The Sweet Table Boutique: Roaring Twenties Dessert Table

One of the reasons why I decided to expand La Dolce Idea’s services to dessert table styling a few years ago was because I LOVE sweets. Not only for the heavenly taste (even though I stay away from sugar as much as I can) but also for the infinite possibilities when it comes to the design. Today, bakers and cake decorators are true artists and they can can create pretty much anything matching a color palette, a theme or a style.

A great example is the dessert table I designed for Sherilyn and Ryan’s wedding at The Prado. I posted pictures from their wedding in a previous post HERE and today I have beautiful images of their 12 feet sweet spread to share with you.

Rich with mixed gold and silver metallics and rhinestones, the dessert table was displayed right at the entrance of the Ballroom as a focal point. A sequin linen finished the opulent look.

The couple wanted a mix of candy and desserts to entertain the guests during the reception. You will spot mini cupcakes, cake pops, macarons, cookies, all custom designed with the art deco theme in mind.

The gold cake pops had a cute silver bow tie accent.

The cake was an exact replica of the Stanley Cup (the groom is a huge hockey fan and player) and the cake topper was, of course, the perfect match!

Venue: The Prado at Balboa Park

Styling, Stands, Trays, Signs: La Dolce Idea Weddings & Soirees

Desserts: Grove Pastry Shop; La Reine Des Macarons

Linen: Elegant Party Rentals

Photography: Jenny Thai Photography

 

What I liked about Sherilyn and Ryan’s wedding

Working with Sherilyn and Ryan on their wedding was a fantastic experience, not only because she is extremely talented and creative – and he is wonderful, but also because she’s very sweet and a lot of fun. I truly enjoyed every single minute of my relationship with them.

Sherilyn designed the entire wedding around the Roaring Twenties, with a vibrant gold – gray palette enhanced by metallic accents and glamorous feathers and glitter, Every single details was taken care of, from the flapper dancers to the vintage getaway car. It looked like we were all transported back in time for an entire day. Here’s the invitation that she created with an art deco design. Yes, she did it!

Dresses, suits and all the accessories matched the style of the day.

The couple selected The Prado at Balboa Park for their celebration and they said “I do” under a crystal chandelier at the Casa Del Rey Moro Gardens.

After the ceremony, the entire wedding party went around town for pictures on a vintage trolley.

Escort cards were attached to mini Champagne bottles with feathers in different colors corresponding to the guest’s entree choice. Sherilyn and her bridesmaids glittered each bottle and tied each card. The results were impressive!

The festivities continued in the Ballroom where the sparkle and glam grabbed every guest’s attention. Tall and low centerpieces featured delicate flowers embellished with beads, glitter, and feathers. Table numbers were glittered in silver and candles had rhinestone bands.

Sherilyn designed all the paper items from the menu card to the event program and finished them with brooches and feathers.

Right before the grand entrance, a group of flapper dancers performed and introduced the newlyweds.

The evening was filled with happiness and fun, and Matt with Choice Entertainment kept the guests dancing all night.

Guests loved the photo booth!

The dessert table was 12 feet long and it had different types of sweets. The cake was an exact replica of the Stanley Cup (Ryan is a huge hockey fan). More about the dessert table in the next blog post.

Sherilyn and Ryan left the Prado with a vintage getaway car, the perfect photo op 🙂

Congratulations to the couple, it was a privilege to be part of their special day!

Read the raving post on Instagram from Sherilyn HERE.

Coordination; Dessert Table: La Dolce Idea Weddings & Soirees
Venue: The Prado at Balboa Park
Beauty: Makeup By Shelby
Rentals: Concepts Event Design
Flowers and Linens: Sweet Ribbon Events
Ceremony Music: Eliana Strings
DJ; Lighting: Choice Entertainment
Photo: Jenny Thai Photography
Trolley: Old Town Trolley
Getaway Car: Haynes Chauffeuring
Photo Booth: Mr. Photobox
Video: Everlasting Video Wedding

What I liked about Hope and Zack’s Wedding

I feel blessed for working with the most beautiful couples, inside and out. Hope and Zack are a very stylish couple, and stunning together!

Their San Diego wedding weekend started with a fun rehearsal dinner at Fox Sports Grill.

Zack’s mother, Carole and I designed a beach-themed setting with colorful beach towels and bags, tropical flowers, and sunscreen favors.

The dessert table featured starfish shaped sugar cookies and cupcakes with coral toppers.

The wedding day at the Hotel Del Coronado was flawless, and bride and groom looked amazing!

Hope’s bouquet was made with brooches and jewels among white orchids, and her dress was to die for!

Well, also the shoes were to die for! Don’t you agree?

Zack and Hope were very pleased with my services, I literally “saved” them from another wedding planner who apparently didn’t perform in a satisfactory way. They hired me a few weeks before the wedding and their celebration was beautiful!

Read Zack’s and his mother Carole’s reviews on my fan blog HERE, HERE, and HERE! Zack also left a review on WeddingWire.

REHEARSAL DINNER
Venue: Fox Sports Grill
Desserts: Grove Pastry Shop
Flowers: Cherry Blossom Floral Designs
Specialty Linens: Sweet Ribbon Events
Photography: Emilio Azevedo

WEDDING
Venue: Hotel Del Coronado
Photography: True Photography

What I liked about Patricia and Ivan’s wedding

When I first met Patricia and Ivan I knew a fabulous wedding was going to happen: Patricia is a talented graphic designer and she had a very specific – and gorgeous – vision in mind.

The color palette was blush pink and gold with black accents. Personal flowers included spray roses and anemones, Patricia’s favorites. Her bouquet was tied with a blush pink and black ribbon and a rhinestone buckle.

The couple got married at the St. John Evangelist Church and selected the Renaissance San Diego Hotel as their reception venue.

The reception arrangements were enhanced with crystal candelabra, gold urns, and dramatic candlelight. Specialty linens were rented in blush pink satin and taffeta with gold sequin runners to add a pop of metallic.

Many of the wedding items were designed and printed by Patricia (including their monogram that was used for the invitations and other paper items, and their gobo). This is a clear example of how DIY can really shine at a wedding if done the right way.

The cake was an exclusive design by Patricia.

Favors were mini origami-style ceramic cranes.

Sparklers marked the grand finale. It was a beautiful celebration and, thanks to La Dolce Idea, bride and groom were able to enjoy their day with family and friends!

You can see more pictures from this beautiful wedding on La Dolce Idea’s website, and on San Diego Style Weddings (yes, the wedding was published on this prestigious magazine!)

Ceremony site: St. John Evangelist Church

Reception venue: Renaissance Hotel San Diego

Rentals (linens) and floral design: Sweet Ribbon Events

Bakery: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company

Entertainment: My DJs

Transportation: Epic Limo

Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booths

Videography: 618 Studios

Thank you to Jackie Wonders for the gorgeous pictures!

 

What I liked about Lauren and Jonathan’s wedding

Have you ever worked with one of those “dream” couples wishing that all of your clients were like them? This is what Lauren and Jonathan are: a dream bride and groom! From the moment I met them (actually, Jonathan is the brother of another “dream” bride of mine, Jordana) I knew their wedding would be just perfect!

They selected the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as their wedding location. Jonathan’s love for felines was one of the reasons why they choose the park, and the natural scenery played a very important role in their vision.

We took advantage of the fantastic backdrop at the African Plains Overlook to create the perfect ceremony site. They exchanged their vows while Minister Bob Stevens officiated and a string quartet played in the background.

Cocktail hour was all about the breathtaking view and fun music with steel drummers honoring Jonathan’s Caribbean side of the family.

Geraldine with Dolldine Designs did an amazing job with the invitation and all the paper items on the wedding day. Each table was named after an exotic animal and guests had to match their escort card with the corresponding figurine displayed at their table.

The reception area (Mombasa Pavilion) was transformed into a magical outdoor space with soft, flowing draping, and a multitude of lights hanging from the ceiling with paper lanterns and grapevine balls. The natural earthy palette was accented with wood, metals, jungle-inspired elements, and beautiful florals by Cherry Blossom Floral Designs. Specialty linens by Sweet Ribbon Events complemented the sophisticated safari look.

Guests were treated to some special animal appearances before dinner including Jonathan’s favorite: a cheetah! Very cool 🙂

It was a memorable night with lots of dancing thanks to JMC Events, and guests enjoyed the hora loca towards the end of the reception which is a carnival-style celebration following the Venezuelan traditions (Jonathan’s family roots).

We also provided a very delicious dessert table that I will feature in my next blog post – Stay tuned for all the details!

You can see more pictures from Lauren and Jonathan’s wedding on my website. Lauren’s testimonial is on my fan blog 🙂

Design, Planning & Coordination: La Dolce Idea
Venue: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Hair and Makeup: Patricia Norvell
Paperie: Dolldine Designs
Officiant: Robert Stevens
Decor / Rentals: Raphael’s Party Rentals
Specialty Linens: Sweet Ribbon Events
Floral Design: Cherry Blossom Floral Designs
String Trio: Caprice Strings
Steel Drum Band: Mirage Band
DJ / MC: JMC Events
Photo Booth: A Little Scene
Transportation: Epic Limo
Photo: True Photography – Thank you for the fabulous pictures!

What I liked about Kelsey and Robert’s Wedding

This was truly an affair to remember for several reasons. Bride and groom were the sweetest ever, the location was perfect for their celebration, and the details were exquisite.

Kelsey and Robert selected The Inn At Rancho Santa Fe to tie the knot in front of family and friends. The entire wedding (ceremony and reception) took place outdoors and dancing continued under the stars.

Kelsey thought about everything to make their guests comfortable and entertained throughout the day. When they arrived for the ceremony, a display with lemonade, bottled water and parasols was waiting for them.

The ceremony site was decorated with vintage rentals (including a double door), cascading floral arrangements, and a metal arch with a chandelier.

At cocktail hour, vintage seating areas were scattered on the Lawn for guests to mingle and enjoy. Handmade bar signs listed the signature cocktails, bride’s and groom’s favorites.

An open air photo booth was set next to cocktails for the guests’ enjoyment. Images were then hung on a vintage velvet backdrop to create a photo gallery.

The seated reception featured specialty lace overlays, fabulous table numbers and menu cards, and personalized macaron favors.

Instead of escort cards, Kelsey and Robert rented an antique door to display the seating chart.

Cake and dessert tables (one for Kelsey and one for Robert with a bottle of Jack Daniels as the groom’s cake) looked amazing!

Guests went home with a lovely lavender sachet after a night filled with fun, laughter and dancing.

Congratulations to Kelsey and Robert, it was a privilege to be part of your big day! And thanks to Catherine for being a fantastic coordinator in my team 🙂

You can see the entire gallery on my website and read Kelsey’s testimonial on my fan blog. Thanks to True Photography for the marvelous images!

Coordination: La Dolce Idea Weddings & Soirees
Venue: The Inn At Rancho Santa Fe
Dessert Table Styling & Decor: La Dolce Idea Weddings & Soirees
Bakeries: Heaven Sent Desserts; The French Gourmet
Hair & Makeup: Team Nicole
Flowers: Jolie Fleur
Linens (Overlays): Wildflower Linens
Vintage Rentals: Archive
Wedding Arch and Chandelier: Rhapsody Rentals
Ceremony Music: Vintage Strings
DJ / MC: Vario Productions
Photo: True Photography
Video: Taylor Films
Macarons: La Reine Des Macarons

 

 

 

 

The Sweet Table Boutique – Gold and bubble gum pink dessert bar

Happy Sweet Day! I’m here to tempt you with some very delicious desserts and candy from a table that I styled for a fabulous wedding couple. Yajhaira and Ricardo got married at La Valencia (read the post HERE) and the bride wanted to give sweet favors to their guests. What could be better than a dessert bar? A mix of candy and desserts matching the glam and vibrant color palette (gold and bubble gum pink) were displayed on a majestic wooden table provided by La Valencia against a mirrored wall.

Enjoy the pictures!

Cake pops were finished with gold edible glitter and the sticks were covered with gold crystals.

The chocolate-dipped Oreos were gone in five minutes! They looked amazing with the sugar paste roses and gold edible glitter. Quick tip for displaying dessert items: Use ornate picture frames and insert a nice paper as background. Your desserts will look great in pictures!

Thank you to True Photography for the amazing pictures!
Chocolate-dipped Oreos and cake pops: Anjolie’s Sweet Treats

What I liked about Yajhaira and Ricardo’s wedding

Blush pink and gold were the colors for this lovely wedding in La Jolla and I knew it would be a memorable one. Yajhaira and Ricardo selected La Valencia for their ceremony and reception that took place on a warm, sunny day.

Kiyoko with Cherry Blossom Floral Designs did a fabulous job with personal flowers (Yajhaira’s bouquet was to die for!) and at the ceremony area by creating delicate arrangements in gold urns, and floral patterns on the aisle.

The wedding party wore pastel colors and each bridesmaid was paired to a groomsman wearing a tie with the same color like her dress.

Geraldine with Dolldine Designs created all the stationery for the wedding. Escort cards with gold and blush pink lace patterns were displayed at the entrance of the Veranda Room along with delicate blooms.

A mariachi band entertained the guests at the cocktail hour terrace with a breathtaking view of the ocean.

The Verandah Room looked amazing thanks to Cherry Blossom Floral Designs’ centerpieces (a mix of tall and low arrangements), rose petals and gold candlelights. Gold crushed taffeta linens and chair treatments by Sweet Ribbon Events added glam, and table numbers with blush pink lace patterns by Dolldine Designs were the final touch.

After dinner Yajhaira and Ricardo treated their guests to a sweet party: a delicious cake by CAKE was served to the guests, and a superb dessert table designed by me in shades of gold and blush pink was the main attraction during dancing. I will have more details about this in my next blog post!

Thanks to my fantastic team for making Yajhaira and Ricardo’s dream come true!

Planning: La Dolce Idea Weddings & Soirees
Venue: La Valencia Hotel
Officiant: Ceremonies By Bethel
Specialty linens, chair treatments: Sweet Ribbon Events
Flowers: Cherry Blossom Floral Designs
Mariachi Band: Mariachi Diamante
DJ / MC: JMC Events
Cake: CAKE
Dessert Table: La Dolce Idea
A huge thank you to True Photography for the wonderful pictures!

You can visit my website for more pictures 🙂

What I liked about Daniel and Milton’s wedding

Daniel and Milton will always have a special place in my heart. Besides being a genuine, brilliant, loving, caring, stylish and fun couple they also created one of the most memorable celebrations in my career. We met by chance at the US Grant Hotel while I was setting up for a photo shoot, and they stopped by to compliment me on the tabletop I styled. I remember Daniel telling me “We are getting married and we want something like this!” while pointing at my tabletop. It was the beginning of a wonderful relationship and I think it was meant to be.

I immediately recommended the US Grant Hotel for their reception because it was exactly how I envisioned their wedding. The rest is history… After several meetings to discuss their vision (platinum grey and soft pink in honor of Daniel’s mother who lost her battle with cancer a few months before, understated elegance, an affair to remember), an unforgettable menu tasting with the one and only Ed Kutch (laughter and excitement filled the room for the entire meal), and months of planning, the big day arrived. And it was magical.

The grooms wore matching outfits: black slacks, pink vests and bowties, and white tuxedo jackets. Their two dogs were also dressed up for the occasion and they looked fabulous!

The ceremony took place at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in beautiful Balboa Park. Dozens of visitors joined the couple’s family and friends to witness their union. There were a lot of enthusiastic cheers and handclaps when Rev. Deborah Young introduced Daniel and Milton as a married couple!

Personalized menu cards were displayed at each place setting together with chapstick (what was exchanged on their first date) tied with a custom pink ribbon, and an imprinted silver box with Hershey’s Kisses chocolates.

The fun continued in the Celestial Ballroom at the US Grant where tall centerpieces on platinum silver linens with soft pink napkins welcomed guests. The sweetheart table was a custom square tabletop decorated with floral arrangements on the front sides. The couple’s names were projected on the draping behind their table.

Jerry Beck with Beck’s Entertainment kept the party going until the end, and a mariachi band performed for Milton’s dance with his mother (and Daniel joined the two).

The towering cake was a big focal point in the Ballroom: it featured an elegant pattern accented with rhinestone and flowers.

The grand finale was a dessert table that I styled with the wedding colors in mind (gray and pink), and the backdrop was a fabulous painting from one of Milton’s sisters. I will share more details in my next blog post 🙂

Congratulations to Daniel and Milton on their wedding, and I wish them many, many happy anniversaries!

You can see more pictures on my website. Thanks to Aaron Willcox Photography for capturing those moments!

Ceremony Venue: Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Officiant: Rev. Deborah Young
Ceremony Music: Eliana Strings; Dr. Carol Williams
Reception Venue: The US Grant Hotel
Cocktail Hour Music: Sam Hosking
Reception DJ / MC, Lighting: Beck’s Entertainment
Mariachi Band: Mariachi Del Mar
Flowers: Wholesale Flowers
Linens: Sweet Ribbon Events
Sweetheart Table: Hire Elegance
Stationery: Dolldine Designs
Bakery: Cake
Transportation: Epic Limo
Photography: Aaron Willcox Photography

 

Find La Dolce Idea on San Diego Style Weddings

I”m very excited to be featured on the latest issue of San Diego Style Weddings: Patricia and Ivan’s wedding is featured in the magazine 🙂

I will post more pictures of their celebration soon, stay tuned for all the details!