(No) greenhouse (required) wedding

I was having my daily meander around the net drawing inspiration from various sources for up and coming events when I came across this unique wedding set in a greenhouse. Now greenhouses are not common in Spain as we are blessed with such gorgeous weather; even today at the end of January I am sitting in a stream of sunlight overlooking a calm serene sea. But this lovely ensemble could certainly be created in the grounds of some of the stunning venues we have here. 

(Source : Designsponge.com)

Picture this : Spanish-y villa high up in the mountains with lush gardens just ready to enhance with some lovely decorations, nice pool ready for a dip when the heat gets too much, really quiet surroundings just perfect for a siesta under the trees.... And ´la guinda del pastel´ (or the icing on the cake!) a huge lake that the gardens totally overlook with not a soul in sight. Heaven. 

Offbeat ideas

It´s official : I LOVE my job!

I am so lucky to be able to meet and work with such different and diverse people and no two events are ever the same. Be it a wedding, party, photo shoot or whatever the occasion I just love the process from beginning to end. Recently I met with a couple of brides (in fact both of their grooms had just ´left the fluffy stuff´ - as one of them phrased it! - up to them) and I am so excited to be planning their days. Both have such individual and unique ideas that it´s hugely contagious and impossible not to get excited about. Don´t get me wrong, I love glitz and glamour as much as the next girl but offbeat brides really float my boat. Maybe because I worked in Soho, London during my ad agency days and was always surrounded by such a kooky, eclectic mix of people that some of it just rubbed off. Who knows. Anyway, here is a small collection of some fun and offbeat ideas from one of my favourite sites, Offbeatbride.com. Pug centrepiece or alien inspired buttonholes anyone? Love it!

Alien invasion birthday party

Last Sunday we helped to make 6 year old Theo´s birthday party an extra (terrestrial) fun filled day. Theo´s mum wanted an alien theme for his party as Theo is obsessed with all things outer space. The party was held in their garden (we were so lucky - the sun was shining and not a cloud in the sky!) and along with a bouncy castle the kids were treated to alien inspired treasure hunts and a fab assortment of ´alien´ food and cakes. 

(Photo source : Gorgeous Event Decoration)

We created these little ´alien invasions´ all over the garden. Some held clues to the treasure hunts and some just looked cool among the trees and plants. Sophie the dog wasn´t too impressed with them but the kids thought they were fab. A good time was had by all, including us!

The rain in Spain

Thankfully rain is not a good friend of the Costa Del Sol and rarely visits us but sometimes, like today, we are not immune. The sky is very grey and looking out across the sea it is only a matter of time before the plants get a good drink. We have been so lucky with the weather for weeks and apart from the odd shower here and there sun has been the order of the day. Just a few days ago I met some potential clients at a beachside hotel in Marbella and there were guests sunbathing. In December. Yep, tight and unflattering Speedos on a couple of grandads were out in force and the memory is still with me...I am scarred.

So with rain in mind I have some lovely rainy wedding day inspiration. No need to be grey and miserable in the rain as these piccies demonstrate!

(Photo sources: notonthehighstreet.com, greenweddingshoes.com, mcscanzano.blogspot.com, thismodernlife.com, ruffled.com, parishotelboutique.blogspot.com, vintagevillas.com)

Three King´s Day

The 6th January is one of the biggest days in the Spanish calendar; almost as big as Christmas and just as much fun. El dia de Los Reyes Magos (or Three Kings Day as we call it) begins the night before on the 5th January when the three kings and their procession take to the streets throwing sweets to all the excited children that are waiting patiently for them to arrive. Tonight children write notes to the kings asking for a gift (or maybe several gifts like my children!) and leave the notes their shoes by the front door before they go to bed. If they have been good the kings bring gifts but if not they leave carbon which look like lumps of coal but in reality are a sugary edible version. Traditional goodies such as Roscon which is similar to a huge donut covered with glacier cherries and sugar along with cups of rich hot chocolate are left out for the kings and their hungry camels to enjoy. In the morning when the kids wake up it´s like Christmas all over again. What a great way to begin the New Year!

(Photo sources: El Blog Infantil, ichilly.com, southernliving.com, eladerezo.com, fireworksphotoblog.msnc.com, maluespacio.blogspot.com)