Phun with Photography

It's been a while since my last blog post! Sorry for the delay. Wedding season has been in full throttle here at Solea Events! Thank you to all my loyal readers. I can't believe the amount of viewers! Anyway, lets get right into it...

I thought I would do a post on some photography. The more vendors I work with, the more you are exposed to all sorts of different techniques. As a planner, you learn to literally pinpoint the right fit for each client. When I first meet clients and hear what they are looking for in their wedding, the wheels in my mind are spinning like crazy. I can usually already pinpoint who, what, when, where, why. Photographers each have their own creative and unique style. The ISPWP (International Soceity of Professional Wedding Planners) holds different contests for the best wedding photography. Creative photography is not for everyone so I get that. Some may see these and think, "I'd never want that as a wedding shot." Some people want simple, some people want soft and romantic, some people want elegant. But there are definately people who want creativity at its best. And here are some...

Definately one of my favorites.... this is the kind of shot that makes you want the story behind them.

                                           Source: Matt Adock | Del Sol Photography
The next shot is beyond captivating...there are simply no words.. I mean seriously how does face powder just randomly swirl like that..!

Source: Daniel Stark Photography

The next shot is light, fun and silly...simply great

                                          Source: Ekaterina Mukhina| Purlita


Modern, clean, fabulous...

Source: Rafa Ibanez

"Kids will be kids" category...

Source: Nicola Nesi

Walking in the ceremony....what a shot.

Derrick Ong Photography

Framing details...

Olivia Brown

Though I've seen more romantic first dance shots, Im not really sure you can top this angle and creativity.

                                                              Jeff Cooke Photography

Simply adorable...

Aaron Willcox

Beautifully captured...

Jan Garcia

Okay fine i'm a sucker for emotion....

Kathryn Krueger

                                                    

I love this..you can get this shot done in Miami through the mangroves...truly creative

                                                          Citlalli Rico

Don't be afraid to have a little fun!!!

 

Daniel Ribeiro

                                                                  Denis Kulichkov


Those are just a few out of some amazing photographs. Check out www.ispwp.com for more!!

xoxo,
Ale

{Yulien & Christopher} Moroccan Night at Villa Woodbine

One of my favorite decor themes has always been Moroccan. There's something really beautiful and different about their vibrant colors and all those beautiful lanterns. I remember when I was really young I fell in love with the idea so much that I made my mom transform my room into what I thought was Moroccan paradise for a 10 year old. It really just consisted of aqua walls and a mosquito net over my bed. Several years later, although my idea of decor has expanded, i'm still obsessed with the theme. When Yulien mentioned to me that she had been buying Moroccan items for her wedding way before she even met her groom, I think I squealed. Not to mention the venue was one of my favorites in Miami....

Villa Woodbine is a beautiful mansion in Coconut Grove. It's a Mediterranean look nestled amongst lush greenery that makes you feel really private and intimate.

Usually people tent this outdoor area and hold the reception here. But Yulien's wedding was more intimate and she wanted it indoors which was different. Everything about the wedding was refreshing....I love a client who isnt afraid of color...

 

 

The bride was pretty DIY. We handled the flowers and decor but she picked everything out ! This wedding a great example of how little details can make a big difference....aren't these table numbers beautiful?

 
 

 She even printed her own beautiful menu cards...still can't believe how good they came out... The food was of course in theme. All catering was handled by Bill Hansen and included delicious items such "shredded beef samosa with indian spices and crsip phylo served with tomato chutney" & "roasted chicken tagine with cous cous, pistachio and dates".

The cake was a beautiful job just covered in vibrant colors. We had an assortment of cupcakes and shooters as well. There wasnt a cake riser and I feel the cake should always be nice and tall. We found a rounded vase and stuck some flowers underneath it for some flare...important to think of quick ideas like this.

  

 

 It was a beautiful and flawless evening . I was happy to be a part of Yulien and Chris's special day and we wish them all the best!
xoxo
Alejandra

|Photos: Anna Eli Kim Photography| Cake/Sweets: Sweetness Bakery | Catering: Bill Hansen | Music: Mobile Mixologist| Linen: Touch of Class | Entertainment: Ashira BellyDance |

Spotlight: The Cooper Estate

We're back! We were on a little vacation during off-season but now its back in action just in time for event season. Some things have changed around here! I have accepted a position as a planner with Solea Events based in Miami Beach, Florida. So this blog will not only feature trends, but I will also be featuring some of my own weddings!

As a planner, we get invited to several networking events and fun things around Miami. The latest was an open house for a new venue in Miami called The Cooper Estate. This one particularly stood out because just a few weeks ago I had seen their spread in The Knot Florida and it really caught my attention....




Aside from being a beautiful shot, it caught my attention because of its rustic look. Rustic is the latest look that brides are going for. I kind of like to think this trend took off because it's really easy to get the rustic look on a low budget... but who knows. In a city like Miami, getting this look can be a little challenging. There arent many spaces that appeal to this. Brides are always saying i want a vineyard look, a barn look, a flowery field vintage look....umm hello we are in Miami!! Where am I going to find a vineyard?!! Finding a barn is a bit more feasible with Horse Country and all...but it is still a challenge. Sometimes you have something run down or with no air conditioning..so its difficult. This is where this venue comes in....

The barn was renovated by the owner (who happens to be an interior designer..) Regina. When you see this barn, you immediately think of the word "gem". It is located in the Redlands so it is a little far out which I was concerned about. I thought to myself it really had to be something beautiful to make the trip worth it for wedding guests. And it was...




The capacity indoor is 200 if you keep the dancing outside by the grotto. If not, you can fit around 150. The grounds of the whole area are beautiful. There is an intimate and romantic ceremony space..


The picture doesnt do it justice. The main ceremony area has little creeks and waterfalls running down..its beautiful.

There is also a great big green lawn which can be a ceremony or cocktail option. And then theres their bridal suite...which I would love to live in. Its much bigger than most hotel suites and is a great photo op.


All in all its a beautiful venue and definately different which is so refreshing in this city...I cant wait for the opportunity to do a wedding here..the decor ideas are endless!

Ale
alejandra@soleaevents.com


(all photos taken from Cooper Estate website. I do not own any of them.)

Here comes baby!

For this post, I decided to focus on baby showers. I've been coordinating so many lately and have seen so many fun and fresh ideas I couldnt resist sharing them. Weddings arent the only events that have been evolving with time. Baby showers have become more and more non-traditional. My last baby shower ended up switching to a post-welcome baby reception due to the mommy to be going into labor earlier than expected! Planning a baby shower is easier than a wedding since there is less coordination needed. You should start by choosing a date and reserving the venue(not necesarry if you're doing it at home). You should think of your theme while deciding on the venue to make sure they go hand in hand. Also decide if it will be a co-ed shower or just women. The last thing to do is to plan an activity.


Themes are really important because once you pick the theme, then it will make planning everything easier like your invitations, menu, dress code, decorations, etc.

Themes

The ideas for themes are endless. This is particularly more challenging than choosing a theme for your wedding because with showers you can use more fun and detailed props such as animals, children's books, nursery rhymes, storks etc.

• Traditional Themes: Some people like to stay away from traditional because they think it automatically means boring. Well, you're wrong! I think traditional can be classic and beautiful without being boring. There is nothing sweeter than using traditional themes to welcome in a new baby. I would say the most traditional theme includes an animal. Rubber ducky, storks, teddy bears all make an adorable theme. In order to avoid the boring or cliche feel, try to have a little twist on the classic themes.
 



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Who says rubber duckys have to be yellow? Make it trendy and sweet with this adorable theme by adding matching desserts for a dessert table and passing around matching cocktails such as raspberry bellinis and strawberry margaritas!





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Storks have been used throughout the years as a theme. The story of the white stork delivering the bundled baby to the family's front porch. The stork is a great idea for a gender neutral theme if you dont want to find out the sex of the baby or give it away. Dont be afraid to try a modern take on this classic. Check out this "Stork Airlines" theme...
  
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 Animals are a really traditional theme. I personally love using elephants for a little boy! They are too cute..




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Childrens Books: Using books can be a great way to be inspired. There are so many classic books that can be used as a theme. Plus, you'll be stocked up on storybooks to read to the new addition!

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Dr. Seuss, Curious George, Peter Rabbit, and Mother Goose are all cute themes.

Mother Goose can be a great inspiration because there are so many classic rhymes.This shower was inspired by Mother Goose and matched its menu. With items such as Peter Piper Pickled Prawns, Mary Quite Contrary Garden Salad, Little Boy Blueberry scones and Miss Muffets Lemon Curd.

"Goldilox" tea sandwiches filled with cream cheese and smoked salmon can't be any cuter.

Ring Around The Rose Fools are such a pretty and delicious touch! An fruit fool is basically a mixture of whipped cream and fruit folded into it. This recipe includes strawberries and is topped with beautiful sugared rose petals. They placed the cups on top of folded doilies to make it look like they are floating on clouds. You can find the recipe here. 

Book themed shower can set for really pretty invitations. By going the antique and classic storybook route, you can have unique invites that will remind everyone of their favorite childhook storybook upon receipt.

A Peter Rabbit Theme is so sweet and traditional...

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Non-Traditional Themes: Of course, my excitement lies with non traditional themes because any opportunity to try something new and fun I will jump on ! All it takes is a little creativity and sometimes the inspiration is right in front of you...

Feeling ready to POP!

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This pop theme is so unique and original and makes so much sense! It doesnt only have to center around popcorn. Try incorporating other things that pop such as cake pops, bubbles, champagne, gum and pop rocks!

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bubbles pop too!


























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What about a shower theme? I mean literally..a shower!

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Rainboot Centerpieces!

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Rain water drinks and cotton candy used to resemble clouds!


Tea themed showers can create a really beautiful and serence ambiance. Keep the decor vintage and soft. Try to find a venue with an outdoor garden where there is some natural shade.


These nest inspired charger plates are to die for. Not to mention the incredible detail on the porcelain plates.

Tea themed showers are very refreshing and is great for Spring. It doesnt have to be the old geezer boring tea party that you may have in mind. Use tea parties as an inspiration and add your own unique ideas. (This theme can apply to a bridal shower as well!)

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Set up the gift opening area with a washed out wooden table and fresh flowers. Rent a vintage looking couch for the mom to be to sit comfortably while opening all her new gifts!

Another important detail for showers is the activity. People are getting tired of the same old boring games like "guess whats in the diaper" and "guess that baby food". Something cute I came across was a baby shower version of "Never Have I Ever". You can print out the list on some cute cards for each table and include things such as Never Have I Ever had a baby, flown on a plane, dyed my hair, etc. In other words, keep it PG :) Any guest who has done something listed has to place a coin in a piggy bank. This becomes a gift for the baby as her first piggy bank already filled with some funds!

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Something traditional that many people still do is giving the mommy and daddy advice. Sometimes this is done at bridal showers to give the future Mr and Mrs marriage advice. You can either set this up at its own table or place each card on the table setting. You can do a card tree for this at its own table also which is cute. You could use some of these cards to make a baby book with the baby's "First" activities.

Don't be afraid to get creative with showers! It's a great opportunity to use decor that is a little more out there than weddings.