It was on my list for the things to do for this 2011… so here I am!
I will be running the City2Surf and, at the same time, raising money for the wonderful Guide Dogs Australia. It’s going to be heaps of fun, there will be targets and depending on the result big or huge donations. If you feel you would like to contribute as well, please feel free to visit my page and donate as much or as little as you like.
xx Lilac
You probably have noticed my increasing love and interest in event planning… It pretty much started here in Australia, but then a year ago New Yorker Amy Atlas showed me that there is another level of event planning, decorations and styling. She is the master in dessert tables and it seems that she started some sort of new trend, because there are now many other businesses walking down the same path, I’d say with reasons.
Think about it: you organise an event and in a little corner, you put together something so divine, so special, that each and everyone of your guests will remember that one last melting-in-your-mouth macaroon or the perfect icing on the cupcake and how beautiful the ensemble looked. Doesn’t matter if the risotto was overcooked or the salmon fillet too raw… it’s all about creating a strong, happy memory, and what is best than joyful guests leaving the party with smile on their faces?
The photographer is Monique Simone and her friend Azar is the clever mind running Montreal wedding planner business, Principal Planner. The tables you see here is the cooperation between the two friends, both working on a blog named Bride Scouts. Of course they live in Canada, but I am sure you can find plenty of inspiration to recreate something similar everywhere you are.
Photo courtesy of Monique Simone
City2Surf
Glamorous Pronovias 2012 Advance Collection
When you were a kid, did you ever played afternoon teas with all your dolls? Well maybe not, but I am sure you’ve had afternoon teas with your families, to celebrate birthdays, a bridal shower, or simply to spend some time with your closest friends to catch up over chocolate macaroons and cupcakes. I believe it is one of the nicest things to do, coming from Italy it is something I started to appreciate only since my arrival in Australia.
Pretty much like what these two sisters did here… they created a Valentine’s Day afternoon tea, but instead of the usual red, they opted for pastel colours. Adorable, in particular the cupcakes presented in the vintage tea cups… don’t you want to get organising something similar straight away?
Jenny Haas is also the super talented photographer behind these shoots… there are more on her website, have a look here and let me know what you think.
Photo courtesy of Jenny Haas Photography
City2Surf
There is one little project I have been working on since around May last year and I haven’t talked much about… On top of my full time job, I assisted a lovely girl to organise her wedding. Now please don’t picture me with microphones, tools straps under my jacket, running schedules to the minutes and Prada shoes… That’s not really me.
Organising a wedding is a fantastic experience, it gives you the chance to work with extremely talented and passionate professional, but it’s hard work, and on top of the long weeks of preparations, on the day I was on my feet for approximately 16 hours, running around, moving furniture, organising tables, flowers, church, making sure everything was perfect and most of all, that everyone was having a wonderful time.
I believe it was a great success, both guests and bridal party had a blast and I am sure they won’t easily forget. Which in the end is what really matters, right? There are few lessons I learnt along the way… things would be good to remind myself for the next wedding.
First of all what I believe is beautiful, is not necessary the rule for all. Everyone has a very personal taste, and you can suggest, recommend, but don’t push too much because at the very last minute, they won’t like it.
Having contacts is essential, but building good relationships is even more. Wedding industry unfortunately means that everything is more expensive that it normally is, and there are extra charges jumping out at every corner. I believe going for small boutique businesses is the way, having a personal relationship with individuals rather than large organisations is fantastic on both professional and personal level and everyone can only benefit from this.
Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat something throughout the day… if you faint, you’re not very useful to anyone! (I didn’t faint, but the first glass of water was at 6pm, and the first bite at 8.30pm… in my defence, I was running all day and couldn’t stop. Ok, no excuse… I promise, next time I will drink lots of water!)
And last, wear comfortable shoes on the wedding day and then get changed just before reception starts. If you try to look nice and presentable whilst doing all the hard work, you will end up with blown up feet, a terrible backache and some serious difficulties to walk around by the end of the night. So no, no Prada shoes… snickers are much much better!
A full reportage as soon as I get pics from the bride, in the meantime this is a sneak peak from my mobile… the beautiful work by The Style Salon. Much much more to come…
Glamorous Pronovias 2012 Advance Collection
City2Surf
Every time I see pictures of table settings like the above, there is only one thing that come straight to my mind: I want to have a party!
The lovely Amy Atlas we mentioned before is not only an amazingly talented business woman, but also an extremely nice person. If you happen to read her blog you will see that she likes to promote other businesses doing exactly what she does: stunning table decorations for beautiful events. Recently, she spotted this one here that I have the pleasure to share with you!
Culinary Crafts is a catering company from Utah (I know, a bit far from Australia or Italy, but inspiration doesn’t have to be always from somewhere local, right?) and the occasion for this fantastic table is a birthday party. Love the colours, the cake, the macarons and all those lollies… I want to be 3 years old again!
Photo courtesy of Amy Atlas and Culinary Crafts
City2Surf