held in a private tenant event space offered by the Palmolive building. On our initial walk through I spied a gorgeous modern round black table in the foyer that had candy buffet written all over it. For some time now I have been wanting to design a candy buffet on a round versus the usual banquet size table to try something different. Nicole and I ran all over the city brainstorming together for a centerpiece & candy. When you think of candy buffet you think candy of course so we used GIANT versions of lollipops for the centerpiece and kept all jars glass so the vibrant candy was visible. The candy had to be vibrant so we went with twist lollipops, gumballs, starbursts, pixie sticks, hard candies, skittles & Nicole made custom chocolate lollipops to match the invitation. I think back to when I was a child and this candy buffet would have been absolute heaven. It was a huge hit with both the children and adults but most importantly Lily loved it.
Table Design: We kept it very modern, simple & pink of course. The event space is divided into three rooms all in a row with large open doorways. With such a large or should I say long space we knew a very long table would be perfect. Nicole needed to sit at least 30 guests at the main table and an additional two 60" rounds that would seat 8 guests tucked in the windows overlooking the street below. All tables were covered with a bright pink satin linen and all chairs, plates, cups & balloons would be white. While designing this birthday we had a go big or go home attitude and ordered extra large 40" balloons to hover over the main table in a row, which took quite a bit of helium I might add. To hold these down I used a balloon weight tucked into a glass cylinder vase that was then surrounded by gumballs. Nicole being a pastry chef custom made candy bars for every place setting using the graphic that was on the invitation. Instead of place cards each place setting received a personalized ice cream cone cookie with guest name.
This was a very simple and modern design but packed some punch with just one main accent color....PINK!
Lily's Play Space: For all those parents who have attended a kid's birthday party, you know it's best that the children have their own area. The venue space had two additional rooms flanking the main space so we utilized one as the play space and the other for the adults food buffet & lounge.
Nicole purchased two awesome kid size table in white with twelve chairs in different colors which we placed towards the front of the room as the focal point. The center of the room remained clear since there would be games, face painting, pinata & more for the children. As a mother of three I knew we had to have kid friendly food & beverages so we set up one food station along with one drink station. It was a huge hit since smaller children are usually picky eaters ;)
Details: *Sigh* Oh how I love details.
Nicole is the owner and pastry chef for Flour Cake & Pastry so we knew the cake was taken care of. She out did herself and re-created an exact replica of the ice cream pint invitation. Honestly it was the coolest cake I have seen in a while and so excited that it would be the centerpiece of the main room. To make it just a bit more special Nicole made white chocolate dipped pretzels & sable cookies to compliment the cake. We also brought in taffy apples & french macaroons all in bright colors that we pulled from the invitation.
Let's talk ice cream!! what ice cream themed birthday with be complete without it's very own real life size ice cream cart.....YES, that's right we brought in a huge ice cream cart stuffed with all your old favorite ice cream bars from
-Just Say Yes Events!
Mr & Mrs. Campano 9.3.2010
If there was ever someone who is not afraid of color, it's Vanessa. Our wonderful client Vanessa loves and wanted to incorporate vivid pinks, oranges, teal & golds into their wedding. After finding out that Vanessa is a professional make up artist and representative for Urban Decay it all made sense!! How could she not love color and we were overjoyed. Most couples tend to keep it simple and go with one or two colors but this wedding would vibrant using about 6 all complimenting each other.
Vanessa also mentioned loving peacock feathers & Morocco which was great since it would pick up some of the colors being used. We grabbed color and Moroccan design.... ran with it never looking back!
First up was going for a walk through of their venue Astroria Banquets in Buffalo Grove.Honestly they couldn't have selected a better venue and the staff was extremely helpful at all times. The main ballroom where the ceremony as-well as reception would be held was perfect in color. Astoria has wonderful damask print walls in a rich copper color that accented the wedding perfectly. One look at the carpet and we knew we had made the right decision with the linens since it was brown & copper. All guest tables would had a gorgeous chocolate pintuck linen, copper napkin & gold charger which would be the base to ground the color. We never forget a chair so the chairs were covered in a chocolate slip cover and copper sash. The last detail for the base was lighting and what better place to use color so Vanessa selected a vibrant pink color to compliment the floral.
Now bring in the COLOR!! Each guest table was adorned with gorgeous floral in vibrant colors Palomino Floral Designs.
For the short centerpieces Palomino used urns in gold filled with lush floral like Orchid, Hydrangea, Roses, Berries & Stock. To take it up a notch Just Say Yes added black lanterns to bring in some of the Moroccan design and VOILA gorgeous table-scapes. Onto the tall arrangements which were very eye catching. Tall pilsner vases were filled with bright orange orchids and tall branches keeping the base color chocolate in mind with a punch of color. Vanessa's bouquet and the bridal party floral all created by Palomino were vibrant and exactly what Vanessa wanted. We were on the right track.
Everyone who knows me knows I love the details. Vanessa & Lee's wedding was full of personalization and details. To incorporate the peacock feather we added one feather on every single napkin and made custom escort cards each with a feather as-well. Even the cake brought in something special using their wedding invitation as inspiration. Instead of a guest book a Moroccan inspired box was filled with well wishes for the couple. Vanessa even had a special hanger custom made with her new last name to hold her wedding gown. Details, details, details!
Vanessa & Lee were wonderful clients and in them we have friends forever. We hope they have many years of happiness & joy together.
*Please click images to enlarge.
-Just Say Yes!
Event Planning & Design: Just Say Yes Events!
Venue: Astoria Banquets, Buffalo Grove
Photography: ©Bella Photography & Just Say Yes Events!
Floral: Palomino Floral Designs
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Mr & Mrs. Marinelli 9.4.2010
I remember my first meeting with Kate very vividly. She was very casual, laid back,funny and calm about the wedding planning process which is rare! It was a joy working with her and making sure that their wedding day reflected them as a couple and brought in the look & feel that they were seeking.
Kate began telling me about a special church that the majority of her family had been married in. It was such a romantic idea to be married where her grandmother, mother & family had all been married. The church is Our Lady of Pompeii and is located in Chicago's Little Italy. I was inspired by her story and couldn't wait to begin designing something special for Kate and Christopher.
The second major item on the list was reception which was selected by Kate Zapatista's Restaurant just 10 minutes from the church. Zapatista's has a very ethnic feel inspired by Mexico with Terracotta, ironwork and rich colors. Kate mentioned loving the colors yellow and grey and during a walk through of the venue which is when I noticed the walls were yellow. Zapatista's was the perfect venue for them and the colors worked fantastically.
We ran with the colors and used them in linens, floral & print materials. There is one thing I love and it's linens!! I love taking clients to the linen showroom to drool over all the lavish linens and that is exactly where Kate and I ended up.
Staying within the yellow and grey color scheme we selected a pale yellow satin linen for the guest tables, twist grey linen with texture for the escort card table & soft grey bengaline napkin that I would be tying with yellow ribbon.
Once the base of the tables was designed I began working on the floral design making sure it felt as if it "belonged" in the venue. After another meeting with Kate we narrowed down type of flowers, colors & size for all floral. We would be using Calla lilies, Roses, two types of Mums, Alstromeria & orchids all in the yellow and orange color family. The guest tables would have two different arrangements to keep it interesting. Centerpiece #1 would be three rustic wooden boxes filled with floral and two black lanterns in between the boxes. Centerpiece #2 would be three rustic wooden boxes with glass cylinders in the middle holding a floating candle. When it came to the head table I wanted to make sure it had extra drama and clearly noticeable as head table. The head table arrangement was a play off of the guest tables but much larger in scale. The table held a whopping 6 large lanterns and 5 large wooden boxes all holding a medium sized cylinder. To assure they were eye catching we used a very unique and delicate orchid shooting up from the boxes along with lush floral.
Last but not least my favorite design element....The escort card table. It was very unique and brought in the color scheme, Invitation design & ethnic feel but in a modern way. The linen for the table was a grey twist linen for texture and something a little different than the guest tables. Since it was a escort card table we had to make sure that the centerpiece wasn't too large and could be placed towards the rear of the table. We brought in three lanterns in bright yellow and three glass cylinders varying in size to hold bright yellow floral. Opposite the arrangement were picture frames of the couples family and a decorative box to hold cards.
I was very excited about the place cards since I was able to take the graphic that was on their invitation and duplicate it onto the place cards. I truly believe all the small details count 100%
To this day Kate & Christopher remain one of our favorite couples and their wedding was loved by all. CS Brides Magazine recently published a photo from their wedding in the "With Love"issue on page 274.
We wish Kate & Christopher the best and hope they have many year of happiness.
-Just Say Yes!
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Photos ©Wedding Creativo & Just Say Yes Events!
Kate began telling me about a special church that the majority of her family had been married in. It was such a romantic idea to be married where her grandmother, mother & family had all been married. The church is Our Lady of Pompeii and is located in Chicago's Little Italy. I was inspired by her story and couldn't wait to begin designing something special for Kate and Christopher.
The second major item on the list was reception which was selected by Kate Zapatista's Restaurant just 10 minutes from the church. Zapatista's has a very ethnic feel inspired by Mexico with Terracotta, ironwork and rich colors. Kate mentioned loving the colors yellow and grey and during a walk through of the venue which is when I noticed the walls were yellow. Zapatista's was the perfect venue for them and the colors worked fantastically.
We ran with the colors and used them in linens, floral & print materials. There is one thing I love and it's linens!! I love taking clients to the linen showroom to drool over all the lavish linens and that is exactly where Kate and I ended up.
Staying within the yellow and grey color scheme we selected a pale yellow satin linen for the guest tables, twist grey linen with texture for the escort card table & soft grey bengaline napkin that I would be tying with yellow ribbon.
Once the base of the tables was designed I began working on the floral design making sure it felt as if it "belonged" in the venue. After another meeting with Kate we narrowed down type of flowers, colors & size for all floral. We would be using Calla lilies, Roses, two types of Mums, Alstromeria & orchids all in the yellow and orange color family. The guest tables would have two different arrangements to keep it interesting. Centerpiece #1 would be three rustic wooden boxes filled with floral and two black lanterns in between the boxes. Centerpiece #2 would be three rustic wooden boxes with glass cylinders in the middle holding a floating candle. When it came to the head table I wanted to make sure it had extra drama and clearly noticeable as head table. The head table arrangement was a play off of the guest tables but much larger in scale. The table held a whopping 6 large lanterns and 5 large wooden boxes all holding a medium sized cylinder. To assure they were eye catching we used a very unique and delicate orchid shooting up from the boxes along with lush floral.
Last but not least my favorite design element....The escort card table. It was very unique and brought in the color scheme, Invitation design & ethnic feel but in a modern way. The linen for the table was a grey twist linen for texture and something a little different than the guest tables. Since it was a escort card table we had to make sure that the centerpiece wasn't too large and could be placed towards the rear of the table. We brought in three lanterns in bright yellow and three glass cylinders varying in size to hold bright yellow floral. Opposite the arrangement were picture frames of the couples family and a decorative box to hold cards.
I was very excited about the place cards since I was able to take the graphic that was on their invitation and duplicate it onto the place cards. I truly believe all the small details count 100%
To this day Kate & Christopher remain one of our favorite couples and their wedding was loved by all. CS Brides Magazine recently published a photo from their wedding in the "With Love"issue on page 274.
We wish Kate & Christopher the best and hope they have many year of happiness.
-Just Say Yes!
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Please click to enlarge.
Photos ©Wedding Creativo & Just Say Yes Events!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Mr & Mrs. Wynn 10.9.10
I'm very excited to blog about this gorgeous wedding! I absolutely love PINK and was very excited to find out this was the color chosen by Brian & Isenia. I was informed by Brian to keep the pink in check, after all the wedding had to reflect him as-well.
There are so many details to this wedding that I have created a few collages of different parts of the wedding from "Getting Ready" to "The Magical Reception"
I hope you enjoy this wedding and that inspired you to see PINK!
Event Planning & Design: Just Say Yes Events!
Floral Design: Just Say Yes Events!
Venue: Stonegate Banquet & Conference Center
Photography & Videography: © George Street
Please click to enlarge images.
These are a few shots from Isenia getting ready for her big day!! I loved making her bouquet and think it turned out absolutely wonderful.
Please click to enlarge images.
Every bride has an idea of what they want and Isenia wanted BIG & FLUFFY! I used lush hydrangea, Football Mums & Vendela roses to create large pew clips, entry display, Unity candle & candelabras. The aisle runner was a collaboration between myself & Isenia. I designed a large graphic that she had printed and used as a guide to hand paint the logo. It was a very special touch to the aisle.
For the Bridesmaids I used large pale pink roses tied with double faced satin ribbon to create a sophisticated bouquet. The flower girls carried large pomander rose balls covered with pale pink roses tied with chocolate satin ribbon.
Please click to enlarge images.
These are a few more shots from the ceremony. I love how the candelabras make the ceremony so romantic. The ceremony was perfect in every way.
Please click to enlarge images.
After the ceremony the bridal party hit the city to snap some dreamy wedding day photos! The moss covered letters were designed and created by Just Say Yes to hang on the white church doors. I love how large they were and the couple could hang them in their home after the wedding.
Please click to enlarge images.
Where of where do I begin?!?!? This reception was breathtaking in every way. Lighting is key for a dramatic effect and the room was completely illuminated with pale pink lighting & spot lighting for the tables. The guest tables were enrobed in luxurious damask print linen with Ivory lamour napkin. Each place setting received a custom menu created by Just Say Yes and the napkin was wrapped in Ivory tulle for texture. For the guest table centerpieces we opted to do half high and half low for interest using Hydrangea, Pale pink roses, Vendela roses, mums, curly willow & crystals for bling! To make the family tables feel special we used our signature crystal trees that once placed reach a staggering 8.5 feet tall.
The base of the crystal trees were filled with tons of floral for a very luxurious look.
Brian & Isenia wanted to make sure their guests were always entertained so a band & DJ. Just in case they weren't the dancing type we added a photo-booth from Magnolia and large sweet bar from Just Say Yes Events.
Lets not forget the cake which was jaw dropping and created by the pastry chef at the Stonegate & floral was added by Just Say Yes Events.
It was truly a dreamy wedding and we are so honored that we were part of their special day! May they have many years of joy and happiness.
-Just Say Yes Events!
There are so many details to this wedding that I have created a few collages of different parts of the wedding from "Getting Ready" to "The Magical Reception"
I hope you enjoy this wedding and that inspired you to see PINK!
Event Planning & Design: Just Say Yes Events!
Floral Design: Just Say Yes Events!
Venue: Stonegate Banquet & Conference Center
Photography & Videography: © George Street
Please click to enlarge images.
These are a few shots from Isenia getting ready for her big day!! I loved making her bouquet and think it turned out absolutely wonderful.
Please click to enlarge images.
Every bride has an idea of what they want and Isenia wanted BIG & FLUFFY! I used lush hydrangea, Football Mums & Vendela roses to create large pew clips, entry display, Unity candle & candelabras. The aisle runner was a collaboration between myself & Isenia. I designed a large graphic that she had printed and used as a guide to hand paint the logo. It was a very special touch to the aisle.
For the Bridesmaids I used large pale pink roses tied with double faced satin ribbon to create a sophisticated bouquet. The flower girls carried large pomander rose balls covered with pale pink roses tied with chocolate satin ribbon.
Please click to enlarge images.
These are a few more shots from the ceremony. I love how the candelabras make the ceremony so romantic. The ceremony was perfect in every way.
Please click to enlarge images.
After the ceremony the bridal party hit the city to snap some dreamy wedding day photos! The moss covered letters were designed and created by Just Say Yes to hang on the white church doors. I love how large they were and the couple could hang them in their home after the wedding.
Please click to enlarge images.
Where of where do I begin?!?!? This reception was breathtaking in every way. Lighting is key for a dramatic effect and the room was completely illuminated with pale pink lighting & spot lighting for the tables. The guest tables were enrobed in luxurious damask print linen with Ivory lamour napkin. Each place setting received a custom menu created by Just Say Yes and the napkin was wrapped in Ivory tulle for texture. For the guest table centerpieces we opted to do half high and half low for interest using Hydrangea, Pale pink roses, Vendela roses, mums, curly willow & crystals for bling! To make the family tables feel special we used our signature crystal trees that once placed reach a staggering 8.5 feet tall.
The base of the crystal trees were filled with tons of floral for a very luxurious look.
Brian & Isenia wanted to make sure their guests were always entertained so a band & DJ. Just in case they weren't the dancing type we added a photo-booth from Magnolia and large sweet bar from Just Say Yes Events.
Lets not forget the cake which was jaw dropping and created by the pastry chef at the Stonegate & floral was added by Just Say Yes Events.
It was truly a dreamy wedding and we are so honored that we were part of their special day! May they have many years of joy and happiness.
-Just Say Yes Events!
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