Henna Party with Mendhi Henna

It is always an honor when we get to be a part of more than just the wedding day. Our sweet bride, Jahana invited me to her bridal shower/henna party!

Featured in Occasions Magazine

About a year ago, I gathered a team together to bring my vision of an "East Meets West" styled photo shoot to life. We had an amazing team!

Laser Cut Invitations

I saw these beautiful laser cut invitations on Design Sponge and was immediately brought back to my childhood when we learned about Chinese paper cutting.

Indian Weddings Venue Spotlight: Origin India Restaurant & Bar

Origin India Restaurant & Bar is a modern Indian restaurant located just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip. Origin India hosts many weddings, fund-raising events, and corporate meetings. They are also available for off site catering events.

Indian Weddings Vendor Spotlight: Melissa Ure of Vegas Henna

Mehndi is an important pre-wedding Indian tradition of applying henna to brides. The mehndi ceremony takes place prior to the wedding day and intricate designs are applied to the hands and feet of brides.

Indian Weddings Vendor Spotlight: Yasmin Tajik of Shalimar Studios

"I chose the name 'Shalimar Studios' because I wanted something that paid respect and honored my South Asian heritage.

Borrowing Wedding Traditions From Other Cultures

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a PUG (Pictage Users Group) meeting.  As a treat and in celebration of Passover, one of the guests Natasha from The Write Shot made and brought chocolate covered matzah. It was my first time having it and it was totally addicting and DELICIOUS!  I loved my little introduction into a different culture and I'm always open to learning about other cultures - especially when we're talking about food! So that experience got me to thinking about how couples can incorporate aspects of other cultures into their wedding day.  For example, nowadays, non Jewish weddings are opting for chuppahs for their wedding ceremonies and it is perfectly acceptable.

Other ways to borrow from other cultures:

  • Pick an auspicious day to get married (Chinese)
  • Have your guests participate in the Tarantella traditional wedding dance (Italian)
  • Hold a Mendhi ceremony have have your hands and feet painted with henna (Indian)
  • Mix lavender into your bridal bouquet (Irish)

What are some of your favorite traditions you've seen at weddings?

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com 

Sponsored Post: The Showgirl’s Final Bow

Written by: Lourdes Gutierrez If you haven’t been able to make it out to Las Vegas to catch Bette Midler in action, you now have until January 31st of 2010 to do it! “The Showgirl Must Go On” has been one of the most popular Las Vegas shows on the Strip for the last two years thanks to Ms. Midler’s incredible knack for singing, dancing and comedy. Located at the legendary Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Bette Midler’s show is a combination of the glitz and glamour of Vegas with the singing and dancing of Broadway. Not only do people love Ms. Midler from her Hollywood days in movies like The Stepford Wives, The First Wives Club, Hocus Pocus, and Beaches, they also love the native Hawaiian from her Broadway stints on classic shows like Fiddler on the Roof.

On the official website for “The Showgirl Must Go On” Bette Midler wrote a personal message to her fans letting them know that if the President of the United States can make it out to Las Vegas to see her, then so can you! You can expect a lot of glitter and plenty of glam during this show as Bette surrounds herself with amazing showgirls wearing traditional costumes that she dons herself—you wouldn’t believe she’s 64 years old! Along with singing her own songs, Bette Midler performs as her trademark characters including Soph, the oldest Las Vegas showgirl. Throughout the ninety-minute show you will find yourself laughing, singing and reminiscing not only about Bette Midler’s successful career, but her great run on the Las Vegas stage. She even took to her website to give a funny farewell to all of her fans.

“For all of you who made the trek to Sin City, to see me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You were the best audiences ever and I had a great time. I begin my closing month on December 29th and play through January 31st, when the curtain will come down on the Showgirl for the last time. I'm getting a little misty-eyed just thinking about it -- applying for unemployment is such a pain in the ass.”

If you would like to see Bette Midler’s amazing show, “The Showgirl Must Go On,” make sure you head to Sin City soon.

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

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Simple Elegance in Cake Design Grand Opening

Tonight is the official Grand Opening celebration of my friend Dane Bethea's shop!  Dane is the talented baker/cake designer owner of Simple Elegance in Cake Design.  There's nothing more I love than a good party. Well, except when you add the element of tea to it. Dane has always told me about his dream of opening up a tea room one day.  He and I share a love for tea however his knowledge is obviously much greater than mine. I'm so thrilled and proud that his dream has become a reality!

The Simple Elegance Tea Room is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:30 am for coffee, pastries, and scones.  Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Reservations are required for high tea which is served from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.  The Simple Elegance Tea Room is also available for private parties.  What a neat way to celebrate!

Location: 3655 South Durango Drive, #29 Las Vegas, Nevada 89147 (702) 647-2253

Congratulations Dane! I wish you much success!

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Lucky Number 9 - 09/09/09

Las Vegas would be in a wedding planning craze right now if 09/09/09 landed on a Saturday. Last year's 08/08/08 was busy on a Friday but I don't believe anything topped our lucky 07/07/07 which landed on a Saturday.  My Feng Shui expert actually mentioned last year that 8/8/08 fell on the Chinese Halloween month which is unlucky. However, it didn't stop many Chinese couples from getting married on that day.

The number 9 is an auspicious date in the Chinese culture because the word is similar to the word for "forever" or "long lasting".  In fact, when my sister got married, I believe a friend of hers from China gave her $99 as it is the number more widely used in weddings than the number 8.

Check out this Yahoo article on other reasons why "Why 09/09/09 Is So Special".

How do you feel about these "lucky" numbers and dates?

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A little etiquette advice for our wedding guests

Brides and grooms have expressed some frustrations to me about their wedding guests and I've compiled them into a list so that other brides may share this with their guests! Food Allergy - If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, please let the bride and groom know in advance!  This allows the caterer to be prepared and the bride and groom to not worry.  I had a wedding where the bride couldn't enjoy the first 20 minutes of her cocktail hour because two guests informed her of their allergies. The bride was so stressed and came up to me and I had to inform the catering manager who was unsure of the ingredients of the hors d'oeuvres and had to ask the chef in the kitchen! A little advanced notice keeps everyone happy!

Wedding Invitations and rsvp - It's proper etiquette to respond in a timeline manner.  And, if you reply with "yes", please show up!  Unless you are dying or seriously ill, you have no excuse. It is impolite.  They have given the count to their caterer and will be paying 100++ whether or not you show up!

If the invitation wasn't extended to your boyfriend of a week, please do not impose.  Weddings are expensive and they are not required to add "plus 1" for every invite they send out.   If you're in a serious relationship, engaged, or married, an invitation should be extended to your significant other. But my rule is that if it's not serious, they don't get an invitation.  It's not prom.  My single girlfriend showed up to both my sister's and my own wedding by herself, never complained, and had so much fun. That's a true friend.

Children at Weddings - This is always a hot topic.  It's not their fault, but children can be disruptive and some couples are against having children at their weddings.  Please don't give the couple a guilt trip for not having invited your 3 year old.  Sometimes a nanny or a separate kid's room is available at the reception but it is an added expense (which I sometimes recommend) and not always feasible.

Wedding gifts - While you are sent a wedding invitation because you are a special person in the bride and groom's lives, there is still an expectation of a present attached.  If you are sent an invitation, please send a gift whether or not you attend (I'm guilty of this so I'm sorry and it will never happen again!).  And if you say the gift is in the mail, please be sure to put it in the mail!  Empty promises make you look like you're forgetful and a bad friend!

Alcohol - An open bar makes it a happier occasion but do not get so out of hand that you're escorted out in a wheelchair. It totally ruins the moment of an elegant occasion.

Attire - Do not upstage the bride and wear white, pale yellow (bright yellow is okay), cream, or anything too lowcut, sexy, or inappropriate to take away the attention from the bride!  It is her day, not yours!  Be a good friend.

What are some other wedding pet peeves that you have?

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Sake Tasting: Sake 101 by Tiffany Dawn Soto

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of putting an intimate sake tasting networking event together with my good friend Tiffany Dawn Soto.  Tiffany is a Master Sake Sommelier and was there to teach a sake tasting class which she had also paired with a delicious reception menu at RM Seafood.  She has a special talent of pairing non traditional items with sake.  Below is the menu we tasted:

  • Mini Crab Cakes with Chipotle Mayo
  • Shrimp Hush Puppies
  • BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese
  • Pork Spring Rolls
  • Miso Glazed Beef Lettuce Wraps

The popularity of sake is definitely on the rise and Tiffany is just the right person for a sake tasting and/or pairing for a Japanese inspired wedding reception menu.  Here's a little video of Tiffany explaining a few sake terms.  Tiffany is the founder of the North American Sake Institute and is available for sake tasting and pairings for your next special event!

Traditional Afternoon Tea at Petrossian Lounge in Bellagio!

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Photo courtesy of bellagio.com

Tomorrow is our "Wedding Professionals Afternoon Tea" event!  I'm so excited! At 2:00 pm, about 9 of us will be enjoying afternoon tea service at the Petrossian Lounge at the Bellagio.  I knew I picked the right place when half of the responses were, "I didn't know Bellagio served afternoon tea!".  I am so looking forward to hot tea, sandwiches, scones, and wonderful conversations with fellow wedding professionals.

I'm hoping to make this into a quarterly event and judging by the responses, I know that we'll probably double the guest count the next time.

Couture Wedding Invitations from Lela New York

lela-ny This gorgeous invitation designed by Lela New York in enclosed in a deep red silk box. Even though it was created using the Chinese heritage and Independence day theme of the bride, the invitation made me think of the new Encore Las Vegas Resort.  Encore has a butterfly motif in the entire resort.

Wouldn't this have been a lovely invitation for a grand opening Encore party for VIPs?

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© Susan Breslow Sardone, licensed to About.com, Inc.

The Royal Tea Society invites you to Let Them Eat Cake!

let_them_eat_cake_postcard_540x3241 When Marie Antoinette uttered the phrase "Let Them Eat Cake" over 200 years ago, little did she know her immortal words would help feed thousands of hungry people across the pond in the American City of Lights. ~

On March 8, 2009, the Royal Tea Society is hosting "Let Them Eat Cake" an afternoon tea event from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Lakeside in Desert Shores.

The atmosphere will resemble dining on the River Seine and the menu will feature French favorites such as Salade Nicoise on Baguettes, Ham and Brie with Pears on Croissants, Herbes de Provence Chevré on Endive, and Bleu Cheese Profiteroles du Boef. ~ Over 20 cakes and pastries from Las Vegas's famous and favorite bakeries will be served, including a Marie Antoinette cake by Freed's Bakery which was featured on Cooking with Rachel Ray and voted 2007 Best of Weddings by The Knot, Layers Bakery voted #1 Bakery by readers of the Las Vegas Review Journal, a Princess Cake from Leopold's Bakery, Chocolate Swan a couture bakery in Mandalay Bay, and Simple Elegance in Cake Design.

~

Please RSVP by February 28, 2009.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Three Square- "together we serve hope".

Inspiration Board: Something Blue

We've all heard the saying, "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue". Well, the color blue was the traditional color for weddings many years ago.  During the late 19th century, brides wore blue wedding gowns to symbolize purity and fidelity.

Below is an inspiration of all things blue!  I love these special touches to add a little something blue to your special day.

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From top left:

Swarovski crystal stemmed vase photo by Alison Rosa from brides.com,  Dress by Vineyard Collection: Style No. VY1507, Blue Mer martini glass, $150, frecklefarm.com. Free Spirit bowl with turquoise rim, $20, by Rosenthal, rosenthalusa.com. Coni bowl, $85, by Salviati, salviati.com. photo by Victor Schrager from brides.com,Square-cut aquamarine ring framed with diamonds, about $3,400, Lauren K, laurenk.com, photo by Alison Rosa, Manicure: Dida, N.Y.C. Prop stylist: Robyn Glaser, N.Y.C. from brides.com, Cake: Duffy creation. Rolled fondant with sugar-paste flowers and pressed garlands. mpd310@aol.com. Photo by Antonis Achilleos, Hand-tied bouquet of white sweet pea with blue muscari, wrapped in striped duchess satin ribbon, about $275, Belle Fleur, bellefleurny.com, photo by Alison Rosa

Red Carpet: Grammy Awards 2009

This year's red carpet was filled with pinks and purples.  Below are some of my favorites from this year's Grammy Awards. katy_perry

Love the blush pink! Katy Perry in a long gown by Lebanese designer Basil Soda.

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Love the bold teal color that Audrina Patridge is wearing. Tadashi

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Carrie Underwood. Zuhair Murad Resort 2009 collection

Miley Cyrus arrives to the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards at the Stap

Miley Cyrus is a glamorous black gown. I would LOVE to wear this dress! Hervé Léger by Max Azria

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Sara Bareilles. Luisa Beccaria Spring 2009 collection

Singer Adele arrives to the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards held at th

Love the green that Adele is wearing of course!

Actress Kate Beckinsale arrives to the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards

Kate Beckinsale looks fabulous.

Vendor Spotlight - Moments In Time Photography

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Name: Adrienne Griffin Location: Las Vegas, NV

Company Name: Moments in Time Photography Number of Years in Business: 3 Website: www.mitweddings.com Blog: www.mitweddings.blogspot.com

How did you get started in photography? I've always loved photography but never realized until a few years ago what a craft it is.  Continuing education workshops and classes help me to define my style and continue to challenge me to be more creative.

When you're not taking photos, what are some of your hobbies? I love to go to the movies with my husband or just with my kids, enjoy going out to eat (cooking is not my thing), reading and getting away for a weekend now and then.

What is the craziest wedding experience you’ve ever had? That one I really have to keep to myself but the 2nd craziest is that the groom at this one wedding was actually the one that was getting stressed with what a big blown out affair (or circus as he called it) that his wedding day had become.

What is the best wedding experience you’ve ever had? I can't think of any one particular moment that comes to mind.  It does make me feel good though when the bride and groom actually thank me for being part of their day.  When in turn, it is really an honor for me to be part of their day.

Name an exotic location you’d like to visit soon. Fiji

Why do your clients choose you over some of your competitors? I'm really not sure why but I feel that your personality should blend well with your clients personality, after all you will be spending the day together capturing their most important moments.

What is the best piece of advice you can offer a bride and groom on their wedding day? Try not to stress and don't think you can handle all the details on your own.  Your bridal party is a big part of your day and they are there to help you.  Please hire a professional wedding planner.  They are there to make sure all the details of your day fall into place.  They will organize your vendors and keep everyone on the same page.  Please don't confuse the wedding planner with your event planner...they are 2 completely different people with 2 completely different jobs.

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