The Number One (of four) Ingredient for Planning a Great Party

I am 100% Italian, therefore it was inevitable to be born a party planner.  I was barely out of the womb when I started entertaining and indubitably my career led me hospitality and then throwing  great parties as a living.

You see, Italians, or "I Paesani", are the epitome of entertainers and hosts who ensure that all occasions are celebrated and done so with GUSTO!

My NUMBER ONE of four things you must have to host a memorable party will make or break a party, can you guess what it is?
Remember, I am Italian.  Close your eyes and imagine yourself in Italy.  What is the one thing you think of when imagining Italy?

FOOD:

Felici rule number one is: Don't let people leave hungry.  Both my grandmothers as well as my mom  taught me that Italiafact.  I've been well fed with fresh ingredients, home cooked meals and generations of recipes my entire life.  As a family, we sat to a delicious home cooked dinner every night while I was growing up. To me, this upbringing makes a difference, food = event.

I practiced this rule last November when I threw my launch party.  Both my heritage along with appreciation of good food and fresh ingredients dictated the theme of my event.  It was also important to me to host a larger number of guests, and therefore my budget had to have some bang for the buck without compromising fresh delicious food.

I contacted California Woodfired Catering and had them cater the soiree.  That was a great decision!

The best part, I got three bangs for my buck.

1-Effortless: The set up, rental and service needs were minimal

2-A Show: Just like in my family's house, guests gathered around the wood-fired oven area watching the chef make pizzas with the fresh ingredients and pulling it out of the piping hot oven.  It also sparked up quite a bit of conversation amongst all.


3-Finger Lickin' Good:  The food was delicious.  It is just shy of one year later, and people are still talking about the yumy pizza!

Thanks Mike!

Let them eat cake!

There are many important aspects to a wedding, such as the guest list, the venue, the bride’s dress, the food, and of course, the wedding cake. The wedding cake is the elaborate centerpiece that adorns a major table while the guests are dining so that everyone can view it, waiting for the moment that they finally get to sink their teeth in to a gooey slice. When that moment comes, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the bride and groom cutting the cake together, as one of their first joint acts after saying “I do”. So much emphasis is placed on the wedding cake, not only in its taste but in its presentation, so why stick with the same boring cake cliché? Here are some fantastic examples of unique and creative cakes that break out of the norms of wedding cake design.

A life-size cake replica of the bride? Perhaps a bit vain, but this cake is definitely impressive.

One of the world’s most recognizable paintings transcribed onto a cake. A true work of baked art.

 

It must have been hard to eat this wonderful representation of the beloved video game.

Nothing says family like a good game of Scrabble, especially when it’s portrayed in such a fun way on this cake.

How can you not love a cake that represents the bride and groom as fellow Ghostbusters taking down the Marshmallow Man?

Arithmetic to Wedded Bliss - 1,001 Paper Cranes Japanese Wedding Ceremony Tradition

Based on Japanese tradition, cranes are noted as mystical creatures.Cranes represent longevity and good health, and are believed to live for 1001  years. The tradition to fold 1001 paper cranes has become a staple wedding gift for many years in Japanese culture.

Folding 1001 paper cranes is believed to make a person’s wish come true; when a folder bestows the cranes on a couple it symbolizes their wish for the couple to have a long and happy marriage.

Last week's wedding,  the bride’s mother folded these gorgeous paper cranes. This custom, however, is not limited to just family' anyone can give such a unique and truly beautiful wedding gift.

Making Paper Cranes Tutorial

 

Engagement Pictures to LOVE and ENJOY

One of the most fun and rewarding things that you want to make sure to do after your engagement is to schedule an engagement photo session for you and your fiancé. Why get engagement photos? Aside from the fact that these photos will show off what an attractive couple you two are, this photo session provides you with the valuable opportunity to establish a relationship with your photographer before your Wedding. An engagement session allows you to share with your photographer what you like and don't like about yourself (in pics) and it also allows them to get to know you as a couple. This is so valuable, and enables them to take photos that best represent the two of you and will result in wedding photos that you are sure to love!

 

Engagement photos can also be used for wedding announcements in local news papers, save the dates that are sent out to family and friends, and they can even be used as décor at your ceremony or reception.

Do's and Don'ts of Engagement Pictures

Do HAVE FUN with this opportunity

Do involve your photographer who will at some level be the director of your tale

Do bring a few items of clothing

Do bring props

Do relax, a glass of wine and some music on the ipod can get the 'groove' going

DON'T eliminate engagement pictures from your photographer's package to save money.

The beautiful engagement photos below are courtesy of Attasalina Photography.  The FELICI couple will be married this fall!

Timeless Vintage Rentals

The new “In the Vineyard” furniture collection by Town and Country offers pieces that bring timeless beauty to any gathering. The furniture’s well-worn look adds comforting appeal to an outdoor space, perfect for a wedding, reception, or a ladies lunch.

Included in this collection is a wide assortment of pieces such as tables, chairs, benches, arches, lighting fixtures, linens and more. The collection’s antique chandeliers are eye catching and would bring a stylish sparkle to any outdoor event, and the arches offered in the collection are simple, yet enchanting, and would be a charming fit for a wedding.

 

Happy 4th!

Jeffrey Campbell gets patriotic  

When the original Declaration of Independence was written, women were rocking powdered wigs that towered over a crowd. With these platforms, you can take a twist on reaching those same heights! These high-powered heels may not be perfect for every occasion, but they are the perfect choice for this holiday's festive footwear. No need to worry about trying to see over the crowds during the fireworks show!

Mille Grazie! to our number one fans and supporters!

One of the biggest rewards of being an event planner is the relationships we create with clients.

I have couples, their friends and families and various clients with whom we still keep in touch.

Here is one prime example.  Lindsey and Jeff's Santa Barbara wedding was featured on Santa Barbara Wedding Guide Blog over the summer.  Even though their wedding was a few years back, Lindsey and her parents are HUGE fans of the dynamic duo -  Zohe Felici and Nico Designs - and still keep in touch with us on a regular basis.  Not only did they come to support Nico's "L is for Love" book launch I planned for him back in April (more to follow on that event), they event took the time to put together a collage of appreciation.  Yup, that's us - Nico, Momma Coye and myself in the middle left hand side picture......

We love you Coyes!  Let's plan another party.  Forever grateful.  -Zohe

Glass Beverage Containers

One of the things generations of Italian women, especially my (Italian) mom, taught me about hospitality is to immediately greet your guests with something to drink.  The welcome beverage does not have to be alcoholic (for weddings I STRONGLY suggest waiting on serving alcohol until after the ceremony, it's a long day for people and I've observed guests take advantage of open bars party and party again...).  Self service glass beverage containers can add decor and support the theme to your event.  These three I found online are inexpensive and unique.  

 

Here are Four Easy Non-Alcoholic Beverage Recipes / Ideas:

Ask your caterers or bartender to prepare and include these 'wet your whistle stations' in the menu

If used as a welcome beverage, you can move to the bar and still offer throughout your event.

 

 

Easy as 1-2-3:

Slice 4-5 mixture of lemons and limes into rounds

Add to Ice Water

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Spa-Style:

Slice 2 cucumbers in rounds 1/4' thick and freeze

Pour Ice water into container, top with frozen cucumber

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Lavender Fields:

Purchase pre-made lemonade

Add to container with ice

Top with washed strands of lavender

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Ruby Red Glam:

Fill container with ice and sparkling cider

Add fresh POM pomegranate juice

Top with nuggets of pomegranate

 

Bottoms Up!

 

 

Keep event guests warm and the design stylish

The recent rains in Santa Barbara trigger clients to think of a plan B and source tents, or indoor back up.  Oftentimes, weather back up could be that it's cold or windy.  It is not exclusive to precipitation. Town and Country Event Rentals sparks the fire with some of their stylish inventory.

These fireplaces are CALIENTE! trendy and will keep your guests talking in hot air!

This one is conducive to California weather and perfect for guests to sit around and keep warm in an organic setting.

 

This chic number conveys clean lines and a more modern design to enjoy the warmth while chatting around the fire.

 

 

Engagement Giveaway: Destination Santa Barbara on the Beach!

CONGRATULATIONS TO KARISSA AND PAUL THE LUCKY WINNERS OF THIS ENGAGEMENT PACKAGE GIVEAWAY!

THEY WILL GET TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF SANTA BARBARA ON THE BEACH, WITH THIS AMAZING PACKAGE:

READ THEIR WINNING STORY BELOW:

The Sesame Street Proposal

by Karissa Dunn
Paul and I met off of match.com. I searched for him and when I saw his picture, I thought he wouldn’t even give me the time of day, but I “winked” at him anyway just to give it a shot. The next morning he had already sent a reply message giving me his number. My initial thought was “Wow, this guy thinks he is Mr. Smooth just handing out his number and not even bothering to get to know me.” I responded saying it wasn’t that easy, but gave him my number anyway, because who was I trying to fool? This guy was super attractive and I wasn’t going to let him get away. He called me the next day and I could barely hold a conversation with him because I was so nervous. I figured nothing would come out of the conversation, but he ended up texting me asking if I wanted to go on a date with him.
Our first date wasn’t amazing like I thought it would be. I was nervous and poor Paul had to do all of the talking. The stories he was telling me gave me the completely wrong impression of him and by the end of the night I left feeling somewhat disappointed, but I was willing to give it another shot. By our third date, I knew he was “The One”. He had me come over to his house and he made me dinner and then we walked to the beach. And the rest is history. We’ve been together since August 14, 2009 and he proposed on March 18, 2011. He proposed on Mammoth Mountain on the Sesame Street run (the beginners run because I’m still learning how to snowboard). We were there the previous year and that was the first place I told him that I loved him. I kept falling and getting up and falling again. It was the last run of the day and I just couldn’t do it anymore and started crying. He was so patient and said he understood and that’s when I knew I loved him. Fast forwarding to this year, we were on the same run and I was still learning. We were on the last run of the day and again, I was very tired and didn’t want to go any farther. I fell and just gave up on the spot and started crying again. (This happened to be at the same spot I first told him I loved him). I look up and theres Paul down on one knee. He told me I looked beautiful even though I had makeup streaming down my face and he said that I was his best friend and that he didn’t want me to be sad. He pulled out the ring box from his pocket and said he couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with me and asked me to marry him. I said yes and that I was sorry for ruining it lying in the snow crying. He put the ring back in the box since he couldn’t put it on my finger right then because I was wearing gloves and we walked down the hill. Once we were at the bottom, he got down on one knee again and put the ring on! It couldn’t have been more perfect for us and we’re both so happy.
AT FELICI EVENTS WE CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS AND ALIGN OURSELVES  WITH CLASS-ACT VENDORS WHO SHARE OUR SAME PHILOSOPHIES AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS IN CUSTOMER SERVICE.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Fess Parker Santa Barbara Hotel Luna Bella Makeup Art Kristine Renee Duo Color

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AND TO OUR FABULOUS SUPPORTERS:

Classic Party Rentals Santa Barbara Wedding

 

Looking for wedding ideas? Visit 'The Wedding Salon' bridal show Monday 3.21.11

So honored to have been invited by Patchi Chocolates to the Wedding Salon at the London Hotel in West Hollywood, this coming Monday , March 21st from 4-9pm. The Wedding Salon is a high end, trendy bridal show with events happening in LA, Miami and NY.

If you can make it, be sure to taste a delicious chocolate from Patchi and say hi to Souheila at their booth.

The Wedding Salon events showcases high end wedding vendors, including photographers, florists, venues, gowns and formalwear, wedding planning, catering, beauty services, videographers, wedding travel and honeymoons, and many more.

Engagement Giveaway: Destination Santa Barbara, the American Riviera

Congratulations to Megan and Jason the lucky winners of this engagement package giveaway! Their story won the hearts of all!

They will get to experience the best of Santa Barbara, the American Riviera, with this amazing package:

  • A one hour wedding consultation with Zohe Felici of Felici Events
  • A one night's Stay at The Canary Hotel with breakfast in bed for 2 (a fabulous downtown hotel ideal for breathtaking views, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches and guest room blocks)
  • $100 Gift Certificate from Opal Restaurant and Bar (one of my favorite places in town, and I'm a foodie!, this downtown venue is ideally located, reasonably priced, great wine list and a perfect location for receptions and rehearsal dinners)
  • Hair and Make Up by the talented Victoria Congdon (with such a great demeanor, she's someone I positively want in your room with you while you're getting hair and make-up done!)
  • A Professional Engagement Photo Shoot captured by the brilliance of Kristen Beinke Photography (she radiates from the soul, her energy and talent capture the most beautiful of pictures!)

Read their winning story below:

Who gets engaged on a volcano?? WE DO. That’s who.

By Megan Woods

When Jason and I celebrated our engagement with friends they toasted to us… ‘FINALLY, Jason proposed!’ I laughed aloud – ‘oh please… it hasn’t even been a 2 years!’ – only to hear the response that they’d all been waiting since week two. In our case, ‘when you know, you know’ rings very true. Jason and I met in June of 2009, we bonded over a Michael Jackson dance medley at a Karaoke bar and have been inseparable ever since.

The truth of it is, I think we both knew on DAY 2 that we’d stumbled upon the person we were meant for. Giddiness (along with a lot of love and laughter and a new place together and a dog and unconditional support and snowboarding trips and barbeques and the best time of our lives) ensued… Fast-forward to December 27th 2010 and Jason and I are embarking on day 1 of our Costa Rica adventure vacation. We booked the trip last minute using airline mileage that was set to expire. We spent one rainy Sunday planning the trip. It all came together so fast I was careful to lower my hopes that a proposal scheme might also be underway. We spent an incredibly fun Christmas with my family and 24 hours later were hiking up towards an active volcano. Side note. I’m totally obsessed with volcanoes. At one point in my life there was no doubt I would be a volcanologist… or a storm chaser. So being this close to a volcano was a huge thrill (even though I ended up working in advertising). We had a tour guide with us who was full of all sorts of unromantic information like what happens to your body when you get bit by a viper snake… triggered by actually SEEING a viper.

 

One might expect, my mind was not thinking about diamonds or love or marriage or Jason taking a knee amongst a rainforest full of snakes. Then we got to a huge clearing of lava rocks. Massive black boulders piled on top of each other. It was foggy and misting and mystical. There were single orchids sprouting between black rocks. So pretty. And suddenly, so romantic. I was looking for a toucan through binoculars and when I turned around I saw Jason holding this little metal owl (I love owls). He pulled me in close, forehead-to-forehead, nervous and shivering, he told me I make his heart skip a beat, that it swells from his chest and he loves me. That I challenge him to do fun things. I am his advisor and confidant. That he needs me… to be the best him. That he wants me in all of his children and he wants to do adventurous things (like climb volcanoes) for the rest of our lives. Down to his knee. Opened the owl. BEAUTIFUL. Diamond. Ring. Will you marry me? Yes, yes, yes! Are you kidding me?! OF COURSE YES! Jason could have asked me to marry him laying in bed on a lazy Sunday morning and I’d have been just as thrilled. I feel like the luckiest girl ever – not just because I got engaged on a volcano or am walking around with a freakin’ rock on my finger, but because I get to marry a seriously good man. One that I know will treat me like gold the rest of our lives and makes me the best version of myself.

We’re getting married in Santa Barbara September 4th, 2011. Jason is from Austin, I’m from San Diego. ‘The American Rivera’ felt like the perfect blend of both of those places (plus it’ll be an awesome place for us to spend anniversaries!) We can’t wait to host our family and friends for a weekend of merriment and celebration. Better yet, we can’t wait to be married!

At Felici Events we cultivate relationships and align ourselves  with class-act vendors who share our same philosophies and high expectations for customer service. Thank you to our sponsors!

Canary Santa Barbara Opal Restaurant and Bar Mishay Salon Kristen Beinke

And to our fabulous supporters:

Classic Party Rentals Santa Barbara Wedding

Have a Seat!

These cute chairs were featured Chair of the Month from  Classic Party Rentals

Not too stuffy, soft and perfectly appropriate for any affair.

Picture Perfect Puppy

I got portraits taken with my new puppy earlier this week. I could not have asked for a better photographer to direct my session and create these truly memorable moments in time.  I'm thrilled at Melissa Musgrove for initially having introduced my dog, Orbo, and I a few weeks back, suggesting that we take puppy pics and orchestrating such a wonderful session.

Even my parents can't decide who is more photogenic. Dang Melissa, you're good!

The best part, is I listened to my own advice.  Have someone who makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera take your picture.  Voila - Genius!

Goth Decor Wedding Inspiration

Crystal Mirror Wedding Decor Inspiration

Crystal Mirror Wedding Decor Inspiration

Inspired by a mirror........

a gothic vision began.......

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

Goth Wedding Inspiration

and today we captured a stunning Gothic wedding with an amazing group of talented vendors who worked beautifully together to create a vision into a reality.

Attasalina PhotographyAcacia MansionAmber Hiatt Jana's Creative CakesLa Tavola LinenSarah JacksonShell's PetalsSugarcube Press

.....more to come......