{éclat} event design blog

a little inspiration

2012-01-10T07:40:00.002-06:00

we just reserved a date to plan one of our client's little girls 1st birthday party,

and it made me think of this beautiful cake I saw few days ago from hello naomi.

I am a big fan of naomi's creations and this cake is one of my favorites so far!

so delicate and sweet...

this is the first time we are creating a 1st birthday party and we are very excited!

there are so many ideas and details that can be done for a party like this.

I cannot wait to brainstorm for this event!

{eclat} project: shabby chic theme wedding- Candace + David

2011-10-22T13:32:00.000-05:00

we promised we would share a few more images of the country {chic} wedding we worked,
and this is the day!

the bride was a pleasure to work with and she looked absolutely beautiful on her day;
which started with a photo session for the entire bridal party; followed by the actual ceremony
atop a penthouse balcony facing the Alamo and a cocktail hour along the San Antonio riverwalk.

an evening reception both al fresco and indoors included various country chic details that
made the celebration both sophisticated and sweet.

we love the expression of surprise on her face when she saw the different details of the decor!

images by amy watson photography

Halloween chic

2011-10-11T16:17:00.000-05:00

As Halloween approaches, I love the idea of trading the traditional color palette for 'all black and white'! We leave you with these images that will get you inspired if you are looking to give a modern and chic twist to your party. My favorite? the white pumpkin for a glamorous touch!

images {clockwise}: valentino via this is glamorous, little lovables, halloween tablescape via martha stewart, boo sign via I heart shabby chic , spider web sugar cookies via pacific thyme, birds decor via little lovables, white pumpkin unknown

love at first site

2011-09-19T13:18:00.001-05:00

happy {Monday} dear readers!

Last February, Anthropologie launched its sister company BHLDN

(pronounced "beholden") with a new wedding line of dresses, shoes and jewelry to die for.

Now, they have also introduced a fabulous wedding & party decor line and we

can enjoy it all at their brand new Houston location!

Here is a sneak peek of some of their fabulous decor collection, that will make

your soirée the most memorable and chic. I cannot wait to incorporate

some of these beautiful pieces in one of our events!

ibiza magica

2011-09-13T13:38:00.000-05:00

I am home sweet home after our trip, fully inspired and I would like to share

some of the pictures of one of my favorite places in the world: Ibiza, Spain.

I say favorite, not only for all of the style and magic that it inspires,

but also because this is where my husband, Mark, and I met.

Ibiza Magica…these are the words engraved in our wedding bands because

this place is so special and magical for us!

Now, 7 years later, we are back and with a baby on the way!

I love the 'hippy chic' flavor that Ibiza has!

When I think of Ibiza, I think white and turquoise. White is the color of

their homes, the sand and the typical flowing bohemian frocks

that you find all over the little boutiques; turquoise is the frames

on the windows and water on the beautiful hidden coves.

The island is famous for the stunning sunsets. During this trip we discovered

Sunset Ashram, one of the hottest spots of the moment to experience the beautiful

sunset with some chill out music play by a DJ on the background. Memorable!

Ibiza is the European party spot of choice, but also one of the most exclusive

places for destination weddings of the moment.

Here, we explore the possibilities of one of the Mediterranean's most luxurious venues.

It would be an absolute dream to be able to plan a wedding here one day...

Hasta pronto Ibiza!!

latest project: stylish first communion celebration

2011-08-03T17:11:00.067-05:00

recently we had the opportunity of putting together this stylish event for two beautiful girls that celebrated their first communion together.

the talented nancy aidee captured the details so wonderfully that we are thrilled!

french linens and romantic soft tone arrangements were selected for the adult area to achieve a very sophisticated and elegant look.

each place setting was ornamented with a piece of bread that meant to represent the sacrament of holy communion.

we created a dessert table where we showcased delicious candies that were individually wrapped in hand painted specialty paper with the colors of the event.

tissue paper pompoms and glass bubbles with delicate flowers were hung over the table, and vintage pink spray roses were used as center pieces to accent the desserts.

bright colors were selected over an all white setting to create a more contemporary area for the youngest.

event design and styling: {éclat} event design

flowers: {éclat} event design

photography: nancy aidee

Inside my living room. {wallpaper} project

2011-07-28T14:40:00.000-05:00

{dear} readers, i am so happy to be able to share the pictures of my latest house project!

for a while I have been wanting to add something to the chimney wall that appeared so empty to me. i finally decided to go with one of the wallpapers that Designers Guild offers in their new collection. i am in always love with all the colors, textures and designs that Designers Guild propose! always bold and colorful yet very sophisticated. geometric patterns are part of their new trend and I could not wait to try it on my house.

{éclat} breakfast fete

2011-07-18T09:42:00.001-05:00

a couple of weeks ago we had the great opportunity to gather with wonderful friends from the industry

and we are glad to share a few images of the feminine and elegant details.

a table with bite sized treats featured english muffins, french macarons, neapolitan marshmallows,

argentinean alfajores, fruit bites, yogurt parfaits, panna cota with berries, caprese skewers and

creme cheese with fine herbs finger sandwiches.

flowers included beautiful roses, peonies and tulips in tones of blush, buttercream, gray and peach.

a coffee and tea serving area added an extra touch of elegance, and delicious soaps

with vintage shop packaging served as favors for our special guests.

it was a lovely {morning}

all images: nancyaidee photography

yellow fever

2011-07-13T10:53:00.000-05:00

as the summer continues to give us sun-kissed days, we are inspired by a palette of

bright yellows balanced out with white, for a modern and clean look that is sure to

draw your eyes and make you inevitably glad.

Verveine Savon de Marseille, DIY felt flowers, Tina Trunk Pillow, Mimosa bougie perfumee by Calypso, acrylic spoon, smeg vintage refrigerator, pansy vase via anthropologie, zara home geometric yellow napkins, specklefarm cards, floral sculpted yellow nesting bowls

cheerleaders party inspiration

2011-07-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

we are getting ready to throw a cheerleading party for twin six year old gilrs this summer!

the color palette includes lavenders and blush, along with glittery details for added spark.

a feather backdrop for showing cheer routines, a room for crafts and an ice-cream bar

will all be part of the fun for this particular event.

we can't wait to show you the end result.

images {left to rigt, top to bottom}: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

DIY: infused vodkas

2011-07-07T11:53:00.002-05:00

today while having my regular coffee in the morning, I ran into this great vodka recipes at the june issue of the party dress magazine. this a fabulous idea to add a fun, refreshing and colorful touch to your summer party. which flavor would you like?

happy 4th of july!!

2011-07-04T10:20:00.000-05:00

we hope that all of you have a fun and festive weekend celebration filled with red, white and why not? aqua blue: to reflect the beautiful skies under which you may lounge and admire lovely fireworks full of freedom and independence!

happy {weekend}

images: 1, strawberry margarita jello shots, turquoise ittalla water cup, vintage la versha red chair,

strawberries image, white orleans plastic cutlery

oh geronimo!!

2011-07-01T11:40:00.000-05:00

we are obsessed with this gorgeous idea! here is an alternative to the conventional flowers or chocolates to impress your loved ones on special occasions and how lovely a surprise that might turn out to be!

this lovelies can also be used to spruce up your party; whether fun or classic, with their diverse use of colors and style, so why not give it a try; we ourselves would fancy this idea for an upcoming event.

geronimo ships all over US and by special order to Canada.

happy long {weekend}

images via: geronimo balloons

latest {éclat} fete: the inspiration board

2011-06-29T19:38:00.011-05:00

today we put together a breakfast gathering for some of our piers in the event industry.

we got inspired by the timeless chanel No.5 design and the french style using a soft color palette to ensure elegance and sophistication.

taking advantage of peonies, one our favorite flowers being still in season, we made some gorgeous arrangements to compliment the theme.

we cannot wait to share the pictures with you; in the meantime, we leave you with the inspiration board.

images via: {left to right; top to bottom} 1, 2, 3-5, 6 ,7, 8

summer inspiration

2011-06-27T11:18:00.006-05:00

happy monday dear readers! it is officially summer time and as you work on your perfect tan, nude colors are quite the sophisticated choice; therefore, we leave you with a bit of inspiration with a soft an airy feel.

when it comes to the beginning of summer, peonies are quite the choice for blooms; both for their colors and texture, so go ahead and get some before the season ends; they will add great beauty to your interiors or event.

images: tom ford sunglasses, dior nude natural glow scupting powder makeup, lollia mandarin misaki candle, nude color wallet, valentino nude shoes

driven by design

2011-06-20T19:25:00.000-05:00

we recently came across the newly designed 500 by gucci; where fiat and gucci came together in time for milan's fashion week; which is a great example of how great design can elevate luxury anywhere it is applied.

the simple lines, combined with technology, engineering and luxurious details are no different from event production; where skill, together intricate attention to detail and exquisite taste are a must.

eclat's project: Carnival birthday party

2011-06-15T10:01:00.001-05:00

Last summer we were asked to work on a carnival party for 5 year old twin girls and we are already working on their '6 birthday party'.

we would like to share a bit of the fun for last year's event.

The thought was to give it a girlie twist using a palette of colors inspired by Lilli Pulitzer, instead of the of the conventional red and yellow.

Everything was custom and personalized; from the invitations, which were silkscreen printed on balloons to be blown up by each guest, the envelop that each kid received at the entrance with custom tickets for each carnival game, to the birthday hats made out of fabric and matching garland.

Vintage carnival music was played in the background, while kids had fun with ball tossing, water squirting games, where each kid got to receive custom wrapped carnival prices. A dunk tank and a stilt walker were also part of the fun, while a tray of prettily wrapped popcorn and cotton candy was passed around.

A snow cone machine, hot dogs and pink lemonade were part of the menu, and the finishing touch was the beautiful ice cream toppings bar with matching colors and a mini cake for each of the twins.

We are excited about working on their next project!

easy and beautiful project

2011-06-03T17:06:00.001-05:00

hello lovely readers, it has been a short and fast week, but there is still time for a quick and beautiful project, such as the one featured on the latest electronic issue of martha stewart weddings using washi tape in lovely colors and patterns

there are many resources for this fun tape, so go ahead, let the projects begin

{happy} weekend!

DIY baby´s breath garland

2011-06-02T16:00:00.001-05:00

recently, we came across this great article within the latest electronic issue of
martha stewart weddings

filler flowers are usually most elegant when used in repetition and quantity; therefore, this lovely tutorial walks you through the step by step in order to keep things on the sophisticated side.

{enjoy}

dreamy tablescapes

2011-05-31T15:04:00.001-05:00

we hope you had a great and long memorial weekend; we sure enjoyed ours and are glad to share a little bit of inspiration.

while it is great to confine to the space atop a table for beautiful, lush flowers and place settings, we are amused at the concept to step outside the box and go above and beyond; transforming an event into an actual art installation.

top table scape created by caplan miller events | napa valley fete via everything fabulous | manzanita branch table scape via freckles chic blog

glamorous bridal shower inspiration

2011-05-27T15:43:00.034-05:00

happy friday dear readers! after a week full of exciting news and future projects, we would like to close the week with this beautiful bridal shower inspiration images from the very talented italian wedding planners bon bon studio. we are in love with the perfect color palette, the gorgeous flowers and all the details. glamorous, femenine and romantic, we find these images a great inspiration for any bride-to-be.

happy weekend!!

guest book inspiration

2011-05-20T15:30:00.001-05:00

happy {friday} everyone, the week went by a bit fast, and before the day ends, we would like to share an amazing guest book idea found recently via etsy

with a vintage and fun look, each guest gets to leave a fingerprint that achieves the look of bright balloons from afar.

this is a wonderful idea that could be paired up with a vintage bicycle to its side; bearing a basket where guests could also place wishes for the bride and groom.

now, how amazingly darling is that!

image credits: bicycle via honey and lace, vintage bicycle cards via etsy, basket via style me pretty

a few of our details

2011-05-17T11:40:00.002-05:00

not too long ago, we had the opportunity to work on a country chic wedding theme
and during a mock up session for the bride to be, our talented friend nancy aidee
was able to capture some of the details we put together; including chic country
florals on birch bases and mason jars; as well as touches of burlap and trim.

{enjoy}

fresh take on the cake

2011-05-13T15:32:00.004-05:00

so as summer approaches, the idea of designing a dessert table using fresh fruit is quite appealing. we love this particular watermelon cake found via veggie belly; which is a nice, colorful and low calorie option for all.

do you have any weekend plans?
maybe a slice of watermelon cake at the poolside would not be so bad.

{happy} weekend!

creative food

2011-05-11T11:22:00.001-05:00

so if your mom ever told you not to play with your food, she probably did not think of the possibilities! just look at these very fun and clever creations captured by carl kleiner; they make us want to go to the produce section and try some of our own.

when it comes to food and design, there is a lot of room for play and creativity and our next post will showcase a beautiful idea to make fruit a sweet treat.

photography by carl kleiner

kentucky derby weekend

2011-05-09T14:01:00.001-05:00

so this weekend was full of beautiful things! the first one was the lounge party that we put together and the results were amazing! we truly enjoyed working on this one.

then came kentucky derby on the 7th and we could not let the opportunity pass, to share a little piece of inspiration with above mood board.

finally, mother's day and the weekend was completely full of fun and celebration.

we look forward to sharing some interesting ways to liven up food design this week, but in the meantime.......

{happy} monday

images {clockwise}

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

celebrate motherhood

2011-05-06T11:43:00.002-05:00

this weekend we will be celebrating the mothers within our life, and tonight, we will put together a 40th birthday lounge themed party for a mom of four, so imagine how fun is that!

we hope that your weekend is a beautiful one and just in case you have not gotten anything for mom or if you wish to hint your kids; we leave you with some fun and feminine options.

{happy weekend}

tory burch embroidered serpent bracelet, abahna bath foam via antropologie, tabletop via martha stewart living, flowers, mother via coco kelley

1|2|3|4|cinco!

2011-05-05T11:18:00.001-05:00

so let's get a little festive and celebrate with a pair of maracas and a couple of

margaritas today; after all, it is cinco de mayo!

do you ever celebrate this little fiesta?

image source: personalized tequila favors vogue fashion editorial via coco and kelley colorful papel picado , festive florals and sombreros via style me pretty corona beer popsicles and festive stationery

beautiful flower picking

2011-05-02T08:41:00.000-05:00

happy monday to all; we are exited about the fact that mother's day is around

the corner and we thought you would like to see a selection of our favorite flowers

(both for events and gift giving), for a bit of inspiration in preparation for the day.

laura's mom is overseas and mine has already passed; so in either case, flowers

are perfect ways to honor both. laura could call a florist in spain and order a

beautiful arrangement with any of the above selections, and I could always do

the same and place the arrangement at home in order to honor my beautiful mother;

who by the way, adored flowers; so either to give or receive, these beauties are just

amazing and can add the perfect touch of a very romantic modern elegance.

image credits:
anemones: hostessblog, forgetmeknotdetails; dahlias: leblagh, lovely little details; garden roses: country home, paris apartment blog; ranunculus: beauty spot, lovely little details; hydrangeas:flickr, pretty petals; peonies: style me pretty, loveolio

royal wedding inspiration

2011-04-29T12:50:00.001-05:00

happy friday lovely ones; this is definitely a royal one, where many from all around

the world can relate to Kate and William through the royal wedding, and we are

inspired by the fun and clever little details we have come across; which represent

the occasion in classic; yet fashionable ways.

while we understand the importance of keeping traditions; specially among royalty,

we admire the courage of Pippa Middleton as she used her event planning skills

and was bold enough to have disco balls approved for for the postwedding

celebration at the throne room of Buckingham Palace; as well as food trucks

parked in the Palace quadrangle, serving "bacon butties" (a bacon sandwich

with cooked bacon between buttered bread); leaving a little room for fun and
creating a scene that translates modern elegance.

{happy} weekend

*images:
row 1jessica claire, the tomkat studio row 2 etsy, tomkat studio, laboutin shoes row 3 philip newton, not on the high street, craig williams photography

on a sweet note

2011-04-25T14:25:00.002-05:00

happy monday {dear} ones!

we hope you had a wonderful weekend; ours was spent with a lot of celebration!

last week we featured a wonderful white tea party by hello naomi, and this time we would like to showcase more of her amazing work in order to start the week on a sweet note.

there are many wonderful sweets out there; however, what attracts us the most about naomi's work is her level of detail and her ability to make anything look perfectly sweet.

do you know of any other wonderful bakers that use that level of detail? we would love for you to share!

lovely weekend celebration : easter

2011-04-22T11:27:00.003-05:00

this weekend will be lovely in countless ways and we hope that you get

to celebrate with family and friends; and while you might wish to have

an elaborate table setting; there are very simple, yet sophisticated

alternatives that will leave you with plenty of time to enjoy your family

and keep with the spirit of the celebration.

one of our favorites is the clever table setting by the girls at boxwood clippings;

which consists of an affordable craft store bought bird's nest with simple sweets

in contrasting colors, on top of a doily and coffee filter.

{happy} weekend!

images via vans-elle and boxwood clippings

all white tea party feature : hello naomi

2011-04-20T13:24:00.002-05:00

with as many colors available within a pantone guide, one could always resort to an all white landscape that has as much or even more impact on the eye. a pop of light in front of you; with monochromatic streamline that translates into simple elegance.

this beautiful white tea party is the creation of the very talented hello naomi, whose work is always minimal and flawless with intricate attention to detail.

it is important to know that the success of event design lies not on how much color saturation or how many items are added into a particular display; but instead, sophistication is achieved from the level of detail you put into even the simplest settings.

next week we will showcase more beautiful work by naomi; which delights both everyone's eyes and palates.

the beauty of paper

2011-04-18T13:09:00.001-05:00

happy {monday} everyone!

we hope your weekend was filled with joy and celebration.

many times we are amazed at the many wonders that paper can do for an event. we have worked with tissue paper, crepe paper, rice paper, coffee filters and many other mediums. this time, the paper lantern makes an appearance in various ways both lit or unlit, adorned or purely white.

have you any thoughts of applying these very popular and easy to assemble

paper wonders?

images {clockwise}: fete NY, lime green paper lanterns via rebecca thus, fete ny, butterfly lanterns martha stewart, white bunch lanterns via ruffled blog, lavender lanterns via martha stewart, multi color lanterns via allyou

in the mood to lounge

2011-04-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

hello again {dear} readers, we are back from a wonderful wedding weekend

and we just cannot wait to share the lovely images!

our mind is suddenly shifted to our next project; which is a 40th birthday

lounge party coming up in may, and we have come up with a chic and mod

inspiration board in order to share the mood with you. we will give you more

details as the concept develops, but in the meantime, have a wonderful thursday!

images via: row 1 camille styles row 2: 1, cupcake via hello lucky;
row 3 1, 2, 3; row 4 celebrations

purely white

2011-04-06T12:54:00.001-05:00

since we are in full wedding mode; here is a simple an elegant mood board

with the very traditional bridal white in various classic, yet modern details.

I love those white pumps; they would have been great for my wedding day

as my husband is much taller than moi and on the day of my wedding I wore

a very high heel which was a bit painful after a few hours. these seem to work

out well because of the platform and under a gorgeous wedding dress they're

pure marital bliss!

so what do you think, would you go for an all white wedding?

{happy wednesday}

images: veil via aire-barcelona, charlotte olympia satin plaform pumps via net-a-porter,

row 2: drinks via flickr, flower girl dresses via zsazsabellagio

row 3: flowers via wed luxe, cake via call me cupcake

inspired by fashion

2011-04-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

when brainstorming for an event, inspiration may come from the most unpredictable

places or details and in this case, out of the box british fashion and cleverly setup

styling have made our week.

fabric, lighting, texture and colors are all elements we combine within our work;

sometimes with unconventional materials that are crafted into something cohesive

with the overall theme.

so where do you usually draw inspiration from?

all lovely images captured by Tim Walker, a United Kingdom photographer whose wonderful work has been featured numerous times within Vogue magazine

capturing beauty | meet photographer: nancy aidee

2011-04-01T12:59:00.003-05:00

without doubt, we would not be able to share the beauty of many events if it weren't for wonderful talent behind a camera. one may spend numerous months organizing unique details for a special occasion and the click of a shutter captures the moment in seconds; otherwise lost.

we would like to introduce you to the talented Nancy Aidee, whose work has enamored many (including us), with an eye for detail, fine art, photojournalism and portraiture. we leave you with

some of her expertise as well as some of her beautiful work.

THE BASICS...

How do you describe your style?
I see myself as a photographer with a soft, romantic, elegant and classic style.

Why did you decide to become a wedding photographer?
I have always enjoyed working with people and after photographing my brother’s wedding I kept my interest in wedding photography. After my studies at Brooks Institute, I got married and moved to Miami where I started second shooting for a great Florida photographer, Robin Buckley. She was a great mentor and she always allowed me to create my own imagery and develop my own style. I fell in love working around all emotional aspects a wedding comprises; the joy, the excitement and of course the love among the couple and the families.

Do you have any secrets for achieving the most memorable wedding images?
There is definitely a workflow on capturing a wedding day but my main interest is making sure I capture beautiful portraits of the couple, lots of candid shots and of course all the details that bring together the wedding day story. I mostly enjoy capturing all those simple but unique moments throughout the day that bring out the joy and great memories for the couple and their guests.

What would be your dream photo shoot?I would love to do a Wedding Lifestyle shoot for a great wedding gown designer such as Vera Wang or Oscar de la Renta in a beautiful remote location like the isles of Mauritius, Positano in Italy or the lavender fields in the South of France.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?
Photoshop is a great tool but not crucial for my work. I like to keep my images very natural looking. I use Photoshop mostly for crafting black and white or sepia imagery. For all my color images I have a pretty simple workflow and only do basic touchups in color saturation, contrast and brightness.

What are the 5 tools you cannot live without?

My film cameras, my digital cameras, a Wacom Tablet, iphone, and of course my Apple computers.

THE FUN FACTS...

My favorite color is...
Hard to do only one… I truly heart blush pink, gray and lilac.

My favorite guilty pleasure...
Easy! Chocolates… and anything and everything related to Mexican food!

The best advice I ever received is:
To always trust what you know but more importantly enjoy what you do which will allow you to produce your best work.

rushed and inspired

2011-03-30T12:23:00.003-05:00

the middle of the week has sneaked in and as rushed as we may be; coming back

from a trip and coordinating a wedding, we find inspiration in the very classic,

never boring french macaron.

i recently came across Theurel and Thomas; a maison du macaron located in

Mexico and it made me think of the great popularity for this lovely confection;

made intricately with almond flour and sugar plus a creamy filling infused

with exquisite flavors.

Here are some additional resources for this very chic confection:

laduree | mad mac nyc | paulette | maison burdisso

images via 1 | 2

masquerade

2011-03-28T09:56:00.002-05:00

recently; inspiration came from the behind the scenes look at the creation of a photo spread for 002 houston magazine's march 2011 issue, styled by Carla Valencia and captured by photographer Gabriella Nissen.

the setting was a masquerade themed party and I began to think of the various possibilities for a wonderful soirée. The above inspiration board is the result of my musings and we can't wait to turn it into reality for any of our wonderful clients, so that we can share more ideas with you.

how about you, what is your inspiration for the week?

country chic wedding inspiration

2011-03-25T12:15:00.009-05:00

image via tandem austin wedding photographer

we are excited about the last minute details for a country chic wedding coming up

in a couple of weeks. it will be really exciting to witness the exchange of vows

with a beautiful backdrop and romantic details inspired on the above images.

we will be busy this weekend making this event super special so that we can share

some great images with all of you, so in the meantime.....

{happy weekend}

sources: postcards and pretties vintage clock and flower something white place setting joy thigpen

sunhat eva lindh country bride lanalou style horse shoe escort cards snippet and ink burlap

save the date Lucina Wesson via style me pretty

we have misplaced some of the sources for the above images, please let us know

if we have not credited you appropriately and we will gladly correct it right away.

orange crush

2011-03-23T11:41:00.002-05:00

so it is officially springtime!... and with that comes color and brighter days, so why not be bolder and play with a hue of citrus(ey) orange with touches of either gold, gray or green.

what's not to love about this orange crush, and speaking of crushes, there is something to love about mrs. lilien blog, which is full of color and hollywood glamour; not to mention her witty and absolutely lovely way of playing with words. check out her tangerine inspiration for more citrus fun!

images via: 1. bike shannoneileen 2. champagne style me pretty 3. ranunculus apartment therapy

4. cake style me pretty 5. vespa sfgbybay 6. chair ribbon style me pretty

bohemian chic

2011-03-21T12:25:00.000-05:00

happy monday to all, it was a lovely weekend with wonderful weather and
I even got a chance to sit by the pool and get a bit of a tan, so how about
a little inspiration for a bohemian gathering with ornate patterns,color and
texture to warm up your days?

there are many sources for this very chic look, so the possibilities are
many and the setting can be very casual and comfortable; without
losing any attention to detail. check out some nice resources below:

images: row 1moroccan inspired tabletop via paul barrera, moroccan lanterns via the bella life;
row 2 z gallery modern lanterns, moroccan style pillows via casa sugar, moroccan inspired
invitation via etsy; row 3 tea glasses via project nursery; dessert tea containers via enmaline bride,
garnet hill stools via apartment therapy; row 5 morocan inspired favor via amy atlas;
tea glasses via HWTM, colours pouffe via table tonic

for Japan with love

2011-03-17T23:11:00.005-05:00

from the beginning of this week, our heart has been with the people of japan

and we cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor and help them.

we will be silent on march 18th in order to show our support within

the blogging community and to take the time to reach out.

ForJapanWithLove.com

Ever Ours has teamed up with Utterly Engaged and handpicked ShelterBox as the organization to donate to, where there are volunteers are already there in Japan helping, so please be assured that your donations are being put to good use. ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.

we really hope you take the time to give and be involved, it is easy, just click right here

lucky to have you

2011-03-17T14:06:00.002-05:00

we are fortunate in so many ways; including the fact that we can do

what we love, we are surrounded by beauty and we have wonderful

support from our husbands; and of course, all of you.

pinch me please, for I love that this is true!

lovely images via tinypic and food je t'aime

color inspiration

2011-03-16T11:08:00.000-05:00

How about a pop of color to make your day bright and sweet? A warm and bright

yellow that reminds you of the sun and a deep and calm turquoise that transports

you to the riviera. Add a few touches of gilded to this and you achieve the perfect

balance for bold sophistication.

images: mikkel vang for vogue australia, kate space gwinnett lane turquoise plate here,

try tumber zara home glass, DVF home collection night flatware, designers guild napkins,

dessert table by cake opera co., macaroons via flickr

fabulous fringe

2011-03-14T12:52:00.000-05:00

hello dear ones, I hope your weekend was filled with special details.

It was truly sad to hear the news of Japan and it made me think of how

fortunate we are for every moment we are given; especially those in which

get to share with family and friends. I hope we are all able to help and be

somehow present for those in need.

on a happier note, we found an amazing way to turn fringe into glam inspired

on the above feature from Martha Stewart Magazine this month; one is quickly

compelled to take a pair of fringe scissors and work on all these great ideas.

the textures are soft; yet fun, and the color palette makes it a bit more glam and

appropriate for a wedding fête theme.

images via Martha Stewart magazine

lovely garlands and hats

2011-03-11T14:17:00.001-06:00

nothing like ending the week with a festive mode, and we love the way
in whichJordan from Oh Happy Day gives an extra
touch of fun to crepe paper strings.

little touches of creativity and detail can transform the ordinary into
somethingwonderful, and the colors she used above truly make us smile.

the tutorial is provided within her lovely blog; where she
shares her design and party planning musings.

do you have any projects for this weekend? perhaps you could try
this simple and fun one; we have given it a try and found that the fringe
strings can even be usedwithin a gift bag instead of tissue paper to
add an interesting layer of color andtexture; either in monochromatic
tones or two contrasting colors.

{happy} weekend

have you noticed something new?

2011-03-09T08:30:00.002-06:00

we have moved into a brand new site and we are so excited about sharing it with you.

eclateventdesign.com

image via

a touch of spring

2011-03-07T11:23:00.001-06:00

happy monday everyone, it is great to have spent a weekend outdoors with what

feels like spring already; seeing a few of our friends and family who gathered for

great grilled food and warm, toasty sun kissing.

spring is a lovely time for flowers, nature and many wonderful weddings full

of color and detail. trees no longer look bare and muted and many of them

display blooms that are breathtaking.

did you get any sun this weekend or are you still a bit chilly? perhaps the

images above might help to bring some joy and warmth.

images: row 1: liz ham, row 2 belle the magazine

row 3: this is glamorous, unknown

eat & drink {pink}

2011-03-04T14:19:00.005-06:00

Yesterday we had the opportunity to work on a pink and blush table layout for a bridal

open house, so why not carry it throughout the weekend based on these inspiring images.

this girlie hue can be so romantic when picked in the right tonalities and perfectly

contrasted; so go ahead, take the opportunity to play with the possibilities.

happy weekend!

images via (clockwise starting top left) shana faust, proper measures, strawberry frozen yogurt canelle et vanille , martha stewart magazine, raspberry & peach popsicles & 9- sakura petal jelly via follow studio, follow studio, izze drink

modern tabletop

2011-03-02T14:19:00.005-06:00

we love this tabletop that the ladies from Carter and Cook designed
for the HITCHED event recently.

the flower centerpieces with hues both light and bold are gorgeous,
and the addition of branches on either side is a great idea to add
both height and additional interest.
peonies, parrot tulips, anemones, succulents and many other spring
flowers make a modern statement either bunched together or
complementing each other with varying textures and patterns.
contrasting linens in muted hues assure sophistication and graphics
add a touch of personalization continuing with the modern theme.

truly a lovely find.

glamorous night

2011-02-28T09:52:00.003-06:00

happy monday lovely readers; there is an amazing enchantment

to starting the week with a combination of glamour and great talent,

and such was the case of the 83rd. annual academy awards last night.

It is truly lovely to witness incredibly talented actors, producers,

writers and many others, coming together for a celebration that honors

and applauds incredibly hard work and performance.

much goes behind every film production and in that sense,

we can identify for what goes behind event production;

requiring an initial vision that gradually transforms into a flawless

series of moments and scenes that many get to enjoy.

we are glad to have a passion for what we do.

have a glamorous week!

images:

row 1: lusan mandongus, maggie austin cakes

row 2: maggie austin cakes, petunia

row 3: 100 layer cake

colorful weekend

2011-02-25T13:21:00.005-06:00

color, light and fun textures; the possibilities are many to create a fun gathering that fills you with joy and excitement!

garlands with bight colored paper or fabric, fun hues for serving pieces and of course a wonderful hint of color for food and confections; especially if you create a dessert bar or any other styled option.

go ahead, play with the many options and enjoy this beautiful weekend. do you have any plans or projects?

images:
garland via lola thomasina photography
serving pieces via toast and tables
sweetapolita cookies via somewhere splendid

a hint of delicate blue

2011-02-23T13:29:00.005-06:00

many beautiful details cross our minds at the moment as we work on different ideas

for upcoming events. we leave you with a bit of that inspiration; hoping that it will

make the rest of your week a lot more relaxing, glamorous and entertaining.

images:

row 1 follow studio, call me cupcake!; row 2 shana faust ; row 3green wedding shoes

color inspiration: lavender, lilac & plum

2011-02-21T09:06:00.003-06:00

to start the day on a bright note, we leave you with these amazing

touches of lavender, lilac and plum; which are both feminine and

sophisticated. we are in love with purple jacaranda trees and one

could only wish to have a few in the backyard. too bad we don't

live in california, but in the meantime, we are glad to draw some

inspiration from the beautiful images. {enjoy}

images:

row 1, 2 & 3 corrie bond photography

row 4: petrina tinslay, duralee

a touch of vintage

2011-02-18T10:15:00.005-06:00

as the weekend approaches, the idea of using vintage tins to display

beautiful flowers sounds truly appealing. A casual; yet chic way to

bring a garden look and feel that is both effortless and sophisticated.

happy weekend!

images row 1: toast and tables / {éclat} event design

row 2: martha stewart / intimate weddings

row 3: intimate weddings / re-nest

latest project Neiman Marcus "Garden Party"

2011-02-16T11:35:00.002-06:00

As promised, we are posting a few images from our latest project, a fashion

show for Neiman Marcus to showcase their new Spring collection.

Working with the team at Neiman Marcus was a wonderful experience.

We had much fun putting together a series of details that would give

the look and feel of an english garden with hues of coral and peach.

A hedge with oversized paper flowers served as the backdrop for the

runway; while bird cages with hanging amaranthus and garden roses

were suspended over it. Details of fabric decorated a series of chairs

and a dessert bar across the runway displaying delicious french

macarons, petit fours, cake truffles, cupcakes and sugar cookies,

delighted the lovely guests.

Laura Sanz from {éclat} event design and contributor designer Marisol A. Briones

oh so {valentine}

2011-02-14T01:38:00.002-06:00

happy valentine's day dear friends and followers!

you probably spent your weekend finding the perfect gift for all your loves;

each of you is a big gift to us and we love the idea that you stop by to see us

and be inspired by many of the details that inspire us as well.

enjoy this lovely day and if you do not have big plans, do not worry;

love is found in the simplest of details.

xoxo

images via: apartment 34, Mr. A in the Cove

diy heart cake

2011-02-11T14:18:00.004-06:00

as valentine's day approaches,
here is a great idea if you want to surprise your love
with a big sweet heart!

find the tutorial of how to make it here

latest project inspiration board: Garden Party

2011-02-10T11:15:00.011-06:00

yesterday we had the pleasure of designing a fashion show for

Neiman Marcus.

they wanted to showcase the new collection for the spring with a

'garden theme party', using a coral and peach color pallet.

we are excited about sharing the pictures with you!

in the meantime we leave you with the inspiration board.

images: row 1: unknown; sign and paper flowers via camille styles; row 2: bird cages via perfect bound, garden roses via camille styles, cake opera co. macaroons; row 4: topiaries via home decorators; row 5: cupcakes via soolip weddings; cloth boxes via 100 layers cake; style unveiled

inspired by feathers

2011-02-07T12:42:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday everyone! This is a week full of projects and ideas for us.

This past weekend we met with a bride that would like to have a wedding

with vintage details and unconventional textures that may replace flowers.

A feather bouquet was part of the conversation and we could not help

but be inspired...

Images row1: coco kelley, stye me pretty row 2: anthropologie marabou boa pillow fabio bartelt

row 3: filthy magic ostrich hair skirt, alex monroe feather hoop earrings via net-a-porter

frosted

2011-02-04T12:57:00.003-06:00

this morning many could see white outside their window; therefore, we thought it would be appropriate to share this delicate all white dessert styling designed by Call me up cupcake! in sweeden.

our city was promised snow today, yet we only experienced ice and temperatures low enough to make you want to spend the day in front of a warm fire drinking hot cocoa. So a cozy weekend lies ahead.

happy weekend everyone!!

lovely finds {his & hers}

2011-02-02T08:59:00.002-06:00

how fun is to share this his & hers shopping guide to get you inspired for valentine´s

or bring a little hint of inspiration to your sweetie!!

Images: heart bowl via burke decor, kate spade iphone 4 case, tory burch printed canvas tory tote via, kelly double tour bracelet & carmen uno-dos key holder lambskin from hermes,

siman thu white jade chandelier earrings via vivre, lucia mandarin-tomato-flower soy candle via burke decor, chanel J12 watch, lauren elizabeth collection heart pendant, fridge carafe with neoprene jacket via shophorne, valentino bow thong sandal via nordstrom,

isis designs scarab ring

diamond rain st-dupont pen, more-thing 3G & 3GS iphone case, porsche-design p'6340 flat six automatic chronograph, red modern bicycle via shophorne, prada sunglasses, alejandro ingelmo sneakers

lovingly inspired

2011-01-31T15:11:00.002-06:00

it is getting closer to valentine's and we have been busy with wonderful

projects that make us completely passionate about what we do.

this past weekend laura had the opportunity to run the houston marathon and

the experience was both amazing and life changing. it proved that with love,

passion, perseverance and the support of great people, you can set yourself

to accomplish anything imaginable!

be on the look for more romantic inspiration, and in the

meantime, we will continue working on our next project;

a garden party fashion event.

happy monday dear friends!

images via: row 1 daily cup of couture, project wedding; row 2: call me cupcake!; row 3: michelle holden; row 4: martha stewart

éclat + araya chocolate

2011-01-29T17:06:00.005-06:00

we had the pleasure of styling a chocolate bar for the wonderful team at Araya Artisan Chocolate last weekend.

their chocolates are as delicious as they look and we cannot wait to work with them in many future projects.

we would like to thank our dear friend Nancy Aidee for the beautiful pictures.

artfully loving

2011-01-27T10:13:00.001-06:00

how fun it is to love with these chic and feminine designs by Marsha D'yans,

whose favorite thing has been to create nice images since she was a little girl.

It reminds me of how; in order to love, it is necessary to love yourself and

acknowledge every way in which you are beautiful and special; therefore

being able to share it with the world; especially your valentine!

Do you have plans for Valentine's Day? We would love to share a few

fun and feminine ideas within the next couple of weeks!

Postcards designed by Masha D'yans via Jack Cards

things we love...

2011-01-25T01:05:00.029-06:00

image 1: hudson furniture lamp, horchow stool, sur evolution vase
image 2: chystorama chandelier, anthropologie plates
image 3: gracious home acrylic spoons

color spectrum

2011-01-19T09:16:00.000-06:00

While contrasting and monochromatic hues seem to work well with

most of our musings, a full color spectrum is appealing at times.

Have some fun and keep in mind, that there is a pot of gold at the

end of every rainbow.......so you can always switch to a

gilded palette.

images via: row 1 travis grace; row 2 style me pretty, projectweding; row 3 style notes, semi-detached; row 4 south of market

pantone color of 2011

2011-01-17T00:38:00.000-06:00

feminine, bold and full of light, the 2011 pantone color {honeysuckle}

has made it into our palette and we cannot wait to add its vibrant hue

to one of our events; especially within a table setting or dessert table.

how about you? what ideas cross your mind to use this color?

images: row1 pantone; row 2 izze, unknown, martha stewart; row 3 la tartine gourmande, shana faust; row 4 petrina tinslay

meet makeup artist: sheila ybarra

2011-01-14T10:53:00.008-06:00

I am so happy to introduce you to the beautiful and talented Sheila Ybarra, who has
great experience and style in helping brides look both stunning and natural.

I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions and she gracefully shared with me,
so without further ado, I leave you with her expert advice.

THE BASICS…

How would you describe your style?

I love being creative. From naturally demure to a smoky-eyed gamazon-
I love doing it all!

What do you think are the best trends in wedding makeup?

I would say that the Vintage Old Hollywood Glamour has been the trend and the Brides are transforming their look this season into an classic vintage style with bold lips, simple eyes, large body hair waves, sparkly hair brooches with feathery fascinators, fun mini flyaway birdcages, and showstopping rhinestone jewelry.

What are the skin care basics for brides to be? How to prepare your skin before the wedding?

1- 2 Weeks Ahead:

- Have a facial or use a mask at home.
- Scrub every 3 days so your skin glows.
- Thread body or facial hair.
- Have your brows arched but not with wax try threading.
- Turn up your false tan. Try Makeup By Sheila Airbrush Tan in a Can.
- Make sure your lips are kissably smooth, use a lip balm regularly day and night.

1 Day Before:
- Get a manicure
- Use a calming or hydrating mask appropriate for your skin type
- Drink some Chamomile tea
- Limit your alcohol, and salt consumption so you're not puffy the next day

When is a good time to do a trial for your wedding make up and what should you bring?

One month ahead of your "big day." Check out the different bridal magazines or even look to your favorite celebs for ideas on hair and makeup and bring those photos to your makeup artist.

Best tips and tricks if you are doing your own hair and make up.

- Make sure the foundation matches the undertones of the skin to get the most nature look in person and in photos. Use a bronzer on the face, neck, and chest if more color is desired.

- Set foundation with a loose micro fine powder, it will matte skin, so that it looks silky smooth in photos

- Do Waterproof mascara and liner sealer to keep the eye makeup from smudging during the day.

- Wear a V-neck or button down shirt when getting your hair and makeup done to make changing easy.

- Don't choose a concealer that's too light and gives you a raccoon effect under your eyes

- Don't use glitter and a lot of shimmer. These tend not to photograph well, especially during a daytime affair. A little shimmer in moderation is sufficient for an evening affair. Too much of a "good thing" can be aging.

- Get enough rest and eat right. Radiant skin is easier to achieve with healthy skin.

What is the difference from airbrush makeup and traditional makeup?

Airbrush makeup can last up to 16 hours. The finish is flawless and is covers anything from skin discoloration, acne scars and tattoos. Airbrush is also waterproof.

Traditional makeup is versatile and it can applied on a bride in a sheer tinted coverage or used to just target specific skin problems and leaving the rest of the skin visible and more natural looking.
Women with dry or mature skin benefit from traditional makeup and traditional foundations as their skin typically needs a larger amounts of hydration.

Should a bride wear lip-gloss or lipstick?

I prefer a lip stain so it doesn't come off on the groom and will not be seen on the groom in any photos. After you apply the lip stain apply a clear gloss to give a shin to the lips.

FUN FACTS…

How did you get started as a makeup artist?

I worked as a Mechanical Estimating Engineer for several years before I became a makeup artist. While working as an engineer during the week, my hobby of hair and makeup artistry filled my weekends. I decided to follow a passion and not a profession and gave up engineering for makeup brushes and a curling iron.

Aside from weddings, what’s your favorite time to show your work?

Now my makeup services are at the top of the wish lists for print, runway, TV commercials, photographers, models, actors and celebrities such as David Tutera of My fair Wedding, Josh Groban, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Nick Lachey, Kid Rock and I have enjoyed working with contestants in pageants and has been the official makeup artist for the Houston Texans Cheerleaders for over 8 years. My work has been featured in such magazines as Teen, Your Prom, Pageantry, Texas Women, Lifestyles, ESPN Magazine and show like "E" TV, MTV "True Lives" and MTV "Made.

Will you accept a job in another state or country?

I travel anywhere for a wedding, that is the best part about my job… meeting wonderful women all over the world!

images: Sheila's brides

GETTING IN TOUCH…
website: www.makeupbysheila.com
fb page: http://www.facebook.com/makeupbysheila

the sweet sound of opera

2011-01-12T09:44:00.003-06:00

wondrous?...absolutely, chic?....definitely

that is what one would think of this amazing creations by

Alexandria Pellegrino & Jessica Smith at Cake Opera CO.

every cake and dessert is an orchestration of beauty and taste;

both so bold and elegant, it calls for a great fete; one

where you can confidently say:

let them eat cake!

artist, Alexandria Pellegrino & pastry chef, Jessica Smith

host + post

2011-01-10T19:47:00.003-06:00

Happy Monday everyone! It has been a good start of the week with

many meetings and future projects, and after having a great time

with friends this past weekend, I cannot help but be energized.

It is those moments of gathering that give meaning to the

otherwise mundane, and it is always great to come up with

plans and break the week with a happy hour, a dinner party

or simply cocktails with friends.

So while you are on the go, here's a fun and chic way

to send invitations through the POST app that Hanna Nation

brings for both iphone and ipad.

With fabulous illustrations from GADABOUT to choose from,

you can email or text your invitations in two simple steps.

Let's celebrate life!

alpine chic

2011-01-07T12:35:00.005-06:00

images via hola! magazine spain featuring ermano scervino winter collection

Maybe it's your winter wanderlust, or your plans for a ski trip honeymoon in the Alps;

either way, you will fall in love with the idea of skiing in style. Warm and cozy has a

sophisticated look and feel; get a glimpse of the latest trends that the

top designers propose for this winter and

enjoy the view.

images:

runway: dolce & gabanna milan fashion week a/w 2010 via hello! magazine

alpine boots, scarf, limited edition ski glasses from dolce & gabanna

chanel skis

haute hippie fur vest