A Whimsical & Elegant Styled Shoot: Creating Magic

Step into a world where enchantment and elegance intertwine, where colors dance, and the magic is flowing. This October, we found a place of magic at Second Space in Brea, California. The setting was whimsical and delightful, and the atmosphere was nothing short of pure wonder.

It was a styled shoot like no other, where creativity knew no bounds, thanks to Theresa Lee Events! She did an amazing job. We had the honor of contributing our own touch of charm to this party. We did moon and star stir sticks, 'hey boo' cake toppers, ghost stir sticks, ghost name tags, and the 'make your own magic' signage, each adding a sprinkle of our signature whimsy to the party.

Every photo from the shoot was an absolute masterpiece. The talented photographer, Sunny Kim Photography, managed to capture every detail, from the vibrant balloon garlands to the elegant lasercut details, perfectly. The result was a collection of photos that truly showcased the playful atmosphere of the styled shoot.

The mesmerizing multi-arch backdrop, provided by Iron Grace Rentals, was an absolute showstopper. It was a canvas for the theme of the day - "Make Your Own Magic." We added lasercut signage that perfectly captured the essence of the event. The backdrop always becomes the heart of the celebration. This backdrop nailed it.

The balloon garland added a fun and colorful touch to the backdrop. Its playful mix of light pink, ombre purple, black, white, cream, and light orange perfectly complemented the whole vibe of the styled shoot, making the whole setup feel even more enchanting. Simply Wild Party did a beautiful job with it!

The cake and other desserts from M Cake Sweets was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece – a deliciously ironic blend of elegance and spooky. Adorned with black skeleton hands and crowned with our cheeky "hey boo" cake topper, it was a delightful confection that mirrored the shoot's playful sophistication. M Cake Sweets truly brought the cake, and the chuckles, to the table.

The place settings were a delightful sight to behold, graced with the charming color palette of light pink, black, ombre purple, white, cream, and a touch of light orange. In this styled shoot, every detail was meticulously crafted to create an enchanting atmosphere. To complete the look, we added our moon and ghost stir sticks, which effortlessly blended into the theme.

The tables and chair rentals from Mini Mod Rentals added a touch of modern sophistication. The black Mid Century Modern chairs perfectly complemented the sleek white tables, creating an effortlessly stylish contrast. Our white and black lasercut ghost place cards attached to the back of each chair, were a charming addition, adding a playful element to each place setting.

In the world of styled shoots, our gathering at Second Space in Brea, California, truly shone as a unique experience. With pastels, ombre purples, and a touch of sass, we painted a picture that blended sophistication and playfulness. Thanks to our fantastic vendor team and the crew at Delovely Details, we are reminded of the boundless creativity and endless possibilities in the event industry. Until next time, let's keep creating magic together!

Design & florals: Theresa Lee Events

Balloons & Pennants: Simply Wild Party

Venue: Second Space OC

Photography: Sy Kim Photography

Cake & desserts: M Cakes and Sweets

Kids table & chairs: Mini Mod Rentals

Laser cutouts: Delovely Details

Custom backdrop: Iron Grace Rentals

A Day at Los Rios Rancho: Apple Picking and Family Fun

We'd been keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for weeks, waiting for that telltale dip in temperatures that signals the arrival of fall. When we spotted the change we'd been waiting for, we knew it was time to set our plan into action – our annual apple picking adventure to Oak Glen was officially on the calendar. Little did we expect, though, just how much the temperatures would drop. Throughout our visit, the mercury never climbed above 50 degrees, and the sun played a game of peek-a-boo, making it a crisp and invigorating experience.

Hey there, fellow adventurers! I wanted to share the most amazing day my family and I recently had at Los Rios Rancho in sunny California. It's a place where apple orchards stretch out as far as the eye can see, and the sweet scent of ripe apples fills the air. With each visit, we learn a little more about making the most of this special place, and I wanted to pass on some tips for your own future apple-picking adventures.

Early Bird Gets the Apples: Los Rios Rancho has been growing in popularity, and for good reason. But, to enjoy the orchards without the crowds, we've learned to arrive early, usually around 9 AM. This not only guarantees the perfect photo op but also lets us beat the midday heat. Plus, you'll have your pick of the finest apples in the morning light!

Boot Break-In: On this particular day, I had bought Evelyn a shiny new pair of boots for our adventure. They fit well, but even the most comfortable shoes can have their quirks. So, our advice is to break them in before your trip to avoid any uncomfortable surprises.

Plan Your Activities: Many farms, including Los Rios Rancho, offer a variety of activities beyond apple picking, from hayrides, u-press cider to petting zoos. These can fill up quickly, so we always make sure to sign up or queue early to secure our spots. Check their website or call ahead to see what's happening during your visit.

Sunscreen, Always: California sun, even on overcast days, can be surprisingly strong. We found this out the hard way when both our girls ended up with rosy cheeks. Don't forget the sunscreen, folks! A little protection goes a long way.

Snacks and a Savvy Strategy: After all that apple picking, you're bound to work up an appetite. Local restaurants are delicious, but be prepared for waitlists, especially during peak season. We've learned to bring snacks for the kids and seek out places that offer a pager service. Our personal favorite is Apple Annie's in Oak Tree Mountain – great food, plenty to do while you wait, and those pagers make it a breeze.

This year's adventure was a blast, despite Evelyn's new boot hiccup. Hazel fully embraced the day, and Evelyn became our resident apple connoisseur. I've cherished visiting this slice of mountain life, a small taste of my own childhood spent at my grandparents' home in the Tehachapi mountains.

We're already counting down the days until our next apple-picking excursion, and now we're eyeing the Apple Blossom season for a whole new adventure! 🌸✨

Stay tuned for more tales of family fun and unforgettable moments. Until then, happy picking!

Check out this fun video I made of our day!

A Gift Beyond Measure: Our Journey with Wish Upon A Wedding

In the world of weddings, celebrations, and events, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of love stories and celebrations. But every now and then, we're reminded that love is not just about the grandeur of the day; it's about the strength, resilience, and unwavering support that two people offer each other in the face of life's challenges.

Recently, we had the privilege of being part of a truly remarkable love story – one that reaffirmed our belief in the power of love and the beauty of giving back. Alesha, from De La Planning is a planner and board member with Wish Upon A Wedding, a non-profit organization that grants wedding wishes to couples confronting terminal illness or life-altering health circumstances. Wish Upon A Wedding doesn't just create weddings; they create moments of hope, joy, and love that transcend the ordinary. When we were approached by Alesha to contribute to Helena and Chris' wedding, a couple whose journey had been marked by the formidable opponent that is cancer, we didn't hesitate. Little did we know that this experience would leave an indelible mark on our hearts and souls.

In this space of weddings and event production, we've discovered a profound truth – this industry is not just about business; it's a community and it is built on compassion and collaboration. Our experience with De La Planning and Wish Upon A Wedding has shown us that when it comes to making dreams come true, wedding vendors from all walks of life unite, offering their services, products, and time without hesitation. It's a beautiful testament to the big hearts that beat behind the scenes of every wedding and event – the florists, photographers, planners, and countless others who rally together to create moments of magic. This industry thrives on the belief that love and the human experience is meant to be celebrated, no matter the circumstances. It's a reminder that in the midst of life's challenges, there are countless hands ready to lift a couple up, turning their dreams into a reality. We're honored to be part of an industry that not only celebrates love but also spreads hope, one celebration at a time.

At the Long Beach Museum of Art, the venue offered a stunning oceanfront backdrop for Helena and Chris' ceremony, adding an extra touch of beauty to their special day. All of these stunning pictures are from talented and one of the world’s top wedding photographers, John and Joseph Photography.

The incredibly talented, Moses Lin serenaded the couple with his live musical performances with his classic guitar. I’ve been lucky enough to meet Moses and hear his gorgeous musical renditions of classic and trendy music! You probably have too if you’ve watched Bling Empire!

Our custom wood stir sticks and bar signs lent an artisanal flair to Helena and Chris' mocktail bar. Personalized details like these can be the perfect conversation starters, reminding everyone that love is in the details. The mocktails were generously donated by Moonlight Mocktails and they look so pretty and delicious!

Bella Blooms provided an abundance of breathtaking floral arrangements that adorned every corner of the wedding. Their artistry truly shone at the sweetheart table, creating a romantic haven for Helena and Chris. Equally deserving of praise, La Pinata Party Rentals provided the rentals, and Nüage Design for their linens which helped elevate the ambiance to new heights.

Sydney and Alesha from De La Planning were the brilliant minds behind the scenes, orchestrating every detail with precision and passion. Their creative vision wove seamlessly through the entire wedding, bringing together every element into a harmonious tapestry of love and celebration. From the meticulously curated decor to the flawless execution of the day's events, their dedication transformed Helena and Chris' dream into a reality. It was through their expertise that the day felt not just like a wedding but a heartfelt journey of love, resilience, and unity.

There were so many vendors who donated and we feel honored to be among them. Please make an effort to check them out and support them.

In the end, I feel deeply fortunate to have been part of this journey with Wish Upon A Wedding, Helena, Chris, and their young daughter. While we may have contributed products to their special day, we received something far greater in return – a reminder that love knows no bounds, and that in the face of life's challenges, love shines even brighter.

As we continue our work in this industry, we carry with us the lessons learned from Helena and Chris. We remember that every wedding, every celebration, is a precious moment to be cherished. And we are forever grateful to organizations like Wish Upon A Wedding for reminding us of the profound impact that love and generosity can have in our lives.

To Helena and Chris, and to Wish Upon A Wedding, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. Your love story has touched our hearts, and we will carry it with us always.

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