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Holiday Cookies from Aventura!

2011-12-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Can we say “delicious”! Amie Dignan from Aventura just stopped by our office to spread some holiday cheer and deliver these beautiful sugar cookies. Their reinventions of sustainable cuisine combined with their impeccable service are essentials we admire about working with Amie and Aventura! Here’s to a sweet holiday to all!

~ Kaitlin

The Knot Cocktails & Connections Event!

2011-12-14T14:28:00.002-07:00

We had the pleasure of designing The Knot Cocktails & Connections Event on Thursday, September 15, 2011. We loved creating the “Green Glam” theme to showcase how an event can be modern with a touch of urban rust! Bentley Project’s historical building was the perfect backdrop for the eco-chic cocktail party. Our favorite highlights included the pairing of succulents with eclectic urban glass and bricks, the sumptuous spicy organic chocolate and champagne bar, the welcome flower aroma mist bar, the photo lounge with lush couches and a fabulous menu created from foods provided by local/sustainable purveyors … mouthwatering favorites included the poblano fries and chimayo braised pork sliders with lavender and spearmint yogurt! A special thank you to all of the vendors and raffle prize donors who participated: American Valet, Atlasta Catering, Bentley Projects, Butterfly Petals, Encore Creative, Envelope Envy, Got You Covered, Lotus Wei, MFS Event Technology, Pour Masters, Rust and Lace, Image-Industry Photography, Wei of Chocolate, Y Knot Party Rentals, Crate & Barrel, FireSky Resort & Spa, The Herb Box, Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center, and Seasons 52.

For more pictures from the event please visit our Facebook page.

~ Kaitlin

Michael & Maria ~ A Tuscan Inspired Wedding

2011-05-06T10:57:00.001-07:00

It’s not very often that you get to plan a wedding for one of your siblings, so I was extremely honored when my brother and future sister-in-law asked me to plan their March wedding. We had two months to put together Michael and Maria’s Tuscan inspired wedding with touches of purples, greys, silver and cream. Choosing the venue was of high priority – I couldn’t believe their dream venue, Villa Siena, was available on their desired date! Once the venue was selected the rest of the wedding details fell smoothly into place . . . Jacque at EnDearing Floral created beautiful arrangements incorporating purple and white hydrangeas, stock, calla lilies, roses and dusty miller (giving hints of silver that Maria was looking for). Guests couldn't stop raving about the braised beef short ribs catered by Santa Barbara Catering and the flavorful and moist wedding cake made by Brian at My Goodness Cakes. From start to finish the wedding incorporated the couple’s Irish and Guatemalan cultures. Maria couldn’t have looked more beautiful walking down the aisle to a guitar version of Andrea Bocelli’s song “Time to Say Goodbye”. During the candle lighting ceremony the Bride and Groom honored each of their mothers with roses that had personalized notes attached; it was such a sweet moment. Guests kept their swing on until the very end of the night when Michael and Maria made their getaway through a tunnel of beautiful glistening sparklers . . .

Photographer: David De Dios

~ Megan

Wedding Shoes

2011-03-31T15:25:00.001-07:00

We dream of the perfect wedding gown, but what about the perfect pair of shoes? Today’s hottest trend is adding a "pop" under the dress by wearing a colored heel (or flat). It’s a fun and flirty way of incorporating your selected wedding color palette! Whether it’s ruby red, blizzard blue, hot pink or a subtle nude - it’s up to you! If your budget allows, splurge on a pair of Louboutins, Yves Saint Laurent or Ferragamos . . . or you can find some adorable, but affordable shoes by Aldo, Badgley Mischka or Vivienne Westwood.

Photographer: David De Dios | Bride: Maria Dahdah

~ Megan

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-16T13:36:00.002-07:00

In need of a little St. Patrick’s Day party inspiration? Below are a few pictures I picked, that with any luck will spark your creative side. Check out foodgawker.com for some mouthwatering Irish recipes, etsy.com for clever four-leaf clover décor, marthastewart.com and craftgawker.com for some marvelous craft ideas. As the good ol’ Irish saying goes, “If you're enough lucky to be Irish, you're lucky enough” . . . but if you’re not, fake it till you make it!

~ Megan

Stacie and James Baby Shower was a Hoot!

2011-03-15T09:05:00.006-07:00

Stacie and James' Baby Shower was a Hoot!

Other than planning weddings, our 2nd favorite shindig to plan is a baby shower. We recently had the joy of planning a baby shower for James and Stacie. They had been feathering their nest for the arrival of their new baby boy and fell in love with owl-themed décor for the nursery. So we went with it . . . planning the entire shower around nature-inspired themes while mindful to tuck in special appearances by their favorite owl in the design. Isabella’s Garden at The Farm at South Mountain was the perfect place for family and friends to gather for this al fresco Jack and Jill shower. Surrounded by the blooming gardens and 100-year-old pecan trees guests enjoyed games, dined on the Farm's fresh garden foods and sipped on lemonade with owl-adorned stirrers. Nests filled with robin blue eggs, mismatched vases tucked with blooming wildflowers and fresh herbs embellished the feasting tables. Check out the pictures below to see more of this lovely, sweet affair!

P.S. We’ve included a picture of Baby Brody who was delivered just a few weeks ago. We think he’s just perfect.

~ Leslie

Bold Color Palettes…A Trend for 2011

2011-02-24T16:54:00.003-07:00

Choosing a color palette for your special day can be quite tricky especially if you don’t know where to begin. The colors in which you chose will not only be incorporated in almost every aspect of your wedding (décor, invitations, flowers, linens, food, attire, etc.) but they will also play a huge part in setting the tone.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your wedding colors. Consider the season, your ceremony and reception locations, colors you love, and colors that complement the theme of your wedding. The hottest new trend for 2011 is BOLD colors. Below are a few examples of how to use bold colors in your own wedding!

Marie Labbancz Photography

Keri Doolittle Photography

Diana M Lott Photography

Apertura Photography

~ Kaitlin

Rehearsal Dinner at Red Rock Resort’s Lanes

2010-12-17T16:01:00.001-07:00

We recently planned a destination rehearsal dinner in Las Vegas that was a huge hit with our bride and groom and their family and friends. There could have been a formal dinner full of toasts, or a gathering at a popular Las Vegas show, but Kate & Company dreamed up an ‘out of the box’ concept for this fun-loving couple at the Red Rock Lanes – in a private suite at the most techno-bowling alley in the U.S.

We assisted with developing a 300-picture slide show that was displayed on four separate screens that spanned the entire rear wall of the four private lanes. The guest’s shoe sizes were collected in advance and the groom coordinated the teams. Upon arrival there were “wow’s” and “this is very cool” comments as the guests found their way through the hearty buffet and settled in the sleek and comfy lounge atmosphere with a drink from their private bartender.

Completely engaged in conversation and watching the slide show which, included every one of the guests present as well as couple shots, the guests realized that their shoes, socks, and team names were already coordinated with their lane as they began to get laced-up for a few hours of fun.

As the night continued, the slideshow turned to the couple’s favorite artists music videos to keep the hips swaying. All in all it was a non-traditional rehearsal dinner yet one that was just perfect for the couple with unique touches to make their memory of this evening extraordinary!

~ Kate

The Proposal

2010-12-10T16:48:00.001-07:00

Since most of our blog entries are directed towards the ladies I thought I would try to include the men and discuss … the proposal! By the way its okay girls if you accidentally forward this to your man or leave it open on your laptop for him to see!

We are fully emerged into the jolly ’ol holiday season and with it comes many perfect moments to pop the one and only question, “Will you marry me?” So come on men – pull out your utterly romantic and incredibly creative side and sweep your bride-to-be off her feet with the best proposal ever! Needing some inspiration? Check out the video montage below then ... Take advantage of the winter wonderland outside and pull out all the stops. There is nothing more romantic than sipping champagne by the crackling fire, drinking hot cocoa under the twinkling stars, or cozying up in a horse-drawn sleigh through heaps of glistening snow … Don’t forget the story of your engagement will be one told over and over again, so make it memorable and one that makes you look like a true Prince Charming!

Watch the proposal video below for a little inspiration...

~ Megan

Feature on the Phoenix Bride & Groom Blog!

2010-11-30T16:12:00.002-07:00

We are so excited and honored to be featured on the Phoenix Bride & Groom Blog. Check it out by clicking on link ... http://kateandcompanyevents.blogspot.com/2010/11/simply-white-wedding-trend-for-2011.html

~ Megan

Simply a White Wedding ... A Trend for 2011

2010-11-30T15:07:00.001-07:00

Customarily the American bride is the only one adorned in white … but as fashion has it this is no longer the case! An all-white wedding is today’s blossoming trend and makes the prettiest palette. The soft and innocent hues of white can be splashed about or can cover every facet of your special day. From the gratitudes (favors) to the flowers, to the linens and the cake, even your bridesmaids can be dressed in all white. White creates a clean, simple, and very chic look – and don’t forget it comes in many subtle hues.

Use shades of white such as old lace, vanilla, isabelline and beige to create a shabby chic vintage look or use shades such as eggshell, pearl, and magnolia to create a crisp modern look.

Play with accents such as ribbons, feathers, pearls and jewels, even props such as birds, white branches, balloons and vases full of random objects such as buttons or candies. When it comes to white your options really are endless…

~ Megan

It's Your Wedding Make it What You Want!

2010-11-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

I was traveling recently and found this great sign; a picture of it now sits on my desk. It says, “We Create Our Tomorrows By What We Dream Today!” My advice to all brides, and really women everywhere, is: the sky is your limit, dream big and create your own tomorrow – the way you want it. Your dream wedding might be an extravagant white tie affair or a small, intimate thrifty event; whichever it may be - go for it! Don’t forget it’s YOUR wedding and YOUR dreams should be the ones represented. It’s okay to incorporate others’ ideas (that is, if you like them) but don’t sacrifice your vision for what others want.

I have to admit, I am addicted to TLC’s show “Say Yes to the Dress.” On almost every episode there is at least one bride that falls in love with her dream dress but chooses not to purchase it because the group of people she brought with her doesn’t like it, or something about it. It’s true that some input is important and at times it can be quite helpful but don’t lose site of what you want, otherwise you’ll end up unhappy on one of the most important days of your life!

~ Kristen

Viva Las Vegas!

2010-11-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

October proved to be a very beautiful month in luck, weather and smiles. Strolling the grounds of the lovely JW Marriott Las Vegas in Summerlin, NV simply puts you in the mindset that Vegas doesn't have to be all about bright lights and casino craziness. Flowing grass, gurgling fountains and water throughout the property most certainly set a tone of tranquility and peacefulness - just a lovely spot for a fall wedding. We spent a fun filled October weekend in Vegas with our bride, Stacie and groom, James.

Oh, did I mention this was the weekend with the once in a lifetime date of 10/10/10? First key to the success of this lovely wedding was flexibility and we certainly worked some magic to book this very special affair with a two month lead time. Our bride wanted a wedding at 10 a.m., so our luck continued, everything we wanted was available in the morning. A note to future Vegas-brides ... out of state weddings require a license. A visit to the court house on the Thursday prior (10/7/10) was brilliant as the couple avoided long queues, stanchions and the crowds of the weekend. This desert destination was a convenient gathering spot for the wedding party and their guests with ample flights and an infrastructure to provide anything and everything with in a short few minute drive.

The setting was the quaint "Lodge" with a glorious expanse of grassy knolls and waterfalls nearby. The beautiful bride selected her two nieces to be the flower girls and they were as cute as buttons wearing fashionable tutus of toile. Her colors were bullet and blush and this was accentuated in everything from the flowers and the bridal party dresses to the Chuck Taylor Converse monogrammed sneakers the groomsmen donned.

To commemorate the day, personal notes and polaroid photos from each attending guest were clipped to the wish tree branches.

This intimate Vegas wedding was just what James and Stacie had hoped for... a memory making event filled with love, luck and Las Vegas luxe...

~ Kate

The Duce

2010-11-12T17:42:00.002-07:00

Looking for a unique eco-urban vibe for your bachelor/bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner or next fundraiser? . . . head straight to The Duce in downtown Phoenix. I stopped in with no expectations and came away with placing it on my fav list! This warehouse space is straight-up old school with exposed brick walls and cement floors, however the inside is filled with surprises in every corner. It's a store with funky vintage items and re-purposed army fatigues to buy; a restaurant with, hands down, some of the best comfort food in town all cooked out of an Airstream trailer in their courtyard; a retro soda station, cool dance floor and gritty boxing ring! The indoor/outdoor ambiance invites a relaxed flow as your guests will bounce from getting down on the dance floor to smacking their lips after a bite of their sweet, sticky ribs or sumptuous sliders.

Keep it real . . . use dried flower buds to create a sign like this with your names to place over your sweetheart table or to welcome guests to your wedding. Stress-less make this weeks in advance by using dried flowers instead of fresh. After the wedding, keep the sign or remove the flowers and re-purpose in your home decor glued to picture frames, layered in glass jars or re-crafted as a wreath. These touches will help keep your love in bloom for years to come!

Patio Pleaser. Invite your girls or guys to the patio for a "bach" party to fuel up for the antics ahead or gather your family for a cozy rehearsal dinner.

Swing or Hustle your way to the music on this dance floor painted with dance step moves . . . this place is jammin on Fri and Sat nights with tunes spinning out all types of beats.

Talk about deliciously sinful food...

Leslie ~

Inspiration From Tucson

2010-11-09T15:49:00.008-07:00

I escaped to Tucson, Arizona recently looking for relaxation, but was surrounded with inspiration! Aside from the breathtaking sunsets and fantastic weather, I discovered there was a chic, upscale, and totally “in style” side to Tucson. I made stops at spectacular locations and came home with a new attitude toward the old Pueblo…

Homemade Cherry Limeades anyone? I splurged on a spectacular brunch at the new Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain and fell in love with this colorful Limeade station. This twist of eye popping color will be an instant favorite at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or special event. Play around with the idea think of cream sodas or root beer floats or customize it to your taste. They’re all good to the last slurp.

Who doesn’t love tapas or what I like to call “figure” foods! This trend in dining on petite plates provides a bunch of options to please many palates. From foods that nourish to desserts that delight, this style of dining is not only festive, but a way to keep costs down without guest knowing it.

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a delicious whoopie pie with an ice cold shot of milk? This signature item at the Loews Ventana Canyon is a sassy way to gather family and friends together for a whoopie… I mean welcome reception or a fun item to include at a rehearsal dinner… why not go all the way and play Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “Makin Whoopee!”

Topping my list of contemporary new restaurants is the CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar at the Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain. The delectable food is creative, earthy and represents the best of local ingredients from the Sonoran Desert. Views of the natural surroundings among the sleek restaurant décor are just the combo for a relaxed but elegant rehearsal dinner served up in the impeccable Ritz style.

~ Megan

Feature on azcentral.com!

2010-10-29T16:32:00.006-07:00

I am thrilled to share with you a link to one of our client's weddings recently featured in the Arizona Republic's "Stylish Wedding" feature. I thought you’d enjoy sneaking a peak at Jena and Brian’s "Love is in the Air" Valentine's weekend wedding. Click on the link and share in on our excitement!

http://www.azcentral.com/photo/Style/Weddings/16639#phototop

~ Megan

Meet The Team

2010-10-28T15:36:00.005-07:00

Welcome to Kate and Company's Blog! What better way to introduce you to our talented team of personal planners than thru their entries and updates here. From new inspirations to traditional classics our team will keep you filled with creative ideas, expert tips and unique resources. I've come to appreciate all of them for their distinctive talents and “know-how” areas. While all can plan a wedding or event from any point of view, I've encouraged their participation in the blogs to cover their favorite area of expertise. Kristen has a love for the Classics, while Leslie has a passion for Eco-Chic. Megan will keep you updated with on-the-ground trends in venues, style and décor and I'll get you daydreaming of destinations to say your I Do's. Please take a minute to read below and find out a bit more about each planner. Now let the blogging begin and we look forward to sharing our Kate and Company life with you! ~ Kate

A classic wedding will never go out of style. As a child I always imagined having a fairytale wedding, complete with the white ball gown, black tie attire, the intimate chapel overflowing with pastel roses and lilies, drifting down the aisle to Cannon, and cutting into a spectacular five-tier wedding cake with elegant white doves on top. In other words I dream of having a classic Cinderella wedding. That love for classics has continued to inspire me from fashion to music and movies, and into my love of weddings. As I have always said - why change it if it’s not broken?

Your Occasion Orchestrator ~ Kristen

My friends call me a "giddyup" girl...part granola and part yuppie. I credit this unique blend to my New England upbringing in Connecticut with a transplanted life in the Southwest among Arizona's natural beauty. My love affair with the garden began with poking seeds into the ground at age 5. And, I've Martha Stewart to thank for showing me that a girl could combine all of her loves into one fabulous creative life centered around gardening, décor, and food. I admit I had a short detour as a marketing and advertising executive, but for the last 15 years I've been an organic lifestyle specialist and event planner bringing touches of the green-glam-vintage life to client's weddings, parties, and events. I seek warmth in the details to bring family and friends together for the soul purpose of celebrating life. I'm thrilled that through this blog, I'll be reporting back to you all with all things green, glam, indie, vintage, unique and out of the box. We'll have fun coloring outside the lines and exploring how to make your day a reflection of you...after all it is your day to illuminate your idea of love!

Your Eco-Chic Gal ~ Leslie

I was recently looking through photos of my parent’s wedding (which unfortunately took place in the early 80’s) and all I could conjure was WHAT were my parents thinking! I asked my mom, “Did you really ever think this looked good?” Her response was, “Yes, of course I did, I was totally in style.” We live in a culture where one day a trend is “in” and the next day it’s “out.” As someone who loves to keep up with the latest and greatest trends in wedding style and décor, I want to give you a fresh look through my blog posts at how to create a contemporary wedding that will be eternally timeless. Hopefully I can stop you from making a similar wedding style faux pas as my mom. I say let bad style stay in the past and keep chic and sophisticated style in the present!

Your Trendsetter and What’s Hot Girl ~ Megan

Since I was in my early teens, lying on the grass in my upstate NY backyard looking at the contrails the jets made in the sky, I promised myself that one day I would be on those airplanes and explore the world. I craved culture, history and experiential adventures. At 14, I made my first European jaunt, and then back at 16 and by 17 (with a backpack and a dear brave friend), I navigated all of Europe and northern Africa. Although many years have passed, my sincere pleasure of travel and exploring has become a significant part of my work. Through my blog posts I will provide you with unique destination suggestions and incredible resources that will hopefully serve you while planning and producing your destination wedding or special event just about anywhere in the world!

Your Destination Diva ~ Kate

Blog Policies

2010-10-28T15:17:00.002-07:00

The Kate and Company Blog is published and written by the team members of Kate and Company. Kate and Company will occasionally publish content and photos from guest bloggers and featured experts. All Kate and Company readers should note that opinions expressed on the Kate and Company Blog are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or contracted advice. Kate and Company reserves the right to change or deleted content at any time without prior notification. All content on Kate and Company - both the blog and the website - is copyrighted to Kate and Company.