It is hard to believe that we are entering into Memorial Day weekend.  Summer is right around the corner which means outdoor dining.  Friends, family, sunshine, good food and fun!  Summer, here we come!!!

The Essentials of Summer Entertaining

1. The Menu

(1) Scallops with Wilted Spinach and Arugula (2) Green Bean, Corn and Tomato Salad (3) Honeyed Tofu on Udon with Cucumber Ribbons (4) Peach Crisp

2. The Beverages

(1) Sugar Rims (2) Olé (3)Brazilian Lemonade (4) Sangria

3. The Activities

(1) Bocce (2)Croquet (3) Badminton (4) Horsehoes

4. The Decor

(1) Design Sponge (2) Parade of Blooms (3) Beach (4) Crudite

5. The Planning

Here is a task list to keep you on track.

Find out what kind of planner you are by taking Martha’s quiz.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!!

There are some seriously fabulous nail polish trends for this summer! Here are a few we are loving at LBE…

Matte Shades: These velvety finishes are rocker chic and definitely make a statement, no shiny top coat needed. The OPI Matte Collection has great colors to choose from.

Bright Shades: Nothing says summer love like vibrant colorful nails. Chanel has tons of bold options for you to hit the beach with.

Gray Shades:  Gunmetal to charcoal these neutral hues are stylish and versatile. Dior’s Silver Pearl is sexy and modern. Soft Shades: The Wedding Collection by Essie is simply swoon worthy.  “Classically chic with a touch of modern sheen, the palette of shades was created to compliment the beauty of wedding day nuptials.”  With six different hues there is a perfect tint for every bride.

Need help getting that perfectly manicured look? Glamour has great tips on how to do your nails like a pro!

What do you get when you combine a charming couple, 15 of their closest friends and family, a trolley, a yacht and a picture perfect skyline?  You get Tian and David’s wedding of course!

Tian and David selected San Diego as the city for their destination wedding.  It was not far for them to travel from their home in Santa Monica but it was certainly a distance for their families.  David’s family arrived from the Netherlands and Tian’s family from Hong Kong.  This was the first visit to the US for most of the international guests and we wanted to create an experience that they would not soon forget.

Guests were picked up in La Jolla by a traditional San Diego Trolley and escorted down to Bayview Park in Coronado.  The ceremony was centered around a beautiful coral tree that was adorned with ruffle poms.  Tian and David wanted to incorporate a bit of their culture and chose to have a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony following their wedding ceremony.

Following the ceremony, guests were taken on a guided trolley tour of Coronado.  To compliment the journey through our fine city, Tian and David invited their guests on a private yacht charter of San Diego Bay.

The evening was complete after a lovely sunset dinner at La Valencia’s Sky Room.  The party pressed on the following day as the entire family headed to Las Vegas to continue the celebration.

May this be the beginning of your lifetime of adventure Tian and David.  Congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy journey through life together.

As always, we greatly appreciate our fabulous vendors that worked so hard to bring this day together.

Photographer- Justin Lee Photography

Florist- Rae Florae

Rentals- Concepts Event Design

Makeup- Flirt Makeup

Cake- Sweet Cheeks Baking Company

Labels- Brightly Designed

Reception Venue- La Valencia, The Sky Room

Private Yacht Charter- Corporate Yacht Club

I spent some time at my very favorite store, Paper Source over the weekend. If you haven’t been it’s a MUST see! Stationery, DIY workshops, invitations, and unique gifts are just the beginning to this paper wonderland. During my latest visit these amazing paper flower kits caught my eye. Each kit contains the materials, templates, and instructions to make your own fabulous paper flowers. There are several kits to choose from…poppies, magnolias, sunflowers, daffodils and many more. Perfect for a bridal shower, or a fun alternative for your flower girl. Happy Crafting!

Introducing Noelle and John.  Their wedding is right around the corner so what better time to share a bit about them.

Noelle is out most recent bride unveiled…

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is probably more classic.  I have to wear suits to work, but I have to admit that I actually enjoy it! I also love bright, happy colors as accents which I really noticed when planning this wedding. I love surrounding myself with things that remind me of great times I’ve had and people I love being with.

The groom’s personal style?

John definitely has a more contemporary flair to him.  If it were up to him, we would be living in a totally impractical and cold modern home with cement counters, glass tables with sharp edges and black furniture.

How do you plan on incorporating your styles into your wedding day?

We think the US Grant is the perfect venue for our classic-modern wedding.  With its recent remodel, it has the old chandeliers, but the Grant Grill is decked out in modern furniture.  The Crystal Ballroom is almost over the top, but the Celestial Ballroom is more subdued and elegant.  Downtown San Diego brings back tons of amazing memories for us.

When did you get engaged? How did he pop the question?

When I was little, my mom would always drive by this giant decorated outdoor Christmas tree that was put up every Christmas across the street from our local mall, South Coast Plaza.  Even now when I see that tree, it makes me think of my childhood and how that tree always seemed so magical.  On New Year’s Eve 2009, John asked me to be his wife under this Christmas tree that I love.  I cried.  Hysterically.

What are your favorite wedding resources?  Blogs? Magazines?

Definitely magazines.  I like paper.  I like pictures I can hold in my hands and show to people.

Describe your relationship in 5 words

A loving, laughing, busy TEAM!

What is the best part about being a bride-to-be?

I’ve had the best time seeing all my friends and family so often celebrating our engagement, planning the wedding, the bachelorette party, showers, and I can’t wait to see them all again for the wedding!

If you had one piece of advice for other bride’s what would it be?

I think its important to LAUGH…Laugh often and HARD throughout the planning process.  When you start planning a wedding, EVERYONE and their mother will have an opinion about every single little detail.   You’re going to get mad, frustrated, and upset.  I’ve been frustrated with my own parents and John’s parents during this time, but then I start thinking about how riled up they get over these tiny things, and it makes me crack up! Once I start laughing, I get over it, and we find a way to resolve the issue.

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?

Easy question…Saying “I do!” to John in front of all of my family and friends!

We are smitten with Ann DiNicolo of Flirt Makeup.  Ann’s professionalism, style, personality and talent makes her a favorite among our clients.

What is your favorite part of the industry?

My favorite part of the industry is the people I meet.  Each couple is so unique and awesome!   As a makeup artist, I’m in the bridal suite or room doing makeup while the bride and all the girls get ready for the big day.  It’s a lot of fun to be involved with the pre-wedding celebration with the girls!  It’s always a great time with the bride, her friends and family members.  It’s the start of the best day of the bride’s life so it’s always positive energy.  I love all my brides!!

If you weren’t in the event industry, what would you be doing?

If I was not doing wedding and event makeup I would still be doing makeup through other avenues, for example, commercial, fashion, personal instruction, etc.  If I was not doing makeup at all I would be an interior designer, which is what I completed my bachelor’s in.

Where do you draw your inspiration?  Are their specific resources?

I draw my inspiration from our culture, past and present, as well as other cultures.  Art and beauty are everywhere I look, every day.  I’m inspired by nature, fine art, fashion, and interior design trends.  Color in general inspires me.  Most importantly, I’m inspired by faces.  I love to look at peoples faces and visualize different looks.  I’m sometimes inspired even by the unique ways that people do their own makeup.  Pop culture can also be inspiring.  I do admit reality TV is a guilty pleasure sometimes but I like watching it to analyze the makeup!

What is one piece of advice you would give a bride?

One piece of advice that I give to brides in regards to their makeup is to go “bigger” than you originally planned.  A lot of the photos are taken at a distance and lighting can vary which means that almost half of the makeup you are wearing will not show in the photos unless they are close-up shots.  Besides, it’s fun to be a little more glamorous than your every day look!  The goal is to look like YOU but just a bit enhanced!

What are some of the trends you see for 2010 and 2011?

Trends I’m seeing in bridal makeup for 2010/2011… I’m noticing more dramatic eyes and even some darker lip color.  The “fresh face” natural looks is always a classic but I’m definitely seeing some more drama recently.  For natural looks, peachy tones and lighter corals are great spring/summer colors.  For a more glamorous look smokey or a variation on the smokey eye is a great look.  The smokey eye can take on many different forms – it doesn’t have to be grey.  Smokey can be more towards the taupe or even bronze tones – these colors look great on everyone.

A recent trip to Architectural Salvage to pick up some items for an upcoming wedding sparked a little obsession with restoration and DIY projects. Architectural Salvage (located in Little Italy) offers an abundance of interesting antiques and salvage items. The walls are lined floor to ceiling with vintage doorknobs, stained glass, doors, hardware and other one-of-a kind authentic items. The inventory is ever changing so if you find something you love, you better grab it! The store is preservation-oriented, and emphasizes sustainable practices through reuse. What a great resource we San Diegans have right at our fingertips!

Need some inspiration getting started on a new project? Check out my favorite coffee table books, Flea Market Style & BAZAAR STYLE or visit your local flea market!

Yesterday was not just another Tuesday for LBE.  Here is a brief glimpse into Tian and David’s wedding.

Thank you to Justin Lee for the teaser images.

Stay tuned for more of Tian and David!

Jessica and Derek were such a wonderful couple to work with.  They did a tremendous job of blending their fabulous style with culture and traditions throughout the entire event.  It was definitely a celebration that none of the guests will soon forget!!!

We wanted to share this special day through Jessica and Derek’s eyes.  They took some time to tell us about the details below.

What was the most unforgettable moment of your wedding day?

My cousin Eddie’s amazing speech. We grew up together, and since birth we have been next door neighbors. Once we left the nest, we have not been able to see each other as often as we would like. His speech was so thoughtful and touching, it just blew me away. Also, almost knocking down the unity candle in Church!!

What is the best piece of advice you received?

It was from you, letting me know I should reconsider a videographer. Worth, every, penny! I’m so happy I listened to you! : ) Joe Park Cinematography

Did you incorporate any family traditions into your wedding day?

Yes! my mother was Mexican. So, the entire Cocktail Hour was a Mexican Fiesta! With my cousin’s Mariachi Band, a double bar stocked with Raspberry and Lime Margaritas, Coronas and other Mexican Beers. All of the hors d’Oeuvres were traditional Mexican items with a fresh, gourmet twist.

What was the overall look and feel of your wedding?

Mixture of Contemporary Clean Style, with splashes of flashy jewel tones.

What’s the best party about being a newlywed?

Using all our new gifts! LOL! Being a team now, being able to focus on our future goals and plans together.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Shebby!!!

Thank you to ALL of the AMAZING vendors for your talent, creativity and hard work.

Gown- McCaffrey Haute Couture

Reception Venue- San Diego Museum of Art

Ceremony Venue- The Immaculata Parish

Production, Lighting, Linen, Lounge- Concepts Event Design

Photographer- Sara France Photography

Videographer- Joe Park Weddings

Florist- Ginny Boland

Caterer- Giuseppe’s Fine Catering

DJ- Visual Sound Productions

Your Bachelorette Party can be anything from the ultimate of lady’s nights to a ralax-athon of pampering.  It is your time to spend with your closest of friends doing whatever it is that puts a smile on your face ; )  We wanted to share some favorite activities that may just enhance your bachelorette experience.

Friday Five: Diva Worthy Bachelorettes

1. Pin Up Party- We’ve all heard of the boudoir shoot for your man.  This is more about getting dolled with the ladies for a fabulous photo shoot.  Pick a theme and carry it through.  It will definitely be an event you won’t soon forget being as you will have the professional images to share.  Carry your look out on the town and share a little of your sassiness!

Booty Boudoir

The Boudoir Divas

2. At Home Tasting-  There are so many options with an in home tasting… Wine Sampling, a Cooking Class or a Gourmet Cheese Pairing.  You and the girls can get your culinary on.  Make an evening of it or use it as a start the the festivities.  It is a fabulous opportunity to add a little domestic to your tool kit.

Vembra Holnagel and Associates

Dining Details

3. Pampered Princess- Who does not love a good spa day?  There are endless routes you can take with this option.  Spend the day or head out of town for the weekend.  Either way, it is all about relaxation.  One of my new favorites is a twist on beauty and boutique.  Who knew there was a place for girls to shop, nosh AND be pampered?

Be Beauty

4. Dance Class- Be your own diva on the dance floor.  Dance classes run the gamut from hip hop and belly to pole and beyond.  How much fun to learn a few cheeky new moves as a group. This can be a great start to your evening out or an experience in and of itself.  Either way, grab your dancing shoes and dance the night away!

Pole Sinsations

Leilainia

5. Getaway- Oh the places to go!  You name it.  Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Scottsdale or Cabo.  They all offer something unique and they all offer a getaway.  Take some time to truly embrace your friendships and make a weekend (or maybe even a week) of it.  Infuse relaxation with celebration and enjoy.

Vegas

However you decide to spend your bachelorette, remember that it is a celebration of the beginning (and not the END of being single)!  Enjoy your time with your closest friends and savor the experience.