Serene Bridal Beauty in the SPOTLIGHT!

Makeup and hair is crucial on a wedding day, there are so many factors to getting hair and makeup done that brides don't always realize. It is so important to have a professional do the brides hair/makeup as well as the bridesmaids (if they see fit). I say this because not only do you want to look put together perfectly but because timing is so important! Now... I never refer vendors that I have not worked with and makeup/hair is one of them! With that being said I had the privilege of having Evelyn Lui, the owner of Serene Bridal Beauty, do my makeup and hair for our website! I was so impressed by Evelyn's professionalism (side note: 11 years in the industry!) as well as her very easy going attitude, not once did I feel rushed or anxious. She decided to airbrush my face makeup which came out PERFECT, I couldn't believe how well the color matched my skin tone and how flawless my skin looked. Something I see all too often is brides not looking like themselves on their wedding day. Evelyn was so talented in the fact that my face was bold enough for photos but yet I still looked and felt like myself. Now, my hair! It was adorable! All I said was that I wanted it up and she decided to do a cute side "messy" bun and it came out amazing. It was very carefree which is how I wanted to look. She nailed every aspect of how I explained I wanted my over all look to be. Now... during this I asked her some questions about the industry and this is what she had to say....

Why did you chose to specialize in hair and makeup:
"My mom influenced me. I was a huge tomboy up until my Junior year in high school. I remember as a little girl, she would force me to watch apply makeup and do her hair. I hated it, but as I got older I realized I had a natural talent. I began doing hair and makeup for friends for high school dances and really loved it. I ended up attending cosmetology school and after getting my license, I started assisting at a salon. I assisted and attended makeup school at MUD in Burbank. I am now the proud owner of Serene Bridal Beauty."

Do you have suggestions when hiring hair/makeup?
"Do your research. It's really important to find a professional in the wedding industry. Remember, it's your most important day. You want your day to run smoothly. Your professional stylist needs to understand how important your bridal hair and makeup is and also timing. Timing is crucial and your stylist should be able to take control and make sure your day runs on time and smoothly."

Checkout http://serenebridalbeauty.com/ for more photos and information, if you contact SBB make sure to let them know PL referred you! XO!

Mothers Day is almost HERE!

Mothers Day is right around the corner! For those of you who are still blessed to be able to celebrate with your Mother here is a great idea for a small or large get together... a tea party! Some of you maybe thinking, that's been done before... but if it's done right it will be impressive and everyone will leave not only with full stomachs but a memory they can carry with them forever! Obviously planning a party takes a lot of time, effort and organization which is why we're here but for those of you who just want a few simple ideas to impress your guests here's where to begin!

1. Color scheme - choose three colors, one of them being a bold statement color.
2. Invites - this is your guests FIRST impression of the event. Make sure it suites the color scheme and overall feel of the day (black tie, casual or laid back).
3. Fun addition - have guests wear a fun hat or in your invite include a piece of card stock so your guests can write a memory of themselves with the woman you're celebrating.
4. Food - heavy finger foods that will satisfy the men too. Not just crumpets and cucumber cream cheese sandwiches (which have been done - this is a no no!).
5. Table Setting - think vintage tea cups and saucers or if you rather the more upbeat trendy look, go for bold colors (think Alice in Wonderland). Include excessive fresh flowers or DIY paper pieces.
6.  Signature Drink - you can do something as simple as champagne with a chambord floater or of course you can go the non-alcoholic route as well.
7. Dessert - leave your guests with something sweet on their lips. Instead of the ordinary cake, go with something that you remember your mom (or whomever you're celebrating) baking or currently bakes. Think comfort desserts such as cherry pie or her famous strawberry short cake!

The BIGGEST thing to remember here is that you are celebrating someone else, so think about what they love! You want them to know you were thinking of them while you planned the party.

Have questions? Email me! Carrie@plevents.com XO!

Guest Favors - Be Charitable!

Guest favors... I feel like this is something our clients always have questions about. It's hard to find something that a guest can use or will actually keep that's within a decent budget. Yes, truffles are yummy and photo-booths are a blast but how about donating in your guests name? We had a couple, Lyndsey and Danny that donated to Muscular Dystrophy in honor of their guests and I fell in love with the idea. Not only are you helping a charity but it's something that guests will respect. It's also personal because you are donating to a charity that means something to you as a couple.

There are thousands of charities so I listed a website below to help you navigate. If you don't have one that you can think of right off the bat, do some research and find out where the money goes and how it's used. Personally I would love to donate to the "Wounded Warrior Project." Their mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. I feel like we look past our military at times and there are so many that fought and served who are in need. Maybe someone in your family has an incurable sickness, look into charities for that or anything you may feel strongly about!

http://www.charitygiftcertificates.org/charities.aspx

Have questions? Want more charity suggestions? Email me! Carrie@plevents.com

Spring Trends - COLORS!

Having a Spring wedding or party? Well here's what's HOT!

Colors: Have fun with your big day, incorporate what the season has to offer which is bright, fun and vibrant colors! Whether you incorporate color through your florals, linen/table runners or even your bridesmaids dresses, this is a sure way to make your day really POP!

Patterns: I know we've seen a lot of chevron lately, but I think it's here to stay! I absolutely love it for spring, the design just puts a smile on my face! I also am loving ikat! It's fun to pair with strong, bold colors! Polka dots and gingham are also making a breakthrough! Perfect for a country fan or just to add some character to the overall design of the event.

Lounges: Bring the club to your guests! It is SO fun to have lounge areas at an event. It's a comfy spot where guests can enjoy each-others company without being confined to their dinner table. It allows movement throughout the evening. Lounges can be set up either outside or inside, which ever you prefer! I personally love when they are near the dance floor, that way guests can take a break and then get right back to dancing!

Mini Menus: I have never heard a guest say, "Man I hate all these mini appetizers and desserts" which is why I say bring on the mini menus! It's fun to give guests choices! Whether its a simple mini grilled cheese sandwich, dessert pops or pinchos - it's a sure hit! Food trucks are also huge right now. Whether it's a late night food truck with comfort food or a dessert truck satisfying your sweet tooth - guests are sure to smile when they see it pull up!

Cheers to SPRING! Questions? Comments? Email me! Carrie@plevents.com

Valentines: Remembering the Fallen

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."

Sooo... it's Valentines Day and all I can think about are the families that have had to deal with the tragedies over these past weeks. I can't imagine being a wife, friend, family member or co-worker of  the victims of this "cop killer". I hope today instead of just buying chocolates and balloons for our loved ones we can stop and remember those who have lost loved ones. Come together as a community and do random acts of kindness, whether it be a smile to a stranger, sending a text, card or calling someone we know that this particular day maybe hard on. There are so many people out there going through tough times and I believe that a stranger can turn that persons day around. So today, I encourage you (myself included) to stop and think about others. Count your blessings and be thankful for the life you have! Happy Valentines Day and thank you to ALL that serve this country!!

Wedding Planning - Finding YOUR Style!

Lets start with the basics, your wedding day is about you and your fiancé! The day needs to be 100% about the two of you. It's your opportunity to make a statement to all your family and friends - show them who you are as a couple.  This is a chance to create a memory that is going to last forever, a day that not only you, but your guests will hold close to their heart. Through your sense of "style" remember that how you treat your guests is also a big part. You want to be a gracious host and your guests to feel at ease and comfortable.

Real Wedding: David + Jasmine

As Colin Cowie says, "THINK BIG!". Don't worry about the budget, if you have Pinterest start pinning away, even if you know it's out of budget, pin it anyway! When you show designers they can always scale it down to what you can afford. We (planners + designers) want to see who you two are and what you love! It doesn't cost you anything to create your fantasy, once we see your vision then we can begin to scale down if we need to.

So first, decide the look and feel of how you want your wedding to be [for example, outdoors, rustic, formal, casual]. Then from there, decide if you want it to be a grand affair or more intimate. Typical guest size is 150-200. Anything under 100 is considered intimate anything over 250 is what I like to call, "A Grand Affair". After deciding the guest count you can see if you're style is more of a small destination wedding on a secluded island or if it's more of the italian family type - everyone is invited and you just want to celebrate! From there you'll start to see the big picture and the structure that will mold your style choices along the way. A theme will begin, whether it be a color scheme or as simple as a flower you absolutely love. There aren't any rules here, having an inspiration will help tie down your main focus so you or your planner can begin to tell your story.

Questions? Or thinking about hiring PL to help you define your style? Email me! Carrie@plevents.com We'd love to sit down with you to help create your day that tells your guests a story of the love you have for one another.

Heavens Ranch - Best Kept Secret!

Heaven's Ranch... exactly how it sounds! Nestled away in the rolling hills of Chino Hills sits acres of property that is yours for the taking! Recently PL had the opportunity to meet with the owners of the ranch to take a look at this hidden gem and we fell in love! We were asked to take over the events at Heaven's Ranch and couldn't be more excited to share this beautiful location with our clients.

"Whoever said diamonds are a girls best friend clearly did not have horses."

The property is miles of green grass and willow trees, the perfect destination for a couple that wants to get married somewhere where they can bring their imagination to life! It's also a great spot for those country bumpkins that would love to have a ranch setting. There are two areas of the property that can be used for parties or a wedding/reception.

Not sure how to utilize acres of land? Well... are you glamourous? Then think a tent with draping fabric, long tables with gorgeous linen; filled with your favorite florals. Country chic? Think wooden tables accompanied with padded benches, candles throughout the area and hay-bails for additional seating with decorative throw pillows. Not getting married but love the country? Have a party! The party barn is the perfect place to have your signature cocktails! Bring in a DJ, add some fun appetizers or good 'ol hamburgers and hotdogs accompanied by all your friends and family and your day is complete!

A soft opening will be in the future so stay tuned for one fun night!