Unfortunately, over the weekend I discovered that my computer has a virus, which totally killed my 30-Day Blogging Challenge.  It's such a bummer because I was really getting into my blogging groove! As I mentioned in a previous post, I'll be heading to Las Vegas for a 4-Day vacation this Friday, so I'll do my best to get some new content on the blog while my computer is in the shop to be repaired.  The blogging challenge will resume Tuesday, March 8.

Day 12: Weekend Plans

It's Friday...Woohooo!!!!!! Do you have any party/wedding plans for the weekend?

If you need a little push in the right direction, check out one of these bridal shows going on this Sunday:

BrideWorld Expo - Pasdena
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St.
Pasadena CA 91101
$8 Pre-registration; $10 at the door

Expo Bridal Show
Beverly Garden Hotel
4222 Vineland Ave
North Hollywood, CA 91608
$7 plus 1 free guest

I will be attending at least one, maybe even both, so If you see me in the crowds, make sure and stop me to say hello!  If you can't make it, don't worry...I'll have a recap next week.

As always, happy planning!

Nikola Ahaiwe

Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
(310) 722-2873
email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com
web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Day 11: Vintage Pop Art Superhero Birthday Party

I know I've been posting a lot about weddings lately, but I had to take a break from it today to showcase an AWESOME "Vintage Pop Art Superhero Birthday Party" that was featured on Hostess with the Mostess today (In case you haven't realized it, HWTM is one of my absolute fave blogs).  This party was styled by Maureen of Anders Ruff Custom Designs (another great blog I follow).

Be prepared for fab picture overload:

It all starts with the invitation...

For more pics and the full party details, check out the Hostess with the Mostess blog.  Also, check out the Anders Ruff etsy shop to see more of their design work.  These ladies are truly talented.

Day 10: Heirloom Jewelry Bouquets

I had an O....M....G moment when I laid eyes on these Heirloom Jewelry Bouquets by Noaki Jewelry, found on Style Me Pretty's facebook page.  Aren't they GORGEOUS?! How awesome would it be to glide down the aisle with such a beautiful and unique jewelry bouquet?  Unlike flower bouquets, these beauties will last long after the wedding and can be passed on from generation to generation.  As an added bonus, Noaki Jewelry can take a focal point of the bouquet and turn it into a piece of jewelry on your anniversary (or other special occasion).  To sum it up in one word: Fabulosity!

Would you substitute a traditional bouquet for an heirloom jewelry bouquet?

Day 9: Trash the Dress Photoshoots

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I love the idea behind Trash the Dress photo sessions.  These after-the-wedding shoots give the bride (and sometimes the groom) the chance to get down and well, dirty (for lack of a better word)!  During the wedding, you'll have the opportunity to take the more traditional, posed photographs.  Trash the Dress photos tend to be more unique and personalized to the individual or couple.  They can be soft and romantic or downright funky.  The whole idea is to show your wild and creative side.

Here are a few images I found around the 'net of some pretty cool Trash the Dress shoots:

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What do you think of Trash the Dress Photo Shoots?  Will you be doing one after your wedding?

Day 8: Jumping the Broom (Movie Trailer)

A new wedding movie is on the horizon.  It's called Jumping the Broom and it's hitting theaters on Mother's Day (May 6).  Check out the trailer below:



So, will you be checking it out?

Day 7: Bridal Shows

This afternoon, I had the opportunity to attend the BrideWorld Expo at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Redondo Beach.  I met some great vendors and am looking forward to meeting each and everyone of them!  Check out a few of the pics I managed to snap as I squeezed down the aisles of excited brides and grooms to be:

Loved the window display of the Crowne Plaza catering office.  So elegant!

I thought these shoes (at the Believe Fitness Studio booth) were gorgeously sexy.  The pic just doesn't do them justice...

 These designer caramel apples (at the Apple Revolution booth) looked amazing! They would make an awesome favor for guests to take home...

 I really liked the invitations displayed at Nida's Wedding Boutique's booth. 

 Advantage Bridal's booth: they sell "everything but the dress"!

Bridal shows can be a great source of information and inspiration when planning your wedding.  One of the greatest advantages is that you are able to meet a ton of vendors in one setting, without having to travel to endless appointments.  You can have a "mini-meeting" with the vendors whose work has caught your attention, then arrange a more formal meeting to get more information if needed and book their services.  It can definitely be an afternoon well spent if you choose the right show.

Some of the bigger shows can get a little overwhelming, so here are a few tips to help you survive your bridal show experience:

• Wear comfy shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfort is a must.
• Come prepared:  Some shows offer printed labels with your name, address, phone #, and email address, if you register ahead of time.  This will save you a lot of time and frustration from having to fill out the same information for vendor after vendor.  If this is not offered, or you're unable to sign-up in advance, take the time to print the labels yourself.  You'll be so glad you did!
• Bring a camera: You may see something you MUST have for your wedding and you'll want a picture so that you don't forget or can show the vendor exactly what you are referring to when you make an appointment.  Not to mention, there will be a ton of info thrown your way.  You'll want to make notes take pictures of the booths that stand out to you so they'll be easy to remember.
• Do your homework: Research some of the vendors that will be exhibiting.  This way, you'll be familiar with what they have to offer. Many vendors offer some great day-of-show discounts.  If you know about the company ahead of time, you'll feel more comfortable if you decide to book on the spot.
• Grab a partner: Your fiance would be the best choice to bring along for obvious reasons, but if he/she is unavailable, grab a trusted confidante (best friend, parents, etc) to bounce ideas bounce ideas with. 
• Have an open mind: Although you may have ideas in your mind of how you'd like your wedding, keep an open mind to all of the choices out there.
• Relax and enjoy the show: Don't feel pressured to commit to anything.  If you are not ready to book on the spot make sure that is communicated.  Also, take the time to enjoy some of the yummy food, desserts, swag bags and fashion shows, etc.  They are all there to make the most of your experience.

Until next time, happy planning!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
(310) 722-2873
email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com
web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Day 6: Wedding Shoe-Gasm

I am crushing on Badgely Mischka's line of wedding shoes.  They are flirty, stylish, and super sexy!  When it comes to your wedding day, you'll want to look fab from head to toe.  Why should your dress get ALL the shine?!  

Take a look at these beauties:

Badgley Mischka - Dani: $215

Badgley Mischka - Deidre: $225

Badgley Mischka - Dreamy: $225

Badgley Mischka - Elia: $200

Badgley Mischka - Kiwi: $200

Badgley Mischka - Kismet: $200

Badgley Mischka - Randall: $215

Badgley Mischka - Randee: $215

The most important thing to remember when it comes to choosing your wedding shoes is COMFORT.  After all, you'll be on your feet for hours on end, from walking down the aisle to dancing the night away at the reception.

Photo source 

Until next time, happy planning!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
(310) 722-2873
email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com
web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Day 5: Vera Wang is in the Building!



A few months back, I wrote a post giving you a sneak peek at the new White by Vera Wang line coming to David's Bridals stores.  Well, Vera is officially in the building! 

Vera Wang is known worldwide for her couture wedding gowns.  Now, the famous designer has created a more affordable line, ranging n price from $600-$1400.  The 12-dress Spring collection was released last Friday, and also includes headpices, veils, and sashes.  There are also plans in the works to unleash a new collection in a few months that will include shoes, bridesmaids dresses, and select gowns that go up to size 26 (currently, the gowns run through size 14).

This is HUGE news for the bridal world!  Now, more brides can afford to give their look a "platinum touch" with the help of "White" by Vera Wang.  Check out more of the collection here.

So, what do you think about the new collection? Feel free to comment below.

Until next time, happy planning!


Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
(310) 722-2873
email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com
web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Day 4: Bridal Collection by David Tutera

DIY brides rejoice: famed wedding planner David Tutera is ready to help YOU plan your wedding (well, sort of). Tutera, who you may recognize from the hit WE TV show "My Fair Wedding" among other things,  has designed an entire wedding line that is sold exclusively at JoAnn's Fabric and Crafts stores.  The collection includes items such as decor accents, stationary, guestbooks, veils and  much more.  The best part is it's super affordable, ranging from $8-$75.

Below are a few of my faves from the collection:

12pk Paper Cones - $9.99

12pk Favor Boxes - $7.99

Feather Hair Comb - $29.99

6pk Diamond Shaped Place Card Holders - $7.99

24pk Cupcake Wrappers - $7.99

To check out more items from the collection, check out the JoAnn's website or head on over to a store near you.

Until next time, happy planning!

Nikola Ahaiwe

Owner/Lead Coordinator

Platinum Touch Events
(310) 722-2873

email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com

web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/

blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/

facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Day 3: Say Yes to the Guest(book)

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Looking to put a modern twist on the traditional wedding guestbook?  Take a cue from some of these unique guestbook alternatives:

Engagement Photo Guestbook: Ask your photographer if they can create a custom guestbook using your engagement photos, leaving enough space for guests to write their message. Photo guestbooks can also be purchased via an online photo site such as snapfish.com

Photo credit: Cameron Ingalls, Inc.

Guestbook Quilt:  This idea can work one of two ways: 1. Individual patches can be displayed on a table with markers so that guest can write their message.  Afterwards, the patches can be sewn together to make a keepsake quilt. 2. You can have the quilt pre-made for guests to sign.  Either way, this alternative is something you can keep and cherish forever.

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Photo Mat Guestbook: Display one of your favorite photos in a mounted photo mat for guests to sign.  The great thing about the photo mat guestbook alternative is that it would look great hanging in your home after the wedding! 

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Instant Photo Guestbook: How cool would it be to not only have a written message from your guests, but a  keepsake picture to go along with it?! All you'll need is someone to snap a photo of each guest using a polaroid (or similar) instant camera. Guest can affix the picture to their page and leave a handwritten note.  You'll always remember just how happy your guests were as they celebrated your special day with you! 

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Wishing Tree: The wishing tree is another great alternative.  Guests can write a "wish" for the happy couple and hang it from the branches of the wishing tree.  With this option, you can get really creative with the tree design, and your guests will be happy to share their well wishes for your future together as the Mr. and Mrs.

 

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Until next time, happy planning!

Nikola Ahaiwe

Owner/Lead Coordinator

Platinum Touch Events
(310) 722-2873

email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com

web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/

blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/

facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents