Kelly and Company

Our Blog has MOVED!

2009-10-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Our Blog has moved! Follow Kelly & Company at http://kellyandcompany.wordpress.com

See you there!

Sarah & Patrick ~ September 12, 2009

2009-10-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Sarah and Patrick are an adorable, fun-loving, full of life couple who were married in a intimate ceremony at breathtaking Domaine Chandon in picturesque Yountville. Sarah chose a palette of sage and lavender and incorporated it into her flowers, cake and reception decor. The ceremony took place in Domaine Chandon's grotto, and the reception was at etoile restaurant on Domaine Chandon's grounds. The meal was spectacular, and the champagne was delicious of course! Penni Gladstone of Penni Gladstone Photography took beautiful pictures and captured the intimacy of the day. Thanks for letting us enjoy the pictures Penni! Kelly & Company took care of the flowers and coordination. Congratulations Sarah & Patrick and thanks for letting Kelly & Company be a part of your special day!

The bride's bouquet was lush with cymbidium orchids, roses, broccoli hydrangea and snowberries.

Shawnon & Brennain ~ October 10, 2009

2009-10-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Shawnon and Brennain hosted their lovely "fall" themed wedding at a private residence in Sonoma. They chose a deep palette of plums, reds, golds and oranges which look stunning against the greens in the nearby vineyards. We incorporated plum leaf, orchids, black magic roses, and dahlias to create the wild, organic look Shawnon was looking for.The bride's bouquet was lush with orchids, plum calla lilies, roses, freeshia, montbretia and curly willow, hand tied in an organic fashion with gold satin ribbon.

The bride and groom provided silver trumpet vases to showcase the flowers.

Poke weed was added to the arbor on the property to create a romantic hanging design, petals flanked the aisle and dahlias with poke weed were added to alternating seats along the aisle.

Two arrangements flanked the arbor on each side at the ceremony.

Sarita & Tobias ~ September 3, 2009

2009-10-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

I feel so honored that Sarita & Tobias allowed me to be a part of their special day. They are truly some of the kindest people one could ever have the pleasure meeting, fun loving, obviously in love and ADORABLE! They hosted their wine country wedding at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa, California incorporating rich hues of blue against a clean white. They chose to keep everything simple and elegant and I think it all turned out spectacular and hopefully exactly how they imagined! Kelly & Company took care of the flowers, the amazing Andrew Weeks provided spectacular photography (thanks Andrew!) and green certified Park Avenue catering provided impeccably delicious food (as usual!) Sarita and Tobias are one of those couples that after months of planning, phone calls, emails, and planning visits, a friendship developed and now I miss them! Thanks again Sarita & Toby and Congratulations!

Check out the kind words Andrew Weeks Photography had to say about Kelly & Company here: http://weeksphotography.com/blog/2009/09/22/sarita-and-toby-at-paradise-ridge-winery/

More Kelly & Megan!

2009-07-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

To see some amazing photos of Megan & Kelly's Corinthian Yacht Club wedding, check out the fabulous Michelle Walker's website:
http://michellewalkerphotography.blogspot.com/

Thanks Michelle! :)

Megan & Kelly ~ July 3rd 2009

2009-07-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

Megan and Kelly make a beautiful couple, so charismatic, fun and charming! Megan was making me laugh just minutes before walking down the aisle. She was so happy and relaxed, the perfect bride! Megan went with a color scheme of raspberry and blush. They were married at St. Patrick's Church in Larkspur in a lovely ceremony followed by a reception at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. The views of the San Francisco Bay from the Yacht Club are truly breathtaking creating a perfect backdrop for a stunning ballroom. Megan chose crystal trees with hanging tealights and a lush base of raspberry colored flowers for half the centerpieces and raspberry colored taller clear glass vases overflowing with hydrangea, lilies, roses and hanging amaranth for the other half. It was gorgeous!The cake was amazing, Sharon Smith of Tiers of Joy did an excellent job!

Floating gardenias were placed in the bathrooms....
The breathtaking view from the deck...

The beautiful bride holding a bouquet of raspberry peonies, roses and berries...

The happy couple... Thanks Megan & Kelly for letting Kelly & Company be a part of your special day!

Rachel & Jason ~ May 24th 2009

2009-06-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Jason were married at a breathtaking private residence in Healdsburg, CA. Rachel looked absolutely amazing! Special thanks to Cindi De Channes for the stunning photography!

Allie's Graduation Party ~ June 14th 2009

2009-06-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Kelly & Company does all kinds of parties! The cake was adorable: green and yellow to celebrate Allie's graduation from San Marin High School and her future at the University of Oregon. We did bright yellow centerpieces of roses, lemon leaf and dahlias around umbrella poles. Chinese lanterns in green and yellow were hung from the deck above guests heads. A table that commemorated Allie's achievements greeted guests and was overflowing with all kinds of history: a girl scout vest bursting with accomplishment patches, artwork and photos of friends and family. A candy bar in greens and yellows added a whimsical touch. This was a fun one; we had a great time!

Michelle & Jon ~ June 27, 2009

2009-06-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Jon's beautiful wedding was a great example of a cost effective floral budget. Michelle really wanted fresh flowers on her tables so we did little arrangements that added pops of color. Her bridesmaids wore plum, so we incorporated a range of purples and it really turned out nice. Simple and elegant.

Jenny & Jay ~ June 26, 2009

2009-06-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

Jenny was one of those really stunning brides, I mean STUNNING. She truly looked like she was out of the pages of a high glamor wedding magazine, really beautiful and so happy! Her wedding was planned to a T with so many of those little details that make a wedding unique. It was definitely a vintage glam affair in kelly green, pale pink and matte gray. She used adorable buttons as confetti on the tables, incorpoated little handmade yarn signs that read, "just married" and "jenny & jay," she bought a vintage typewriter on ebay for guests to sign in on, she and bridesmaids made darling button boutonnieres... and on and on! The whole concept came together wonderfully and really charmingly explified the bride's vintage glam concept. Thank you Jenny & Jay for letting Kelly & Comapny be a party of your special day!

The aisle looked really awesome. White petals were used in swirl pattern against the green grass. I think it turned out pretty well!

White flowers were hung on fishing wire to look as if they were suspended from air around the ceremony area and used as a "curtain" around the bride and groom.

Britney & Dave ~ June 13, 2009

2009-06-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Britney & Dave are one of those couples that you just can look at and know that they are truly in love. They were such a joy to work with! They hosted their wedding at the beautiful Harvest Inn in St. Helena. It really is a jewel of a property, sitting at the edge of acres of amazing vineyards and the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. The Inn's buildings evoke an almost fairytale romance. Britney and Dave were inspired by the flame calla lily and and used the burnt orange color against a crisp white in almost all of their decor. They didn't want to take away from the beauty of the setting, and it all turned out truly amazing!

Their ceremony and reception took place on Harvest Inn's Vin Rose Lawn with dancing and cupcakes on the Country Kitchen Patio.
Alex's Catering did an amazing job. Their staff was fabulous and their food was beyond delicious!
Flowers were done by Kelly & Company, dahlias, roses, calla lilies, asiatic lilies and orchids made for an amazing combination in orange hues.

Thank you Britney & Dave for allowing Kelly & Company, Wine Country Weddings, to be a part of your special day! I had a wonderful time! :)

As Promised, more Kristin & Joe

2009-05-20T08:31:00.001-07:00

Kristin & Joe, Pismo Beach Wedding

2009-05-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Kristin and Joe were the best! They are so laid back, so in love and so wonderful to work with! We started planning a little more than a year ago and they wanted a beach theme wedding. We went from Monterey to Carmel to Oakland (by a lake) and ended up in Grover Beach at the Pismo Beach Golf Course. The location was perfect, a few steps from the sandy beach. We went with monochromatic shades of blue with touches of "beach" (seashells, flip flops and galvanized sand buckets). There was a fabulous children's station to keep the kids entertained, a candy bar with a plethora of blue candies, chinese lanterns in a multitude of blues as well as adorable wooden beach signs made by the bride's family to point guests towards the beach. The weather was perfect, a warm April day! It was really a great one to work on... here are a couple pictures courtesy of Alyssa Hennesy Photography... just a glimpse... there's more to come! Thanks Kristin & Joe!

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery Wedding

2009-03-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

On February 28th 2009, I had the pleasure of attending Kalle & Erin's wedding reception and ceremony at Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery. Erin and her mom came to me in early January looking for a wedding planner to help plan the wedding.... in a month. "It can be done!" I said enthusiastically, and it was done. Erin showed me a picture of an amazing venue she ripped from a Bride's magazine that displayed a room enveloped in purple lighting and jaw dropping ambiance and explained that she'd like it to look something like that. Cary and Erin were so easy to work with: fun, flexible and quick to make decisions which made planning a wedding in a month a lot easier than it sounds. Erin looked amazing on the day of her wedding, full of life and beauty, a genuinely happy bride. It was a real pleasure working with the Sorianos and the Spolanders!

Check out some images from the wedding thanks to the phenomenal talent of Jay Kelly Photography.
Flowers & Decor by Kelly & Company Event Planning & Floral Design
Lighting by I Heart Lighting
DJ Nor Cal Pro Sound, Tony Muzzin
Cake by Auntie B's

Going Green

2009-01-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

Considering that most weddings start at $20,000, it seems obvious that they have a huge footprint, both ecologically and economically. But going green doesn't mean you have to compromise on your big day. Stepping back to take a look at the big picture, can open your eyes (as well as your guests) to the fun and easy ways to go green!

1. Watch your guest count. The fact is that the more people you invite, the more people travel to get there, more food, bigger venue, the more waste. I know it gets hard sometime with, "if we invite cousin Sam, we have to invite cousin Lola..." but just be conscientious.

2. Rent your tux and wear a secondhand wedding dress. Re-using these items can save money and the environment! Plus, wearing grandma's wedding dress could be really personal and romantic!

3. Source locally, look for caterers who source their food locally. Use the local microbrewery for your beer and ask your florist about local community gardens.

4. Create an earth friendly registry. Ask your friends and family to contribute to a fun activity, like skydiving, or have them donate to a cool charity.

5. Don't forget the details, there are so many products available, invitations come in recycled paper and there is everything from organic champagne to biodegradable confetti. Just do your research, there are a lot of great products out there!

The Wedding Expo - Sonoma County's Premier Bridal Show

2009-01-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

Visit Kelly and Company at The Wedding Expo, Sonoma County's Premier Bridal Show. The show starts at 12pm and ends at 5pm and we'll be there all day Saturday, January 17th. It's at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. There are prizes and discounts galore, not to mention wine tasting and cake! Come on out! We'd love to meet you! :)

Cupcake Bar

2008-12-30T17:10:00.000-08:00

Tired of the Candy Bar at weddings... how about a cupcake bar? Display unfrosted cupcakes, multi-colored frostings (or those that coincide with your bashes theme), candies and of course, sprinkles and let guests express their artistry let their inner child run wild. Messy, but fun! Don't forget take away boxes!
Just as a side note, have you seen the book Hello Cupcake by authors Karen Tack and Alan Richardson? Amazing little masterpieces! Check it out! :)

A Wishing Tree

2008-12-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

I admit, I LOVE the idea of a wishing tree: A place for guests to jot down their warmest wishes, fondest memories and most insightful advise. It makes such a statement at the reception, highlighting the wedding overall theme, whether that be a bling wishing tree dripping with crystals and sparkles, a nature friendly wishing tree incorporating mosses and barks, a wine country wishing tree draped with grapes and grape leaves.... There are so many options! Don't forget to give your guests instructions and appoint a "helper" to encourage guests to add to your wishing tree!

As we begin our new journey
a brand new Mr. & Mrs.
We could surely use
your advise and wishes.
Share with us your wisdom
about marriage, love & life.
Jot down a memory
a reminder of our day.
A doodle or picture will do
if you don't know what to say.
Please don't forget, it would be such a shame
Don’t hang your wish on our tree,
without signing your name.
Whatever you pen, we're sure to treasure
long after this day has passed,
your words will bring us pleasure.

Carnation Comeback!

2008-12-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

Now it's not really a comeback, because they've been around for a long time, but I think the carnation's bad rap is starting to crumble. I fully admit to having a life long predisposition against carnations. Somehow, their association with the dreaded adjective "cheap" has burrowing into my flower dictionary. I even remember days gone by when my sister would joke, "any boy who gives you carnations is not worth your time..." She taught me a lot about life, ha!

On a usual search for all things beautiful, I came across a lovely centerpiece using carnations amassed in monochromatic tones and it piqued my interest. Thus commenced my search for beautiful and unique carnation applications and overturned my snotty attitude towards carnations putting me first in line to design upscale creations!

With so many brides feeling the pinch of today's economic crisis, I constantly hear, what's a good lower priced option or how can I save a few dollars? I am using the carnation more and more in wreaths, in centerpieces, in pomanders. Carnations used in mass can create amazingly lush, modern, yet romantic, high impact arrangements and more importantly, you get a lot of bang for your buck!

Even Martha is taking notice of carnations. Check out this month's issue of Martha Stewart Weddings for "A Bright Idea" featuring the chic carnation.

The Meaning of the Carnation:
What is delicate, durable, and delightful all in one? The carnation, scientifically known as Dianthus caryophyllus, is a historically rich and meaningful flower choice. With its scientific name dianthus roughly translating to "flower of love" or "flower of the gods", depending on the source, this flower is one that has been revered for centuries. One of the world's oldest cultivated flowers, the carnation is appreciated for its ruffled appearance, clove-like scent, and extended blooming period.

Hi! I'm New Here!

2008-11-24T20:21:00.001-08:00

So, here we are, Kelly & Company Event Planning and Floral Design, officially starting a blog. It's kind of exciting! We're planning on posting info about recent events, new design ideas, great articles, images and stuff that gets us fired up! We love our jobs and can't wait to share all of the exciting details! It's like planning a really great party everyday, getting the creative juices flowing and really getting down to what our customers want. Anyway, Kelly & Company is excited to share it all with you! :)