Inspiration Sketch for Events & Weddings

This morning I'm working on a proposal for a Client that plans to host a luncheon in the Shelter at Loose Park. I developed the following sketch to help express my vision for the decor...

Whenever I'm planning an event, whether it be a birthday party, cocktail event or wedding, I find it so helpful to create a sketch like this. Not only does it help my Client understand my vision, it helps to ensure that the other vendors I'm working with are all on the same page and headed towards the same goal!

Here is the proposed menu... on this cold winter day, it is so fun to think of fresh spring menus!

Menu

Sandwiches wrapped in Parchment Paper :

*Croissants filled with Dijon Chicken Salad

*Roast Beef, Cheddar & Horseradish Sandwiches

Chinese Containers Packed with :

*Tomato, Pesto & Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad

*Creamy Dill Fingerling Potato Salad

Bountiful Platters of :

*Crudites with Fresh Spring Herb Dip

*Berries & Melon

Cupcakes :

Lemon with Vanilla Buttercream

Chocolate with Raspberry Buttercream

KC Real Wedding | STUIDO Dan Meiners | Wirken Photography

This is ANOTHER wedding that features some of the best vendors in town! I love all of the winter white. Dan did a great job on the bouquets!

To see more of the images from this wedding, visit the Wirken Blog!

Floral Design : STUDIO Dan Meiners

Photography : Wirken Photography

Wedding: The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception

Reception: The Sawyer Room

Coordination: Soiree Event Designs

Catering: Avenues Bistro

KC Real Wedding | Claire Ryser | Katie & Blake

This wedding, shot by Claire Ryser, is so vibrant and sweet. I love that the Bride, Katie, wore her tortoise shell glasses! Katie did an excellent job selecting her colors - the bridesmaids dresses were a soft grey, then accented with bright flowers... I'm convinced that THAT is how a wedding can be modern and timeless.

To see more of the photos from this wedding, visit Claire Ryser's Blog!

Photography | Claire Ryser | Engagement Photos

Who says they are tired of the snow?! I could look at images like these all day long!

Engagement shoot by Claire Ryser.

Did you see this article in Kansas City's INK Magazine? It features the wedding I designed for Nicole and Barry and The Willoughby Design Barn! Jesseca Hattey from EpagaFOTO did an amazing job shooting the day... This image of the article came from epagafoto.blogspot.com. Jump over there and see more of their great work!

KC Real Wedding | Studio Dan Meiners | Adrienne Maples | Bhumika & Casey

STUDIO Dan Meiners | New Space with Event Space!

As you've read in previous blog entries, for the last year STUIDO Dan Meiners has been renovating a new space near Union Station. I can't wait to see the finished product - I'm sure it will be fabulous! Along with space for the STUDIO to create their floral designs, the space will include an Event Space for receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate functions and special occasions!

Here are some of the most recent photo of the work...

As you can see, Dan is using many natural materials for the space... and mostly reused materials salvaged from old buildings - oh so green!

Wide open spaces!

Love the lights!

Recently, The STUDIO did an amazing wedding for my friends Katie & Matt.

Look at these candles down the stairs! It is the little touches that make what STUDIO Dan Meiners amazing.

They completely transformed The Nelson-Adkins Museum - it was stunning.

Jump over to the Wirkenblog to see more of the photos!

VIDEO | Blue Bouquet Gives Great Wedding Advice | Floral Trends for Weddings

Neil from Blue Bouquet (Bliss List Member) was on TV sharing some great wedding advice and trends!

Gifts | Sharyn Blond Linens | Wedding Registry

One of Fairway's very own boutiques, Sharyn Blond Linens, is the perfect spot for wedding registries, bridesmaids gifts, hostess gifts... and any gift that would be coming my way.

The shop is a tiny nook filled to the brim with delicate linen cocktail napkins, framed embroidery, unique place mats, luxurious bed linens, and special table linens.

I love this sweet monogramed napkin.

The pomegranate cocktail napkin is such a fun gift!

I'm a fan of anything bee's. My favorite is the white on white.

Who wouldn't want to stay in a guest room that boasts this embroidered pillow?!

This is pure vintage whimsy. Love it.

Visit Sharyn Blond's Boutique :

2718 West 53rd Street
Fairway, KS 66205

Visit Sharyn Blond's Website :

www.sharynblondlinens.com

Registry | Gifts | Wedding Registry Guide

Most new brides are confused about registering for wedding gifts.

What makes it more confusing is that retailers are 'going after' brides like never before... their rules and tips are not always the proper thing to do - remember, their motive is to sell you as many things as they can!

I think the most important thing to remember when registering is to be a gracious, considerate person... actually, that rule should apply to all aspects of wedding planning! That being said, here are a few tips that will help you :

1) Select 2-3 retailers to give your guests options for convenience. Select some national retailers, and some specialty local boutiques.

Some of my Favorites :

-Sharyn Blond (read more about Sharyn Blond Linens here!)

-Williams-Sonoma

-Halls (Kansas City)

-Restoration Hardware

-Pottery Barn

2) Select a variety of price points. Do not make all of your guests feel like they need to spend a month's rent! Have plenty of gifts that are around $50 and around $100. A $50 gift is great for showers, and $100 perfect for the wedding.

3) Do not put inappropriate items (such as a sofa or sea salt...) on the registry. Just because you want it does not mean it needs to go on the list! In general, wedding gifts should be of heirloom quality (china, silver, crystal), a keepsake, or great for making the couple's home (platters for entertaining, linens, small appliances...).

4) Keep it simple. Try to limit your registry to only include items that you will find useful. Do not just select something because it is 'cute' or 'fun'. You should have a plan!

This guide from Martha Stewart will be a great guide for you!

Dresses | Wedding Gowns I Love

As my dress hunt begins, here are some of the styles I love! Above : Lela Rose

Above : Angel Sanchez

Above : Lela Rose

Above : J.Crew