Luau Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal dinners are a wonderful time during the wedding weekend.  Everyone close to you, gathered in one spot, celebrating one of the biggest days of your life.  My mom has always dreamed of hosting a rehearsal dinner in her home.  So when my brother Jess got engaged, she was determined to create a special event to celebrate his marriage.  The happy couple were honeymooning in Maui, so she thought it would be fun to create a little luau. 

The happy couple greeting guests with leis.

 Appetizers were served poolside.  Mango Chutney with Cream Cheese and Lavosh, Fresh Fruit, and a family favorite - Banana Pineapple Slush.

 

It was early spring and still a bit chilly, but nice enough to be outside with a few heaters.  My mom created a couple seating areas so guests could mingle outside over appetizers.

 

Dinner Menu:

Pulled Pork

Shrimp Fried Rice

Candied Sweat Potatoes

Grilled Pineapple

Ambrosia Salad

Hawaiian Spinach Salad

Crudites 

Macaroni Salad

Assorted Fresh Bread

Key Lime Pie

Chocolate Macadamia Pie

Coconut Cream Pie

To keep the event a little more sophisticated, warm tans and natural objects we used as a base to balance all the bright tropical colors in the flowers  and accessories.

Hosts:  Bob & Myrna Hoerr
Caterer/Floral Design:  Dean & Holly Ramseyer
Pies:  Lin Herman of Lady Lin's
Invitations/Name & Food Tags:  Paper Heart Company
Photography:  Mindy Kaisner of Modern Mindy

Big Ole Birthday Bash

I know the idea of throwing a huge birthday bash with top notch catering and customized decor is a little out there for most of us, but hey, dreaming is free!   

 First up, check out this setting!  Plenty of sleek contemporary seating for guests to lounge on.  The bulk of the setting is white and gray, allowing that orange to really pop! 

 Custom made pillows, so cool!  Talk about attention to detail!

 Catering was done by the amazing Peter Callahan.  You eat his food with your eyes first.  Lots of finger foods with drink pairings & a great candy bar in lieu of a dessert table.

 What a great idea to serve your guests on these cigarette trays.  Totally works with the cocktail/lounge theme they have going.

The guest of honor always signs her cards with Love, Laughter, and Smiles XOXO.  This was repeated throughout the party with custom pillows, t-shirts worn by the catering staff, lighting decals, and invitations.  What a perfect way to add a personal touch.

Event Design & Coordination Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations

Invitation & Stationery Design Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations

Floral Design Rountree Flowers

Catering Peter Callahan

Photography Les Loups

Furniture Rentals by Taylor Creative & Bridge Props

Custom Pillows by Nena Von

Fabric designed by Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations via Spoonflower

Lighting James Daniel Entertainment

Pizza Truck Jianetto’s Pizza

Colorful Summer Tablescape

 How fun and breezy is this summer tablescape?!  A focus on color and pattern makes this really whimsical & fresh and not to mention easy to throw together.  It's easy to use different items you have on hand, mix and match, and just have fun with it!

 Using all glass votives and vases, whether clear or colored, gives this table some uniformity. 

Usually you can look at a table & know what the color theme is, not so here.  Lots of colors are used & that's what makes pulling this together a little easier.  It's a nice to take a break from focusing on color matching.

The Contemporary Home