Real San Diego Wedding {Snapshot}

This photo makes me so happy just looking at it!

First of, it reminds me of a photo I have on a dock in Greece with my BFFs and our shadows are reflecting off the beautiful Aegean Sea. I’ll have to find that photo and share it sometime…

But this was not in Greece, this beautifully captured moment was of Mandi and her bridesmaids during their post ceremony photos on the UCSD Campus last summer. Mandi was one of the happiest brides I’d had all season…I am not sure how to describe such a delicate bride who seemed to just flutter about on a daily basis, I loved getting to see her during our planning because she was so contagiously loving!  On her wedding day, she was ten times more sweetly happy and in love…. Oh it was brilliant! She had the perfect bridesmaids too, they were attentive, energetic, and very happy to let Mandi have the spotlight all day. Just as it should be…

Happy Wednesday!

xxo!

Brenda

Photo by Narrative Images

Tuesday Shoesday

There’s No Place Like Home….

So says Dorothy in her red sparkled pumps… What would you say in these stunning gold bridal heels photographed by Ken Kienow? “I’ll get you my pretty!” says this wicked witch of the West Coast!

These pumps not only make a statement, they look as though they hold the power to bring out your inner sexy under that dress! Why wouldn’t you want to add a little extra glow to you’re already beaming bridal aura?

Just when you think the nerves on your big day might be getting the best of you, remember, you are one click away to saying “I do” to the One that can bring you right back home to happiness.

xxo!

Stephanie

Swann Soirees,

Kate Spade “Charm”

FAB Friday: Wedding Lingerie

Not all women want to wear the quintessential lace or barely-there lingerie on their wedding night or even for the honeymoon.

Why not consider something unexpectedly luscious? Like these flirty Jasmine Bloomers from Etsy seller Angela Friedman. They are a perfect blend of feminine and provocative with the silky soft ruffles. Yowza! They come in a variety of colors AND they are custom made for you- with a vintage cut or a modern fit.

Playful and sexy without being forward… making them an appropriate bridal shower gift, or heck, the bride can buy these herself! These would be adorable for a boudoir shoot too! YUMM!

Have a fabulous Friday!

xxo!
Mandilee
Swann Soirees

Pro Spotlight: Sweet Paper {Stationery}

The hand written note is rather special, sentimental, and a traditional value that people appreciate no matter what age or occasion. These values drive the owners, Julie and Theresa, a sisterly duo of one of our favorite stationary stores, Sweet Paper!

I got the chance to catch up with co-owner Julie, and I could tell immediately her passion for what she and her sister have created. “We are so lucky to work for ourselves and do what we love. We appreciate making people happy and those people appreciate the hand written note.

Although Julie and Theresa started in the event industry, Sweet Paper emerged from their love of details and the sentimental emotion that stationary can create. When Julie said that her favorite thing is when a bride wants to incorporate a piece or vision that is very special and meaningful to them, I realized that these sisters truly love and understand their clients’ needs when producing the perfect product. From their time spent in London, NYC, and San Francisco, their creativity, styles, and personalities (Theresa is a little more hip and modern while Julie is a bit more traditional) merge perfectly making this duo quite different than the ordinary stationery vendor.

Sweet Paper offers customizable design services. Priding themselves on their creative flair, they can help design your vision from scratch or help you choose from their extensive portfolios. “If you can think it, we can do it!” Their services include letter press, digital printing, engraving and many more customizable options. Although invitations for instance range in price depending on design (generally starting around $8 each for cotton paper), they take pride in creating your perfect vision within your perfect budget!

You can find out more about Sweet Paper on their website, facebook, or venture into their La Jolla store to check out their lovely goodies and paper products!

 -xxo!

Nicole

Swann Soirees, Sweet Paper

Swann Soirees, Sweet Paper

Swann Soirees, Sweet Paper

Swann Soirees, Sweet Paper

Swann Soirees, Sweet Paper

All photos provided by Sweet Paper.

Real San Diego Wedding {Snapshot}

When Michelle & her fiancé Sean hired me to do their wedding, they said they wanted me to design an atmosphere that exuded happiness with bright & bold colors (and included chocolate), in fact, Michelle’s exact words were “I want it to look like spring threw up a rainbow!” I’ll never forget that.

It was definitely not the typical request by a bride, but you know what?  I had no problem making it happen, are you kidding?? I have NO problems in finding ways to smear happy in everything I touch! Swanntastical baker, Sumi, from Sumi’s Oven helped bring the vision of sunshine & rainbows to life via the wedding cake & cupcake tower. Fun right?? Doesn’t it make you happy just looking at it??

xxo!

Brenda

Photo Credit: Mandi Contreras of Melissa McClure Photography

Tuesday Shoesday!

Nude shoes are absolutely 100% my Achilles heel.

Why? You can wear them with anything…yes anything. Dress them up or down, girls night out or formal attire, the opportunities to bust these babies out are endless. So this is no surprise that I was naturally drawn to these lovelies by Pedro Garcia. I can honestly see myself wearing these suede masterpieces to snazzy up an outfit for the office just as much as I can see wearing them as I walk into a Vegas club. I love the versatility that comes with the neutral color, and adore the chunky ankle strap, giving support to what some would refer to a 4 inch daunting heel. 4 inches…please, I’m 5’-1” so I need the height! Finally the most unexpected part; the mini peep toe which shows just enough from an otherwise conservative heel. I sigh as I marvel over these beauties in the hopes that my birthday came a little sooner. Happy Tuesday everyone!

 -xxo!

Nicole

Swann Soirees, Tuesday  Shoesday