I just got the word that my sister is going to England at the end of September and I’m so jealous!

I absolutely adore England and a good countryside walk is my absolute favorite thing to do.

When I lived in Cambridge, I would take long walks by the Cam to Grantchester where I’d have a proper cup of tea and a buttery scone in a famous old apple orchard.

Here’s hoping I get a chance to visit her…

Photos from top: 1.Kate Powers 2. Chris Blott 3. Anna Kern 4. Corrie Bond

I have been known to say that every bride needs a little Tiffany & Co. in her life. But, if you’ve seen the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you can perhaps understand why I was so drawn to this classic jeweler for today’s featured Glitzpick, especially as we in the wedding industry are dealing with the craziness of life, called: “busy-season”. And, while this 24k gold bold statement earring set is perhaps a little pricey for some brides, the beauty of these Jean Schlumberg pink spinel and diamond ear clips were just too brilliant and breathtaking and timeless to dismiss. Wouldn’t these make an amazing wedding gift from…say… your husband-to-be? What about that once-in-a-lifetime thank you gift for the often over-looked, mother-of-the-bride? Available here.

For all you J.Crew fans, they’re opening a bridal boutique in NYC! Best of all the opening, is being hosted by Darci Miller of Martha Stewart Weddings. All you NYC peeps be sure to RSVP!

I’ve changed my business name to Kelly Oshiro Design! I’ve updated, my logo, added services, and re-designed the website and the blog. Why the name change, you ask? I wanted to convey that I’m not just a wedding planner with a checklist, but an event designer. I sketch, I create things by hand, always inspired by the couple’s stories and personalities. At the same time, I understand the military precision with which an event needs to be planned (right down to high chairs for the kids and how many transit cabinets the kitchen needs). This is what, I hope, makes me unique in a very saturated wedding market.

I’ve also partnered with a paper artist and letterpress wiz, Megan van den Bergh. Megan and I designed the “Anthropologie” wedding photo shoot invites together, as well as my brochures and other client projects. I loved the idea of having someone in house to collaborate with on the design of the paper products since the invitations really set the tone for the event.

I will, of course, be working with other paper companies, depending on my client’s needs, but I thought it would be a nice service for the client who is looking for the total package.

You may also notice the blog looking a little bit different as well. I’ve moved things around a bit, I hope you guys enjoy the new look! Let me know if anything is broken or acting wonky. And an extra big thank you to my husband Sam for coding all my changes and getting the website done in less than 2 weeks!

Images: 2 & 3. Kirsten Ellis for Beaux Arts Photographie

I just got home for The B-List 2010 conference, it was so nice to see my friends again, and make so many new ones!

On Friday night a Meet & Greet was held for vendors. Here is Cathy of Weddingbee and myself enjoying the festivities at the Torpedo Factory.

The event was catered by Design Cuisine. Can you say yum? These tuna tartare appetizers were my favorite. They also had a champagne bar where you can make your own champagne cocktail, its such a cute idea I might have to steal it for a certain client!

Here’s Amanda of Ruffled, Jen of Green Wedding Shoes, Jacqueline of Merci New York, and myself enjoying the party (and champagne).

The following day was the conference and we had the most adorable boxed lunch provided by Design Cuisine, and in a box by Smock (I kept mine, I’m such a sucker for pretty boxes).

And then of course there was the conference tote. Special props to Jessica Foster Confections and Santa Barbara Preserves Co for donating their tasty items!

And a big thank you to the sponsors for the Meet & Greet:

The Torpedo Factory

Design Cuisine

Holly Chapple Flowers

Nation

Elan Artists

John Farr Lighting,

Marc Parc

Envelopments

Smilebooth

Ritzy Bee Events – A big thank you to Maria for putting together an awesome event and planning all the conference logistics. I know how much work it is and she did a stellar job!

Conference Sponsors:

WEtv

Design Cuisine

Smock

Mélangarie

Gift Bag Sponsors:

Chronicle Books, Santa Barbara Preserves, Jessica Fosters Confections,  Smock, David Tutera, Paloma’s Nest, Rust Designs, Emersonmade, Wedgwood, Santa Barbara Preserves, Whisker Works, Footpetals, iomoi, Viv & Ingrid, Williams-Sonoma, 9Spot Monk, Crane & Co., Delphine, Bridal Reflections, Sycamore Street Press, Flory Photo, Chewing the Cud, Envelopments, Scout Books, Pottery Barn, The Pink Initiative, Lo Boheme, Rembrandt, The Hive at 1511 and Thoughtful Day.

Images:1. Kate Headley 2-4. Carlos Andres Varela and Shane Carpenter for Elan Artists 5-6. Kate Headley

Spain was so awesome and endless inspiring. I was so excited to see the jewel of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra. I took this photo of the wall looking up to the ceiling.

Every surface of this Moorish palace is intricately decorated with the most gorgeous geometric patterns in carved plaster and tile work.

I took so many photos but, I still don’t think I captured even 10% of the detail.

Can you believe this star dome? It didn’t even look real in person. So gorgeous!

I also visited the amazing Mesquita in Cordoba.

The pillars and striped arches make you feel like your wondering through a forest of trees.

Moorish architecture uses a lot of water features to reflect there beautiful buildings. I captured this image of the Alcazar in Sevilla. Can you tell I was an Art History major?

I also loved seeing La Sagrada Familia by Gaudi in Barcelona. Its under heavy, heavy construction (surprise!) but you could still see how Gothic architecture and Gaudi’s organic aesthetic met and blended so perfectly into the form of this building.

And of course, the iconic leaned walkways of Park Guell also by Gaudi.

Ah yes, and then there was the food. One of my favorite tapas was a tomato spread with jamon and drizzled with olive oil. It was so nice to get away, but I am very happy to be home. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend, posts will return to normal next week!

I’m back in the states and in Washington DC for the B-List Conference. Excited to see all my fellow bloggers!

For those of you who happen to by in LA this weekend, there is an awesome and unique wedding event this Sunday, March 28th, 11am to 4pm, called Unveiled: Bridal Style Revealed. Featuring designers Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, and Temperley London it will be held outside on Melrose Place. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. Be sure to check it out!

Hello Santa Barbara Chic readers! I am so blessed and so grateful to have this amazing opportunity of working with Kelly Oshiro and learning from one of the greatest design and off-premise wedding experts I’ve ever known. Her passion for this industry is infectious, and to be honest, similar to the drive I’ve always had for the gorgeous and opulent elements of our work.Thank you, Kelly, for inviting me along on this journey!

To get to know our Santa Barbara Chic readers, Kelly asked me to put together a few of my favorite things (you know, those websites & products & photographs that inspire me and my work!) So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things:

1. Favorite Fashion Blog: Cupcakes and Cashmere

I’ve loved fashion all my life! I used to think, however, that fashion was inaccessible to my somewhat middle-class upbringing. Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere, however, has brought fashion to light in a real, day-to-day perspective. I absolutely adore her and her blog!

2. Favorite Design Blog: Design*Sponge

There is so much goodness on this blog, but I’m obsessed with her Before & After section…they truly inspiration my passion to re-furbish everything. I can only hope to have one of my own re-designs featured one day.

3. ITALY!

So…from my bio, you may have noticed a sincere obsession with Italy. To me, Italy is exquisite for its ability to have mastered everything from Art {to} Food {to} Fashion {to} Wine & {to} Romance. There isn’t a more intricate culture on the planet-one that values both honesty & modesty at the same time. Plus, Italian has to be the most romantic language on the planet! Mark my words, one day I will call this gorgeous country home {the picture above is from my last visit, to may fav Italian city: Rome!}

4. Good food & great food photography: Sunday Suppers

Sunday Suppers is likely my favorite culinary blog for the to-die-for photographs. And…not only does the blog provide amazing recipes, they also offer restaurant tips & classes!

5. Coffee. Period.

Thanks to my great-grandmother, I’ve been enjoying this morning deliciousness since elementary school. While I’m obsessed with the local Mom&Pop coffee shop, I’m equally obsessed with this skinny cinnamon dulce latte at Starbucks. Yummers!

6. The new flower: Blue Thistle.

I’ve always loved flowers, but to try and be a little greener for the environment & the wallet, I find myself moving the more traditional “floral elements” to the bottom of my priority list for the modern wedding. Not wanting to compromise the beauty that comes from floral design however, BLUE THISTLE has become my new favorite flower (well not technically a flower, but calling it a “weed” doesn’t do the poor thing justice!) It’s both super cheap, and super sytlish. The arrangement above was done by Kelly, and includes gorgeous Peonies & Dahlias. Prego!

7. My white blackberry BOLD

Some of you are die-hard iPhone fans. I, on the other hand, am equally obsessed with my white Blackberry Bold. I was originally set on the sleeker black version, but when I saw this white style, it immediately spoke “wedding”. I’m determined to have inspiration around me at all times, so choosing the white one was almost a no-brainer.

8. Boston Terriers…especially my Frankie!

Boston Terriers-they are the most adorable/intelligent/cute dogs you will ever meet. My dear Frankie (now 3) takes his name from the famous Francis “Blue-eyes” Sinatra. And, he lives up to his rat-pack namesake every day (here he’s chasing the lady-dogs in Bodega Bay)!

9. Favorite Designers: Chanel, Cole Haan, & LAMB

Chanel is everything that is great about fashion: sophisticated & timeless beauty. I WILL one day own a piece of Chanel. Promise.

Mainly for handbags, Cole Haan is a go-to favorite. Clean lines & simple colors make these handbags wearable accessories for almost outfit!

My wardrobe almost entirely includes black, grey and sand colored clothing. LAMB, however, always adds a little pop of color to my day. Plus, who doesn’t love Gwen Stefani (a truly gorgeous, California woman who ACTUALLY wears her own designs.)

10. My favorite shoes: Omelle!

Cherise Angelle and Nicole LaFave are the genius’ behind these amazing shoes. Pronounced “Ahh-Mel”, these gorgeous pieces work well both day and night! Plus, they’ve got a fabulous blog rightly named “Shoetales” that highlights their fancy footwear. Priceless!

11. My Wedding Style in a nutshell: Melis & Vokan at the Sunsent Restaurant in Malibu (as photographed by Sweet Monday Photography)

Why? The subtle elements of soft-pink, driftwood, and sand juxtaposed with diamond elegance and sophistication were truly magical; she’s wearing my favorite wedding dress designer: Monique Lhuillier; and The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu is one of my top wedding locations in Southern California. Great food & gorgeous scenary, all-in-one.

The annual wedding blogger’s conference, The B-List, is being held this April and all vendors are invited to attend a meet and greet with all the wedding bloggers. Come meet some of the most popular wedding blog editors and network with other vendors.

The lowdown:

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Alexandria, Virginia (just outside of Washington D.C.)

7pm to 10pm

For more information visit The B-List blog here. If you’d like to buy tickets you can here. Hope to see you there!

I’m excited to welcome to my team, Cynthia Beard! Cynthia has had a passion for all things wedding since the tender of age five and loves to create romantic, understated weddings. She’s inspired by all things Italian, loves jewelry, and is super detail oriented. She also has her own blog chronicling her adventures in the wedding industry called Stellina*Stellina. Look for her upcoming contributions here on Santa Barbara Chic. Everyone welcome– Cynthia!

Photo by the lovely Tim and Cheryl Halberg of Halberg Photography.

I’m so excited to announce I’m in Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book for premier wedding vendors! The Little Black Book ” … is a highly edited collection of wedding service providers – from mom and pop boutiques to A-Listers. Bottom line, these vendors are the best of the best.”

I got the email last week and there’s been a lot of jumping down and squeaking ever since. Needless, to say I’m super honored and super flattered for whomever referred me (thank you whoever you are). You can go check out my showcase here.

Ginger! Who said, “I’m going for a purple and silver themed wedding because I have always been obsessed with the color purple!!!” Congratulations on winning the Wedding Paper Divas giveaway!

When it rains it pours, and we have another giveaway today! Pretty Chic is company based in San Franisco and they make adorable notebooks and weekly planners.

I’m obsessed with hounds tooth and this gray version is tré chic and so functional.

And speaking of functional, how adorable is this weekly planner? Each week features an inspiring quote and there’s even an area to list all your favorite things for 2010. And best of all, Pretty Chic is giving a planner & notebook set to a Santa Barbara Chic reader. Just leave a comment about which is your favorite pattern (you can see more here) and a winner will be randomly selected next Tuesday, February 2nd. Happy commenting!

2009 was hard for many people (so many of my close friends lost their jobs), and I felt fortunate to be able to build my business this year and do what I love. Some of my favorite highlights of the year would have to be:

Attending the inaugural meeting of the B-List in New York (and eating Katz’s pastrami for the first time… drool).

Getting Featured on Snippet & Ink for Carissa & Dwight’s wedding.

Getting my DIY tips from the same wedding on Style Me Pretty.

Having our pink beach themed wedding featured on Brides.com.

Being mentioned in Destination Weddings Magazine as one of their favorite wedding blogs.

Working with some awesome brides with their own unique style (viva la paisley).

Increasing my blog traffic 75%.

Producing and designing my first brochure, all letterpress and made by hand.

Attending Bridal Market Week in New York and going to Monique Lhuillier and Vera Wang (and especially sitting front row at Vera!).

Attending the Martha Stewart 15th Anniversary Party, meeting Abby of Style Me Pretty, the crew from Sunday Suppers, hanging with Ms. Perfect Bound and eating Morimoto’s sushi (sooo good).

And of course, the most recent big event, moving into a house (goodbye apartments!) and finally getting a dog. I’m looking forward to an even more successful 2010! Happy New Year’s Eve!

Images from top: 1. Jenny Ebert 2. Harper Smith 3. Martha Stewart & me 4. Katie Moos 5. Destination Weddings & Honeymoons 6. Harper Smith 7. Google 8. Barnaby Draper 9. Patrick G. Ryan via Weddingbee 10. Elan Documentary via Martha Stewart 11. me