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5/27/2015 1 Comment Peonies, A Whimsical CharmOne of the marvelous aspects of peonies is that you can use one peony, or multiple peonies to create an aesthetically pleasing look. Whether as centerpieces or name cards, peonies are a type of flower that will not let you down; they will look charming as one, or in a bunch. Peonies Galore! Photo via Bride: Bright Bird Photography Brace yourselves, Divas, because Peonies are back in season! Fill your home, event, and just life in general, with beautiful, colorful peonies! Ranging from white, to pale pinks, to bright purples, to even bright reds, these flowers are crowd pleasers for any event. It is no wonder The Knot ranked them #6 in top 10 wedding flowers: these flowers look gorgeous as a bouquet, or on their own. At Divine Diva Events, we are obsessed with them, which is why we dedicated a whole blog to them. The texture, softness and color of these beautiful flowers were even a source of inspiration for these exquisite wedding cakes! Flour and Flourish Modern Cake Designs sculpted each peony on this cake to have 25 petals, and adapted the natural, ruffled texture of peonies throughout the entire cake to create a beautiful elegant design for the bride and groom's. For more beautiful photos of this cake design, click here!  Flour & Flourish: Cassidy Tuttle Photography The Fondant Flinger took a different approach, and kept the focus on one central peony in the middle of this three-tier wedding cake, using edible pearls for extra charm. For more photos of this cake design, click here! So whether you're thinking of using one peony or multiple peonies, there is no doubt that these flowers will look stunning! Just look at the way they bloom!  Photos Fondant Finger
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With many tutorials out there on beauty secrets, hair magic and how to make your own tote bags, it's no surprise there are videos alike on how to construct the perfect DIY Wedding Invitations. And why not? Not only is it cheaper to go the DIY route, but it also allows the couple's unique personalities to shine through. Whether you're going for a more rustic chic wedding vibe, or you're having a tropical destination wedding, there are the tutorials out there suited just for you! Still not convinced? Well we've collected a few of our favorites from around the internet just for your viewing pleasure.  Red Prairie Press One of the many benefits of DIY wedding invitations is the actual Do It Yourself process, which means you have full control over how you want to customize, design, and bedazzle your invitations. Don't limit your creativity to just a computer and some paper. If you have an artistic side, don't be afraid to try something out of the norm and create something totally different! Okay, so it's not butterflies coming out of a box as soon as you open it, but still, it's pretty cool. Link here for the DIY DVD Wedding Invitation by Rachel from Red Prairie Press and her partner, Phil.  Download and Print has a variety of templates and styles for couples to choose from, complete with handy video tutorials and advice to help you with any questions you may have. The nice thing about these is that the templates are compatible with Microsoft Word, which makes it easy to customize the details to fit your own wedding information. Link here for this vintage art deco style, a favorite for 1920s, Gatsby-themed weddings.  With destination weddings, what better way to invite your guests than with a passport themed invitation? Give your guests a flavor of what to expect with these whimsical wedding invitations. Vanessa's Destination Wedding Invitations offers a full step-by-step photo and video tutorial, complete with advice on anything you might encounter when putting together these beautiful invitations. Digital may be on the rise, but throwing it back never hurt anyone. We loved this film canister wedding invitations because of that very reason, to throw it back. Boho Wedding Directory has the information on how to put together these small, but very unique, DIY wedding invitations. They may take some time, but that's what all great things need. Your guests will definitely be paying attention to the finer details, and these invitations will be sure to be a hit amongst your guests. Imagine their reactions when they receive them! Okay, so by now we've probably made DIY really intimidating, but we promise it's not! There's just so much creative freedom when it comes to DIY projects, it can definitely seem overwhelming, but not a problem, there are countless other inspirations to pick and choose from, and lace with your own individual touch.
Wondering what to include at your next event that will really make your guests never want to leave? Well, Divine Diva Events has got you covered! Photo booths are making their way into many events, such as weddings, kids parties, graduations, etc. Not only are photo booths an excellent source of entertainment, but they're also a creative way to give out party favors. Whether you rent a booth out for your party, or you create your very own DIY photo booth, your wedding is sure to be a hit with every single person there. Not convinced just yet? Well here are 3 reasons why you should have a photo booth at your next event! 1) Instant Fun! Don't wait around for your photographer to have your photos ready, instead have your guests gather around for some ultimate fun. The best part? You cut down on the waiting game by having your photos printed in seconds!  Image by Adrian Korte via Flikr 2) Party Favors Let your guests take as many selfies as possible! Why? This gives your guests the opportunity to create their own party favors with an unlimited amount of photos from the photo booth. Add some props, and these "selfies" are sure to turn into #célfies.  Photo by Ace Armstrong via Flikr 3) So Much Pressure! Let's be real, with being a host, comes great responsibility (clearly, Spiderman never had to entertain guests). Luckily, with a photo booth at your event, you will have less to worry about when it comes to entertaining your guests, because when there's a camera, some props, and great company, the chances of having fun are basically 100/ 100.  Image by Matt Druin via Flikr So take a load off and let your guests enjoy the magic that are photo booths. Enjoy dancing the night away with some guests that aren't taking photos, or join them for all the group selfies that will result from having a photo booth at your event. Maybe even make a book of as many photos for your records... or as gifts? We'll let you decide that!
It’s not surprising that at their wedding ceremony Raymond Isaac Paul Bailey Sr. and his bride Deidre Nicole Woody chose to release doves to symbolize the evolution of their relationship. It’s a lesson we have all come to learn at one point or another in our lives: if you love something, let it go; if it comes back to you, it’s yours forever. The couple embodies this lesson perfectly. They dated earlier in life and had a son, but the couple parted ways and moved on with their individual lives. They let each other go, yet were drawn back together and realized that they were soul mates. As individuals they have grew, and as a couple and family they continue to flourish. Their wedding ceremony symbolized a long awaited celebration of their evolution.
Having been heavily influenced by the glamorous and elegant world of Old Hollywood, the couple chose to have a romantic wedding in Los Angeles at the Sunset Plaza House, a mansion overlooking Sunset Boulevard. A deeply spiritual family, they were united in a Christian ceremony at sunset. The doves not only represented their love story but also the family members who could not be present as they have passed on, the groom’s sister and the bride’s father. They honored their family, and then they celebrated with their family, friends and three sons over an elegant dinner, followed by music and dancing. They chose a robust color palette of pink, black, gold, turquoise and silver. The décor emulated their Old Hollywood Glamour with feathers, flowers and touches of crystal. Their union symbolized everything beautiful in the life that they have shared, including the celebration of best friends, soul mates, adventure, passion and family. It is because these two individuals are so perfect for each other that the quote that inspired the ceremony was: “I love you not for who you are today, but for whom we will become together.” Both the bride and groom share a love for each other that runs deep. Having faced life on their own, and now together, it is their capacity for love and their strength that will keep them together for years to come. 
 Photo by Danielle Elder Via Flickr "Scott- there's nothing in all the world I want but you- and your precious love. All the material things are nothing." Zelda Sayre to F. Scott Fitzgerald The entire month of December is full of magic, love and romance. It's no wonder surveys show that December is the most popular month for wedding engagements (19% more popular, in fact)! Perhaps those December engagements will start planning a New Year's Eve wedding for the following year! What better way to celebrate the incoming new year than by celebrating it with the wedding of your dreams?! You have champagne bottles galore, fireworks, music, and midnight kisses. It's all so romantic, really. Maybe that's what the new year is for! A gold extravaganza full of glitter and elegance; it's a moment shared by so many people, it's iconic. "I don't want to live- I want to love first, and live incidentally" GOLD! GOLD! GOLD! We looked to the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald this month and realized, you can't have a New Year's Eve wedding without gold! New Year's Eve resonates with big band swing music and the glamor from the roaring of the 1920's.  Image by Elizabeth van der Bij for Wedding Chicks "Don't- don't ever think of the things you can't give me. You've trusted me with the dearest heart of all- and it's so damn much more than anybody else in all the world has ever had."
"When the clock strikes 12, the spell will be broken..." No glass slippers here, but there will definitely be glass champagne glasses and bottles popping! Hold on to your hats, ladies and gentlemen, because when the ball drops, prepare to unleash the greatest "Happy New Year" you have ever let out! Light the midnight sparklers and ring in the New Year, and this new chapter in your life. "The fire burning again, and the old bench looking so lonesome without us, make things mighty hard- If I weren't so sure - If I didn't know we just had to have each other- I think I'd cry an awful lot - I can just feel those darling, darling hands- and see your shiny hair- not slick, but wrinkled, like I did it- Goodnight, Sweetheart"  Photo by Viktor Hanacek As Halloween draws near, the competition for creative ideas begins. For many brides to be, it’s a Halloween inspired wedding that best fits their style. And why not? Halloween may be a holiday filled with spook, tricks and ghouls, but it doesn't mean it has to be incredibly macabre. And while a Halloween style wedding isn't for every bride, there are certain elements that can be used to bring out the edge and rock 'n' roll in any bride. "My dearest friend, if you don't mind I'd like to join you by your side where we can gaze into the stars and sit together, now and forever for its plan as anyone can see we're simply meant to be" In the spirit of Halloween, we have rounded up a few tricks and treats to inspire your HalloWedding this season! Look to skeletons to add around your wedding, from skull napkin holders, to the cake and even the groom's boutonniere. It's the little tricks that will make your guests marvel in awe at your eye for Halloween detail. Think about adding a pair of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) skulls as wedding cake toppers for a touch of extra color!
"This is Halloween, this is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween, Halloween, Halloween..." Don't forget the tricks and the treats for your guests. Halloween weddings allow for the best creativity for delicious snacks and candies. From pumpkin infused drinks, to chocolate skulls, and of course, caramelized apples, these treacherous little treats will surely leave your guests asking for more. Oh, don't forget the candy!  Photo via Online Movie Quotes  "Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons." Autumn has arrived. You can feel it in the air. The falling and changing of the leaves are obvious signifiers nature is giving us to show her last few breaths before the cold winter sets in. The trees become ablaze with orange, yellow and beautiful reds, and as they fall, it's like being a part of a grand performance.  “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ― Albert Camus Although the leaves are slowly falling throughout autumn, the various flowers of this season are very much alive! Incorporate them in your bouquet and wedding cake and indulge in the natural beauty autumn gives us.  Autumn brings forth rich colors, such as deep burgundy, cinnamon brown and a pumpkin spice orange. What better way to coordinate than to allow your bridesmaids to choose a color from your preferred autumn color palette and give them the opportunity to decide on a dress that will be specific and comfortable to their body types. The groom and his groomsmen might need a little more direction-- try to decide on the boutonniere for them! Remember to keep your guests toasty as the autumn air is much cooler than the summer breeze. Providing a bar where guests can fill up on warm cider, hot chocolate or coffee can be great for after the dinner portion of your wedding or during the reception (especially if it's outside)!
Pumpkins and apples are scrumptious autumn flavors that can help with choosing wedding favors for your guests! Whether you choose individual jams, honey, pumpkin pie lip balm, or a variety of sweet pies and caramel apples, your favors are sure to be a hit this season! "I was taught by my parents that if you fall in love, if you want to have a love affair, you get married. I guess I'm very old-fashioned." - Elizabeth Taylor Planning an event as big as a wedding allows for the opportunity to really show your guests a special kind of expression that is on a more intimate level. It makes you wonder, "what kind of bride am I?" because as soon as you have that figured out, it makes it easier to plan accordingly and have your wedding properly represent your vision. See below for the latest in bridal trends.
 Recharging in style... Old Hollywood Glam themed wedding? Have the caterer select a drink or menu item which reflects the theme and will add to the décor. For example, when dancing the night away, keep with the Hollywood theme and have a delicious drink like an old fashioned milkshake available for guests to keep them going. For an added touch, use straws the color of your palette. Everyone needs adequate nutrition in order to keep energy up and continue on with their day—or in this case, night. Don’t let low energy interfere with a great night, especially not when the DJ is on point! Feed your guests and recharge them while staying in line with your colors and theme!  Keep the party going! Nobody wants a party to end, especially not when it's as special as a wedding reception. Emotions are flying all around from parents, siblings, friends and of course, the newly married couple. After the formal dinner is complete, it is likely that everyone has relaxed, mingled and are on the dance floor. Midnight snacks are especially great to fill stomachs after dancing and cocktails. These Kobe sliders will do just the trick! (Image via Bridal Guide.)  Recap... You’ve just experienced the wedding of your dreams, but you can’t seem to let it end. The DJ has started playing the slow jams and it’s almost time to clear out, but not quite yet. Take this time to look back at what happened—you got married! This is the perfect time to pop out some delicious snacks for the guests who have lasted the whole night with you and to recap the highlights. Allow this time to be a breather to not only look back, but to also look forward to what the future has in store. Breakfast for dinner is always an excellent idea! These mini waffles stacked with berry filling is a sweet ideas that is also easy to eat. (Image via Before the I Do's.) There are many other creative ways to put a spin on a meal to make it convenient and tasty for guests. Share your favorite midnight snack idea with us!
 Divine Diva has years of experience in making any event flawless. From birthdays, to weddings, award ceremonies, graduations and more. Events go extremely well when passionate people drive the motivation behind the event, which is why this month’s blog post covers the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation. The Black Women Lawyers Association is anything but new to The City of Angels. As a non-profit corporation founded in 1975 by a small group of African-American women, this community of women have held luncheons since its inception to award brilliant and passionate African-American women who are pursuing their law degree. Having met in 1975 to discuss the representation and needs of Black women in the legal field, The Black Women Lawyers ("BWL") Association of Los Angeles and its foundation have awarded more than $230,000 in scholarships and grants to second and third year law students.  In late May, Divine Diva Events had the honor of coordinating a grand event: The 39th Annual Scholarship Dinner and Awards Luncheon hosted by the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation. Held at the beautiful Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, the venue has an established elegance, perfect for the elite attendees and their cause. In order to keep attention on the elegance of the room and the occasion, we opted for a deep purple and crisp white palette. From the moment guests arrived, they admired the lavish architecture, decor, and intimate surroundings. As table centerpieces, we had flowers beautifully designed by Christina Bentley of Scarlet Flowers Designs. Guests dined on the delectable luncheon menu and enjoyed libations to get them in the mood for the spirited raffle. Cheesecake de Granger created the decadent cheesecake pops that awaited the guests at each table. We also had the pleasure of designing all of the gift baskets which were raffled off in order to raise money for future scholarship awards. The attendees enjoyed themselves and money was raised for future scholarship awards. All in all, the event was a success! The memories were successfully captured by Debra Simmons of Diamond Dust Photography. |
LaShawn Denise Witt, Founder of DDELa Shawn is Founder, Head Diva and Coordinator Extraordinaire of events and weddings at DDE. Stay linked to all that fresh and luxe in the bridal industry by following DDE's blog. Archives
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