Little Bit Magazine - Issue 2 by lilbitmag

fall 2011

Great

fall fashion Style Ideas

Hello from little bit, Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback and comments with the very first issue of the magazine. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve experienced so much over the last several months and are truly grateful for all our supporters. As you know I wear many hats and finding a balance has been very challenging. So we've decided to have Little Bit Magazine as a quarterly publication; the cadence will be December (Special Holiday Issue), January, April, July and October. Being creative is my true passion and I enjoy every moment of creating designs that will inspire.

We are working on amazing features for our Special Holiday issue which will launch early December. It will include great gift ideas, holiday fashion, decorating tips and a few surprises. We want to hear your ideas, suggestions and feedback for future issues, please email us at hello@littlebitmag.com.

Hope you enjoy this issue!

xoxo, Aisha Holly Founder + Art Director

next issue advertise

- december - holiday issue with us!

To advertise, please contact advertise@littlebitmag.com or 734.786.1620

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in every issue

departments

Hello, Little Bit

Contributors

64 fashion

styled What makes an event unique

Cute fashion

18 40

Expert Advice Preston Bailey shares design and planning advice

interior

paperie

My Dream Wedding

Design tips from the experts

A little girl dreams of her wedding day

149 Spotlight Meet Vanessa Van Wieren

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Branding your event

105

lifestyle Capturing those special moments

features

122

Hey Diddle, Diddle

126

Strawberry Farm

130

Carnival Fun

134

Pretty in Pink

138

Sports Extravaganza

142

It's a Girl

Got game?

Exquisite baby shower

A special baby event

Vintage farm inspired birthday

Neighborhood celebration

Sera's first birthday page 36

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contributors

abby rose

nicole haley

laura rauch

rachael tibbits sadoff

abby rose photography photographer

nicole haley photography photographer

laura rauch photography photographer

stylist

lyndsay stradtner

michele anderson

alli mcwhinney

aisha holly

life in motion photography photographer

pinkle toes photography photographer

alli mcwhinney photography photographer

dooby design group art director

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contributors cont.

andy schwartz

min mi kim

gray benko

west park photography photographer

minmi photography photographer

gray benko photography photographer

vanessa scott hair stylist

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heather anne

lynn bernardi

sweet heather anne cake designer

west park photography photographer

michelle gainey lemiga events event designer

Blush

fashions

7. 2.

4. 3.

1. Michael Kors Kids Claire $42 2. Pale Cloud Charis Cardigan Pink $55 3. Gap Sparkle Junior Backpack $29.95 4. Stella Mccartney Girls Cargo Trouser $93 5. Aster Girl T strap Shoes $83 6. Stella Mccartney Girls Dress $143 7. Gap Girls Ruffled Star Dress $34.95

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Denim blues

5. 1. Armani Boys Junior High Top Sneakers $120 2. Abercrombie Bear Brook $79.50 3. Ralph Lauren Can vas Big Pony Messenger Bag $95 4. Ralph Lauren Big Pony Polo $39.50 5. Gap Boys Athletic Graphic T $16.95 6. Ralph Lauren Solid Rugby $45 7. Abercrombie A&F Slim Straight Jean $39.50

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Harlow Red Glitter Grip ‘n’ Go (for children 9 months to 3 years) Boy’s shoe: Tristan also from Grip ‘n’ Go collection Retail $46 www.pediped.com

Jamie shoe (from Flex collection) Retail: $57 www.pediped.com

Girl on left has on Naomi boot Girl on right Tonya boot Flex collection Retail on each is $69 www.pediped.com

medley lane paperie handmade paper goods for special occasions

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MedleyLane

expert advice

designer series with

preston bailey

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WHAT’S THE POINT OF BEING A DESIGNER IF YOU DON’T DESIGN? When you create a great design that you and your clients love, how often do you repeat it? Do new clients come in, see this great design, and ask that you do the same for them?

When Joan Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers, got married, I created the winter wonderland wedding design that you see left for her. The design became one of my most popular, and for years, that’s all my brides wanted. I amused myself by inventing lots of different ways to reinterpret the look for each wedding. But I was ready to move on long before the brides were.

And then, recently, I met with another client who asked me to recre ate a design from one of my books. As much as I want to please all of my brides and clients, my first inclination was to say, “Been there. Done that.” I envy fashion designers a bit; every season they have to create a brand new collection, which means every day they’re doing what they do best: Design!

What’s more, I always let my clients choose from at least three different design ideas, but that means most of my designs never see the light of day. It kills me that I have a large archive of drawings that have never been done…

are you an aspiring social event or wedding planner The Wedding Planning Institute, a division of Lovegevity.com, Inc., is the industry leader in educa tion and training for wedding and event professionals. LWPI has established an academic network of nearly 2,000 accredited colleges and universities in the United States, as well as a network of inter national colleges offering LWPI's Wedding and Event Planning Certification. Established in 1997 by Cho Phillips, LWPI was founded with the sole purpose of providing an academic career path for aspir ing wedding and social event planners. For more information visit: The Wedding Planning Institute

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inspired by

DesignerBarbie kate spade photography by

styling by

west park photography

dooby design group

Kate Spade is definitely a classy Barbie; known the world over for bold and stylish designer clothing, designer shoes, fashion accessories and more. this shoot embodies the feelings of childhood, that bright bit of simple joy we are always looking to return to.

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kelly green peacoat white cropped pants fuschia satchel

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floral silk dress fuschia tights kate spade clutch

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pearl & gold necklace

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FOOD is the life of the PARTY photography nicole haley

Celebrity Chef Das los angeles, california

"Food is my creative outlet, the way I express myself. My inspiration is the people I feed; I have a very giving heart and love to give to people, so when I can take a raw or uncooked product and create a masterpiece on a plate, there's nothing like watching someone take that first bite. "

shrimp lettuce wraps

Serves 4

Directions

16 Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves

1. Rinse whole lettuce leaves and pat dry, being

1 pound medium size peeled and deveined

careful not tear them. Set aside. 2. In a medium

Shrimp

skillet over high heat, SautĂŠ shrimp in 1 tablespoon

1 tablespoon cooking oil

cooking oil, stirring often and reducing the heat to

1 large onion, chopped

medium, Cook the onion in the same pan, stirring

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

frequently. Add the garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce,

1 tablespoon soy sauce

ginger, vinegar, and Chile pepper sauce to the

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

onions and shrimp, and stir. Stir in chopped water

2 teaspoons minced pickled ginger

chestnuts, green onions, and sesame oil. Continue

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

cooking until the onions just begin to wilt, about

Asian chile pepper sauce (optional)

2 minutes. 3. Arrange lettuce leaves around the

1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and

outer edge of a large serving platter, and pile meat

finely chopped

mixture in the center. To serve, allow each person

1 bunch green onions, chopped

to spoon a portion of the meat into a lettuce leaf.

2 teaspoons Asian (dark) sesame oil

Wrap the lettuce around the meat like a burrito, and enjoy!

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photography West Park Photography

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| styling

Dooby Design Group | cake designer Sweet Heather Anne

aman ariana

lauren

omarie

alexis

kimora

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red& black

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Contrast and simple details, a black and red color palette makes a bold but beautiful statement.

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violet& yellow

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Ruffles and layers are all the rave along with tulle, flowers and chiffon.

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teal& beige

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Embellish with buttons, broaches or an intricate pattern for the perfect finishing touches.

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my am e r g d n i d d e w vintage romance

My dream wedding would include a dreamy palette in ivory and gold; an antique wedding mood with glass candle holders mixed with silver and gold distressed

tea light holders. My table cloth would be dressed with beautiful pearl and gold beaded brass napkin rings to add to the traditional look. I envision a chic simple gown; soft garden rose bouquets, and aged shabby chic furniture all to create a sweet, subtle setting for a fash ionable vintage wedding.

Photography by Alli McWhinney

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paperie

styled

Modish

boy baby shower Photography by Nicole Haley

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styled What makes an event unique? Be creative and think outside the box. Gather empty wine cases from wineries to use as the centerpiece vessels. Also try to incorporate unique elements as part of the dĂŠcor, as seen here with the large foliage to display the flatware. Design Concept Dooby Design Group | Styling Rachael Sadoff | Rentals Special Events Rental

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Exquisite

little peanut shower Photography by Nicole Haley

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styled What makes an event unique? Make it your own by creating custom elements. Utilize your local fabric stores to create pillow covers, napkin em bellishments and fabric peanut bag favors. Design Concept Dooby Design Group | Styling Rachael Sadoff | Rentals Special Events Rental

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Enchanting first birthday Photography by Nicole Haley

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styled What makes an event unique? Be resourceful and repurpose items that you may already own. Here vases purchased on sale were sprayed white. Also as you plan your event, remember the flowers can be used after in your dining room as a centerpiece, foyer, powder room. Design Concept Dooby Design Group | Styling Rachael Sadoff | Rentals Special Events Rental

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Fancy -

mother daughter tea Photography by Janet Howard Studio

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styled

What makes an event unique? If all else fells, collaborate with talented individuals in your area. Each person brings a different perspective and together you can create a one of a kind event. Planning & Design Lemiga Events | Stationery Papered Wonders | Linen I Do Linens Ruffle Cake Sweet Sensations | Cupcakes Lenox Cupcakes | Millinery Nicholas Kniel

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fashion

photography by Gray Benko

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photography by Gray Benko

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photography by Gray Benko

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photography by Gray Benko

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photography by Gray Benko

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photography by Gray Benko

christa nunez photography by childish couture

hrista learned to sew as a child

in mind. After creating a one of a kind outfit for

when one summer her grandmother

baby Avary Grace, she had enough supplies left

taught her to read a pattern, and

over to create one more infant sized set. She took

gave her an endless supply of her

a few pictures and decided to list the outfit on

own scrap fabrics. That summer she created pot

eBay. She was totally blown away when the set

holders and make shift doll clothes. A high school

actually sold!

sewing class furthered her interest in design, but it

was not until much later in life that she found her

stumbled upon an opportunity to work at home

true passion!

with her three little ones at her feet, while also

being able to tap into her creative side. Her com

While in college, she spent years working

It was then that she realized she had

in a local children's boutique and the children's

pany, Amazing Gracie, named after her youngest

department at Nordstrom. It was here that she

daughter, was born!! Two short years later she was

truly fell in love with unique children's wear, and

selling to boutiques nationwide, with sales reps in

also learned what it means to provide outstand

California and Texas. She looks forward to opening

ing customer service. Years later, as a mom of 3

the first brick and mortar Amazing Gracie store in

children, she dug out her old sewing machine,

Oct. 2011, and is excited to see where this journey

purchased 2 yards of high end fabric, and began

will take her!

sewing with her youngest daughter, Avary Grace,

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fashion

Amazing Gracie

Charm School Collection

(left) Sweet Sadie Ruffled Apron Dress $54 Available in sizes 18m to 6 (right) Mon Ange: My Angel $46 Baby Dress Sizes 12m to 7

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fashion

Amazing Gracie

Charm School Collection

Floral Hooded Rain Poncho $46 Small fits 3,4,5 Medium fits 6,7,8

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fashion

Amazing Gracie

Charm School Collection

(left) Everyday Dress $42 Sizes 18m to 7 (right) Seaside Apron Knot Top $46

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interior

designer tips from:

tobi fairley Tobi Fairley has a signature look that is fresh and simple combining colorful, large-scale prints with classic furniture styles for a beautiful and functional result.

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interior How did you get started designing? I have been very creative since early childhood. But, I count my mother as a huge inspiration in my development as a design er. Though not trained as a designer herself, she has amazing natural abilities when it comes to decorat ing. I learned so much from her long before heading to design school. I always say when it comes to style, you either have it or you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t and my mom definitely has it! I also have a great aunt and a cousin from Texas who have design degrees so they were the first people to introduce me to the idea of design as a profession.

What is your design style? Over the years, I have devel oped a very clean and edited style punctuated by color. Many of my interiors are neutral backdrops with pops of sophisticated color. Bold graphic patterns are also a hallmark of the Tobi Fairley style. Most everything I create is rooted in traditional elements but executed in a fresh and current way.

What are some of the most important elements par ents should consider when designing their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rooms? Parents should think about longevity of the design. Will the furniture elements grow up with their children? Have you provided areas that will accom modate their activities and interests? A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room should really be a representationof their personality and individuality, but also something that the parents are comfortable with and proud of. A perfect col laboration between child and parent equals the most success.

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What are some of the hottest trends in in terior design right now? I’m seeing a lot of traditional fabric designs being brought back with fresh new color palettes and used in an updated way. Bolder colors and larger scales are still going strong. There are a lot of new preppy pink and green looks for girls rooms lately that I happen to love. I’m also using a lot of dynamic combos of reds and blues which work great for boys of any age.

What should a parent consider when design ing a room that will withstand through their teenage years? After the infant/toddler years, I’m a fan of using quality “adult” furniture. Chil dren can grow into these pieces which makes for a smarter investment for the parents. Your softgoods like bedding and drapery can be up dated over time to work with the key furniture pieces keeping the look fresh and fun for kids as they move through different stages of life.

How do you create a space that is functional and practical yet modern and chic? I apply my same style principles to kids rooms that I apply to other spaces. As far as functional ity, you must analyze who is using the space and how are they using it. If you can combine function, comfort, and style in a kids room, then I consider that a home run!

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interior

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interior

vintage charm photography by life in motion

Mom Amanda, on how she created the perfect nursery for baby Annsleeâ&#x20AC;Ś With the help of Gina Allen of Gina Lucchi Interiors, we were able to make the perfect nursery for our sweet baby girl, Annslee Nichole. We wanted to stay with light, neutral colors and incorporate pink accents throughout the room. My husband and I plan on having more chil dren, so we wanted a crib that could be utilized for both boy and girl. The essential furniture elements the crib, rocking chair and changing table were all custom designed. One of my favorite things in Annslee's room is the chande lier; it's full of bright colors and catches everyone's attention when they walk in. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent many hours on the floor playing with toys and reading books. It's a warm and cozy place and there isn't one thing I would change.

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interior

photography by life in motion

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My Pink Room photography by pinkle toes photography

interior

Melanie describes the inspiration behind her daughter's room: Since she was born, I was obsessed with owls. I don't know why, but I just decided that it would be her signature animal. We started out with the owl pillow from Target and it just grew from there. Upon moving out the crib, I wanted to do something girly, but not too princess y and felt that the vintage, charming look of the love 'n nature set from Target was perfect for this (and you can't beat the price, either).

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The bookcase is probably my favor ite part of the room. It wasn't ex pensive at all and I was so surprised to see how sturdy and well made it was. The roof that opens up is such a clever way for her to hide her little treasures.

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Patricia Halpin Interiors photography by ted yardwood

Patricia’s designs are the embodiment of timeless el egance. Whether designing a Contemporary, Transi tional or Traditional space she prefers to incorporate the classical and enduring elements of each genre. This results in spaces which are functional, reflective of her clients’ individuality and that outlast trends and fads. The real reward in this type of work is the satisfaction which is derived from collaborating with clients to define their visions for their homes and translate them into reality. This room was part of the Junior League of Toronto Showhouse. This was their fifth JLT showhouse project. The design was a tribute to Sunnybrook’s Women and Babies Program. With both mother and newborn in mind the room was designed to be soothing yet stimulating. Bold contemporary wallpaper provides the backdrop to the room and establishes the rooms fashion for ward fuchsia and white palate. Glamorous elements are introduced by the incorporation of crystal, pearls and glass in the design features.

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interior In keeping with the environmentally responsible requirements of this project, the furniture in the room was sourced from local vintage stores. The bassinette creates a beautiful focal point for the room. Dressed by reusing a silk satin bridal gown, the bassinette meets the green requirement for the design, and adds sentimental value to t he room. The dresser was given new life with a coat of zero VOC paints and special details like new crystal knobs. The rattan hanging chair provides an update to the traditional nursery by replacing the traditional rocking chair. The rough rattan chair was given a smooth finish with new paint. Natural silk and hemp fabrics used for the accent cushions further soften the chairs previously rough de meanour. The use of textures throughout the room provides further visual interest. The shiny smooth silk satin gracing the bassinette, natural silks, fluffy stuffed animals, faux fur shag area rug, refurbished hard wood for the floors and cozy natural cotton flannel bedding enhance visual interest and provide baby with a diverse tactile environment to explore as she grows. All of these elements combine to create a room perfect for a princess. The furnishings and mouldings are blended with a contemporary mix of graphic patterns, shapes and textures to design a space that exem plifies â&#x20AC;&#x153;baby glamâ&#x20AC;?

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lifestyle

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lifestyle

eyes that sparkle Pinkle Toes Photography

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lifestyle

Pinkle Toes Photography

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lifestyle

Pinkle Toes Photography

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lifestyle

rockin family

photography by Laura Rauch

Three year old triplets are not easy to photograph but these kids were great. We wanted to do a vintage style shoot with a 50's vibe. This Dad loves his cars so we were happy to highlight his 1938 Ford Custom Hot Rod. To keep the kids involved we had them spying on Mom and Dad in the truck, playing with their cars, "working" on the truck where they boys actually got some grease on them and drinking soda from vintage style glass bottles.

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photography by Laura Rauch

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photography by Laura Rauch

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photography by Nicole Haley

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designed

Hey Diddle Diddle â&#x20AC;Śthe Cow Jumped Over the Moon event type

brit milah (baby circumcision)

photography

vera francesqui

This whimsical baby theme was created for a Brit Milah based on the classic bedtime story. The yellow and blue color scheme is perfect for a new baby boy and those cud dly cows add just the right hint of playfulness. A dessert table brimming with delight ful sweets for guests to take home was decorated with "clouds" floating cupcakes and other yummy treats. The custom designed bookmarks at each place setting let guests know that a collection of bedtime stories were donated to a local orphanage in lieu of party favors along with custom designed receiving blankets which draped over some of the guest tables. The beautiful flowers and plush cows were also donated.

event cast Photography Vera Francesqui | Event Design and Planning Design 42 by Fortuna Ludmir | Linens Nuage Designs | Flowers La Orquidea Design

Strawberry Farm annabelle turns 3 event type

birthday party

photography

maggie russo photo

In early February my sweet little Annabelle got a new Strawberry tutu from Gymbo ree and as soon as she got it she told me she wanted to have a strawberry party so she could wear it.....and so the planning for her 3rd birthday began! I knew in my head I wanted the style to be vintage strawberry, homespun and farm chic all wrapped into one! I used red gingham, fun polka dots and accented with a bit of retro aqua. I love the pop of aqua against the red...it adds that little bit of retro charm that I love.

event cast Photography Maggie Russo Photo | Party Styling and Printables Sara De St. Jean (The Homespun Host ess) | Desserts Little Miss Sweet Tooth

carnival fun neighborhood event event type

middle school celebration

photography

alli mcwhinney photography

There is nothing like a neighborhood party to end the school year. This event was for all graduating eighth graders entering freshman year of high school Fall 2011. We figured a carnival theme would be just the right fit to kick the summer off. This included pop corn, cotton candy, cupcakes, live entertainment, concession stands and prizes. The kids had a great time as DJ Rodney Page entertained with violin playing and music. The Jack and Jill color palette made it suitable for both eighth grade boys and girls.

Deejay photo (personal camera)

Pretty In Pink for Sera's First Birthday event type

first birthday

photography

minmi photography

This lovely vision of pink is from a very special little girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first birthday. The guest of honor, Sera, celebrated her one year in style. With a strong Korean back ground her parents wanted to display their heritage, customs, and traditions with also keeping it fun and girly. From the simply scrumptious cherry blossom trees with hanging globes of flower blooms to the playful birthday table featuring Seraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own flower display; this could not have been a better way to celebrate the first year of this little princess.

event cast Photography (Main) MNM Photography | Photography Nick Yutaka | Floral Enchanted Florist | Linens Wildflower Linens | Event Design Petite Productions

Bar Mitzvah sports extravaganza event type

bar mitzvah

photography

abby rose photography

This "got game" sports theme bar mitzvah was event design at its finest. Including met al silhouettes hung from the ceiling, outstanding food with custom signs; and yummy appetizers

the cutest part was that the servers all wore t shirts printed with whatever

they were passing. Every kid was treated to a sweet, customized pair of Nike sneakers! StarTrax MC's Teddy Bear and Josh kept the energy up all night while they feasted on the cutest late night snacks

mini hot dogs with their own little mustard!

It's a Girl event type

baby shower

photography

john solano photography

What better way to celebrate a baby girl than with beautiful pink chandeliers, ruffles, flowers and butterflies. This was a party that the mother to beâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in laws had at their home and they wanted it to be very special for the birth of their first grandchild. She loves butterflies so that was the underlying theme threaded throughout with touches of butterflies in the cake, the party favors, the lighting and the flowers. The cocktail area was designed with a very shabby chic look using furniture and pops of color from the flowers. The dinner area was meant to feel very feminine and ethereal. The bar was a custom built mirrored bar with pink butterfly decals and the tables had gorgeous linen and chair covers...The buffet room was draped with gorgeous pink chiffon that gave the room a warm and elegant feel. The details of the baby shower made all the difference for the bride turned mother to be.

event cast Photography John Solano | Event Planner/Designer Exquisite Events | Decor/Furniture Revelry | Florist

Event Photography by Justin Lee

Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations is a creative event design company specializing in modern luxury and out of the box design ideas. Founded by Vanessa Van Wieren, she and her team infuses each event and invitation with her background and passion for interior design, fine art and illustrations. From custom designed fabric and linens, creative installations and dessert bars, each event is completely unique and memorable with a modern and edgy twist.

"Elegance, jeweled antiques, and vintage barnum & bailey were the major influences in our design." This French soiree was co ed and a celebration for both of the sophisticated and stylish parents. We went with a pale pink, baby blue and onyx palette for baby Genevieve along with a Parisian circus vibe to play off of the French influence of New Orleans and to add a whimsical element. Inspired by the whimsy and eccentricity of an early 1900’s Parisian circus we wanted the shower to feel glamorous, whimsical, opu lent and for guests to say ‘ooh la la’ upon entering! The entire room was washed and ensconced with baby blue lighting to create an ethereal effect while the ruffled, pagoda style umbrellas hung at varying heights creating drama over the dining tables. The walls were sprinkled with custom circus posters and white ceramic elephants guarded Evian bottles emblazoned with a Christian Lacroix print that were the guests take home gifts. The entire evening had that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that can only be ex pressed in the French language of love, and guests exclaimed that they felt truly transported to another place!”

ďż˝vent design {custom invitations | florals | event decor | specialty linens} 734.786.1620 www.doobydesign.com

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