To kick off your week, we’re starting a reader response driven blog convo about wedding trends. The heart behind this is to encourage discussion with brides, vendors, fans and friends, about anything from design to fashion to etiquette, bring it on! I know you’re dying to ask… :)

We’re starting off this fun topic with….table numbers. We’re often asked about those boring pieces of plastic that you see at Carl’s Jr (or at table number two with your new in-laws). Or, they can be wire numbers hand bent to match the same font that’s on your invitation/programs/design suite…as evidenced below:

At ITN, we believe that every item on your tables (and in your wedding!) should be purposeful and aesthetically pleasing. Brides, you’ve put all this effort into the linens and china, why ruin it all with a piece of plastic on a metal stand? Let’s just make those numbers part of your table!

These stained wood blocks with a sophisticated vinyl application were conceptualized and handmade by our very own Rachel! What I love most about these table numbers (besides the adorable key that is just the cherry on top), is the contrast on the table. Your guests aren’t straining to see their table numbers – it’s not hidden amongst a centerpiece or blending into the linen – it’s functional and fabulous!

Photogs, how often do you remove that cut out piece of paper stuck onto cardboard in order to get that table shot? At Courtney and Geno’s wedding, that didn’t have to happen – because the table number was seamlessly worked into the set up. Less clutter – more efficiency.

And who says a table number has to be of actual numerical value? At Irene’s wedding, we used cities as table numbers, which were places that the bride and groom had visited together. Adorable and personal.

I hope that this added a smile onto your face this Monday – and that it gets you thinking about how to make things fun and functional =)

So don’t forget to email me some current wedding trends that you’re interested in discussing (or you can write on our facebook wall!). Then on Monday, we’ll respond. This is meant to be a conversation instead of a soap box, so friends, let’s trend talk!

It’s likely that whether you’re a client or an industry professional, you’ve been admiring ITN from afar, via social media/web. So you feel like you know the team, before you’ve even introduced to everyone.

That’s exactly how I felt when I sat through my first Monday meeting as an intern. And now, six months later, I’m here to reveal all, and tell you, beloved blog readers, what ITN is really about.

The real dirt:

It’s true – the local Starbucks is frequented an average of 2.3 times daily, and ITN gals are indubitably into food. On a wedding day, the team is fueled by lunchables, 24Carrot Catering’s creme brulee french toast, and in-n-out.

Tied bows are like fingerprints, Amanda just knows which one belongs to which Nowie.

Fictional words, like “da-dorable,” are used when no proper English word can describe how absolutely perfect a certain detail is.

The later it gets, the more inspired (and funny!) we get. We’re also quite practiced at the fake laugh.

But honest, we’re not just a diverse group of creatives who gather together and gush over the Royal Wedding. We’re a team, committed to designing, coordinating and producing quality event work, and smiling every minute of the way.

1. We care about our clients.

You know the warmth that exudes off the HTML webpages and makes you fall in love with ITN? That’s real. It’s not just friendly text, it’s tangible. The way Amanda types in her emails – that’s the way she speaks in real life, with smiles, exclamations, and the intermittent singy-songy voice. Here at ITN, we’re professionals, but we’re not corporate America. Because really,  you don’t want corporate America planning your wedding.

Each initial meeting, venue walkthrough, phone call and any interaction with prospective, current, or past clients, is filled with purposeful love. You’re not a file that we pull out when you call. We know your name. We know what makes you excited. And we know how to make your wedding day wonderful, and all the days leading up to it, nothing less.

2. Vendor relationships are nurtured.

Part of what makes our job so much fun are the wonderful people that surround us. They support us in areas that aren’t our strength, and nothing we do would be a success without such a partnership.

We can’t thank vendors enough for what they do. For the profound moments photographed. For the laughs captured on video. For the food and desserts that please everyone (even great Aunt Ernie with a bajillion allergies). For the faces made fresh, and the hair that flows perfectly. For the flowers that makes everyone want to take a centerpiece home. For the DJ that gets the crowd moving, and the technicians that make the lighting just right. For the calligraphers, designers and printers who allow us to personalize the crazy out of a wedding. For the rentals that make it come together. For the venue contact who made it all possible. For the bloggers that share it with the world. For everyone who makes love happen.

There’s just not enough space in the blogosphere for all the thank you’s to all of our loved vendors. So instead, we constantly keep those relationships well taken care of. We feed it, walk it, and occasionally, we drop them a reminder in the mail, just to say, hey – you’re appreciated. (Like this sneaky little number below – our Cinco De Mayo vendor gift).

3. Events are our love language.

We don’t settle for mediocrity. Your designer will never hand you something that they think is just “okay,” and cross their fingers in hopes that you’ll like it. Your planner will never hand you a schedule that they didn’t take time to formulate. No detail is too small, no guest count is too high.

We love what we do. We love love. We love your love. Forever and always.

With (even more!) love,

Our intimate seating table complete with hanging crystal-and-plexiglass chandelier, whipped together by the In The Now team!

To give you a quick background: this event was loosely based off of the inspiration shoot we’d worked on together a few months prior. An upscale bridal party for a group of close friends was the idea [almost a bridal party brunch of sorts] and we whipped out some fabulous details that were original and gorgeous [umm just ask me- was that too much tooting of my own horn?!]! For this shower, we wanted to give a distinct look and feel that was different than the last shoot we’d done, but still emulated the idea of intimacy and class. So, we themed it right quick: diamonds are forever.

Left: each of the girls, on their place settings, received a perfectly obnoxious large fake diamond ring to flaunt for the day. Stuck in the ring box for this photo, is the menu. We kept it simple by printing on pretty white paper and wrapping with a sparkly twine. Each “i” in Bianca’s name was adorned with a rhinestone accent.
Right: we wanted the party to feel very clean, simple and streamlined, so we opted for all-white, monochromatic and mono-styled florals in clear rectangle vases. Shown is a vase of tulips but we varied them between roses, hydrangea, and ranunculus as well.

Left: Because we wanted things to be uncluttered, we opted to brand the water glasses as a way to seat the guests. Each name was marked on the outside of the glass using a vinyl sticker.
Right: A view of the table’s details- the gorgeous sparkling charger plate as well as the luxe dupioni silk napkin. We paired frosted plates with white china to mix elements of diamond white and sparkle throughout the event!

Jasmine mentioned this on her blog- but, the real inspiration for this party was the fact that Jas herself had to miss her sister’s bridal shower due to the busy wedding season. We wanted to create something extra special and ultra personal. We did our best to infuse style and class into a party we knew had to be kept intimate and special for someone so near to Jasmine’s heart!

Left: our menu, which was thematically named after the “four c’s of diamonds”- cut, color, clarity, and carat. They also coincided with each dish, which I loved! We’re quite thematic.
Right: A detail shot of our gorgeously dripping chandelier

Left: A twist on the perfume station at the shoot, we opted for a salt scrub station with simple scent options at Bianca’s party. The jars were pre-filled with chunky salt and an unscented base [baby] oil, and ready for scenting!
Right: The oils were displayed neatly, stacked onto boxes full of crushed white glass and donning simple descriptive name tags. Spoons were placed to the side of each, for the gals to give a quick stir and mix in the scent thoroughly.

A shot of the scent station all lined up.

The invitation read that the guests should wear white to this daytime soiree- and it worked out perfectly that Bianca wore a steel grey dress [that of course we found for her- because what girl doesn't love being STYLED for her special occasion!] to give her that extra pop of special attention.

Left: In the blurry foreground, you can see that our simple cake plates were adorned with shimmery ribbons to give extra pop. Our branding was kept simple and featured throughout the event on these clear stylish easels.
Right: The cake was simple, luxe, and delicious! With a sugar-encrusted center tier, and complete with a “floating” cake topper [which is really a plexi disc and embellished with vinyl decal], it was a smash hit!

For an extra fun bonus, we set up a white chocolate fondue station complete with white hot treats! The gals munched and laughed as they relaxed in these ridiculously fun exaggerated wing back chairs.

Left: Mini covered ice cream dishes were brought out to compliment the warm fondue goodies. Guests could dip their choice of cheesecake, angel food cake, or rice crispie treats [or all 3!]. The clear skewers set the perfect mood, as did the thick glass plates the items rested on. In case you can’t tell, the clear skewers are also crystal-adorned at the bottom tip! An extra touch of perfection [and a painstaking detail!!]
Right: A shot of our coveted wingback chairs [as well as a splash of our homemade sequin lumbar pillows- soo cute! We're thrilled the gals enjoyed this sweet treat station!

More dipping, eating, and laughing!

I firmly believe that presentation is EVERYTHING when it comes to even the smallest of parties. So, when we focus on our events, we focus on how the guests will be exposed to the details. Things like trays, description or instruction cards, lining up of signature drinks, or any display become crucial elements in your guests' experience of your day [wedding or not!]. Knowing this, we planned B’s gift station accordingly. With a place for everyone, and everything in it’s place.

Left: Bianca’s thrilled to open her gifts from guests- you’ll note the ridiculously oversized clear disc with the word “gifts” splashed across it. That allowed guests to know where to drop their offerings. The small settee made a perfect place for the bride to sit. Each chair for the guests had a mirrored table next to it, boasting a personal champagne bucket, mini POP bottle, and a flute for sipping.
Right: A light splash of French Lemonade [like sparkling lemon water, really] lined up just so and enjoyed along with the desserts from earlier.

Left: To really give a flow to the event, and knowing this portion was to be outside- we continued the feel of the blue color by bringing it in through the mini bottles of champagne. This close-up look at the side tables shows what each guest was offered at the event while Bianca opened her gifts [typically this time is such a "write off"- we really wanted to make it a touch more special for this one!].
Right: After the gifts are open, a group hug and toast all together was enjoyed by the girls.

And just so you know how fun it really turned out to be, here’s a few shots of the gals enjoying themselves in it:

The wedding was fun, whimsical, rustic, chic, and totally personality-driven with one of the most characteristic and lovely couples we had the pleasure of working with from 2010. It’s always an honor to have our efforts noticed [and featured]- and I couldn’t be more honored to have a team of people assembled who are willing to work hard, make beautiful events happen, and do it all with a smile on their faces!

Hop on over to the post for lots of pictures of their gorgeous wedding feature! And of course- more thanks must go to Matt and Molly Snelson for their incredibly consistent work capturing amazing photos of our truly-in-love-ly couples [um, just made that term up and I am SO into it!].

xoxo!!

The first thing that popped into mind was kraft paper, graphic phrases, and neutrals with a pop color. You know how I am with the pop color. It’s my fave. Keeping it muted really let the venue shine, since, a-doi, that’s what we were there for!

For the guests we made cute balsa wood boutionniere’s with their names printed on kraft paper leaves, and they were encouraged to “Pin One On”. The bouts were attached to a fantastic glitter board, created by us In The Now girls, with a special blend of Martha Stewart Glitter of course.

The guests were then prompted to “Beat The Odds” by entering a raffle using a specially made wedding planner Mad Lib card. (‘Twas a hoot, let me tell ya’.)

Next, we had some very delicious libation options. Annabelle’s Coffee came by, where you could “Get Your Fix”, or you could “Cool Your Jets” by the bar, and then sass up your bubbly at the “Dress Your Drink” station.

For some fun, Cheesy Photobooth’s rolled up to give the peeps a reminder that “This Was Fun”. And of course, it was, if I don’t say so myself!

In keeping with the three word phrases, we added vinyl on kraft paper runners and invited the guests to “Pick Your Seat”.

We used the AMAZING Onyx Charger from Classic Party Rentals and interspersed kraft paper plate wraps amongst the place settings.

If you were feeling a bit parched from the midday sun, we put decals made by Creative Media Print on swingtop bottles so you could “Have Some Water”.

Sussanna from French Buckets put together the florals for us.

Jay’s Catering, Good Gracious!, Sundried Tomato Cafe, Andrei’s and Delicieuse French Ice Cream offered up their delicious fare.

These tasties from Good Gracious! were melt in your mouth delicious.

The event was topped off with a gorgeous bridal fashion show styled and orchestrated by Hope Stanley from Mary Me Bridal, with hair and makeup by the ever so sweet Vivian Tran and the All Made Up Team. Seriously, they were amazing! Large Banners were hung from the breezeway letting everyone know where the show was to take place.

And you might remember this model…it’s Brooke! One of our brides to be.

And THIS model is one of our lovely interns, Carizza!

On the way out, the guests grabbed a swag “box” filled with yummy goodies like Izzie’s and gourmet graham crackers from Sugar Tart.

Many, many, MANY thanks to all the wonderful vendors who worked on this super fun event! It was truly a team effort.

Andrei’s
Annabelle’s Coffee
Ashleigh Taylor Photography
BBJ Linen
Cheesy Photo Booths
Creative Media Print
Cynthia Bower at Classic Party Rentals
Delicieuse French Ice Cream
French Buckets
Good Gracious! Events
Hope Stanley at Mary Me Bridal
Izze
Jay’s Catering
Joel at Studio EMP
Martin at Waveform Events
Serra Plaza
Sundried Tomato Cafe
Sugar Tart

Vivian Tran and the All Made Up Team

*whew* What a list! All in all it was a splendid day in a splendid place.

Well- THIS was my secret! Ever since we had the chance to work with Jasmine Star earlier this year, we’ve been connected at the emotional hip. So when she called me to ask about designing a fabulous party for her twin sis, Bianca and her quickly approaching wedding, we were absolutely delighted [and honored, inspired, thrilled, literally laughing with excitement]! The best part? It was for an intimate group of good friends. So, one table to set, one delicious activity needed, one small cake and one day to totally leave a lasting impression for a girl I grew to love like my own family. Bianca is just as infectious as her twinner and I’m so honored to know them both. The shower we put together graced the pages of the most recent issue of Inside Weddings Magazine [their winter issue] and I couldn’t be bubbling with more joy from it!

The 2-page spread:

This is truly just the tip of the iceberg for images from this perfect soiree. I cannot wait to do a full feature of Jasmine’s gorgeous images in the near future [you'll die at the fondue station, the mini milk shots, and the crystal chandelier that didn't make the feature]!

Jas and B: thanks for entrusting this huge job to us! We truly loved being a part of it, whipping it together- making it classy, timeless and full of love for such a special lady. This is just the tip of the iceberg for you, too, you know. :)

xoxo,

Once we had models, it seemed we never turned back. After the Coco Chanel Inspired shoot we moved onto quite an adventure, building an outdoor cafe in the middle of nowhere at 3 a.m. The lovely Amanda over at the Ruffled blog asked us to produce this for her site [which you can see HERE and HERE] and I don’t think we dissappointed, if I do say so myself. The rich and bright color of Yanessa’s sweater sealed the deal for me…and that delicious lemon cake. Yum.

Moving right along, the awesome readers of The Wedding Chicks blog voted us the stylists for their next StyleLab [an honor to say the least]. We envisioned the bride being the modern bohemian daughter of well-to-do parents in Nantucket. Bringing a balance of traditional [a FULL place setting. Like, FULL full.] and modern [a snazzy cardigan for the bride] was our aim. We were lucky enough to get this on The Wedding Chicks blog as a two-parter HERE and HERE.

We rounded out the year with a Spanish Soiree inspired shoot, which landed us yet ANOTHER feature on Style Me Pretty. This shoot was especially fun since fellow Nowie Sharon and her hubby Steve served as our hotter-than-hot models.

Seriously, isn’t she just the cutest?

It’s been a great year and I can’t even imagine what 2011 has in store for us. But whatever it is, we’re more than ready to tackle it!

See you in the New Year!

R

We started the year off right, capturing this tabletop in January that was featured on Junebug Weddings:

Our modern plexi-glass fireplace turned heads [the challenge was an industrial-focused centerpiece in lieu of floral] and our hot cocoa with marshmallows warmed hearts!

Moving right into the heart of the matter, we shot this quaint little table in our studio, which was featured with the table cuff as a simple Do It Yourself on Style Me Pretty [a must read for all nearly-weds out there!!]. The vivid colors against the grey walls make it one of my favorite shoots to-date. I love lush, saturated colors!!

We then moved right into full styling mode- meaning we stepped it up, started including real life couples as our muse/model figures, and made most of our shoots into actual, produced events that could have easily ran flawlessly on their own as weddings, showers, celebrations of many kinds! We started with a huge undertaking: an upscale bridal shower soiree with a delicious Coco Chanel vibe updated for the modern gal:

With about 7 stationed areas and 8 models to shoot, we definitely gave Jasmine a run for her money on this shoot [but it began a beautiful and real lifelong friendship that I couldn't be more thankful for- and plus, she loves our aesthetic, so... it's a win/win]

*Not only did this killer chic shoot get us featured again on the fabulous Style Me Pretty Blog, it also inspired a real life bridal shower that we had the honor of designing in August as well as another photo shoot feature that will debut here shortly!

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so I truly hope you’re loving it as much as I am- taking the time to reflect back on the year. Where we’ve started and where we are now are two totally different places am I’m so thrilled that I love my job today even more than I imagined I could this time last year!

Stay tuned…

xoxo,

A.

Total fave:

Nothing is more relatable than having a human moment with someone when admitting that life isn’t always perfect and sometimes you just gotta deal with it. But let’s not forget the good stuff, too…

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Go check out the facebook fan page for more!

Here’s to feeling real today with someone by your side!!

Note to add: Friday Lovely posts are always, 100% the opinion of myself and the In The Now team. They’re never sponsored or slanted in any way or for any reason. We keep it genuine here. Just thought you should know, fo sho.

xoxo,

I adore the hidden hearts more than anything. And I adore a lot of things, so that’s saying a lot. If you aren’t familiar with Luna Photo, I’d suggest acquainting yourself and quickly. They’re exceptional!!

xoxo,

Thanks to Kristin Rogers for setting this feature up [with a little encouragement from yours truly]. This wedding was a total wonder to work [um, hello mini sliders as a plated dinner and a chorographed first dance to that epic song from Stranger Than Fiction?? SIGN ME UP!]. I love reliving the moments of it through each and every photo.

Hop, skip and jump on over there already!

xoxo,

Favorite moment caught: during the ceremony, the way the bride is looking at her groom so emphatically. Like she’s letting every single moment of reality sink in. It’s really magical to watch.

Hello, how can you not want a wedding video?? [Had to say it- you know I did]

Be sure to check out their new company, LunchPail Pictures and get in with them before they explode into something you’ll only wish you could have experienced. I have all the faith in the world in this pair- and the way they caught the moments in this wedding above, the real authentic love expressed, I know that I’m right to believe!

xoxo,

You can go straight to our Hand-Picked page to read the sweet, sweet words that the Chicks wrote on me and the company by clicking the link. I’m still blushing each time I think about it. Plus, now I get to wear this badge of PRIDE on my blog and site!

Reward yourself today for even the smallest of accolades!!

xoxo,

I told Kristin that I wasn’t going to blog any images from her wedding. And that’s because we took it on, last minute, as a friendly favor to our friendly friend. But you know what… Kristin and Dustin are in LOVE. And they’re CUTE. And they’re totally blog-worthy. So, I’m blogging.

The adorable Kacee Geoffroy was on hand for hair and makeup. Kristin looked like an idyllic bride- seriously, a perfectly summer-toned August blushing bride! Of course, Kristin, being who she is, insisted on a first look moment for her and Dusty. San Clemente makes a pretty good backdrop, too!

FAV-O-RITE! Stop it, Bethany Belle, just STOP it! [Okay don't, seriously don't]:

Deets from inside the Ole Hanson Beach Club [helloooooo bunting with pictures- be still my heart!!]:

Totally adorable- am I right? Totally blog worthily inspirational, right?? I’m glad I got to be a part of this wedding, especially seeing Kristin and Dustin exiting so happily to a crowd of friends and family twirling glow sticks with shouts of excitement. Nothing beats moments like that in life!!

Thanks again to the fabulous vendors:

Beautification provided by: Kacee Geoffroy
Permanent Remembrance by: Bethany Belle Photography
Yummy Deliciousness from: Taco Dude
Beachy Backdrops at: Ole Hanson Beach Club
Killer Coordination with your fave gals at: In The Now Weddings
Coordinator’s Support by: Veils and Fairytales

Now y’all give a big HOLLA to the team that you’re putting together. Remember your day won’t be the same without their genius- creative or logical in nature. I’m always thankful for a solid team of vendors that respect one another and treat each other accordingly. A big HOLLA to my vendor friends!

xoxo,

1. They look French. I took French in High school for 4 years and, although now I can recognize a few words and think frenchy thoughts from time to time, I really love the culture.

2. Because they look French, they remind me of my sister. My sister lived in France briefly after college and is the epitome, to me, of a French woman who feels she’s worth a man working at her to get her attention. I love and admire this about her.

Thus, I love and admire these chairs. Plus, they are just an exceptionally great addition to any event. Like most of FOUND’s pieces, it’s easy to fall in love with these. Right now I’m dreaming up an excuse to hang out with them for a few hours. Not the people… the chairs. Because that’s how I spend my time. Trying desperately to hang out with inanimate objects. Like a crazy person [who talks to herself... in all the best ways- because my conversations, with myself, are riveting].

Great right?? I have such an eye for savvy style. :)

Off to go toot my own horn some more around LA! Compliment yourself- and you siggy other- at least once today. You deserve it. They deserve it. And let it sink it gal darnit!!

xoxo,

Here’s a quick snippit from Nick at Crafthouse Productions of just a quick styled shoot we threw together for Wedding Chicks. And even this is convincing me to pull out my own wedding video and watch it again [don't hate- it's a VHS]!! Hope it does for you, too!

Pearl Shoot from Crafthouse Productions on Vimeo.

xoxo,

The main focus was to capture a true lifestyle feel to the images- and because we had a rockin’ backdrop like The Pearl Hotel, it was easy to bring that effortless retro feel in. I love me some mid-century!!

Our models were so super awesome and put up with my ridiculous ideas [like eating candy buttons, pretending to be post-wedding-rehearsal [bow-quet and all], and “writing your vows in the hotel bar the morning of your wedding”…. you know, that kinda stuff]! And they did it with grace and gorgeousness. For that, we can all thank them!

And of course so so so many kisses-of-love to our fabu vendor team:
Photography: Joielala Photographie
Hair/Makeup: 1011 Makeup [she makes beautification look easy and feel fun]
Venue: The Pearl Hotel
Video [coming soon]: Ever-awesome Nick @ Crafthouse Productions
Styling: The Gals @ In The Now [That's us!!]
Products: Wedding Chicks [and their genius minds... seriously]

And don’t forget to view the feature about us all on Style Me Pretty!!

Until next time, my dear friends!!

xoxo,

Not only do we have Brandon and Kristen Kidd [to thank for the photo, btw]- we’re joined by the fab guys from Crafthouse Productions as well! Nowies Kristen, Sharon and Josh [and mee] representin’ too of course. Note the awkward “I don’t know what to do with my hands” pose from Josh. Gotta love it! All in a hard day’s work right? Hey, there’s gotta be a little fun towards the end of a seriously kickin’ wedding [at least that's what I say]! SO ready to do it all again this weekend. Have I mentioned how much I love my job??

Find your love today, readers!

xoxo,

Melissa & Alfonso from Crafthouse Productions on Vimeo.

Lovingly yours- today and always…

xoxo,

A.

I know, you can’t even wait. And neither can I. Yay for love!

xoxo,

A.