See it. Be it.

San Antonio-based artist Franco Mondini-Ruiz is one of my all around favorites. Stepping into his world, one finds intricate vignettes composed of a vast array of found objects and knickknacks such as costume jewelry, plastic cakes and treats, used ice-cream cups, miniature ceramic figurines, cigarette butts and much, much more. His latest endeavor consists of works made up of 13 painted portraits, personalized with the subjects’ bio and life stories, then stacked to resemble a multi-tiered cake. The result is a touching memoir and conversation piece translated by Mondini-Ruiz’s bold painting style and playful, witty one-liner titles. What an amazing way to commemorate your story in a beautiful and lasting way!

"Weather" or not-- You need to have a rain plan...

Alright...I don't want to be a downer here...but this week is the perfect example of what can happen. Santa Barbara is a beautiful and balmy 75-80 degrees, people are flocking to the beach, everything is great...and then the storm rolls in. It happens folks...yes it rains in paradise. So, our best advice? Be prepared.

Planning for weather related issues can seem like a pain, but just having a plan can almost make the weather go away all by itself. In Santa Barbara, we like to say we have four seasons: Flood, Fire, Fog and Fiesta. Sometimes it's not just the rain you have to be ready for. Fog, wind and cold are other issues to consider.

Our advice is simple...

1-Align yourself with a recommended professional in the rental industry. Design a quote that fits within your needs and budget early. This will save you money in the long run. The time to negotiate is before the weather related issue...not after.

2-Develop a plan with your entire team of vendors input. The florist may recommend using a lower vase, a musician may request a heater or covering, your food and beverage staff may need more tent space.

3-Don't forget transportation needs. These may change for weather related issues. Make sure your backup plan is complete.

4-Review your power resources and generator backups.

5-Make sure your audio visual will be clean, crisp and audible with noisy weather.

6-Create adequate lighting, pathways and parking for your guests to stay dry.

Chances are your event will have the bright Santa Barbara sun shining down on you...but we believe in being prepared for ANYTHING. Cheers to you and your happy day!

A Dash of Culture

A Spanish mantilla wedding veil has always stood out to me as a unique and cultural enhancement to a bride’s look. This veil has been a form of traditional Spanish dress for centuries; it is usually made of silk lace, many times being Chantilly lace, but often handmade in Spain. These days they are also made out of tulle with a decorative silk lace border; a less-expensive, more transparent option that shows off more of the wedding dress than a lace mantilla would. A true mantilla veil is a veil that is not gathered, although it might be secured to the hair, a hair comb, or a headpiece. Either way, the mantilla is a subtle, elegant, and romantic choice for the modern bride. Find some good deals on Etsy, ebay. And more info here and here. Olé!

Favorite Things Friday

Mirror mirror on the wall, what's is an easy design element to use for all?

Mirrors! They are a cost conscious way to bring depth, interesting dimensions and conversation to any event -

Western Theme

Underwater, bubbles, or futuristic

whoa, who's that? a different reflection of you

Shabby Chic

Love is in the air!

out in nature

A few clustered at the end of the room can make the room look homey!

See it. Be it.

Spring has sprung in SB and dress season is here again! This Alice + Olivia dress channels Sarah Morris' paintings from her show at Friedrich Petzel in '09 and is perfect for a stroll at the park or beach.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Four years ago today Melissa and Zohe shook hands and agreed to incorporate Events of Santa Barbara. Melissa had owned and operated the six year old company as a sole proprietor and Zohe was ready to move on from corporate life. The timing could not have been better this venture to manifest and the luck of the Irish had touched both ladies' lives.

A special Irish wish for your Anniversary

May you always have enough happiness to keep you sweet, trials to keep you strong, success to make you eager, friends to give you comfort, wealth to meet your needs, enthusiasm to look for tomorrow, and a growing love to make each day better than the day before.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Forget Santa, stockings and snow...this is the most wonderful time of the year. It is time for culinary heaven in Santa Barbara...featured 6 days a week at our local farmer's markets. The colors-Brilliant. The flavors-Intense. The hum of the market is the barley audible yummm erupting out of each passerby. I just started my own garden for the year. 6 varieties of Heirloom Tomatoes, 4 Varieties of lettuce, onions, cucumbers, pumpkins, gourds, cilantro and zinnias!

The markets are a great destination for any local or traveler. There are wonderful treasures to be found. If you are planning an event in Santa Barbara...I really try to encourage my clients to use local specialties in their menu selections and in their gift giving.

Here are some great gift giving or favor ideas for any party or event:

*Local Haas Avocados- Locally grown. Can't beat them. They have a rich and wonderful nutty flavor. They can keep for extended periods of time and travel well when unripe.

*Goleta Lemons- Sweet, Tangy and Flavorful...who can resist? They too make great gifts for the out of town guest.

*Honey- There are some wonderful varieties of local honey that is produced in Santa Barbara and all along the Central Coast. Pick up some beautiful beeswax candles too.

*Olive Oil- There are a few boutique olive oil farms that are locally producing some of the most uniquely flavorful olive oil. The bottles are exquisite works of art and make lovely gifts for just about anyone.

*Lavender- The Santa Ynez valley is home to some wonderful Lavender Farms. They produce heavenly Lavender oils, sprays, soaps and dried sachets.

*Succulents-Some of the Farmer's markets have local succulent gardeners who create works of art with locally grown succulents. They are easy to care for, require little maintenance and are a chic way to dress up a table indoors or out.

*Jams- Some local vendors produce delectable jam...the envy of any grain!

For more information on our local markets and where you can buy locally grown goodies...

Please visit this site: http://www.sbfarmersmarket.org/

Happy -Eating-Flower Arranging-Gift Giving-Jam Making-Pie Baking- Spring!

Favorite Things Friday

The Canary is one on my favorite spots in Santa Barbara

- so many great things to offer -

brides, check this out, now there is something

to sweeten the deal!

A Dash of Culture

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane. A thousand paper cranes is also traditionally given as a wedding gift as a way of wishing a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple. The crane itself is a majestic bird which mates for life and is extremely loyal to its partner and is therefore the perfect symbol for a wedding. There are many ways to incorporate this beautiful accent and symbolic depth to your event! Above are some of my favorites...as chopstick rests, placecard holders, or favors or more ambitiously hanging strings of them from the ceiling, altar, or trees. Or join the larger Crane Chandelier Project, and become part of a worldwide visual representation of love and peace!

Outdoor Adventures in Santa Barbara...

Spring is whale-watching season here in Santa Barbara...and there is no better time or place to do it! Santa Barbara is tucked inside a chain of islands called "The Channel Islands". This area is teaming with wildlife and amazing opportunities to have an adventure. Taking a cruise out to the channel islands, going on a fishing trip or whale watching excursion is a great opportunity for fun and bonding with any group. These trips are ideal for:

• Corporate Retreats
• Corporate Incentive Programs
• Groomsmen/Bachelor Parties
• Engagement Parties- On the larger yachts.
• Private Parties/Birthdays

There are a few companies in Santa Barbara and Ventura that have been hosting these adventures for a long time. Events of Santa Barbara Inc. recommends the following companies to you:

• Island Packers
• Condor Express
• Double Dolphin
• Channel Cat

Don't forget to inquire about special deals or discounts...all of the charters and trips offer deals from time to time. Many of the businesses will offer special deals during the Santa Barbara Harbor Festival which happens in early October.

Happy Sailing to you!

Favorite Things Friday

One of my favorite manifestations is this

non-traditional wedding cake

With the talents of Jessica Foster Confections

craftyness of Nico Designs and

our vision as Events of Santa Barbara

we created one of the biggest hits ever seen at any party!

A Chocolate Truffle Cake Tower

holding over 400 truffles (for 150 guests)

....there was not one to spare.

See it. Be it.

Last year, Jennifer Nocon occupied the Bloom Projects gallery at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum (CAF) with a newly commissioned, site-specific installation, Gambusia Affinis Santa Barbara, inspired by a species of fish she learned about on a visit to Lotusland. Nocon is known for creating hand-dyed, wool felt sculptures inspired by naturally occurring patterns that mirror sociological patterns in humans.

Incorporate her amazingly whimsical style into your wardrobe with these hair accessories from the girls at Ban.do! Since beginning their business just a couple years ago, they've blossomed into a celebrity must-have that includes three lines and three varying price points: black label, the original ban.do, and heart by ban.do.

Don't Forget the Powder Room

Whether they're included with the venue, or you have to bring in portable restrooms, the unglamorous area can get overlooked. Instead of ignoring it, add touches of personalization to this taboo topic.