An Artists Inspiration Board!

How cool it this??? Do you love this 'Inspiration Board', or what? So creative...so different...so fun! An artists true work of art!

Ok, truth be told, this InnCredible 'Inspiration Board' was designed by my oldest daughter, Ailis, who is currently living in Arcata, CA. You'll see her photo shamelessly posted at the bottom of each of my 'Inspiration Board' blog posts. LOL! It's a mother's prerogative, or so I tell myself anyway...hee hee! But all that aside, I do love...love...love this 'Inspiration Board'! And if you knew Ailis, you'd realize it's so 'her!'

Ailis is my artistic child. She's fun...funky...a wee bit crazy...and creative beyond my wildest imagination. She has always had an infinity for all things vintage, as you can see from her board.

Ailis also LOVES color...lots of color. And, being an artist, I guess that makes perfect sense. So her use of many different colors doesn't surprise me in the least. And only my Ailis would have tambourines sitting on each guests seat. How fun is that???

I have to let you all in on a little secret...this is the first time I've seen what my amazing daughter has in mind for her wedding. It's true! I've never been privy to any of her thoughts or dreams around her vision. So, this is a first for all of us!


What caught my eye right off the bat were all the ribbons. I love them! They make such an amazing statement.
I love the hearts too...and,well, that's no surprise for those of you who know me!
And the swing! Oh my goodness, we do love swings! We have a fabulous one at the Coloma Country Inn...and it's a photographers dream! I can't begin to tell you about all the InnCredible photos that have been taken on that swing during Inn weddings. So it thrills me that Ailis would want one at here wedding venue too! Yippee!

(Bride Mari on the swing at the Coloma Country Inn)

Ailis is also my 'crafty' girl, so I'm convinced her wedding is going to be chalk full of fun DIY projects. Take a peek at her 'craftiness' on her blog: www.heyailis.blogspot.com. I know, another shameless plug...ugh! She has an etsy storefront too...hee hee..!

So, if you'll send me your 'Inspiration Board', I'll gush over it as well. Promise!!!!!!

Either email it to me: info@inncredibleevents.com, or go to our 'Contact Us' page on this blog and cut and paste it into the 'Message' box.

It's that simple....

So take some 'inspiration' from Ailis, and send me your 'Inspiration Board' today. Hugs!

Until next time...

Making your wedding InnCredible
InnCredible Events
949/887.9629

(my Ailis)

Sweet Pea!

If you read my blog a couple of weeks ago, you know that my two favorite flowers in the whole world are Daffodils and Sweet Peas. And, this past weekend, while at my local Farmer's Market, guess what I found??? That's right...Sweet Peas! Glorious, beautiful, fragrant Sweet Peas! The first of the season. So, naturally I had to buy some...oh, who am I kidding, I actually bought several bunches. LOL!


Once home, I got my old vintage white vase with the cool yellow flowers on the sides, placed my purple beauties inside...and voila! Instant heaven! I was so taken by how pretty they looked, I decided to make these sweet lovelies the focal point of my newest 'Inspiration Board'!


Now, while I'm not a huge fan of purple, it is the color of Royalty. And since we're all waiting with baited breath for the wedding of Wills & Kate tomorrow, I decided to design this 'Inspiration Board' with them in mind. You have to admit, they're a cute, cute couple! Just look at those smiles! Magical!


Interestingly, in watching the Royal wedding coverage this week, I learned it was Queen Victoria back in 1840 who actually started the trend of brides wearing white gowns at their weddings. Rumor has it the Queen was so much in love with her Prince that she wanted to wear a dress that would make her feel like a bride, and not just a gal heading off to a 'Royal Ball'. Thus, the tradition was born. So much for all those stories we've all heard over the years about 'white signifying virginity'...wives tales...all wives tales! You now know it was actually a Queen who set us on our path of the modern day wedding dress. Today, however, brides are taking liberties with this tradition...but that's a story for another time.


For this board, I chose a campy, ivory colored dress with a fabulous skirt because I wanted gown that would make a huge statement in a barn setting, but still have the majesty to carry off a semi-formal wedding without losing sight of the fun of the moment! I think this dress hits the mark, don't you?


Then I added a fabulous pair of shoes, of course! Purple polka dot! A pair of InnCredible earrings...some cute flower cake pops...and just a touch of yellow. I think my 'Sweet Pea Inspiration Board' turned out InnCredible! What do you think?


Well, I think I'd like you to 'inspire' me. You can submit your 'Inspiration Board', just like my daughter, Ailis. Several of you have already emailed me and said you were working on your boards...so when you're done, just send them to me and I'll post them on this blog. Yippee!


And, just in case you've forgotten, it's super easy. Just attach your board to this blogspot through our 'Contact Us' page, or email it to me at: info@InnCredibleEvents.com. I'll post each one on this blog and on our facebook page. And as an added bonus, they'll also get mentioned on our Twitter page. Love that!

Until next time...

Making your wedding InnCredible
InnCredible Events
949/887.9629

Anthro inspired, but so much more!

Oh Anthropologie, how we love thee!!! Your displays inspire us to greatness! There's honestly no other store on the planet that does as much for our creative spirit than Anthropologie. And last weekend was no exception. Marjorie, my bff and business partner, and I made a trip to 4th Street in Berkeley to shop at Anthropologie. OMG, the store was fabulous...as always. Chalk full of wonderful vintage pieces covered with 'you really need to buy me, NOW!' clothing. We walked around the store, mouths agape, pointing out all the things that we would love to use to stage a wedding. What we found there was awe-inspiring.


Look at this darling sign Anthro was using to advertise for new employees. Marjorie took one look at it and her creative juices started flowing...of course! So, game enthusiasts, listen up! How fun would it be to use this idea for your seating chart by gluing the old 'Scrabble' letters to an old window or blackboard. Or better yet, as your table markers! Love the idea! It's so retro and so fun!


But, as fun and inspiring as all this was, Marjorie is a lighting fanatic. In fact, she builds all the chandeliers we use at the Coloma Country Inn from vintage bits and pieces she finds in her travels. And, they are amazingly beautiful! Just take a look at the one below. Gorgeous, right!!!! So, I guess it's no surprise when we walk into any store, the first thing that usually catches our eye is their array of creative lighting. And our trip to 4th Street did not disappoint!


It's a given that lighting can make a wedding over-the-top spectacular. And, in my estimation, there's nothing more magical than an InnCredible chandelier hanging over the dance floor sparkling in all it's glory as the newly married couple step out for their first dance together as husband and wife. It's breathtaking! Just take a peek at Jessica and Mike as they share a precious moment during first dance under one of Marjorie's InnCredible creations! I don't think there is anything more magnificent...magical...or romantic!


And speaking of magnificent, not only did we find fabulous finds at Anthropologie that just set our hearts a thumpin', but as we wandered down to 'Restoration Hardware', we were once again in awe. They had two spectacular lighting fixtures/chandeliers that we just had to share with you.

This fabulous one below is actually made out of a wine barrel. Those are the 'ribs' (for a lack of a more professional term) that you see defining the shape. Simple, but still very elegant. Great for the couple who are hosting a wine themed wedding. Can't you just picture it hanging over the dance floor, or sweetheart table, as guests lift their glasses to toast the happy couple. Ching Ching!


And this crafty one is made out of an old pulley with some cool vintage globes! What a creative way to bring a touch of 'old world' to your reception. Pair this with a few short round, clear glass vases filled with nuts, bolts and screws with a candle in each center, and you have a real statement! Very different, yet very, very stylish!


Now, you don't have to go crazy with lighting, like Marjorie and I do. Just adding a few bits here and there can make a huge difference. It's not uncommon for couples to choose paper lanterns, or small globes to add a romantic touch to their receptions.

Twinkling lights in trees can give that 'Disney' feel. And, who doesn't love Disneyland...especially at night? So, with a little effort, and some elbow-grease, you can easily recreate that same magical feel at your reception with 'tons' of tiny lights in the trees. Talk about making an impact!


Lanterns of all shapes, sizes and colors seem to be popping up everywhere now-a-days. Below are some fabulous ones you can pick up at Pottery Barn. I love how they've hung them all from a couple of old orchard ladders they've wired together. What an InnCredible arch for an outdoor wedding. Love it!


Our darling couple, Roz and Kyle used solar lanterns on our dock last year to add that extra bit of romance for guests who wanted to stroll down to the pond. Beautiful! And since they were solar we didn't have to worry about making sure they were lit. Love that!


Couples looking for a more 'woodsy' feel to their weddings might want to chose these beauties. There's really something magical about these twig globes wrapped in lights. It may not look like it at first glance, but trust me, they're very pretty and eye-catching! And they're really easy to make...and cost next to nothing. Score!


Now, if you love the 'woodsy' look but want to add bit more whimsy, try these lovelies. They still have that outdoorsy feel but with just a touch of fun.


And, of course, let's not forget our favorites...mason jars with candles or LED lights hanging in the trees. They're simple, quaint and beautiful, and can really set the stage for your entire evening. We suggest using the long lasting LED lights in these cuties because you can turn them on, hang them in the trees and forget about them. Genius!


There are so many different options when it comes to lighting your wedding. I've just begun to touch the surface. If you're looking at an indoor venue then the possibilities are endless. Just let your imagination run wild! Or hire to a lighting expert! Happy lighting!

Until next time...

Making your wedding InnCredible
InnCredible Events
949/997.9629

Daffodil Days!

I love flowers!!! In fact, the more the merrier for me. Once, in a former life, many many moons ago, I actually was a florist. But, even though that time in my life is gone, my love of flowers is not. Of course, I do have my favorites...daffodils and sweet peas! I just can't seem to get enough of either of these two beauties when they're in season.

So, since daffodils are popping up all over my yard, and available for sale everywhere, I decided to design an 'Inspiration Board' around these lovelies.

I'm not going to bore you with how I created this board considering I've said it all before. So, I'll refrain from the tutorial...to which you're all probably breathing a sigh of relief. LOL! Instead I want to talk about how important an 'Inspiration Board' is for your wedding planning.

'Inspiration Boards' are not only fun...(as you can see, I seem to be addicted)...but they're also very useful. I can't stress enough how much a board like this can help keep you on track with your theme, your colors and the mood of your wedding. All things that are extremely important in planning your dream wedding.

Color is important and can sometimes be tricky. There are millions of colors to choose from, and every year the 'trend setters' pick color schemes that seem to be dominating the industry. But, that doesn't mean you need to follow the trends...oh no! Some of the most beautiful weddings are those where the couple pick their colors based on their likes, lifestyles and personalities. Exactly why I couldn't pass up these InnCredible yellow stiletto heals!!!

Your theme is also crucial to your wedding success. For instance, you wouldn't necessarily plan a formal, black tie event for an outdoor garden setting, nor would you want your casual, garden wedding in an upscale, high end venue. So, once you set your theme; formal, funky, casual, or somewhere in between, you can begin choosing photos that reflect this theme for your board.The mood of your wedding is also important, and since I'm very vintage, I couldn't pass up this wonderful picture I found on Google. It speaks volumes to the mood I'd set at my wedding if I were getting married, that is. LOL! And, even though it doesn't really jive with my other newer photos, I love it and it's totally me! So I added it!

As a reminder, most of the wedding websites have programs in place where you can create your own 'Inspiration Board' online, so be sure to check each one out and find the one site that works best for you.

And because I can't say it enough, I'm still waiting for you to send me the InnCredible 'Inspiration Boards' you've created. All the other wedding blogs have them, so why shouldn't we, right? I want to give all you brides the opportunity to share your creativity with the rest of the wedding community, so send them my way. I'll post your 'Inspiration Boards' on this blog, on our facebook page and on Twitter. You can't beat that! And, the best part is, I won't make you compete with thousands of other brides for placement. I'll publish each and everyone I get....promise! Just like I did with Isla's.

So, either email me your boards to: info@inncredibleevents.com, or go to our 'Contact Us' page on this blog...fill in our information, then cut and paste your board into our 'Message' box.
It's that simple!

What are you waiting for????

Until next time....

Making your wedding InnCredible
InnCredible Events
949/887.9629

The Grooms Have It!

More and more we're seeing grooms taking an active role in planning their weddings. They come to our planning meetings with ideas, thoughts and wants, which is InnCredible. Guys are beginning to 'step up to the plate' to add their personalities to the festivities. So, in honor of all the grooms out there who are adding their 'two cents' to the fun, this 'Inspiration Board' is for you!

Last time I hinted that I might do something crazy like this...give the guys their own 'sneak peek' into the wedding worlds of other grooms. Who knows, I may have started a new trend! Even the new wedding site, BHLDN, just launched 'Bridesmaid Boards', so why not take that idea one step further, and create 'Grooms Boards'? Love it!



To begin this board, I first picked my main picture. And being the shameless, proud mama that I am, I chose one of my favorite pictures of my son, Cameron, that was taken at his wedding back in 2009. And as you can see, I went back to the 'Picture Pile' option with 'Picasa' to create my design. I'm much more comfortable giving my boards this unstructured look. And, as you'll also notice, I went a little crazy, cramming all the photos I liked onto one board. I guess I figured I should just go for broke for my first ever 'Grooms Board'...just in case there isn't another one. LOL!!!!

Personally, I love the way grooms are adding their own special, and sometimes 'quirky', touches to weddings these days. I love the crazy, mis-matched socks, the funky shoes, multi-colored bow ties, and the hats...
Oh, the hats! All these personal touches help to define the theme of their individual weddings. And since this year weddings are taking on a more casual, intimate look and feel, we're also seeing a number of grooms opting for attire other than a tux for their big day! Don't you just love this photo of the guys in suspenders!


Even 'Grooms Cakes' are taking on a new resurgence, and bride's are going all out to make sure their guys' special cake reflects the personality of their man. You wouldn't believe some of the crazy and creative 'Grooms Cakes' I found online. Now-a-days, if you want it, a baker will create it!

But, I digress...back to the 'Grooms Boards'. I think they're a great way to not only get your guy invested in the look of your wedding, but also allow you, the bride, to coordinate everything you want to incorporate into your theme without losing sight of the big picture.


At our last wedding of the season, our groom, Kyle, wanted a 'Port & Cigar Grotto' down by the pond. So, of course, Marjorie and I obliged. And even though it was pouring rain, we were still able to carry this off thanks to the InnCredible help of their fabulous caterer. But, getting back to the topic at hand, it was Kyle who wanted this 'Grotto' for his groomsmen and friends, and I have to admit, it was the hit of the evening! And even his darling Roz, added her special touch with 'S'mores' for those folks who weren't into port or cigars. InnCredible!

And just to brag a wee bit more, if you haven't seen Roz & Kyle's 'Singing In The Rain' video, (which was shot at the 'Coloma Country Inn' with 'InnCredible Events' as their wedding planners, I'm proud to say), just click on the link above and be amazed!

And it's not just the younger grooms who are taking part in planning their weddings...Au contraire! Paul, one of our other favorite grooms, took an active roll in his and Cindy's wedding by designing the music for the reception. Funny thing, his only request after the wedding was for a beer and a cigar. Ya gotta love a man who knows what he wants!

So, ladies, if you're interested in following my new trend and creating a 'Grooms Board' for your man, you can either use one of the wedding websites, or be a rebel like me and use 'Picasa'.

And, of course, once you're done, send them my way. Please! I promise I'll post each 'Inspiration Board' I get right here on this blog, and on our 'InnCredible Events' facebook page. They'll also get posted to our Twitter page as well. How fun is that!

So, either send your 'Inspiration Board' or 'Grooms Board' to our 'InnCredible Events' email: info@inncredibleevents.com...or click on this 'Contact Us', fill in your information and then 'cut & paste' your 'Board' into our 'Message' box. It's that simple!

And, here's another idea ladies...for all of you new brides, if you've put together your 'Wedding Board' with your favorite pictures from your InnCredible day, please send me those too. Just make sure you credit your photographer when you send it my way...and include your name, your grooms name, date of your wedding and location.

I can't wait to see what you design...so send away my lovely brides...send away!

Until next time....

Making your wedding InnCredible
InnCredible Events
949/887.9629