BLU - Destin's Wedding Blog

Taming your locks.., by BLU Event Design

2012-02-06T10:32:00.000-08:00

Skipping the salon can be a big money saver for budget-conscious brides, but how do you make a DIY 'do stand out from the every day?

Sarah Potempa, a New York hairstylist who coiffs models and celebrities for runway shows and fashion magazine shoots, describes how to glam up a tousled down-do and bring elegance to a classic bun — all by yourself (or with the help of trusty bridesmaids).

A word of caution: Always do a practice run before your big day, and take pictures, to make sure it's the look you want and that you can pull it off.

Beachy glam

After washing your hair, figure out where you'll want your part. A middle part is more relaxed. A side part is more old-Hollywood glamour.

Loosely blow-dry (don't straighten) your hair, flipping your head down to get some volume at the roots. When it's 80 percent dry, use a brush to smooth down the ends. Optional: Apply a soft mousse while your hair is still damp (Potempa likes Aussie's "Catch the Wave Mousse and Leave-in Conditioner").

Once it's completely dry, separate the left and right halves of your hair and bring them forward, as though you're making pigtails. Starting on one side, separate the top 3/4 of your hair and clip it out of the way, leaving you with a row of hair at the bottom of your head. You will be curling by section, starting at the back and working your way forward.

Holding the curling iron upside down, so that the handle is pointing to the ceiling, clamp the first 1-inch section of hair at the base of the iron. Rotate the iron away from your head so that your hair forms a spiral up the shaft of the iron, stopping when you get close to the roots. Hold it for 10 seconds (up to 15 seconds if you have very fine hair), then pull the iron out. Do not run your fingers through the curl yet.

Repeat for each one-inch section of hair, working from back to front. When the bottom row is done (usually two or three curls), release the clip to separate the next row up (about 1.5-inch wide) and do the same thing. Then do the next row up, etc. Once that side of your head is finished, do the other side, always going from back to front, bottom to top, rotating the iron away from your face.

With the curls still intact, spritz your hair with a hair spray that is both flexible and strong hold. Then run your fingers through your hair. If you have hair that easily holds curl, you could run your fingers through before applying hair spray. If you have very fine hair, consider spraying before you start curling.

If you have kinks or frizz around your hairline, use a small touch-up straightening iron to smooth them out (and bring it with you for emergency touch-ups).

Save time: Save half an hour by using the Beachwaver, a new motorized rotating curling iron from Potempa. The Beachwaver does the rotating for you and has a switch that specifies whether you're working on your right side or left side, so that all the waves go in the right direction. $179 at qvc.com

Messy bun

(For hair that's mid-neck and longer)

Once you achieve beachy waves, pull your hair into a low ponytail, either at the back of your head or to the side, and secure with a rubber band.

Twist your ponytail and wrap it around itself, pinning as you go. Let wisps fall out. To create more wisps and texture, trying separating your ponytail in two and tying it in a knot before wrapping and pinning.

Save pins: A handy tool is Potempa's Wrap-up, which is like a stiff scrunchy. You slide it down to the bottom of your ponytail, roll it up toward your head, bend the edges to snap it into place, then pull your hair over the edges to make it disappear. $12 at sarahpotempa.com

*Article-Courtesy of Chicago Tribune

Anything but vanilla! by BLU Event Design

2012-01-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

As the wedding season starts, new trends emerge! This year its all about the color!!!! Take a look at some of the wedding gowns that are turning heads this spring!

Top left Vera Wang, top right Vera Wang for Davids Bridal, bottom left R-Mine, bottom right Vera Wang.

Christmas wish from BLU Event Design

2011-12-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

The gift of love
The gift of peace
The gift of happiness
May all these be yours at Christmas

Merry Christmas!

We've been nominated for the "Best of Weddings on the Knot", please write us a review!

2011-09-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

We've been nominated for "The Knot Best of Weddings"! Please help us get the title by taking a few minutes and submitting a review based on your experience with us! The deadline for eligible reviews is November 3rd, so don't wait! Every vote counts and we would love to hear what you have to say!
Click here to write the review!
Thanks so much!

Featured in Panama City Living Magazine, by Blu Event Design

2011-09-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

We are so proud to see our name in the bid lights!!! Kristen and Kris's wedding made the front cover and feature story of the Panama City Living Magazine!!!! What a gorgeous wedding it was! We were blessed to meet two amazing families and work with a great team of professionals - staff of Watersound Beach Club and team of Luft Creative photography!!
Here is the cover :) .... more to come!!!

Dreaming of a destination wedding? by BLU Event Design

2011-09-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Ladies, as the weather is getting more and more gorgeous and sunsets look like they are painted on a beautiful canvas, one thing to still keep in mind! We are still in the midst of the hurricane season - spend a few hundred dollars on a wedding insurance to protect your dream and investment!

Summer wedding trends, by BLU Event Design

2011-07-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

About a week ago I got to visit the Mecca of all things designer - Atlanta Market! Eight hours went by like 10 minutes and though it was humanly impossible to cover all 26 floors of florals, furnishings and accessories, one thing was clear.... the crisp whites, neutral grays and light beige's were the palettes of choice...

much like my own idea for an elegant and effortless seaside affair: crisp white linens over long farm table, few crystals for sparkle and fragrant peonies scattered between countless votives... aahhh, can you feel the ocean breeze?

Stacie and Kiley's amazing Destin wedding, by BLU Event Design

2011-04-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

What an amazing day it was!!! Bride and groom were picture perfect!!
For more pictures of Stacie and Kiley's Destin beach wedding take a look at the video:

Photography: Lidsey Brooks Photography

Mark your calendars! by BLU Event Design

2011-03-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

Ladies, if you still haven't found that special piece to complete your look, check out BLU's favorite site for accessories: www.susancampbelljewelry.com There is something for everyone! Anything from simple seaside inspired bracelets to sapphire necklaces and fun headpieces. It gets better..., two of the talented artists will be featured at Susan Campbell Jewelry boutique in Pensacola,
FL, in the upcoming trunk shows. Here are few words about the "must attend" event for every Gulf Coast bride:

Jenny Packham is a world renowned British designer of bridal gowns, evening dresses, and accessories. She is a graduate from the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art.. Packham’s many celebrity clients include Kiera Knightley, Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Heidi Klum. She has been honored as Hollywood Designer of the Year, International Couture Bridal Designer of the Year in 2007, and British Bridal Dress Designer of the Year in 2008. According to Susan Campbell, “Packham’s bridal hairpieces are both elegant and modern, and something that the bridal market has been lacking until now.”

Pensacola jewelry boutique, Susan Campbell Jewelry, will host two trunk shows dedicated to the bridal season during the month of March. The first trunk show will start on Gallery Night in downtown Pensacola on March 11, 2011. Bridal hairpieces and accessories will be featured from the highly publicized designer, Jenny Packham. The second trunk show, which will start on March 16, 2011, will feature bridal jewelry designed by Anne Sportun.

Anne Sportun is a Canadian designer who is driven by her belief in universal shapes and symbols. All of her bridal collection is hand-crafted using both traditional and unconventional gold-smithing techniques. Her work has been featured in Lucky Magazine, Modern Jeweler, Engagement 101, Lustre, and many more. In 2003, a picture of Sportun’s hands appeared on a Canadian postage stamp.

Campbell, whose shop has also been featured in Lucky Magazine, Southern Living and others, is excited for the upcoming month. “I want brides to come to Susan Campbell Jewelry to find quality pieces. Brides spend many hours painstakingly picking out the perfect dress, and accessories should be equally as important, not an afterthought.One should have the opportunity to compliment the quality of the dress with the same quality in accessories. I think we have found that quality with Packham and Sportun."

Susan Campbell Jewelry, located in Historic Downtown Pensacola, is an intimate jewelry boutique which showcases a unique collection of handmade, gallery quality jewelry. The boutique was opened in March 2006 by Susan Campbell Hatler and her husband Ryan Hatler. For information, call (840) 434-8948 or visit www.susancampbelljewelry.com.

For more information on the Bridal Trunk Shows, or more information on Susan Campbell Jewelry, please contact Grace Cobb, Susan Campbell Jewelry, USA, 850-434-8948; email: grace.scj@gmail.com

Yummy favor your guests will love, by BLU Event Design

2011-02-21T21:29:00.000-08:00

I promise you, your guests will skip a course or two when they see these chocolate innovation! Hersheys, step aside! ChocoSpoons are making a debut as a wedding favorite!

Pink blooms, by BLU Event Design

2011-02-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines(belated) to all of you, love birds, out there! Just wanted to share this "sweetheart" arrangement I created on a request of a dear friend! Five shades of roses - ivory - blush - fuchsia, seeded eucalyptus and calla leaves make up this romantic formation! Nothing like sixty perfect blooms to say "I love you"...

XOXO, Zhenia

Wedding cakes we heart!

2011-02-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share these edible masterpieces with all of my brides:

The first one is this fun and flirty creation by Vanilla bakeshop:

this ethereal beauty is by Sweet and Saucy:

and finally, vintage inspired sugar creation by... Sweet and Saucy:

Share your favorites with us...

Beautiful Beginnings Bridal show, Pensacola, FL, Part II

2011-02-01T22:40:00.001-08:00

I must say, we were pleasantly surprised by all of the wonderful feedback we got from our brides on the brighter color selection! Bravo ladies!!! Unexpected palette is the way to go this year!

Looking forward to another busy year!! XOXO, Zhenia

Beautiful Beginnings Bridal show, Pensacola, FL

2011-01-11T20:41:00.001-08:00

Every girl dreams of being a princess on her bid day!!!
Presenting..."Mon Ami"
~ Inspired by old world glamour of Versailles and scrumptious passion of scandalous princess Marie Antoinette of France!!!

Wedding aboard Solaris, by BLU Event Design - Destin's premier weddings and events

2010-11-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

We want to thank Renita and John for having us be a part of your wedding! We wish you nothing but happiness and lots of smiles over the years to come!!!!
Here is a sneak peek at the ceremony and reception aboard Solaris dinner cruise...
Ceremony took place on the upper deck and was done in all pristine whites!!

For reception Renita envisioned playful combination of lavenders, purples and greens...

Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!

Best of Destin, 2010 - by BLU Event Design - Destin's premier wedding and event design

2010-11-09T22:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am playing a bit of "catch up"... couple of weeks ago we at BLU Event Design were honored to participate in Best of Destin event. By the way, congratulations to 654-Limo for winning "Best of Destin" award!! Way to go guys!!!
The inspiration for the evening was..(drum roll please...)... Hollywood glam!! And what's more Hollywood than red carpet and tons of gorgeous red roses.. 400 to be exact!!

and of course the premier worthy red carpet...

And here come our local celebrities......

Little ladies had a ball!!! With music blasting and spot light shining there was no shortage of screaming fans and paparazzi!!!
Another beautiful Destin event under the belt!

Pretty in pink, by BLU Event Design

2010-10-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

Recently we've been asked to put together a fun and whimsical arrangement for one of our dear clients. And what's more glam than fuchsia roses on vintage silver stand!! So, here it is.... ready for delivery =)

.. and delivered!

Eden Gardens Wedding!

2010-08-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek at Jaime & Brian's wedding ceremony at beautiful Eden Gardens State park!

The Dress, by BLU Event Design

2010-07-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

We all love to admire the endless couture fashion in the bridal magazines... But lets face it, not all of us can afford to splurge on a gorgeous gown by Monique Lhuillier or Vera Wang.

So, what's a girl to do? Well, remember to think outside of the box. As you are starting to look for an angelic concoction of tulle, satin and organza, keep a few things in mind:

Think ahead and shop in advance. Ask if the bridal salon may have an upcoming sample sale.

You'll often get the wider range of choices at the boutique salon that can do special orders from designers with unique styles, rather than the mass market chain stores.

Judge the dress, not the label. Look at the quality and fit, not the maker. The right dress will make your friends think "She looks amazing", not "That dress looks amazing".

Steal truly one of a kind wedding gown by a local talented designer.

BLU Event Design loves these fun and flirty bridal creations:

Show stopper by Ouma

Blushing in pink by Ouma

Belle of the ball by Peppermint Pretty

No matter the choice, make sure The Dress reflects Your style, personality and the sparkle that your future hubby fell in love with.

10 things no bride should be without.. by BLU Event Design

2010-07-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Word of advice to our DESTINation brides - always be prepared! as you are jetting off to a tropical paradise, you shouldn't leave home without a Wedding Day emergency kit! Take few hours out of your busy day(bring your mom or best friend along, they'll be happy to help!) to assemble this Oh-so-handy care package. I promise, you will think of me on your wedding day!

Here is what you'll need:

Drivers licence - Form of identification is required for the filing of license.

Marriage licence - Hopefully you've done your homework - got to have one for the ceremony. State laws vary, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact BLU Event Design for details.

Vendor contact information - just in case you have any last minute questions.

Baby powder(baby wipes) - will help you feel fresh and will help with some stains!!

Sewing kit(including small scissors, thread in the colors of your wedding and safety pins) - is a must!! ...in case someone had too much fun at the buffet ;)

Granola bar, bottled water(with a straw) - light and easy snack to keep you in the best of spirits.

Breath mints

Blotting paper(handkerchief) - will help you be camera ready!

Band-aids/headache medicine/sunscreen

... and fabulous pair of sunglasses - got to look sharp for an outdoor ceremony!!!

Don't have the time?? We at BLU, love this stylish kit by Target

Anything missing?? Share your story...

new post

2010-07-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

Eden Gardens State Park ceremony

2010-07-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

Evoking images of Gone with the wind, Eden Gardens State Park, is another one of Emerald Coast's hidden jewels. Eden State Gardens offer over 10 acres of manicured lawns, moss draped gardens and trails overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay and is an enchanting place to say "I Do".
As you arrive, you are welcomed by immense Spanish moss-draped oak trees, fragrant Camellias and hundreds of colorful butterflies!! In our opinion, it is every photographers dream to shoot a wedding at Eden Gardens. There is no shortage of inspiration: take a stroll by tranquil reflection pool, step into fun butterfly garden, sneak a kiss under the wedding tree and finally watch the sun set over the bayou from the rustic fishing dock.

Of course you can't forget about the turn of the century Wesley mansion! Lovingly restored and furnished with period antiques, this magnificent manor still houses second largest Louis XVI collection of priceless furnishings!

So, as time stands still behind the gates of Eden Gardens, its classic charm makes it an ultimate wedding destination for our Southern Brides.
Bridal Photography is by Tina Smith Photography

2010-06-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

For an affair by the beach, you have got to serve a sultry cocktail to spice up your night! Light and refreshing, Mojito is BLU's all time favorite!

The flavors of a classic Mojito (mint and lime) are blended into a slushy, easy-to-drink cocktail. For a large party, triple the recipe and store the drink in a pitcher in the freezer for up to an hour. Stir to blend before serving.

Ingredients:

Sugar (for coating rims of glasses)
1 lime wedge
1 cup gold (not dark) rum (such as Mount Gay)
1/2 cup (generous) fresh lime juice
1/3 cup sugar or light agave nectar
4 to 5 cups ice cubes
12 fresh mint leaves plus 4 mint sprigs for garnish

Preparation:

Place enough sugar on small plate to reach depth of 1/4 inch. Run lime wedge around rim of 4 Martini glasses to moisten. Dip rims into sugar on plate. Blend rum, lime juice, and 1/3 cup sugar in blender until sugar dissolves. Add 4 cups ice; blend until slushy and almost smooth, adding up to 1 cup more ice, if desired. Add 12 mint leaves and blend until small green flecks appear. Pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Check out Foodie reviews!

Destin-ation wedding do's

2010-06-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the paradise!! Every year hundreds of couples in love flock to Destin, Florida to say "I Do" with family and friends by their side. As families come together, no better time to let the hair down and finally work on that perfect tan...

Speaking of the hair.... if on your special day you choose to wear a flower, consider using an Orchid! Orchids are native to tropics and will stay fresh longer. We, at BLU Event Design, love the bloom!!! If you do too, check out our Pure wedding package for ideas and inspiration!

Soft and innocent...

2010-06-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Remember when you used to invite all of your dolls, teddy bears (and younger brothers ...) to a fancy tea party where imaginary cookies came before dinner, cotton candy was always in demand and not a side of veggies in sight???
Well, now you are all grown up and planning a different kind of affair - your wedding day!! If you are a girlie girl like me, you'll share my passion for pink... Soft and sophisticated, simple and refined, like fragrant and delicate pink Peony or yummy and fun homemade cupcake.... however you choose to bring a splash of color in to your life, think outside the "pink" box and make sure your personality shines through!

2010-05-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

2010-05-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

To all of our brides: The Gulf of Mexico Transocean Drilling Incident leak has not affected Beaches of South Walton communities and visitors are enjoying and welcome to all of our beach communities. Our beautiful white sand beaches are open and here to be enjoyed. BLU Event Design team will continue to closely monitor clean up progress and will be keeping you up to date.
Here are couple of great links to local publications and announcements:
Beaches of South Walton TDC: http://bswupdate.com/
Walton County Sheriffs Office: http://www.waltonso.org/

2010-05-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

Something Old, Something new...

2010-04-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Top row || Modern black and white invitation by BellaFigura | Long freshwater pearl necklace by Honora
Bottom row || Votive centerpiece | Bridal Couture by Kate Spade | Pearl and floral necklace by Siman Tu

2010-04-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

2010-04-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

2010-04-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

Emerald Coast Bridal Show 2010
http://www.DreamInBLU.com/