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Private Estate Silver + Blue Santa Barbara Wedding

July 19, 2017

Villa Verano February Santa Barbara Wedding

This very special private estate wedding was full of delight, elegance and a class act couple to go along with it! When Jill + Jason sought me out, they did not have a location picked out yet, but knew they wanted to get married 2.15.15 because of Jason's work schedule (Hight School teacher in NYC). They were really leaning toward a luxury hotel wedding, but wedding planning is my thing and reading people my talent.

Because their friends, families and selves were coming to California from the East Coast, I suggested they look at private venues. This would allow them to enjoy the weather and stunning views Santa Barbara offers for longer than a 2 hour stint (with daylight savings, they would have most of the reception in the dark). Soooo, off to see venues we went, and Villa Verano is what they fell in love with. It allowed for their close family to stay w/ them (just as if they were in a hotel) and enjoy the property and privacy for their entire stay.

I The colors the client chose were silver and blue for this February affair. Below the gorgeous invitations created by the über talented Lazaro Press and Designs.

Jill and Jason Invitation Wedding Blue and Silver Felici Events

The wedding ceremony took place at the quaint and intimate setting of the lower garden on the property. Their officiate, a close friend, did a phenomenal job with the ceremony. I would hire her for all of my nuptials if she lived closer, not New York City.

Jill and Jason Wedding Ceremony Villa Verano Felici Events

The colors worked so well with the venue, flirty flowers, elegant linens and silver rimmed glassware

Jill and Jason Table Set Up Felici Events Villa Verano

Jill and Jason Excort Card display on hydrangea Felici Events

The escort cards are displayed on a bed of hydrangeas which eventually became a focal point.

The couple's sweetheart table full of lush white floral with the themed colors.

sweetheart table felici events villa verano

Here is a full view of the gorgeous reception terrace, with string lights and heaters provided by the venue.

Felici Events Blue and Silver table top birds eye view

And a birds eye view of the gorge white floral with lily's hydrangeas, paler roses, white roses and more.

We don't know what was prettier, the backdrop of the American Riviera or the simple and delicious wedding cake.

room for cake felici events blue and silver

sweetheart table felici events chandelier

Listening to the toasts, the chandelier above the sweetheart table brought romance to the decor.

And their first dance!

We love this moment captured by the photographer of the bride laughing at her new hubby. He is a funny guy, and she has a great laugh, so we are partial to this image. Thank YOU Jill + Jason for hiring Felici Events as your planner for your perfect winter Southern California Wedding!

Grazie Mille to the Team of Vendors who made this magical week-end happen!

Cake - Room For Cake

Catering - Omni Catering & Events

Flowers - Coco Rose Design

Hair/Make Up - Chateau Belle

Invitation - Lazaro Press & Design

Lighting - Bella Vista Designs

Music ~ Ceremony & Cocktails - The Aurora Ensemble

Music ~ Reception - DJScott Topper Productions

Photography - Andrejka Photography

Planner - Felici Events

Rentals - The Tent Merchant

Planning A Tuscan-Themed Oceanfront Dinner

September 4, 2015

Felici Worldwide Brings Tuscany to Santa Barbara

After traveling to Italy in July, Zohe was so inspired by her mother land. The colors, food and vibrant settings motivated Felici Events owner to produce a Tuscan-style rehearsal dinner for her wedding clients. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the views were stunning and something to compete with, but Felici Events found no challenge in producing an event just as breathtaking.

z - tuscan table top event Felici Events Kiel Rucker Photography

z - tuscan table top with sunflowers Felici Events Kiel Rucker Photography

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z-tuscan-table-top-with-menu-Felici-Events-Kiel-Rucker-Photography-683x1024.jpg

z-birdseye-view-table-layout-Felici-Events-Kiel-Rucker-Photography-1024x683.jpg

z-tuscan-table-layout-Felici-Events-Kiel-Rucker-Photography-683x1024.jpg

A Huge Thank you to our Vendors:

NLC Productions - Flowers + Decor

Town and Country Event Rentals - Tableware + Rentals

Catering Connection - Catering

Kiel Rucker Photography - Photography

Felici Events - Planning + Coordination

Colors + Candy + Creativity = #FeliciTimes Bat Mitzvah Celebration!

June 30, 2015

Dylan's Candy Inspired Bat Mitzvah

We were thrilled to have produced a 2nd celebration for our clients' youngest daughter's Bat Mitzvah this year (Ava celebrated her Graffiti Grunge Celebration in 2012) at Fess Parker Doubletree Resort, the Reagan Room. The thing about producing kids events, is….well, I get to be a child again! The vision, creativity and audience allows for more creativity, color and out of the box ideas.

My theory is that the theme starts the minute (BEFORE) you step into the room. For this reason we had adult height decor greeting guests prior to entering the party room, in order to create anticipation and fluidity.

balloon decor ideas candy bar theme kid party

Once inside the room, we set up an open air photo booth, a perfect occasion for the host(s) to stand and greet guests and step in for a photo op...

open air booth entertainment candy theme balloon decor

Cocktail hour on the patio was an adult-only zone with bar and lounge for those guests who wanted to step away from the activities. Magnificent Pacific Ocean view included.

kids table candy decor theme Felici Events

To decorate the kids tables in a playful and tasteful way, we purchased floral sheeting which we found at our January conference in Anaheim. The elegant La Tavola napkins were made into silverware rolls and held together by candy bracelets.

kid part entertainment idea slomo booth Felici Events

A slo-mo photo booth entertained both guests and adults alike. In fact, it was so much fun we have another blog post dedicated to it!

candy bar theme Felici Events Bat Mitzvah pink

A view of the room in its completion below. The lounge areas gave a little separation between the adult and kids tables. The topiaries you see on the kids tables were a crafting project made by mom + daughters and friends. I always think personalizing your event somehow is a great idea!

The adult tables were elegantly presented using Dupionique La Tavola Linen and napkins wrapped in dots for a playful twist.

dots decor idea candy theme Felici Events

The floral sheeting was a great backdrop for the room, which created a WOW factor and added joviality to the hotel's banquet room. Here is the whole client family together striking a pose.

The vibrant kids buffet turned into a dessert buffet to be enjoyed by all.

decor ideas dylan's candy bar Felici Events

Candy Bar for Kids Party Candy Theme Felici Events

Bat Mitzvah guest of honor dancing for her event

How else to burn off the calories taken in at this delectable affair? Why dancing of course! Here is the guest of honor starting a dance set with her BFF.

A HUGE Grazie Mille to our team of vendors who helped turned our clients' dream into a reality!

Photography - All Images by Kelsey Crews Photography

Flowers - Juniper Designs

Decor - Cathy Olson - Balloon Artist

Lighting - SPARK Creative Events

DJ - H2H The Perfect Element

Rentals - Town and Country Event Rentals

Linen - La Tavola Linens

Photobooth - Open Air Photo Booth

Slow Motion Booth - The Slow Motion Booth

Venue - Fess Parker Doubletree Resort

Planning and Design - Zohe Felici, Felici Events

Venues for a Destination Wedding in Italy

April 7, 2015

Tuscany is an ideal location for the perfect destination wedding.

Choosing a unique and stunning location for your wedding is not an easy task. There are so many options that it’s very easy to get confused. Tuscany offers an abundance of history, which is why there are numerable villas, monasteries and castles, all beautiful and each with it’s unique design and elegance!

Asking a Tuscany-based wedding planner for suggestions, will help find the perfect venue for you. Below are our tips to find the ideal location to make your dreams to come true!

Venue Felici Events and Super Tuscan Wedding Planners Wedding-in-Tuscany

The typical Tuscan "casale",an old Tuscan home, is a familiar place where you and your family can feel at home during your stay. A casale is usually small and intimate, ideal to accommodate your bridal party and share with a few select members that will take part in the wedding preparations!

Farmhouses are similar to the typical tuscan casale. As wedding venues, farmhouses not only will host your bridal party, but are an amazing starting point for a one-of-a-kind walk among vineyards as the wind gently caresses you, or to savor a taste of the local wines and products. It doesn’t get more authentic than a farmhouse to experience Tuscany to the fullest.

Tuscany Wedding Location Felici Events and Super Tuscan Wedding Planners

Another luxury-medieval alternative you can easily find in Tuscany, are castles! With their magic charm, castles will let your guests feel like they’re living a part of history but with a modern look.

If you are planning on having a large number of guests, and you want them all by your side during the days before and after the wedding, the best solution is an ancient medieval burg transformed into a cozy lodging. Besides the traditional aspect of the outside areas, they are indeed very cozy and you will have all comforts at your fingertips. Nearby you will find day spas and elegant restaurants that the burg put at its guests’ disposal.

Castle Wedding Location Felici Events and Super Tuscan Wedding Planners

Elegance is not unusual in Tuscany! Other than its rustic side and infinite fields around these houses, Tuscany offers plenty of elegant Italian styled villas. The luxury interiors will amaze your guests and the beautiful Italian gardens are ideal to host elegant outdoor receptions. Your guests will appreciate such a sophisticated choice!

Tuscany, however, is not only countryside and vineyards…right around the bend the stunning Tuscan sea is waiting for you!

That’s just a short list of the possibilities, but don’t worry… other stunning venues are over the next hilltop as you make your way throughout the Tuscan countryside. Now that you know a bit about Tuscany...what will you choose?

Ask Felici Events and Super Tuscan Wedding planners for more suggestions!

Felici Events Table Design at the Luxe Linen Showcase

March 23, 2015

Felici Events displayed our wedding and event design skills recently, at Sherwood Country Club. Luxe Linens invited us to produce a table-top design of our choice, to showcase the 2015 line of new linens and napkins. Here is a video clip showing you the finished product as well as the wonderful team who helped us fulfill a little creative magic!

https://youtu.be/4_mxxRxN1Rg

We were tickled pink to be invited, which carried into our theme of a pink table top inspired by the 2011 movie

Marie Antoinette

(directed by Sofia Coppola, a fellow Italian-ite and Felici-favorite).

We chose to showcase our table of eight using Luxe Linens' Sherbert Vogue.

Once we decided on the linens, Felici Events called on the the talents of a newer vintage rental company Otis and Pearl, to supply the silverware, china and glassware.

Nina of Coco Rose Designs and the Felici Events Team could have spent hours in her storage unit looking at all the fun table top pieces. In face, we may have. Low and behold, it was easy for us to fall in love with the pink glassware you see at each table. Perfectly fitting for such a girly table top setting.

Next, we asked for help from our friend and fellow

ISES-VSB

member, Joost Bongaerts, owner of Florabundance, if he would like to contribute, and graciously he supplied all the floral.

The final touches, envisioned by Nina of Coco Rose Designs included the sweet fresh berries and delectable

macarons

embellishing the table top.

Finally, we chose the

Florence dining chairs

(both with arms and without) to complete the look of the dining table. They were definitely the talk of our table amongst attendees and fellow showcasing peers.

It was absolute perfection. The location, setting, details, event and evening. Thank you Luxe Linens for including us in this project!

Grazie Mille to our contributors:

DESIGNER and VISIONARY: Felici Events

FLORIST: Coco Rose Design

VINTAGE RENTALS: Otis and Pearl

CHAIR RENTAL: Revelry Event Designers

FLORAL PURVEYOR: Florabundance

Felici Events Wishes You A Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 14, 2015

Felici Events Presents: St. Patty's Day Party Lookbook

The Felici Events team loves a great themed-party - who doesn't? With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, we thought that it would be the perfect time to share with you all a #Felicified guide to planning your very own St. Patrick's Day Party.

Let's start off with the food! Because how amazing can a party be without delicious food? Our team searched high and low for the following themed-out, mouth-watering dishes. We also included the links to the recipes for you, enjoy!

Finger Food/Starters

- Shamrock Nachos - Taking any opportunity to bring out the green clovers.

- Spinach Pesto Mashed Potatoes - A new way to wear green!

The Main Course

- Lucky Spinach Quiche - Lucky you!

- Corned Beef Brisket Pita - We can already taste all the flavors!

- Irish Bread Braid - Feeling lucky yet?

Sweets

- Muddy Buddies - They are essentially blinged out puppy chow.

- Shamrock Shake - Who needs McDonalds when you can do it yourself?

Cocktails

- Honeydew Martini - the simply perfect green drink

- The Irish Flag - how patriotic!

Now that we have gotten all the drooling out of the way, check out the festive decor ideas the Felici Team has for you!

- Wreaths - we have a more casual option as well as a more classy version for you!

- Floral Displays - chic and classy

OR opt for a more fun and do it yourself versions!

- Banners

- Party Favors - simple yet thoughtful.

- Decor Embellishments - for that extra wow factor.

- Special Touches - it's the small things that matter.

Your options are endless when planning a party. We hope you enjoyed the ones we gave you. Put them to good use and let us know how everything turned out. Don't forget to keep checking back for more felicified party ideas! In the meantime, we wish you a very lucky St. Patrick's Day!

Picturesque Santa Barbara Historical Museum Wedding

March 11, 2015

It's Wedding Wednesday and the Felici Events team wants to celebrate this beautiful picturesque Santa Barbara Wedding! This #Felicified couple got married in the summer and were a wonder to work with! If you want to have a true Santa Barbara Wedding, follow these tips from a previous Felici Events wedding in honor of Scott and Sarah.

First off, this couple used not 1, not 2, but 3 different venues the day of! Talk about really using Santa Barbara to its fullest. The wedding party got ready at the Canary Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara which worked out perfectly since the rehearsal dinner the night before took place on the rooftop of the Canary Hotel. It is a really a unique and elegant venue; I mean, just look at this staircase!

The ceremony took place at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel which is a grandiose church at the foot of some of Santa Barbara's impressive mountains. The reception took place at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum which is filled of Old-Spanish decor and ambiance. Of course when you have more than one venue, the transportation plays a big role on this special day. The Felici Events team decided to work with EOS shuttles for guests and Santa Barbara Trolley for the wedding party. It is really important that if your wedding takes place in multiple locations you provide transportation, if possible. Your guests will truly be thankful and overall will allow more guests to be on time since they are all together. It saves you and your wedding coordinator headaches later on! Besides, having transportation can allow all your guests to get to know each other a little better. Not to mention, it provides another source of fun for your wedding party!

When it comes to Santa Barbara, old-Spanish and adobe architecture is all around! It really gives it that picturesque feel. As for the reception decor, the Felici Events team and the bride and groom worked together to choose the color palette that really compliments that, specifically the Historical Museum adobe tile and wooden structure. Great job and a special thanks to Stems Floral for making it happen! Just look at the beautiful centerpieces and bouquet with the hints of peach and pink that really compliments the Historical Museum (and even the church as well)!

And of course to keep that theme going, the Felici Events team designed the rest of the decor to match! The Felici Events team believes that wedding signage is really important, but more so it adds special touches that help tie the theme together! In this case, the reception sign was made from an old piece of wood that the bride and groom got. If you don't have a crafty friend or the resources or even time to make it there are ways to get signs like this made on Etsy or other companies. We recently got Dana Decals to make a few decals for some signs at a different wedding and they came out spectacular!

Now, although this picturesque Santa Barbara Wedding looks amazing as is, you can always incorporate your own personal touches! For example, this Felici bride and groom had a big thing for cognac, so a cognac and cigar bar was made at the reception and it was a big hit! Something like this makes your wedding more personalized and is made for all guests to enjoy and share with you! (P.S. Notice the orange and peach accents continue onto the pillows!)

To make this wedding possible we needed all the help we could get so the Felici Events team wants to thank everyone involved and especially Chris Schmitt Photography for these amazing pictures!

Dreaming of your wedding in Tuscany

February 26, 2015

08Real Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

Engaged couples dream of having an unforgettable wedding, and a wedding worth-the-name must be, well, one you have always imagined. Tuscany, an ideal location for a dream wedding, is a postcard come to life which carries sentiments to be shared with your other half.....of course your family and friends are also invited!

Those who think that the love at first sight is all encompassing are right! One cannot help but fall in love with the picturesque Tuscan backdrops, where rolling hills of blue and pink blend to create the most romantic moments of ones lives.

01Real Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

This region of Italy will add magic and induce a careless spirit that allows couples to live each moment of their wedding as the perfect one... a promise from both Felici Events & Super Tuscan Wedding Planners!

Felici Events and Super tuscan Wedding Planners

Once you fall in love with it, there is no other option than to plan your Tuscan wedding!Tuscany, guaranteed with stunning panoramas, is at your fingertips. We want to dream it (and plan it!) alongside you, so that you may enjoy yourselves and book your first flight to Italy. This will be the first of many visit, guaranteed!

Whether you are envisioning a traditional Tuscan religious ceremony in an ancient church, romantic personalized nuptials in a medieval castle, or a civil ceremonyin Tuscany in a a historic palace, or even a Tuscan symbolic wedding in front of a stunning panorama, we will facilitate and guide you to discover enchanted places and find the right fit for you.

Felici Events and Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

Once we have found the perfect location for your once-in-a-lifetime occasion, we will produce every detail. Imagine a rose petal aisle, a glamorous wedding gown and a colourful and blossoming wedding altar, ready to bless your union on your wedding day!!

08Real Weddings by Super Tuscan Wedding Planners civil ceremony

Have we woken you up yet?? Ask us to lead you thru Florence, Siena, Cortona or amidst the vineyards of Montepulciano and Montalcino! Immerse yourselves in order to create a personalized and unique experience.

23Real Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

19Real Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

A wedding in Tuscany..it’s not only about dreams.. Dream, and ask! Tell us about yourselves and how we can create your dream into a reality.

With love, Zohe Felici for Felici Events and Elia Moretti for Super Tuscan Wedding Planners

Photography Credit:

Amy Turner:

http://www.imag1ne.

com/

Lisa Poggi (foto town hall Cortona):

http://www.lisapoggi.com/

Andrea Bartolozzi:

http://www.

weddingmovie.it

Happy Valentine's Day!!

February 14, 2015

What is LOVE?

As a wedding planner, I get to experience first-hand what love is.

Whether it be between the engaged couple, a bride and her parents, the groom and his parents or the extended family and friends:

Love is an expected guest attending every wedding ceremony and reception.

Love does not get an invite, does not RSVP and does not receive a Thank You Card.

Zohe Felici wedding planner loves her job

For me:

I love my parents, friends and family.

I love my dog.

I love my profession (the pic above speaks for itself, a candid taken during a Felici Event).

I love my work friends.

I love where I live.

I have so much to be overwhelmed with love about, I am extremely fortunate.

Sharing the Felici-Love on this very special day, thank you for partaking in my journey (of life) with me.

XOXO!

Zohe Felici

Felicified Unique Furniture Rentals For Any Event

January 23, 2015

Felici Events Presents: Felicified Unique Furniture Rentals

Looking for new ways to spice up your parties? Here is a Felicified way to do it!

Our team here at Felici Events is always thinking of new and creative ideas that will make our special events stand out from the rest. Luckily, we discovered PBG Imports. They specialize in exclusive and unique Lounge Furniture, Props, Décor, and LED Designed Products for any and all types of events. Their signature items include genuine cork furniture and LED water bubble high top tables and coffee tables. PBG Imports also supply sports stools and sports furniture ideal for sports-themed events. Their company prides itself on having the most distinctive designs that will captivate all guests. Visit them on the web at PBGImports.com and contact them at info@PBGImports.com or 888.354.4523.

Here are some items that caught our eye!

These wine cork inspired items are perfect for wine tastings, cocktail parties, winery weddings, and basically any event looking for a rustic vibe. #WineWednesday

These water bubble products would look great at bar and bat-mitzvahs, cocktail parties, dances, and many other exciting and futuristic events. Guests will be amazed by the glowing water effects these pieces give off. We love how PBG's items are not only furniture but artwork and conversation starters.

PBG's sports inspired products are perfect for all the sports fans out there looking to throw amazing parties. These items will fit perfectly into birthday parties, sporting events, bachelor parties, and so much more. #SuperBowl2015

Trying to get creative with your decor ideas? Don't forget to visit PBG Imports and to keep an eye out for future Felici Events blog posts.

Felici Holidays and New Year From Santa Barbara!

December 23, 2014

Christmas Party Decor, Food + Beverage Felici Events Style

December 15, 2014

Impromptu Felici-Hour Holiday Party

Last night marked the 8th year that Zohe Felici - Event Party Planner Extraordinaire - hosted a pre #paradeoflights gathering at Casa Felici. The only difference, is that this year she had been traveling, and decided at the last minute to continue and host this ongoing tradition. With only a few hours to put the "Felici-Hour" together, before she and her friends would head to see the boat parade and fireworks, Zohe dug into her impromptu skills to make this Felici Event effortless for her and a success for guests.

Decor:

There were four decor elements Zohe focused on to put together a holiday table-scape on her dining table. She chose items (from storage) that accented height and interest to the table without overkill:

1.5 foot tall Pier One Imports wooden snowman she fell in love with a few years back
wooden 3 tier Swedish Christmas Candle Carousel from Ikea - Zohe grew up with one and was always mesmerized by how they work using only candle heat to spin around….
mini Christmas tree gifted to her by the amazing and talented floral designer Kellye Clifford of Precious and Blooming at a recent coffee meeting. This became a double-use item (Zohe loves two-fers, see more below).
red table runner from Cost Plus World Market

Favors and Entertainment:

As mentioned, the tree became a two-fer. See it plain and simple on the image below and to the left. At the foot of the tree are mini ornaments (from Ikea). Zohe had no time to do this task, therefore she created this very fun activity for the kids (adults got involved too). Zohe believes that interactive projects at parties are a great form of entertainment, so this was a no-brainer. Voila, on the right is the finished product created by Zohe's almost-niece Malia. Malia was so proud of her creation and keepsake!

Felici Events Kids Activity for a Holiday or Christmas Party

Food and Beverage:

Once the table was set, Zohe, being the Italian that she is, moved on to feeding her guests. With a time limit, she incorporated both home-made and store-bought items for nibbles. From clockwise we have:

pizzette and arancini (placed in a 350 degree oven for about 14 minutes) from Trader Joe's
gorgonzola cheese dip with crostini (easy as 1-2-3 recipe, ready in less than 5 minutes)*
brussels sprouts with a spicy sweet glaze (easy as 1-2-3 recipe, ready in less than 5 minutes)*
mulled wine (easy as 1-2-3 recipe, ready in less than 5 minutes) for adults*
hot apple cider (from Trader Joe's) for kids or add Rum for an adult beverage

Felici Events Easy Food and Beverage for a Christmas or Holiday Party

Gorgonzola Cheese Dip w/ Crostini

1 x 8 oz. container Gorgonzola Cheese
1/3 c. whole milk
1/8 c. half & half
- microwave for 2 minutes
- stir
- microwave another 2 minutes
- stir
- serve with home-made or pre-made buttered bread crostini

Brussels Sprouts in a Spicy Sweet Glaze

1 x 10 oz. package shaved fresh brussels sprouts (produce section)
2 T. butter, salted
1.5 T. agave nectar (or honey)
1 - 2 t. crushed red pepper
- in large pan melt butter on medium
- once melted increase temperature to high / medium high
- add brussels sprouts and caramelize
- stir occasionally so it does not burn, but let it brown
- turn off burner
- add agave nectar (feel free to add more to taste)
- add crushed red pepper (feel free to add more to taste)

Mulled Wine

2 btls. red wine (preferably Merlot or something with hints of cherry)
1 btl. white wine (preferably Chardonnay)
1.5 c. sweet vermouth
1.5 c. brandy
1 fresh squeezed orange
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 sticks cinnamon
1/4 T. cardamom
1/4 T. fresh graded nutmeg
5-6 whole cloves
- put all ingredients in a large pot bring to a simmer
- lower temperature to medium / low for 30 minutes
- keep on warm until guests arrive or it is all sucked down!
- pour into festive holiday mugs

Finally, she set her Spotify to the Michael Bublé Christmas Music Station, and there you have it. How to prepare for and host a holiday happy-hour party for 8 in less than 1 hour. The most time-consuming part of the preparation was the trip to Trader Joe's to purchase the food…..HA!

Happy Holidays Everyone! We hope you celebrate safely with friends and loved ones in 2014 with these unique, #felicified and festive Christmas decor and food ideas inspired by #anotherfelicievent

Tented Birthday Celebration Dinner Party

December 2, 2014

Felici Events Presents: Event & Wedding Planning 101:

Weather: Plan A, B and C

Today we are relishing a bit of (very welcome) rain at Felici Headquarters. A wet and rainy day like today reminds me of a Felici Event we produced, exactly nine months ago (plus one day), where an uninvited guest showed up - DOWNPOUR!

Last March, I had the honor of working with a Felici Client on her 50th birthday celebration. The guest of honor wanted to host thirty close friends to a special (not your traditional Saturday night potluck) dinner party at her home. The lovely clients' home is amidst Mission Canyon, Santa Barbara. The first time I drove up to her home, I found myself in a gorgeous cul-de-sac type driveway that led to her front door. There is lush landscaping and a working fountain encompassing it. "What a magical spot!" I thought to myself.

The client's vision of design was a blend of romance and Mediterranean. Hanging candle votives, fruits, herbs and vegetables inclusive in the centerpieces, candlelight and an elegantly neutral palate of linens, chairs and table top set up.

Felici Events Wedding Planner place setting

During our meeting, and walk thru of the potential spaces for dinner, I shared with the client that the house was not conducive to accommodate all guests seated together for a plated dinner. I reminded the client that she hired me to make this night special, and it needed to set other (informal) dinner parties apart. I suggested the use of the driveway as the dinner space. Once I proposed to her the vision and schematics of a 'reveal' to the tented dinner area, the client fell in love with the idea!

The planning of the dinner event took place the months of January and February. Santa Barbara provided beautiful weather and sunny skies every day leading up to the March 1st weekend. Regardless of our gorgeous weather (common along the American Riviera) my experience as a seasoned event and wedding planner is to produce three plans. This time it had to do with rain:

Plan A - a tented event, in case of rain (the first week of March usually produces precipitation)

Plan B - great weather with no tent (al fresco)

Plan C - an indoor and less formal dinner in case of a torrential downpour.

Instantly I brought on the talents of Coco Rose Design and The Tent Merchant as the team to help me create Ann's dream into a reality. The Tent Merchant's octagonal tent would fit perfectly in the driveway and easily accommodate 30 guests. We brainstormed a couple of different layout options, and settled on having votives hanging from the center of the tent and the tables parallel to the tent walls, in an octagonal shape (single sided facing in) so all could see each other. PERFECT!

The caterer, Chef Robin Goldstein, was a gem to work with! She created an out of this world menu consisting of farm-to-table fresh foods, with authentic mediterranean preparation. All the key vendors were in place and so the party begins!

Felici Events Birthday mediterranean Centerpieces

You guessed it. The week-end of the birthday party, there is a torrential downpour! We experienced heavy rains all morning (there is even a YouTube video of the Santa Barbara Harbor being overcome by large waves) throughout the Southern California area. I had not seen flash floods since my days in Dallas, Texas

The morning of the party, I drove to the house and found the tent (which was set up the day before) to have rivers running thru it! The client, understandably stressed, expressed disappointment with the turn of events.* I reassured her that the dinner would be perfect, and I would do everything in my power to ensure vision of the event. I urged her to go her hair and make up appointments, and enjoy a day of pampering. It took some time to console and comfort her, but reluctantly on her way she went escorted with a gal pal.

Mid afternoon, when the florist arrived, we looked at the weather radar which showed patterns of the rain dissipating around 4 p.m. Guests would not be invited into the dinner tent until 6:30 p.m. Could we pull it off? The florist and caterer both confirmed that if by 5:45 p.m. there was no chance of holding the dinner outside, we would be able to move to plan C - placing design items and set a buffet in the living and dining areas for an indoor affair.

I was in the pouring rain for hours, successfully producing make-shift gutters (my alter ego is MacGyver) to deter rain around rain and not thru the tent. Once complete I swept, mopped and dry vacuumed the inside of the tent. The threatening red marks on the weather radar, eventually turned to light green specs. The rain turned to sprinkles, and by 5:15 p.m. all was dry inside the canopy. With all hands on deck and teamwork, we were ready to go by 6:00 p.m. The heaters in the tent warmed up the space, and combined with the candle light, gorgeous table decor and background music created the most romantic and cozy dinner setting I have produced outdoors after a downpour.

My favorite part is this unique and personalized touch of a play of MadLibs. We called it "AnnLib" and it substituted a guest book. The Felici Events graphics team created a cartoon of the client using her picture and added it to a customized MadLib for guests to fill out.

Felici Events creative guest book Mad Libs Cartoon

Felici Events unique party idea madlibs at each place setting

Felici Events wedding planning outside tent looking in

The birthday gal came to take a sneak peek before we invited guests to the 'grand reveal' of dinner, and tears of joy came to her eyes. She was beyond ecstatic! This party was not only #anotherfelicievent but one of the most rewarding moments in my career. We really do turn dreams into a reality (thank you mother nature for keeping me on my toes). Needles to say hostess and guests had a wonderful time and we created memories for all. #anotherfelicievent

Felici Events decor table setting details Collage

*Felici Fact: tenting will keep rain from falling on your head, but not water from coming up below.

Grazie Mille!

November 21, 2014

The Happy Couple look into their reception from the window on their very special day.

Mr. Towbes Birthday Celebration at Bacara Resort and Spa

November 18, 2014

Felici Events Produces an Entertaining Brunch Celebration

Felici Events was honored to have been part of another grand celebration for the accomplishments, love and birthday celebration of Mr. Towbes, Santa Barbara's own "It's a Wonderful Life" (Zohe produced Mr. Towbes 80th at Fess Parker Doubletree)

This time, we had a double whammy with putting this event together at Bacara Resort and Spa. Everything is grand at Bacara, event the entrance, impressive!

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th Bacara Entry

The gracious and gorgeous Anne, Mr. Towbes wife, was instrumental in creating this event and guiding Felici Events to a personalized affair! Here is the happy couple just minutes before guests arrived.

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th Anne and Michael

We created life-size cutouts of the guest of honor and placed them around the resort for guests to take pictures with.

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th standing with lifesize

Being Mr. Santa Barbara created a receiving line which showed exactly that! Everyone who is everyone came to wish him a happy birthday!

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th greeting guests

The guest of honor is an avid tennis player, so the talents of Louloudi Design incorporated this hobby into the centerpieces. They looked lovely on La Tavola Linens with linear definitions.

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th table set up floral orange linen

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th Rotunda Room Bacara

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th tennis racket signage

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th floral centerpiece with tennis ball

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th wide lens orange table decor

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th Rotunda Terrace Orange Decor

After brunch, we moved the 275 person event to the ballroom, where we had four performances or acts celebrating Mr. Towbes and his love and support of the arts and music as well as other surprises and personalizations celebrating his interests and accomplishments.

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th ladies kissing cheeks lifesize

The Towbes Group Inc. is an award-winning and respected construction, development and asset management company. We had a life-size cutout of the honoree supporting the Cottage Hospital Project.

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th Lifesize Architect

The honoree is also known as the owner and Chairman of the Board of Montecito Bank and Trust. Here we produced a 'money tree' with oversized ficus and a Towbes Bucks garland. Did you know people have been known to try to use the Towbes Bucks in town?!

We set the ballroom into dinner theatre style small tables so all guests could see the performances. At each table were programs, popcorn bowls and a low cylinder of floating candles wrapped in blueprints of the Cottage Hospital Project. The red pens, personalized with Mr. Towbes Still Swingin' at 85' were party favors representative of Mr. Towbes use of them for using in his editing and return correspondence.

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th ballroom table set up

The State Street Ballet danced while guests arrived into the ballroom. Mr. Towbes is a longtime support and passionate of this local professional ballet company.

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th state street ballet

During the brunch and performances, the Felici Events Team gathered all the 'momentos of Mr. Towbes' (the invitation asked guests to bring those in lieu of gifts), and produced two scrap books. Carrie, Mr. Towbes daughter and Anne presented this surprise gift to the man of the hour.

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th presenting album

Let there be cake! We replicated the invitation cover picture of the the man of the hour playing tennis onto a sheet cake.

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th birthday cake

Hope you made a wish! Happy Birthday Mr. Towbes. You are truly a genuine, altruistic, generous and kind man, and Santa Barbara is lucky to have you as a leader and philanthropist in our community!

Michael Towbes Birthday 85th blowing out candles

I do. It Differently.

November 8, 2014

Pouffed, wrapped, adorned, or tucked...veils don't always have to be what you'd expect!

There are so many different ways to wear your veil for your special day or to not wear one!

You can wear a traditional white veil and pouf it out to make it large and elegant or you can wear a short white one instead You can always mess around with tule and make a simple bow

You can also opt for the traditional white color but wear it like a headpiece instead Adorn it by using lace or add color with some flowers

Elle.com also offers an insight on veils by offering 9 Gorgeous Alternatives to the traditional veil including wearing a flower crown and scattered jewels

For more extravagant alternative bridal veils BeSpoke Brides has their top 13 list or you can check out Bridal Headpieces on Pinterest!

Flutter Wedding Magazine Features Felici Events

September 21, 2014

It is truly an honor and it warms our hearts when Felici Event work is recognized by others aside from our clients! We just received news that Felici Events was featured in Flutter Magazine's latest issue Summer Lovin'!

Flutter Magazine highlights our first wedding of the year located at a private venue in Hollister Ranch. The pictures can be found on page 87 of the magazine. The theme of the wedding was ranch chic, with colors of green, white, and neural. Could not have captured the beauty of the wedding without Willa Kveta Photography!

Thank you again Flutter Magazine for displaying our talents! We so greatly appreciate it!

Classic Colors Orange and Teal at the Santa Barbara Zoo

August 14, 2014

Celebrating the anniversary of this WILD wedding of our #Felicified Couple.

The details and colors of the wedding incorporated all elements, the bride's personality, bright colors of classic orange and teal, the beach, tropical foliage and the giraffes at the zoo.

~ ~ ~ ~

The ceremony took place at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, where the Father of the Bride is a member and avid boatman.

Yacht club Weddign Ceremony orange accents felicievents.com

The bridesmaids bouquets were simple, vivid, orange tulips wrapped in teal ribbon.

The bridal bouquet made a statement with cascading white phalaenopsis orchids and touches of yellow ones.

cascading orchid bridal bouquet felicievents.com

The programs adorned with the orange and teal ribbon made it festive on the beach.

orange and teal wedding program felicievents.com

ADORABLE flower girl! The bamboo basket brought texture and interest rather than a flower basket.

flower girl beach ceremony felicievents.com

The bright gerber daisies adorned the ends of the aisle.

orange wedding ceremony decor daisies felicievents.com

The first kiss as husband and wife under the billowing ceremony arch.

santa barbara beach ceremony orange and teal felicievents.com

The wedding party took the electric shuttle that runs up and down Cabrillo Boulevard from the ceremony to the reception at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

wedding party on the Santa Barbara electric trolley felicievents.com

Guests were greeted with an arch made of glass balls filled with fun orange flowers.

orange hanging decor wedding felicievents.com

A little touch of the zoo with the giraffe print escort cards placed in a 'sand box' and incorporating the beach ceremony

orange giraffe print escor cards in sand felicievents.com

Cocktail hour reception

orange cocktail hour decor felicievents.com

Dinner centerpieces with orange floral on a teal linen

orange and teal table set up santa barbara zoo felicievents.com

Reception layout at the top of the hill of the Santa Barbara Zoo. Spectacular tropic foliage was a must have for the bride, so the location we chose, the Santa Barbara Zoo was perfect for that.

orange and teal table decor Felici Events

Full reception set up. How cute are these kids tables with candy incorporated as the centerpieces.

teal table top decor kids table felicievents.com

A visit to the giraffes.

santa barbara zoo wedding with giraffes felicievents.com

The candy bar incorporated blue candy on a teal and orange tabletop.

teal candy bar with orange and teal decor felicievents.com

orange and teal candy bar decor felicievents.com

The wedding cake was covered with chocolate and sat under a bamboo alter with orchids and a paper lantern.

wedding cake chocolate with orange decor felicievents.com

The couple's first dance. Notice the fun teal ribbon and seashell ornaments hanging from the string lights.

first dance with paper lanterns felicievents.com

Fun surfboard wedding favors made everyone's night as a wedding favor and parting gift.

surfboard cookie wedding favors felicievents.com

Santa Barbara Sunset at the Zoo with string and uplights felicievents.com

What a wonderful evening it was, with the string lights, colors, and foliage.

As professional event planners it is important for Felici Events to connect with the clients as well as the vendors we work with. The team that helped Felici Events put together this event was no exception, thanks for helping create #anotherfelicievent

Floral - NLC Productions

Lighting - Bellavista Designs

Rentals and linens Classic Party Rentals

Photography - BB Photo

Catering - Zoo Catering by Rincon

Unique Bridal Registry Ideas

July 29, 2014

This is not the Dark Ages - Millennium Couples Request Unique Registry Ideas

I am sure it is no surprise that in these progressive times, couples move in together, live together for a few years, get engaged and then get married. Most of my engaged clients request non-traditional, unique registries for their engagement and wedding, experiences not clutter.

Felici Events has opened up the Felici Files to share with you six websites that offer newly engaged couples unique and non-traditional registries that do just that. From wine lovers to those wanting to purchase their new home, to the philanthropists and small business supporters. Below are some ideas for wedding couples to register at.

BottleNotes (http://www.bottlenotes.com)
- Users can sign up to create their "own unique registry full of amazing wines." Bottlenotes' experts can be contacted to provide users with insight on starting their own wine collection.

Etsy Registry unique registry ideas for wedding couples by Felici Events

Etsy Registry (https://www.etsy.com/registry)
- Handmade items and supporting independent artists and small business

I do Foundation unique registry for engaged and wedding couples by Felici Events

I Do Foundation (https://www.idofoundation.org/)
- Couples can create a charity registry that allows guests to directly support charitable causes by way of a secure online donation.

Knack Wedding unique engaged couple registry by Felici Events

Knack Registry (https://knackregistry.com/)
- allows couples to register for items not available at retailers in addition to items that are. It also allows them to register for experiences.
  - For example: if you just moved and are looking to do some landscaping you add that as a registry item.

The Honeymoon
- Honeyfund
- Honeyluna

Downpayment Dreams Unique bridal registry for wedding and engaged couples by Felici Events

Down Payment Dreams (http://www.downpaymentdreams.com/)

makes it possible for guests to contribute to couples who wish to "collect down payment funds" for a house.

Engagement Pictures Slideshow Santa Barbara

July 25, 2014

Same Sex Couple Wedding Engagement Pictures

The talents of Willa Kveta took one of our Felicified couples trotting around Santa Barbara to capture amazing engagement pictures. We started at 9 a.m. in the Funk Zone and made our way to the Lark, a few blocks over to the Wharf and West Beach, as well as downtown on overpasses.

We love the different backdrops and interesting three-dimensional settings captured to adorn these gorgeous guys. Santa Barbara is conducive to an array of settings within blocks from each other.

Seriously, could they be any more awesome! It's like watching a Ben Affleck and Matt Damon photo shoot. These guys are gorgeous, sweet and fun!

Congratulations Corey and Alex! We can't wait for your BIG day!

NOTE: The Felici Events wedding planner team finds it imperative that engagement pictures happen with your photographer at some point of the wedding. It allows for relationships to be created, a rapport both between the couple and the photographer as well as a comfort level. IT WILL SHOW on your wedding day! We will be sure to post photos of the wedding day to prove that to you!

Felici Blog