Succulent Inspirations
We hope you all loved our living table from the NACE Design Trends competition that we posted earlier this week. The table was created largely out of plants called succulents. No doubt you’ve rubbed Aloe-infused lotion on a sunburn to ease the pain after a few too many minutes outside. Or maybe you’ve seen those gigantic cacti in the dessert (these). Both of these plants are part of the succulent family.
Succulent plants are especially well-equipped at retaining water in the leaves, stems, and roots in order to survive unfavorable conditions. That’s why you often find them in dry, arid climates like the desert. They have a few evolutionary advancements that help them collect as much moisture as they can. For instance, roots very near the soil’s surface can take up moisture from small showers or heavy dew, while an impervious, outer skin cuticle retains this water. Succulents are like the camels of the plant world.
One really interesting type of succulent is the epiphyte, or air plant. They have limited or no contact with the ground, remaining largely dependent on the moisture taken in from the air to survive. Take a look at a few of our pictures below to get a better understanding of what these succulent plants look like. Don’t be afraid to mix them into an arrangements, a terrarium, or even a bridal bouquet. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
-William Fogler
WM Events
The New Lighter Than Air Camera- Literally!
Cameras have been shrinking for years. But what if they became so thin, they weren’t there anymore? That’s what Yeon Su Kim’s Air Clicker prototype strives to do. With two simple rings you wear on one hand, this camera looks more like a jewelry accessory than a state of the art photographic device for space-saving shutter bugs.
Here’s how it works. The lense is situated on the thumb ring, and activates using the silicon sensor on the pointer finger. So, when you would have bent your finger to press a physical shutter release button, you’re instead just pressing the air. The two rings sync up and take a picture, which is then wirelessly sent to your phone. Voila! Also, a prolonged tension in the ringer finger sensor will change the camera to video mode like in the picture below. I wish this technology would hurry up so I could save some pocket space. How much would you pay for something like this?
-William Fogler
WM Events
DIY: Doodled Shoes, A New Life For Old Soles
Here at WM Events, we’re all about breathing new life into old or otherwise unusable objects. So, when a pair of her white leather shoes got a little scuffed, Leigh looked for a wonky way to spice up her spikes. Inspired by a contest on DoodlersAnonymous.com where the website gave away a pair of Sam Pierpoint doodled shoes, she took to her red sharpie and went to town. They’re relatively symmetrical, and filled with interesting patterns that will make any little black dress pop with artful flair. These conversation pieces took about 2 hours and 5 sharpies total. What are your favorite ways to cover up imperfections? Would you wear shoes like this down the aisle? Leave your comments below!
-William Fogler
WM Events
TEA WEEK: Leftovers to Love
Whether you’re celebrating Veteran’s Day, 11/11/11, or just Friday, today is the perfect Fall day to stop and relax for half a second. And ok. We may be going a little overboard with the tea thing, but it’s a serious comfort drink that a lot of people are serious about. To be honest, we’re just a little excited about the first onset of cold weather. Here it Atlanta, it always happens much later than our northern counterparts, and we’ve been a little jealous. So we’re wrapping up the week of with a slew of special additions to your tea-drinking traditions. These cool design finds are perfect for stocking stuffers, welcome baskets, or corporate take-aways. Have you ever tried the products below? Tell us in the comments!
Blooming Teas via Teavana
Tea Top Brew Travel Mug via Mighty Leaf
Sugar Time Capsules via Erez Bar-Am
-William Fogler
WM Events
Inspiration: Southeast Asia Party
Konnichiwa. Ni Hao. Sa-Was-Dee. Magandang Araw. Xin Chao. Greeting your guests is the first step in throwing a stellar Southeast Asian Extravaganza. Though yours may not be elaborate as some Royal Asian Weddings, below we’ve gathered a few inspiring pictures and ideas to throw a Bali-Bash or Singaporean Soiree perfect for you. Let the colors, culture, and cuisine motivate you to throw on your favorite Kebaya (traditional Cambodian blouse) and host the most amazing Southeast Asian party yet!
Here are lanterns designed for the Chinese Garden at Montreal Botanical Garden’s Le Magie des Lanternes, an annual festival celebrating the tradition of these skillfully handcrafted decorations.
Speaking of lanterns, Thailand celebrates it’s annual Yi Peng Festival by releasing thousands of Khom Fai (floating lanterns) into the sky. The candle inside the rice paper lantern generates enough hot air to gently raise each twinkling light high above the crowd below. Why not add to the night sky with your own Yi Peng Festival?
Traditional music of Southeast Asia is both eclectic and inspiring. Play your guests gong-chime or khim recordings they’re sure to love!
Guests are sure to work up an appetite, so why not offer a traditional Ponorogo Chicken Satay? Javanese street vendors offer these delectable treats of skewered meat or vegetables dipped in sauces (peanut or pineapple, for example) for passerby’s. Of course, noodles, rice, banana leaves, coconuts, and fruits play a large part in SE Asian cuisines.
-William Fogler
WM Events
ANOTHER Royal Wedding to Gush About!
What do you know about Bhutan? That it’s situated on the eastern end of the Himilayas? Or that its national sport is archery? Or that it’s capital is Thimphu? We’ll here’s one thing you SHOULD know: they just had a royal wedding! Though not as highly publicized as the nuptials of Will and Kate, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck & Jetsun Pema tied the knot on October 13th (now a national holiday in Bhutan). Let’s delve a little deeper in comparing these too royal affairs.
Engagement:
An adorable story suggests that Jigme, 10 years her senior, asked Jetsun to be his wife at a family picnic when she was just 7 years old. On one knee, the then-prince said, “when you grow up, if I am single and not married and if you are single and not married, I would like you to be my wife, provided we still feel the same.” How pragmatic! Both went on to study in the UK, the king at Oxford and the queen at Regents College. Obviously, Will and Kate studied in the UK as well, both graduating from St. Andrews. Both engagements are particularly interesting as the women are of common ancestry, while the men are deeply grounded in royal blood. Lastly, the “Dragon King” asked for his bride’s hand in marriage earlier this year, celebrating a short 5-month engagement just like William and Kate.
Attendance:
Unlike the Brits, Jigme and Jetsun did not invite Sir Elton John to join in the festivities. Actually, the entire wedding was kept rather intimate, predominately members of Bhutan’s royal family.
Ceremony:
Both couple enjoyed their ceremony with pomp and circumstance, ceremoniously traveling to nationally important landmarks past streets lined with spectators. The brides both wore exquisit garments created by skilled designers, though Jetsun’s answer to Kate’s Alexander McQueen gown was a traditional kiras made from handwoven raw silk. And let’s not forgot those head coverings. Princess Eugenie and Beatrice made headlines with those awful hats, but Jetsun’s crown was an embroidered piece of artwork.
Honeymoon:
While Will and Kate took to the island of Seychelles off the coast of African, the Bhutanese couple decided for a honeymoon closer to home, touring by train the state of Rajasthan, India. They too will leave a few days after the ceremony to celebrate their romance in an exotic land.
Both nuptials were incredibly important to the nations and cultures they represent. And as American’s we can only admire from afar at the royal love stories while we flip channels between Kim (Kardashian) and Kris and Kim (Zolciak) and Kroy. Thanks again Bravo.
-William Fogler
WM Events
WM Events on Grace Ormonde’s Website
Grace Ormonde knows what she’s doing- especially when it comes to weddings. That’s why we were so delighted to have one of our event photos selected in her inspirational gallery. Courtney and Chuck’s organic wedding in Boulder, CO was truly magnificent, and people took notice. It garnered attention all across the event planning world, gaining a nomination for both a Special Event Award and an Icon Award. National and Colorado-based publications were in a furry to get a hold of the details. A special thanks goes out to Shamane’s Bake Shoppe, based in Boulder, and David Wegwart, from Denver for making this happen! So see how the WM Events cake stacks up to others in the Grace Ormonde Inspiration Gallery.
-William Fogler
WM Events
Viva Las Vegas! WM Events Plans the Billups’ Renewal
To celebrate 10 extraordinary years of marriage, NBA basketball star, Chauncey Billups and his wife Piper, played host to their closest friends and family for a weekend full of memories and merriment in Lake Las Vegas, Nevada. Guests romped around the Vegas Strip on Friday night, celebrated with ceremony and reception on Saturday, and brunched away to the tune of a gospel choir on Sunday morning. The happy couple, along with their three beautiful daughters, gave everyone in attendance a blissful and unforgettable getaway at a desert oasis.
You may have already seen our Facebook Album or Social Albumon the website. But just in case you didn’t, here are the pictures from our recent adventures in Las Vegas. Contact us for any and all of your event planning needs!
The events began with a celebratory toast on the evening of Friday, July 22nd at the Loews Lake Las Vegas lobby for all to gather and reconnect. After a delicious meal at the MGM’s Pearl restaurant, everyone enjoyed the Boom Box Room at the premiere Marquee Club in the ultra modern Cosmopolitan Hotel.
For the ceremony, alternative violinist, Bobby Yang, and his ensemble welcomed the attendees as they arrived, dressed in all white, on the outside Lotus Court overlooking the serene lake. Large, white weather balloons floated in the distance while tropical phalaenopsis and dendrobium orchids wrapped the railing behind the altar.
The party enjoyed a cocktail hour before moving upstairs to the Baraka Ballroom for dinner and dancing. Calligraphed escort cards in coordinating white and Tiffany Blue were placed on a mirrored table, accented with orchids and large, reflective jewels. As guests made their way past white lounge furniture and a customized bar, they were offered signature blue cocktails before they found their flawlessly elegant tables. A combination of LED light walls, custom gobos, jewel tone up-lights throughout the room, and pinspotting at each table set the mood with dramatic lighting. White leather crocodile tables were surrounded by clear acrylic ghost chairs and topped with an elaborate arrangement.
DJ Nabs spun in front of a LED light wall for guests sporting their complimentary fashion sunglasses and flip flops. White, leather furniture groupings, nestled with Tiffany Blue accent pillows were perfect seats for the projection of the original wedding video from 10 years ago. Partying late into the night, guests then returned to their room where a strawberry dipped chocolate awaited them for a sweet, goodnight treat.
The next morning, everyone awoke refreshed and ready to experience a Gospel Brunch for the ages in the Loews’ Marssa restaurant. The 6 piece ensemble sang for an eager crowd as friends and family enjoyed traditional brunch favorites. The Billups family thanked everyone for attending and offered them safe travels as they all made their way home.
Vendors: Loews Lake Las Vegas, ESP Lighting, Destinations by Design, Newberry Brothers, Bobby Yang, Victory Mission Baptist Church, DJ Nabs, AWG Transporation, All Star Balloons
Photo Credit: Artistic Imaging Photography
-William Fogler
WM Events is in the Market for Great Groceries
Atlanta has a lot to offer food-wise. From weekly festivals, to food truck meet ups, to constant restaurant weeks, the city is always making sure no one goes hungry. But let’s not overlook one of the most interesting places we go to bring food home: Buford Highway Farmer’s Market. By far the metro’s farthest reaching international market, the Buford Highway Farmer’s Market has been going strong for 25 years and it doesn’t look to stop anytime soon. So if you’re in the mood for ox tails, jack fruit, or just a box of Rice Krispy Treats, hit up this hometown staple that doesn’t always seem so hometown.
-William Fogler
WM Events
150 Posts on the WM Events Blog!
Guess what!?! This article marks our 150th blog post!!! How exciting? It’s been a fun and interesting road. With great comments from our readers, excellent advice for your parties, and innovative products to try, the WM Events blog is here to please. We’ve been through so much together and hope to experience so much more with all our readers. We laughed. We cried. We drank milk. So, without any further ado, here are a few of our favorite blog posts over the years. Leave comments below about your favorite post or what you would like to see us talk about. Enjoy!
1. Behind The Scenes In Las Vegas With WM Events
2. WM Events Top 10 Denver, Colorado Venues
3. Spicy and Sweet Irene’s Pepper Jelly
4. Composting For A Greener Lifestyle
5. Gift Basket Inspiration Fall Colors
-William Fogler
WM Events
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- 6 weeks of Winter or not- these succulents are sure to wow throughout the whole year! #happygroundhogday with #wmevent http://t.co/pB3bg3XK 2 days ago
- LOVE our table at NACE Design Trends with @peachtreetents1 ! #wmevents http://t.co/8wYdLBam 4 days ago
- We won best gallery at the bridal extravaganza with #NACE AND #Peachtreetents http://t.co/vFXeu41k 5 days ago
- Got ahold of a rep at @Square think they will actually be able to help us in time. 5 days ago
- William just had to stop on the way home! http://t.co/9ObV3up5 1 week ago
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