Dior Couture's Floral Inspiration

A friend of mine passed this information along to me and I couldn't help but share this gorgeous Christian Dior couture line by John Galliano inspired by flowers.

Black Magic Rose:


Blue Delphinium:


Bluebell:


Gerber Daisy:


Green Anthurium:


Hydrangeas:


Iris:


Marigold:


Just breathtaking!

In case anyone wants to buy me an early Christmas present, I like the Black Magic Rose, Green Anthurium and Marigold dresses the best.

All images from www.fashionista.com.

The MANLY party decor - Beers from around the world

Recently, I had a challenge to create party decor for a man.
First thing that came to my mind: Let's 'X' out the flowers.
Then I thought: What would be like a candy shop for a dude?
Hmmm....candy....as in candy buffet....buffet....guys like beer....how about a beer buffet?
Get my train of thought?
And thus, I came up with Beers from Around the World.
Viola!


How un-Floral Sense would it be to not incorporate some eco-friendly elements? If you haven't noticed already, the central decor of hanging bottles are just some old beer bottles that would have been tossed...into the recycling, of course.


The flags that labeled each of our countries didn't need much fluff to appeal to the Birthday Man. And the flag posts? Just a reusable chopstick. Even our beer buckets are reusable foodware.


Wanna go for a quick whirl around the world?
Welcome to the the Good Ol' U S of A:


Mexico:


Belgium:


Brazil:


And our non-alcoholic beverage choice from Mexico and America:




I wish I could say I thought of this one, but the candle is the perfect impromtu man-candle for a guy's birthday cake.


Hope you enjoyed Floral Sense's latest through the fabulous pics from D Park Photography!

Planning a Green Event - Part 7: The Registry

Mainly for those of you who are planning a wedding, your gift registry is the perfect place to start making sustainable choices for your home, if you haven't already. Viva Terra has so many beautiful eco-friendly products from furniture to clothing. View their home goods and you just might fall in love again.


Another option, given that you don't need much, is to give your guests the option to donate to a charity that you love or purchase carbon offsets. I know most aren't too familiar with purchasing carbon offset to counter your own carbon footprint, so here is a great article on www.wikihow.com that explains this a bit more.

Happy planning!

Utterly Engaged is Turning 1!

Utterly Engaged, the First Online Wedding Magazine, is celebrating their 1 year birthday in serious style next Thursday, July 29. If you have an appetite for great festivities and yummy BBQ, this is the place you wanna be. Buy your tickets to join the fun and if you feel you've got the barbequ'n edge, you might want to consider entering the contest. Hope to see you there!

ISES Orange County Chapter Event at Jay's Catering in Garden Grove, CA

ISES's Orange County Chapter held an event last Thursday at Jay's Catering in Garden Grove, CA. We were in for a treat. Not only was the event sponsored beautifully by some great vendors, we had the opportunity for a Back of the House tour of Jay's Catering.

The pretty linens and accents were provided by GBS Linens in Anaheim, CA.






And the beautiful florals were provided by the lovely Susanna of French Buckets.




And of course, Jay's Catering provided some signature drinks including a sweetly sophisticated Pomegranate Martini.


And this is the main entree! Here's the menu description:
Grilled Halibut with Lemon Beurre Blanc and Avocado Pearls
Artichoke Mashed Potatoes
Orange Glazed Butternut Squash
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
French Baguette with Herbed Butter
Drooling yet?


ISES also introduced their new board members for the year.


After the celebrations, we moved through the grounds of Jay's Catering with dessert stations hidden throughout the location. So fun!

This is the Torched S'more station.


Assorted Dessert Shots:


Torched Banana Cream Pie Cones:


Key Lime Pie Tarts:


These rice crispy treats on sticks were just on display but I loved 'em so much I just had to take a picture to show you!


The facility is pretty amazing and immaculately clean. Just to show you a bit of the massive work that goes into preparing one dish, here's a snap of the broccoli salad prep in action. I don't think I have ever seen a bigger bowl.


Here's an unexpected element on display that is so eye catching and very useful: 3 boards of fabrics in different colors and textures.


Thank you ISES-OCC and Jay's Catering for a wonderful event!

Floral Centerpeices - Manzanita Branches

I am amazed at the versatility of manzanita branches. And the popularity of these simple pieces just seems to keep on chuggin'. Just a few variations to this centerpiece can completely change the look and feel. Just take a look at the next 4 pictures. The first three were Floral Sense events and the fourth is by Nancy Liu Chin for the San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway.




All four pieces have the same basic structure. But you change the container, base decor, flowers and/or setting and the entire ambiance is so different.

Another variation that I love is when the branches are accented with colorful pomander balls, draping jewels and hanging tea lights. Here's a great picture of the pomander idea (www.marigoldevents.com).


Manzanita branches seem to making their way into home and office decor too. Its a great idea because there is no maintenance involved and looks great!


These manzanita renditions were created by The Juicy Leaf in Santa Monica, CA.

You know what else? These can be Green solutions to your events since they can be reused in home decor. As for me, I've decided to turn one into my jewelry organizer on which I hang all earrings and necklaces. Works like a charm! Next time you're at an event and the centerpiece is one of these branching beauties, see if you can snag one to take home. Better yet, go out and buy a branch and see what creative masterpiece you conjure up.

Happy decorating!

Wish Upon a Wedding Auction

Attention wedding industry vendors!
Wish Upon a Wedding is opening the floor for wedding industry vendors to donate their items and/or services to be auctioned off beginning October 1, 2010.



The auction will take place online through www.biddingforgood.com and you can check the direct link for WUW auction here. All proceeds will go to this awesome non-profit to benefit very deserving couples. You can promote your business and do good all in one fell swoop! Bid Your Wish for Wedded Bliss!

AND...Wish Upon a Wedding will be hosting Blissful Wishes Ball across the nation on November 12, 2010. Buy your tickets to
here help support WUW! Tickets go on sale August 15, 2010.

Planning a Green Event - Part 6: The Favors

Here's an idea....don't have any favors. 'gasp'! Did I just say that? Ok, so maybe this isn't an idea that'll fly with everyone but I just love the concept of using the favor budget toward a noble cause like your favorite charity organization. I mean, favors are fun. But wouldn't this be so much more meaningful and not to mention 'green'?

Ok, so if you still want to have favors at your event, there are some great eco alternatives. Chrissy Gray of Green Events suggests unique gifts like packets of flowers seeds or small beeswax based candles.



Better yet, double up on the use of the place cards into something guests can take home such as a potted plant.


Check out www.beau-coup.com for some great wedding favor alternatives!