A Wedding Well Worth the Wait

January 4, 2022Leave a comment

This wedding is special and dear to me because I worked with Angela and Deryck for almost two years to make this happen and their wedding had to be moved due to the pandemic like many other weddings. Needless to say, it was trying times, especially for couples wanting to start their life together. But, Angela and Deryck’s love conquered all and they had the wedding of their dreams at Los Verdes Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes. No little detail was forgotten and everything was absolute elegance and perfection. I love that you see their culture throughout their wedding from the invitation suite I designed for them to the Tea Ceremony to the ceremony to the lion dancers at the reception.

Below are the items I had such a great time designing for Angela and Deryck:

Invitation Suite with Chinese and English cards, Directions Card, RSVP Card all in a booklet fold wrapped with a floral paper strip and Chinese frog knot
Welcome sign with florals and mounted on PVC board and placed on an easel
Program and Wedding Party sign with matching florals mounted on PVC board and placed on an easel
Guest sign-in tags to be hung on a cherry blossom tree
Large vertical panel Seating Chart with matching florals mounted on foam board
Menu in Chinese and English for the tables placed in wooden block stands
Bar menu placed in wooden block stands at the bar for easy ordering
Custom designed chopstick sleeves at each place setting

You can see all of these items in the gallery below along with other amazing details from the talented vendor team.

Wedding Planner: @inthecloudsevents
Venue: @losverdesgcevents
Photo/Videographer: @alex_mo_photography_video
Florist: @mirabelfloraldesign
DJ/MC/Lighting: @spotlightgroove
Musician: @barnumichael
Ceiling Drapes/Stage: @glameventstylist
Hedge Rentals: @mtb_event_rentals
Backdrop Rentals: @creativelittlegems
Stationery Designer: @ladesignboutique
Bakery: @mwokaji
Photo Booth: @gcphotobooth
Hair & Makeup: @kellyzhangstudio
Lion Dancers: @immortalsliondance
Caricature Artists: @geekymoni
Magician: @markpmagic
Catering: Grace Catering/HotelBanquet.com
Double Happiness Sign: @ngocreations
Cake Topper: @chikipitashop

La Design Boutique Holiday Gift Guide 2021

November 9, 2021November 9, 2021Leave a comment

Our Holiday Gift Guide for 2021 is out and we have gifts for all your loved ones. Choose from a selection of personalized gifts that are one of a kind and special. Also find many easy, downloadable activities for your kids as well!

1. FOR THE FAMILY – Personalized stationary and holiday tags in a variety of designs

2. FOR THE KIDS – “Believe in Santa” Kits and other easy downloadable activities to make the holidays more special and memorable.

3. FOR HER – Inspirational Cards Dreamer Kit and other beautiful art work for the girl in your life

4. FOR HIM – Personalized Sports Art for the sports lover, coach, or player in your life

5. FOR TEACHERS – Personalized stationary for the teacher who is caring for your child

Jessica and Jason’s Wedding at the B.R. Cohn Winery

October 4, 2021October 4, 2021Leave a comment

I had the wonderful honor to help Jessica and Jason with their signage for their Wedding Day. They had their wedding at the beautiful B.R. Cohn Winery and Olive Oil Company in Glen Ellen, California. Their wedding was absolutely gorgeous and they did an amazing job marrying the rustic feel of the winery with a modern vibe.

A couple of the items I was able to design was their welcome sign for the wedding day, welcome sign for the rehearsal dinner the day before, unplugged sign, table seating arrangement chart and table name signs. I absolutely loved their selection of the copper hanging frames and incorporating their favorite cities into the seating arrangements.

I also designed a custom signature cocktail sign with a custom designed sketch of their dog Coco. I have to admit I had the most fun doing this! Super cute and definitely caught the guest’s attention.

Here are a couple more photos of the beautiful bride and groom and their breathtaking day amongst family and friends. Congratulations Jessica and Jason! Wishing you all the happiness in the world.

The wonderful vendor team:

Photo:@kreate_photography

Planning: @the_love_riot

Hair + Make Up: @dabridalsf

Catering: @figgirl

Photobooth: @kandephotobooths

DJ: @dartcollective

Florals: @frontporchfarmer

Rentals: @encoreeventrentals

Stationary: @ladesignboutique

Transportation: @beauwinetours

Venue: @brcohn

Done, Now for the Fun! Graduation Party Ideas

May 13, 2021Leave a comment

Roll Call! Who has a graduate in the house this year?? After all that has happened, there is no better time to party than the present… (of course, as city regulations permit)… especially for someone who is graduating after years and years of hard work and studying. I was so lucky to be able to partner up with Festively on a Graduation Styled Shoot to bring you all the ideas you need to plan an amazing graduation and to find all that you need in one spot. They have made it so easy and seamless and have also provided tips on how to make it a safe party as well.

Please head on over to Festively’s Ultimate Guide to Planning a Grad Party for all the best ideas and tips.

For all the items that Festively has to offer for graduations, including our products, and amazing vendors please visit their website.

Here is a sneak peek of what wonderful goodies you will find….

Start the festivities off right with custom invitations highlighting the school your graduate is graduating from or what school they are off to.

Add personal touches to the party with advice and wishes cards to give some words of wisdom to the graduate. You can also put a party favor tag to thank your guests and personalized water bottles. Signage and menus are also great ways to make the party extra special.

Don’t forget to get gifts for the graduate to make them truly feel extra special and remind them that everyone is here to celebrate their achievements and success. Gifts like personalized graduation cap art, vision boards, leis, graduation cap designs, cakes and wine to spoil the honoree.

And we cannot forget about one of the most important things of all. You can’t have a party without a place to hold it. Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California did not disappoint. The view was breathtaking and the space was magical and airy. So majestic!

None of this could have been done without the amazing team below. Feel free to check any of them out and show them some small business love and don’t forget to head on over to Festively and our site for everything you need!

Maroon and Gold Bishop Alemany High School Graduation Party

Styled shoot hosts: @sofestively⁠
Event Planner: @inthecloudsevents ⁠
Photography: @midtonestudio ⁠
Signage, Stationary & Gifts: @ladesignboutique ⁠
Balloon arch: @ohwowballoondecor⁠
Balloon slant: @thelittlecraftingcompany ⁠
Charcuterie: @thegrazingcook ⁠
Flowers: @yourstrulydesign_ ⁠
Cake: @samanthacakesnbakes ⁠
Dessert: @hdgtreats⁠
Cocoa bombs: @cocoa_rome ⁠
Custom Grad Cap: @enchantingcraftsbyana ⁠
Lei: @jardindel.eden ⁠
Backdrop: @wondertentparties ⁠
Venue: @santaanitapark ⁠
Backdrop and shelf: @sofestively⁠
Custom champagne bottle: @artbysusieq ⁠

Blue and Gold UCSB Graduation Party

Styled shoot hosts: @sofestively⁠
Event Planner: @inthecloudsevents ⁠
Photography: @midtonestudio ⁠
Signage, Stationary & Gifts: @ladesignboutique ⁠
⁠Balloons: @SySBalloonDesigns⁠
Ice cream cart: @ohwowpaletas ⁠
Floral Centerpieces: @thebloomingvase⁠
Cards, cake and toppers: @confettifiesta⁠
Cake and cupcakes: @Pieceofcakebyangie⁠
Dessert: @hdgtreats⁠
Lei: @jardindel.eden ⁠
Grad Cords: @enchantingcraftsbyana ⁠
Venue: @santaanitapark ⁠
Wood backddrop: @sofestively⁠

Preparing for the Reopening of Schools

February 25, 2021Leave a comment

As a parent, distance learning with my two sons has not been a walk in the park. I think a lot of parents can agree with me on that. But, after almost one year has passed since schools have been closed in Los Angeles, I have adjusted, just as my kids have, and our home has been our safe haven. I know they are safe and they…. well… pretty much LOVE being at home.

Now, with all the talks about reopening, it has gotten me with all kinds of emotions. First, is it too premature? I hear of schools reopening around the world and having to close again when there is an outbreak. I don’t think any time will be right to be honest. We have been pushed into this new norm and what use to be our comfort zones in daily routines of school and markets and shopping have been thrown into zones less recognizable. On that note, imagine our kids, being safe at home, to go back to school to the same buildings yet everyone masked up, social distancing, tables more far apart, and having to make sure they walk in lines and not against opposing traffic. It is not going back to the school they knew. It is going back to a school that needs healing. It is a new reality that your kids will need to face, hopefully make them stronger, but will also make them feel emotions too.

When the day does come, I just want to make sure my kids and everyone else’s are prepared for the changes. I want them to know that things are different and it’s okay. Things change and we have to adapt. I want them to know things WILL get better slowly and as long as we work together, that we will get through it together. Kids are so resilient but a lot of them still don’t know how to communicate their feelings or even realize what they are feeling. Prepare them, talk about what they should expect when they go back before the day comes, be gentle with them, and check up on them always.

I made these printables because although we are really great about putting up lots of signs now, on the walls, on the floors and anywhere else you can think of, I want these signs to also be reassuring to kids and let them know that there is light at the end of the tunnel just like with any situation they will face in life. I pray for all the kids to go back with joy to see their friends in person and to share quarantine stories. I also pray that there is no division, segregation, or uneducated behaviors towards anyone or any race. If we can teach our kids to treat everyone the same, then we definitely will have a better future to look forward to, in health and in humanity. Stay safe and united everyone.

Valentine’s Day Fun for the Kids

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021Leave a comment

To be honest, I was never very into Valentine’s Day. I always thought that the romantic gestures were always so much more appreciated on a regular day than on a day that everyone was celebrating together. However, times have changed after having two boys! They love showering our family with surprises and making love notes for us that THEY have made Valentine’s Day special for us. Who would have predicted that?!?! In any case, I have gotten new found inspiration to create activities and projects for them to enjoy and for us to enjoy as a family. I hope you enjoy them too! These all work for last minute ideas too if you want to just print at home or we can ship to you.

Valentine’s Day Bingo Game – You can select from the printable files or for us to ship them to you!

2. Valentine’s Day Greeting Card Kit Set of 5 – we give you all you need to make special, handmade cards to your loved ones to show them just how much you love them.

3. Love Coupon Book – Your kiddies can make you one of a kind gifts with coupons for free kisses and chores or anything else they can think of. This is also a great adult gift too! You can also choose from the printable or for us to ship to you.

4. Valentine’s Day Activity Sheets – If you are staying in for the holiday, then the kids can have these fun activity sheets that you can easily print out and do!

5. Valentine’s Day Activity Kit – Get all the goodness of the items you see above in one box for the kids! Includes Love Bug Coloring Page, Valentine’s Day Bingo, DIY Greeting Card Kit Set of 5, Valentine’s Day Activity Booklet, and Love Coupon Book.

Photos taken by Penny Love Photography

Lunar New Year Celebration Ideas

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021Leave a comment

Lunar New Year falls on February 12th this year and is less than a month away. I absolutely loved being a part of this styled shoot hosted by So Festively. You can find everything you need in this one spot to make a memorable celebration.

Here are all the must haves you need to have a traditional Lunar New Year celebration:

1. Lunar New Year Decorations with lots of red and can include red scrolls and lanterns.

2. Lunar New Year’s Eve Feast with traditional food including dumplings, longevity noodles, and whole fish and snacks and treats too!

3. Red envelopes and offerings to ancestors

4. Games and fun for the kids

Visit Festively to see everything you need in one spot: https://www.holidaygiftguide.festively.com/lunar-new-year/

Thank you to all of the amazing vendors that made this:

Venue: Whimsy Pasadena
Planner: In the Clouds Events
Planner: My Wedding Songbird
Photographer: LA Momma
Macaroon & Cupcakes: Phanncy Treats
Cookies: Custom Sweets by Z
Painting: Artistry by Adonna
Chocolates: Cocoa Rome Chocolate Company
Florist: Yours Truly Design
Decor & Props: Portofino International
Paper Flowers: Enchanting Crafts by Ana
Tableware: Vintage Borrowed Rentals
Graphics & Prints: La Design Boutique
Menu & Signs: MoCaLife
Balloon Garland: AbGrfx
Rentals: Vini’s Party Rentals
Holiday Guide Producer: Festively

Shop all our products for Lunar New Year:

https://www.ladesignboutique.com/collections/lunar-new-year/products/chinese-new-year-activities

https://www.ladesignboutique.com/collections/lunar-new-year/products/chinese-new-year-activities-1

https://www.ladesignboutique.com/collections/lunar-new-year/products/lunar-new-year-money-envelope

Nativity Scene staged at the beautiful Whimsy Pasadena venue

Las Posadas Celebration

November 9, 2020November 12, 2020Leave a comment

Las Posadas is a religious festival celebrated in Latin America, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Spain and in the United States between December 16 and 24. It commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe place for Mary to give birth to baby Jesus. The word posada means “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish. This Christmas tradition has so much meaning and history and I was so happy to be a part of Festively’s beautiful and colorful celebration.

So happy to share this amazing event with good food, colorful decor, and great company! Please go on by to Festively’s Holiday Guide to find everything you need to

Ready for some coffee with La Sirena Cafe

A party is not complete without a piñata from La Piñata Design Studio

"But First Cafecito" Sign from La Design Boutique

Cookies from Sweet Life by Sally and signage from La Design Boutique

Delicious catering from Sabor Catering Co and food signs from La Design Boutique

Patty and Iris, Founders of Festively and producers of this event

More special occasion signs from La Design Boutique

THE TEAM:

Planner: Dee Lee Designs – @deeleedesigns

Venue: Whimsy Pasadena – @whimsypdna

Catering (Food): Sabor Catering Co – @saborcateringco

Catering (Bunuelas): Buñuelitas – @bunuelitas

Catering (Coffee): La Sirena Cafe – @la.sirena.cafe

Decor (small cactus): Portofino International – @portofinointernational

Table runner and mug rugs: Folklore Accessories – @folkloreaccessories

Desserts (Naciemiento cookies): Sweet Life by Sally – @sweet_life_by_sally

Florals and Cactus Plants: Jardin del Eden – @jardindel.eden

Papel Picado: Miss Paper Things – @misspaperthings

Graphic & Prints: La Design Boutique – @ladesignboutique

Tableware: Gonz Decorations – @gonz_decorations_inc

Piñata: La Piñata Design Studio – @lapinatadesignstudio

Photographer: L.A. Momma – @l.a.momma

Producer: Festively – @sofestively

Project Manager: In the Clouds Events – @inthecloudsevents

The 10 Best Holiday Traditions for the Family

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020Leave a comment

Every year I love continuing holiday traditions with my family but also finding new ones. I wanted to share some oldies and goodies but also new ones that my mommy friends have shared with me.

Advent Calendars – I go with framed ones that don’t give you a cavity and also can be used and reused. These framed ones are stylish and you can also use them as a calendar for upcoming events and writing down good deeds or things to be grateful for.

Framed Advent Calendars https://www.ladesignboutique.com/collections/holiday Photo taken by: Caity Harrington

2. Gingerbread House and Cookie Kits – My kids love doing these! Even my older kids and now they have so many different types and themes.

Here are a couple of my favorite:

An entire Gingerbread House and Mini Village Kit

Candy Land Gingerbread House Kit

Gingerbread Cookie Kit

3. Holiday Scavenger Hunt – I have never done these but they truly have been such a hit since quarantine. I did it for Halloween and my kids had a blast so I am doing it for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

https://www.ladesignboutique.com/collections/holiday/products/thanksgiving-scavenger-hunt-fall-09066

https://www.ladesignboutique.com/collections/holiday/products/christmas-scavenger-hunt-christmas-29351

4. Christmas Movie Nights – Always a hit and the fact that the kids don’t have school makes it so much enjoyable when they know they can stay up later. Snack favorites are popcorn and hot chocolate with marshmallows. Their favorite movies are all the Home Alone ones! Needless to say, they are boys. LOL Other goodies are Santa Clause, Miracle on 34th, Jingle All the Way and Christmas Carol.

5. Good deeds – I always like to have the kids pick a toy themselves to donate to the toy drives. We also create little care packages for the homeless that include soap, water, granola bars, nuts, chocolate and a special note.

6. Decorating – Of course the biggest thing is decorating together!

7. Cooking – Since my kids are getting older, I do want to include them more in the cooking of Christmas dinner but also throughout the break and hopefully on a regular basis. I truly believe the kitchen and the dinner table is the most important place to unite.

8. Elf on the Shelf – I actually am late on this and have not tried this! I always felt like I didn’t have time to keep up with it but might give it a try this year. Feel free to share your thoughts on it.

9. Christmas music – Okay I know I am going to get mixed reviews on this one. Some people cringe at the idea of 24/7 holiday music starting on November 1st. I like to start playing the holiday music at Thanksgiving and definitely put it on in the car when we are out and about.

10. Last but not least, a bucket list! The year is coming to an end and I like sitting everyone down and thinking about what we want to do in the new year. It allows the kids to reflect on the year and think about their goals for the new year and hopefully make it a life lesson. Sometimes they will be able to achieve them and sometimes they won’t but the important thing is that we do our best and we make the most of a situation even if it doesn’t go as planned. Make sure to write it all down and post it somewhere so everyone is reminded.

Feel free to share your own traditions! Have a peaceful and joyful holiday everyone!

The Missing Element in Your Decor

June 29, 2020June 29, 2020Leave a comment

Introducing a new wall art kit for those who are looking for a little inspirational, a little pretty, a little fun and a whole lot of style. These 4″x4″ instagram style prints are perfect for any space you are decorating but the possibilities are endless. This would be great in a home office, a bedroom and if you want to create a vision board wall too. 24 motivational cards are included in each package that you can even gift to someone! It could be a beautiful gesture for a friend, a bride-to-be, your wedding party, etc.

Here are a couple ways you can use these motivational cards: