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