Wedding Invitations | Colorado Springs Wedding Planner

Creating your wedding invitations can be as exciting and fun as selecting your wedding attire. Wedding couples today have so many choices when it comes to selecting their wedding invitations. What's so impressive about wedding invitations for today's couples is how custom and unique they can be made to truly fit every style and preference. During the planning process, there are many decisions to make such as finding the perfect wedding dress, venue, cuisine, and stunning flowers..you name it! Wedding invitations should really be at the top of this list, as they set the tone for your celebration. Your invitations will be your guests' first sneak peek preview into your wedding day. The color palette, typography, layout and graphical elements combined will tell a story to each recipient. Make sure it's telling your story. For example, if you are hosting a formal Black-Tie Affair, it is influential your invitations reflect the same style by selecting a more Traditional and Sophisticated Font along with select choice of words while keeping the graphical elements to a minimum. If a more Casual or Destination wedding is more desirable, you can have fun with Contemporary Fonts. At Pier 9, we also help you select a theme that will showcase your individuality and personality. Your invitations will be a special keepsake that will be cherished forever. So it is important that while selecting and designing your invitations with a particular theme, to still keep them fresh, original and timeless.

Last but not least-you also need to consider paper selection. Papers are rated in terms of paper weight. Some of the most common include 100#, 110#, 120#, 130# and Cover. I advise my brides to not go less than 100#. Avoid text weight papers all together. These will not give the desired value of thickness for the occasion. Papers can also be referred to with points: 12, 14 and 16. A higher the point will give a heavier weight. Some specialty papers include Felt Weaves, Linens, Metallic and Brown Kraft.

Most printers today will print your invitations on a digital press to keep costs down. Color can shift with this method from one print job to another. So it's important to order your main stationary such as invitations  RSVP cards, and directions at the same time in one order. Offset printing is an option for brides looking to match a particular color; however, this will require a increased budget.

Every season brings us new color palettes that emerge as the hottest and most up-to-date trends of the year. In 2013, we will see vintage birds and birdcages combined with mint as just one of those "must have" combinations.

At Pier 9, I have a passion meeting with brides and unveiling their unique style and see it come to life through design. Whether it's Vintage, Classic, Modern, or a Destination Wedding- every bride has a vision that can be married to her event. Pier 9 promises to make it happen! Your wedding day is a celebration that is all about you! Make your invitations follow suit!

For more information please contact Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design 

or 

Pier 9 Design. 

smckean@pier9design.com | www.pier9design.com

Colorado Springs Wedding Planner | Splendor for your Guests | Shawls | Parasols

Today’s Shawls – not your Grandmother’s old wrap anymore! Now Fashion’s ‘must have’ accessory!

Parisian women wear them daily and in the trendsetting countries like Italy, Spain and France the fashion designers have revised the look and created the shawl as a recent addition to the 2012 catwalks and runways – so where is your ‘it’ accessory in your closet?

A ladies shawl is a stylish yet purposeful way to add ‘je ne sais quois’ and a pop of color to a plain dress, tee shirt and jeans while taking a the bite out of the cold.  Whether it’s a classic soft Pashmina to a dressier silk fabric – you can take your favorite Little Black Dress and give your entire look more pin-ash.  Showcase your own personal creativity with all the vibrant colors and unique designs for the ultimate fashion statement and keep in mind…the real value of the shawl is determined how you tie it!

Classic viscose shawls have been a favorite with women for a very long time – with the elegance and fine Turkish craftsmanship – they can be even worn with the most formal of wedding attire for brides, bridesmaids and guests. 

“A shawl is an accessory that grows with you,” said Nil Soucek, Owner and President of Splendor for Your Guests, luxury personal accessory rental and sales. “it rocks the business world yet elegant enough for weddings, while adding sophistication to every women’s basic wardrobe.  Shawls stand the test of time!”

While wedding industry experts are always looking for the perfect solution for a touch of class, whimsy or color for their bride’s special day - branch out and think in complimentary color tones that will enhance and add overlaying shades of texture!  Try not to fall in to the ‘matchy - matchy’ trap and don’t choose colors that exactly match the flowers, bridesmaid’s dresses and linens. 

Look no further for the perfect gift for all ages.  You can add that personal touch by having it monogrammed with their first initial on their favorite color shawl.  Cozy up with a wool blend shawl trimmed with faux fur for the ultimate gift.

The shawl shopping list is in with a mix of patterns and textures in fun floral, lace, knits, cottons, silk and tweeds. Once upon a time you were given a shawl and you folded it into a drawer, well it’s time to take it out – because today is all wrapped up in shawls and you don’t be left behind.

Amanda Lamb Photography

Amanda Lamb Photography

For more information on shawls, blankets and parasols please contact Splendor for your Guests. They are
fabulous!

Thanksgiving tablescapes & traditions | Colorado Springs Event Planner

A time of thanks is what we love about the month of November; what we are thankful for, who we are thankful for and those family traditions that we become thankful to have.

I remember as a child one Thanksgiving with my brother; we were probably 7 and 9. (Get ready for this...) My fathers, sisters, husband's mother who was at least 92 started singing in the middle of us going around the table giving our 'Thanks'. She belted out lyrics from 'Button up your overcoat' "Get to bed by 3, take good care of yourself...." from the top of her lungs. My brother and I burst out laughing, being the children we are, and our mother yanks us up by our ears and storms us into the bathroom. My brother and I both had this look of horror as if we were going to be in SO much trouble for laughing out loud at the dinner table, but then all of a sudden our mom turns around and bursts out laughing herself. The three of us were laughing uncontrollably on the bathroom floor for at least 10 minutes. Mom finally told us we had to straighten up and get back to the dining room table. The rest of the night my brother and I would whisper "Get to bed by 3..." to each other and it would send us into a roar of laughter again until Dad gave us the 'look'. While it may not seem funny to all, I could whisper those words to my brother and mother anytime and it sends us down memory lane in tears of laughter.

Another fond memory I have are of my grandfathers mashed potatoes. To me, they are indescribable and the worlds best mashed potatoes. I have taken on the responsibility every year to try and recreate his masterpiece for my own family, and while I have perfected the average mashed potato, they are still not grandpa Bob's! This year my husband wants to try....not sure how I feel about that!

And finally what I am most thankful for is the love of design. My mother and grandmother have always been known to dress a table well. My grandmother would not allow anyone to the breakfast table without a bathrobe and something on our feet. Her table, even for the simplest breakfast had the full nine yards of place settings. My mother was not far behind this, every time I had to set the table for dinner I was instructed to place a fork, knife, spoon, plate, water cup, coffee cup, etc...regardless if we didn't need all those pieces. I use to fight this battle with her as I thought what was the point of setting pieces we are not even going to use! I mean come on, a spoon!!! We are not having soup! I never won the battle but am now fighting the exact same battle with my daughter who sets our table. Natali sets the table with a thrown down, non-folded napkin, small fork (because that is what she uses) and no plates...as she can't reach them!

But what I love most is decorating the table in my own home. I love having the best table-scape and making it fit to the Holiday. With Pinterest there are so many ideas out there that it makes decorating easy.



Take a look at the many different boards I use for Holiday inspiration on Pinterest. Not only boards for any Holiday, but events, parties, food, decor and just plain fun!

Right now my favorite board... Holiday: Thanksgiving

Happy Turkey day to all and wishing you and your families the very best!

Colorado Springs Wedding Planner

Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design (SVE) started out as a idea and vision in my head. I was tired of working at a job that did not motivate me nor require me to use the creativity I had to the fullest. I felt like I needed more, and that is when SVE was born. It has been an amazing and long experience with still so much more to grow and learn from. We are not quite there yet, but we are so proud of the progress we have made. 

With owning my own business I have found it difficult to find interns and/or employees that are willing to give your business or the task at hand 100%. I find they just want to be apart of the fun aspect and decorate weddings. The business and social media side do not appeal to them in the slightest, but I am always willing to give them a shot at what they think is fun. Soon enough they learn the decor portion is not always as fun as they imagined. Time constraints can be demanding and stressful which can put some interns in stress mode. 

But I feel at this point I have a diamond of an intern. Michelle, contacted me wanting to learn the ropes of wedding/event planning business. She had just planned her own wedding and wanted to continue that passion. She wanted to start out as an intern and see where it led from there. Which to me is the right frame of mind when getting into this industry. Today, she has become lead designer with SVE! Michelle not only loves the decor, design and fun side to the business, but she also wants to learn the business side! And with that, I am SO happy she is apart of my team. 

In February of 2010 Michelle became engaged to her husband. She began a two year engagement full of excitement and wedding planning. They were married in St. Thomas, USVI on March of 2012. 

Michelle graduated from Colorado Technical University in 2007 with a BA in Visual Communications. She is currently pursuing a Marketing Certificate with the College of Business at UCCS and hopes to continue on for a Master's degree in Business Administration. 

Michelle is originally from Michigan. She moved to Colorado in 2004 and has enjoyed living here ever since. 




























Please feel free to reach out to Michelle and welcome her to the SVE team. We are thrilled to have her and can't wait for her to start coordinating weddings! 



If interested in becoming an intern with SVE please contact Sarah Viera, owner of Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design.

Grand Junction Florist | Grand Junction Wedding Planner

Flowers, season and availability

Let's talk flowers! We all have that favorite flower we gravitate towards, but if you are like me and wanted a snowy winter wedding filled with ruffly peonies, it can be a rarity  not to mention carry a hefty price tag. Some of the most popular and requested wedding flowers have seasonal availability. 

Think of flowers like you would produce in your grocery store. Some varieties are available year round, others are a season treat. These days, with growing markets and super-fast shipping you can get just about anything. But beware! Sometimes that  full bodied dahlia you saw on Pinterest is available, but might not look quite like you had imagined. For the most accurate knowledge on your ideal wedding flower, consult your favorite florist. 

Here are some of the most popular wedding flowers and when you can expect the highest quality, most affordable blooms: 

Peony (shown below: center is bright white and blush)

Available: February-Mid June

Colors: white, blush, light and dark pink, red, coral, yellow (rare)

Hydrangea (shown below in blue)

Available: year round (white and green)

Colors: white, green, antique (mixed), light and deep blue, dark and light pink, burgundy and green mix, purple, lavender

Anemone (shown below in white with black center)

Availability: October-May

Colors: white with black center, pink, white with white center, lavender, deep purple with black center, red

Ranunculus (shown below in orange)

Availability: January-May

Colors: white, all shades of pinks, oranges, peach, reds, green

Dahlias (shown below in blush)

Availability: July-November

Colors: yellow, pink shades, cream, blush, deep reds, bright reds, oranges, white, plum, lavender, variegated (color with white tips)

Rose/garden and standard

Available: year round

Colors: all colors but true blue

Varieties: spray (small and ruffled, in clusters of 3) garden: super fragrant, lots of petals

I hope this will help you all when planning the flowers for your big day. Be sure to check out some unexpected beauties: gypsophilla (aka: baby's breath, which is stunning by itself in large quantities , dusty miller (shown paired with the blue hydrangea above), and my new favorite, pink Astilbe (shown below.).

Happy planning! 

Kelly

Kelly Mendenhall is the owner/designer at 3 Leaf Floral Design, in Grand Junction, CO. 3 Leaf specializes in weddings only for the Western slope, and rocky Mountain regions of Colorado. She is a lover of coffee, a James Bond junky, a wife and mother of two rowdy boys. 

Please feel free to reach out to Kelly for more information. 

Additional information can be provided from Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design

Bridal Shower | Colorado Springs Event Planner

Floral, just like photography, is another one of my hidden passions. I love the idea of arranging flowers and taking beautiful pictures, but that's just where they stand...ideas. I can't do either one of those to save my life so I prefer to leave it to the professionals!

I had the pleasure of working with Cori Cook Floral Design this year. Lead designer, Liz AMAZED me with the flowers she proposed for one of my fall brides. From the wedding proposal alone I knew I was going to love everything about the flowers and design aspect Liz had planned. With first impressions being met, I decided to hire Liz for my brides bridal shower a month prior. While the wedding and bridal shower had similar but different themes, Liz was able to make each flower presentation unique to each party.

Photography courtesy of Amanda Lamb Photography

Susan, my brides mother contacted me asking if I would coordinate her daughters bridal shower and that she wanted a southern chic theme. My heart skipped a beat as I have been wanting to style something with this beautiful theme and what better than a bridal shower! Susan told me that she had tons of vintage platters and milk glass vases that were Lauren's great-grandmothers and she would love to include them in the shower. Those pieces not only added beauty to the decor, but brought in that personal touch that I love the most. I am the most sentimental person in my family and Susan reminded me of exactly the same.

Being a HUGE fan of details I wanted to incorporate many of them into this shower. Not only were they fun, but they were special to the bride and her mother. Guests were greeted with one of the brides favorite drinks- a peach mimosa. Southern style sweet tea and a Wedding Punch made by her grandmother were also available. Vintage napkins and china doned the table with Susan's very own silver at each place setting. Liz from Cori Cook Floral not only provided peaches in the centerpiece, but guests could find their name card on a peach or sprig of lavender. 

Dessert was provided by The Bundt Shoppe who wow'd the guests with their beautiful artwork which made guests not want to eat such a pretty piece cake! In any Southern family, we know hospitality is always at its best. Guests were able to take a mini bundt cake and macaroons home to enjoy for a late night snack! 

 

  

 

 

 

Thank you to all the amazing vendors that made Lauren's bridal shower a success. Stay tuned for her wedding! 

Caterer: Picnic Basket

Coordination and Design: Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design

Dessert: The Bundt Shoppe & Sugarplum Cake Shoppe

Floral: Cori Cook Floral 

Photography: Amanda Lamb Photography

Rentals: Event Rents