Dia de los Muertos (Day Of The Dead) Wedding, Los Angeles Wedding Planner

Dia de los Muertos is often thought to be a "spooky" or somber day, but it is actually just the opposite! A celebration in Central and South American cultures, Dia de los Muertos or "Day of the Dead" is full of color, food and fun festivities.

I had the honor of helping design some of the elements for Kasey and Charles' "Day of the Dead" wedding, held this past May. Not every couple wants to follow the traditonal path when it comes to their wedding day, and it makes my job that much more fun and interesting when they don't!

Kasey hand-made all of her sugar skulls as the table centerpieces! Her save the date cards were hand-stamped by yours truly with a handmade stamp fashioned into a bride and groom skull couple!

Step right up to a Children's Circus Party! Los Angeles Children's Party Planner

I had so much fun creating this "Vintage" circus theme for my Son's 1st Birthday party! Complete with games, a jester, facepainting, a petting zoo and ponies, no child was short of fun things to look at or play with! Or yummy things to eat...popcorn, cotton candy and cupcakes, oh my!

Bella Sophia Events with Nordstrom's South Coast Plaza Weddings

Bella Sophia Events was honored to team up with Nordstrom's, South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, CA) for a very special bridal event, showcasing Nordstrom's bridal lingerie line, "In Bloom", as well as their bridal jewelry by "Nadri".

Brides came by from all over Southern California and we were so happy to meet you all! We hope you all enjoyed getting a delightful gerbera daisy to take home with you too!

Alice In Wonderland Wedding at Disneyland, with vintage touches

Inspired by the recent re-release of the movie, this wedding theme is so whimsical and fun, and definitely not for the average couple!

To achieve this look, here are some tips:

Find all different chairs at garage sales and antique stores--Don't be afraid to use color, and lots of it!---Consider having the Groom wear a top hat, reminiscent of the "Mad Hatter", and for their attendant gifts, fun cuff links for all the groomsmen---A great (yet pricey) option is to hold your Alice In Wonderland reception at Disneyland, where you can actually hire Alice, and all the characters, to be your entertainment!---A less pricey option, yet still alot of fun, is to purchase a giant chess set. This is sure to be a hit with your guests, young and old!

candy buffet: beautiful blooms,"alice" hairpiece: thefrenchmouse (etsy), cheshire cat cufflinks:littleangelsjewlery (etsy),giant chess set: drugstore.com, bridal dresses: sohomade, "eat me" pinkcherrymama (etsy.com) ,reception/centerpieces: grand californian hotel, disneyland

A true "platinum" wedding!

2011 is bringing a whole new trend into bridal gowns, and one of the trends I am especially in love with is the color silver being used for wedding dresses! I think this is so elegant and may just be a trend that will definitley last longer than just this season...

top center...1950's vintage gown (vintagefrocksoffancy, etsy.com)

How deliciously divine is this? Edible glitter!

I absolutely adore this idea for weddings, showers, sweet sixteens, bat mitzvah and little princess parties! Definitely adds a touch of glamour!

Thanks to Hansen's Cakes in Los Angeles for this yummy idea and equally delicious cakes!

Vintage Country Chic Spring Wedding

courtesy "the happy wedding", shannon medley designs (stationery), Stephanie Allin (dress), Brides Magazine (table)

Vintage Country Chic

...sweet, romantic...perfect for Spring!

Ahhh...Spring is officially here! Such a beautiful and perfect time of the year for weddings and other special life events, as this season traditionally represents new beginnings...new blossoms...and new life.

Lovely colors for Spring time weddings consist of softer shades, such as: whites, golds and silvers paired with pastel shades, such as lavender, pink, peaches and yellow. Add green for a modern and fresh twist!

If you are hoping for your wedding design to exude romance and a princess-like quality, with some vintage touches, then the table setting above is a perfect choice. This is such a simply shabby chic display of Spring! Soft shades of peaches, greens, pinks and ivory are lovely for this effect. And the imperfection of this setting CREATES the perfection!

Some tips to achieve this look:

Find containers at your local thrift/antique store (don't worry about matching them). This is also a eco-friendly idea!
Mason jars can be found at Michael's craft stores or thrift stores; fill these with more flowers, candles or candy (in pastel shades).

Add throw pillows in pastel shades and romantic prints to some of your chairs. Your guests will appreciate the comfortable and stylish seating!

Using china of all different patterns from thrift and antique stores is another option!

Silver buckets (at any craft store) also work great for floral containers. Use the mini silver buckets with gingham (checked) ribbon for cute escort card holders or favor containers.

Instead of wedding cake, or in addition to it, consider serving up assorted flavors of pie! Find an old cupboard at the antique shop and display all the pies! This is a cute country-chic look!

Offer your guests pink lemonade prior to your ceremony from glass beverage dispensers. Serve them in mason jars for a unique look.

Consider hanging vintage chandeliers from above! Especially chic if hanging from trees

Use lots of candles and soft light to create an etheral glow

I sure hope this gives you some inspiration and useful ideas for your country-chic wedding!

Until next time,

Laurel