Only You Can Prevent Fire Hazards

We like to keep ol' Smokey the Bear's tag line in mind when creating an event, but we've tweaked it a bit. "Only good planners can prevent event hazards."
From flameless luminaries in a variety of sizes, to these new bamboo tiki torches from Fortune Products Inc., fire hazards are easily mitigated. Just use batteries and LEDs because event planners know who wins when we battle the wind. Check out the bamboo tiki torches! These handcrafted high-quality bamboo torches break down into three pieces. That will keep shipping costs low for a destination wedding or out of town event. Boasting an instant, easy set up, these torches run about 20 or so hours on two AA batteries.

We intended to keep this post about types of event hazards, but that's not going to happen!  Just fell in love with Fortune Products Inc's Fairy Berries.  We know it might be a weird name but these little delightful "berries" can create a fantasy-like feel for an event.  Fairy Berries are round balls that produce a "moving firefly or fairy-light effect that is absolutely unique," according to the company's website.  Each tiny (3/4 inch) clear ball has a white LED light that fades slowly on and off.  Even better?  We can put these little gems in trees or hang them from just about anywhere because each ball has a recessed hook.     

Let's get back to the part about event hazards for a second.  What could go wrong with Fairy Berries?  Nothing unless small children pick 'em up before the parent gently explains to the child that they shouldn't put these in their mouths.  Also, watch out for Grandma with the bad hip and poor eye sight.  Keeping these Fairy Berries, electrical cords, in a concentrated location, might prevent her from accidentally slipping on one.  Oopsie!  Also, be courteous to the event venue's staff, especially when you use a public park or other locale...if after an event, the location goes back to "open to the public," be sure to clean up.  You don't want to be responsible for a pup getting a hold of flower petals (some are poisonous for animals) and since you can recycle decor items, be sure to retrieve them. 

Perhaps Opulence Isn't Out

This is ahhhhmazing. The house of Mouse, ahem that's Disneyland, kicked off a couple's "happily ever after" in regal shades of purple.

The Freeloaders Rockin' on Folly Beach

What are you doing this weekend?  If you're in or near Charleston, SC get yourself down to Folly Beach's favorite dive bar, Snapper Jack's for live music from The Freeloaders.  The funk starts around 10:00pm on Saturday, July 23rd.

Listen here: http://www.reverbnation.com/freeloaders

What is Pinterest?

Heard of this site yet y'all? If not, head over to www.pinterest.com and request an invitation. Have oodles stored in your "Favorites"? Even if you think it's organized perfectly (by folders, no doubt), your system is about to be trumped with Pinterest's oh so fabulous, user-friendly, super visual twist! Pinterest allows you to bookmark and share your latest loves from the web in one spot and includes a function for followers or following! You know the girlfriend you have with impeccable taste? Right, the one who finds the coolest prints or sweetest antiques? If she's on Pinterest, you can follow her.

Pinterest is a basically an online design board. When you start an account, you're set up with default boards and allowed to "pin" websites or upload images to the respective boards. For example, I have a board called "Gadgets and Tech" and it includes neat little tech-y products I've had my eye on and another for "Quotables" which features prints of funny or favorite quotes.

Will I keep ripping pages out of magazines? Most likely, but I'll use this new tool too! Sniff, sniff that's not from Calvin Klein....but we smell an obsession with Pinterest coming your way!

My current favorite to follow is my lovely friend Jill, check out her taste and see what you think: http://pinterest.com/jtennant81/.

Special Events Magazine Article

We love reading Special Events Magazine!  I especially enjoyed the May/June 2011 issue and the article about "What's Big in Big-City Weddings" from SE's On Trend section. Sacks Production, a Los Angeles-based event planning company, is known for catering to the design desires and whims of celebs like Khloe Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.  What does the company's president have to say?  Just what we've been thinking! She says she is seeing clients "go with a natural feeling instead of a pave look." Instead of opulence, opt for creating a feeling or a mood--guests will appreciate your attention to their comfort.  Traditional receptions are going by the wayside in favor of more parties, more fun and we don't dare say less glamour, but perhaps less glitz and manufactured elegance.   

Our other fave takeaway from this piece?  "October is the new June," according to Sarah Pease at Brilliant Event Planning in NYC.  Sweating through seersucker isn't just commonplace in the Southeast, brides and grooms nationwide are realizing sweatstains stink.  We say, bring on those October and November color-palattes. Hooray! 

InspireMeBaby.com

No, we didn't catch baby fever, but when you look at this site...it is kind of hard not let out an audible "awwww" or two! When we find a lovely website with a neat purpose, we can't help but share it. Check out inspiremebaby.com. The site's creator publishes articles and links to inspire newborn, child and family photogs the world over!

Xiapeng Li and Angel's Wedding Video "Just Haven't Met You Yet"

Thank you Style Me Pretty for this awesome wedding video! PS, the groom is none other than Chinese gymnast and gold medal winner Xiapeng Li. Make sure you mute our music before you watch--the magic is in the music!

Angel & Xiaopeng's Rock 'n Roll Same Day Edit from Pelican Hill from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

Fabulous Stationary

Fabuooo--lous! Check out www.fabulousstationary.com for modern, funky-fun stationary. Social/business calling cards, personalized note cards and even mouse pads and picture frames are available from this site. Some of the designs are available on recycled paper, just look for a green leaf next to the item. Fabulous Stationary has been featured in magazines like InStyle Weddings, Marie Claire and Life and Style since their team of ad agency vets got together back in 2004.
Looking for a great STD card(ahem:for the lingo-impaired this means Save the Date, not what you're thinking) or perhaps you are moving when you become a Mrs. and change of address cards are in order? If you are like me and simply adore almost anything that is personalized (except for cars, do not get me started on monogramming you car y'all...)check out FabulousStationary.com.

Vendors We Seriously Love

Flowers from the Cellar rocked our world in Charlotte this week. Designer Pam Bailey has a shop we'd like to spend a few days just poking around in if we could! From her latest loves, like the moss-covered treatments for everything from glass vases to large initials foam forms to use as a statement piece for a wedding or other event, the organic materials in this cellar extend beyond the flowers. Texture takes over and whether Pam is using copper wiring in a centerpiece or creating a perfectly posh bouquet with peacock feathers,you'll love her craftsmanship and appreciate her guidance for your next wedding or event!

Visit http://flowersfromthecellar.com/.

Before You Take THE Plunge..

Call it the big leap, the plunge or whatever you'd like but guys, don't miss this site: theplunge.com!

SC State Ports Authority's Community Day

Don't miss The Freeloaders at the SC State Ports Authority's Community Day on Saturday, June 19th from 11am-2pm. It's free and open to the public!

Jennie and Garrett

Even wedding planners like a day off! I had such a great time in Nashville for Jennie and Garrett's May wedding. Music City never disappoints even after the disastrous flooding recently. The weekend started out with a lovely rehearsal dinner at Brentwood's charming bakery and restaurant, The Puffy Muffin. Trust us, order the eggplant parmesan and sneak a peak inside the bakery fridge behind the counter if you go: http://www.puffymuffin.com. The wedding and reception location at the W.O Music School was just right for this crowd of nearly 100 guests. The bride was gorgeous in a strapless number that led her groom to say, "Aren't I lucky? I'm marrying a Barbie!" The wedding party was lovely in pink dresses from J.Crew. Oh and the guitar glasses? A perfect rock star touch for this wedding!

The Bridal Garden

Love this! The Bridal Garden is located in NYC and sells couture wedding gowns and accessories for up to 75% off retail prices. Seriously! This fabulous store carries Angel Sanchez, Marisa, Mon Cheri and more. The gowns are donated by designers and brides. The best part? All proceeds benefit education efforts for New York City children. Make sure to call for an appointment first.

Visit: http://www.bridalgarden.org/index.html

One Hot Color Combo!

Navy and Fuchsia pop together! We're loving this design board featuring a strong navy with a flirty fuchsia because it is fresh and new. Found this inspiration or design board on bridalbuds.com and you can make your own at weddingwire.com.

Bridal Shows

Ever wondered about those bridal shows you see advertised on billboards? Should you go? Is it worth your time and money? Should you drag the fiance? Will he hate it?

Allow us to guide you through the bridal show mania! We like bridal shows for a few reasons:
-Brides and grooms get a chance to check it all out in person. No matter how many books and magazines you read, nothing compares to seeing the wedding day components like cakes and flowers in person.
-The down side is listening to the sales pitches from prospective vendors. The folks who staff these events are sometimes just a bit persistent, but we find that a simple "We're just getting ideas, thanks for your time," helps steer a couple on to the next booth.
-There are contests to enter. Some bridal websites even suggest bringing pre-printed address labels so that you can enter all the drawings at these shows. Just beware, you're also signing up to be on a mailing list by entering the contests.
-Take a big purse and make sure you have a pen for any notes about vendors you'd like to make for yourself. Bridal shows usually have plastic bags for you to put all the catalogs and vendor brochures in, but be eco-friendly and keep up with them yourself.
-Go for the food! Often you can make a meal out of the samples from catering companies and save room for cake samples.
-Don't miss the fashion show. Check the program from the show you are attending, most list the time for that day's fashion show and seats fill up rather quickly.

Visit AriaDress.com for Bridesmaid Dresses

Catwalk is loving ariadress.com for its selection and great prices! From wedding dresses to accessories, flower girl dresses and to even a selection of menswear, we were most excited about the bridesmaid dresses on this site. Choose from halter, strapless, tea length, long gowns and more. Did we mention the colors and fabrics? Wow! Brides, if you were thinking you'd keep it simple and order from J. Crew for your bridesmaids, consider Aria instead. The prices are similar, even a bit less on Aria's site, depending on which fabric you choose. The styles are a fun and regardless of body type, each bridesmaid is sure to find one that makes her feel flirty and fab on your big day. We say, brides-pick the color and the length for a sense of uniformity and let your ladies pick the style. Check out Taylor's picture and the Aria website for ideas!

Wedding Websites: Not Just the Knot Anymore

Guests love them! Your family and your bridesmaids do too and your future beloved, well he might be annoyed if you ask him to write the story of how you met...but maybe not!
That's right, we're talking about wedding websites! This is the online home for all the info guests need about your wedding. You can upload pictures, bios about your wedding party, a little snip it about the ceremony and reception venues and TA-DA, the proposal story.
TheKnot.com used to have the monopoly on easy to use wedding websites, but not anymore. Check out Wedding Wire's new section on wedding websites and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of templates.


http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-websites.html

The Blind Side

What does Catwalk's principal/owner Adie have in common with Tim Mcgraw, Sandra Bullock and Kathy Bates? A little movie with a Golden Globe nod (best actress, Sandra Bullock)and nomination for the SAG awards(female actor in a leading role, Sandra Bullock) called The Blind Side. OK, so we admit--a little stretch, but Adie had an amazing experience working on the film and is proud to have been a part of it. Catwalk loves the Phil Fulmer cameo appearances too. The Blind Side is a great story that reminds each of us that we can be extraordinary.

http://www.theblindsidemovie.com/

Real Simple says...

to give guests sweet surprises they can enjoy long after the last dessert’s been served at your reception. We were right on target with the recent post about wedding favors, check out this article from Real Simple on edible favors:
http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/weddings/delicious-wedding-favors-00000000013935/index.html?xid=weddingsnews-12-22-2009

Love the monogrammed cookies, popcorn tins and these snazzy little fortune cookies-they're complete with a message inside from the bride and groom.

Popular site HARO(Help a Reporter Out) has competition!

According to PR Web (http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/12/prweb3369714.htm) the popular site HARO might be challenged by the new kid on the block, reporterconnection.com. The new Web site launched today and it is a free service which allows journalists to announce source needs via email to up to 51,000 experts in the company’s database. From what we can tell, HARO and reporterconnection.com are similar, the latter has tweaked what worked for HARO and made it more "journalist-friendly" and will not publish the journalist's email addresses like HARO does via daily email blasts.

Check it out for yourself: www.reporterconnection.com.

Are you an expert in your field? Do you want a shot at free publicity because you can help provide information for reporters and editors? We signed up, maybe you should too!