Trending | Banana Leaf and Palm Print

I'm admittedly a pattern girl. Give me a pile of fabric with complimentary (yet contrasting) patterns, I'm smitten. But as patterns, prints and trends come and go, there are a few that have continually stood the test of time, and one of those happen to be the ever lovely palm leaf (or banana leaf) print. It's one of those elements that can morph itself into any design inspiration- from natural, to glam (Hollywood Regency, anyone?), to boho- this leafy maven has us covered.  Laurel and Wolf, the iconic online interior design firm, inspired me to share my thoughts on how to introduce the print into whatever you happen to be styling.

Interiors + Living Space

I tend to lean toward the philosophy of grounding with neutrals and adding patterns, color, or unexpected elements in smaller doses (or in specified areas) for a beautifully layered effect.

Right: via  | Left via My Domaine

Via Elements of Style

Each of these spaces have mostly white, tan, gold and black accents, layered with the leafy pattern. 

Via Project Nursery

However, the print is also amazing at grounding a busier space, too, like this crazy adorable nursery. 

Weddings + Parties

Using the palm leaf as part of your wedding design and/or party decor is less about becoming tropical and more about adding a fresh + modern accent to your event. And while the leaf definitely lives in harmony with a Hawaiian vibe, it can also be super stylish with even the most romantic or playful design. 

Right via Camille Styles | Left via Laurel and Wolf

I love turning traditional things into unexpected surprises, like penning a menu on a large palm leaf (or insert any object de nature, here), and a wedding lounge would be so sophisticated and on point with a pairing of graphic patterns, complimentary colors, and the palm print. 

Left via The Sweetest Occasion | Right via We are Scout

And of course, for the more fun-loving social parties, this print is perfect on decorations or as a live centerpiece to your table. 

All in all, this print is one of those you just can't go wrong with. All of this inspiration has me rethinking our outdoor lounge at home, too- just might need to pick up some of these banana leaf pillows for a little touch of sophisticated nature to our backyard. Would love to know- what are your favorite inspirations or ways to use the print? 

Don't forget to check out Laurel + Wolf for even more inspo on all things style and decorating, via their website, blog, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Xo,

Brandi

Styling a Coffee Table with Chairish

When it comes to styling my home, I tend to be a bit of a minimalist- in both color (neutral always wins it for me) and accessories. And when I do buy trinkets and decor, it has to be something I really love to look at. But I do love putting together areas of my living space that pop a little more, and give the entire room a nice balance of visual interest. One of the places I love to do this is with a coffee table, so when Chairish approached me about my take on styling one of their gorgeous vintage coffee tables, I was all in. 

Chairish is an online resource, and basically a design lovers solution to buying and selling vintage furniture across the country. The company features beautifully curated pieces, and includes everything from art to decor to rugs and lighting too. I was asked to share my tips on styling, using one of the gorgeous vintage coffee tables available in their shop right now. My heart jumped a little when I saw this four drawer black lacquer lovely, and it was so fun to put together a collection of accessories and must-haves that would make this gem shine. 

I started with the necessities: the items that would ground the entire look, while also keeping everything together. This white hexagon tray is dainty and functional, and I thought it provided a nice juxtaposition to the masculine lines of the table. 

My next go-to is books. I love switching out really great coffee table books periodically because they are constant conversation starters, and tend to be lovely to look at too. I have both of these books- Erin Gates’ Elements of Style and Coco Chanel by Lisa Chaney- and both of their black and white covers are the perfect amount of neutral yet stylish for this table. I also love mixing in other trade style books, whether they be for entertaining or even just photo books. My biggest requirement for a really great coffee table design is that it’s both functional and beautiful. 

From there I will always have a candle and flowers. I love finding soft, floral scents that aren’t too strong for the room, and it’s always a bonus for pretty containers too. This Cucumber Pop candle would be a great way for a subtle addition of color in the mix, and I love how the rim is in gold, pulling it together with the neutrals too. 

Finally, we can’t forget ‘les objets’- the accessories that really speak to your personality and finish off the entire look. I loved this lacquer box (perfect for the functional purpose of concealing anything from remotes to the small items that have no place to go) and this vintage brass wishbone for style and luck. 

It was so fun to find pieces to style this beautiful table; Be sure to check out their entire collection of coffee tables here. 

October Insta-Favorites

October was a big month for the Soirettes- we had a myriad of projects and weddings to tend to- who ever said wedding season ended in September?? Looking back through all of the photos, a few things became obvious to me: 1) I really need to be posting on Instagram more. Seriously, 4 posts in October? Not good. 2) Kim is much better at posting on Instagram than I am, and therefore most of these photos are from her account (good job Kimmy!) 3) October was a busy month, and no wonder I'm tired. Here are a few photos from our adventures in October-and now that I've admitted to the world that I'm not so great at publicly documenting things, please check my Instagram for what will be a crazy amount of posts this month!

We started this month off with the sweetest private ranch wedding, ever. Dubbed the "fancy farm wedding", our bride wore a gorgeous pink dress, and lots of gold and sparkle made way into the farm setting. It was also one of the most torrential wind storms ever, too- back up plan in the barn worked well in a split second change of weather!

Baby Hudson is a star. 

Our most favorite project to date- an amazing collaboration with so many great vendors. Our "Come Away With Me" photo shoot introduced a brand new venue in McCall and had so much fall and winter inspiration included- can't wait to share more of this one! And no, those were not Moscow Mules in our cups, but rather warm coffee as we were freezing!

The three musketeers at our last wedding in October

And bonus: this one is actually not on Instagram (surprise), but on my iphone, so I included it anyways. A snapshot of the fall-inspired table we designed for Paperie and Pen's grand opening at the Village at Meridian....it was actually quite a challenge to take the ideas of one design and change it up a bit. Fun nonetheless, and hope you've been able to stop by their amazing new store! 

Happy Wednesday! 

Xo,

Brandi

Introducing.....E-Design Services

Hi Lovelies,

Today is the day that we are totally embracing the space outside of our comfort zones and launching something that has been in my brain for a while. And by a while, we're talking years. I'll bring you up to speed with a little background on this project: Ever since its first humble day of operation in January of 2006, I've been working to create a core for Soiree that would mainly involve design services (more affectionately coined experience and lifestyle design), event planning services that would marry the design and logistics, and styling. Even though we started out with event planning only, I've always known that one day Soiree would be recognized for design first, with the planning playing a necessary supporting role for an amazing experience. We've since evolved into a very (blessed) design-heavy business with an emphasis on lifestyle and our planning services have developed (lovingly) into being tailored for our out of town and destination clients; the ones that need a specially niche set of services.

With the complexity of our events increasing, more traveling, and less events we're able to accept each year, we really wanted to create programs and products that might be able to offer a different type of assistance, no matter where in the country our clients might be. Enter our newest Soiree baby:
 E-Design services!

Centerpiece by Lovely Little Details

One day I literally woke up and decided that we were just going to launch it. Ask my girls, too. I walked into the office with a vengeance and we got to work. So what is this e-design? It means that anyone- no matter the budget, whether they live on the East coast, West coast, here in Boise or somewhere in between, or just simply need a little design direction so that they can diy to their hearts content- can work with us to bring your vision to life. 

{Please contact  us for sources}

Here's how it works: We'll send out an extremely detailed questionnaire to get the process started. We'll also ask a lot of questions based on your venue, party, or details you're interested in. From there we'll collaborate with you over email to create a visual design board and a full purchase/rental list with real ideas and items you can put into place for your wedding or event. 

Organic cake photo via White Magazine

In short, we'll be walking you through a similar design process that we use for our weddings, to provide you with a fool-proof blueprint to accessing the wedding or party of your dreams. 

I've been sitting on this idea for years, because I wasn't sure how to offer it, or how it would work. But then I realized that what we do for our clients on an everyday basis- connecting them and their weddings with creative companies and products all over the country- has already put us in a position to offer design help virtually. 

Example of a tabletop only design board: Metal hang tags- BHLDN | Charger/Plate + Amber glasses- Frances Lane | Gold graphic paper- Paper Source | Linen + Napkin swatch- La Tavola Fine Linen | Wood Cake Stand- Williams Sonoma

When we design a wedding for a client, we have set up our relationships across the country- from industry and trade only accounts to retail options that we can't live without (hello, Home Goods, West Elm and Pottery Barn to name a few)- so that we can layer our events with attainable, unique items that aren't all rental or all purchase. This is how we are able to create a comfortable, inviting environment that everyone can relate to, while keeping it completely personalized and different. By using this mix of suppliers and resources, not only do even diy clients have access to amazing options they normally wouldn't unless using a planner or designer, we are also able to offer a custom design experience without the custom price tag attached. 

Example of a Lounge-Only design board: 1. & 2. Nuage Designs | 3. Ikea | 4. & 5. Safavieh coffee table + Honeycomb side table, Target

Clients will be able to choose single elements of the wedding (tabletop design, lounge area), specific areas or portions of the party (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception or after party), or choose to have us create a design for the entire event for maximum cohesiveness. Each design board will come with a full to-buy/rental list with links, and each design board will take into account the location of the event or client to ensure accessibility. Clients will also have the option to include trade-only items with their blueprint (in which we would obtain) or to have their boards include only retail ideas (from either chain/online stores available or rental companies located in their town) they can implement completely on their own. 

We think it's a win-win for everyone, and would love to see it take off. The whole process will take 4-6 weeks, after which you should be on your way to easily put together an amazing wedding without all of the heartache. We'll be offering special launch pricing for a limited time, and as we do with all of our events, we'll be limiting the amount of e-design projects we take on-so please contact us for more details! contact@weddingsbysoiree.com

We're so excited for this new venture and hope you are too. Would love to hear your thoughts or questions in the comments section! 

Xo,

Brandi

Soiree Feature | Bonobos Clothing for Men

We know it's just as important for those gentlemen to look and feel dapper on their special day, and that's why we're super excited to feature this fabulous clothing line for men!  So happy Bonobos sent us some photos- the minute I checked out the line, I was in love. They offer so many different colors and patterns and just overall handsome designs for all the fellas, and best yet? The Spring Suit Collection, a line of seersucker and cotton suits, the perfect compliment for the warm weather weddings we have coming up!

A little behind the curtain snippet from the brand themselves: 

"Bonobos is a clothing brand focused on delivering great fit, high energy, and superb customer experience. Launched in 2007 on the Internet with its signature line of better-fitting men’s pants, Bonobos is now the largest apparel brand ever built on the web in the United States."

They are so great in helping to find the perfect attire for the big day, with these awesome customer service reps called Ninjas, Guideshops that offer personalized service one on one, and Groomservice, to help set up appointments and find the perfect look and fit for all those groomsmen, and of course the groom, for the big day! Not in New York? No problem- this company is used to suiting up guys all over the states- just give them a call and they'll get you set up. 

I seriously hope to see some of you guys rocking these looks at those warm weddings this year. From simple, patterned, light, classic, all the styles are perfect. Check out the full site- from another one of our favorites, the Slim Shop, find shoes, to everyday wearables- just in time for spring. And here's the real treat, 20% off your purchase if you're a new customer, so use it before it's up! Promo code, NEWCUSTOMER20 at Bonobos.

I hope you love it as much as we do!

Happy day,

 

Reflections | Engage!13 Part 2

I'm back with more reflections from last week's whirlwind trip to Engage!13 Montelucia Resort and Spa, and the video from days 2 & 3....the best of the two videos if you ask me. Day 2 was jam packed with breakfast, speakers, a break with bacon (not kidding), and then a dine-around evening followed by a dessert after-party. One of the most exciting parts? Every single time we left the room we came back to another surprise or gift...the swag alone at this summit was unreal. The dine-around dinner events were held at three different locations- a picturesque soon-to-be venue in Scottsdale, Restoration Hardware (so jealous of the sweet little plants that group received) in honor of Eddie Zaratsian's living lifestyle brand in conjunction with RH, and finally another group of Engagees stayed at the resort for their dinner. Each table featured one of the speakers, so it was nice to be up close and personal with some of the best of the best.

Day 3 started with a mega inspirational breakfast outside on the lawn (surrounded by and underneath breathtaking canopies by Raj Tents) and Simon T Bailey. From there we entered into a half-day of breakout sessions for the most amazing Q&A periods...can you imagine being able to ask anyone anything about their businesses? Finally, lunch in the courtyard followed by the gifting lounge (more presents!) before heading out to get ready for the grand Gala that evening. And the Gala? Amazing. Designed by Todd Fiscus and executed by some very talented individuals. I'll let the video do the talking about this event, because whatever I say here will not do it justice.

Without further adieu, my reflections on the last two days of Engage!13:

1. My favorite quote from Day 2 was from Matthew Robbins: "...Be your very best at the place you're at right now." So true, isn't it? Really had to let that one sink in.

2. Sylvia Weinstock is such an interesting and worldly woman. Hope our paths cross again someday.

3. The bands at Engage! are simply amazing. Never underestimate the power of a really talented live band.

4. On that note, the mixologists from The Grand Bevy were amazing to watch. Just goes to show how food and drink can really contribute to a grand experience!

Xo,

engage!13 | Montelucia - Days 2 & 3 from I Do Films on Vimeo.

Guesterly | A True Guest Experience

A couple of months ago I awoke to an email headed "Boise-fast coffee or beer chat"? I thought to myself, someone really knows how to get my attention! Fast forward about a week and I sat over a cup of really good coffee sharing a Dulce de Leche macaroon with Rachel Hofstetter of Guesterly. 

We met at A Tavola in Boise to chat about her brainchild, a get-to-know-you magazine for wedding guests. After chatting for a bit about her former life as a food editor (at the likes of O, The Oprah Magazine no less), we got down to the nitty gritty of how Guesterly was born and how it works. 

While planning her own wedding to her husband, Lorne, they dreamt of finding a way to introducing and making their guests (from all over the country) feel as though they already knew each other. They wanted a way to create an experience for their guests so that everyone came to their wedding weekend relaxed, having fun, and making lasting memories. After a bit of walking down memory lane via Lorne's Princeton Herald they came up with the idea to create their own Herald-like booklet with heartfelt bios of each of their wedding guests. Rachel put her magazine editor skills to work to write those tidbits and fun facts about each of their guests, including interviewing Lorne's entire side of the guest list. Then Lorne put his skills to the test to design the book to showcase every single guest in attendance. A week before the wedding the books were mailed out and soon the phone calls and emails came pouring in- their guests loved every bit of it. 

Rachel and Lorne at their wedding | A few snapshots of actual Guesterly's 

Before they knew it, friends of the couple began asking for the booklet for their weddings. One thing led to another, and soon they knew it was time to set out to create Guesterly 2.0 so they could offer that lasting experience to everyone. 

"Find your tablemates", "Meet her globetrotting grandparents"...just a few of the sneak peek snippets to welcome your guests

So how does it work? Like magic really. Lorne and Rachel have thought of everything, including a specially designed software that pulls photos of your guests through Facebook. Photos are enhanced via a photo editor to make your guests shine, and are dropped into a custom layout (including colors, typography, and more) created by Guesterly's graphic designers. A few weeks before the wedding Guesterly's writers set up a fun interview with the couple to help create the bios for your guests, then send a proof check for you to look over. When all is approved, the booklet is sent to their printing partners (many of which print some of the most popular magazines on newsstands now- thanks to Rachel's insider connections!) and the finished product is mailed out to your guests a week before the wedding. In short, they've made the process so easy peasy, and your guests are guaranteed to throw a fit about it (in a good way!).

What's more is you get to customize your Guesterly however you want- think table assignments, directions, maps, to-do activities and more. No matter what, the booklet will become a cherished keepsake from your wedding- for you and your guests, and we can't stop talking about it.

Be sure to take a peek at the website for more information, photos, and even a free sample! You can also stay up to date by following on Twitter and Facebook.

Happy Planning,

Featured | Inspired Designer

So excited to have been featured on Inspired Designer today....Kristin is one of my dear friends and she holds a regular interview series on her blog each Thursday, so I was over the moon when she asked if I would be a part of it. After reading the entire interview, I have to say thank you to Kristin for the kind words! After all, Kristin is someone that has achieved so much in her craft and is someone I really hold with high regard. And in other news, can't believe we met 15 years ago... This makes me feel old! Take a peek at the full feature here, and have a lovely Thursday!

Xo,

September In Photos

It's officially fall! And I love fall...does anyone else feel like they get more done when the weather is a little colder? Give me a good cup of coffee, a great Pandora station, and watch me go. September was a big month for us- we officially moved (more on that later), had a few early fall weddings, and generally just had a good time. A few photos to reflect on the month....

I had a most awesome coffee date with a super dynamic lady...can't wait to share more of this in an upcoming blog post!

I got the house ready for Fall....so inspired by naturals this year. Think kale and cabbage. 

The ongoings of the office- definitely a work in progress! But I am pretty smitten with this wallpaper from Hygge & West. 

Our own Soirette Annie is getting married- this upcoming weekend! We couldn't let her get hitched without throwing her a Soiree bridal shower, complete with mimosa bar and Lily Jane's cupcakes. 

And finally, a photo of multitasking in progress- prepping a door for escort cards (in heels). 

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, and keep in touch with us via hashtag #soireeweddingsboise! 

Happy Fall,

A Wedding Ready Body

With the plethora of diets and eating plans out there to choose from it's no wonder getting and staying on track to a healthy weight is hard, and when there's an added time frame (like a wedding), even more pressure arises to make it happen (and it often leads to failure and frustration). As a former yo yo and on-trend dieter myself, it was like a true miracle when the day came that it clicked in my head that even a subtle lifestyle shift was the winning ticket to losing and maintaining the physique I wanted. So when Sharon Taylor emailed me about her new book for brides, I was so excited to share. Sharon gave me a sneak peek into the content, and what I love most about the book is the easy-to-read and follow format. No tricky formulas, just helpful shifts in mindset (and pantry) that will help the pounds come off.

In honor of her book going live on Amazon, she is offering you the chance to have it for free (regularly $2.99) until this Sunday, Sept. 8th. Just follow the link here to download, and what do you have to lose?

If you have some time this weekend do leave us a comment letting us know your thoughts, too!

Happy Thursday!

Xo,

Featured | Riley & Grey {Limited Edition Wedding Websites}

A luxury website for your wedding? Why not is what we said. After all, in the grand order of things, your wedding website is likely the second peek into what your big day stands for. We've long been advocates for easy-to-remember URL's, simplistic designs that don't bog down the details, and user-friendly platforms. But now that we've discovered Riley & Grey we're on the make everything about your wedding custom bandwagon.

The site is instantly different donning a gorgeous home page photo from none other than Jose Villa. From there, invitation-only email status is how you are ensured only limited-edition, well-designed website templates unique to you. A few designs being featured now are below. In the meantime, we want to know- would you spring for a custom designed wedding website? Do tell us in the comments and happy Friday! 

June In Photos

I know I say this every time I begin a post for a new month- where did the last month go? June was another whirlwind as we headed into wedding season full force, complete with my first official wedding back after baby break. But what better way to kick off my personal wedding season with an event out at Boise's beautiful Orangery At Ball Manor?

Here are a few photos from our comings and goings this past month. Can't wait to see what's in store for July with the big red and white holiday happenings, 4 weddings on deck, and more..

Xo,

We made it out to help Will celebrate his grand opening of Flowers At Will- many congrats!

Snuck in a little wine tasting while visiting for a site meeting..

And did the the happy dance over some fabulous linen swatches for upcoming weddings.

Me and Michelle on another site visit in beautiful McCall

And last but not least, baby H got cuter and cuter...

Happy Monday!