“Winter is Coming” in July – Whose Idea Was That?? Blueprint Studios!

Blueprint Studios, famous for their creativity in event design, put their own skills to the test today – they invited the wedding professionals community to their warehouse to present their new collections with a typically creative event: “Winter is Coming!” (in July…)

What that is? Leave it to the Blueprint creatives… serenaded from the mezzanine,

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guests were treated to a “cabinet of curiosities” – whimsical wintery tablescapes..

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dining set-ups…

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and lounge vignettes..

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were competing for attention with more “July” (Hawaii??) themed groupings…

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… and any creative “fusion” in between! What about a white Christmas tree adorned with fresh orchids…

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or a tabletop variety composed entirely of cocktail paper parasols?!

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Nothing is impossible at Blueprint! And their new collection is so fresh and different! I couldn’t get enough of even their chair collection…

IMG_3211Strategic partner Hensley presented beautiful new china patterns…

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and a lot more, as listed on this menu card:

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plus chargers in any color and style you can think of, to round out their tabletop offerings… and if you are still not convinced…

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This incredible rainbow of colors – that’s their drapes!! I think that’s pretty unbeatable. Draperies in salmon, copper or lilac. I found my “Aladdin’s Cave!”

The “eye candy” was complemented by “culinary candy” provided by Componere..

Chef Ethan Mantle of Componere

Chef Ethan Mantle of Componere

… a company that spearheads culinary creativity even in its very name – “componere” is Latin for “to compose, to create.” Which they did – fresh mini tortillas filled with squash blossoms, accompanied by Patron cocktails in mini bottles…

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and, my favorite, dark chocolate shells with a liquid blackberry filling. Divine!!

As of today, I am an official fan of “Christmas in July.” And of Blueprint, of course!

Fete en Blanc at the Palace Hotel: the Ultimate in Chic

All who know Cristine Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Today’s Bride Magazine (and who wouldn’t know HER?) also knows that her parties are out of this world. Truly beyond anything you’ve seen before! And she manages every single time to exceed even her own records… And now imagine she’s joined forces with Nick Eric of Luxe Bridal Shows and Cindy Danbom of Bella Notte Events! Well, the result was breathtaking: the party of parties at the venerable Palace Hotel SF…

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… where the Grand Ballroom and adjacent rooms were decorated in all-white (of course) – and where right at the entrance an ice sculpture by Chisel-It

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Circosphere

… and the stilt walkers…

Earth Circus Productions

Earth Circus Productions

… and the contortionists…

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Earth Circus Productions

… from Earth Circus Productions whose performances were accompanied by the Dick Bright Orchestra.

The lavish floral decor was created by Edgar Martinez of Flowers by Edgar …

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… and guests were treated to Wine, Champagne, a multitude of tasty bites (Michi’s, my favorite sushi specialist, was also there!) and an incredible dessert bar (among others – Pretty Please):

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You know what? My diet resumes tomorrow. Today was totally worth the splurge!

Thanks so much, Cristine and Nick, for having me – it was fabulous!

How to Plan Your Financial Future as a Couple

imageHow to Plan Your New Financial Life as a Couple

Future newlyweds have so much on their plate when they first decide to tie the knot. They have to plan the wedding and take care of a thousand and one responsibilities so that everything goes off without a hitch.

Financial planning as a new couple is a conversation that’s often pushed way in the background. But should it be? What happens if you aren’t financially compatible? Where do you go from there as a couple?

Instead of ignoring your new financial life, do yourselves a favor and tackle it head-on. This is something that you need to do as a newly married couple. Since money problems are the main reason that couples argue, it makes sense to get on the same financial page in the marriage as early as you can.

Having the Dreaded (or Not so Dreaded) Money Talk

In a perfect world, you’ll realize that it’s important to have the money talk as soon as your relationship begins to get serious. Many couples find themselves financially connected before they actually get married. The sooner you have the money talk, the better it is for the relationship, and the better chance you’ll have at thriving as a couple.

Everyone has their own views about money. Some of us live like money grows on trees and that it is available in unlimited abundance. And depending on your financial situation – it might be. Others feel that money is a finite and limited resource. They work hard to scrimp and save so that they can get ahead and live comfortably in retirement.

Both members of the couple need to come together financially. Having the same money views is not necessarily required. But if you are too far apart on this topic, it could make it difficult – if not impossible – to live and grow together as a married couple.

Creating Common Financial Goals

If a couple seems too far apart on money issues, it may seem like all hope is lost for the relationship. But this doesn’t need to be true as long as you’re willing to compromise.

Instead of throwing in the towel, create common financial goals as a couple. When you begin working together to achieve common financial ground, not only will your relationship grow stronger; you’ll also begin t0 live happier lives and feel good about money and how it now has a positive impact on your relationship.

Have Regular Money Meetings as a Couple

Unfortunately, all of your money inconsistencies will not disappear after one conversation. This topic needs to be discussed regularly so that you consistently stay on the same page.

Money problems are going to arise. As a couple, you must commit to regular communication so that you can hash out money matters together. By holding regular money meetings, you can plan for your future together, set a budget/review your current budget, come up with ideas for a fun filled vacation, discover creative fundraising ideas, and so much more.

If you want to start off your married life as a happy couple, getting on the same page in your financial life is an absolute must. Heed the warnings shared with you today and use this information to guide your financial future.