March 22, 2011 6

What a ball!

By Coquettish in Events, Uncategorized

Our most recent client, Mommy J, came to us for help with her son’s first birthday. Being a working mom, she didn’t have the time to devote to planning and executing a 1st birthday party she would love. We were excited to help her create the youthful, modern and fun environment she envisioned.

Mommy J told us that her husband and his family LOVE basketball but anytime she has tried to pull together a basketball themed event it would inevitably lead her to a mix of orange cups and outdated printed paper plates, not really her style. We pitched a concept to integrate basketballs into a more crisp and youthful look, she believed in us, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results!

Starting with the invites, we wanted something that read baby but clearly defined the theme of the party. We mixed baby blue argyle, polka dots, and basketballs into a cohesive look. Casual, modern, and sporty.

We loved the look of the invite and carried it through to the party. The colors kept everything baby friendly. To expand on the basketball theme, the food station was set up to evoke the feeling of a concession stand. We served macaroni salad, fried chicken, noodles, and chili in takeout containers, each with stickers to identify the item. We set up a hotdog station with all the works, with the help of Lucky Dogs SF.

What birthday party is complete without dessert? We did a fun dessert display with delicious cupcakes and cookie sandwiches from Love Bites Bakeshop and cupcake toppers and cake pops from Dream Cakes by Maggie. Maggie also provided custom sugar cookies, including Nike Air Jordans inspired by Daddy’s favorite shoe. The smash cake featured a fondant topper that matched Todd’s birthday invites. A basketball textured background grounded the adorable birthday banner and we decorated a high chair just for birthday cupcake smashing.

We showcased photos of Baby Todd’s first year milestones, appropriately called “Todd’s First Year Highlights.” Here is the little man showing off his basketball skills.

Guests had their choice of two party favors: basketball stress balls or caramel corn.

Happy Birthday to a very special little boy and thank you for letting us be part of the celebration. We can’t wait to see his first jump shot!

{All photos taken by Greg Ma}

Tags: "basketball themed party", "Coquette Events", "dessert bar", "dessert buffet", "DIY decor", "JP Murphy clubhouse", "unique", birthday, blue, event planner, kid's party, orange, San Francisco

March 14, 2011 0

Teaser: Todd’s 1st Birthday

By Coquettish in Events

Sneak peek at the custom banner from our wildly successful 1st birthday party on Saturday. Can you guess the theme based on the decor?

Tags: "polka dot", banner, basketball, birthday, blue, custom, orange, stripes

March 13, 2011 1

Happy 1st Birthday Coquettish!

By Coquettish in Events

Source

What a fabulously Coquettish year it’s been for us here at Coquette Events. We’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the most amazing clients — from happily in love brides and grooms, to Hello Kitty crazed toddlers, to adults celebrating some important milestones. We’ve also learned a thing or two from some extremely talented vendors and also began building what we hope to be long lasting relationships. We were so thrilled when we received the Bride’s Choice Award for 2011 from Wedding Wire. We love what we do and we’re glad that our clients recognize it!

So cheers to a wildly successful first year and to many many more!!

Tags: "Coquette Events", coquettish

March 2, 2011 4

Good Hair

By Coquettish in Uncategorized

Anyone who knows me understands my not-so-secret love for the Kardashian family. So when I announced I was donating a foot of hair, everyone was shocked. I had made the vow a few years ago and it took me 3 years to grow out the layers and dyes.

I had grown it out to my waist, it was all natural and better conditioned than a horse’s mane. There is a reason why the last time I had short hair was over ten years ago. Even though I was convinced I would hate the cut, I was confident this was something i wanted to do. I was anxious, nervous, and scared all at the same time.

Despite my husband’s urging that I donate money instead, I made an appointment at the Mark Garrison salon. They have a partnership with Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which makes real hair wigs for men and women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.

There I was at 4:30pm on a Wednesday. I was accompanied by my moral support (Amy), and the man I was trusting my self-confidence with Alex. After a quick consult, he separated my hair into four mini ponytails. Alex was confident in his mission and within a few minutes I relaxed and decided this was going to end well. With his shiny silver shears, he went in for the first cut, and there was no going back.

Alex swiftly snipped, layered, and shaped my new shoulder length locks. I’m happy to report that I am loving my new look. I forgot what it was like to have shape and movement in my hair. You know you have a good cut when 4 days later, it still looks good without a professional blowout. Thanks Alex!

Some might say that it’s just hair. But I had become really attached to my lengthy locks, aka the Kardashian Kurls (when I had time to curl my hair). My donation probably only makes up 1/8 of a wig, but I felt lighter and happier knowing that I was able to make a contribution. As an added bonus, I can pick things up off the floor of my tiny NYC bathroom without fearing my hair will end up in the toilet.

Ladies, I encourage you to consider donating your hair. It is a big change and can feel impossible to do, but just think about what you’re doing for someone else. I’m so motivated that I’m thinking Coquette Events needs to sponsor a hair party! Any interest??

Thank you Mark and Alex for giving me the opportunity to do this and for giving me the gift of a gorgeous cut.

xo,
Andrea

Tags: "Locks of Love", "Mark Garrison Salon", "Pantene Beautiful Lengths", "post wedding chop", donation

February 19, 2011 0

Thinking Outside of the Chapel!

By Coquettish in Events, Weddings

We were so inspired by an article in the New York Times covering a stylish parking garage wedding! The garage, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is in high demand for soirees and events. The exaggerated ceilings and juxtaposed geometric pylons create a chic urban space.

Source: NYTimes, Photos: Iwan Baan, Maggie Steber

Source: 111 Lincolnroad

Lighting played a major part in elevating this concrete structure into an amazing wedding venue. We wanted push ourselves to think outside of the chapel, winery and ballroom to see what new spaces we could play with …

Source: Heather Parker Photography

Source: Olivia Leigh Photographie

Warehouse and gallery spaces came to mind as great canvases for weddings. Typically these spaces are open and allow you a little more flexibility in your budget for décor. There are two main categories:
#1 Restored warehouses that have a historic feel with their exposed brick walls and vaulted ceilings
#2 Modern warehouses that are very much like a blank canvas with a clean aesthetic

Source: Becoming Mrs. Dial

Of course, either space can be transformed and bring your own unique vision to reality. Remember the wedding is about you, so always choose the lighting and décor that compliment your style and personality.

Souce: Style Me Pretty

Libraries exude an air of romance and charm. Laura Ivanova’s photos of this real wedding are simply stunning! It showcases the bookshelves, wonderful architecture and furnishings of the historic library.

Source: Richelle Dante Photography

There have been some fun engagement shoots in and around skate parks. These monstrous spaces have such beautiful shape to them. A ceremony could be staged above the bowls or by the novice areas that allow for some flatter spaces. It’s definitely a challenging wedding concept, but one full of potential!

Source: Ruffled Blog

Event Space - 9 - Rooftop

Source: Feathe r Love Photography

Rooftops make for a wonderful escape from the ballroom. They are airy, romantic and allow for beautiful sunset shots. Finding the perfect rooftop may be closer thank you think. Accessible rooftops can be found on many buildings, hotels and some condos too. Network amongst friends and you may find one closer than you think!

As you wander through your favorite city remember to keep an eye out for those unexpected, spectacular spaces!

Tags: "art gallery wedding", "library wedding", "original venues", "rooftop wedding", "warehouse wedding", venues

February 7, 2011 1

Eye Candy

By Coquettish in Decor, Events

The dessert bar is definitely the icing on the cake at weddings and parties. We all love being the kid in the candy store. This year, we are evolving the dessert bar with some new additions making it that much sweeter!

We aren’t saying bye-bye to the cupcake. That trend is now a staple. Just like skinny jeans in your closet, it is standard faire. Here are our trendy, taste worthy and delectable dessert ideas for 2011.

Staging the bar: even from afar, a great dessert bar must be eye candy your guests! Work off your wedding color palette. Colors can be incorporated into banners, name cards, flowers, cake stands, platters and if possible the dessert themselves. Beware not to force the colors. Bright green donuts might be a little too much, however, light green macaroons are delightfully tempting. Go with the aesthetic of your theme; clean lines and bold colors work well for a modern wedding while the use of wood may lend itself to rustic themes. Achieve a cohesive display by using no more than 3 major colors. Shades of those colors can also be incorporated into the palette.

#1 Woopie Pies! Everyone loves these tiny Oreo like chocolate cakes sandwiching butter cream frosting. Variations can be made with flavor and coloring. These are just irresistible when served with small cartons or milk shooters!

#2 Donuts. They are sinfully good and oh so indulgent. Donuts are just that late night snack! Dynamo Donuts fries some incredible flavors such as their bacon maple glazed donut! Serve with milk and/or coffee or even better yet an affogato! Donuts can also play a part in the main event and be assembled like a croquembouche!

# 3 Ice cream – old fashioned ice cream stands serving your favorite selections are bound to be a hit. We also love the idea of fruity and artisanal flavored popsicles that are appealing both to the eyes and mouths! In particular, Pop Bar is serving up some gorgeous gelatos on a stick. Not only are the flavors to die for the popsicles are beyond beautiful! You can even create one uniquely yours! If that isn’t laid back enough for you try ice cream sandwiches or ice cream woopie pies!

#4 Candy Floss. This airy dessert brings a whimsical and playful feel to the wedding. Its sweet and can be served on a stick or in a cone. To arrange place sticks into jars filled with candy to prop it up.

#5 “Homemade” Piettes! These sweet mini pies are rustic and fruity! Their homemade feel really have a nice touch of love. Help decorate with sweet saying such as “sweetie pie”! Nothing takes you back down memory land like a baked pie-in-a-jars. Just adorable!

#6 Pops! Lolly pops move over! Cake pops are artistic, cute and delish! Especially the inspiring little fellas from bakerella.com! You could also bring these pops to life in a photo booth or just have run with pops shaped as moustaches and lips! Everyone can remember begging for their first candied apple! For a more sophisticated look, use tiny crab apples that are less cumbersome and irresistibly cute!

#7 Ol’ Fashioned Soda Fountain drinks and floats! Bring back some good old favorites like Bubble Up and some new fizzies! Izze has a great range of fresh and fruity colors. Display with some colorful straws in an old fashioned straw dispenser. Root beer floats are a favorite or take a modern spin with champagne and sorbet floats.

#8 Touch and Taste! Get guests involved by having a hand in making their own one of a kind dessert. Simply accomplished with personal candy bags or topping their own ice creams!

Here’s to starting a new beginning and ending the party on sweet note!

Tags: "cake pops", "candy bar", "dessert buffet", "whoopie pie", Decor, desserts, favors, macaroons, original

January 27, 2011 1

Have you heard the news?

By Coquettish in Uncategorized

Coquette Events has received the 2011 WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award and we can’t stop smiling about it! We are thankful to have been a part of many celebrations and appreciate the support and encouragement we receive from clients, vendor partners, and our families.

You can read more about our award via the official press release.

January 7, 2011 1

Save Our Breast Friends

By Coquettish in Events

With the start of a new year, who isn’t making a list of self-improvement goals? Save money, lose weight, quit that annoying habit… the list goes on. This year, I’ve resolved to set measurable goals instead of blanket statements. So I’ve upgraded the annual “Be a better person” resolution to “Participate in at least 4 community service events.” I was inspired through my volunteer activities in 2010, such as wrapping Christmas gifts at the Harlem Children Zone. And I was lucky enough to be a part of a very brag-worthy fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.

Jimeale New York and Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) joined forces to put on a fabulous bash in support for breast cancer awareness. With the B4BC girls in LA and Jimeale constantly on the go with her international accessories business, they found themselves needing some extra help – insert Coquette Events.

The venue was graciously donated by Desiron in SoHo. The entry level was used for volunteers to greet guests, who were deliciously dressed from head to toe.

A press area featured a custom step & repeat with a hot pink carpet. Here is Jimeale with our lovely co-hosts, Sarah Wynter (Flight of the Concords) and Jessica Szohr (Gossip Girl).

Tony Richardson proudly presented football cleats signed by the NY Jets for our silent auction!

Guests descended down a candle-lit staircase to enjoy a crisp, modern space with pink uplighting, gourmet hors d’oeveurs and champagne passed by cute volunteers, and 2 stocked bars. Silent auction items were displayed throughout the room, including designer handbags, a surfboard, and weekend getaways.

I had to keep costs low in order to yield the highest return for the charity. But I was able to convince the team to let me bring in some elements of decor and color. With the help of a pink carpet, lighting, navy linens, candles, and DIY pommanders, the space immediately felt more special. I even had custom Dough Girl cookies flown in from San Francisco and I designed a coordinating hang tag.

Speeches were made by Lisa Hudson of B4BC and Sarah Wynter to remind people that breast cancer can affect men and women of all ages. We were encouraged to help empower young people by educating them on ways to prevent the disease.

Of course I had to sneak in for at least one photo with the gorgeous Jessica Szohr!

We successfully raised $20,000 though ticket sales, the silent auction, and raffle tickets. Thank you to those that came out to support the cause. While Jamie wasn’t able to make it to New York for this one, I’m grateful to her sister who happened to be in town and helped me get through the day!

Happy 2011 to all of you!

Coquettishly yours,

Andrea

Tags: "Boarding for Breast Cancer", "Coquette Events", Breast Cancer Awareness, Desiron, Jessica Szohr, Jimeale Jorgensen, Jimeale NY, New York, New York Fundraiser, Sarah Wynter, Save Our Breast Friends

December 6, 2010 1

Real Wedding: Carolyn and Russ

By admin in Weddings

We love when couples infuse their wedding with personal touches – it makes the day so much more special. Carolyn and Russ come from extremely different backgrounds – he is of Scottish descent and she is Vietnamese but spent a lot of time in Hawaii. They meshed various aspects of their cultures together to create an intimate and personal celebration. Their officiant was a close friend, a bagpiper led the recessional out of the ceremony and into the reception, the cocktail hour was filled with Hawaiian beverages and music and guests dined on a delicious menu of contemporary Asian cuisine.

Coordinators: Coquette Events
Venue: Golden Gate Club at the Presidio
Caterers: Le’s Kitchen
Photographer: Stephen Hughes
Bagpiper: Brian Sholes
Desserts: Lori Munar
Band: Tip of the Top

The adorable ring bearer, Carolyn’s nephew.

Escort cards & table names hand written by a close friend.

The newlyweds being escorted into the reception by the Bagpiper.

Enjoying their first dance as husband and wife.

Cake and cupcakes for the guests.

Congratulations Carolyn and Russ!! Thank you for letting Coquette Events be a part of your special day.

Tags: "Golden Gate Club", bagpiper, cupcakes, Hawaiian, wedding

November 18, 2010 2

Real Wedding: Giveaway Winners Randi & Hans

By Coquettish in Weddings

Back in April, we met Randi and Hans through our Need Help Giveaway. As part of the launch of Coquette Events, we wanted to gift a deserving couple with some extra help on their wedding day.

We chose Randi’s beautifully organized submission and well laid out green and black inspiration board because we loved the dynamic family backgrounds. Randi and her 6 brothers and sisters were adopted by their big hearted parents, whom we loved even more after the wedding {shout out to the Krupansky clan!}. Randi’s father couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful his daughter was and was so excited to share their father-daughter dance. Hans, the only son of a traditional Korean family, had his parents gleaming with pride on the wedding day. It was a nice blend of cultures and backgrounds, and yielded a fun-loving group of guests. By the end of the afternoon, everyone was on the dance floor and Randi’s oh-so-cute nephew was on the mic singing My Girl.

We were also excited to work with a couple that was doing something different and opted for a lunch reception. We appreciated their strong emphasis on serving high quality food so their guests would remember having a delicious meal instead of “wedding food.” And on the big day, nobody was disappointed. The vendors were served the same meal as the guests, and it was tasty!

Our choice was made clear after meeting Randi & Hans in July during an engagement session with Jamie’s photographer husband, Greg Ma. We enjoyed a day of picture taking and talking about their wedding plans. Over the next few months, we worked together on finalizing the details of their big day. It was a pleasure working with such an organized bride, who had a list or spreadsheet for everything, even the weather patterns. Anyone that knows us, knows we are lightly obsessed with Excel.

Finally the big day was upon us, 10:00am on 10/10/10. {all photos here are courtesy of Jerry Yoon}

Venue: Wente Winery
Coordinators: Coquette Events
Photographer: Jerry Yoon
Florist: Flowerspot
Hair & Makeup: Ann Ho

The morning started with Rani and Hans getting ready in different hotels. They met for a first look at Wente Winery, then spent time taking photos around the property, while their guests enjoyed breakfast and live music on the terrace.

Randi and Hans were married by Hans’ cousin, on a lush green lawn. Randi’s siblings shared readings, and her brother sang a song for the bride and groom.

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to cocktail hour on the terrace. Guests were asked to sign a photobook of the bride and groom, as well as an oversized wine bottle. Handmade escort cards were laid out next to mini wine bottle favors, but of course we had candy favors for the children.