Jenny + Ravi {Wedding Reception}

The girl said "I do" and the boy kissed his girl, so now we celebrate.  The wedding ceremony was a dream turned reality of true love, and the reception was to continue well into the night. Guests arrived to the Garden of Bammel Lane where an outdoor space and a glass house were to be our playground.  Ah, the details of that glorious night!

Guests were tempted with signature cocktails called the Twilight Sparkle served in clear etched flute glasses while cello and acoustic guitar tunes filled the air. Delicious kimchi, arancini, and tomato bisque shots were indeed something to write home about.  The welcome table included oversized letters spelling Silly Willy (Jenny + Ravi's nickname for each other) which will become an art piece in their new home along with the purple paper flowers adorning the entry area.  In addition, over 1000 colorful paper cranes folded by Jenny, representing good luck and the length of their of courtship was  showcased in a wooden lantern. The escort table was a sea of several hundred crysthanamum flowers, a design that was so fluffy one might have crawled into it if given the chance.   

Surrounded by purple paper lanterns above, decorative lighting, and floral accents the guests anxiously awaited the arrival of the Mr. + Mrs. Shah. Little did they know what was in store for them.   A custom song creation of Everything by Lighthouse started off as a sweet ballad with a beautifully choreographed dance,  climaxed into a dramatic explosion.  Think continuous confetti cannon shooting into the night sky and the guests' voices rejoiced in excitement   Think a concert production.  It was a moment.  It was a very perfect moment. It was the definition of what they will consider to be the best day of their life. 

Awe-inspiring is what one would say upon entering the glass house.  A royal table fit for a king and queen with an unbelievable floor to table floral garland running the length of twenty-four feet.  Above, a little candle light twinkle and suspended wreaths completed the design.  The guest tables were just as royal with tall cylinders filled with soft ivory hydrangeas and cascading phalaenopsis orchids along with floating candles. With purple hue ceiling lighting and perfectly pin-spotted tables, it was an amazing place for a feast.

I was personally excited about the vegetarian experience awaiting them.  Celebrating their cultures, the delivery of this masterpiece was also worth writing home about.    The culinary adventure started off with an artichoke chevre torta garnished with olives and sun-dried tomatoes showcased on glorious purple and silver swirled linen surrounded by platinum-rimmed glassware and clear beaded chargers.  The mosaic salad accented with micro-greens was just the warm up to the finale, a flawless roasted acorn squash filled with apples, walnuts, caramelized onions, and sage accompany by an apple-chutney and a warm salsa Verde sauce. Delish, as one would say.  

Upon completion of dinner, guests were once again welcomed under the starry night for a lavish dessert spread of chocolate cake balls, mini butter raspberry cupcakes, cinnamon cake shots, and hazelnut baklava.  The 2-tier butter-cream cake with purple ribbon accent and sugar flowers was showcased on an eggplant heirloom linen.   

The night would not be complete without a tip of the hat to Jenny's Korean heritage.  A quick change into a custom traditional hanbok and an new up-do,  the adventure of dancing the night away began.  Boy, was there dancing!   As a token to remember the occasion, Jenny + Ravi made personalized luggage tags as the party favor.

With Part I, Part II, and now Part III in the memory vault, this is by no means the end of their story, but just the beginning.   Cheers!

 Ingredients for this perfect recipe of love:

Enjoy Events:  event design + planning

A Finer Event:  china rentals

Acoustic Production:  cocktail music

Any Occasion:  tent frame   

Brickner Dance Floor:  white dance floor 

Bright Star:  lighting production  

Catering by Culinaire: catering + bar service 

Delphine:  stationary

Dream Bouquet:  floral 

Elegant Beginnings:  linens 

Greenway Coffee:  coffee bar 

LG Entertainment:  MC/Music Production   

Balushka Paper Flower Artistry:  purple paper flowers 

Phoenicia:  hazelnut baklava 

Steve Lee:  photo + video

Swift & Co:  china rentals

Gardens of Bammel Lane:  venue

Who Made The Cake:  cake + desserts 

Your Beautiful Face:  hair + makeup

 

Jenny + Ravi {Wedding Ceremony}

There was once a boy who meet a girl. They were from completely different worlds.  Different family beliefs. Different traditions.  Different Gods.  Just different.  But, they liked each other.  A lot.  They quickly fell in love even though all odds were against them.  But, no diversity could break the destiny.  The love.  The love they had for each other.  It would speak. It would whisper.  Eventually people understood what Ravi + Jenny already knew. This guy loved this girl and this girl loved this guy.  It was to be their bond.   Then, they got married.  

There are moments when I get to witness the power of friendship and love so grand that it inspires me to be a better person, a better wife, and a better mother.  I am happy that fate brought us together.  It was indeed fate.  I am better knowing Ravi + Jenny.  Quite simply, they are genuinely remarkable people.

They had a vision of a wedding from a little movie called twilight.  Not regarding hungry wolves and lustful vampires, but rather a breathtaking masterpiece of suspended floral in soft white surrounded by trees.  What could be better than hundred year old manzanita and oak trees as your playground, so I thought.  With whimsical invitations of purple hues blended with grey, Ravi + Jenny selected the River Oaks Garden Club as Part II of their wedding adventure.  Check out Part I, which was a celebration to Ravi's Indian heritage, filled with vibrantly beautiful colors of red and orange.

 As guests  arrived they were welcomed into the water garden to enjoy  refreshing lavender sodas.  It was the perfect moment to rekindle old friendships and create new prior to the ceremony. As guest moved to the ceremony area, they were each taken back by the flawless ceiling design of ribbons, garden roses, and orchids suspended from the ceiling. There was something quite magical about the 25'x40' grid above our heads as we witnessed the power of true love come together.   There was also something spectacular about the meaning of flowers.  While the groomsmen showcased a dark purple dendrobium orchid with lavender accents on their JoS. A. Bank suites, the bridesmaids presented a different floral bouquet to Ravi as they approached the alter. While Clair de Lune by Debussy filled the air, the meaning of each flower was spoken:  White stock, representing a symbol of happy life and contended existence; Gardenia, representing femine grace, purity, and joy; Orchid, a flower of magnificence that brings universal message of love, beauty, thoughtfulness, luxury, and strength; and, Chrysanthemum, representing hope.  The final bouquet presented by the Jenny was the white rose, the flower of light which stands for the mortal power of love. Rosemary and Lavender were accents with their meaning of remembrance and renewal.  Together, Ravi and Jenny tied the bouquet together symbolizing the unity of their cultures and the foundation of their relationship.

But, it wasn't all seriousness and mushy meanings.  With the heavens above tempting us with a little rain, we had umbrellas on hand for the back-up plan. After all, the show must go on.  The Gods were indeed watching  over us as there was no rain on this wedding day but, alas, some fun umbrellas must be used.   Just because we can.

Ravi + Jenny both wore Rado, Jubile-style watches, gifts from the groom's parents as they exchanged their Tiffany and Co platinum wedding bands, which were engraved with their nicknames for each other:  Silly Willy.  Their vows were from their heart and  there was not a dry eye in this intimate setting of close friends and family.  I would be remissed if I did not mention Ravi's Kenneth Cole shoes.  That boy loves those shoes! And, he finally got his girl.
  
Ingredients for this perfect recipe of love:

Enjoy Events:  event design + planning
Dream Bouquet:  floral
Steve Lee:  Photography
Acoustic Production:  ceremony music
A Finer Event:  rentals
Catering by Culinaire:  beverages
Your Beautiful Face:  hair + makeup
Parvani Vida:  gown
JoS. A. Bank Clothiers:  suites
Tiffany and Co:  wedding bands 
River Oaks Garden Club:  venue
Delphine Press:  stationary

Stay tune for Part III of this epic adventure. 

Jenny + Ravi {Indian Celebration}

Part 1 of a two-day celebration began for Jenny and Ravi as they brought two cultures together.  The journey of roadblocks because of differences in their diversity, one Indian and one Korean, ended with triumph showing the world that love can truly prevail.   I am beyond thrilled to have shared this experience with them. It was an epic experience on so many levels.  

The Hare Krishna Dham was the playground selected for this celebration.  Upon arrival,  the Rangoli, folk art from India, representing good luck welcomed the guests to a space filled with specialty red lighting and decorative patterns on the ceiling. The mandap was designed to be a large square structure covered in beautiful swags of cream and copper fabric, and accented with vibrant orange and red flowers.  With both wearing custom outfits from India, they were surrounded  by candlelight and lush floral arrangements as they gathered with friends and family to commiserate the traditional rituals of the wedding ceremony.  Jenny was adorned with traditional Henna tattooing along with an all white gold and diamond Mangalsutra, the most

revered token of love and respect offered to the bride during the marriage ceremony.  Friends and family joined in the traditions thus continually celebrating this true-love-cultural-breakthrough. 

The dinner reception was a feast of the finest Indian cuisine.  The pasha metallic tablecloth was the perfect foundation for the mercury glass centerpieces with lush arrangements of vibrant colors.  The look was completed with silver chavari chairs with red shantung napkins and sashes.   Room decor accents completed the design with mirror walls and custom window coverings matching the table linen. The evening would not yet be complete without hours of Raas, Garba, and Ice Cream.

Congrats my friends.  

Ingredients for the perfect recipe of love:

Enjoy Events:  design + planning

Steve Lee Photography:  photography:  

Plants + Petals:  floral + mandap

Darryl & Co:   room decor

Elegant Beginnings:  linens

Bright Star:  lighting

A Finer Event:  china rentals  

Your Beautiful Face:  hair and makeup   

Becky + Trevor

Wedding tip 1:: enjoying the planning adventure = an enjoyable wedding day.   It is destiny. 

Wedding tip 2::  understanding a clients dream = epic moments and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Design challenge 1::  french blue toile; sunflowers;  ribbon/pendants;  modern twist

Design challenge 2:  blend of worldly inspiration and  travels  

Mission::  complete

{to see complete list of credits/vendors enjoy the story and adventure all the way to the end.  there is much to experience.}

I first met Becky at her sister's wedding  when we had the pleasure of creating great moments of celebration for Christina + Matt. I was beyond honored when the family invited me back into their lives to design and plan another great moment in time.  This time, the room would be filled with a blue and yellow palette and lots of familiar faces. I was truly excited to embark on this adventure.  It was kinda of like being part of the family. 

It started with a beautiful invitation design, which played on the love for sunflowers....

Inaugural Boss's Day

Wikipedia defines boss's day as a secular holiday celebrated on October 16 in the United States and Canada. It has traditionally been a day for employees to thank their bosses for being kind and fair throughout the year.   I have never been a boss and really have a hard time thinking of myself as the "boss kind."  Leader, yes.  Boss, confusing.  But, I guess I am.  I guess I have what is called an employee.  Maybe someday I (the boss) will have more.  I am touched by the journey of having an employee, her name is Linda. She is pretty cool. She makes being a boss pretty easy.   I think it is awesome I was given my first boss's gift and she taught me how to say boss in different languages.  I also learned the urban dictionary definition of boss, meaning incredibly awesome; miraculous; great. Thank you urbandictionary.com...I'll take it.  However, you are not so kind at defining employee.   Think we will stick with the traditional definition as it defines Linda a little more accurately.  She rocks.  Did you know that there is a national employee day?  Celebrated the first week of March.  Dang, I missed it.  Won't happen again. 

Art-venture

Madison and Austin produce art everyday of their lives.  Since the beginning of their time, coloring books really did not exist for them as a blank piece of paper generally allowed for their imagination to freely express their art.  They express art everyday.  They color. They draw.  They paint.  They collage. They explore different mediums.  Madison, specifically wants to be an artist when she grow up. They dream.  They imagine. They create.  So, an art themed birthday party it is for this seven and three year old.

What better place to throw this themed bash than at a gallery.  The Heights Theater is an event venue by night and Gallery M Squared by day.  So, it is perfect.  Plus, they put your name up on the marquee.  Sweet.

Cakeadoodledoo hooked up some awesome invitations and cupcake wrappers.  Quite simply, they rocked.  Clear paint cans filled with colorful gerber daisies created playful centerpieces.   Swift and Company provided the rentals while Elegant Beginnings created a beautiful backdrop of different colored linens throughout the space.  

The future picassos of the world arrive and were faced with the challenge of visiting six art stations.  No fear.  They succeeded.  It started with a smock station, which were decorated and in no particular order, they enjoyed sand art, acrylic on canvas, oil pastels,  water color, and an art collage station. Each station represented some of Madison's past art as an example.  Once the individual artwork was complete, it was displayed for all to enjoy.

If you did not know, art is intense and works up an appetite.  Starving artist kits equipped with creative juice fueled the brain.  And if that wasn't enough, a display of treats placed in front of a paper-chain wall was sure to tempt the tastebuds.  It was a table filled with art palette cookies, rice crispy brushes, and art inspired cupcakes all created by Michael's Cookie Jar.  Delicious.

Happy 7 + 3 Madison and Austin.

Thanks Laura Burlton for spending the afternoon with us and capturing the memories. 

Diana + Philippe

According to wiki.answers rain is considered good luck in some cultures as it represents  stronger unity in a marriage.  It comes from several cultures mainly from the Hindu with the idea that a wet knot is harder to untie. Since marriage is often referred to as tying the knot. Rain was also a symbol of fertility to agricultural societies, since rain restored and maintained the wellness of crops. Crops were peoples main source of stability and income so it was thought to guarantee a long happy marriage!

While no bride wants rain on their wedding day, it is inevitable and a good heart and flexibility is the only way to see it through.

Enjoy Events thinks some of the most romantic pictures are under an umbrella.  Not wishing any bride rain, but man, it is romantic.  Think of any romantic movie conflict and there is a kiss in the rain.  

While the day started and ended with clear skies, rain drops started when the ceremony music began and the  recessional concluded.  Ironic, but I think Diana and Phillip will indeed have a very happy marriage.  Congrats!!

Sprinkled with love by these vendors:

Enjoy Events:  planning

Samuel Seth Photography:  photography

The Lodge at Fulshear Creek:  event venue

Swift & Co:  tent, rentals and linen

Mi Chef Catering:  catering

More Than Cakes:  wedding cake

Griveras Floral Designs:  floral

Who's Who July 2012

The Great Gatsby is a novel by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald.  The book takes place from spring to autumn 1922, during a prosperous time in the United States known as the Roaring Twenties which lasted from 1920 until the Wall Street Wall Crash 1929.   As the July Bridal Extravaganza was winding down, the details for the Who's Who celebration was warming up with the idea of creating an experience with this novel in mind.  As we dreamed about what it would be like to have an elaborate party on the great lawn of Gatsby mansion, the colors of orange, turquoise, and white were selected. With a signature sidecar cocktail, flapper dresses, ballroom dance lessons, and tree GOBO patterns, the atmosphere welcomed the guests to enjoy a night of mixing and mingling.

Wedding Design

Wedding design for us starts with a few questions to understand a clients style. It has to do with where they eat, where they shop, and what their home (or future home) looks like.  It has to do with textures, flavors, touch, sound, and sight. The five senses, if you will. These, in our opinion, are the basis of a good wedding design.  

When putting together a conceptual table design, these items resonate during the process. It is creating something interesting which appeals to the senses and makes you feel something wonderful when you see it.  It makes you dream. It makes you imagine what life would be like if you were sitting at the table experiencing the aromas and embracing the atmosphere. 

During the remarkable July Bridal Extravaganza Show held at the George R Brown Convention Center, we had the opportunity to transform our space into something magical.  With a ribbon wall, a custom shelf, a zinc table, one-of-a-kind green chiavari chairs, and a breathless tabelscape, we did what we set out to achieve.  Hope it makes you have a little dream as well for your next event.

Thanks to our good friend and colleague Steve Lee for capturing a few highlights.

Cristina + David

Elegance and personalization are probably two of my favorite things when planning and designing an event for a client.  Throw in a little purple and modern touches and it ranks up there with my love for chocolate.  From the joy of creating the event stationary to coordinate with the invitation, which included lots of embossing (a favorite therapeutic past time) to understanding a boys love for star trek (the boys surprise processional song) and from customized wedding mad libs to childhood memories of Minnie, there was a little piece of Cristina and David throughout their wedding day.  One of my favorite touches was seen in the childhood photos aligning with the table number.  Oh, those chubby checks!  

Soft ivory and purple highlights was the basis of this modern design.  When we found out callas were out and family-style tables were in for this client, my toes tingled.  The blank canvas just got a little more exciting.  With the introduction of the Allium flower as the pop of color, an amazing space was transformed into something extraordinary.  Tall cylinders busting with alliums used as a backdrop for the ceremony later created the 24' table-scape design. It was elegance, simple stated and perfect.

We are thrilled to know Cristina and David and wish them a lifetime of happiness.  Congrats to both of you, your friends, and family.  

The ingredients in making this celebration of love spectacular:

Enjoy Events:  event planning and design

Steve Lee Photography:  photography

Alden Hotel:  venue

Dream Bouquet:  floral and lounge 

Elegant Beginnings:  linen

Acoustic Productions:  ceremony music

LG Entertainers:  MC/DJ, lighting, and photo booth

Swift & Co:  dance floor and rental 

Who Made The Cake:  cake

Your Beautiful Face:  hair and makeup

Do Extraordinary - Part II

For the second year in a row I was able to stand along side some of my favorite peers and represent the Houston Chapter at the Annual Conference for the National Association of Catering and Events.  The Enjoy Events team took home the 2011 Best Guest Table Presentation for Kaleigh + Jared's remarkable wedding.  The team we worked alongside to complete the masterpiece of art was the perfect combination of passon and I will personally hold this event in my memory for a lifetime.   I am thrilled to represent all of them through this award and am more than happy that this celebration of love was recognized with a national award.

I spoke of doing extraordinary things the last time I wrote about taking home a national award and there are a few people who represent this well. I had the pleasure of working along side Shelly Kent and Jill Vidal, two amazing extraordinary guru's as their Entertainment Chair for 2011 NACE Wedding Trends event.  They represented the Houston chapter be taking home a long-time-coming-award for Best Chapter Program of the Year.  There was not a dry eye in the Houston chapter.  That journey was remarkable and no small feat.

Lisa Carruth, Braeburn Country Club did extraordinary and took home the 2011 Best Wedding Event of the Year.  

And for two years in a row, the NACE Student Chapter gurus represented by being honored with the Student Member of Year award.

I am thrilled my path has crossed Stephaine Truett, who kicked some guru extraordinary butt and was awarded the 2012 Foundation of NACE Vince DeFinis Scholarship.

And, if this was not enough, Lisa Hopkins, Director of Catering at the Houstonian and mentor to many is our new NACE National President, while Adam Reiner, Director of Catering at the Westin Galleria is in control of finances as the NACE National Treasure, and Gary Baumann, Director of Royal Sonesta Hotel is the NACE Foundation President.   To top of it, the nation and everyone in the New Orleans Marriott knew Houston was in the house.  

Guitars n' Cars

A person who commits to serve in the military and protect the great land of our country is one of the most selfless things I can think of.  I can comprend so many things, but the training and sacrifice the men and women do is remarkable and mind blowing to me. To the men and women  of service, we are grateful for your amazing dedication.

When Enjoy Events was approached to partner with the Houston Construction Industry Auto Show and  the Clunn family (Kaleigh & Jared) to raise money to build a kitchen facility for the US Vets we were delighted for the opportunity to pay it forward.   The two-day event started with an evening dinner reception showcasing 40 of the most remarkable cars along side 40 vintage guitars.  The Guitars 'n Cars event was born and brought in a record number of financial support though tickets, silent auction, and car raffle.

Barbara + Jonathan

Love is an emotion of a strong affection and personal attachment.  It could be something tangible or not.  It could be something big or small.   In the end, it always makes your toes tingle.  

Love is...creating an amazing stationary design and finding a great find at a yard sale.

Mustang Shrimp Boil

This annual celebration always takes on an ambitious theme and delivers above expectations every time.  This year was set to even exceed those goals.  With samba dancers, ariel bartenders, stilt-walkers/dancers/jugglers, face painters, strolling tables, silk aerialist, and life size puppets, the guest were entertained during this action packed lunch.  The theme was rio-carnival and even the employees got into the action with their face masks, feathers, and colorful shirts as well as bar stations mimicking floats.  It was a hip-shaking-good-time.

Event Manager and Designers: Enjoy Events

Atmospheric Entertainment:  J & D Entertainment and Puppet Pizzazz

Event Decor:  Let It Fly

Rentals:  Prestigious Event Rentals

Venue:  Houston Farm and Ranch

Shrimp Boil:  Louisana Fine Foods

Cupcakes: Cupcake Central

Photography:  Steve Lee Photography

Enjoy the highlights.

Weddings in Houston Feature

We are honored to be featured in the latest Weddings in Houston edition showcasing a table design at the I Do Bridal Soirée. The design was inspired by one of our favorite clients celebrating her wedding day later this month.  Just a small sample of what we have in store for Becky & Trevor.