Such an Incredible Honor!!
February 27, 2008

I am so excited to share what is quite possibly the greatest honor ever for me!! My absolute favorite blog of all time, my daily inspiration, my little happy place on a bad day, Style Me Pretty, has selected {duet} Weddings to be one of the three event planners for their Little Black Book of Santa Barbara's best wedding vendors!! I am so thrilled! If you do not already know the gorgeous Style Me Pretty, definitely add it to your bookmarks bar so you can feast on the inspiring, gorgeous ideas that Abby puts together every day. :)
HUGE thanks to all my special couples who have made it possible for me to be doing what I love so much!
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Stef & Philip's Wedding
February 24, 2008

I keep getting requests for more real wedding photos on my blog- so I decided to go back in time and put some gorgeous photos together from Stefanie and Philip's special day at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. Stef and Philip were planning their big day all the way from Austin- not an easy task! They were such an absolute blast to work with during the planning process and were so relaxed and happy on their big day. Revisiting their wedding photos was a sweet trip down memory lane for me. :)
Their wedding was an intimate celebration- all about enjoying the company of family and friends. They decided to forgo some of the more traditional wedding events to maximize the short time they all had together. Rather than doing toasts during the reception, Philip and Stef had all of the toasts and speeches enjoyed at their rehearsal dinner. Rather than a traditional cake cutting, they had a souffle station open throughout the evening where guests could help themselves as they pleased. One of the highlights of the evening was their totally heartwarming and hilarious slideshow which played during dinner. It was an unforgettable, meaningful, beautiful day and night which I was honored to be a part of. Thank you for everything, Stef and Philip- I miss you guys! :)

Enjoy the beautiful photos from Sarah Holden Photography!


{All about the details~ Stef's dress was an exquisite ivory silk Eugenia Couture gown. The Bunker Duo played Canon in D as Stef came down the aisle. The bridesmaids dresses were some of my favorite ever, from an Austin based designer, Linda Asaf. The girls carried a simple and elegant nosegay of white calla lilies. Stef's bouquet was a luscious mixture of miniature white calla lilies, white tulips and exotic green parrot tulips tied simply with an ivory silk ribbon to match her dress. All gorgeous flowers were from my friend Camille at Modern Day Design. The sweet sage green programs were done simply and beautifully with chocolate brown lettering, a decorative “M” monogram and a simple grosgrain ribbon.}


{More details~ The bridesmaid's calla lilies later adorned the glowing reception fireplace. (A great money saving idea!) The tall centerpieces were beautifully lined with loops of grasses to hold a fluttery arrangement of white Hawaiian dendrobium orchids. Touches of viburnum and foliage added softness and spring green to the look. The lighting from the chandeliers and soft glow from the candles created a warm antique hue throughout the room. Wedding cake was not missed with the miniature Grand Marnier and chocolate soufflés made to order, which guests were able to decadently dress with rich chocolate or vanilla sauce. The low arrangements were made up of green and white lily grasses, holding a simple arrangement of white standard and green parrot tulips. The flowers were arranged to be loose and airy to mimic the airy feel of the tall centerpieces. Again, from the always talented Camille.}

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Bridesmaid Idea for spring
February 22, 2008

How yummy are these shoes from JCrew's spring line!? They are so cheerful and make me feel so excited for spring (especially on a grey, rainy day like today!) These shoes are like little pieces of art to admire and are so fun and vibrant. They gave me an idea for something I think would be so sweet for an outdoor spring wedding. I know we've seen bridesmaids wear different dresses in the same color, (an idea I've always loved) but wouldn't it be cute if all your bridesmaids wore the same dress in the same color- but each with a different pair of shoes? (How adorable would that photo be?) Rather than think of shoes as an accessory to a look- they can be the center of it! I am loving sunny yellow right now and paired with a universally flattering style like this dress from anthropologie I think would be such a sweet spring look.

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Loving eyelets
February 20, 2008

I heart eyelets. They are just so charming and sweet. Delicate and feminine without being overly girly. Vintage feeling without being outdated and old fashioned. They are a detail that can be incorporated throughout your day in such a subtle way- the trim on a cake pedestal, the ribbon on a ring pillow, on a votive or luminary, even hanging lanterns! You can create an eyelet effect completely inexpensively with a whole punch on paper too- sprucing up your menu cards or place cards.



{photos clockwise from left~ Luna Bazaar, Adorn Magazine, cb2, and etsy.}

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LOVE these address labels!
February 19, 2008

How completely gorgeous are these address labels from iomoi?



They are preppy, quirky, whimsical and just so happy. They bring a punch of color and excitement to an envelope and I think would be perfect for a save the date or a fun wedding invitation. (But of course also great for other occasions and every day use.) You could even customize your text and use these as adorable favor labels too!
Check out iomoi for other fun ideas. Matching coasters, notebooks and matchbooks and super cute invitations galore!

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Happy Valentines Day!
February 14, 2008

Happy Valentines day!
Whether you believe that today is a silly made-up holiday (ahem... Dave..) or like to go all out, I hope that everybody has a wonderful romantic evening together.
I am a sucker for all things romantic, so I feel like Valentines day is a perfect excuse to do things a little bit differently. It is about making an effort to create a special occasion out of an ordinary evening and to celebrate being in love! I thought I'd do a quick post this afternoon to give some last minute ideas that don't require spending a fortune and are more meaningful than the last minute roses and chocolates *though, Dave, if you were planning to stop for these items on your way home from work, don't let this stop you.. Flowers and chocolates are perfectly nice too...* (especially when they come from somebody you love. :)

1. Flight Night at Silverlake Wine


My friends at Silverlake Wine hold their "Flight Night" tasting (a flight of three reds and three whites) every Thursday and Valentines day is no exception. This is a fun alternative to going out to dinner- and unlike those crazy restaurants tonight- does not require a reservation! Just show up anytime between 5pm and 9pm and enjoy! (I may see you there!)
Silverlake Wine
2395 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles
CA 90039


2. Order take out


Okay, so this probably doesn't seem like such a fabulous idea on the surface (as most probably do this on a regular night anyhow..) but tonight is all about enjoying and celebrating- so doing those little things that you do not normally do can make ordinary take out a special occasion. Open a bottle of your favorite champagne. Use your fancy plates. Light candles. Make a fun playlist on your ipod. Put a picnic blanket on your living room floor. Have fun and enjoy not having to cook!


3. Go out for ice cream


I always think of ice cream as a special occasion, but going out for it is something I almost never do. For something a bit different, check out Scoops on Heliotrope and Melrose- where the ice cream flavors are sure to inspire and excite. From the popular "brown bread" ice cream to "Fois gras and sweet cream" (I am not kidding) ice cream. The flavors change daily on the whim of the owner and I am sure he has concocted something fun for Valentines day. Scoops closes when the ice cream runs out or at 10:00pm- whichever comes first.
Scoops
712 N Heliotrope Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90029

4. Pick up a sweet treat


Cupcakes always make me smile. For those lucky Westsiders who live close to Vanilla Bakeshop, their Valentine's specials sound divine. Flavors like Southern Red Velvet, Vanilla Bean with pink sanding, Bittersweet Dark Chocolate, and Chocolate Vanilla Bean with red sanding all come topped with a sweet red heart.
Vanilla Bakeshop
512 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
90401

5. Lost


I know this is not particularly romantic, but tonight is all about celebrating, and Lost's return is definitely worth celebrating! Combine any of the items #1-4 listed above with Lost, and I think you will have a pretty swell Valentines day. :)

xo,
Rebecca

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Honeymoon Idea- Jake's Jamaica
February 6, 2008

Vogue Magazine called Jake's the "chicest shack in the Caribbean" which I find to be such a sweet, fitting description. I adore Jamaica. It is a country with such a vibrant culture- incredible music, art, food and people. Jake's holds a special place in my heart as I have stayed here twice before and plan to continue to go back again and again. The first time I came to Jake's was for my big brother's wedding. He and my sister in law had the most incredible sunset ceremony with 8 of their closest friends on the cliffs of the property. The ceremony was followed by a candlelit lobster feast along the same cliff. It was nothing short of magical. The same group of us all came back 5 years later to celebrate their anniversary and relive the special time. We are already trying to plan the next trip!
Jake's is a small boutique hotel located in the tiny fishing village of Treasure Beach in Jamaica. Treasure beach has no major resorts, no fancy watersports, no Hard Rock Cafe's, very few tourists at all- a charming and secluded slice of paradise. (Though if you are wanting more action Negril and Montego Bay are a few hours away.)
Expect a relaxing, unwinding experience here where you will find quickly, life runs on "island time." Jake's oozes with personality and charm- from the hotel dogs which serve as little Jake's mascots (and help when you are homesick for your own dog!) to the colorful and perfectly mismatched linens to the open air outdoor showers made of driftwood and colored bottles. Get the most refreshing rum punch from Dougie's bar, read a book on the balcony of your room while waves crash from below against your feet, explore the beaches or take a short boat ride to the "Pelican Bar"- a bar in the middle of the ocean built completely out of driftwood. A short drive away is the Appleton Estate Rum distillery and YS falls and just off the beach at Jake's are exciting rivers to tour by boat.
The hotel staff is incredible and make you feel so welcome and at home there. Jake's two restaurants serve up wonderful Jamaican dishes and fresh seafood making it very easy to never leave the hotel during your stay. (And if you ask nicely, the chef will give you a private cooking lesson in the kitchen!)
The greatest part- Jake's is totally affordable. Even during the high season, you can have a fabulous room for under $200. When you go, be sure to stay in SeaPuss #1 or 2 for the best view in the house, ask Dougie for his special of the day, and be sure to give little "Peanut" (the Jack Russell mix) some love from me. Happy honeymooning! :)

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