Tuesday, May 29, 2012

{Real Party} Shanice's Champagne Party: Candy Buffet




This past weekend, I helped put together a Champagne party to see a beautiful young lady off to prom!  I was in charge of the candy buffet.  The colors were teal and white, with a hint of bling (to match her custom-made dress).  Unfortunately, the weather would not cooperate with us, so we had to move all of the tables, chairs, and decor inside.  In all of the haste, I was unable to snap as many pictures as I would have liked, but I was able to get a few shots to share until the pro photos come back:






...and the happy couple before they headed off to prom:


Didn't they look cute?!!!  

When I tell you the candy buffet was a HIT, I am not exaggerating! Kids and adults alike were swarming the table to get their fix of the delicious goodies!

I truly enjoyed being a part of this young lady's special day!

If you would like to have a candy buffet at your next party/event, shoot me an email at platinumtouchevents@gmail.com.

XOXO,

Nikola

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 722-2873


Monday, May 21, 2012

Casting: Brides of Beverly Hills


Attention BRIDES!

TLC's hit series, Brides of Beverly Hills, is casting season 2!  If you're searching for the perfect dress for your wedding, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss. 

Check out the details below...

XOXO,

Nikola

 
Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!
Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 722-2873

Friday, May 18, 2012

And the Winner Is...

Before I announce the winner, I just want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who entered our $50 SpaFinder Gift Card Giveaway!  As you may already know, YOU, my supporters, are the reason I decided to do a giveaway in the first place.  It is just my way of showing how thankful and truly grateful I am that there are people that encourage and motivate me to follow my dream of being an entrepreneur and allow me to do what I love!  As I saw the entries come in, I immediately wished that every single participant could be a winner, but unfortunately, there can only be one...

Sheryl Checkman!!!

Sheryl, please email your address to me at platinumtouchevents@gmail.com and I will drop your gift card in the mail asap.  I hope you enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, on PTE!!!

Once again, I want to thank everyone who entered, and hopefully you'll stick around because there are plenty more giveaways where that came from!


Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 722-2873
You might also like:

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Would You Dare: Food Truck Wedding Catering

Let's be real for a minute: we've all been to a wedding (or two) where the food was so bland and horrible that as soon as the reception was over you made a bee-line for the nearest drive thru! 

So how can you escape BWFS (Boring Wedding Food Syndrome...and yes, I totally made that up!)  Consider Food Truck catering for your reception!  Food trucks have become very popular over the last few years, and there is no shortage of the types of food served on these mobile eateries.  From burgers to gourmet cuisine, you can pretty much find a food truck serving anything you crave!

Afraid your guests will find it tacky? Not. At. All. They will love this out-of-the box idea, and will delight in the fact that they have a wide selection of food options.  Not to mention...no one leaves hungry!




Source

You can also consider dessert truck catering...or both!

PTE Wants to Know: Would you consider having your wedding catered by a food truck? Why or why not?  Please leave a comment below?

If you liked this post and found it helpful, please share it on your social networks!

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 722-2873

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Trend Alert: Ghost Chairs

Chivari chairs have long been the hot staple at wedding receptions.  However, Ghost Chairs are quickly on the rise.  The see-through style adds a modern and sophisticated touch, and works perfectly indoors or out. 



Source




Source

Source
I have to admit, I like them much better for reception seating, but here is how they look for a ceremony set-up:


PTE Wants to Know: What do you think of Ghost Chairs? Would you prefer them over Chivari chairs?  Please leave a comment below.

If you liked this post and found it helpful, please share it on your social networks!

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 722-2873

Monday, May 14, 2012

How to Set Your Wedding Budget


You've gotten engaged and now you're ready to get down to business with the actual planning of your dream wedding!  You've been perusing bridal magazines and obsessing over all of the pretty little things you've seen on the top wedding blogs, but yet, you still have no idea exactly where to get started on your planning journey. One of the most important decisions you'll have to make, and one that should definitely be the first, is that dreaded B-word...BUDGET.  Not exactly a fun topic, huh?  However, taking the time to set a wedding budget can make the difference between a smooth wedding planning process and bridal meltdown!

Here are 3 tips to help you set your wedding budget:

1. Get Realistic - Determining a wedding budget is not as simple as thinking of a magical number that you THINK should cover wedding expenses.  Oh no, my friend, it is way more complicated than that!  You'll have to do a little homework so that you'll have a REALISTIC idea of what a wedding in your city actually costs!  It's really important that you do your research to find out the average cost of services in your area. Call a few vendors to get a price quote so that you'll have a general idea of what things really cost so that you're not blindsided when it's time to book those services.  Call 3-5 vendors in each category so that you'll have an idea of both the low and high end costs and use the average to determine how much you should set aside for each service. 

2. Round Up the Troops - Determing exactly WHO will be paying for WHAT.  Are you and your fiance footing the entire bill? Will you have outside contributors, such as your parents or other family members?  How much will each person contribute?  These are important questions to ask when determining what is the maximum amount of money you will have to spend on your wedding.  Be very specific and clear in communicating how much each involved party will be contributing. 

3. Save, Save, Save - Open a separate checking account strictly for the wedding, then determine an amount that you can contribute on a bi-weekly or monthly basis (depending on how you are paid) and have deposits automated to be moved from your checking account to the wedding fund. This way, personal bills and living expenses are not affected.  Also, think of ways to cut back for extra savings potential, such as limiting the number of times you eat out each week, taking the bus or car pooling to save on gas, switching from premium to a more basic cable plan, etc., and add your savings to the wedding fund.  These things will require some sacrifice and committment, but it will be well worth it when you think of how your savings will help you fund the wedding of your dreams. The amount you're able to save from these efforts will be a major determining factor of how much you can actually afford to spend on your wedding. One piece of advice that I strongly suggest you follow:  never, ever, EVER take out a loan to finance your wedding.  It is a costly mistake that you will regret.  Going into a marriage with a huge burden of debt is not a good way to start your lives together.

Setting a wedding budget may seem a little intimidating, but it is a very necessary and important step in planning your wedding.  If you need a few more pointers to help you overcome your fear of the B-word, shoot me an email and I'd be more than happy to help!

PTE Wants to Know: Have you determined your wedding budget?  What concerns did/do you have about the cost of your wedding?  Please leave your comment below.

If you liked this post and found it helpful, please share it on your social networks!

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 722-2873

Friday, May 11, 2012

It's Giveaway Time! Win a $50 Spa Finder Gift Card



Happy Friday everyone!!! 

Last weekend, something really amazing happened: we reached 800 "Likes" on Facebook (whoop, whoop!!!)  As promised, we are hosting a giveaway to celebrate!

We are giving ONE lucky winner a $50 Spa Finder Gift Card!


The Details:

With a Spa Finder gift card, you can log on to their website (http://www.spafinder.com/), and choose from hundreds of Day Spas nationwide.   Indulge in a gentle massage, pamper yourself with a soothing body wrap, a hydrating facial, a relaxing hot stone massage, etc.





  • To enter, you MUST be a follower of the PTE blog (if you're not already a follower, click the "Join This Site" button located on the right column of this blog. Leave a comment on this post saying you are following.
  • "Like" Platinum Touch Events on Facebook and leave a comment on this post saying you did.
  • Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your Blog.  Leave a comment on this post stating each place you spread the word and a link to your post (up to 3 entries). 
That's a total of 5 chances to win! Remember, you need to leave a comment on THIS post for each action (up to 5 comments per person will be accepted)

All entries must be received by Thursday, 5/17/12 at 8pm PST. Winner will be randomly selected and announced on the blog on Fri 5/18/12.

Good luck, and don't forget to spread the word!



Note: Platinum Touch Events is in no way affiliated with SpaFinder. We are not liable for the outcome of any of the services attained via spafinder.com or their affiliates.





Wednesday, May 9, 2012

High/Low Wedding Dresses

Can't decide between a short and a long wedding gown?

Why not have the best of both worlds by choosing a dress with a high-low hem?!

Also known as a Mullet dress, this style has been popping up all over the runway lately and has become a very popular choice by brides looking for a fun and sassy, but still sexy, wedding dress. 

Source

Source

Source

Source

The draw to the Mullet dress is its versatility.  Whether you're having a really formal wedding, or a more casual, non-traditional ceremony/reception, a dress with a high-low hem would work perfectly!

PTE Wants to Know: Are you a fan of the Mullet wedding dress trend? Do you think it is more suitable for a more formal or casual affair?


If you liked this post, please share it on your social networks!

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 722-2873

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Simply Vera - Vera Wang Bridal Jewelry Collection




Take a look at a few of my faves from the collection:








I love that Vera is branching out and making her products more affordable!  Now you can get the same high quality and stylish designs that we have all come to know and expect from Vera Wang without breaking the entire wedding budget...score!

Click here to view the entire collection and check out the super-sale that is going on!

PTE Wants to Know: What do you think of the Simply Vera Vera Wang Bridal Jewelry Collection?  Do you think it is a smart move for the brand to be sold in stores such as David's Bridal and now Kohl's?

If you liked this post, please share it on your social networks!

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents
Phone: (310) 722-2873



One of my favorite wedding gown designers, Vera Wang, has once again spread her wings by introducing a bridal jewelry collection through Kohl's called Simply Vera Vera Wang Bridal Jewelry Collection.  The collection is described as a "unique combination of classic styles and contemporary elements."  Ranging in price from $1,000 - $9,995, the collection consists of both engagement rings and wedding bands (and they're currently on sale!).

Monday, May 7, 2012

Trend Alert: First Look Wedding Photos

You know the old saying that it's bad luck for the wedding couple to see each other before the ceremony?  Let's just toss that out the window for a second, shall we?! We could go into a big debate as to whether or not there is any truth to it, but I'd much rather talk about a new trend that is on the rise: First Look Wedding Photos!

I love the idea of being able to capture the raw emotion when seeing the person you are going to spend the rest of your life with for the first time on your big day!  It is such a priceless moment, and probably the one that will stick out in your mind the most when you reflect on your wedding. 

Take a look at a few examples of First Look moments caught on film below:







PTE Wants to Know: What are your thoughts on first look wedding photos? Would you consider it or do you firmly believe that it is bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other prior to the wedding? Please leave a comment below.

If you liked this post, please share it on your social networks!

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 722-2873

Friday, May 4, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Karen Tran Florals

Today, I wanted to take a moment to spotlight an amazingly talented, super creative floral & event design company that has been on my radar, for quite some time now, Karen Tran Florals!  I first stumbled upon Karen Tran's work while I was surfing on Pinterest (as I so often do!) and let me tell you, I was BLOWN AWAY! Her floral designs are beautiful, chic, and over-the-top...she is definitely a girl after my own heart!

Based in San Diego, CA, the company is all about "creating exquisite floral arrangements to enhance any kind of occasion."  It is no wonder that she has built a reputation as one of the country's leading event designers in her 20 years in the business!

I absolutely love her work!  Her floral sculptures are ah-mazing!  Karen Tran Florals is definitely a trendsetter and I hope to have the opportunity to work with her one day!

Check out some of Karen Tran's work...

Bouquets...





Ceremony...







Reception ...






Believe me when I say, this is just a small taste of the eye candy that Karen Tran Florals creates.  Head on over to their website to experience more floral goodness!

Have a great weekend everyone!
All photos via Pinterest and Karen Tran Florals blog.


If you liked this post, please share it on your social networks!

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To  learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
Website: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
Blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Email: platinumtouchevents@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 722-2873