A Casino-Themed Surprise Birthday Party

Themed parties are a lot of fun because you can let your creativity run wild with unique ides and personalized touches. This Casino-themed birthday party was definitely fun to design, and it was a surprise, too!

Geraldine with Dolldine Designs created a fun invitation resembling a playing card in the event colors (red, black and gold).

Escort cards had a similar design with the guest name and the corresponding table (marked by card suits)

Since it was a surprise party for a gentleman, we kept the decor very minimal without the need of flowers. We incorporated casino themed accessories such as chips, playing cards, and dice. Small arrangements will Martini glasses were used for the high boy tables covered with red linens.

Casino Del Sol provided blackjack and roulette tables to entertain the guests throughout the evening.

Table signs were marked by giant size playing cards.

Each guest would receive a customized set of playing cards (displayed at their place setting), and the “birthday boy” received a 24K gold set of playing cards tied with a big red ribbon 🙂

The dessert table was one of the highlights of the evening. Delicious sweets by Yummy Cupcakes were provided along with a themed cake.

We made a custom banner to match the theme and wish a happy birthday.

Every details was taken care of!

Don’t you love the dessert menu? I couldn’t resist!

Here’s the birthday boy overwhelmed with joy (and surprises!) right before blowing off the candles!

Allen Walker kept the guests dancing all night long between gambling and having fun!

Location: Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club

Planning, Decor, Dessert Table: La Dolce Idea Weddings & Soirees

Bakery: Yummy Cupcakes

Casino Entertainment: Casino Del Sol

Entertainment: Allen Walker Entertainment

Photography: Emilio Azevedo 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

Product review – Plastic invitations by Live Love Last

I recently became obsessed with this company that provides plastic items for your business, weddings and special events: Plastic Printers.
The owner, Luke Lingle started the company in the basement of his parents’ home 20 years ago. It all started with phone cards, then came the popular products they create every day like business cards, gift cards, membership cards, key tags, loyalty and reward cards, VIP passes, luggage and bag tags and more.

They have been doing specialized products like wedding invitations for about 10 years and recently launched their own line: Live Love Last. Their talented team of innovative graphic designers creates awe-inspiring designs in unbelievable shapes and a variety of sizes. You can order anything from save the dates, wedding and event invitations, RSVPs to ceremony programs, table numbers, menu cards, coasters, wine charms, escort and place cards, thank you notes and whatever you think of.
Their unique designs can be printed on clear or frosted plastic in just about any color you need. They are weather proof, water proof and spill proof. Are you looking for foil stamp? They can help you with that!

The creation process is the same like a traditional stationery company for your wedding or special event: they will design the each piece (or you can send the finished file) then send you a proof via e-mail for you to approve. The turnaround time is about 3 weeks from consultation to digital proof. Once the proof is approved it will take about 5-7 days for production and printing, then about one week for shipping.

The only thing they don’t provide is envelopes because they specialize in plastic however, they can assist you with sizes and colors and you can just order envelopes online (the company I normally use is Paper Presentation) or you can purchase them at your favorite local stationery store.

Another thing to keep in mind: All of their stationery pieces usually fit regular postage however, I would suggest that you take the set to the post office before purchasing your postage to ensure it is priced correctly.

Pricing will depend on the design, size, and quantity. The good thing is, there’s no minimum for your order 🙂
Packages start at $667 for 100 Invitations and 100 RSVP’s
Packages start at $1,167 for 100 Save the Dates, 100 Invitations and 100 RSVP’s
Packages Start at $1,459 for 100 Save the Dates, 100 Invitations, 100 RSVP’s & 100 Thank You Notes

Do you like this unique idea? Plastic invitations will definitely stand out and they will impress your guests when they receive them in the mail! Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

You can also watch the product review I did live on Facebook, I showed some beautiful samples and gave more details about Live Love Last

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

 

 

 

 

What I liked about Alex and Isaac’s wedding

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Besides glamorous weddings with lots of decor, lighting, flowers, and that “wow” factor, I love being part of DIY celebrations surrounded by nature. One of my favorite locations for this is the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. Once a private residence, it is now a 37-acre botanical garden that includes rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rain forest, Mediterranean climate landscapes, and a subtropical fruit garden in addition to California native plants.

The Garden has a special place in my heart: I volunteer there as the Event Producer for their Annual Gala In The Garden: every year in September hundreds of guests explore garden trails, enjoy fine wine, craft beer, and the best dishes from local restaurants, as well as listen to live entertainment, and admire exquisite floral designs.

The San Diego Botanic Garden offers many choices for ceremonies, receptions and pictures, and Alex and Isaac were one of those couples who decided to have Mother Nature as their witness. They exchanged their vows in the Walled Garden in front of about 140 people, and the celebration followed in the Lawn Garden under strings of paper lanterns and market lighting.

Alex worked on several DIY projects including all the directional signs, seating chart display, and place cards. She also provided the flowers and all the jars she collected to create the delicate table centerpieces.

Congratulations to Alex and Isaac, and thank you to my fabulous Adrienne for a flawless coordination!

Venue: San Diego Botanic Garden
Catering: Villa Capri
Bakery: Flour Power
Photography: Photography By Paul

What I liked about Jourdanne and Jordan’s wedding

Jourdanne and Jordan were one of my most fun and energetic couples last year. Their love for life and for each other was the first reason why I enjoyed working with them. The second one was their names: Jourdanne and Jordan… They were definitely meant to be together and celebrate 🙂

Whimsey Florals designed all the personal flowers and centerpieces.

Driving in style!

The ceremony took place at the Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala’, and it included Filipino traditions.

Cocktail hour and reception were at The Prado. Guests signed on giant letters (the couple’s initials) instead of on a traditional guest book.

Cute chalkboard frames were used as escort cards to keep the black and white theme.

The Ballroom was enhanced with textured linens and napkins, and gold Chiavari chairs finished the elegant look.

I loved the white and gold cake by Flour Power! Look at the intricate details 🙂

The topper featured Jourdanne and Jordan at the drums (they’re big music fans).

And of course, a Chargers cake for the groom!

Family members paid homage to Polynesian heritage with dances and entertainment.

The party went on and on thanks to DJ Matt at Choice Entertainment!

What a fun experience! I wish them a wonderful life together!

Read Jourdanne’s thank-yous on my Fan Blog.

Thanks to Mike Morse at True Photography for the fantastic pictures!

What I liked about Charise and Michael’s wedding

What a happy wedding! I think Charise was my most energetic bride ever: a gorgeous girl with red hair and green eyes with contagious positivity. Michael, the handsome and lucky groom has Italian blood in his veins so we immediately connected 🙂

They selected the Hotel Del Coronado to say “I Do” and the beach was witness to their union.

The colors were lemon yellow, gray, and white; Cherise carefully selected escort cards, table numbers, lace and rosette linens and napkins (from La Tavola Fine Linens) and chair covers (from Sweet Ribbon Events) to make sure that the look was consistent.

Third Season Jazz provided excellent entertainment throughout the evening.

The cake by Flour Power was designed with coral graphics to keep with the beach element.

Guests received lovely candle holders (handmade in Arizona where Charise and Michael live) as favors.

Congatulations to Charise and Michael, it was a lot of fun to be part of their celebration!

Thanks to Charli of Kharisma Studios for the great pictures 🙂

What I liked about… Penny’s First Birthday Party

Penny celebrated her first year at the legendary Hotel Del Coronado with her wonderful parents, family and guests. We wanted this to be an affair to remember so we designed an upscale event that would look like a wedding reception and we worked around a cute Minnie Mouse theme (Penny’s favorite Disney character).

The color palette was a combination of baby pink, lavender and deep purple with a splash of turquoise.

The vision came to life in the Ballroom with lavender linens, purple overlays with floral textures, and silver Chiavari chairs by Sweet Ribbon Events, and delicate centerpieces in silver urns and candelabra by Jolie Fleur.

 

Dolldine Designs created all the paper items from the cute invitation in pink, purple, silver glitter and black, to the escort cards, table numbers and guest book – all matching the Minnie Mouse theme.

Penny’s mother, Leah crafted the beautiful card box – She’s very creative!

Grove Pastry Shop made super cute cookies (with a Minnie Mouse shape, of course!) as favors, and Dolldine Designs provided the tag.

Friends and family were entertained all night long with a photo booth by The Groove, balloon artist and face tattoo artist by Creative Entertainment, and fun mascots – Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck. Minnie Mouse came dressed all in pink 🙂

The grand finale was a tiered cake by Grove Pastry Shop decorated with ruffles and a Minnie Mouse silhouette matching the one that was used on the invitation.

Congratulations to the little princess on her first birthday, it was a privilege to be part of Penny’s celebration!

Thanks to David Manning Photographers for the beautiful pictures 🙂

 

What I liked about… Keiko and Mark’s Wedding

DIY weddings are becoming more and more popular and I love the creativity of every couple when they incorporate elements that tell about their story and personality.

Keiko and Mark are a perfect example of a wedding celebration that tells about the love of two wonderful people thanks to personal details. Who said that simple and organic can’t be fun?!?

Sweet Ribbon Events made all the flowers and provided the specialty linens.

Mark created this unique escort cards display (“It was quite an interesting project,” he said) and I printed all the escort cards with the same pattern from their wedding invitation (a delicate green fern).

Centerpieces were arranged with personal belongings from Keiko and Mark: favorite books, potted plants that they bought at a local garden store, and framed portraits from their trips together. I printed the table numbers with the same fern pattern of their invitation and escort cards.

Sweet Ribbon decorated the sweetheart table with blossoms in Keiko’s favorite colors over a delicate lace overlay.

Villa Capri catered the reception with an authentic Italian menu. Appetizers included tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and a delicious display of assorted cheese, artisan breads, and fruit.

Rentals were provided by Raphael’s Party Rentals and they also installed fun string lights for the party to go on until late in the night. There were a lot of dancers among the guests!

Keiko fell in love with Cupcakes Squared because of the unusual square shape and the couple decided to have a cupcake cake and a variety of cupcakes to satisfy every taste – gluten-free included!

Favors were another DIY project: Keiko and Mark purchased little jars and filled them with nuts and candy. They personalized each one with different labels for a pop of color.

It was a privilege being part of Keiko and Mark’s wedding, congratulations to the couple!

Thanks to Inner Song for the fantastic pictures!