Monday, May 11, 2015

Barbara + Eric: Backyard Bohemian



On a perfect Las Vegas day in mid-April, Barbara & Eric gathered their families and dearest friends in the backyard of Barbara's childhood home to celebrate their BIG day. The sun was shining, the wind was calm and love was certainly in the air!
Barbara & Eric's vision for their BIG day was imparted to us in just three simple words: bohemian, gypsy, rustic. And with that, our creative juices were flowing with endless possibilities! Our goal was to create a feeling of unconventional beauty, using gypsy-esq stylings. Think vibrant wild blossoms mixed with antique gold, Moroccan trays, cut glass, and vintage rustic woods.
Guests gathered on Moroccan rugs, vintage poufs and wooden pews as they bore witness to a breathtakingly intimate ceremony under a large Olive tree. After the ceremony, guests mingled while enjoying light bites and cocktails. Guests were then welcomed to their dining tables where they enjoyed a traditional Greek family-style dinner of pita, hummus, tzatziki, seasonal grilled vegetables and even lamb chops prepared on the family's backyard barbecue by the wonderful catering team at Cut & Taste. After dinner, it was time to dance the night away under the stars (and beautiful bistro lights strung by our friends at LED Unplugged.) Rather than the traditional wedding cake for dessert, the Mother of the Bride homemade authentic Greek pastries. Guests rounded out the evening by gathering around the fire pit to roast chocolate filled marshmallows wrapped in graham cracker crumbs...delicious! 
Thank you to J. Renee Studios for these beautiful images! 

Wedding Planner: Open Invitation | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Residence | Catering: Cut &Taste | Photographer: J Renee Studios | Videographer: Jason Outlaw | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Floral: Lush Floral | Lighting: LED Unplugged | Transportation: ODS | Valet Parking: LV Parking

Friday, February 20, 2015

Barbara + Eric: Inside Their Engagement

Barbara and Eric have what they refer to as a typical new age love story.  They met at Burning Man 2009, reconnected on Facebook in the fall of 2011 and from there, a long-distance love blossomed!

Eric eventually relocated to sunny Santa Monica, California to be with his true love, Barbara.  


They celebrated their three years of dating at Burning Man 2014.  Love was definitely in the air, and after an early morning hail storm, under the protection of their shade structure, drinking espresso and surrounded by their nearest and dearest, Eric got down on one knee and asked Barbara for her hand in marriage.  The engagement ring was his Aunt Perla’s, an antique from 1937.  After an initial scream, Barbara, love-struck and dreamy eyed, whispered, “yes.”  A friend popped a bottle of champagne, the sun broke through the clouds (true story) and every moment since has been "pure magic."

Barbara and Eric will be celebrating their love under the Las Vegas stars this April. 

We can't wait to be a part of their BIG day and witness the free-spirited nature they both embody!



Friday, January 16, 2015

Delicious Wedding Reception Food Trends of 2015

From farm-to-table inspired fare to indulgent late night bites, the creative possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing a menu for your BIG day! Below are four of our favorite wedding food trends for the new year.

 1. Farm-to-Table


We are heading back to our roots with the farm-to-table movement! Farm to Table is best described as food made with locally sourced ingredients. Honey Salt, a local Las Vegas restaurant, for example, offers a farm-to-table inspired menu that "balances the reality of living in the desert with the amazing ingredients regionally available for those willing to look a little harder." Local foodies may even incorporate locally grown vegetables or fruits into their table decor to bring this trend to the next level!

"Farm to table" is the concept of purchasing locally grown food directly from the source. The term comes from the idea that the less time and fewer hands it takes for the food to get from the farm to the table, the fresher, more environmentally sensitive and community minded it is. This can include growing your own garden for sustainable consumption at home or for your restaurant. Benefits
You can greatly impact the economy of your community, health of your patrons and bottom line of your food cost budget as a result of buying from a local farm as your main food supplier.
- See more at: http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/chefs-corner/the-farm-to-table-concept/c28253.aspx#sthash.3DQvYzGf.dpuf

"Farm to table" is the concept of purchasing locally grown food directly from the source. The term comes from the idea that the less time and fewer hands it takes for the food to get from the farm to the table, the fresher, more environmentally sensitive and community minded it is. This can include growing your own garden for sustainable consumption at home or for your restaurant. Benefits
You can greatly impact the economy of your community, health of your patrons and bottom line of your food cost budget as a result of buying from a local farm as your main food supplier.
- See more at: http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/chefs-corner/the-farm-to-table-concept/c28253.aspx#sthash.3DQvYzGf.dpuf

2. Family Style Dining
"Farm to table" is the concept of purchasing locally grown food directly from the source. The term comes from the idea that the less time and fewer hands it takes for the food to get from the farm to the table, the fresher, more environmentally sensitive and community minded it is. This can include growing your own garden for sustainable consumption at home or for your restaurant. Benefits
You can greatly impact the economy of your community, health of your patrons and bottom line of your food cost budget as a result of buying from a local farm as your main food supplier.
- See more at: http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/chefs-corner/the-farm-to-table-concept/c28253.aspx#sthash.3DQvYzGf.dpuf
"Farm to table" is the concept of purchasing locally grown food directly from the source. The term comes from the idea that the less time and fewer hands it takes for the food to get from the farm to the table, the fresher, more environmentally sensitive and community minded it is. This can include growing your own garden for sustainable consumption at home or for your restaurant. Benefits
You can greatly impact the economy of your community, health of your patrons and bottom line of your food cost budget as a result of buying from a local farm as your main food supplier.
- See more at: http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/chefs-corner/the-farm-to-table-concept/c28253.aspx#sthash.3DQvYzGf.dpuf
2. Family Style 

Let's face it: you want your wedding guests to interact with one another and have fun! The concept of family style meals is an icebreaker for most guests, because who doesn't love talking about food? Family style dining brings a laid back element to even the fanciest of weddings. This food trend could not be more perfectly paired with the long table trend of 2015!


3. Tasting Stations 

So your wedding day is the best day of your life, right? Wouldn't you want to eat your favorite food on that day? Well... that's what tasting stations are made for! Tasting stations have taken weddings by storm... from seafood stations and make-your-own taco stands to a grilled cheese bar and food trucks, the idea is to surprise your guests with a fun party food to keep their tummy's happy until it's time to dance the night away! 


This idea doesn't stop at food.. it also may be fun to create a beer tasting station or a scotch & cigar lounge. These types of different drink stations are yet another way to let guests peek into your personal tastes, with the added bonus of helping you keep your bar budget in check.



4. Late Night Bite 

This trend has been popular for a few years, but trust us when we say it's not going anywhere! I mean, your guests are working up an appetite by dancing the night away... why not send them off with a little parting nibbly? Much like the enticing appetizers that greet guests at the cocktail hour after the ceremony, the late night bite offers a satisfying something before they depart. Whether it is something salty or sweet, surprise your guests with a delicious treat served in a stylish yet disposable way!




Remember, your reception menu is a fantastic way to infuse your personality into your BIG day! So relax, have fun and make sure to sample the array of tasty treats you've chosen to delight your guests.

XO,
Your Team at Open Invitation





Thursday, January 8, 2015

Happy New Year...Cheers to a Fetching 2015!


Happy New Year from your team at Open Invitation! 

As we reflect on 2014, we are incredibly thankful to label the year as one of our most exciting. From our endearing clients, to the talented professionals we work with -- we have been extraordinarily blessed.  We want to extend our very heartfelt thank you to all who have touched our lives this past year...your love, friendship and support is truly what motivates us!   We are looking forward to everything this new year has in store...lively clients, memorable events and spectacular weddings! 

With that being said, the new year is ringing in with compelling wedding-style trends! Let's start with Pantone's Color of the Year: Marsala as it sets the tone for 2015's most delicious hues. 


The official definition of Marsala is a sweet or dry fortified wine of Sicilian origin. This color screams sophistication and regality with a touch of style and versatility. We see this color best paired with neutral blush or beige colors with touches of copper, bronze or rose gold.

How can we incorporate this regal color into this year's weddings? Here are a few ideas: 
  • Invitation Suite: Incorporate a gold foil font on a marsala-colored card stock, or add a marsala colored envelope insert to your classic ivory invitation. 
  • Reception Centerpieces: A marsala centerpiece mixed with sand colored roses and a touch of greenery is the perfect setting for a rustic wood table.
  • Bridesmaid Dresses: Want to make a statement? This color is flattering for all bridesmaids! 
Stay tuned for more fetching 2015 wedding trends!

XOXO, 
 
Your Team at Open Invitation

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Irene & Cameron - Inside Their Engagement

It was a beautiful day on the beaches of Cyrpus where Cam joined Irene's family on what was a traditional family trip to the Meditteranean. The morning was spent swimming in the turquoise waters and enjoying the warm sunshine but the afternoon was scheduled for something that Irene would never forget.

Cam suggested that he & Irene go for a walk down the beach before lunch. Irene was against the idea since the beach is covered in tiny, beautiful pebbles that weren't so fun to walk on in bare feet. After a mini tantrum, Irene agrees to go on a walk with her soon-to-be fiance.


They begin their walk, when Irene sees a message in a bottle poking out of the sand. Curious Irene picks up the bottle and starts to skim over the note... yes SKIM over a wonderful heartfelt note from her darling Cameron. As she's reading over it, in her head she's thinking this is his way of saying thank you for such an amazing trip and I love you, but i'm not ready to get engaged and in her own words, "...and blah blah blah." Rolling the note back up, she gives Cameron a big hug and says thank you and then turns to continue their walk unenthusiastically. Cam, confused, says "Did you even read the note? Read it OUT LOUD."


So she reads it again, out loud as Cameron requested, and next thing you know Cameron is down on one knee with the most gorgeous, sparkling diamond ring. Filled with emotions, Irene falls to her knees crying and hugging Cameron with a tearful, "YES." 


What Irene thought would be a painful walk, turned into one of the most memorable walks of her life, ending in a beautiful champagne lunch celebrated with her family and fiance.


Thank you to the very talented Baylee Jo Designs for capturing their stunning engagement photos! We can't wait to be a part of their BIG day in June!





Aileen & Mike: Inside Their Engagement

Valentine's Day wasn't just roses and chocolates this year for Aileen & Mike. It was at Mastro's Ocean Club inside Crystals at CityCenter where Mike got down on one knee and asked Aileen to be his wife!

After nearly two years together, the couple will tie the knot at their church, St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, and continue the celebration at Angel Park Golf Club


Sense of humor and communication are the key ingredients to the glue that keeps Aileen and Mike together and rolling with the punches. The jokester couple envisioned a relaxed and fun environment for their reception, complete with putt-putt golf during cocktail hour and a stand-up comedian for entertainment during the main course. Their happily ever after starts with the best punch line yet, "I Do."


We are so excited to bring their Winter Wedding to life in just a few weeks! A big thanks to Kristen from KMH Photography for capturing the love of Aileen & Mike in their bright & cheerful engagement photos! 





Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Megan & Drew: Dazzling Pink & Gold

Megan & Drew said "I do" during a beautiful autumn sunset reflecting on the bronze glass at Red Rock Hotel & Casino

We were thrilled to play a role in Megan & Drew's BIG day...it was a spectacular wedding filled with lush pink flowers and touches of gold.

Thank you to the talented J-Anne Photography for capturing all the memorable moments so beautifully.


Congratulations Megan & Drew! We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness.





























Ceremony & Reception Venue: Red Rock Hotel & Casino

Decor & Floral: Destinations by Design

DJ & Photo Booth: DJ Harry O

Photographer: J-Anne Photography



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