Monday, August 29, 2011

Trend Alert: Ombre

Ombre (pronounced om-bray) is a French term that means "shaded".  This trend, that started out in the fashion world, has quickly gained popularity in the wedding industry.

I've been seeing ombre EVERYWHERE...

Most often on dresses and cake designs...




But i've also seen it incorporated in floral designs...


Linen...


Invitations...


and even nail polish...


I, personally, L-O-V-E the shading effect.  It's super cute and versatile enough to be used in any aspect of your event.

What do you think about the obsession with ombre? Two thumbs up or a big thumbs down?


Friday, August 26, 2011

Munaluchi Bride Magazine Fall/Winter 2011


Happy Friday Everyone!

Wow, this week went by incredibly fast!  Anyone have any exciting weddings or events lined up for the weekend?

I just wanted to take a moment to share the Fall/Winter 2011 cover of Munaluchi Bride Magazine, featuring the incomparable event designer, Mr. Preston Bailey!  His work is truly Ah-mazing, and once again, he doesn't fail to impress!
For this issue, Preston created a dress out of something he knows best: flowers of course!  Over 1,000 flowers were used to make this one of a kind floral dress: 250 white phalaenopsis orchids, 400 white hydrangeas, 300 white tibet roses, and 100 pink rosita vendela roses.

Could you even imagine wearing a floral creation like this?! O...M...G!!!

The new issue of Munaluchi Bride will be available on newstands on September 6th.  If you just can't wait, you can purchase it online now...with free shipping!

Here is some behind the scene video coverage of the shoot:



Have a great weekend everyone!  I'll be sending lots of prayers and well wishes to everyone on the East Coast that may be affected by Hurricane Irene.

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




Thursday, August 25, 2011

Decor Idea: Mason Jars


When you think of mason jars, the first thing that may come to mind are the old-fashioned jars filled with jams and preserves in your grandma's pantry. Mason jars, however, have a new purpose!  Many people are finding all sorts of creative ways to incorporate them into their wedding/party decor.  The great thing about mason jars is that they can be used in formal or casual settings.  There really are no limits, as there are so many ways they can be used.

Here are a few mason jar decor ideas:

Centerpieces 


Candle Holders 


Ceremony Chair Flowers


Favors/Take-Home Desserts

Serving Drinks

Mason jars are perfect if you're looking to add a vintage, "southern charm" feel to your decor.  They're also relatively inexpensive, especially when bought in bulk.  If you're up for a little DIY project, consider using mason jars to give your wedding/event a personalized touch!

What do you think of incorporating mason jars into event decor?  Is this something you would consider?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Chalk It Up...

Looking for a fun and inexpensive touch to add to your wedding or event decor?  The answer you may be looking for may take you back to your elementary school days: Chalkboards!!!!

There are so many ways that chalkboards can be incorporated into ANY event:

Directional Signs...



Table Numbers...



Seating Charts...



Drink/Food Menu...



Photobooth Fun...



Can you think of any other creative ways that chalkboards can be used as event decor?


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Samoa Cupcakes {Recipe}



Recently, my co-worker asked me to make cupcakes for her birthday.  I knew she was in love with the Starbucks Mocha Coconut Frappucino, and she wanted something with a similar taste.  So, I did a little research and came across the recipe for a Samoa cupcake (you know, like the popular Samoa girl scout cookie).  When I mentioned it to her, she was excited...the flavors were exactly what she had in mind.  In my usual style, I decided I wanted to add a little twist to the recipe, so I tweaked it just a little bit, and this is what I came up with:

 Samoa Cupcakes (Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream)
Slightly Adapted from:  Sweet Little Details

Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes:
2 cups flour

3/4 cup natural cocoa powder

1 1/2 sticks butter, room temperature

1 3/4 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup Malibu Rum
4 large eggs, room temperature

1 cups milk


Caramel Frosting:

2 sticks unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cups packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/3 cup prepared caramel (recipe below)

3 Tablespoons milk

6 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup Malibu Rum

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Caramel recipe: found via Chockylit
1/4 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon butter

Cupcake Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line muffin pan with paper liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder .In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, salt, baking soda, vanilla, and Rum until fluffy and light, at least 3-4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. With mixer on low speed add in the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the milk beating just until combined.

Fill cupcake liners 1/2 full, making sure that the batter is divided evenly. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 20-22 minutes. Tilt each cupcake in the muffin pan so it sits at an angle. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan at this angle for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


Frosting Instructions:

Cream butter and brown sugar together in the bowl of an electric or stand mixer. Add vanilla, salt, caramel syrup, milk until combine. Begin adding in the sugar slowly and mixing thoroughly after each addition. Beat for about 4 minutes until smooth.  Add Malibu Rum and mix until incorporated.
To toast the coconut, spread the coconut onto a rimmed sheet pan. Toast in a 350°F oven, stirring frequently, until the coconut is an even brown color, about 10 minutes.

Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe a spiral of frosting, beginning at the outer edge and working inward.
Heat chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave for about 30 seconds or until drizzling consistency. Garnish the frosted cupcakes with toasted coconut and drizzle with melted chocolate.

Here are a couple of pics of the finished creation:









My co-worker absolutely L-O-V-E-D them (as did the rest of the people in my office)!  Although I'm not a big coconut fan (I made a few without it), I have to admit they were delicious and I can def see myself making these again in the near future!

Have you ever tried any other girl scout cookie-inspired cupcakes?




Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Back To School - Time to Party!

I don't know about you, but I feel like summer went by SUPER fast! I mean, it's almost like I blinked and we were smack-dab in the middle of August!!!  Well, you know what that means: it's almost time for the kiddos to head back to school!  My little ones haven't made it to school age yet, but I can only imagine the hustle and bustle that comes along with preparing for a new school year.  So, why not throw a Back to School shindig to get yourself and the kids all fired up for the chaos fun that starting school brings.

Check out this too-cute back to school party styled by Leoni of the Just Call Me Martha blog:







This is one of the most creative kids parties I have ever come across!  I love all of the little details, from the "chalkboard" backdrop to the mathematical equation cupcake toppers.  Now it's your turn to gather your little pupils and throw a Back to School party as they prepare for another year of learning and growth!
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

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. For more info on packages and services offered, please check out the Platinum Touch Events website http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/