SYED

1960s Inspiration

2012-01-26T14:27:00.000-08:00

Recently we were asked to create a design based on the TV series Mad Men. Immediately, we began to do our research. During that process we always seem to come up with some pretty interesting ideas based on our findings. I have been stuck in the research process for this event because I have such a strong interest in this era. I wanted to share with you some of the most iconic and awesome tidbits I found during my research. Combining fashion, advertisements, music, movies, and everyday items, we hope to recreate an awesome Mad Men type of environment.

Pattern LOVE

2012-01-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

As the new year is already in full bloom, we focus our attention on designing some of the freshest and most creative concepts for our upcoming events in 2012. The big question of.... what is going to be the new hot trend for 2012?... burns through our minds everyday. However, we have already tapped into what we think will be capturing our clients interest this year.

It is a great treat for us to be able to walk through downtown LA in the fabric district and come across some of the most fun, pretty, and tantalizing fabrics. Its amazing how much inspiration comes just with shopping around. Most recently we have been designing great pieces catching eyes and attention by mixing these fabrics, patterns, and textures. The combination of blocks of color and the palpation of different surfaces really makes a design different and exciting. Check out some of the colors and textures we have been playing with here at the SYED studio.

Color Palette 1: Sapphire blue, tangerine orange, ivory, and gold.

Color Palette 2: Kelley green, trellis pattern, solid black, grey or silver.

Color Palette 3: Sea foam blue textured, coral pattern, striped coral, textured light brown, and a true brown.

We can not wait to take some of these amazing colors and textures and translate them into our 2012 designs! Keep posted!!

xoxo

Anne and Cory's Wedding, LA Athletic Club

2011-12-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

Check out this video provided by Jason Kim from Cloud 9 Cinematography. Anne and Cory were married at the LA Athletic Club right in the heart of downtown LA. The ceremony was held on the rooftop of this great venue! What great scenery and surroundings! A special thanks to Nam from Modern LA Weddings.

http://vimeo.com/m/34281115

I hope you enjoy!

xoxo
LG

SYED New Year's Photo Shoot

2011-12-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

We had such an amazing time during this photo shoot. In the comfort of our own studio, we produced a set which looked like an awesome New Year's Eve bash! With champagne in hand, custom designed gowns and accessories, and the support and hard work from AA Creation Photography, Beauty by Lishma, and hairstyle by Brianna Muniz this photo shoot was a complete success! Check out some of the fun and fabulous images.

Look at Shawna's gorgeous necklace! Made from jewel and vase adornments. What a stunning statement piece.

Shaynee's gown was made with an amazing linen, the rhinestone belt was also such a great touch.

My copper flower broach was taken from one of our paper flower backdrops. My headpiece was made from ribbon and other sparkling adornments.

We created our own gowns. All which were made from fabric we previously used for events, whether it was a backdrop, linen, or vase adornment!

Happy New Year!!! From Shawna Yamamoto Event Design

xoxo

SYED New Year's Photo Shoot

2011-12-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

As the year is coming to an end, we reflect on all the wonderful people we have met, vendors we have worked with and events we have designed. We are so thankful to have a great working community and appreciate all the hard work this year. To start the new year off on the right path, we decided to have a fun and fabulous photo shoot. This was no ordinary photo shoot as the SYED team were the stars!!!! Shawna, Shaynee and I created an amazing new years photo shoot, but of course we did it SYED style. Each of us designed our own outfits, using fabrics, ribbon, jewels, wire, and all the amazing decor items we use to detail and customize our events! With the help of AA Creation photography, Beauty by Lishma, and Brianna Muniz this photo shoot was a complete success!!! Check out some of the behind the scenes photos!

Beautify us!!! Lishma and Brianna did a wonderful job with hair and makeup. Glitz and glam!!!

Color palette for this shoot silver and gold.. perfect for New Year's!

The set was created right here at our home base. Mixture of metallic paper flowers, cones and stars, 36" wide balloons! Our front office looked like a New Year's Eve bash!

Ahmed from AA Creation hard at work! He made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera.

Have a safe and joyous holiday!!

Holiday Holidays,

SYED

Photobooth image provided by Souverazzi.

A very bling tropical Hawaiian wedding

2011-12-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

Special thank you to Nam of ModernLA Weddings for bringing this amazing couple our way. We enjoyed helping to create a glamorous, yet tropical wedding and reception for this couple. These amazing images are courtesy of the talented Rob Greer Photography. Visit more of his amazing artistry at www.robgreer.com

Credits:
Wedding Coordination: Nam @ Modern LA Weddings
Venue: Cicada, Downtown Los Angeles
Photography: Rob Greer
Event Design and Floral Design: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Lighting Design and DJ: Jack Hou TMMPro

SYED Getting Crafty

2011-12-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

I love showing what really happens behind the scenes at SYED. Recently we have thrown ourselves into complete hands-on craft mode. Check out what we have been making for some of our events!

Taking on a craft projects just happens to be one of our many jobs at SYED. Hand made, personally customized, we love getting our hands dirty and creating amazing decor pieces ourselves. We recently took hand crafting giant yard balls to a whole new level! With a 36 inch balloon, a large spool of yarn and Elmers glue we began to make these balls which would later be used as a grand ceiling treatment.

Another fun decor piece we recently made were framed chalk boards. We took a couple of our over-sized baroque style frames and cut out a piece of wood which we would cover with chalk board paint. After it dried, we were able to write any message or in this case a wine list for our clients wine tasting cocktail hour!

Cant wait to see what our next project could be! Stay posted.

xoxo

Academic Internship Position at SYED

2011-12-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Exciting news for any students interested in working in the event industry. SYED is now accepting resumes from students in the LA and Orange County area. Our academic internship process gives students real hands on experience for the production of events. The production process is a very important part of the design process; this is where the ideas become reality.

If you are interested, please email your cover letter and resume to info@shawnayamamoto.com

We will be conducting interviews throughout the month of January. SYED internship position is anticipated to begin in February.

Favorite Decor of the Week: A Herbalife Holiday

2011-12-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

What a crazy and busy week for SYED!!! We were lucky to have participated again with Herbalife's annual holiday bash. This year the design concentrated heavily on mixing metallic and adding that special touch of the holiday season with beautiful greenery and white lush floral. We wanted to achieve an awe inspiring feeling by created grand ceiling installations.

One installation was suspended above the dance floor. Guests danced the night away under this over sized ornament ceiling.

Our next big installment had a completely different feeling than the dance floor treatment. Strips of fabric with lights and hanging ornaments extending 15 feet were suspended creating this entrance piece.

Below are just some of the tablescape designs we used in one room. Each design consisted of a mixture of ornaments, stars, over sized metallic cones, greenery and illuminated with candlelight. Every spaced glowed and I walked through each room, holiday cheer was surreal and visible. What an amazing event!!!

Happy Holidays!!
xoxo
LG

Bouquet Watch: Composite Bouquets

2011-12-01T13:10:00.001-08:00

Not your typical bridesmaids bouquet, but absolutely stunning. Check out these composite floral bouquets we recently created. A delicate combination of a white and brown roses. Each petal was individually glued to make one large rosette design. The bouquets were adorned with a simple satin platinum ribbon. This gorgeous bridal party rocked these bouquets!

Thank you to Jan Garcia Photography for the amazing images!

xoxo

Inspired by the Art of Pavé

2011-11-29T14:23:00.001-08:00

Intricate, precise, and planned. These three words help describe what it takes to begin forming a pave design. Just as diamonds are set, where there is no metal to be shown, our pave designs involve flowers being glued into specific places as to where nothing is seen except a detailed design of flowers.

I was inspired to blog about pave designs when I came across this image from a window display. It prompted me to showcase some of my favorite pave designs we have created in the past.

This image below is actually a bridesmaid bouquet. A detailed biedermeier pattern, which began with orange spray roses and lead to white then green mums. An addition of a single white orchid just to add more detail! This bouquet was actually part of the couples theme "squaring a circle", which actually symbolizes unity. Each decor element for this particular wedding focused on two basic shapes, a square and a circle making this pave design a perfect touch to the theme of the couples wedding!

This design was a backdrop for a stage. Frames hanging at varying heights each detailed differently either with flowers, chain, or lace fabric. I love the frame filled with all white roses, so lush and pretty.

We created a pave backdrop design, for Enzoani's fashion runway. Each letter was cut out then covered with a variety of green, purple, and pink flowers.

Adding detail to our lounge decor, we used swirled pave floral balls to add color and shape.

This venue had an amazing garden-like wall which provided such a beautiful backdrop by itself. Inspired by this green wall, we designed an organic frame which had flowers cascading out of the front. What a fun addition to an amazing wall.

Last but not least! I love this Ganesh!!!

Go to www.shawnayamamoto.com to see more of our pave designs!

xoxo

Favorite Decor Elements of the Week: VIP Wedding

2011-11-22T12:43:00.001-08:00

This weekends wedding was in full Rock and Roll swing with a romantic touch. Everything from the lounge decor, stage installments, and centerpieces screamed VIP, rock and roll style. Concepts behind this decor included using a very simple yet strong color palette; gold, black and ivory. Contrasting textures, patterns, and fabrics really enhanced and provided great detail to each environment.

When I said this event screamed VIP, check out the lounge. Roped off to create that high roller VIP section. I love this lounge decor. Lace covered coffee tables, mixed clear and solid cylinders, floating candles and fun gold and black accent pillows. So pretty!! We also designed a credenza, to separate the dance floor from this fabulous lounge, another way to make this lounge more exclusive. A long 10 foot acrylic platform, placed on clear columns topped with a long line of cylinders with floating candles.

Each centerpiece design had a dynamic combination of different cylinders, vases, and platforms. Every cylinder was adorned with golden chains or a delicate lace treatment and lit with black floating candles. It was all about the details for these designs.

What a fabulous cake, provided by Fantasy Frostings! A beautiful five tier cake designed with an awesome lace border. Check out our double platform for the cake. A combination of the color palette for the platforms which were accented with a diamond shaped broach and ivory ostrich feathers.

More images to come!!! Stay connected with us!

xoxo
LG

Favorite Decor Elements of the Week: Pink Pink Pink!!!

2011-11-15T16:56:00.001-08:00

This weekend we had an amazing event at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach. Theme... color... style... pink..pink..pink. Check out some of my favorite design elements.

Ceremony decor bursting with hues of pink from the floral pieces, columns, Mandap fabric and garlands, and lighting. Large floral balls guttered the aisle, while a grand cluster of columns, floral pieces and vases all at different heights made a stunning entrance.

Check out one design from the reception. Large floral trophs accented with hanging crystals lined the black walk-way which guided the guests to the dance floor.

I'd thought I would share this image with you! Below is our floral cooler. Somehow, some way we seem to make it work. This weekend we definitely hit max capacity!

SYED Featured in The Bride and Bloom Magazine: A Tribute to Alexander Mcqueen

2011-11-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to blog about this photo shoot we were able to be apart of earlier this year. The Bride and Bloom Magazine, inspired by great fashion designers, has created a beautiful and quite interesting spread on four major influential designers of high-end fashion. Approached by Bride and Bloom, we were extremely excited about this venture, especially when they asked us to create a tribute tabletop to designer, Alexander McQueen. His avant-garde, beyond the norms of fashion really got our creative juices flowing. Challenged by the effort to create something on McQueen's level while still being approachable to brides was not easy, especially because his creative palette was theatrical and often times dark and gothic. With that being said below are our inspiration images and some images from the photo shoot. I hope you enjoy!

This issue is now being sold, check out your nearest stores to pick up a copy!

Also, thank you to all the vendors involved:

Sterling Engagements

Asheigh Taylor Photography

Designer Specialty Linens

Prim and Pixie

Fantasy Frostings

Form Decor

Classic Party Rentals

Look one was inspired by McQueen's ornate chain head piece.

The second look was inspired by this red and black gown.

Hilton Checkers Los Angeles.

SYED Featured in Your Wedding Day

2011-10-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce that we have been featured in YWD magazine, within the Haute List. The Haute List provides some of the best vendors specifically in Southern California regions as Los Angeles and Orange County. Pick up a copy of your own, this localized magazine is now in stores!

Also, keep posted to our blog to see images from the YWD release party. The design concepts for this event fused from the modern and awe inspiring art pieces within the private venue. Bold and basic described our color palette, as only primary colors were used within the design. Interesting palette so stay tuned to see what we came up with!

Favorite Decor Elements of the Week!

2011-09-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to work at the amazing venue, Seven Degree's this weekend. Surrounded by beach and the artistic environment, our design juices were at full speed. Check out a couple sneek peak photos I captured of the decor this weekend. Design concept's included silver grapevine, enhanced with color from mokara, cymbidium, and vanda orchids all in shades of purples. My favorite element from this event was most definitely the suspended head table piece. A floating 10 foot piece which was adorned with the previously mentioned elements. I can not wait to see more images from this event!

Trend Watch: Mixing Metallic

2011-09-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Brainstorming for the right color palette can sometimes turn into a long design session. Its important that the right color portrays the style of the decor, whether the style being traditional, modern, elegant, pretty, linear... the list goes on. Recently, our design juices led us to combine different metallic and colors to create an interesting color palette. On one occasion we used silver, gold, copper mixed with a bold turquoise. The combination of the metallic gave the design that intense glow while the turquoise popped with color.

Another interesting design we recently used combines metallic with different earthly elements. A mixture of wood, water, and metal. Each design stressed a specific element, while slightly introducing the other two elements within the design. What a great conversational piece. I really enjoy little detailed back stories behind the designs.

Stay tuned on our blog and website for the images from these two events!

Ashley and Greg's Wedding at the St. Regis Monach Beach

2011-09-07T16:48:00.001-07:00

Check out Ashley and Greg's wedding at the beautiful St. Regis Monarch Beach. A special thanks to FortyOneTwenty for the amazing video. The decor really concentrated at different shades and hues of purple, mixed with gold detailing.

To see more images from this wedding please visit, www.shawnayamamoto.com.

Ashely & Greg // Laguna Beach, CA from FortyOneTwenty on Vimeo.

Slideshow by AA Creation

2011-08-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Check out this promotion slideshow AA Creation made for us. It includes all of the fabulous events we did with AA Creation this year. What a special treat!!!

Thank you AA Creation!!!!

Vendor-Shawna-Yamamoto-Event-Design-2011 from AAcreation on Vimeo.

SYED Featured in the New Issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style

2011-08-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

We are extremely excited to announce that we have been featured in the newest issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style. Check out the amazing images!

Creativity and style forward for this bouquet and accessory photoshoot! We decided to design a swirling cascading yellow and green bouquet made from yellow tulips, ranunculus, and craspedia.

Our second design, a custom clutch which was adorned with white feathers, anthirium and composite flowers.

You can get this issue NOW at any local CVS or Barnes and Noble.

Favorite Decor Elements of the Week from Enzoani Fashion Event

2011-07-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure to work the amazing team at Enzoani for their annual fashion event. This was our second year participating in this amazing 3 day long event. This years design was a combination of fashion and location. Since the event was held at the Newport Marriott right next to Fashion Island, there was a strong sense of modern oceanic elements present in the designs. Here are some of my favorites from this week!

This runway lounge was a perfect addition to the cocktail area where guests were able to enjoy a few cocktails before and after the show. An amazing teal sofa, provided by Form Decor was an eye catching piece to this environment (I'm in love with the Lillian Sofa!). Behind the sofa, we created a museum like backdrop using our acrylic columns abling us to use decor on the interior and exterior of the clear columns.

This lounge inspired by Enzoani's fabulous new prom line held consistent to the modern oceanic theme seen in the photos above. White lounge furniture provided by Chiavari Chair Rentals made these existing canopy's another great area to enjoy the event! For our designs, we used a
collection of different clear vases and added silver coral fans and beautiful Vanda orchids. Each design topped with candles to add just enough candle light.

Final favorite design element of the week came from the last day of the Enzoani Fashion Event. We partially reused the runway lounge vignette, just to add some fun to the Love section in Enzoani's trade show. The colors we used went very well with the vibrant colors of this dress line.

What a great event we were able to be a part of!!

Farewell to SYED Team Member, Kandice Owens

2011-07-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

We have been expecting this sad day for awhile now. The beautiful and extrememly talented, Kandice Owens is leaving SYED design team. I wish all the best for Kandice and her family, and will truly miss her bubbly personality and diligence.

Kandice began her time with us as one of our hard working interns. A bright student from Cal State Fullerton, Kandice was put to the test with our intern process. She handled all that we gave her and adapted quickly to this industry. I can still remember the day she built out her first centerpiece, Shawna looked at me immediately noted her natural talent. Shawna took her under her wing, taught her the skills to become our head floral team member.

Not only was she essential part of our floral team, but also to Shawna Yamamoto Event Design as a whole. During the design process, Kandice's opinions were important as details to a specific event were filed out. Kandice was also one of our design leads, managing teams and delegating tasks in a fast paced, time crunched environment. Any task that needed to be done, Kandice could do it all.

As we say our goodbyes, we will always think about the amazing job she did here and how we couldnt have ask for a better team member or friend. Thanks for everything Kandice, we will miss you!

Inspiration: Buildings and Structures

2011-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Inspiration for design can come from a multitude of different outlets. To get the creative juices flowing our SYED team turns to art, fashion, trends, and architecture. We are always thinking how to make our tablescapes and designs different and interesting, or what we like to say here at SYED "pushing the limits to what is ordinary and conventional". More often than not pushing those limits require us to put our carpentry skills to the test, in order to fabricate something that will be exciting and new for our clients.

As I was researching for this blog I came across some photos of buildings and structures that resemble some of the designs we've constructed. I thought it would be interesting to see them side by side and note some similarities.

Although the inspiration photo is a single building, these two structures compare in form and also design. The centerpiece we fabricated out of fencing material shares a similar criss cross effect that the building conveys. Both standing structures also share similarities in its varying heights. This centerpiece was one of many for this specific event. Each piece was designed specifically to be different and bear a modernistic feeling. Check out the next piece which was also used in the same event.

These cut out boxes are modern and fun designs which as you see below can be used horizontally or vertically. The design specifically allows for "window" decor, or in this case we input beautiful white calla lillies. Comparing it to the inspiration image below, these houses are extremely modern in style. Providing that same "window" effect, the structure allows for visual clearance and a sense of openness.

This last design, a modern take on a classical and timeless column structure. However for our columns, instead of classical capitals or ornate heads of columns, we choose to wrap it in fun and decorative wire. Attached to the top of the column were silver metallic faux succulents and bud vases with single blooms of purple phalaenopsis orchids.

Its interesting to see all the similarities and how architecture can inspire or shape many of our designs.

Monthly Bouquet Insight

2011-07-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

We just received some awesome detail shots by EP Love Photography from one of our events this year. For this months bouquet insight, I wanted to include some extras since these photos were so fabulous! (Thank you EP Love!!)

This bouquet simple, yet extremely pretty! A hydrangea base with stems of beautiful white phalaenopsis popping out. The handle was adorned with a platinum satin ribbon and a just a small strip of bling.

Now check out the flower girl accessory. This flower ball was one of my favorites this year! Tiny foam balls were individually pinned to the floral piece in a particular design and purple mums added that pop of color! Consistent to the bride, platinum ribbon was attached. A special detail to the top of the floral ball was the petite paper flower which was also consistent to this "Chanel Inspired" paper flower wedding.

Go to www.shawnayamamoto.com for more photos from this event!

Style Me Pretty, Little Black Book Member

2011-07-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to annouce that we are now featured on Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book!! Go and check out our portfolio and this amazing site!

Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book

Favorite Decor Elements of the Week!

2011-06-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend was full of amazing events! I wanted to share with you some of my favorite pieces from each of the events. Check out this stage decor we did on Saturday, Chanel inspired paper flowers were attached to a pale pink backdrop. The stage was also used as an elegant and pretty lounge for the bride and groom.

This event was featured in our blog last week, with the new addition of "behind the scenes" section. Embraced by a citrus and organic theme, check out one of the centerpiece designs. A large floral design, which was placed on top of a branched stand with hanging votives.

Last but most certainly not least, the entrance piece for the final event of the weekend. The natural lighting in the room highlighted this beautiful piece so perfectly!

A special thanks to Pink Rock Events for all three events this weekend!

Monthly Bouquet Insight

2011-06-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite colors for this summer..I love this combination of orchids. So lush, modern and beautiful. Here we tied other elements of this event together by using silver aluminum wire. A nest of wire under the bouquet and a simple silver wire handle....check out the grooms accessory..It's fabulous!

These pictures were captured by the amazing team at KLK Photography (269)760-9077.

Behind the Scenes: Day 2

2011-06-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

SYED team is working hard! Check out more photos from behind the scenes. There is almost a fresh scent in the air, with all the fresh lemons and oranges around. The warehouse is transforming into an organic environment due to all the natural manzanita trees.

Tomorrow we will be unveiling the custom made lemonade stand! Check back with us!

Behind the Scenes

2011-06-22T11:14:00.001-07:00

One of our brides recently requested to see her wedding coming to life. Preparation for an event begins well before the week of the event, so we thought it would be fun to not only show her but everyone else what happens "behind the scenes" of our design process.

This week we are preparing for three fabulous events. All which have very different design elements. Check out the photos below. Dessert display and cocktail pieces for an organic citrus wedding. Platforms treated with moss and topped with apothecary vases serves as a fun way to display all the yummy treats for the guests. Cocktail pieces consist of a simple mason jar filled with sliced lemons, treated with ribbon. One design concept that I am really excited to see executed is the custom made lemonade stand one of our team members is fabricating. So cute!!! Stay connected to our blog to see more behind the scenes photos!

SYED Intern Challenge

2011-06-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Here at SYED we have created a real world, hands-on internship position that teaches students the procedures and processes of our daily business routines. Pulling students from different educational institutions who are interested in event design, we created this intern process specifically to make it as experiential as possible. Interns are allowed to participate in the design process with the rest of the SYED team, voicing their opinions and giving suggestions. They are also a vital part of executing behind the scenes decor elements.

At a certain point of their time here, each intern is asked to come up with their own tabletop design. To make this as real as possible, guidelines are given. These guidelines act as clients requests, prompting interns with a budget and other specifics that are important to their "clients". It shows them the challenges of coming up with fresh ideas but keeping consistency for what the client requires. Interns are also given a time constraint to execute their tabletop. This helps them understand the day of an event pressures. Execute on time, be able to act and adapt to surrounding issues. The pressure is on!!!!

Today two of our interns were put to the test. Guidelines were set, and a color palette constraint was given. The girls were to only use black, white, and gray. Once the table top is delivered, the rest of the SYED design team give their constructive criticisms and opinions. Here are some inspirations and descriptions of what they came up with.

Design 1: Tanya Hartley "Victorian Vintage"
Tanya's typical style favors a vintage look. She kept that same theme for her first tabletop assignment, using lace and pearls for vase adornments. Tall black candle holders and finials provided this look with height. A black lace runner on a white linen added detail to the tabletop. Tanya also utilized a hanging design element.

Design 2: Elena Sanchez "Elegant Seaside"
Elena's inspiration came from the beach. With the specified color palette this was not a typical beach tabletop. Modern chrome seashell vases and crystals detailed the table. Mirror platforms stayed consistent with the seashell vases provided height for the rest of the vases she used. An awesome platinum linen was also used.

Both designs were very different from one another, showcasing each individuals style. Great job girls!!!

Monthly Bouquet Insight: Bright Insight!

2011-06-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

This bride was not afraid to make her special day as colorful as possible. Therefore when designing the brides bouquet we knew it had to resemble the same vibrancy used in the ceremony and reception decor. The handle was designed by one of our SYED team members, Shaynee Scott. Beautiful selection of ribbon were wrapped around a custom handle creating a striped pattern. The fuchsia pink ribbon added sparkle while the orange ornate ribbon added detail which truly made this bouquet one of a kind. Cascading callas and pops of color and textures from various flowers as orchids, peonies, and billy balls to name a few made this bouquet bright and fun!

Photography: Furious Photographers

Grand Garden, California Club Wedding

2011-06-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Catherine and Stavros were married at the beautiful St. Nicholas Church in Northridge this May. With the church already holding such a beautiful presence the ceremony decor was simple, adding color by trimming the long aisle with ivory and pink rose petals. Each row was accented with elegant pew florals.

The reception location, California Club in Downtown Los Angeles, served as an awesome color palette for the decor. Deep, rich burgundy and golds filled the classic ballroom. Check out some of our decor from this wedding. Special thanks to Lindsay at LVL Events and Jim Kennedy Photographers for these amazing photos.

To see more photos, go to http://www.shawnayamamoto.com/

Celebration in the Sun

2011-06-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was full of great events for SYED! Check out some of the decor we did for a Mehndi party at a beautiful private residence in Anahiem. The design elements were specifically chosen to accent vibrant and fun colors consisting of: fucshia, deep purple, orange, red, blue and brown. On a warm and sunny day this poolside party definitely launched the 4 day celebration. This event was all about lounging and being confortable and lets not forget celebrating! Custom design elements included: floating pool treatment cut into a paisley design then covered with purple and yellow mums and also a 14ft backdrop which was adorned wih Mehndi style parasols and cascading orchids.

Sneak Peek of Wedding at the Biltmore Santa Barbara!

2011-05-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek from one of the fabulous events we did this weekend. Kathryn and Chris celebrated their marriage at the beautiful Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara this past weekend. The decor was all about the PURPLE!!!! With such great vendors and venue this wedding was absolutely beautiful. A special thanks to Lindsay from LVL Events and all the other wonderful vendors.

Biltmore Fashion Shoot..amazing images!

2011-05-11T16:59:00.002-07:00

We had the pleasure of being asked to participate in a bridal gown photoshoot last month! We love helping our photographers out to help spice up the color of the image through flowers.

We asked Ron and George, the talented photographers what their inspriation was and here is what they said " The inspiration for this shoot came from wanting to show case the beauty of the Biltmore while having fun being creative and doing things for the sake of art on our own time frame, in contrast to a wedding day where you have to run on the time line of the event and client. "

This shoot was a collaboration between Ron Levy Photographers and George Taverna Photography and together we were able to make the Biltmore come alive!

Same Day Edit from Daniel at IMAGIQUE WEDDINGS

2011-05-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

Always exciting to see same day edits from talented videographers..especially when we get to see them so soon after the events!! A-team line up of vendors on this one...I am in love with his bout and her bouquet..vintage chic yet still original!

Sonia & Philipp from Daniel Boswell on Vimeo.

Check it out here!

SYED at Pacific Palms Resort's Quiceanera and Sweet 16 Expo

2011-05-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

This was no ordinary decor for the Pacific Palms Resort's Quinceañera & Sweet 16 Expo! Hello Kitty themed, we turned the ballroom into a chic, hot pink, black and white party. The expo was tailored specifically to 15 and 16 year old girls, therefore we wanted to have our girly fun with the decor. Simple but dramatic, white hydrangea hang ties were placed in high vases and accented with huge bows where mirror runners and black finials aligned the long tables. Candelabras were added to tables and chandeliers were hung from our sheer hot pink room dividers. Hot pink vases, Hello Kitty pillows and bubbles for the guests to enjoy were placed in lounge areas where the bar was backed with a custom made Hello Kitty decal, to which colorful hand made paper flowers added just enough dimension. Fun and fabulous I must say!

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design is Expanding

2011-05-05T11:36:00.001-07:00

SYED's busy season in approaching! With all the amazing events we have in the upcoming months, we have decided to expand our design team! We are looking valuable people to join our team, for inquiries please send your resume to info@shawnayamamoto.com.

Royal Wedding Flowers!

2011-04-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Wedding! How amazing was the couples selections? There was much thought put into there floral design. Prince William and Kate Middleton chose London-based floral designer Shane Connolly as their wedding florist because he's known for a sustainable approach to floristry, focusing on live plants and trees rather than cut ones, and using seasonal and organic flowers. The foilage will come from the royal estates as well as from British growers (wish you could grow flowers like this in your backyard?..me too!). Check out the English Field Maple trees that are in the church! Four tons of foliage, including eight, 20 foot high trees to recreate a lavish English country garden inside Westminster Abbey.

The red walkway was also an amazing way to simply call attention to the aisle without all the fussy business on the chairs or lining the aisle. It's classic and elegant..and the color selection, royal.

Don't assume this can be accomplished at your church! These tall trees need to have either a 4x4 X base or extra large container that simply won't fit between your pews! However, you can utilize these trees in a church that has removable pews or in a avenue such as the Vibianna, Los Angeles, where this historic cathedral has been "guted" wherein allowing your designer to select placements of chairs or rented pews. We've erected trees similiar to these (only ours were using stock trunks and composite branch filler) using local vendors..however, they are not cheap! You can expect to spend roughly $1800 a tree!

The bouquet flowers..much smaller than you expected? Have you been following European trends? Smaller, loose and slightly cascading and delicate (small) blooms are a necessity! Here Kate has all white and dark greens creating yet another classic choice.

What do I love the most about this wedding? I feel that we got to know Kate as an individual simply by viewing the wedding. She doesn't try to hard, she appears simple and direct. Classic. Thoughtful about the environment. I also think the fact that she didn't go "over-the-top" speaks to her level headedness and her ability to connect with the every day bride.

Are you wedding selections speaking to the true you? Let the team at Shawna Yamamoto Event Design help you find that inner vision!

We cannot wait to see what the flowers inside looked like! Stay posted!

Real Wedding: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design Featured on South Asian Bride Magazine Website

2011-04-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

One of our recent weddings can be found on the blog for South Asian Magazine. We are always so thrilled to be featured on their blog!

Check us out and let us know what you think! We lovd the vibrant colors this bride selected for her wedding! These images are simply stunning!

Photographer: Lin and Jirsa
Wedding Planner: Ajita Chopra – 949.439.4754
Videographers: Lisa and Duc of Avec Lumiere
Priest: Sarla ben Gor: 951.505.3180 (C)
Caterer: Manohar – 626.437.4190
Décor: Shawna Yamamoto – 714.482.8702
Staging: (Outdoors): Utsav
Mandap Furniture Rental: Pradip – 562.228.8655
Makeup Artist: Beauty by Lishma – 714.721.8502
DJ/Lighting: 3D Sounds – Amit Kotecha: 909.319.4858
Cake: Beverly’s Best: 714.529.3989
Chiavari Chairs: Elegant Chiavari Chairs: Juanita: 562.714.2753
Linens: Persiano Events
Entertainment: Karamagraphy: Kavita Rao & Sapna Rohra – 832.687.9814

Ecuador Floods Cause Issues in Floral Production

2011-04-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Severe rain fall and storms have caused Ecuador floral production to slow to harsh lows, especially within the rose category. Mother Nature has taken its course through this South America location, tearing apart businesses and homes. Damages from the floods are shocking.

Working with delicate products such as flowers, we are always concerned about the repercussions of Mother Nature. This flooding is just an example of how delicate the market is during specific times of the year and how much we rely on good weather to produce quality products. However, it is easy to lose sight on the real situation at hand. Homes are being swept away and lives are being severely impacted. There is an immediate need for help in these areas in order to get things running as it was before the tremendous floods. Until things can return to normal, in terms of receiving floral for an event you should remain confident in the professionals and experts to produce a quality product that you had hoped to get originally.

The impact in Ecuador has caused us to modify floral orders and work directly with our producers to come up alternative options for our clients. Producers in Holland, Asia and other areas are still producing as normal and although, they may not produce sufficient roses, they have comparable alternatives such as peonies, ranunculus, orchids and tulips. We can also get creative using elements such as ribbon, fabrics, and other non floral décor to make the event amazing nonetheless!

SYED at the 2011 Kia Classic

2011-04-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

The SYED design team was given the opportunity to work on an amazing sporting event this year; the Kia Classic. We were so excited to be a part of this week long event this March which was held at Pacific Palms Resort. Check out some of the images, provided by Ayala Image of the decor for two dinners we did for Kia. Both looks prompted elegant designs which were simple yet dazzling for a corporate event like this one. It was important to keep the floral pieces low, clean, and tight, however still capturing an awe-inspiring attitude.

For the first look we were able to bring in color through the brown vases and orange spray roses. We divided the room to provide separate cocktail and dinner areas using tall white boxes filled with similar floral and a touch of branches for height. (Which I think transformed and differentiated the areas. I loved them!)

The second look was challenging. It was important for our clients that this look remained predominately white, but how to do that without making it feel like wedding decor was the challenge. We came up with a rockin' color palette (white, champagne, brown and silver) that kept the sophistication of the event and also emphasized elegance. Perfect combination! We also provided room dividers for this event. The SYED design team custom made bamboo dividers which complemented the already existing venue decor. What an amazing week for Kia, the LPGA, and SYED!

To see more photos from these events, go to http://www.shawnayamamoto.com/

Love for Color

2011-04-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

We have been searching for a while now, and finally an ANSWER! Here at SYED it is critical, no imperative that we have our eyes and mind always updated and reminded of beautiful colors and color trends. It’s important for us as designers and for our clients that we can provide them with the best color combinations out there! ColourLovers is a website that I have recently been dissecting and personally, I love it. Yesterday I got a chance to play with the site a bit. I came up with a color swatch based on a picture from our grand opening last year. Honestly, not more than a minute later I had comments from other color enthusiasts, it was exciting! Brides, ColourLovers has a special tool just for you! The site allows you to play with colors. Don’t be afraid to throw in interesting color combinations together, you might love it when you create and put it into a color swatch! Also, they showcase popular wedding trends. It’s great to see what other brides are coming up with. For the trendy brides, they also show trends in fashion around the world. Businesses, ColourLovers has something just for you as well. For businesses of all kinds, ColorLovers call it the “power of color”. A company can have amazingly strong brand recognition if a consumer can tell you apart by just your brand color. As I was searching through the site I came across an interesting posting session. ColourLovers were posting color swatches and you had to guess what brand it was just by the color. You can tell the companies with the strongest brand recognition, because people guessed correct almost immediately! Pretty interesting! Can not wait to play around with some more colors! Thanks ColourLovers.

Popular Wedding Songs for 2011

2011-04-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Bruno Mars song Marry You is steaming up to be one of the hottest songs for 2011. Incorporated on the popular TV show Glee recently we can for sure expect this song to pop up everywhere! Extremely catchy, we even featured it on our website!!! Brides, I don’t know if you have listened to the lyrics yet, not quite ideal. I’m still loving it!!

My personal favs for popular wedding songs for 2011 can been incorporated into the processional, first dance, or pretty much anywhere… don’t worry the lyrics are totally appropriate!

Keith Urban, Making Memories of Us

Train, Marry Me

Thompson Square, Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not

Check them out. I hope you enjoy my choices!

SLS Beverly Hills Hotel Booth at Unveiled

2011-03-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

SYED teamed up with the amazing Sonia Sharma Events and Wildflower Linen to design the decor for the SLS Hotel booth at Unveiled on Monday. The decor for the booth consisted of white finials and candle holders which were topped with spheres completely made from roses. The white tulle rosette linen, provided by Wildflower Linen, was a perfect fit for this all rose collection. Check out some of the photos of the SLS booth from the bridal event!

An Honored Occassion

2011-03-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

As an event designer, we work closely with other Industry vendors like photographers, videographers, venues, DJ/Lighting companies and most intimately Event Planners or Coordinators.

When asked to do the wedding of a very successful Los Angeles based Wedding Planner, we were shocked and very honored. To work together to create a wedding for a coordinator who has impeccable taste, endless resources and a plethora of amazing ideas was extremely exciting for our team here at Shawna Yamamoto Event Design.

We've worked closely with Sonia on several weddings in the past so we both had a good understanding of what each of our styles were and I had a pretty good idea as to what she loved & loathed!

We had so much fun working this wedding. Sonia let me do some free-style designs including succulent, moss high heal shoes & a flowergirl "basket" made of a vintage birdcage and a real yellow bird...

We will treasure this day for years to come. We are excited to see how the amazing and talented Andrena Photography captured this day! I personally attended this party as well and I was able to experience the talented Ajay at Special Occassions Sound kept the crowd rock'n...Seriously, we didn't leave the dancefloor ALL NIGHT! He really knows how to keep the crowd alive! Oh, and after a day in the rain setting up, it was a miracle that Jeannie Jeffries of Couture Beauty Team was on-hand to do my hair and make-up to make me look as if I hadn't worked a day in my life!

For all the other special amazing details, we will leave for a future post when we have more images to share. In the meantime, we wanted to send a warm "thank you" to Sonia & Philipp and all rest of the vendors that helped make this day simply amazing!

Look how stunning our bride was!

Venue: Smog Shoppe
Photographer: Andrena Photography
Coordinator: Sonia Sharma Events
Floral and Decor: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Hair and Make-up: Star and Jeannie at Couture Beauty Team
Videography: Daniel Boswell, Imagique
DJ: Special Occassions

Real Men Wear Pink

2011-03-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Let’s be honest, ladies we LOVE pink but we know that’s probably not the first color that will come to a grooms mind when choosing a boutonniere for the big day. Don’t worry guys; we’ve got your back! Pretty in pink? No way! We know how to keep your masculinity at its peak on your wedding day.

Sometimes it is all about simplicity and the selection of a unique flower. Check out this boutonniere, a Gloriosa lily adorned with a plain white ribbon. The unique structure of the flower and the natural outline of yellow make it suitable for a groom. Not too flashy but just enough to make a quick statement.

We have also utilized non- floral elements in order to achieve a masculine look. Wire can be a great tool to create artistry within the design. This boutonniere had a simple orchid stem which was wrapped with pink wire.

Whatever the color, it is often interesting to see how masculinity is found within the simplicity and structure from the design of a boutonniere.

Photo 1 provided by: Braedon Photography

Photo 2 provided by: Samson Productions

Mimi and Robert's Wedding in Bride and Bloom Magazine

2011-03-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Check out Mimi and Robert's wedding which was recently featured in Bride and Bloom Magazine. This modernistic look was created specifically to be different. Adding non-floral elements like unique reed lampshades to the design definitely achieved this modern, elegant and fabulous look!

Winter Chic Featured in South Asian Bride Magazine

2011-03-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure to work and collaborate again with Sonia Sharma and Dina Douglass to create a modern take on winter. Put away the ice, crystals, snow and bare branches! Everything that screams winter we took away, creating an interesting challenge for this group of designers.

This look was inspired primarily by some of the most unique and fascinating scenes in the movie Alice and Wonderland more specifically at the White Queen’s castle. Ideas spurred from life size chess pieces and tall domes a top of the castle. These elements became a driving factor for this tabletop design. By combining the distinct carvings of the chess pieces and the inspiration led by the castle and its unique architectural design, we were guided to the main focus for this look, finials. Finials provided just the right amount of height with the extended apexes as well as decorative details which helped emphasize the look.

Other significant details to the look included the addition of greenery to add that pop of color to this all white and mirror design. Individual leaves were adhered to the bases of the finials and hand crafted into greenery-like succulents were place on top of candle holders. Beautiful white phalaenopsis orchids and cattleya orchids were also incorporated into the look.

This table top design is definitely fit for a queen!

Check out this table top spread in the new South Asian Bride Magazine or go to our website to see more photos from the shoot!

Venue: SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills
Photographer: Andrena Photography
Event Design: Sonia Sharma Events
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Linens and Napkins: Wild Flower Linens

Japanese Tea Ceremony

2011-03-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

Japanese tea ceremonies comprise many elements of the Japanese culture celebrating the value of art forms, just to name a few: architecture, gardening, ceramics, textiles, and cuisine. Since working with such diverse sets of clients, it important for me and the SYED team to learn important processes, steps, history and other details for different types of ceremonies we participate in. The following research was written by one of our interns, Julie Chung.

It is believed that Buddhist monks brought tea from China to Japan around 6 century B.C. Japanese tea ceremony was designed in the spirit of the Zen doctrine, according to which spiritual elevation is achieved by engrossing oneself in the small details of daily life. The attention paid to the minutest details of the tea ceremony is meant to induce a sense of serenity and harmony among the host and guests. In 1477, the rules of etiquette chanoyu “hot-water tea” were created by Buddhist priest named Murata Shuko. He viewed it as an interlude in which one leads oneself for a moment to the spirit of beauty, quietude and politeness towards others. The tearoom is considered to be an island of tranquility and purity, allowing guests to leave the outside world behind and relax.
The 4 principles of the tea ceremony consist of: harmony (wa), respect (kae), cleanliness soul and body or purity (sae), tranquility or serenity (jubuo) tranquility.

As part of the traditional wedding ceremony, one can incorporate a traditional tea ceremony to honor and thank their parents. Check out some photos from a wedding with a Japanese Tea Ceremony we were able to create the decor for.

Images provided by Sam Lim Studio

SYED Designer Competition at the Brea Bridal Show

2011-03-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

This was our second year participating in the Brea Bridal Show. We were very excited to be a part of this local show. When deciding how to showcase Shawna Yamamoto Event Design as a company we took a different approach to catch our audience's attention. We decided to have a fun competition between the SYED design team and involve the attending brides.

The rules and guidelines to the competition were as follows: the designers were given a budget, a specific event in the wedding process, and color palette. There were also particular details the designers had to incorporate into their designs. Each had to have a backdrop, utilize a hanging decor element and provide an accessory or bouquet for their specific look.

After a great day spent at the Brea Community Center and 200 votes later, the winner to this competition was Shawna Yamamoto with her wedding reception look. The following information is details and insights from the designers themselves. I hope you enjoy it!

Look #1 The Wedding Reception: Vintage Chic with a Modern Twist

By Shawna Yamamoto

This look was different from my typical style. I wanted to show an elegant way to incorporate greens and design it to maintain a modern feel. The flowers I used for this look were spray roses in lavender and ivory, garden roses in ivory and mixed exotic greens, which were place atop a white candle stand. I designed the backdrop to be flowing and almost whimsical, by using strips of white fabric and integrating hanging greenery and single blooms. I also added smaller bouquets of flowers placed in clear faceted vases, surrounding the larger arrangement. I detailed the napkin treatment by adding a refluxed lavender garden rose to the place setting.

Look #2 The Bridal Shower: Divine Damask

By Kandice Owens

The pattern known as "Damask" has been used for centuries, whether it was painted on the walls of ancient architecture in the 1400s by Italian artists or Chinese Emperors and European Queens gracing this pattern on their robes and gowns, this pattern has grown in popularity over the years and is used for many different things.

Being a huge fan of this pattern, and especially the Victorian Era, I knew I had to incorporate this into my bridal shower design. I wanted to raise the bar and create a new chic look for the modern day bride. Adding a pattern like damask, adds so much more impact on your special day and can be added to any color to give it that extra pop. I chose different shades of purple to give it that girly edge, but still kept it modern by using black candle stands and an upholstered lampshade. I wanted the flowers to look like they were falling down, so the cascade effect would only seem appropriate for this look.

My challenge to all of you future brides out there is to be bold and do something different and unique for your bridal showers so it will be extra special when your friends and family can not stop talking about it!

Look #3 The Bachelorette Party: Sexy Bachelorette

By Lauren Guzman

When first designing this look, I knew I didn't want to do the "typical" Las Vegas bachelorette party. Still I wanted to keep the look sexy yet not pushing that sexiness too much. Inspired by Chanel Wedding Inspiration blog I found on Style Unveiled, I used tool to hand craft flowers to add a sexy element. I detailed the vases also with a tool treatment and lined it with rhinestones. Rhinestones were also added to the center of each crafted tool flower. I added white ostrich feathers to come back to that bachelorette theme. With the shine added by the diamonds and rhinestones, I chose to use a sparkly sequin backdrop with a chic black chandelier detailed with tool garlands. My flower choices consisted of lavender garden roses and white hydrangea sprayed lavender. My favorite part about this look was the accessory, rose petal high heels which were detailed with a monogram and wedding date hand painted on the bottom of the shoes, which I wore for almost the whole show!

Special thanks to Glo Concepts for providing the linens, napkins, chair covers, and stationary.

Venue: Brea Community Center

Rentals: Create-A-Party

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design Featured in Upcoming Bride and Bloom Magazine

2011-03-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

We just received the newest issue of The Bride and Bloom magazine, Southern California edition. This issue is the first Southern California concentrated magazine Bride and Bloom has introduced. We are so excited to showcase our new 2011 ad in this magazine and enthusiastic about one of our real weddings that was submitted and chosen to be published.

Keep your eyes peeled! This magazine hits shelves next week!!

Squaring the Circle

2011-02-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Inspiration for décor can be found generally anywhere and usually the best inspiration comes when is encompasses an important meaning for our clients. Recently, we were asked to concentrate our design elements on two things: circles and squares. Now fortunately for us we have worked with these shapes in all different ways before but for this specific event we were challenged with “squaring the circle”. For the groom, an architect, this poses a mathematical representation. As I began to dig in and learn a little something about “squaring the circle”, I learned that the metaphorical significance implies impossibility! According to the mathematical representation, it is impossible to create a square with an area close to that of the circle using only a straight edge and a compass. Luckily for us, we had many other tools we could use to create this symbolic representation other than a straight edge and a compass.

Every element of design for this ceremony was pre thought in order to satisfy the square and circle obligations. For example, the personal flowers for the maids were made out of circular disks which followed a detailed circular design completed with green and white mums and orange spray roses. The groom’s boutonniere was detailed with a square shaped wire treatment. Ceremony décor highlighted the consistent theme, with modern columns stacked high with white custom boxes filled with beautiful green mum floral spheres.

What was really interesting about the significance behind the circle and square was not only in its representation of a mathematical conundrum but also it’s symbolic implication of unity. Research finds that the combination of a square and a circle denotes unity between heaven and earth. For our clients however, this was the unity of husband and wife.

Go to http://www.shawnayamamoto.com/ to see more photos from this event!

Venue: Terranea Resort

Coordinator: Carrie from Details Details

Photographer: Sam Lim Studio
Information cited from : http://www.answers.com/topic/squaring-the-circle

Bouquet Watch!

2011-02-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

Take a look at some of the most memorable and unique bouquets we were able to create this past year!

Probably my favorite part of the design process for a wedding, THE BRIDES BOUQUET! It is always fun to watch Shawna at her best when creating the bouquet. Each time it’s a new experience and to see the finish product is so exciting. It’s all about the details when it comes to the bride’s bouquet. Shawna custom makes a lot of her handles, pushing for individuality and unique style adding non floral elements to a bouquet to receive that special look for the bride.

I’m so eager to see what she comes up with this year!

Tet: Year of the Cat

2011-02-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peak of our Year of the Kitty Vietnamese New Year Celebration! If you can catch a glimpse of the bar back, you'll see how we cut out the face of Hello Kitty and then attached amazing hand-crafted paper flowers to her. Colorful cabana's were created using chiffon fabrics in orange, red, and pinks. The furniture is our collection with our custom-made velvet slip covers in hot pink. The hanging lanterns were so much fun too! Amber Productions lite up all the paper stars and lanterns through-out the event for us and provided subtle lighting through out the residence. Do you see the cylinders in the outdoor lounge space? We thought it was appropriate to have fish so the kitty had something to feast on :)

Venue: Private Residence
Photography: Russel Gearhart Photography
Furniture: our private collection
Lighting: Amber Productions

Inspiration: Fields full of wild flowers

2011-02-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

For this reception at the Long Beach Hyatt, we were asked to bring the brides mid-western memories to life with a modern flair. With over 400 guests, we created a mix of round and square tables through-out the room. We selected plum colored linens and fruitwood chiavari chairs. The flowers were clusters of flowers you might pick from a field full of wildflowers. Roses and lilac scents filled the air. Romance was created with uplighting around the room and candles at each of the tables.

Venue: Long Beach Hyatt
Photographer: Karen Barnes Photography
Coordinator: Diya Events

Valentines Day: Where did it come from?

2011-02-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

I am exploring the history of various celebrations this year and wanted to research Valentines Day as well! I looked all over the internet and found this quick review thanks to Wikipedia:

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs, Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still permitted. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

So, who is your Valentine this year? If you are sharing this day with someone, it is nice to take the time to do something special for them. Think about what they like. I have always felt that the finest gifts are those that are from the heart and are experienced by the recipient. Meaning, instead of an expensive new purse, consider putting together a wine tasting and food paring experiment for your special someone. Purchase 5 different wines and some complemtary side dishes that help the wines be fully appreciated. Set the scene with nice wine glasses, a single bud vase with a beautiful fresh flower from you (or your neighbors) garden. Put their favorite music on and ...the night is yours.

Single? Celebrate by yourself and the love you share for yourself. It's important to take time for yourself too! Treat yourself to what you love most. If you love ice cream..then pick up your favorite flavors, scoop it up into a nice bowl (tonight is not the night to be on that diet), turn on a great movie and ..the night is yours.

Inspiration: Blue Bubbles

2011-02-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

A beautiful blue, white and silver reception. When this client said she wanted something unique and different, she wasn't playing around! This St. Regis wedding reception consisted on creating multiple environments within the main ballroom so the guests would have plenty of eye candy. There was a total of 6 different centerpeices ranging from high to low, to square tables to king style tables. We mixed up the linens between blue and white and the flowers between blue and white. Their was over 600 stems of blue hydrangea imported from Holland for this event and yet there was only 8 tables that had the blue hydrangea.

Each centerpeice was hand-crafted by our staff here at Shawna Yamamoto Event Design. These amazing white chandeliers/candleabra's were purchased just for this event and are now available for your special day!

We hope you enjoy and are inspired!
Enjoy!

Venue: St. Regis
Photographer: Victor Sizemore
Coordination: Details Details
Lighting: Amber Production

Tet: Vietnamese New Year

2011-02-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year~

Tet, which means the first morning of the first day of the new year, is the Vietnamese New Year. The celebration lasts for 7 days. Like the Chinese, the Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays.

A special ceremony called Le Tru Tich is held at the mid-night hour (Giao Thua) on New Year's Eve. The ritual involves firecrackers and gongs and other festive items that make loud noises to usher out the old and welcome the new.

Family members exchange gifts and pay homage to the Kitchen God. They also visit local temples to pray for prosperity and good health.

During Tet, Vietnamese families plant a New Year's tree called Cay Neu in front of their homes. A bamboo pole is often used as a Cay Neu. All the leaves are removed from the tree so that it can be wrapped or decorated by good luck red paper. Legends have it that the red color scares off evil spirits. On the seventh (the last) day of Tet, the Cay Neu is taken down. This is the last ritual of the New Year celebration.

One of my favorite clients has invited Shawna Yamamoto Event Design back for the 3rd year in a row to help with this celebration! We are so excited for this year as it is the year of the Cat! What do you do with the year of the cat? Design a modern up-scale Hello Kitty themed lounge.

And here was the color inspiration:

Stay tuned for images from this amazing party!

Bouquets: Let's have fun with them, shall we?

2011-02-01T16:54:00.000-08:00

Check out these amazing colors I used for Mona's bouquet! We worked off the colors from her Lengha (Indian wedding gown) and carefully blended them into a romantic accessory!

What you cannot see here is that the handle was made out of lucite - it was clear! We embeded a small white lite into the handle so when she introduced into the reception, her flowers lite up! It was fun!

Photo Credit: Victor Sizemore Photograhy
Venue: St Regis Monarch Beach

Inspiration: Organic Citrus

2011-02-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

For this couple, we used the palette of yellow, deep orange, white and brown. Yellow was carried into the design by way of the bridesmaid dresses and further placed into the floral selections. The evnet was held at an Italian restaurant and the couple wanted to have somewhat of a Tuscany feel. We selected the Shimmer crush orange satin linen with coordinating chair sashes. Carafes of wine were placed at each table for the guests to enjoy anytime they got thirsty!

The flowers selected for this wedding included cymbidium orchids, hydrangea, and roses. One of my favorite flowers to use for a yellow flower is the cymbidium orchid as it is so truely yellow and always vibrant.

Shawna Yamamoto used a textured, rich satin ribbon to wrap around the handle. The ribbon is embellished with small jewels in copper to accent the colors and not create a fussy handle. We love our handles and always try to make them extra special for our bride and her maids!

WeddingWire Bride's Choice Award 2011

2011-01-25T10:39:00.000-08:00

Press Release

Brea, CA – January 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Shawna Yamamoto Event Design has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Event Design!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Shawna Yamamoto Event Design for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Shawna Yamamoto Event Design is among the very best event designers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at www.weddingwire.com/shared/Storefront

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Valentines Day Special! Boudoir Photography!

2011-01-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

Give your special someone a gift of a lifetime that they will cherish for years to come!

Shawna Yamamoto is hosting a Boudoir photography session at our Brea, CA location. Several backdrops and props to select from all specially designed by Shawna Yamamoto Event Design! Photoshoot will take place in our Brea Studio and Space is limited!

Thursday, January 27th between 9am and 10pm.

Photography by Ayala Image www.ayalaimage.com
$150 PROMO OFFER (regular price $395)
Includes Session Fee
Up to 3 outfit changes
1 - 1 1/2 hour sessions
10 edited images of your choice provided on a high-resolution disc

ADD hair and make-up for an additional cost of $40, provided by L&L

Please contact Aaron Ayala to book your session today! If you would like to book hair & make-up, please contact Lauren@ Lauren@ShawnaYamamoto.com.

Flower Garlands

2010-11-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

Garlands are a fun and easy way to enhance any special occasion. It’s very common to use roses, carnations, mums or some variety of orchids.
Just recently, a bride requested us to do flower garlands for her wedding. Her colors were orange, white and silver and wanted a modern yet beautiful design. We were excited to make this happen for her!

The flower we selected was an Asiatic lily for its deep orange hue and unique bloom. We took the orange lily and turned it upside down and strung it in random patterns and added crystal jewels to enhance the garlands.

This event took place aboard the Destiny Cruise Ship out of Newport Beach California. We dangled the garlands along a glass window that spanned 10 feet high and 20 feet wide. It was a picture perfect moment when the couple said their I Do’s. We wanted to tie the garlands unique style to the aisle treatments and thus, designed mini-versions of the alter garlands and attached them to the aisle chairs.

Flower garlands can be a beautiful accent to any occasion!

Have you ever seen or heard about a rainbow flower?

2010-10-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

A rainbow flower is a rose that is very colorful. Each petal is a different shade of blue, purple, green, orange, pink, and yellow.
You might think how is this possible? Is it a real rose? Well, yes this is a real rose that has to be special ordered because it takes a long process. Peter Van de Werken from Southern Holland designed this rose and made this possible by inserting dye into the stem of the roses as they are growing. These roses are only available as cut or dried roses and can not be purchase as a rose bush. Rainbow roses are five times the cost of a normal rose. These roses are very popular during the holidays specially Valentines since they are very unique and there is not many vendors who sell them.

We recently had to design a sweet 17th that consisted of rainbow roses. We incorporated Purple Tulips and Purple Hydrangeas into our design to compliment these unique colorful roses to bring out the purple from the rose.

So next time you when you want to surprise your guest at an event, surprise them with these fun unique rainbow roses.

Intern Update!

2010-09-22T09:31:00.001-07:00

We were fortunate to have three interns over the last summer. Summer has come to an end and so has our summer internship program. We are excited to announce that one of our interns has joined us as a permanent staff member- Kandice Owens. She is a student at California State University, Fullerton and is scheduled to graduate in the winter. Kandice officially took over her new role as a Design Assistant in September. She is directly assisting in our brain storming sessions, design fabrications, floral fabrications and taking leading roles as project manager at our events.

We are also excited to announce our Fall Internship has officially begun. We have selected two students from California State University, Fullerton to be interns for the fall. We have a busy and exciting Fall and Winter ahead of us, so we are ready to get things rolling!

Welcome everyone!

Busy Busy Bee's

2010-08-03T15:33:00.001-07:00

Phew...July is over.

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design had an exciting month in July. Myself and my entire team worked extremely hard to bring all of our clients events that they would love and remember for the rest of their lives!

We have already started collecting some testimonials from those events and we posted a few under our "testimonial" tabs..check them out! We have some very happy brides in there!

We also have some video's and pictures coming soon..so please check back! We cannot wait to show you some of the decor we executed this summer!

Tabletops

2010-06-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Check out Shawna Yamamoto Event Designs' tabletop design for the launch party of Southern Asian Bridal Magazine!

The event’s main colors were fushia, turquoise, and white. We were asked to create something fresh and new. In addition, it was important that the tabletop spoke to what Shawna Yamamoto Event Design is known to create.
Since the magazine’s target audience is for Southern Asian couples, we thought it was important not to abandon the roots of the culture and what the moving trends are that we see and hear our clients ask for. Thus, we incorporated jewels, bold colors, unique color combinations, non-floral materials and gold. We used fabric and created a "chandelier" affect. Florals were minimalized and drawn down to the tabletop itself. Use of garden roses, tulips, mini calla lilies, and mokara orchids in matching hues created drama, deth and texture. The tabletop was surrounded by white lounge furniture so thus, prompted the placement of the white vases. We also used composite flowers made of rose petals and custom-made stationery from Details a la carte was placed on the table to complete the look.

Keep an eye out for these photos in the upcoming summer issue of Southern Asian Bridal Magazine!

Monthly Bouquet Insight

2010-06-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Check out what the team at Shawna Yamamoto Event Design did last week at this uber chic wedding at The St. Regis.

The bride wanted something that was full in style, using amazing blooms.

Here we used over 40 blooms of Peonies - all white. The handle was wrapped in a solid band of rhinestones and finished with a pewter ribbon and broach.

Here is what the bride, Rhanda had to say about her bouquet: " OH! and my bouquet! I don't think I could have EVER EVER EVER imagined a better bouquet for my wedding. I cannot explain how in love I am with it and how unbelievably perfect it was. "

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design and South Asian Bride Magazine

2010-05-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

This week South Asian Bride Magazine will be having it's Los Angeles Launch party at the Ritz in Marina Del Rey! We have been asked to design an opulant tabletop with our special spin on modern/contemporary AND the grand entrance!

We are very excited to showcase our interpretation of opulance using a color palatte of white, turquise, fushia and gold.

This is a VIP invite only event!

Images will be coming soon!

Special thanks to Sonia Sharma for the invite to help create this amazing event!

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design Tabletop Design:

2010-04-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a video clip of our tabletop from last nights Grand Opening Reception for Designer Specialty Linens.

They have really put together an amazing new line that is sure to be atop many of my table designs this year! The linen I was provided with is called Lady Grace and its a chiffon tablecap with a tafetta underlay. Amazing detail on the linen and I haven't seen anything like this one before!

Inspiration..where does it come from?

2010-04-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have been very fortunate to travel to many countries and experience a wealth of visual knowledge. When you travel - even if its just up and over the hill to Ponte Winery, if you keep an open and clean mind you will see things..inspirational things. I think that is why all designers can communicate and connect - whether you are a photographer, clothing or textile designer, jewelry designer or like me, an event designer - you communicate using the same language.

Foreign countries if traveled with your eyes and senses can be completly non-verbal (if you can't speak the languages, I speak only English..sorry!) yet completly fullfilling.

Seeing the Mona Lisa from across a room, the brick minaret of the Turkish Hagia Sofia or simply the Amalfi Coast full of lemon trees...inspirational. Color, texture, blending, molding, merging...

Daniel Ost is a Belgian Artist like no other. I came across his work in another international magazine I subscribe too several years ago. He transforms flowers and gardens into soulful 3-D artforms. I simply adore his works and he takes me away to a foreign country every time I visit his site or read one of his books.

Which is why I am writing today....I am feeling inspired by his latest book "Invitations II". Available on international bookstores online today.

Rhiba and Peter, Taglyan Cultural Complex

2010-04-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

This wedding was a lot of fun! Merging elements of Chinese and Indian cultures was sure to create an interesting look! The Mandap was made out of a custom embroidery fabric and hundreds of roses in a spiral affect across the top facade. The cocktail hour was a blanket of red and gold. Dozens of red lanterns were hung from the ceiling and kissed a center table full of golden cubes and white orchids.

Inside the bride wanted all white flowers and was inspired by free-flowing tulips and the simplicity of simple stems in vases surrounded by votives. The venue is so amazingly beautiful all by itself and with the colors changing with the ceiling every few minutes- it made sense to keep the flowers all white.

Event Coordination: Sonia Sharma

Photography: Andrena Photography

Venue: Taglyan Cultural Complex

Flowers/Decor/Mandap: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design, Me!

Designer Specialty Linens Open House!

2010-04-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design has been asked to participate in a tabletop design for the Open House celebration for Designer Specialty Linens. They recently opened a second store in Orange County and will celebrate the continued success of their Los Angeles County Showroom this week!

We will be at:

188 East 17th Street, Suite 201, Costa Mesa, CA

Thursday: 5pm to 8pm.

We will adorn a new introductory red and gold linen line in a romantic, modern and chic way! You have to come to check it out!

Battle of the Wedding Designers: Season One

2010-04-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

We were so honored when Sonia from SoniaEvents.com asked us to help bring her vision of one of her clients to life. It wasn't just any client. It was a client she hadn't even met before and one that she was only told a wee bit of information about. From who? The producers of a new show "Battle of the Wedding Designers" coming out this fall on TLC.

Ultimately, we discussed her interpretation of the clients vision and she showed us what she would like for us to do. And, we did it! We did a day of shooting wherein the client was introduced to the entire look that Sonia and her team put together..one of which was our tabletop.

Here is a sneak peak..I think I am allowed to do this! :)

South Asian Bride Magazine

2010-04-21T21:28:00.001-07:00

We've been spoted! Here is another image of that bouquet we just blogged about! South Asian Bride Magazine published an article by Sonia's Events wherein she talks about how to make your special event luxurious. Our purple bridal bouquet was featured to help demonstrate how luxurious your bouquet can become by adorning the handle..don't forget about the handle~photographers love a beautiful handle to shoot!

Event Coordinator: Sonia Sharma of Sonia's Events
Photography: Dina at Andrena Photography

Monthly Bouquet Preview

2010-04-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

I absolutley loved this bouquet. We mixed shades of lavender, plum and fushia to create a luxurious collection. The handle was wrapped in a beautiful silver beaded trim from the top all the way down to the base.

Your bouquet should be an accessory - consider it to be like jewelry. It should coordinate not only with your dress, but the rest of you as well! It's also an area that you can have fun and push yourself to go bolder, bigger and perhaps bring out that last bit of wild and crazy that will be tamed oh so soon :)

Special thank you to the amazinly talented photographer, Dina with AndrenaPhotography.

Strawberry Farms Wedding

2010-03-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

What a quaint venue this was!

We had the pleasure of working with this beautiful couple Leyla and Brian as they were married on a rainy afternoon in March and celebrated at Strawberry Farms in Irvine. What a sweet venue to use antique urns and candle stands with lush purple, lavender and white floral.

Event Coordination was provided by the very organized Jeannie at DetailsDetails. Photography was captured by the fantastic photographer Jim Kennedy.

Grand Opening Reception

2010-03-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our Grand Opening Reception a couple weeks ago! We had an amazing time! So Many of you came out to enjoy in the festivities and it was so wonderful to see each and every one of you! Lighting Design was perfected by my favorite lighting designer Amber Yin of AmberYinProductions.

Amber and her team used up lighting, washes and pin-spots to really bring my works to life. Lighting is a necessity to any event and can often have more of an impact than the decor. Then there was DJ Raj from Sound Nation who rocked the house with eclectic sounds of M.I.A, Bob Marley, John Mayer and more (per my request, not sure if these are his typical play requests! :). We transformed our warehouse into a chic black, white and red lounge with lush fur rugs, white leather benches and hundreds of red roses, dahlia's and daisies.

Then there was the food...OMG! I love Sienna Spencer, food writer for Edible Los Angeles and Food Artista who served up mini-plated servings of Spicy Edamame, Chicken Kabaage Skewers with Wasabi-Ranch dipping sauce; Dim Sum Bun with Creme Fraiche and Caviar, Cold Vietnamese Noodle salad with mint-Cilantro Vinaigrette and Asian-Citrus Shrimp with Soy-Bean Avocado Puree..makes me want to have her come over tonight and cook for me more!

Catering Assistance and floor support was provided by the ever so attentive and helpful Jennifer and her team of SpareHands. Entertainment was provided by a local Taiko Drum and Odori (traditional Japanese Dance) Group. Their performance was breathtaking and made everyone in attendance stop and watch their amazing performances.

My team worked through-out the prior night and into the day leading up to the doors opening to create one of a kind, artistically focused designs intended to showcase our ability to transform spaces using non-floral materials and other interesting finds! I think we all enjoyed tasting some sake and just sitting down during an event rather than darting out just as the curtain rises.

All these amazing pictures were taken by Aaron and Maxine Ayala of AyalaImage. What a great job they did capturing the nights decor, tantalizing food and entertainment!

Special thanks to all of my team & vendors that helped make this happen, to all those that attended to show your support and to my darling friends & family for always inspiring me - my designs are the fruition of this love and art.

I look forward to serving up more of these parties through-out the years!

-xoxo Shawna Yamamoto

Monthly Bouquet Insight

2010-03-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Bridal Bouquet of tropical infusion!

I loved this bouquet. The colors were simply stunning! It's not very comman to have a bridal bouquet that doesn't have white in it...so, when I was asked to use some exotic flowers in shades of purples and oranges..I instantly thought of the beautiful Bird of Paradise and the pairing with Mokara orchids, Pin Cushions and brighly colored Dahlia. I custom-made the handle by cutting a thick 8'' long green bamboo and attaching it to the floral head. Thus, creating a tropical handle sure to be a conversation peice!

Special thanks to my bride for trusting me to create such a unique bridal bouquet!

Grand Opening Reception

2010-02-11T22:33:00.000-08:00

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design will be celebrating their Grand Opening!

It is an absolutely amazing time for us as we officially open our Design Studio located just off the 57 freeway in Brea, California.

The place to be:

471 West Lambert, Suite 109

Brea, California 92821

When:

Thursday, February 25, 2010

5pm til 9pm

Open House Style

Please inquire for placement on our guest-list to info@shawnayamamoto.com

Yummy Japanese cuisine, Sake Tasting, Taiko Drum performances, Live DJ, Photobooth and much more! We are going to have a great time showcasing some of our designs and showing off our new studio!

We look forward to seeing you there!

2010-02-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

Weddingwire Bride's Choice Awards 2010 recognizes the top local wedding professionals from the weddingwire network that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism.

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design been awarded the Bride's Choice Award for 2010 and is considered one of the top 5% in the category of floral & decor!

Thank you to all our past and present brides for voting for us!

If you don't have a weddingwire account to help plan your upcoming wedding, please visit http://www.weddingwire.com/.

Ceremony Magazine 2010 - OC Edition

2010-01-16T13:42:00.001-08:00

Please pick up the newest edition of Ceremony Magazine, Orange County Edition. You will get some inspirations for consideration at your wedding and get to see Shawna Yamamoto Event Design as well!

One tabletop featured in Ceremony 2010 in particular was inspired by my favorite Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. I can recall the moment I saw the original painting in person on one of my trips to Vienna, Austria. It was so powerful that it brought me to tears. It's beautifully tangled and twisted and tells a story of love - which I found to be perfect for a wedding tabletop photo shoot.

It's always challenging bringing art to life...but I enjoyed the challenge. I hope it inspires you and makes you want to see more in a tabletop than just another pretty flower arrangement. Every part of a wedding can hold a meaning & hold something near and dear to you within its interpretation. Even if the two of you are the only ones who "get" it.

The tabletops backdrop was constructed out of plywood and painted in copper and brushed with black to work off the background in the painting.

The original painting has actual gems and gold leaf work so I wanted to emphasize the importance of the gold of the painting and bring that into the all gold, tone on tone linens. Wildflower linens creator, Young, brought the falling greens/golds at the base of the painting to life with her amazing chair covers. The hanging crystals pay tribute to the original paintings use of gems and to the country's amazing crystals (Swaravski Crystals). The male is the geometric boxes on the left while she is the golden falling crystals and multi-colored floral garlands on the right. Amber Yin of AmberProductions used her genius of specialized lighting and spotlighted our hand-made crystal chandelier and up lite the backdrop to create the glow you see. The crystals intentionally "kiss" everything below it, rather than falling onto it. I felt it would help symbolize the title of the work if we cut out the crystals around the custom-made geometric vase rather than allowing them to fall all around it.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures and perhaps understand the depth to my designs. Rarely do I design something without meaning or without somehow connecting it to the couple and/or the celebration.

Turquoise, Red and Brown..what have you just found?

2010-01-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

Color combinations can be so exciting! They can be a subtle part of the design or even ALL of the design. This event took place in Malibu at Calimigos Ranch. The bride asked me to create a wedding that used the colors turquoise, red and brown. She was also inspired by Chinese lanterns. The color palette and lanterns made me think of orchids and a deep dark bamboo. Simplicity & romance was also important to the couple so they asked that the centerpieces be low & have lighting/candles.

This was a super sweet couple and I enjoyed working with them so much! I wish them the very best! Here is there story:

The centerpieces were various sized dark bamboo topped with green moss and/or orchids. The center cylinder had copper wire mingling with orchids and a submersed LED. The cluster was surrounded by black river rock and ti-leaf wrapped votives.

The bridal party carried hand-painted paper parasols instead of a bouquet! Loved these!! Amazing find that I must admit matched perfectly!

BRIDAL SHOW 2010

2010-01-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

If you are getting married in 2010, this intimate Bridal Show in Brea, California is a great place to meet wedding profesionals ready to make your dream wedding a realitiy!

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design will be there showcasing some popular trends for 2010. We will answer your questions and book a consultation on the spot for you! We look forward to seeing you there!

Pre-register for a discounted admission at www.breabridalshow.com .

2009 In Review

2010-01-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that this time last year I didn't even know I would be venturing out on my own to start my very own event design company. By the end of March 2009, it was official. I only had one event confirmed. My logo was being designed, website under construction, online advertisments commencing and all but hope for a bright future.

I soon realized what an amazing network of people I had working around me. Industry professionals, event coordinators, photographers, lighting designers, family, friends, and past clients started calling me. ME! I was thrilled. People trusted my product and knew the level of committement and passion that I put into each of my events. They told me so.

Thank you to all of the amazing people that I have worked with this year. All of the success I acheived in 2009 was because of you. I have made so many new friends, supportors, cheerleaders and memories that I will not soon forget. By the end of 2009 I had designed over 25 of my very own events & a list for 2010 already surpassing that number.

I have now became several - with a design team of impecable taste, loyaly and passion. In 2010 we will staff two interns - one in business management and another in design/fabrication. In February 2010 our new design studio doors will officially open for business (party coming..keep posted!). In 2010, you will see Shawna Yamamoto Event Design featured in 3 wedding publications (hopefully more as the year & submissions go on!). In 2010, we will be honored to be called upon by you, your friends, your family and your referrals.

Cheers to an amazing 2009!

Inspiration...

2009-12-27T23:20:00.000-08:00

Where do you find inspiration? I find it all around me. Take a moment the next time you go to the mall, the park, or a museum. Sometimes the inspiration isn't on display, but all around it.

Here is a recent trip I took to get inspired. It's at the J.Paul Getty Mansion in Malibu. I am not the best photographer and do plan on upgrading my camera in the very near future..so don't pay attention to the quality of the image so much as the content.

I love taking these trips! Some are planned while others are spontaneous moments I catch with my camera! Here is another outing I had at a local mall. I love window shopping but it's never for clothes but rather the crazy, amazing displays retailers use to market there product. Oh! I would love to get my hands on a plethora of vintage light bulbs!!

The message today is to keep your eyes open..you might see something that you love! Snap a picture of it and bring it to me and challenge me to do something with it to make a reality design made especially for you!

Modern Fushia Bridal Shower

2009-12-27T22:53:00.000-08:00

An intimate bridal shower doesn't have to come pre-packaged. I think we have all seen enough of the paper banners, balloons and confetti..let's spice it up a bit. The bridal shower doesn't have to spell out BRIDAL SHOWER...right? After all, we are sophisticated woman sending off our best girlfriend to be wed~

Every great party should have a coordinating signature drink. Here we took champagne mixed with fresh berries and garnished it with an edible fushia orchid.
As a favor, each guest was given a new pair of slippers to wear and take home! This also was a great way to protect the floors from dirty shoes! Notice the coordinating containers the shoes are put in? Presentation is everything!A miniature cupcake was used as our placecard holders with a added punch of luxury with a fushia orchid. Notice how the napkin is folded to add color between the salad plate and the luncheon plate? These modern white plates cost just as much as the traditional round china one can rent..so why not do it up a bit different? A modern tablescape was created using a river of crushed colored glass & sleek sexy white vases. Every other vase was full of orchids and while the others had either a single Dahlia bloom or the simplisity of beautiful green tropical leaves.

Hopefully, you have found inspiration in this simple yet modern shower. We enjoy doing these small intimate events for our clients.

Busy, Busy, little Bee

2009-12-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to BLOG since the end of November but I have been so busy! It's amazing, really! This is usually a slower season for the Industry but I have been fortunate to get some amazing events. I just finished up doing six events in under five weeks. My entire team is exhausted! Oh, but it was sooo worth it!!

The stretch began with a wedding near Disneyland, then off to a private home on the tip of a hill in Chino, Calimigos Ranch in Malibu, Fullertons' Summit House, Delhi Palace Restaurant in Canoga Park and back down to Seacliff Country Club in Costa Mesa. We feel trans-Angeles.

I'll be posting some pictures once I get them from all the amazing photographers and a few of my own, if I brave it.

Wedding Profile: Birds bathed in Yellow..

2009-11-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

It's always so much fun to have a solid color palette and a "theme". We don't want it to be too thematic..but, sometimes I do go crazy with inspirational moments that could result in a totally thematic event.

Fortunately, I have a team of talented assistants that HOLD ME BACK..it's a good thing..really. Oh, the budget and the client -you- also do a good job at pulling me back down to earth.

Here is a wedding that was at the Richard Nixon Library. The bride loved birds and the idea of using them with the decor. The venue offers itself up to a palette of golds, yellow, ivory and garden greens. Here is a sneak peak of what the end result was.

More images to come in my gallery! I really loved this wedding, not just because of the theme, but the colors were so vibrant! So fresh and light!

Special thanks to Aaron and his team at AyalaImage.com for the images of this event!

Table Numbers..or names..or..

2009-11-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

As your designer, I MUST consider everything that goes on that table. EVERYTHING. Last minute "fly-by's" drop 'n go's are not always the best idea. This Includes the favors, menu cards, table numbers and/or anything else besides what is expected and I am planning to bring.

Table numbers? Yes, the table numbers or names you may creatively come up with while sipping a glass of zin with the fiance.

If I don't know about this...how do I prepare for it? Tent numbers are so boring. The photographer will usually pick it up before he takes the picture of the centerpeice! It doesn't cost much to upgrade, especially if you can make a quick trip to your local craft store and DIY..and have me to help guide you along the way.

The table number/name can become part of the overall design. Let's have fun with it! I promise it will be photo worthy and your guests will appreciate all the time you put into it!

Here are a few examples:

Each of these cost less than $5 each. This simple modification combined the tablescape with the table number so we don't see the infamous white and black tent sticking up on the tables...please..please....let me help you!

It's all in the details. That is what people talk about...

Events: Wedding Contest!

2009-11-01T22:59:00.001-08:00

Shawna Yamamoto is a proud sponsor of Modern LA Weddings Wedding Contest. Read more to learn how you could win some exciting prizes!

Attention all BRIDES, GROOMS, family and friends! Modern LA Weddings, an event planning firm based in Southern California has launched a contest where one lucky bride will receive our Full or Partial Design & Planning" package at 25% off or "Day-of Coordination" package at 50% off! Winner will also receive a Prize Package of gifts and specific discounts from our sponsors and preferred vendors below. The Winner will be selected and notified on January 31, 2010.Sponsors and Preferred Vendors Prizes include:

Brides.com gift bag.

Prize: $25 gift certificate towards purchase including Flower Girl Dresses, Boys Tuxedos & Baby Dresses.

Prize: Complimentary wedding party flowers - 1 bridal bouquet, 2 bridesmaids bouquets and 3 bout's (a $300 value) and a 10% off a flower order of $1000 or more. Other details would apply (delivery/set-up etc.)

Prize: Choice of $50 off an engagement session, or an extra hour of coverage on booked wedding package or 10% off full wedding package (photography will be shot by staff photographer)

Prize: 25% off Radiance package (normally $3,600) includes full wedding coverage by Sarah Olson and an assistant.

Contest Rules: Entrant's planned wedding must be located in Southern CA (Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego). If Winner selects our "Full Wedding Design & Planning" package, official wedding date must be on or after October 1, 2010 (eight months after contest ends.) If Winner selects our "Day-of Coordination" wedding package, official wedding date must be on or after March 1, 2010 (one month after contest ends.) Contest prizes must be remeeded within a year after the contest ends.

To Enter: In ten words or less, describe your DREAM wedding. Email your "Dream Wedding" answer and Full Name, Phone Number, City, and Wedding Date to

contest@modernlaweddings.com

PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS.
ABOUT US: Modern LA Weddings - specializing in Creative Design, Planning and Coordination of weddings and special events. Our mission is to create beautiful, stylish, modern events that you can afford. Events that capture our clients’ ideas and not their pocketbooks.

Design Process: Ricky & Sonal's Wedding

2009-10-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

Process sounds daunting. I don't want you to think what I do is "process". I hated that word in my old corporate job. Yet, what I do is somewhat of a "process". Creative in nature.

During the initial consultation I find out fairly quickly if my client is looking to have her wedding designed for her or if she has already figured it out with all the clippings she has seen and saved. Have I already told you how much I love creative freedom? It's important for an artist to have.

I've thought about why I have had all the jobs that I have. I realize now that the job I had investigating required me to listen..listen..and listen. Within the words, within the hesitation, you find something unspoken that even the speaker doesn't hear...but me.

Also, as an investigator, one is required to be able to observe. Observation...observation...collecting evidence..(clippings, textures, images)..this is one of my favorite times.

Looking through the bridal "bibles" every bride creates. The images that are explained to me as "it's not exactly what I want, but I like the.." , "the colors are wrong, but the..", I already now, you need not explain.

I quickly realized that not every bride knows what they want, even those that think they know what they want, really don't know what they want simply because they haven't seen it yet.

That is what I am here for. To listen, observe, collect, examine, consider, wonder, play and determine. I thought I left that investigating job..or did I? It is a process..can I call it something different, please?

At the end of the beginning to it all, I have sketches and descriptions of what I pulled from the consultation. I have recommendations. I have a vision of which I pulled through your eyes. I have a desire to make that vision a reality no matter how small or how big that day is..after all, they are all magical days for you, your guests...and even for me.

Here is an example of a recent process of Ricky & Sonal Bhasin's wedding reception we did on 08/01/09.

You can see from the image on top that my sketch had the overall look solid, but through follow-up meetings, discussions and additions, the stage was slightly modified to suit the clients needs.

Sketches help my clients "see" what I see and to hopefully give them a more informed idea as to what my narrative really means. This way, they really know what they are going to get..and what to expect from us upon execution!

Monthly Bouquet Insight: Stop the insanity!

2009-10-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

I don't want to insult anyone here, but really? Another bouquet that looks like the other 1,000 bouquets that are proudly sported on the cover of the latest issue of your favorite bridal magazine?

I see the bouquets as an accessory. Taking nothing as an assumption - I always ask, will you be having your girls carry flowers? They don't have to carry a bouquet, right? It's okay..we can stray away from ordinary. When you shop for accessories, don't you go for something that speaks to you? Something that is different, interesting, and matches the outfit you want to pair it with? Let's not let another bouquet be designed without these same needs considered!

Here are a few of my favorite ones I've been able to design for my brides.

Dried palm leaves were painted and then wrapped into a continues cascade of loops to create this european designer inspired interpretation. Beautiful purple Vanda orchids and lily grass finished the design nicely. Photo provided by JohnandJosephPhotography.

The handle is hard to see on this one, but the handle was made out of an acrylic tube and was accented by purple gems. We added a collar of textured branches to help the bouquet scream texture.
This was on of our sustainable design bouquets. Here we used motherboards from a recycled computer and added a few locally grown calla, low watering succulents and some greens. The handle is wrapped with recycled ribbon (from an older box wrap we did) and screws & wire from the dismantling of the computer were used to accent the handle.

And even more fabulous ones are in the making. We cannot wait to see how the images turned out for one we just did for Ceremony Magazine!

I have a bride that is using amazing hand-painted Chinese parasols for her girls and we are accenting the hand that holds the handle with a chunky turquoise bracelet with beautiful orchids and some tropical accents!

Come on, bring it on! Let us design something especially for you!

Sustainable Design Project II: Wedding Dress De-contruction REVEALED!

2009-10-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple images from a photo shoot we did with our vintage wedding gown. The idea was to repurpose something old, something used, something borrowed, nothing blue, and a bit of somethings new.

For your intimate sustainable design, consider repurposing your mother or great grandmothers gown into something eco-fabulous. The head table can be covered by an amazing linen, napkins can be wrap with bits of lace or the centerpeice can be the transformation. Here, we did it all.

The napkins are wrapped with the sleeves, the chairs are accented by the gowns boddice, antique costume jewelry adorn the bridal bouquet.The skirt of the wedding dress was shreaded into peices and let to hang loosely around a wreath ring. We dangled a few crystals from my inventory and attached it to a tower of glasses. These cups were from my great grandmothers collection that was handed down to me many years ago. I glued them together to create a 3' tall tower. We then added some roses, fern and orchids to accent the base.

Recipe: Rentals were provided by Create a Party Rentals in Brea, California. Photography courtesy of Ayalaimage.com. Design assistance provided by Nicole Garcia. Special thank you to Carbon Canyon Regional Park for the beautiful backdrop to our tabletop. China, stemware is personal collection.

Design 101:Color

2009-10-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Having a difficult time picking that perfect color? Do you have a favorite color but not sure how to use it or compliment it? Is that favorite color even right for your season or type of event?

To help you bring a color pallette together that speaks to the season, your vision, and the latest trends use your resources! Me..or the internet.

To help you get started, here is a great website I was introduced to. You can experiment with color and patterns. Check out a few of my favorites!

This is a great website! Check them out at http://www.colourlovers.com/. Let's see what you can come up with! Be original, Be bold and Be a rebel!

Sustainable Design Project II: Wedding Gown De-Construction

2009-10-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Materials: Vintage wedding dress, circa 1970's picked up from Goodwill, Vintage stemware from my grandmothers collection. Glue. Corsage Pins.

I am always playing with new designs. I wanted to know what I could do using an old wedding gown and some vintage items my great grandmother had given to me many years ago. So, I went into design mode and started tearing, ripping, glueing, stacking and pinning.
Here are some images I snapped of the original materials. I had a photo shoot last week where the finished product was featured. I am excited to show you the end result in the coming weeks.

2009-10-11T12:40:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my new BLOG page. It's still under construction while I try to upload all my past BLOG entries. Thank you for visiting and come back soon!