Interactive Stations- We LOVE them!!

Posted on February 9, 2012 by admin

I love it when I can create little ‘experiences’ for guests at weddings and events, hidden within the framework of the overall event.

Obviously decor styling and using props around a space, is a big deal to me. It sets the overall feel and scene for the event. However something that I feel brings the experience and story to the next level is an – Interactive Station. What’s an interactive station, you say?-

*A Dessert Table (dessert table aobve styled by Princess Allure Boutique Events)

*A Drink Station

*A Candy Buffet

are all examples of an interactive station. Your guests are able to see, feel and handle these areas. They can create their own experience and have some level of control over what they do. I just love them!! I remember creating a ‘Sundae Bar’ at my 21st, with icecream, cones, toppings, cream the lot! Never thought to take photos way back then, but I clearly remember (through the number of margaritas that I had- I had a Fiesta theme) even the adults loading their sundaes up with a decandent combination of chocolate sauce, cream, sprinkles- chanelling their inner 5 year old)

At Princess Alllure Boutique Events we love to create these little areas. I like to style these stations to compliment the rest of the decor and feel of the wedding. More than just putting jars or platters on a table, I blend decor props, vintage containers and platters, new and interesting finds to help being the table to life. I can style and set up- Dessert Tables, Candy Buffets, Drinks Stations, Cookie Buffets, Popcorn Stations and more. I’m so looking forward to the candy buffets and dessert tables that I will be doing this year- lots of interesting themes and yummy foods. I love it when I can blend a bride and groom’s interests, talents and special requests into the tables. If you love donuts- I can set up a donut tasting bar for your guests! If you love a certain colour I can use this in your station too….. the ideas are endless!

Interactive stations are not only a visual treat, they are tasty or refreshing and will leave a long lasting memory in your guests’ minds.

Take a look at some inspiration images below that may spark some inspiration on how you can incoporate an interactive station into your wedding day or next event.

A Cookie Buffet by Princess Allure Boutique Events-

A Drink Station by Princess Allure Boutique Events. These are great set up for post ceremony refreshments. We hire these dispensers or can create a special drink station package, complete with jars for drinking out of, stripy straws, decorative bunting and more.

I love this pancake making bar! This would be great at a brunch bridal or baby shower. Image from Green Wedding Shoes.

If you know me, you know I love bourbon. So I couldn’t resist this interactive station. A collection of vintage crystal decanters filled with bourbon (I would also offer some mixers aswell) and a gorgeous array of crystal-like glasses to drink it out of. If you love vodka- have a vodka bar, if you love beer how about a gourmet beer station- the guys would love it! Photo by A Bryan Photo.

A donut making bar from tinywaterblog.com

A popcorn buffet from designindulgences.com

Interactive stations don’t always have to involve food or drink. Photo booths are so hot right now!! You can either hire a booth that takes your photo and spits out the strip- old school style. Or you can make you own. I made a photo booth area for one of my brides that included a ripped material backdrop, stand and props. The backdrop was made to compliment the rest of the wedding’s decor. The bride provided an instant camera and guest book and the guests stuck the photo into the book and wrote a message. I was told everyone had a blast.

I can hire this exact photo both package to you for your wedding day, or custom make something to suit your decor.

My Family Maternity Shoot

Posted on January 31, 2012 by admin

Im writing this 37 weeks pregnant and just can’t believe my second beautiful bubba will soon be arriving. For my first pregnancy my entire world and thinking was devoted to that little belly babe, however with a 3 year old and the craziness of life I felt that this poor little jellybean was a bit neglected, so I decided to get a maternity shoot done, to recognise and capture this special time.

Standing around in my underwear is not for me, so my maternity session was a little different from the norm. I wanted a relaxed, outdoor feel, more of a family photo shoot that I just so happen to be pregnant in. I have to thank my husband who stood on the main road for one of the shots holding a twig with babies clothes on it. He puts up with my crazy ideas and helps drag my props around.

The photography was taken by Kendell from Imagine Images. Kendell was relaxed, friendly and totally incorporated my love of props and styling into the photographs.

I styled a little meaningful display with a teddy we had bought for the baby, a ‘M’ tile- M will be the first letter of the bubs name whether it’s a girl or a boy and a tape measure ribbon to represent my growing belly.

This is my son holding a real bird’s nest with an egg , that I speckled. It represents his new little brother or sister. I adore this shot!

Some babies clothes we had bought for the bubba, displayed on a twig.

I am now on MATERNITY LEAVE from creating jewellery and accessories. I am still available for ‘email’ chats about wedding styling and prop hire. I will only be taking limited wedding styling and dessert table styling this year. Only a few dates are left.

Prop Styling and Set up – Priness Allure Boutique Events. Find us on facebook!

Activity Bags For the Children At Your Wedding

Posted on January 24, 2012 by admin

As most of you know I have a styled shoot in the latest issue of Modern Wedding DIY magazine (super exciting!)

One of the DIY projects that I created for the shoot didn’t actually make it to the magazine, so I thought I would share it with you all now-

Activity Bags for the little guests at your wedding!

If you are having a wedding where children are invited to the reception it can be tricky for them to stay in their seats during the dinner service, so I created a little bag filled with fun games, activities and sweet treats that will keep them happily entertained.

My mum from The Peddlers Suitcase created a gorgeous bag for me using hessian and pink material. I embellished it with a vintage doily and stencilled the first initial of the childs name onto the front of the bag. If I were setting up the recpetion, I would hang the bag over the back of their chair for them to discover upon entering the reception. (the bag has handles, they are just covered by the goodies) Imagine their surprise and delight to see such a special bag filled with goodies just for them!

I filled this bag with vintage style toys, rustic wooden pencils and colouring in books from I Love Parties and an Old fashioned lollipop from An Affair To Remember. You could also add to the activity bag; find-a-words or free colouring in sheets from the internet.

I am able to organise Children’s Activity bags like this for you. The bags can be made in many different types of materials and colours and I can stencil any letter of the alphabet onto them. You can then fill them with whatever goodies you like.

Feel free to email me at princessallure@bigpond.com if you would like to discuss.

Photography- Sandra Henri Photography

Christmas Dessert Table Recipes- Table Featured in Breeze Magazine.

Posted on November 30, 2011 by admin

With Christmas fast approaching what better time to get some inspiration on how to set up your own dessert table!

Recently, I was asked by Breeze Magazine to style a Christmas table to be featured in their launch issue! Breeze magazine is an online publication showcasing the beauty, talent and lifestyle on the NSW Central Coast (Princess Allure Boutique Events is located on the Central Coast).

I was thrilled to do so and created a table in traditional red and white colouring, but with a rustic twist. Cute doily snowflakes, a hessian banner, kraft labels and baby’s breath that mimics snow, embellished the table. But the crowning glory was the food! Gorgeous jars filled with red and white sweets, snowflake decorated shortbread, champagne popsicles, macarons, north pole cupcakes, Christmas tree lollipops and last but not least homemade trifle in a jar! Yummo!

Below I share with you some of the recipes that I used to create these delicious desserts-

Champagne Popsicles-

A perfect end to a big Chrissy lunch on a hot Australian Christmas day!

What you will need-

1 Cup of castor sugar

1 Cup of water

2 1/2 Cups of strawberries

1 Cup of champagne

Paddle pop sticks

Glasses or Popsicle Moulds.

Method-

1. Blend berries

2. Heat sugar, water and blended berries, in a saucepan. Than allow to cool.

3. Add champagne and stir.

4. Allow mixture to sit whilst the bubbles go down.

5. Pour into popsicle moulds or glasses.

6. Freeze for 1-2 hours than insert paddle pop sticks.

7. Continue to freeze until set.

I used Strawberries in this recipe to compliment the colour scheme of the table. The strawberries produce a slightly, softer popsicle that needs to be eaten straight away. However you can substitute strawberries for fruit juice of any kind for a firmer longer lasting popsicle. Although, I dont think the popsicles will be around for long! They are delicious!

White Chocolate Rocky Road

What you will need-

600 grams of white chocolate melts

500 grams of white marshmallows

1/2 Cup of crushed nuts

1/2 Cup of coconut

150 grams of glace cherries

baking tray and paper

Method-

1. Melt white chocolate.

2. Add all other ingredients and stir.

3. Pour into a baking tray lined with baking paper.

4. Refridgerate until set, than cut into squares.

*If glace cherries aren’t to your liking, feel free to substitute these with dried cranberries or raspberry lollies.

Trifle In A Jar

I created little individual trifles in jars, for each guest to enjoy. The beauty of serving your desserts in a jar is- it saves space in your fridge, looks gorgeous on the dessert table and it’s easy to serve.

What you will need-

Jelly

Thick custard

Whipped cream

White chocolate

Jam sponge rolls

Jars

Method-

1. Make jelly as per instructions on pack and pour into jar. Fill about 1/4 of the jar and set in fridge.

2. Cute up jam sponge rolls (I used the mini rolls found in the supermarket) and lay on top of the jelly.

3. Pour in thick custard

4. Top with whipped cream

5. Sprinkle white chocolate shavings on top of the cream. To create the shavings, grate a block of white chocolate.

North Pole Cupcakes

What you will need-

125 grams of butter

3/4 cup of castor sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups of self raising flour

1/2 cup of milk

Patty pans

Icing-

250g butter, cubed, at room temperature

3 cups pure icing sugar, sifted

1/4 cup milk

Coconut

Candy Canes

Jaffas or red smarties

Method to make cake-

1. Beat butter and sugar until combined and smooth.

2. Add the eggs and beat

3. Gradually add sifted flour and milk. Stir until combined.

4. Pour into patty pans and bake on 180 degrees until cooked (depending on oven between 10- 15 mins). Test with a skewer, if the skewer comes out clean the cakes are cooked.

To make icing and decoration-

1.Beat butter and icing sugar together

2. Gradually add milk to create a smooth consistancy.

3. Ice cupcakes

4. Sprinkle with coconut (the coconut mimics snow)

5. Carefully cut off the curved part of the cane and remove plastic wrapper. Push the stick into the cupcake to create the pole.

6. Put a bit of icing on the top of the cane and ‘stick’ a jaffa or red smartie on the top to complete the North Pole.

*You can use a packet mix butter cake recipe to create the cupcakes.

Princess Allure is available to create dessert tables for your next event. We style the table and source the food to compliment the decor and colour scheme of the event. Weddings and Birthday Parties are a perfect occassion for a dessert table. If you would like a table created and set up by Princess Allure Boutique Events , please email Sarah on princessallure@bigpond.com

Credits for the Christmas Dessert Table-

Styling, Food sourcing and Set Up by Princess Allure Boutique Events (website) (facebook)

Featured in Breeze Magazine

Photography by Nick Brand

Snowflake cookies and macarons by Rach’s Frosted Fantasties

Cookie Buffet!

Posted on November 18, 2011 by admin

I recently had the pleasure of styling Kimmi and Norman’s wedding. Part of the styling included the creation of a cookie buffet! I suggested to Kimmi and Norman that a cookie buffet would be a fun idea to use as the guest’s Thank You favours and they agreed!

Kimmi’s wedding was a romantic theme with Shabby chic elements, so I included the same decor colouring and props seen throughout the rest of the wedding in the styling of the buffet.

Kimmi is Chinese and Norman is French, so I blended elements of both of their cultures in the table. Yummy light pink macarons with white chocolate ganache with little Je Taime signs were a nod towards the Groom’s culture. And fortune cookies, sugar cookies stencilled with the double happiness symbol were a tribute to Kimmi’s background. I also stamped a lovely double happiness stamp, that I had made just for Kimmi and Norman’s wedding, onto the favour bags.

Little frames with lace underlay, chalkboards, a fresh arrangement of flowers and a ripped material backdrop (which complimented the photobooth backdrop) completed the design.

I had a lot of fun creating this for Kimmi and Norman and I heard that their guests loved it too!

I am also extremely excited to say that this buffet was featured on the Amy Atlas blog ! A big thank you to Amy, Lisa and the rest of the team for showcasing my work!

If you would like us to create a special cookie buffet, that is unique to you and your partner and your wedding decor, please email princessallure@bigpond.com We can also create dessert tables, lolly buffets and lots more!

Modern Wedding DIY ‘Made With Love’ Shoot- Part 3

Posted on November 8, 2011 by admin

Here is the 3rd and final post in the series of my Modern Wedding DIY shoot. If you missed parts ONE and TWO, just click on the blue links.

This is the yummiest part of the whole shoot! I knew instantly when the editor asked me to style a shoot that I wanted a dessert table! If you know me, you know I LOVE anything sweet, so a dessert table was a must for me. I like to incoporate lollies and desserts into my tables, this gives your guests the choice of just how much ‘sweetness’ they indulge in.

I think dessert tables are a stunning part of any wedding or function. They are not only delicious but they are a visual treat for your guests too! When styling this table, and any dessert table, I use the same decor elements and colour scheme as seen in the rest of the event.

The vintage doily and ‘dessert’ bunting is handmade by Princess Allure Boutique Events and available for sale at www.princessallure.com.au I also hire the vintage doily bunting.

The extra exciting this about this dessert table is……… one of the images of it features on the front cover of the magazine!!!

For further information on how to create your own dessert table, see this issue of Modern Wedding DIY magazine, the dessert table is featured over four pages, so many more images to see!

Alternatively I can create a gorgeous dessert table for your wedding day. My services include theme creation, sourcing of sweets and candy, crockery, jars, decor accents and set up and dismantle of the table. Simply email princessallure@bigpond.com to discuss. I service the Central Coast and Hunter areas.

Enjoy the following yummy images!!

If you would like Princess Allure Boutique Events to style your wedding day, or create a dessert table, please email me to discuss- princessallure@bigpond.com

I hope you have enjoyed this three part series of my feature in Modern Wedding DIY magazine. I loved every part of this experience from the initial design creation, to the shoot day to finally writing the text, it has all been amazing. To have Gail, the editor, trust me to create something for her magazine, to have an image on the front cover and to be given the opportunity to create is just wonderful. Again thank you to Gail, all the suppliers and to Sarah and Jay for volunteering their time to be my ‘bride and groom’. Also my heartfelt thanks goes out to my mum and family for their support during this whole process.

Take a look at the last page of Modern Wedding DIY for some images of the behind the scenes!

This issue of Modern Wedding DIY magazine will be on sale for a whole year and I am thrilled to say that the next issue, due out late 2012, will feature another Princess Allure Boutique Events styled shoot! .

Credits-

Styling, Theme Creation and Dessert Table Design- Princess Allure Boutique Events- (website) and (Facebook)

Featured in – Modern Wedding DIY magazine

Photography- Sandra Henri Photography

Cake, mini cakes, cake pops and cookies- Rach’s Frosted Fantasties

Single coloured candy and jar with lid- Affair To Remember

Vintage Doily Bunting and Word Bunting- Princess Allure Jewellery and Accessories

Credits for Hair, Make Up, Gown, Flowers, Jewellery, Button hole please see Post One in the series.

Modern Wedding ‘Made With Love’ Shoot- Part Two

Posted on November 6, 2011 by admin

Here is Part Two of the Made With Love shoot from Modern Wedding DIY magazine. For many more photos, DIY instructions and explanations, see the magazine.

If you missed Part One it is here.

As I mentioned I wanted the shoot to tell a story of an actual wedding day, rather than just a serious of styled scenes. So the story continues with the bride and groom posing for photos behind some rustic frames. This is a great DIY project for your own wedding day or next celebration.

I have these frames available for hire via Princess Allure Boutique Events. I am also able to create fun photo booth areas like this for your wedding, whether your reception is indoors or outdoors I can create a unique place for your guests to pose for photos. The photobooths I can create don’t have to include frames , they might be fun material backdrops, colourful bunting, or whatever we can dream up together.

See the magazine for instructions on how to make your own hand held photo props and you can even download the templates that I created for them from the Modern Wedding website.

Once photos are finished, the bride and groom moved onto the reception. I love a long rectangular table, it has more of a homestyle appeal, where the bride and groom can sit with their guests, rather than on ’display’ and chat, eat and drink the night away.

I styled the tables using an eclectic mix of jars and vases filled with unstructured posies of flowers, that complimented the bride’s bouquet. The flowers were placed on distressed wooden frames and mini crocheted doilies. A hessian table runner ran down the centre of the table. I love to personalise wedding styling, so I stencilled the bride and grooms initials directly onto the runner. Scented candles, cute favor bags filled with treats, vintage inspired cutlery, pink glass plates and rock candy in the champagne glasses completed the overall styling.

The guests were directed to their seats via an escort chart created with a distressed white frame and name cards; designed by AVE (AVE also designed the invitation set and the menu) The DIY instructions for escort card frame are also in the magazine. The table was created to have a carefree, romantic appeal; a place for the bride and groom to sit, relax and enjoy eachothers and their guests’ company.

If you would like your own personalised hessian table runner I can create one for you, with you and your fiance’s intitals and a love heart. You could run this down the length of your bridal table or use them on the guests’ tables, if you are setting up retangular tables for your reception. Contact princessallure@bigpond.com to discuss your personalised table runner.

The Mr and Mrs chair signs are available for hire, from Princess Allure Boutique Events.

If you would like Princess Allure Boutique Events to style your wedding day, or create a photo booth area, please email princessallure@bigpond.com to discuss . My styling service includes theme creation, decor sourcing, set up and dismantle. I service the Central Coast and Hunter Valley areas.

Be sure to check back later as the next and final part in this serious of blog posts will be- The Dessert Table! Yummo!

Styling, Theme Creation and Photobooth creation- Princess Allure Boutique Events- (website) and (Facebook)

Featured in – Modern Wedding DIY Magazine.

Photography- Sandra Henri Photography

Table Linen- The Peddlers Suitcase

Candles- Kobi Beach

Invitation, Menu and Name cards- AVE

Flowers- Buttercups Florist

For Hair, Make Up, Jewellery, Button hole and Gown credits, please see the end of the Part One blog post.

Modern Wedding DIY ‘ Made With Love’ Shoot- Part One

Posted on November 4, 2011 by admin

Way back in February of this year, 2011, I got a call from the Editor of Modern Wedding DIY. I have worked with her before on small single page features, showcasing jewellery and accessory handmade projects. However this time I was asked to create styled inspiration shoot with a heavy focus on handmade elements and DIY! I was soooo excited and my brain started ticking away instantly. I set about finding suppliers that would work on the project with me and sourcing materials from all over the internet. It was a huge task but I loved every minute of it. I worked with a wonderful group of vendors who I will credit over the course of the blog posts. Most businesses are also on Facebook so feel free to source them and ‘like’ their pages.

Well the date is finally here and the issue is now on the newsstands, so I can reveal some of the photos and share with you some background behind the images. And the cherry on the top of this wonderful experience is one of the scenes I styled is actually on the FRONT COVER! Woo Hoo!!

The Styling- I created a wedding style based on vintage and rustic elements with a colour palette of lemon, pink, creams and whites. Crocheted doilies, lace, subtle vintage decor, unstructured posies of flowers and touches of hessian are woven throughout the styling.

The Story- The shoot took place in a quaint secluded location at Firescreek Vineyard. I wanted to create a story with the shoot and not just a series of styled decor images. The ‘bride and groom’ are a real couple and Sandra Henri Photography was able to capture their love and the styling in the following beautiful images. The shoot has the feel of a wedding that was relaxed and carefree with vintage inspiration and handcrafted details woven through out.

The story begins with the bride and groom saying ‘I Do’ in front of a handmade doily backdrop.

I handcrafted the brides hair flower with a little crocheted doily, the earrings, bracelet and the groom’s button hole. All the jewellery and accessory items were designed to complement the vintage and rustic elements featured throughout the shoot.

The brides beautiful bouquet was made by Buttercups Florist. I wanted an unstructured posie using lemon, pink and sage coloured flowers. Around the bouquet is brass personalised bouquet charm. To see more of my bouquet charms click here.

The wedding day continued with an after ceremony photo shoot amoungst on the grounds of Firescreek Winery. The bride and groom than enjoyed some light refreshments with their ‘guests’ before the reception began. For DIY projects, instructions and further explanation of the styling, please see Modern Wedding DIY magazine.

Don’t forget for further DIY information and explanations on the shoot, see Modern Wedding DIY magazine, on sale now!

If you would like Princess Allure Boutique Events to style your wedding day, please email me at princessallure@bigpond.com to discuss. My styling has a focus on vintage, rustic, boho, indie, shabby chic elements. I also put a strong emphasis on handmade touches

Stay tuned for the continuation of the ‘Made With Love’ Story in the next blog post- The bride and groom enjoy some fun and games and then relax around the outdoor reception table.

Vendors-

Styling, Theme Creation and Bunting- Princess Allure Boutique Events (website) and (Facebook)

Featured in- Modern Wedding DIY magazine- OUT NOW!

Photography- Sandra Henri Photography

Location- Firescreek Vineyard

Hair- Edgy Hair Artistry

Make Up- Flawless Make Up Artisty by Charissa

Flowers- Buttercups Florist

Earrings, Bracelet, Hair Flower, Bouquet Charm and Button Hole- ‘Princess Allure Jewellery and Accessories’ (website) and (facebook)

Wedding Gown- Hanna Couture

Drink Dispensers- Lily Chic Events

Stripped Straws and White Coated Pretzels- An Affair To Remember.

The beautiful bride and groom- Sarah and Jay

A Styled Love Shoot- Keys To My Heart

Posted on October 10, 2011 by admin

Recently I had the pleasure of working (not that I call it work) with the very talented Sandra from Sandra Henri Photography on Kimmi and Norman’s love shoot.

Kimmi wanted a romantic picnic setting with elements of fun in the shoot. So I came up with the theme- Keys To My Heart. You will notice in the many of the photos that antique style keys and locks feature throughout the decor symbolising their love. I knew Kimmi and Norman were going to be wearing clothing with creams, lattes and pinks so I styled the decor to compliment this colour scheme. A tray of pink lemonade, cute handmade cupcakes with flag toppers, a vintage suitcase, a white distressed birdcage and other cute details created a romantic scene for Sandra to photograph the couple in.

For the fun element I thought Kimmi and Norman could blow their own ‘love bubbles’ – mushy, I know! But sure was fun! Look closely and you can see an old key used to blow the bubbles!

Many of the props that you can see in the photos are available for hire or I can style a scene for your own love shoot. When I style photography shoots for couples or families I take into consideration your likes, personalities and how you would like your shoot portrayed. I highly recommend Sandra Henri Photography for capturing your images.

Thank you Kimmi and Norman for being such a fantastic couple! I look forward to styling and setting up the decor for your reception and ceremony next month!

Sarah

Princess Allure Boutique Events is on Facebook.

Giveaway!!!! Win this Swarovski Crystal and Pearl Bracelet

Posted on October 9, 2011 by admin

It’s GIVEAWAY time!! As my way of saying THANK YOU to my likers on Facebook, I am giving away this bracelet valued at $33.

It’s made using Cream and Powdered Almond Pearls and Golden Shadow Swarovski Crystals. A cute eiffel tower charm has been attached to the extension chain.

To enter into the draw to win this bracelet, simply leave a comment below and than head over to my other Facecbook page- Princess Allure Boutique Events and like it. You must also be a fan of my jewellery and accessory page- Princess Allure Jewellery and Accessories.

Entries will close 14th October at 8pm.

*Note- if you have already entered by tagging yourself on FACEBOOK, your entry STILL IS VALID and you are in the draw. I have decided to now finish running the giveaway via my blog as some people are having trouble tagging on Facebook.

Good Luck!