{Haute Party} Lily's 2nd Birthday

Our fabulous little hautie turned two recently and we had way too much fun planning her big soiree! Lily is obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...so the theme basically picked itself! We ran with a black, white, red and touches of yellow for the color palette and kept the menu really simple. 

The photos are a bit rough, but we hope you enjoy regardless!

The invitation was designed by Socal Crafty and printed by The Keeping Room.

A little bunting, a little paper lanterns and a little chalkboard sign on the door!

Mouse Ears for the guests...the kiddos were just too cute!

Mason Jars with Mickey Mouse decals and Paper Straws

A fun spin on  a fruit tray! All of the food was labeled with a character from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (i.e. Clarabelle's Corn Dip, Pluto's Pasta Salad, etc...We had fun coming up with those!)

The fabric stripped backdrop and polka dot balloons set the stage for this fun dessert table featuring the cake, cupcakes, marshmallow sticks and candy. 

The fabulous Minnie Mouse cake was by Reed's Cakes...and was delicious!

When the cake was cut, we served milk in vintage-inspired glasses with Mickey Mouse decals and paper straws. We dipped the glasses in chocolate and sprinkled with yellow sprinkles...yum!

The birthday girl!

The birthday girl's daddy brewed a special beer for the occasion that was a delicious peach ale...or Lily's Peach Birthd-ale!

Favors for the "big kids" were little baggies of "Mickey Munch"

And favors for the little kiddos were baggies of fun (i.e. Mickey crayons and bubbles!)

We had so much fun and we are so thankful for everyone that came to celebrate Lily turning into a big girl! Time flies way too fast...so we have already started thinking about next year! ;)

{Haute Wedding} Jenn + Tyler

What fun, What fun! We are so excited to share the detail shots of Jenn and Tyler's Nottoway Wedding! Every wedding is special to us, but this wedding takes the cake because the bride is one of our fabulous owners! Nottoway is a gorgeous venue with beautiful options for ceremony and reception. Jenn and Tyler decided to tie the knot under the oaks. We decked the aisle with candles and Fleur du Jour out did themselves with the stunning flower arrangements. After a cocktail hour in the White Room, the celebration moved to the Grand Pavilion. From the lighting to the linens to the centerpieces, the details of this reception created such a joyful atmosphere perfect for the guests to have a grand ol' time!

Chantilly Wedding Photography was a breeze to work with and you'll see why we love them so when you see these shots...enjoy!

Tina with Verde Beauty Studio not only does gorgeous hair and make up for her brides...but she goes above and beyond for her clients! She was a lifesaver on this wedding day!

Stunning Gown from Bustle

Chatta Boxx in Baton Rouge was beyond fabulous when assisting each bridesmaid select a dress that fit with the design of the wedding but allowed each girl to display her personal style. 

Val Marie Papiere created such fun programs for the ceremony!

Ceremony music provided by the Original Magnolia String Quartet

These fun linens and blush up-lighting were provided by Event Rental and really made the space unique!

Of course, candles, candles, candles...

Ah...I die!

Other fantastic vendors that aren't showcased above:

Videographer: CF Wedding

Hair: Lux Salon 

Band: Rewind

Photobooth: Ta-Dah Photobooths

Cakes: Ambrosia Bakery

Invitations: The Keeping Room

{Haute Party} An Artistic Lunch

Each year a group of lovely ladies known as the "Louisiana Legislative Spouses Auxiliary" visit the LSU campus for a day of interactive tours and experiences. The day is always focused around a specific department or unit of campus, and this year the fun surrounded the College of Art & Design. What a fantastic set of programs at LSU! If you are a student interested in architecture, interior design or art...do yourself a favor, and check it out!

Anyway, we set up a fabulous lunch in the art gallery of Foster Hall. This little hidden gem is a must see next time you are crusin' down Dalrymple Drive! This particular exhibit focused on undergraduate student projects and we were very impressed! Since the walls were covered in fabulous art, we didn't want to distract too much with a fancy set up. So, we kept it simple with a gray and white color scheme. Enjoy!

The agenda served as the invitation for the group and set the tone for the color scheme and event signage.

Simple tables, chairs and linens provided by Event Rental. 

The fabulous white arrangements were provided by Billy Heroman's Flowerland. 

The food was set in a separate gallery right next door...with even more outstanding art from talented students!

Seriously, we don't know what Drake's Catering does to their simple spinach salads...but delicious...seriously.

Simple signage to label the food that matched the agenda/invitation.

Yum...just yum.

Much love to the fabulous vendors that helped make this event a success! Thanks to:

Event Rental (tables, chairs, linens)

Billy Heroman's Flowerland (flower arrangements)

Drake's Catering (food and beverage)

LSU College of Art & Design (venue and amazing tours/experiences!)

{Haute Party} Fit for a King...

For all our LSU Hauties out there, you will love the next few posts! We have been rockin' some LSU-themed events lately and are so excited to share some photos!

This particular event was a business/cocktail party focusing on the introduction of LSU President and Chancellor Designee, Dr. F. King Alexander. We rolled with an ivory, gold and white color scheme that was the perfect backdrop for some of our mercury glass vases. Enjoy!

The invitation set the tone for the color scheme and, of course, set the design for any event signage!

 

Tables, Linens and Fabulous Chairs provided by Event Rental

Gorgeous Flower Arrangements provided by Billy Heroman's Flowerland

To add a sense of texture to the five guest tables, we left one to strictly candles! 

Love our mercury glass trios!

Martini-Tied Cocktail Tables...yes please!

This photo doesn't do this space justice! The space was poorly lit and when the sun went down, you could have easily gotten lost! So we tossed some assorted mercury glass on the staircase to not only create a nice backdrop for the outdoor bar but also provide a little light for the guests. Win, Win!

Beyond tasty food provided by Drake's Catering

Of course the food labels matched the invitation!

Who doesn't love a signature cocktail??? Well, this one was super tasty!

We love our fabulous vendors that helped us make this event a success! Thanks to:

Event Rental (linens and furniture rentals)

Billy Heroman's Flowerland (flower arrangements)

Drake's Catering (food and beverage)

LSU Parking and Transportation (guest shuttle)

{Haute Party} Lily's 1st Birthday

As we gear up for Lily's 2nd birthday party this weekend, it's fun to remember all the little details of this mini-hautie's first birthday a year ago. Time flies WAY too fast!

Thanks so much to Chantilly Wedding Photography for capturing all the little details and moments that made that day so special! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to RSVP like a Champion

RSVP...Répondez, s’il vous plaît...Please reply...Regrets only...

However it may be listed on the invitation, that simple line of request is all too often ignored by potential party guests. It grinds my gears...it truly does. But, instead of simply venting on why, when and how much I hate hounding guests for their previously requested responses...what follows is a brief etiquette lesson to ensure you are not only an amazing party guest...but an amazing human being. Enjoy!

How to RSVP like a Champion:

1. Timing Matters

For a more casual event, there may be a deadline to respond but generally, the request will be open-ended. It is respectful to respond to the host of the event within a day or two of receiving the invitation. Should something happen prior to the event, it is acceptable to contact the host to change your response. It's less appreciated when it's a day-of change...but just showing up without giving the host notice is unacceptable and being a no-show is just plain rude.

2. Respond as Requested

Generally, the invitation will specify the manner in which to respond. For example, an email address or phone number will be listed with the response request. If the host truly loves you, an enclosure card with a pre-stamped envelope might be included. If not, take your cue from the form of the invitation. If the invitation was extended via email, reply via email...if the invitation was extended via phone, reply via phone, etc.

3. Short and Sweet

If the event is large, the host will be (happily) inundated with responses...so keep it short and sweet. A long explanation as to why you have to decline, isn't really necessary so a simple and polite note of regret would be appreciated. For example...

Thank you so much for the thoughtful invitation. I hate that I must decline due to a previous commitment.

 

Thank you so much for the beautiful invitation! Chris and I are excited to attend!

4. "RSVP" is not the answer

This is a personal pet peeve, but I just had to include it. I will judge you...hard...if you respond to my invitation with any form of the following...this is my RSVP or I'm RSVP'ing for the event. Ok...I'm assuming that you will be attending but I can't really be sure. RSVP literally translates to "please reply". It doesn't mean I'm accepting your invitation or declining your invitation...it is the actual request. So, again, use one of the following templates:

Thank you so much for the thoughtful invitation. I hate that I must decline due to a previous commitment.

Thank you so much for the beautiful invitation! Chris and I are excited to attend!

 

5. "May I Bring..."

 

Nope...the answer is nope. If the invitation was not addressed to you plus a guest or you plus your children, please for the love of please, do not ask the host if you can bring one, two or three additional people. If you were invited to an event to represent an organization and you are unable to attend, the host will ask for other potential representatives when you decline. Until then, assume it's a non-transferable invitation.

 

6. To include restrictions/needed accommodations or not...that is the question.

 

This is a tricky one. If you do not have a personal relationship with the host, I believe it's best to include any restrictions, allergies or special accommodations needed when responding to the invitation. The host would rather make any changes or revisions to the event in advance than have to tweak something day-of. For example...If you are invited to a sit down dinner that does not include menu choices and you are a vegetarian or have severe peanut allergies, it's best to mention something to the host in advance. If you require accommodations due to any physical handicaps, it is best to mention something to the host in advance. If you are invited to a buffet reception and you just don' t like seafood, it's not necessary to include that in your response. The host wants all of the guests to be comfortable and enjoy their experience but he/she has also put a lot of work and effort into the menu, venue and plan, so just keep that in mind when requesting special accommodations.

 

7. Lack of Response...Ugh.

 

Another personal pet peeve...your lack of response is not the proper way to decline or accept the invitation. When I, as the host, have to "touch base" with non-responsive guests and that person replies with " Well, I didn't respond because I can't go" or "I assumed that me not responding was telling you that I can attend"...my skin literally crawls. Again, RSVP translates to "please reply", so please reply.

 

8. But it didn't ask for a response?

 

Well, you're technically in the clear...but be a sweetie and offer a response anyway. The host will appreciate your extra effort!

 

 

Ok...so maybe this was a little bit of a rant disguised as an etiquette lesson...but ignore my motives and heed the advice! When you "RSVP" like a Champion, the host will adore you...trust me! The thought, effort and kindness extended by the host to include you in her/his event should be matched with your respectful response of accepting/declining the invitation...it's the least you can do!

 

 

 

Do you have etiquette questions? Feel free to email Rachel at trulyhaute@gmail.com!