A Peacock Affair | Hello Bella Bridal Shower

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Cake by Anna Elizabeth Cakes

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Nothing makes my job more fun than when a hostess like Sandie comes along. Sandie, the sole bridesmaid/MOH for her best friend's wedding wanted to throw the bride a very special shower. Something as beautiful as it would be meaningful, and a party she would never forget.

A very pregnant Sandie left the design in my hands and let me run with it, and knowing that she was stylish and loved attention to detail as much as me made the planning process easy and exciting. (It's hard coming from a creative standpoint and having a vision- if my clients don't share that vision or have dissimilar tastes, I of course work within their parameters- however it's much more rewarding getting to do something creative and pretty! So thank you Sandie!)

An eager and charming client wasn't the only part of this event that made it such a blast to design and plan. I lined up an excellent team of my favourite vendors knowing that they would share my vision, and boy they did not fall short! The shower was held at the renowned Italian Kitchen (part of the Glowbal Group) in the upstairs section that isn't used during the day (THANK YOU Italian Kitchen and our INCREDIBLE server/bartender Mark who let us take claim over the entire upstairs). Mark, by the way, was so amazing and made the most succulent mock mojito I have ever ever tasted. Vanilla Apple Mojito - To. Die. For (definitely stealing this drink recipe for my upcoming housewarming). Ok, sorry about that little tangent- back to my amazing vendors!

Once deciding on our colour scheme I phoned up my florist Kari of Ah Perfect Petals. Kari is a hidden gem in a world of countless florists, and if you're lucky enough to work with her you'll know what I mean. She really really cares about her clients and that is so pivotal in a client/vendor relationship. And her flowers- oh her flowers! Her creative eye is spot on and her design skills impeccable. I sent her about 5 inspiration photos prior to the shower, some outrageously intricate, and some more simple. She absolutely blew the roof off of any expectations I had, and I can't thank Kari enough for her part in creating this gorgeous event.

Another vendor I love to work with (and who you'll probably see often on my blog and facebook page) is Anna of Anna Elizabeth Cakes. An up and comer with an incredible eye for detail, this young talent is sure to garner a lot of attention in the cake world. I let her know the theme/colour scheme we were working with, and that same day she came back to me with an assortment of design renderings to help us decide on our cake design. I loved how our cake turned out, and her fondant work and handpainting is amazing. Her cakes are always original- no boring copies here! And if you think these cakes are just pretty, wait until you try one! She pays as much attention to what's on the inside as she does on the outside with flavours like vanilla bean cake soaked in raspberry simple syrup with rapsberry coulis with white chocolate buttercream. DELISH!

My vendor trifecta I've affectionately dubbed AAA (Ah Perfect Petals, Anna Elizabeth Cakes, and All Occassions) was rounded out by the wonderful rentals at All Occasions Chic Decor Rentals. Carolyn is awesome to work with, and was extremely accommodating with my last minute orders and changes! The gorgeous wishing tree, peacock feathers, brown and turquoise linens were all rented from All Occassions (pink runners were generously supplied by Kari of APP).

There's a slew of inspiration out there for peacock weddings/events. Both Sandie and I shared the vision that although the theme was peacock, we didn't want it to overwhelm and take away from everything else. A touch here, and splash there was all that was needed. In addition to the gorgeous jewel tones throughout the room, we used peacock feathers to accent the table settings and I designed a peacock menu inspired by a wedding invitation I spotted on etsy. The same peacock graphic was also echoed in the wishing tree notecards and the he said/ she said game cards. Sandie ordered customized Jones sodas online that featured a picture of the bride and groom and was a much enjoyed guest take home favour.

Well, that was a long so I shall stop here! Hope everyone enjoys their April and check back soon for more blog posts!

Classic Bridal Shower on the Bella Bash Boutique

Here is the third and final party from my premiere collection. It's classic and simple, and was inspired by the elegance of traditional wedding stationery. I love cerulean blue and figured it would be a great palette to work with for those wanting to host a very non-themed, elegant bridal shower for a like minded bride to be. I'm all for uber girly, but not everyone else is! I actually think this set would be perfect for a high tea shower. Have the girls wear white gloves and a fancy chapeau, toss in some petit fours, mini scones and little sandwiches, and you're set to go!

The Classic Bride Party includes:

Invitation & Envelope
Thank You Card & Envelope
Cupcake Wraps (for Regular and mini cupcakes)
Cupcake Pick Toppers
Napkin Wraps
Candle Wraps
Favor Box
Favor Bag
Gift Tags/ Place Cards/ Labels
Gift Log
Patterned Paper

Check out my etsy shop The Bella Bash Boutique!

Introducing... the Bella Bash Boutique!

I am so excited to announce to opening of Hello Bella's very own Etsy shop! As many of you may know, I love etsy, and I love paper, so it seems only natural to open up a shop selling printable paper party wares!

Some may already know what a printable party is, but for those of you who don't, well here's the low-down. You purchase a party from the Bella Bash Boutique, decide if you want it customized with a monogram (free for November!), and then wait. For customized parties, you will receive an email in your inbox within 48 hours (non-custom parties it's just 24 hours). This email will include all of the pdf files you need to print off your very own party. For best results, I suggest emailing the files to your local Office Depot print shop and getting them printed on a minimum of 80lb white cardstock (18 cents a piece), but you are also welcome to use your printer at home. Once you print as many copies as you need, you cut, assemble, and party! Every party is accompanied by easy to follow directions and a supply list.

Why a DIY printable party you may ask? Well, as an event planner I am well aware that not every one can hire a designer or planner for parties such as birthdays and showers. People have come to accept that custom and stylish event design is just for a wedding (or for a host with mad graphic design skills or an enviable budget). My goal with the Bella Bash Boutique is to make sure you never have to walk down that craft/party aisle again to buy over-priced, over-used, and often tacky party wares for the event that you're hosting.

What do you get in your party? Everything from invitations, to favor boxes and bags, to cupcake wrappers and more. Essentially, add the food and treats and you've got yourself a party!

Currently I've got 3 parties created and ready to go, which I will be rolling out on my blog over the next few days (complete with fun DIY projects to compliment each party). Also expect to see custom digital invitation design for weddings and more!

I have more parties in the works, but I want to hear from YOU what themes you think I should create for my next collections? Please leave your feedback, and I will select one poster at random to receive a free party of their choosing!

Ice Cream Parlour Dessert Table

Oh. My. Gosh. OH MY!!!! I just about DIED when I came across this too-cute-for-words DIY Ice Cream Parlour. First off, anyone who knows me (or anyone who has seen my website design or blog), can tell you that I love pink. I really love pink. And I also have a HUGE soft spot for dessert-table-esque features at weddings and parties and showers. I think they are an amazingly adorable way to tie in your colours and give your guests something to munch on. Hence why this DIY Ice Cream Parlour is complete and utter perfection if you ask me. Not only is it incredible to look at, but the fabulous Amy from Eat, Drink, Chic has provided you with the templates so that you can create your very own fabulous Ice Cream Parlour for your next party. Heck, I might even have to try one myself. I have a baby shower that I'm working on for October, and I just might have to add this to the list!

The Wonders of Tissue Paper

Above: Underfunded Heiress

All photos, unless noted, are from Martha Stewart

Diaper Cake via Lucky Baby

When it comes to decorating your event, it's fairly safe to say that you are limited for options. You can go the decorator route and opt for complete and utter amazingness with wall drapings and fancy shmancy everything, or you can go to a local dollar or party store and stock up on all kinds of tacky cheesiness that even a 10 year old would frown at. The lack of pleasing event decor that is somewhere in the middle in terms of budget and accessibility is down right disturbing!

That is why when I came across these pictures of tissue paper pom poms from Martha Stewart I jumped for joy! These are not a new idea, and I must admit I thought they were rather childish when I first saw them a few years ago. However, after giving them a go and making them on my own for the Barbie shower I threw earlier this year, I can't say enough good things about these Martha Stewart "good things". Tissue poms are fun, pretty, unpretentious and generally low maintenance (so in other words pretty much any guy's dream date!).

They are so ridiculously easy to make (don't bother buying the kits, just use tissue paper, floral wire and you're set!) and since you can make them in a variety of colours and sizes, they are perfect decor for pretty much any event (think: baby shower, bridal shower, birthday, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid brunch etc etc). They definitely add a finishing touch to your party, and since you can make them in all sizes they can be used pretty much anywhere. I used pink pom poms in different sizes to fill out the dessert table at the Barbie bridal shower, and another blogger used them to pretty up a diaper cake. Your options are endless and are only limited by your creative prowess. They are a bit time consuming to make, so if you want a bunch of them either start early or round up the ladies for a good ole wine and Martha night! Happy crafting!

For pictorial instructions, check out Imperfectly Beautiful

Sarah's "Sin City" Shower at Ulounge

This past weekend was jam packed full of fun events. Saturday started off with a truly beautiful wedding at the Fairmont Waterfront for an equally beautiful couple, Mandy and Rupert. Their signature martini was named the "Ruandy" which I totally loved!

After the wedding the hubby whisked me away to Whistler to spend the night at the Hilton and Sunday afternoon was full of spa treats to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary ( wow that year went by so fast!).

Monday came quick, and that evening I hosted a bridal shower for the lovely and beautiful Sarah at Ulounge in South Surrey. Sarah is a Vegas girl all the way, so what better theme for her shower than Sin City itself, and what better venue than Ulounge? Ulounge is about as Vegas as the Fraser Valley gets! The venue was perfect, the drinks and food were delish, and there was plenty of candy and cupcakes for the girlies to enjoy!

Barbie Bridal Shower "Barbie-Que"

It all started with a bride with an extreme fascination with Barbie. So extreme, in fact, that she had an entire room in her house dedicated to the iconic Mattel doll. The amazing "Barbie Room", complete with a pink chandelier, pink walls, black and white damask accent wall, framed Robert Best Barbie sketches, and a white bookcase full of Barbies, served as the inspiration for a bridal shower for an equally amazing bride-to-be.

The thirty-ish female guests were welcomed with a "wishing tree" sign in with vintage-style Barbie note cards. After jotting down some well wishes to hang from the tree, the girls were welcomed by a "Ken doll" server and offered an assortment of pink refreshments. Among the signature drinks were: Barbie-tini, Pink Sangria, Barbie Bubbly (Pink Champagne), Barbie Blush Wine, and for the non-drinkers Pink Lemonade and Pink Cream Soda. Drinks were served in either a pink martini glass or a wine glass accessorized with custom made pink Barbie shoe wine charms.

The barbeque-style dinner served up mini-burgers, mini-paninis and sushi with plenty of salads and appetizers to nibble on throughout the evening. The true indulgence of the night, however, belonged to the signature Barbie dessert table: a pink-fondant covered Barbie cake, a display of cupcakes topped with three flavors of buttercream icing in different shades of pink (french vanilla, banana and mint), pink cake pops (recipe courtesy of Bakerella), a pink chocolate fountain, and finally a pink candy buffet.

Decor for the event consisted of pink tablecloths (obviously!), Barbie busts, pink and white peony arrangements, strategically placed Barbie dolls in pink convertibles, and pink damask accent pillows for the lounge area. After opening many Barbie-esque shower gifts, along with some more traditional ones, guests made their exit and were thanked with a of set of four hand-made wine charms in Barbie gift bags.

If you'd like to view more photos from the event, check out the "Events" section of my portfolio at www.hellobella.com