10 A little twist- The Dessert Table

2013-03-18T19:16:24Z

There are many traditions that even most "non-traditional" brides like to keep, like the Father-Daughter dance, the bouquet toss and the cake cutting! But if you are a bride who isn't sure about paying (or eating!) a large, traditional wedding cake, consider a dessert bar. There are many ways to approach the dessert bar to make it just how you imagined. Here are some things to consider as you are working through this step in the planning process:

-Do you and your fiance have favorite local bakeries or sweet shops? Some brides are concerned about the price of having to buy from only one store, but with a dessert bar, you don't have to! Pick some of your favorite treats from your local provider and mix those in with items that you can easily purchase in bulk (like cookie boxes, or chocolate covered pretzels).

-Do you and your fiance still want to 'cut a cake'? You still can, no problem! Just buy a small or miniture cake that the two of you can share and have enough left over to save for your first anniversary. You can even buy other small cakes to spread throughout the dessert bar if you are worried that some guests will insist on a piece of cake.

-Do you and your fiance have flowers or decor that you would like to transfer from the ceremony site? Dessert tables are the perfect place for extra flowers or decorations that have been transferred from the ceremony site! It is easy to make a beautiful display bursting with delicious sweets and gorgeous flowers.

Dessert bars are a fun way to keep the tradition, while also taking your own spin on it. Check out some of the pictures below from some of our past events for ideas on how to arrange and set up your own dessert bar! (Photos provided by Sharaya Mauck Photography and Silver Thumb Photography!)

Kansas City Fashion Week BLUSH- Behind the Scenes with Janay A. Handmade

2013-03-08T22:40:10Z

Last weekend Kansas City celebrated its third consecutive Fashion Week, and it was a great display of the growing Fashion Scene here in the Midwest. With designers coming from many backgrounds and offering styles to fit the taste of any fashionista, the display was that to rival any Fashion Week in New York or LA. We had the great opportunity to work backstage during their first Bridal show, BLUSH, with Janay A. Handmade. Janay offers brides dresses that are beautiful, handmade and an Eco-friendly choice. Not only does she make custom designs from "scratch", she also makes wonderful heirloom gowns that incorporate dresses from past family weddings. It was great to see her creations displayed on a runway and we are so happy that she chose us to be involved in the experience! Take a look at some behind-the-scenes photos and the video that we managed to capture right before Janay's debut!

Janay's Gowns on the runway!

Perfect Wedding Guide Show

2013-02-18T18:43:25Z

There is nothing better than having the opportunity to showcase our work and help plan the PWG Fashion show! Eco-Posh Events was so fortunate to provide the floral arrangements and bouquets for the beautiful models adorned in The Gown Gallery, Bridal Extraordinaire, and Belle Vogue, as well as coordinate the fashion event.

From shic vintage to extravagant formal wear, eyes were gawking at the beauties walking up and down the catwalk. My particular favorite part of the day was watching brides light up with excitement when they saw the perfect dress. I also loved listening to the extra shout-outs and whistles when we had the male models walk out in handsome Men's Warehouse attire. There's always a little more enthusiasm during those moments with a convention center full of women.

Our booth had quite a turn out as well! We loved meeting all the new brides and presenting new and exciting wedding decor. Check out some of our inspired designs below!

Ink Magazine's Bridal Issue

2013-02-04T20:02:07Z

There is always a great surge in bridal shows and bridal magazines available after the New Year, and Kansas City's own Ink Magazine is no exception. This week, they released their Bridal Issue giving Kansas City Brides across the metro access to great (and free) info! Here at Eco-Posh, we are great supporters of all things local, and this issue is a great resource to help plan all aspects of your big day-- from the engagement ring to the rice toss. There is a great article about a local ring designer who makes custom and unique sets for both the bride and groom. The designer is known as Jeff Wiedenmann and he has been running his jewelry store (Visionary Jewelers) out of Overland Park since 2006. There has been a rising trend in couples getting custom rings made, and why not? What is better than having a ring that was made specifically for your loved one and that shows their unique character and personality? Supporting these smaller-scale jewelers is not only a benefit to you and them, but also to the planet as well. Generally, it is much easer to get a jewel or diamond that you know is conflict free when the designer themselves are the ones personally picking out the stones that they use in their designs. So it's a win-win-win situation! We highly recommend considering a custom ring when you start thinking about getting engaged.

Another great business that the Bridal Issue pointed out is Upcycled Weddings, which is based out of the West Bottoms. This place is a great resource for the Green Bride! They offer gently used and repurposed wedding decor and also accept some decor as well! This is a great concept that helps not only the budget-concience bride, but one who doesn't want to leave a large carbon footprint on her big day. You should check them out online, where they have contact info and their blog. They are also open by appointment and the first weekend of the month (8 am-8 pm on Friday and Saturday & 10 am to 5pm on Sunday).

There are plenty of other great business and resources in this week's Ink issue, so go out and get one before their gone!!

Bridal Spectacular Show

2013-01-14T19:14:12Z

What an experience this weekend! Not only did we provide services for two beautiful weddings, but we also enjoyed our involvement in the Bridal Spectacular Show, which was truly spectacular. The Eco Posh team had a blast prepping and arranging the beautiful floral décor for each unique event. And our Bridal Spectacular booth couldn't have turned out better! We had a blast meeting and learning about the newly engaged couples, and observing the latest and greatest of this year's vendors. We are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to showcase Eco Posh Events to the hundreds of brides and grooms that made it out to the show, and we can’t wait to work with all those who were interested! A crazy but fulfilling weekend!

Our documented and completed work:

Wedding and Show Preparation!

The organic table presented a literal eco-design by using moss overlay on the table with exciting gold and burlap accents.

And the rainbow table added pops of bright floral accents on a shabby chic design.

Source: Photovisi (photovisi.com)

Interview with Sharaya Mauck Photography

2013-01-03T20:47:43Z

It has been a PLEASURE to work with Sharaya Mauck, a WONDERFUL wedding photographer who captures the emotion and compassion in every photo. Sharaya's biggest regret is not having the candid, meaningful, and expressive shots of her own wedding with her beloved husband, Kyle. As a result, Sharaya's career changed from wanting to be a Sea World trainer as a child to a passionate wedding photographer, in order to give each wedding couple the opportunity to relive their wedding through captured moments. Entering into her 4^th year of wedding photography, Sharaya has plenty of stories and advice to share about herself and her experiences:

Could you share something fun, funky, and personal about you?
Fun: Growing up, I lived in Southern California and was in Synchronized swimming and absolutely loved it! I wanted so badly to be a trainer at Sea World and do tricks off of dolphins and Shamu!
Funky: I am named after the 80's song by Amy Grant: Sharayah
Personal: I love the Lord and only look to Him for everything! I have been married for almost 5 1/2 years to Kyle and we have a little dog named Nikon! I am very driven, motivated and competitive.

Funny Wedding story:
At one of my weddings this year, the Bride was kidding but said to her bridesmaid: "Stop making that face, you look ugly". The bridesmaid totally lost it and cried for a good 20 minutes!

Three things brides should consider when selecting a photographer:
1. Do you love and see the value in the work that they offer?
2. Do you get along with the photographer and feel comfortable with them?
3. Do they offer great customer service?

Favorite elements to shoot at a wedding:
My favorite part of the wedding day is capturing the bride and groom together. What an amazing opportunity to capture a couple the day that they are most in love and starting out their new lives together! I also love photographing all of the details. Every Bride puts so much thought and creativity into the design and details of their wedding day and I love seeing all the different details that every wedding offers.

Source: Sharaya Mauck Photography (http://www.sharayamauckphotography.com/)

Benifits of Having a Christmas Wedding

2012-12-19T18:06:17Z

Why not advance the most joyful holiday season into a commemorative occasion of faith, hope, and love! There are many advances in having a Christmas wedding, including décor, finances, and convenience. Many facilities or vendors will usually have a great deal of Christmas décor and holiday arrangements already provided. The natural beauty involved in Christmas also provides inexpensive or free aesthetic elements, such as snow, pine trees, and holiday spirit. Christmas time is an off-season for vendors, which means that more vendors and facilities are available and affordable. Family and friends also tend to come home for the holidays, which presents a perfect opportunity for them to attend the wedding without planning an extra trip.

Source: Planning the Perfect Christmas Wedding (http://www.zimbio.com/Wedding+Updo/articles/zJiH5ofyNfK/Planning+Perfect+2012+Christmas+Wedding)

Christmas Wedding Feature

2012-12-17T15:00:30Z

Kimberly Kay Photography captured a beautiful Christmas wedding in Sisters, Oregon.

What a wedding winter wonderland! With the natural beauty of the snow and vibrant landscape, the simplest decorations made this wedding picture perfect. Eco-posh found this beautiful Christmas wedding through friends from Portland, Oregon. The bride and groom, Brittany and Cameron, took advantage of the natural surroundings in Eastern Oregon and added seasonal ornamentation with personal artwork, a rustic cake, blankets for guests, and winter accessories. Kimberly Kay had no trouble photographing a featured Christmas wedding. More pictures to follow.

Source: Brittany & Cameron Wedding Five Pine Lodge Sisters, Oregon | Central Oregon Wedding Photographer (http://www.kimberlykayphoto.com/blog/weddings/brittnay-cameron-wedding-five-pine-lodge-sisters-oregon-central-oregon-wedding-photographer/) by Kimberly Kay

"Deck the Halls" with sustainability in mind

2012-12-14T20:07:44Z

Christmas is my favorite time of year! Celebrating the most important man who ever lived, faith, love, gift giving and holiday cheer with family and good company... can you blame anyone for the intense love of this season? I challenge you to unleash your inner green diva and deck your halls with sustainability in mind. Enjoy the 10 tips below that will help you add a “Green” spin to your holiday festivities.

LED Christmas Lights

Did you know that there are LED Christmas string lights! Use LED Christmas lights to save 80-90% more energy; or in comparison, 140 LED lights are equivalent to 1 single incandescent bulb. They are more durable, burn brighter, and provide a safer environment by releasing less heat.
Vintage mementos

Vintage mementos provide easily attainable decorating solutions by using products you already have. Fill empty jars with candies, old ornaments, or candles. Use ribbon to wrap a pillow, candle, and hang a picture. An old wooden sled wrapped in garland or ribbon is the perfect adornment to a front porch, and using old tree toppers provide great mantle showcases! Hang new and old Christmas cards and photos. You can always reuse decorations and household items in alternative ways for new holiday flare!
Recycled wrapping paper

Beautiful wrapping paper isn't always brand new! There are many companies, such as Green Field Paper Company, that create wonderful designs with recycled paper. You can also preserve and reuse your favorite paper for gift wrapping or decorating ideas! Use wrapping paper strands as gift bag “fluffers” and gift tags, or sew together for colorful garlands.

4. Reusable tote gift bags

Instead of purchasing new wrapping paper, buy an affordable tote bag to use as gift bags so that you or your recipient can reuse it again!

5. Family photo décor, Whole punch the corner, place them in album to use again and again

Nothing is more amusing to look at than old family photos. Hole punch the corners of holiday photos and store them in an album to hang every year as Christmas ornaments or photo garlands. You can add to your collection of memories and décor over time.

6. Recycled news paper décor, DIY Kids will love

Recycled newspaper provides excellent holiday crafting for the kids and family. Homemade snowflakes, garlands, ornaments, and garlands are the perfect solution to diminishing your newspaper supply. Take paint and stamps to create a fun and personalized wrapping paper for gifts.

7. Eco-Friendly Gift Giving

There are endless possibilities to give sustainably. Buy locally so that you can support your local vendors and the community. Search for designers and brands that utilize sustainable methods or recycled elements: Lily Bloom creates beautiful handbags, wallets, and accessories with recycled plastic; and Tara St. James uses organic cotton, hand-dyed fabrics, and no-waste methods to create the sports brand Covet. Homemade gifts such as artwork or your favorite holiday recipe are both personal and eco-friendly ideas.

8. Decorate you home with natural décor

Use fruit and natural elements to provide Christmas accents in your home. Fill jars or bowls of oranges, lemons and limes for table center pieces. Search for pine cones, twigs, berries and greenery from your yard to create garlands, bouquets, and wreaths. Popcorn is always a fun craft for Christmas tree ornamentation as well!

9. Eco-friendly Holiday cards

Send your holiday cheer and greetings through personal evites to save paper. Although, if you love sending and receiving postage, select your holiday cards from companies that use recycled paper, such as tinyprints.com.

10. Alternative Tree

Rather than cutting down a tree every year, there are wonderful alternatives and more eco-friendly tree ideas. You can purchase an all-natural wood tree which can be stored and reassembled every year. However, if you love having the traditional real Christmas tree, you can either rent, decorate a house plant, or buy a potted tree which lasts longer than the holiday season.

Overall tip… Use what you have , but if you’re in the market for something new, stay within the Christmas colors and “Green it.” There are endless ideas that spread the holiday spirit in both meaning and practicality.

Source: 10 Eco-Friendly Fashion We Can Get Behind (http://fashionista.com/2012/04/10-eco-friendly-fashion-brands-we-can-get-behind/2/)
Source: 14 Eco Friendly Christmas Trees (http://inhabitat.com/6-eco-friendly-alternatives-to-the-traditional-christmas-tree/possibilitree/?extend=1) by Lana Winter-Hebert

Cards of Wood

2012-10-29T03:55:12Z

What can leave a more “green” notion than sending a card made out of 100% natural wood! Companies, such as Cards of Wood, Sustainable Cards, and Curio Cards are now expanding their business philosophy into worldwide sustainable methods by creating wood veneer invitations, business cards, post cards, envelopes, and large prints. Not only do the products create memorable impressions with fun prints and photos on wood veneer, but they are biodegradable, chemical free, and show the wood's unique character on each individual card. The “green” message doesn't always have to be spoken, but can be sent through words miles away.

Source: Cards of Wood (www.cardsofwood.com)