DIY Event :: April Fools Day Celebration

Tomorrow, April 1st, is April Fools' Day. Although it is not a traditional or Hallmark holiday, it is a day filled with practical jokes, hoaxes, embarrassment, and possibly total humiliation (for those who are lucky enough :) ). I've been wanting to use these fun "Pick Your Nose" cups, the "Frozen Smiles Ice Mold", and the "Stuck Up" fake gum magnets for quite some time now. I thought that throwing an April Fools' Day bash would be the perfect opportunity to round up friends and family and entertain them with these crazy and bizarre party supplies. These would definitely start some interesting conversation at the office, and would be a great way to play some nice, yet practical jokes on your coworkers. I think it would also be fun to wrap up these products in a treat bag to give away as April Fools' Day presents. Your friends would definitely appreciate a gift over a practical joke.

All of these products are by the hilarious and creative Fred & Friends. I have seen some of their products at Z Gallerie, Urban Outfitters, and even the gift shop at the SMoCA.

Enjoy!

Happy April Fools' Day!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Spotlight on Juliana

It's no surprise that the Hello, Cupcake! book has had a huge fan following. This cupcake cookbook incorporates fun design & decorating instructions to make the most imaginative and cute cupcake creations, such as: spaghetti and meatball cupcakes, pupcakes (puppy-dog designed cupcake), corn-on-the-cob cupcakes, and much more! Last week, my niece Juliana, attended the Hello, Cupcake! demonstration at the grand opening of A C Moore in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. Here is a picture of the aspiring pastry chef & her cupcake. I am so proud of her!

(here is the post from the Hello, Cupcake! blog...)

"Our demo at the Grand Opening of the A C Moore in Mt Laurel New Jersey on Sunday was a smash event. We were swamped with lots of wonderful and funny cupcakers who came to see us demonstrate the Hello, Cupcake! way to decorate cupcakes. We taught Slumber Party, Sunflowers, Ear of Corn, Westies, and my all time favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs..."

Cupcake Pictures, Simply Stated Blog

Happy Baking!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

She Sells Seashells :: Shell Inspired Details

Maybe it's the warm Arizona weather that has grabbed a hold of me, or my desire to escape somewhere tropical, but I have been day dreaming of the beach lately. Thoughts of the sand, sun, surf & seashells have left me inspired to create a beach-themed event.

Here are a few ideas that I've been eyeing:

Seashell & drink umbrella place cards by Martha Stewart Weddings, so clever and an easy DIY project:

Martha Stewart

I love these hand-painted Sandollars by the talented LHCalligraphy. These would be the perfect placecards for an outdoor, beach-themed wedding. I also love the nautical feel of the hand-painted compass placecards. Great for a yacht-club event, or for the bride & groom who are fans of sailing:

Having a destination wedding, or inviting a lot of out-of-town guests? Check out LHCalligraphy's custom hand-painted, calligraphy maps to include in your invitation. They are so unique & special. Definitely a keepsake item long after the wedding is over. Here is a map created for a destination wedding in Maui, and one from San Diego. Both are so creative:

View LHCalligrpahy's Etsy shop here, and check out her blog here for some real inspriation. Maybe I should try my hand at calligraphy someday... :)

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

United Parking Systems :: Valet Superstars

United Parking Systems, premium valet service without the premium price, has always impressed me. From their affordable price to their outstanding employees, this valet company is a favorite with Life Design Event Planning. Having valet service at your event has tremendous benefits. Guests have quick and convenient access to the venue, parking is door-to-door, and everyone will definitely appreciate this hassle-free luxury. This is especially important when dealing with a large number of attendees, insufficient parking space, guests who have difficulty walking long distances, or if you're simply looking to make your event extra memorable and special. Valet service is a great addition to any event and business: weddings, private parties, fundraisers, restaurants, hotels, you name it!

Look for United Parking Systems around the Valley, where they have been chosen as the premier valet service provider for:

• Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center
• Deer Valley Towne Center
• The Country Club at DC Ranch
• The Clarendon Hotel

What I think is so great about this company, besides their affordability & professional staff, is their track record. United Parking Systems enjoyed a zero accident and zero injury record for all of 2008! I have no problem handing my car over to a team like this!!

To contact United Parking Systems, click here.

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Wedding Table Design :: Spring is Here

Last month I had the opportunity to showcase a table design for Inspirador's March Open House :: Bring on Spring. Here are a few pictures from two talented photographers, Megan Robbins & Rhonda Lewis. This table design would be great for a Sunday Brunch Wedding or post wedding breakfast, a lovely bridal shower or a baby shower theme. If you would like any information on pricing for this particular design or have interest in our design services email us here.

Megan Robbins Photography

Megan Robbins Photography

Megan Robbins Photography

Megan Robbins Photography

Rhonda Lewis Photography

Rhonda Lewis Photography

Rhonda Lewis Photography

Rhonda Lewis Photography

Rhonda Lewis Photography

Table Design Contributers

Linen Rentals :: BBJ Linens

Table, Stemware, Flatware, Charger, and Chair Rental :: Tri-Rentals

Favors :: The Inspiration Lounge @ Inspirador

Centerpieces :: Life Design Event Planning

Hope you enjoyed the design as there are more in the future to be featured. Please note that there is another Inspirador Open House this Thursday, March 25th from 5:00-7:00pm. This month's theme :: Rock the House.

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Handmade Weddings :: DIY Ring Pillow

JooSweetie

It's no secret that money is tight right now.  But that doesn't mean you can't have the luxurious, elaborate wedding you've always dreamed of.  It just means that you need to be creative and resourceful when planning your wedding or next event, and trying out a few DIY crafts.  I came across JooSweetie, the textile crafts artist on Etsy, and was inspired by her Love Tree ring bearer pillow.  I thought the two owls, or more like two love birds, were absolutely adorable and sweet.  It seems relatively easy and also fun to make a ring bearer pillow. Whether you are a friend, relative, or the actual bride, handmade touches make a wedding so much more personable.  DIY projects, like a ring bearer pillow, make some great gifts and keepsake items too.  What is also so great about this is the size of a ring pillow.  Since it is so small, you can splurge on that fancy fabric you've been eyeing! 

Click here for directions on how to make your own ring bearer pillow, compliments of ehow.com.  

Be sure to check out JooSweetie's shop where she has many other wonderful, handmade products.  

If you end up making your own ring pillow, let me know how it turns out!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

The Brides of March

I'm a few days late, but I had to talk about this event!  The Brides of March, presented by the Arizona chapter of the San Francisco-based Cacophony Society, took place on Saturday, March 14th on Mill Avenue in Tempe.  Participants dressed up in secondhand bridal wear to roam the streets of downtown Tempe in search of fun and alcoholic refreshments on this pub crawl.  Think of The Bachelor with Chris O'Donnell where hundreds of desperate brides chased him down the streets of San Francisco, decked out in their wedding attire.  That is what I picture when I think of The Brides of March. Attendees were instructed to:

1) Dress as your favorite bride or bridesmaid, white is encouraged. (This applies to both men & women!)

2) Show up at 1PM at the Tempe Beach Park.

3) Stick with other brides and have a great time.

4) Have more fun than you'd ever think you would in a wedding gown.

I am dying to see pictures from this, or hear any stories of those who participated in the festivities or were spectators.  If you have any stories or pictures, send them over! 

I guess I'll have to wait till next March to join in on the fun!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

St. Patty's Day :: DIY Treat

Cupcakes Take the Cake Blog

With St. Patrick's Day around the corner, I have been looking for some new festive recipes to celebrate the occasion.  I always enjoy the traditional Irish dishes and green colored beer, but recently found this picture of a Lucky Charm's cupcake, from NY's Flour & Sun Bakery.  I love this idea, compliments to the fabulous Cupcakes Take the Cake blog. It is such a simple and fun extra touch...I can't believe I didn't think about adding one of my favorite cereals as a cupcake topping before.  This is definitely a great DIY project for kids too.

What are you planning on making or doing in celebration of St. Patrick's Day next week? If you have any great recipes, please share them!

Happy early St. Patrick's Day from the Life Design Event Planning team. Don't forget to wear your green on Tuesday March 17th.

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Ridin' In Style :: NY 54 Limousines

The thrill of cruising around town in a limousine is one that never seems to get old.  We may hire a limousine service for different purposes and different events, but quality and superior service is what makes an unforgettable experience.  The process of hiring and choosing an adequate service can actually be a bit overwhelming.  This is why I called in the big guns, NY 54 Limousines, (and a Life Design Event Planning favorite!) for some insider help. NY 54 Limousines' team is extremely professional, experienced, and fun to work with.  It's no wonder that they are the premier limo transportation company in the Valley.   

Darren Pascale Owner, NY 54 Limousines

Darren, owner of NY 54, believes that "NY 54 Limousines is not just transportation…but an experience. Whether it's the holiday, wedding, or party season, don’t let a shoddy transportation company ruin your big event or night on the town."

I asked Darren to address the issue of what to look for when hiring transportation help, especially if you are planning a wedding.  Read Darren's response below so you too can know what to look for next time you decide to ride in style:

If you've worked with some of the limo providers in the Valley, you know many of these services fall short when it comes to safety, reliability, and driver qualifications – let alone providing a quality and memorable experience for your clients. There are a lot of car services out there and choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. But there are some basic questions you can ask to ensure you’re hiring a reputable firm. I recommend you do your homework before choosing a service, by both checking with the Better Business Bureau and asking the right questions. Here’s what to look for:

• Check references. Ask about feedback from past clients.


• Ask for proof of insurance. Is the company insured in case of an accident?


• Seek quality chauffeurs. Know who is behind the wheel.


• Get everything in writing. This will protect you from any discrepancies down the road.


• Look before you buy. If the vehicle is important to you, request to see the vehicle before you make a reservation.


• You get what you pay for. Low prices may mean older vehicles, inexperienced chauffeurs and companies with no insurance

NY 54 Limousines is a locally-owned company that prides itself in providing a memorable experience for its clients. With NY 54 you can be certain your ride will be safe, stylish and luxurious. All of our cars are late model vehicles with all of the amenities you expect – from flat-screen TVs and DVD players to state-of-the-art sound and elegant stemware. Because we care about the safety of our clients, all of our drivers are fully licensed and background checked; additionally, they are all trained to provide our clients with the first class NY 54 experience.

During the holidays we also offer a great package deal for groups who’d like to see holiday lights in style. We take care of everything, from researching the best areas for holiday lights to providing holiday music and hot cocoa. We can’t legally provide adult libations, but you can bring your own and not worry at all about drinking and driving!

If you’d like to learn more about NY 54 limousines, drop us a note at info@ny54.com and be sure to tell us you heard about us through Life Design Event Planning.

A big "Thank You" to Darren and NY 54 Limousines for being so helpful, and so amazing!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Largo Photography :: A Wedding, Event and Senior Portrait Studio Opens

So proud of my dear friends Tammie and Chris Billey of Largo Photography. I had the great opportunity to help them coordinate their new studio's open house in historic downtown Chandler. With the help of some amazing industry vendors the event was a big success. The amount of supporters that came to digg on the new crib was outstanding and exceeded our expectations.

Check out the pictures from the event and be jealous if you weren't there. It was a blast!


A SPECIAL thank you to all the vendors that sponsored or contributed to such a successful night.

Dave Foreman from Pour Masters :: Dave, Pam was incredible to work with, the bar set up was perfect and your generosity is unmatched. Thank you for your constant support and if anyone is ever in need of bartending services, staffing needs, liquor delivery or a margarita man. Check them out. They are so wonderful to work with and do an amazing job.

Gina Niemiec of Fiori Floral Design :: Gina is uber talented and always up for pulling something creative together for anything you can imagine. I have never been disappointed in her work and would highly recommend her for any floral design. I wish I could have her designs sent to me every day. Come on Gina, hook a sista up!

Deborah Beggs of Tri-Rentals :: If you haven't had the opportunity to work with Deb then you are missing out. She is a ball full of sunshine and solutions! Tri-Rentals are great to work with and any rental needs can be accommodated. You have to check out their sister companies too...they make me drool.

Laurie Southwick of Southwick Linens :: I thought I was an energetic person. Laurie is off the charts! She has amazing passion and a wonderful eye for design. Her linens are a high quality with competitive pricing and the customer service is bar none. If you haven't met Laurie what are you waiting for?

Michelle Puglionesi of the rk group :: I can't wait for you taste their food! They did an magnificent job catering this event and gave us something that our guests gobbled up. Not only was the food amazing to the palette but the presentation was off the hook. For your next party you have to give Michelle a call. I can't wait for the opportunity to work with them again. They rock!

Again, congratulations to Largo Photography for their hard work and I know they had a lot of help from friends and family. Here is a link to thier blog that gives their take on the event.

Can't wait to see even more of the final touches and thanks for allowing me to be a part of the ride.

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Life at Inspirador

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity of participating in the Bring on Spring open house at one of my favorite venues named Inspirador. I was excited to connect with other professionals, sample a white sangria, mingle over some fabulous mini cupcakes, and to design a table setting for four. It was really fun letting my creativity run wild; incorporating bright spring colors, adding a candy buffet as the centerpiece and utilizing a bold print table cloth. I am so proud of the end result as it was a chance for me to do something out of the box. As you can see the centerpiece was pretty popular because half of it was missing before I got there. ha ha. Guess that's a good thing.

Megan Robbins Photography

Megan Robbins, an old friend from the Two Be Wed days and incredible photographer, was also at Bring on Spring. Be sure to check out her blog to view the rest of the pictures taken at this event, and to peek at her other amazing photos.

Some of the other talented industry professionals that were at Bring on Spring included: Rikki of The Invitation Lady, P.J. South of La Dolce Pesca for her cakes and pastries (so yummy!), the uber fun Mike Euper with Creative Touch Entertainment, super talented florist Gina Niemiec of Fiori Floral Design and the hilarious Rhonda Lewis of Rhonda Lewis Photography.

Inspirador is such a fantastic venue; perfect for the trendy bride looking for an all inclusive, non-traditional and chic wedding. Contact Life Design Event Planning for information on our unique and custom wedding concierge services at Inspirador.

Spring, Life and Love is in the air!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Dancing at a subway station?

A friend of mine sent this to me and upon watching it I thought how cool it would be to get a full wedding reception room choreographed! Could you imagine?


Check this out!

At the train station in Liverpool, T Mobile did this commercial unbeknownst to the daily commuters. They practiced for 8 weeks, late at night in the station.
On January 15th, 2009, with hidden cameras and 400 dancers at 11:00 a.m.
their plan was put into action.






By the way...Life IS about sharing.

Let there be a Dance, Dance, Revolution!


With all Life has to offer,


Cicely

Mix & Mingle :: Largo Photography Open House

Largo Photography

Come support a Life Design Event Planning favorite, Largo Photography, as they celebrate the opening of their new studio and show off their amazing, hard work. Chris and Tammie Billey, the husband and wife team behind Largo Photography, specialize in contemporary and innovative wedding photography and senior portraits. These photographers are phenomenally talented and also great to work with. Life Design Event Planning used Largo Photography last fall when we updated our website. Our team even got our own photoshoot with the creative photographers, and the end result was simply incredible! I highly recommend Largo Photography as your choice photographer, and I hope to see you there!

Here are the details:

Your Host: Largo Photography

What: Largo Photography's Open House :: "The Big Night for the Itty Biddy Shooting Space!"

Where: Largo Photography Studios 118 W Boston St, Chandler AZ 85225

When: Wednesday, March 4th, 2009, 6pm - 10pm

Thanks to their sponsors :: Pour Masters, Southwick Linens, Fiori Floral, the rk group & Tri-Rentals!

Click here to view some of their awesome photo galleries!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Wedding Planners unite in Tucson

Myself and three of my wedding industry compadres took a trip from Phoenix, Arizona to Tucson yesterday for a lunch with Aletha of Pearls Events. Aletha was visiting from Michigan so Liene of Blue Orchid Designs, Wendy of Sacred Moment Weddings and Heather of Outstanding Occasions all joined together to do some wedding planner power bonding. Many of us work in satellite (home, on the road, Starbucks, etc.) offices so to be around other industry professionals that can relate to our triumphs and struggles is so fun and comforting. We don't have a "water cooler" to meet at in an office so a road trip gave us plenty of time to inspire each other and bond. Plus, it gave us the opportunity to meet Aletha in person. I became familiar with Aletha of Pearls Events via her uber creative blog and then became a bigger fan of hers on Twitter. She is as sweet as she seems and more importantly laughed at all my jokes.

(the proof is in the pictures)

Thanks for the good times ladies and I hope to do it again.

If you are interested in connecting with me on Twitter follow me here. It's a great way to expand and connect with others. I love it.

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely