Picture Perfect Puppy

I got portraits taken with my new puppy earlier this week. I could not have asked for a better photographer to direct my session and create these truly memorable moments in time.  I'm thrilled at Melissa Musgrove for initially having introduced my dog, Orbo, and I a few weeks back, suggesting that we take puppy pics and orchestrating such a wonderful session.

Even my parents can't decide who is more photogenic. Dang Melissa, you're good!

The best part, is I listened to my own advice.  Have someone who makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera take your picture.  Voila - Genius!

Goth Decor Wedding Inspiration

Crystal Mirror Wedding Decor Inspiration

Crystal Mirror Wedding Decor Inspiration

Inspired by a mirror........

a gothic vision began.......

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

and today we captured a stunning Gothic wedding with an amazing group of talented vendors who worked beautifully together to create a vision into a reality.

Attasalina PhotographyAcacia MansionAmber Hiatt Jana's Creative CakesLa Tavola LinenSarah JacksonShell's PetalsSugarcube Press

.....more to come......

Doll Pond

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Doll Pond, a new venue located on Refugio Road, is one of the oldest vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley.  The event site, adjacent to a 19,000 square foot pond, surrounds itself  with panoramic views of vineyards and local mountain ranges.  Enclosed by Sycamore trees and landscaped grounds, the paved and manicured area provide a private and picturesque location for any event.  This location encapsulates both a feeling of vastness with the mountains in the horizon and privacy while sitting amidst an oasis of vineyards.  The site seats up to 150 people with plenty of room for a dance floor, food and drink service.  The site has access to electricity and water.

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This is a Ceremony and Reception or Reception Only Venue

Pricing: $$ – $$$

$3,500 site fee

Website: www.dollpond.com

Capacity: up to 150

Requirements:

Reservations require a signed contract and a non-refundable security deposit of $1,000 to be applied to the rental fee to secure your date.  The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to the event.   Event Insurance Required.

Time Allotments

Event hours are from 4 pm to 10 pm.  Guests may arrive 30 minutes prior to event start time.  The 10 pm cut off time is strictly enforced and all guests must depart the premises by 10:30 pm.  Event set-up may begin as early as 12 pm on the day of the event.  Event clean-up must be completed by 11 pm.  Additional outside equipment must be picked up between 9 am – 12 pm on the following day.

Catering

The caterer must provide all staff for food service, bar service, set up of all equipment, break down of all equipment, and clean up of site area.  All trash must be removed from the premises at the end of the event.

Parking

There is sufficient parking for events at Doll Pond.  Parking is allowed in designated areas only.  Parking is located about 50 yards from the event site.  No overnight parking is permitted.  Direction Parking, Valet Parking or Shuttle Services are options but are not required.

Music

Electricity is provided for your use, however, special voltage and outlet requirements for your band or DJ may need to be discussed.  Amplified music is permitted; however, Doll Pond reserves the right to terminate the music if complaints are received.  All music must end at 10 pm.  (No exceptions.)

Alcohol Policy

Client provides own alcohol.  Only wine and beer may be served, no hard liquor.  All alcohol service must end 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.  No one under the age of 21 is permitted to consume any alcoholic beverage.

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Quinceañera Traditions

I love doing childrens' parties.  Let's be honest, I am a kid at heart, kids love me and I relate very well with them. The Hispanic tradition of celebrating a young girl's coming of age on her 15th birthday, or Quinceañera, offers many traditions throughout the celebration; two of which I found to be sentimental and sweet. One of the most popular is the Changing of the Shoes. Upon their dance, the father or favored male relative and coming-of-age daughter ceremoniously changes the young girl’s flat shoes to high heels. This is a significant symbol of the Quinceañera’s transformation from a little girl to a young lady.

The Last Doll is used as part of the ceremony or as decoration and keepsake. In some customs, the Quinceañera doll represents the last things of a child now that the Quinceañera will focus on the things of a young lady. In some Hispanic cultures, the cápias (printed ribbons with the Quinceanera’s name and date) are pinned to the doll, and the Quinceanera circulates among her guests, thanking them for their presence and presenting them with a memento taken from the doll.

The Quince Años is a glorious celebration that remains a cherished and honored tradition.

Oh Baby!

In most recent years, August and September are the top months for births in the United States, according to federal statistics.   September, a day shorter than July and August, averaged the most births per day over the period from 1990 to 2002. How can you stand out at the Baby Shower?  Gift the Mom-to-be with this unique and GENIUS creation - an all in one diaper clutch from My Chickadee Designs.  The portable and compact design puts all the essential changing necessities together, making it easy to change your baby anywhere. The clutch fits everything you need for a quick errand or an all day outing, and you'll wonder how you managed without it.

Hot, Fresh, Different & Delicious - BUON APPETITO!

As an Italian, food has been a central point of discussion throughout my life.  Take, for instance the lyrics "When the Moon hits the sky like a big pizza pie, that's amore!"  Food is important to every Italian, and there is a story for almost every Italian dish or ingredient.  Most importantly, however, for Italians is that the food be good, fresh and  of great quality. If you want to do something different for your next event, and incorporate freshness and good quality, why not  do the 'hottest thing' and throw a pizza pie party?

Check out the final product -

Check out California Wood-Fired Catering, WOW your guests with great food and a unique experience......

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TARA AND STEVE!

Last Labor Day Weekend, Tara and Steve got married at Firestone Crossroads.  Hope you're celebrating in style just like you did on your wedding day!  Thanks to the extremely talented Melissa Musgrove for the wonderful pictures!

Buon Compleanno!

In celebration of my birthday I got to thinking about the piñatas I used to have when I was little...what a perfect way it seems of celebrating the passing of time and life's impermanence. Somewhere along the way piñatas (the traditional clay pot ones) became outlawed and the cardboards ones just weren't as fun. This year I'm gonna give them a chance- especially after seeing how many creative ones there are out there- maybe I'll even make my own! Here are some fun "adult" ways to fill it

(courtesy apartment therapy.com)

1. Gift Cards: Toss in a $10 gift card for gas or your local Starbucks and watch the frenzy begin. 2. Childish Toys/Snacks: Never underestimate the power of a candy necklace, ring pop or a glow bracelet. 3. Plastic Mini Bottles: Baby bottles of booze raining from the sky? There aren't many who will pass on that. 4. Bottle Openers: Even though many have people one on their keychain, you always need another, plus they're inexpensive and readily available. 5. Guitar Picks: Depending on your crowd guitar picks are a great and inexpensive thing to add and they come in all sorts of colors (for those concerned with coordinating such things). 6. Movie Tickets: Like the gift card above, movie passes are worth throwing yourself on the ground for. It makes seeing the A-Team twice a not-so-expensive reality. 7. Lottery Tickets: Picking up 20 lottery tickets isn't too tricky and there's even the chance you'll make money back on the deal! 8. Gum: There aren't many who will say no to a pack of gum, especially when they don't have to choose what kind to buy. Try bulk retailers for the best deals. 9. Tea Bags: Many varieties of tea come individually packaged and can be used as filler without risking the tea being ruined. 10. Decks of Cards: They're a great way to start a party and keep one going, plus they last forever and will bring back a great memory each time the recipient brings them back out.

Gypsy Wine Country Wedding

We were picked up on The Wedding Chicks Blog for a photo shoot I coordinated in July!!This story of a gypsy bride on her way to her wedding was so much fun to tell- The works of a very talented group of event vendors was inspired by Cocquelicot Winey in Santa Ynez. A great location for a wedding or rehearsal dinner.....

Bien Venue

I love the idea of choosing a venue and using it as more than just a location but an inspiration for decor and theme. Fresh picked flowers for bouquets and boutonnieres, veggies as table decoration,potted plants as center pieces, and even as wedding favors...the possibilities are endless!

Unique and so Chic!

I am a candle lover.  Actually, as a child I remember my parents discouraging me from getting too close to open flames at our family campfires.  I was always fascinated by fire - still am! Check these fun pieces out.

Wouldn't they look great hung all over the ceiling of any event space, private dining room or ceremony altar?  Click here to purchase or for more info.

FUNFACT: Winner of the UNESCO Seal of Excellence recognizing its contributions to the local economy and cultural ethos, Trinetra provides income to the local Thathera while keeping their ancient craft in the modern eye of the beholder.

Viva La Fiesta!

Last weekend marked the 86th year of Fiesta “Old Spanish Days In Santa Barbara”; a celebration of colorful music, dance and song, together with a spirit of friendliness, hospitality and resilience. One of my favorite Fiesta traditions are the colorful confetti eggs you can purchase along the streets to break over someone’s head (not on it, that may hurt).

“Cascarón” Spanish for “egg-shell,” is believed to have been brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo. Originally filled with fragrant powder or a small amount of perfume, Renaissance men gave them to ladies as tokens of love.

Eventually cascarones made their way to Spain, and thence to Mexico, where confetti was used instead of powder for many celebrations as an affectionate gesture conveying wishes of cheer and good luck.

'Tis the season for the name change

ATTENTION ALL NEW BRIDES: After the wedding, most couples just want to RELAX and ENJOY their time as husband and wife.  The light at the end of the tunnel, all the wedding chores are done and to-do's crossed off the list except for some Thank You cards to mail out.  Oh, and the dreaded name change.  Well, no one can (or should) write thank you cards for you, however, you can have someone else help you in officially changing you name.  Click on the link below and enjoy married life ladies!!!!!