Wordless Wednesday: Wedding Inspiration + Trends

Imely Photography and Video LLC

Did you know that December is the most popular month to get engaged? Next to December is February with Valentine’s Day. In the spirit of engagement season and wedding season on the horizon, I’m sharing some of our favorite weddings with you that are still trending in 2015.

Dessert bars, exposed brick and industrial spaces with a lounge vibe were gaining popularity in 2010 and are still trending in 2015. Sara + Abe got married on NYE in 2010, which remains a popular wedding date. Get the details of their wedding here.

Winter weddings were trending in 2011 and are still hot in 2015! As are small, intimate weddings. I was honored to plan and style one of my best friends weddings at their favorite French restaurant! Christina wanted an elegant but simple décor with blue and white. Blue and white is classic and will always be in style. Get the details of Christina and Sam’s Winter Wedding here.

Imely Photography & Video LLC

Sophisticated and memorable food and experience at weddings started trending in 2008 and hasn’t stop since!  While some might argue you never remember the food at weddings, that wasn’t the case at our wedding and most of the weddings and events I plan and style. Our intimate wedding of 80 guests at The Ritz Carlton Sarasota Beach Club is still talked about amongst our friends as being one of the most memorable; who could forget that lobster bisque!

Other trends such as the signature drink, coordination of color and theme throughout the wedding, and destination weddings in 2009 are still hot in 2015. Not to mention my favorite colors coral and blue are hot trends this year not only in fashion and interior design, but are seeing variations of the colors in weddings and events. I know a few people thought the color coral was bold and was fitting for a beach wedding, but wouldn’t reach mainstream.

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An InLinkz Link-up

Here we are the third week of January, welcome To The Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday, a great place to meet new bloggers read about their features and gain followers. This week we continue our Giveaway for a LED Magnified Vanity Mirror. We thank you for stopping by!!! And if you missed their features from last week check them out Here
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Host Karren from The Oh My Heartsie Girl

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Co-Host Cathy from A Peek Into My Paradise

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Remember rice krispie treats, well now I have found a new twist to make them, using a portion of yellow cake mix and lemon zest. They are called Lemon Supreme Rice Krispie reats

Co-Host Lysa from Welcome To My Circus

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Welcome to My Circus’ first birthday. What better way to celebrate both than to hold my first giveaway as a way to say thank you to all of you for your support over the past year. Jump over to Welcome To My Circus and join the fun, games and prizes.

Co-Host Coco from Home School A Palooza

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4 Top New (Awesome!) Companies To Start Using Now!

Ship Your Enimies Glitter, Suja Juice, Craftsy and The Honest Company

I offer a review on these four products, learn more on….

Companies To Start Using Now!

Co-Host Nikki Dale from Bedhead Designs

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I found this night stand for $2.00 in the thrift store, now I will show you how I strip sanded and painted it in an easy to do project. Bedhead Designs

Co-Host Alyssa Carlson from Pieces of Home

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Amazing Cauliflower Sauce

A Piece of Home has a New Way For Alfredo sauce, by using Cauliflower and making it into a sauce, find our how and the recipe Amazing Cauliflower Sauce

Co-Host Joy Mooiweer from Joy Love Food

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Shrimp Piri Piri — Bold and full of flavor, these spicy shrimp are a wonderfully delicious appetizer or snack for your next party or get together!

Shrimp Piri Piri

Co-Host Lorelai from Life With Lorelai

Super Bowl Party Trick Plays & Tasty Treats

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Score a Touchdown with these Tricks & Treats!
Are you hosting a Game Day party this year? Do you want to enjoy the game right along with your reveling party goers? Make your life easier, and allow your guests to spend more time with you and the game. Help your guests help themselves, and implement some of these Trick Plays.

Score a Touchdown with these Tricks & Treats!

Co-Host Sarah from Sarah Sofia Productions

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Valentines Day Inspiration Round up

It’s hard to believe Valentine’s Day is next month. I have to admit I’ve been scouting out the stores the last few weeks to create something fun and festive for you this year. For more ideas and Inspirations Visit Sarah Sofia Productions

Co-Host Jenny Tomson-Perez from Renovar Designs

Co-Host Jenny Tomson-Perez from Renovar Designs

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DIY Two Tone Furniture Makeover from Renovar Designs

DIY Two Tone Furniture Makeover

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When you add your link to the linky party along with your email, it will be used to send you a weekly email only used for the invitation to join us for Wordless Wednesday and gives Oh My Heartsie Girl blog permission to share your posts, pictures and links if chosen, in upcoming posts. Any content used will have roper credit and Link backs will be provided.
Thank you, Karren

Top 12 Posts of 2014: Parties, Event & Interior Design + 2015 Trends

Happy and healthy 2015 my friends! I wanted to share my top 12 blog posts of 2015 with you today!

Sarah Sofia Productions had a successful year in event design and styling! You will notice 9 of the 12 top blog posts are events or parties that were big trends in 2014 and continue to trend in 2015. The other 3 of 12 top blog posts are interior design and home décor trends that spill over into this year.

12. Wine Tasting and champagne tasting parties were hot in 2014 and continue to be in 2015. Tastings are one of my faves to plan because it’s an intimate affair with food and wine/champagne pairings. Get inspired with our Wine Tasting Party!

11.  Easter Celebrations and Easter Celebration Part II have some great décor elements and fun colors.

10. Pink + Gold GLAM Bridal Shower was a fan fav and still is one of mine! Pink + Gold were hot trends in 2014 and continue to be in 2015. The elements of this GLAM bridal shower can be used for any party that needs a little sparkle! We were featured in two publications for this photo shoot: My Tru Blu and The Bride Link

9. Coral, Robin Eggs Blue & Elephants themed 1st Birthday Party is whimsical and had hot trends like dessert and candy bar, coral and blue colors, and of course smash cake.

This party is a good example of interior design and home décor trends that are making their way into party trends. The theme of this party was based on the coral, blue & elephant themed nursery.

Kasey Loftin Photography

8. Thrill of the Hunt Series was a hit with treasures from thrifting from my guests Dwell by Cheryl and Jennifer, Pure & Simple Organizing, along with my treasures!

7. Black Tie Weddings and Events are classic and will always be in style! There’s something fun and glamorous about getting dressed up in formal attire that makes the night special. The Queen City Gala: Black Tie for Charity was no exception!

6. Brunch with the girls: Summer Entertaining continues to be one of our top archive searches for 2014! Despite the rain, there are fun punches of color and easy party décor elements.

5. Surprise 50th Birthday Party isn’t your typical backyard celebration! The attention to detail from the food to the simple and masculine décor made this party an instant classic. Burlap and navy were hot trends in 2014 and continue to be in 2015.

4. One Room Challenge Spring 2014 Master Bedroom and Fall 2014 Big Girl Room drove a lot of new traffic to our blog and demonstrated that trends in interior design continue to overlap with weddings, events & parties.

Many of the home décor items in both ORC rooms came from our wedding, or my daughter’s birthday party décor.

3. Fall Décor and entertaining along with our Thanksgiving Tablescape were both hits with readers and the interior design industry! We were featured in Southern Girl Blog Community’s Fall Round up, Festive Fall Crafts and Décor.

2. Sofia The First Birthday Party not only had a lot of views when it was first published in September 2014 but continues to be our second most popular search into 2015!

Sofia The First and Disney character themed parties were hot trends in 2014 and continue to be in 2015! This Sofia The First party incorporated boys by having them dress up like Princes and adding special touches in crafts and food labels.

1. Our biggest month to date was December 2014 with all our holiday and Christmas posts such as Santa Claus is Coming to Town Party, Trimming the Tree and Christmas Décor, Family Traditions with Recipes and Cookie Decorating Party, Cozy Survival Guide for Winter Months, and Christmas Tablescape.

We collaborated with wedding and event industry pros such as Classic Party Rentals, for Christmas Tablescape and were recognized nationally by Classic Party Rentals and in Southern Girl Blog Community’s Holiday Tradition Roundup, A Southern Girls Guide to Christmas Traditions.

However our most viewed post of December and of 2014 was New Year’s Eve Bash and Recipes!

Can’t wait to share more 2015 top trends in weddings, events, and parties in the coming months!

 

 

Inspiration for the Holidays: New Year’s Eve Bash

I’ve always enjoyed a good party and New Year’s Eve is no different. Like many others, the party has changed slightly with kids.

Just because you have kids doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Kids bring life to any party and incorporating party décor that festive and whimsical is fun for all!

Noise makers, fake sunglasses with 2015, hats, confetti, and beads are décor items that both adult and children enjoy. Have a special count down to the New Year at 8:30 or 9:00 pm for the younger kids and serve cookies and milk or sparkling juice.

To get this look and all the details check out my previous post on Kicking Off The New Year.

Every party needs a signature drink and a NYE bash isn’t a party without one!

Champagne is a the go to drink for NYE, but your guests will be pleasantly surprised when you serve them this New Year’s Splash drink topped with fresh raspberries! Not only isn’t delicious, but easy to make.

New Year’s Splash Specialty Drink

Ingredients (serves 8-12)

1 Bottle Looza Peach Juice or any brand

2 Bottles Prosecco

1   6 oz package raspberries

Pour Prosecco into champagne flutes, 3/4 full. Fill the reminder champagne flute with Looze Peach Juice (2 pours). Stir and garnish with fresh raspberries.

Next up is the menu. I’ve always enjoyed shrimp and grits and flank steak for New Year’s Eve. check out my previous post on New Year’s Eve Menu Inspiration for recipes.

Get this GLAM look and details here for your NYE bash! You can even make your DIY glitter champagne bottle to add a little sparkle to your NYE!

Looking for some dessert inspiration? Check out our previous post Inspiration for The Holiday Season:Sweet Desserts, with dessert bar ideas and more!

Don’t forget about New Year’s Day! This easy and delicious smoked salmon, spinach, olive and cheese frittata is perfect for your New Year’s Day or Christmas Day celebration!

New Year’s Day Smoked Salmon & Spinach Frittata

Ingredients

Olive Oil Pam Cooking Spray

Salt and Pepper to taste

4 oz. smoked salmon with dill

8 black olives chopped

6 eggs

1 cup frozen spinach thawed

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese optional

2 tablespoons almond milk or skim milk

1 teaspoon parsley or to taste

1 teaspoon basil or to taste

1 teaspoon oregano

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 8 inch oven safe skillet with Olive Oil Pam Cooking Spray. Heat over medium and add smoked salmon, olives and spinach; cook and stir briefly to release the flavors.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, parsley, basil, and oregano. Pour over mixture in skillet, and stir gently. Top with shredded cheese. Cook over medium heat without stirring until the edges appear firm approx. 5 minutes.

Place skillet in oven and bake for 20 minutes or until nicely browned and puffed. Flip onto a serving plate and cut into wedges.

Add a side salad such as spinach, tomato, onion, and Orzo salad.

Cheers to a Happy & Healthy 2015!

Inspiration for the Holiday Season: Sweet Desserts

Today marks the first post in a series on Inspiration for the Holiday Season! What better way to share Sweet Desserts Inspiration than going straight to the professionals at Queen’s Sweets.

My guest post today is by Makeda Dempsey, founder and owner of Queen’s Sweets. I had the pleasure of meeting Makeda in 2013 and have worked with her on several events. Queen’s Sweet’s is best recognized for their premium mouthwatering miniature desserts showcased at weddings and events since 2010.

Today, Queen’s Sweets is going to share Sweet Desserts inspiration for the holiday season, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve parties. Come get inspired as we talk shop on all things desserts and sweets!___________________________________________________________________

Holiday Desserts and Sweets Table

This is the best time of year to get people together for food, drinks and good laughs. One of the growing trends for parties and events during the holidays is the dessert table or bar.

The dessert table or bar consist of a variety of different desserts that all your guest will love! The size of the holiday party, event, or dinner will determine how many different deserts you will serve. Some of the most popular sweets and desserts this season include: cupcakes, cake pops, dessert shooters, mini pound cakes, mini cakes, and mini pies.

Bite size desserts are becoming the new norm, which allows your guests to sample the tasty treats without feeling too guilty. You’re guests will rave about how delicious and festive those mini pumpkin or apple pies looked and tasted! Try this mini pumpkin pie recipe by Home is Where the Boat Is.

Christmas Parties and Gifts

Christmas time still holds traditional elements such as the tree trimming, shopping, A Christmas Story (movie), and gift baskets, just to name a few. Some of the more trending Christmas gifts are edible desserts such as cookies, cake pops, cocoa on a stick, and homemade hot cocoa kit.

Order these specialty cookies from Queen’s Sweets just in time for Christmas or hostess gifts!

Cookies by Queen’s Sweets

Get the tutorial on this Hot Cocoa Gift by Luna {all things good}. This make a great activity to do with your kids this holiday season and great gifts that the entire family can enjoy!

Here’s a Christmas dessert bar that is inspiring us by Amy Atlas, Sweet Designs.

New Year’s Eve Parties

New Year’s Eve (NYE) is such an exciting day! NYE is full of celebration and reflection. It’s a time to celebrate with family and friends as you look back on all the fond memories of the current year and the excitement of what the New Year holds. As you usher in a brand new year many will host an intimate party with close friends and family. Trending this year is to have a dessert for each place setting such as a cupcake, cake pop or dessert shooter.

What’s inspiring us for a NYE dessert bar is this festive look from Kara’s Party Ideas.

Happy Holidays!

Queen’s Sweets, known for its royal status and logo that tops every order off with a crown, has quickly captured the hearts of fans around the country. Queen’s Sweets has become a staple at Charlotte weddings, events, and parties since 2010.

“We have desserts that will fix your cravings! We offer desserts for any occasion whether big or small.”

Contact Queen’s Sweets: Website/Blog

Follow Queen’s Sweets on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest

Kicking off the New Year!

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone! While New Year’s Eve is over, the colors of this New Year’s Eve celebration are fitting for a Valentine’s Day or Mardi Gras party!

I love mixing red, white and gold together with some greens in floral arrangements.   This is a celebration that adults and children can enjoy! Noise makers, beads, faux sunglasses, confetti, and balloons make this party fun for all ages!

For a Valentine’s Day celebration take away the pine cones and NYE hats and add hearts as place cards or napkin holders. For a more festive Mardi Gras feel add hats, boas, and lots of beads!

 

New Year’s Menu Inspiration!

Hello Love Photography

As hostess and event planner I love any opportunity to cook for others! However, not everyone shares my enthusiasm, and I wanted to share my menu selections for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations.

New Year’s Eve Dinner

Serve shrimp, avocado, and arugula salad to start.  Simply wash fresh or frozen shrimp. Slice avocado.  Put two hand fulls of arugula on salad plates and top with shrimp and avocado. Add salt, pepper and olive oil to taste.

For the main course serve marinated and grilled flank steak with sautéed green beans, new potatoes, and focaccia bread with olive oil and rosemary.  Add some honey or brown sugar to your flank steak marinade, which adds a sweet flavor to the tang of the soy sauce.  For dessert serve ready-made Crème Brule in chocolate cups and top with fresh raspberries and pear.  And of course plenty of bubbly to go around!

New Year’s Day Breakfast/Brunch

Baked egg casserole or frittata cups baked in muffin tins are perfect breakfast or brunch items.  Use fresh parsley, basil, bell peppers, and mushrooms and add your favorite meat such as bacon to your eggs.  Serve with fresh fruit and low-calorie blueberry muffins or chocolate croissants. Don’t forget the mimosa!

New Year’s Day Supper/Dinner

Start with spinach and artichoke dip with sourdough bread bites, pita chips, or tortilla chips.  Then use the left over flank steak, avocado, and arugula to make sandwiches.  Add Dijon mustard and Munster cheese and let it bake for 5 min.  at 350 degrees.  Prepare a side salad of pears, strawberries and arugula with champagne and pear vinaigrette.  Serve chocolate molten cake topped with mocha ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Don’t want to make it yourself, no problem! Trader Joe’s has decadent pre made desserts that are New Year’s Day worthy!

 

Cheers to a happy, healthy 2013!