Weekend Recap & Great Finds

Happy Monday Everyone! Okay, so I'm recovering slowing but surely from the weekend happenings. My apartment is still in shambles, boxes everywhere I turn, lol. Someone should come up with an unpacking/setup service. I had a great time at the white party and was definitely channeling my inner Marilyn circa "The Seven Year Itch". I wish I'd remembered to bring along my camera...next time, I promise!

Okay, back to business...I was having a discussion about wedding favors the other day and as I've mentioned before I am all about practicality. After all, what are adults going to do with bubbles besides throw them away? So, when I found these darling vases on the WeddingChannel.com, I knew I had to share them!
I am so loving this bud vase. Personalize it if you must, but I think your friends would appreciate the versatility of the unscripted version.
Ditto for this option. I love the shape!
This will definitely encourage your friends to celebrate more often. And who doesn't love a reason to get together with friends?

Tag, You're It!

Okay, so I was reading Franki's blog this afternoon (I check in with her daily) and she'd been tagged by a fellow blogger. She invited us to post lists of our own so here we go:

1. What did you do 10 years ago?
Wow, 10 years ago I was in college. It doesn’t seem like that long ago!

2. Five items on your to-do list today
*Teleconference with my new PR rep
*Preliminary information/research on a new hotel for an upcoming event
*Shopping for a new swimsuit and jewelry for a party this weekend
*Start packing
*Returning phone calls & emails…lots of them. Oh and brainstorming design ideas for table mockups (OK that’s 6, but I’m a busy girl;)

3. Snacks I enjoy
I love premium dark chocolate

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?
*Find a new way to be of service
*Buy a few acres in Antigua for my private retreat
*Start doing and stop dreaming; no restrictions!

5. Places I would live
* New York
*Antigua
*San Francisco
*Paris
*Richmond, Virginia (gotta stay close to the family)

Where In The World Is Dawn?

Hi Guys! Sorry for the lack of posting this week, but I am working on a couple of projects as well as coordinating a move to my new digs. Oh and did I mention we're experiencing a record heatwave in Richmond?! Stay cool...

Food For Thought Thursdays: Keep It Light

Summer is just beginning and it's already hitting the 90s here in Richmond. With that said, eating light is a must. Nothing's lighter than a green salad with bright cherries and a wonderful mint honey vinaigrette followed by everyone's fav summer dessert: ICE CREAM!. This week's pick is a lovely blackberry version. All that's needed is a couple minutes on the stove and some time in an ice cream maker and voila!
Green Salad with Sheep’s Cheese and Cherries

Blackberry Ice Cream

Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself

One of my favorite blogs, The Sartorialist, did an interview with Dario Spadea Pandolfi a few days ago. When asked the best advice he'd received from his parents, I absolutely loved his answer:

My grand father and my father says always: “The elegance is something that must be whispered and not shouted…”

Pandolfi, photo courtesy of The Sartorialist

To Veil Or Not To Veil

While I do have my heart set on a casual seaside soiree for my own nuptials, I know my parents would equally love a grand church ceremony. That being said, I think a beautifully detailed veil would be a lovely choice. The bows are not my style but the effect just says "bride".

Or maybe I'll have a chic garden party with that lovely knee length Carolina Herrera and this jazzy birdcage veil which will do nicely indeed.

Okay, maybe you, dear readers, will be able to help me with something. I don't quite understand long gowns at outdoor weddings. Who would want grass, sand, etc marring their dress? But that gown would be killer at an evening wedding (after 6), in a grand ballroom filled with candlelight and elegant florals. The draping is incredible...beautiful choice, wrong setting.

The Brighter, The Better

I love color from subtle neutrals to blazing brights. Color is a wonderful tool to be used to create an incredible environment whether it's in your home, office or your next party. So, I met with a wonderful couple a few days ago who is planning a summer wedding and wants bright, "wow" colors. So what colors are they using, you ask? Orange and Hot Pink! I am so loving their spunk. So how do you make orange and hot pink work with being overpowering? Temper the hues with green and soft matte gold. Take a look at the inspiration board I created for them.