MountainGate Country Club Puts on a Show

Sunday evening, Petalos di Pauli was a featured vendor at MountainGate Country Club's Fall Bridal Show and Open House. We loved sharing the spotlight with our friends at Emily Rose Papers, a great company we always enjoy collaborating with. We welcomed a steady stream of exuberant brides, showing and telling them about our products and services.

Paula Estes with owner of  Emily Rose Papers

Wedding invitation--maroon with intricate gold detailing

Escort cards displaying the artistry of our calligrapher

Located in Los Angeles, MountainGate Country Club is an extremely beautiful location for weddings and receptions, combining elegant indoor and outdoor event spaces with a spectacular view of the Santa Monica Mountains. Paula noted, "Our flagship line of botanically embellished invitations definitely help set the tone for such a magnificent and lush garden-like setting."

MountainGate Country Club outdoor ceremony location

All in all, the show was a tremendous success--with enticing hors d'oeuvres prepared by the MountainGate chef, stunning decor, and so many other exciting details--made possible by the contributions of talented, top-shelf event companies we'll be highlighting in upcoming posts.

Thank you, MountainGate, for hosting a wonderful Fall Bridal Show event! We look forward to many happy returns.

~Jaimie

The Gracious Guest List

Before you can figure out how many wedding invitations to order, you have to finalize your guest list. The quantity needed is sometimes the last piece of information a client will provide us with, because firming up the guest list can be a tough job. It's a task that involves the effort of more than just the bride and groom but also both sets of parents, and each has their own VIP list. There's the budget and the size of your venue to consider and logistically it's just not realistic to invite everyone. At the same time you don't want to start off your marriage with strained family relations, especially with your new in-laws. My advice when you're looking for where to draw the line, think graciousness and hospitality, and be as tolerant as possible of your parent's requests. Here's why I feel compelled to offer this suggestion. 

Recently, my friend Donna and I took a trip to Catalina Island with her nine year old daughter,Vika, and pre-teen son, Brett. That day we made lots of summer memories, feeding the fish on the glass-bottom boat tour and enjoying candy apples and frozen bananas. Donna told me about a woman who she thought worked on the island--a dear old friend of her mother. This person had the title of BFF and was 1 in a group of 3 women who had traveled the world together, shared some wild times and made memories of their own. Some investigating revealed that she was indeed on the island and my heart was warmed by their gleeful exchange.  Donna's mom is no longer with us, yet I felt that some part of her shined through the light in the eyes of her very good friend. It was a special moment to witness.

The moral of my story is that nostalgia plays a major role in weddings, and some day you too may be very touched that your parents' oldest friends care enough to reconnect as you realize that they in fact do make your circle complete. I hope to, someday, be invited to the weddings of Vika and Brett, as someone who is like a sister to their mom.

Graciously Yours,

Paula Estes

A Show For The Modern South Asian Bride

Recently, Petalos di Pauli participated in a magnificent and well-attended Summer Bridal Show, hosted by Wedding Store 24, located in the heart of Little India. The Westin South Coast Plaza was transformed into an exotic display of South Asian culture that included fashion shows, dancers, live music and delicious Indian food.

It was no coincidence that we presented our new “Jewel Collection” of invitations and matching table decor featuring the vibrant colors and motifs of South Asia.

It was a pleasure sharing the limelight with friends like Erin Holloway, owner of Sugar Sugar Candy Buffet, and Melissa Gruber of My Specialty Cakes. Not only because I have an insatiable sweet tooth but because these women, like myself, have a passion for what they do, and they do it well. I'm not a vegetarian but I did try the eggless versions of the chocolate raspberry and lemon cakes. . . over and over again! Phenomenal, who needs eggs?!

Capri Flowers, put the awe in awesome with their breathtakingly beautiful display of floral creativity.

Bridal Expos such as this one make for great one stop shopping for brides and grooms and it's also an opportunity for us vendors to make new acquaintances. I am a new fan of Diva Decor, as I was totally drawn to the sparkling collection of bridal accessories and decor. Looking for bling? Two words: luxurious and fabulous, darlings.

Congratulations and many thanks to Neema Lodhia, who had the vision and expertise to pull off such a wonderfully successful event that entire families came out to enjoy.

For professional photos, check out images captured by Duke Photography.

Greening Petalos di Pauli

The Sustainable Practices Group at Petalos di Pauli has been busy and creative. They have launched a three phase program to further their mission of being a conscientious servant of what the earth provides. The First Phase was the installation of at least 90% of our studio's internal and external incandescent lighting with highly efficient low cost illumination. Entry room occupancy sensors were installed in the major thoroughfares in the office. The Second Phase is the step towards water conservation at the home studio. We have replaced the nearly 900 square feet of lawn at the entrance to the studio with drought tolerant plants in order to do our share in preserving nature's most valuable resource. The Third Phase will be the installation of Solar panels in a move towards being totally self sufficient with regard to the power needs to run the main office electrical needs. We will keep you posted on our progress.

A Billion Acts of Green!

Photo by iwannadance

Earth Day is coming (April 22) and to celebrate, why not make your pledge one of a billion that the Earth Day Network hopes to collect to help save our planet? A Billion Acts of Green initiative is already underway, and you can get in on it. For example, you can vow to plant a garden, switch to LED lightbulbs or eat more local foods. Make your pledge count by sharing it at act.earthday.org. Millions have already joined the cause. What will you do?

Happy Easter from Petalos di Pauli

Photo by Jason Barles

Pansies, and Larkspurs and Nigelias. . . Oh My!

The word is out about "Tangerine Tango," Pantone's pick for color of the year! We've found that you either love or hate this cheerful reddish orange (Pantone 17-1463). We know about orange, not because we're located in Orange County, CA (couldn't resist that one) but because we gave you a taste of it this month at the MountainGate Country Club Spring Bridal Show. Most of you loved the energy and warmth that our invitation display evoked.

This year we envision monochromatic palettes of peaches and oranges. We've already received requests for orange paired with neutrals. Petalos di Pauli is known for its unique signature botanical touches. And we predict brides may want to incorporate the color in flowers like pansies, and larkspurs and nigelias. . . Oh my!

Sweet Inspiration: American Chocolate Week

Hooray, it's American Chocolate Week! Although it's a great excuse, it doesn't have to be a particular time of year to immerse yourself in all things chocolate. Create your own unforgettable, mouth-watering experience anytime with a Private Chocolate Party at Madame Chocolat, located in Beverly Hills. Indulge in 90 minutes of pleasure as Chocolatier Hasty Torres leads an (ol)factory tour as you sample all you can eat chocolate coated products along the way. The true chocoholic will want to pull up to the bonbon counter for more all you can eat delights. The magic will linger on if you participate in making lollipops that you can take home for later. Really, could you ask for more? How about a chocolate lab?

Chocolate Lab Puppy by JJ.Sheets

We're So Blue

St. Patrick's Day is coming up and instead of pulling your best kelly green cardigan out of the closet, perhaps you should look for one in St. Patrick's blue. That's right, the true color of St. Patrick's Day is a sky blue, the color associated with the Order of St. Patrick. St. Patrick encouraged Christian Irishmen to wear the shamrock as a representation of the holy trinity and used the plant to teach his faith. When the tradition of  'wearing the green' came to America, it was taken literally.

Photos by Clever Cupcakes, Miss Cupcake Canada, Lady Zarobi, Choco, 

smittenkittenorig and Aayesha Siddiqu

This year, we've prepared both a blue and green inspiration board in honor of St. Patrick's Day. If anyone pinches you for wearing blue instead of green, pinch them right back and give them a little history lesson for their trouble.

Photos by paulbence, shinycatcreations, (matt), and Martin LaBar

Petalos di Pauli
C E L E B R A T E S
BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month is sponsored by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The Association was founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter Woodson--historian, teacher, author and publisher. Each year the Association designates the national theme for Black History month. The 2012 theme is Black Women in American Culture and History, to explore African American women's roles in and contributions to the making of America.

"From the American Revolution to the present, African American women have played a myriad of critical roles in the making of our nation. Their labor and leadership, their motherhood and patriotism, and their intellect and artistic expression have all enriched both the African American community and the nation at large. In slavery and freedom, their struggles have been at the heart of the human experience, and their triumphs over racism and sexism are a testimonial to our common human spirit..."

FOR MORE INSIGHT VISIT

THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE AND HISTORY

Petalos di Pauli Celebrates Black History Month and together with ASALH recognizes the many accomplishments of all African American men and women.

Love and Postage

If you're sending out invitations to your wedding or other special event, here is something you should know. On January 22, 2012 the price for a one-ounce First-Class Mail stamp increased from 44¢ to 45¢. A penny might not sound like a big deal, but it is when it comes to stamping your RSVP envelope. Using the wrong postage could make receiving each guest's response a real nuptial nightmare.

This year's Love Ribbons stamp features swirling satin ribbons that spell out the word "Love". It's the perfect depiction of the beauty of love itself, and a fitting accompaniment to those little envelopes.

Another lovely option is the Garden of Love stamp, featuring a colorful mosaic of flora and fauna. Both LOVE stamps were issued as Forever Stamps, which are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.

Whether you are sending out your own invitations or letting us do the mailing for you, Petalos di Pauli has your back.
Source: shop.usps.com

All the Elements of Love

Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and for Linda and Paul, this was it. It was in this inspired invitation design; the real flowers, a rose crystal, and a sprinkling of ornaments that sparked nostalgia. It all added up. LOVE; timeless and sublime. This Petalos di Pauli custom, handmade creation has all the elements of love.