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.

RentalComp Launch Party

Last month we spent a beautiful June evening living it up at the RentalComp, Launch Party. RentalComp is a brand new search and compare website for event rental items (think KAYAK) that is sure to streamline the process of styling special events. The affair was to gorgeous not to share.

Upon entering the gates of Tiato, the incredible new House of AN venue, we found ourselves in a  courtyard so beautiful and serene that we forgot that we were in busy Santa Monica.

 

It was Alexandra Rembac of Sterling Events and Carol Saunders of Grand Events who, together,  produced this magical event that was both sterling and grand. I fell in love with the venue right from the start, drawn to the breathtaking, living wall art that lit up as the sun went down.

Since I'd recently begun sculpting my own vertical garden,  I confess I experienced a bit of succulent envy.

As you can see, Shawna Yamamoto Event Design created wonderful and unique floral arrangements to compliment the space and carry out the magical vision. Teamed with beautiful furnishings from Girari and  Lounge Appeal, the courtyard became the perfect laid back place to mingle, talk, lounge and indulge!

AN Catering is a known name in the industry. I won't even try describe the scrumptious hand passed hor d'oeuvres we were treated to. This is me eating my first box of AN's Famous "Secret Garden" Garlic Noodles. It was probably okay that I kept my mouth shut and just danced. AN Catering is incredible!

  Photo by Heather Roman

The inside portion of the venue had been transformed into a beckoning space for those who wanted to dance or huddle up to the bar in a Lakers Game 6 friendly atmosphere. Dance music was provided by none other than Infusion Xperience from my favorite 11H Entertainment. History has shown that when Infusion Xperience is in the house I turn into a rhythmic introvert, abandoning conversation and all networking intentions because I have no choice but to dance. For those of you who don't known, Infusion Xperience is the ultimate balance between live A-list Musicians, DJ and Emcee.

 Photo by Heather Roman

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of collaborating with Leslie Maynor of Fantasy Frostings, designing a wedding invitation inspired by her pearl embellished, Vintage Glamour Wedding Cake. While Leslie is wonderful to work with, being on the consuming end of her talent is even better. Her Dessert Table was artful and delicious. She is so much more than cakes!

I really tried to exercise restraint but when half  dozen happy people told me I "really should try a funnel cake," I had to find out what all the fuss was about. Answer: It's about wonderfully, warm and delicious, made to order Mini Funnel Cakes by The Fry Girl. Enough said. [drool]

Sweet Lucie's provided an organic ice cream bar (as in buffet) that was described by many as serving the best ice cream they had ever tasted! And Rock Sake provided a variety of cocktails. Their signature "Cloud 9 Saketini" was Heather's favorite so she made sure she got the recipe.

You can try making it at home:

3 oz Rock Sake Cloud

1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

Sugared Rim

Shake. Pour. Enjoy.

If our host's intention was to dote on guests from start to finish, I would have to shout "success" to Darryl Aken and the RentalComp team.

In conslusion, I want to mention that I appreciate complimentary valet parking the most when a battalion of uniformed attendants are on hand to insure that all departures are as graceful and hassle-free arrivals. On behalf of all the high heel ladies in attendance, "thank you" Logistic Parking for the VIP goodnight.

Unless otherwise noted, this phenomenal photography was provided courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography. The work speaks for itself.

Thank you, RentalComp, for inviting us to such a enjoyable event. It was a real treat for all of my senses. I wish you no less than complete success.

Sincerely,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist
Petalos di Pauli

Celebrating American Chocolate Week

We have already received many wonderful stories about Chocolate from our readers.  Thanks for responding to our request!  Here is one of our favorite submissions:

"When I'm really seeking Chocolate I take my time and choose my poisons wisely; because calories are at stake and I aint waisting my time on just any kind of chocolate. I can usually satisfy my sweet tooth with a simple butter cream from Sees. When I go hard; I usually end up at the Grand Lux with a slice of the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake.. This is best when shared with someone who is equally fond of chocolate and is equally fond of you. Sooo tasty.  I use a spoon because you're given a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream, personally I don't indulge ice cream often (lactose intolerant) but it kicks it up a notch, especially when the ice cream melts perfectly around the plate, which is drizzled with a combination of white and dark chocolate sauce. It's something about using a spoon that makes you feel like a kid again. It's like when your grandma or Nano would bake a cake and give you permission to lick the bowl or spoon Hmmm Hmmm good.  I like to follow my Molten Cake experience with a dry red; A Merlot or Cabby is the perfect ending."

Thank you for sharing those delicious details, Crystal!

So now you might be wondering... "Where is the Grand Lux Cafe?"  Read on! "The idea for Grand Lux Cafe came to life when The Venetian Resort, Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas asked David Overton, Founder of The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, to create an upscale casual restaurant concept for their property.  Blending the grandeur and luxury of European cafes with the sensibilities and spirit of an all-American restaurant, 'Grand Lux Cafe' was born. Today, with locations in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Houston, Grand Lux Cafe is proud to offer our guests unique, casual global cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere."

If you would like to make your own molten chocolate cake at home, try:
Martha Stewart's Molten Chocolate Cupcakes
(Makes 16 cupcakes)
Ingredients
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup (4 ounces) heavy cream
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
4 large eggs
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
1. Make ganache: Place 4 ounces chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. In a small pan over medium-high heat, warm cream until it begins to boil. Pour cream over chocolate. Let stand a few minutes, then mix until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Use 1-inch ice cream scoop to make balls; place on parchment-lined tray, close but not touching. Freeze 1 hour, or airtight up to 3 days.

2. Make batter: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl set over a pan of simmering water, heat remaining 8 ounces chocolate with butter until melted. Meanwhile, with a mixer, whisk together eggs, yolks, and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Quickly fold egg mixture into chocolate until almost completely incorporated. Sift flour and salt over mixture, and fold in.

3. Divide batter among liners, filling halfway. Add ganache ball to each. Cover with batter, almost to top.

4. Bake until just set, 8 minutes. Transfer tin to rack to cool for 10 minutes (cakes will fall). With a small offset spatula, gently remove from tin. Serve warm.

Weaving a Floral Theme Into Your Wedding

Your wedding theme does not have to be limited to just a color... How about incorporating flowers or other botanicals throughout your wedding? Every part of your wedding, from the invitations to the programs to the cake, can be inspired by a floral choice. For example, if you love red roses, an arrangement of real dried roses on a handmade invitation can be something that your guests have never seen. Not only is this a beautiful invitation, but it conveys that you are elegant as well as unique, and your event will be nothing less. Your rose theme begins in the invitation and is carried to your ceremony in your wedding flowers. You can also present red roses to your and your fiancé’s mothers during the ceremony. At the reception, you can echo your theme in menus on the tables and your wedding cake. The invitations are just the beginning!

Petalos di Pauli Signature Invitation

 Tiffany and Chocolate Brown Cake

 Petalos di Pauli Signature Invitation

 Black, White and Red Cake