Living the Life of a Vegan

Many women and men in today's society are vegans. Being a vegan is a lifestyle for most and not just a small part of one's day. So when it comes to high fashion, especially with shoes, its extremely difficult to find designer clothes made of alternative synthetic materials without compromising style. After all, many shoes are made of animal products such as leather, suede, crocodile skin, etc. That is until now. A new line through shoe designer, Te Casan, developed by actress Natalie Portman, offers high fashion shoewear made from entirely synthetic products.

And boy are they cute! Check out two of our favorites...

An Engagement Story

Wedding Details:
Who: Amy Torbergson and Michael Helland
Engaged: 2-14-2008
Engaged at: During a horse drawn carriage ride through Westlake Center
Wedding Date: 9-12-2009
Ceremony Location: TBD
Reception Location: TBD

Amy & Michael's first date was well before they fell in love, actually it was 2 1/2 years before they starting dating each other. Amy was at his house with a bunch of friends just hanging out and she secretly wanted to get away with just him. So jokingly during a conversation she suggested that he take her to dinner. Well it worked! He totally loved the idea and they left for dinner about 15 minutes later. Michael took Amy to a wonderful little Italian restaurant, called Romeo's just down the road. It was very romantic and it was just the two of them.

On Valentine's Day of 2008, Michael asked Amy to be his wife and she said "yes."
Read more about Amy & Michael...

Have an engagement or wedding you'd like to share with us? We want to hear about it! Share Your Love Story

Pet Fashions

Until a couple has children those that own pets feel as though their furry friends are family. So, it is no surprise that many brides and grooms are including their pets as vital members of their wedding party. We've gathered some examples of how you can spruce up your lovable friend for the most important day of your lives.

Right: Classic Wedding Dress from Glamour Dog
Beautiful five layered handmade wedding dress. Delicate lace lined with faux pearl beads.
Price: $130
Available Sizes: X-Small to XX-Large

Left: Royal 2-Piece Tuxedo from Glamour Dog
This tuxedo is made from a silky poly blend. The attention to detail continues with beautiful golden trims around neck and sleeves. Metal snaps up front for durability and easy access.
Price: $120
Available Sizes: X-Small to XX-Large


Left: Casual Tux with Tails and Hat from Glamour Dog
Made of 100% polyester satin, the tux features double-breasted styling, detailed lapels, a bow tie and tails. Velcro® closure on front provides a secure and comfortable fit. Includes a top hat with an elastic chin strap to complete the look.
Price: $22
Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large

Left: Classic 2-Piece Tuxedo - Dog Clothing from Glamour Dog
Classic black handmade tuxedo with slick black bow tie(bow tie also available in red. Pls specify), coat and separate dress shir
Price: $120
Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large





Left: Top-dog-tuxedo from Unique Dog Clothing
The Top Dog Tuxedo dog costume includes everything shown in photo including one-piece jacket with tails, pleated shirt w/faux cufflinks, and tophat.
Price: $24.95
Available Sizes: X-Small to Large

We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love these charming cake toppers by Toppers With Glitz. Each cake topper comes with a consultation with a designer, removable cake pegs, choice of font, up to 4-crystal colors, partial or full crystal coverage and 1/8" platinum colored aluminum letters. Customized designs are also available so if you have something unique in mind for a themed wedding just ask the designers.

Ordering is simple with their online form and various shipping options are also available according to your timeline.

Visit their site for more ideas for crystal customization including matching cake cutting supplies and monogrammed pins for your bouquet.

Prices range from $50 for a cupcake topper to $225 for a 3-piece set. Additional costs for upgrades apply.






In the Seattle area? Check out All About Weddings in Southcenter. Monogrammed letters are also available in their unique wedding store.

Swing From The Chandeliers

We always recommend starting your wedding planning by choosing an overall theme. It will make the process of choosing invitations, cakes, linens, and rental items so much easier when you have a narrow focus to guide you to the decor pieces that best suit your theme. A current trend in weddings is the formal chandelier. Here are some excellent examples of how a simple theme can be carried out in many aspects of your wedding.


Invitation: Chandelier Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Available at Wedding Paper Divas

Dinnerware Top: Chandelier 16-pc. Dinnerware Set
Available at Target

Dinnerwear Bottom: Holiday Chandelier Plate
Available for rent at Totally Tabletops


Bachelorette Button: Bachelorette Party Chandelier Button
Available at Zazzle

Postage Stamp: Pink Chandelier Postage
Available at Zazzle


Chandelier Napkins: Chandelier white/black luncheon napkins - set of 20
Available at Plum Party

Hanging Chandelier: Idea from Better Homes & Gardens

Green Wedding Gowns

Planning a Green Wedding?

Deborah Lindquist has been in the eco-fashion industry for over 20 years, she is the godmother of eco-fashion and uses materials like hemp, recycled kimonos and cashmere and organic cotton lace. Deborah features a Green Wedding fashion line with eco-friendly options for brides wishing to plan a green wedding. Her gowns range from $800-$3000.


Deborah has dressed Sharon Stone, Gwen Stefani, Keyshia Cole, Demi Moore, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson and Charlize Theron.

We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love this charming designer clothing line called Beau Soleil. They create a 100% eco-friendly clothing line that looks and feels incredible. The company's focus is on sustainability, fair trade and labor, as well as organic raw materials with the end goal to offer consumers environmentally healthy clothing choices without sacrificing fashion. They have some adorable sun dresses for spring and summer honeymoon attire that will have you wishing all your clothes fit and felt so great. And how good will you feel knowing you made a socially conscious fashion choice.

The above dress is actually made of bamboo. You won't believe how soft and flowing it feels. Bamboo is bamboo a sustainable material. Their other fabrics include vegetable-dyed organic cottons and vintage, tencel, which is made from eucalyptus tress, as well as recycled leather trims. The dress above includes the recycled leather strap that is also removable for easy cleaning. Price $275

Love Diamonds

If you saw the movie Blood Diamond with Leonardo DiCaprio you may have thought twice about the procurement of your own engagement diamond. The terms “conflict diamond” and “blood diamond” only entered the public consciousness recently, as the funds used to conduct devastating civil wars in Africa that ended millions of lives were traced back to diamonds. It is a sad truth that many diamonds are obtained through conflict in many parts of the world, which is why we are so impressed with the company called Brilliant Earth. Based in San Francisco, Brilliant Earth grew out of a marriage proposal. After Beth's fiance could not find a reliable source that could guarantee conflict free diamonds, Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg created Brilliant Earth to provide certified conflict free diamonds as an alternative to current diamond industry practices. Their diamonds come from Canadian mines that follow socially sustainable practices in the supplying of high quality gems. Brilliant Earth also donates 5% of its profits to African communities harmed by the diamond industry.
Take a stand: Ask your local jeweler about where their diamonds came from and if they can guarantee they were obtained ethically.

Upcoming Events

March 20 , 2008 - Ravishing Radish Open House
WHEN: March 20th; 5-7pm
WHERE: Tyee Yacht Club
3229 Fairview Ave East
Seattle WA 98102
RSVP jojo@bamboobeats.com or 206-406-2929

The Tyee Yacht Club is also a wonderful and intimate venue right on Lake Washington just off of Eastlake Avenue. It has a mid-century modern feeling with gleaming hardwood floors, exposed beams and grand windows that look out onto the water. There is also a lovely covered deck and a dock for your private charter boat.

Other featured wedding vendors on-site: Jen's Desserts, Bamboo Beats, Dani Weiss Photography, Luxe Wedding Design, Clara French Cake Stands.


March 25, 2008 - As You Like It Catering Open House
TIME: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
LOCATION: The Swedish Cultural Center
1920 Dexter Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98109
206-523-9570

Come visit one of Seattle’s most spectacular 180 degree views overlooking Lake Union and downtown. Step out onto our covered balconies and watch the sunset, tour our event rooms, sample our savories, and sip libations. Partners in the event include: Aria Style, Abbey Party Rents, Choice Linens, Jilly Eddy Lipsology, Illustrations in Ice, Wavelink Music, Espresso Elegance, and Redfish Bluefish Photography.

Plenty of reserved free parking! Driving Directions available at www.cateringasyoulikeit.com. Please RSVP by March 24th to cynthia@cateringasyoulikeit.com.

Go Ahead And Splurge, Or At Least Look Like You Did!

There is just something about the word couture that just makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Unfortunately our pocketbooks don't always feel the same love. So we've researched some of our favorite designer and couture bridal items and found very comparable, yet affordable alternatives we'd love to share with you.

Choosing your dinnerware can be a bit overwhelming with all the choices. Sometimes classic white patterns are the best option when you are just starting to collect china because any other color and pattern can be added on later. But just because the dinnerware is white, doesn't mean style has to be thrown out the window. Here are two fabulous patterns at two price points.


Left: Villeroy & Boch New Wave Premium Gold Dinnerware Collection
Something to rave about… The New Wave from Villeroy & Boch. Clean, modern lines accented with the luxury of gold to create a truly unique dining experience. Elegantly crafted in fine bone china.
Price: 5-piece place setting $150
Available at Macy's
Right: Frost 16-pc. Dinnerware Set - Square
Square patterned with metallic boning on crisp white plates & bowls.
Price: 16-piece set $79
Available at Target

Right now one of our favorite trends is added yellow or gold accents to your wedding day attire and decor. The below shoes are two excellent examples of how to add a touch of metallic to your wedding day attire without feeling like Cleopatra.


Left: Mena Nappa Slingback by Valentino
Buckled slingback peep toe made with gold nappa leather and gold lining.
Price: $595
Available at Neiman Marcus
Right: ARGENT by Nine West
Stylish leather upper sandal with criss cross and cut out detail. Also available in Chocolate, Green, Pink and White.
Price: $79
Available at Nine West

We think cufflinks still make the greatest gift for your groom. Like a woman's shoes, cufflinks can add small touches to man's attire to spruce up and add personality to his style.



Left: 1837 Tiffany & Co. Cufflinks
Tiffany 1837™ Titanium square cuff links in midnight. Sterling silver, titanium.
Price: $375
Available at Tiffany & Co.
Right: Tuxedo Motif Cuff Links, Sterling Silver
Turn any occasion into a black-tie affair with these whimsical cuff links, fashioned of sterling silver with mother of pearl and black onyx.
Price: $65
Available at Fortunoff

There are endless things you can buy for your bridesmaids as thank you gifts, but we still think jewelry is your best bet. Why? For one, its a timeless gift that will last forever. Second, your bridesmaid will wear it and remember your wedding day and how they were a part of it. Third, you can create continuity by having all your bridesmaids wear matching accessories at the wedding. These charming monogram necklaces are delicate and individualized and make the perfect gift.


Left: Little Letters Package by Alex Woo
As a shining celebration of individuality, Alex Woo proudly presents the Little Letters. As seen on the CW show Gossip Girl
Price: $138 (silver) - Add $330 for gold, and $660 for diamond accents
Available through Alex Woo
Right: Tiffany Style Inspired Diamond CZ Pave Alphabet Letter Pendants
Choose your letter and your chain length with these sparkling and sophisticated initial pendants.
Price: $24.99
Available at Overstock Jeweler

Luxury is a right not a privilege when it comes to bed linens. Your bedroom is your safe-haven, a place to recharge and renew your body and soul. So when you register to bed linens for you and your partner, remember that quality comes first. Below are two of our favorites luxury items at two different budgets.


Left: "Amante" 1,020-Thread-Count-Linens available at Horchow
There is nothing quite like Egyptian cotton. Hemstitched Egyptian cotton bed linens in a jacquard-woven tuxedo stripe with the highest thread count ever.
Price: $540-$700
Available at Horchow
Right: Pure Beech® Sateen Sheet Set, 100% Modal, 250 Thread Count
The softness of these silk-like sateen sheets will keep you in bed all day. These unique sheets are made from modal, a high-strength fiber regenerated from the Beechwood trees of Europe. Conducted in accordance with ecological standards and sustainability, these sheets contain no pesticides or toxic substances. The result is a fabric that is extremely soft, durable and wonderfully brilliant in color.
Price: $59-$99
Available at Bed, Bath & Beyond

Jet-Setter

Honeymoon here you come! Sometimes the best part about the wedding, isn't the wedding at all -- its the fantastic getaway for two that happens afterward. We've found these fabulous trousseau trinkets to fill your bags with the hottest honeymoon items you just have to have.

For the World Traveler...

Every passport needs a stylish holder.

Pottery Barn's Passport Holder. Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Orange. Matching luggage tags are also available.
Price: $27
Why we love it: The bright colors make finding your passport a breeze in your overpacked handbag or carry on.

The Best Carry On...

Bring your essentials on board with you in this stylish tote. Features a roomy interior with organizer pockets and two exterior accessories pockets. The strap drop length is 10.5" from the shoulder.

Voyageur Lightweight Cortina Boarding Tote by Tumi. Available in Black, Brown and Yellow.
Price: $395
Why we love it: With as much stuff as you'll be filling your bags with, no one needs a heavy bag before you even start filling it. This light weight bag is the perfect weight and size for easy airport travel.

To Keep You Organized In Style...

A travel-ready expandable makeup bag from Bare Escentuals.

Expandable Travel Bag available at Sephora - Limited Edition
Price: $22
Why we love it: This extra large version of their traveling bag comes with a hanger so you can hang it from the towel rack of your hotel room. Plus it lays nice and flat in your suitcase.

Another Great Option...

If you are like us and have trouble narrowing down what you'll need on your trip, you may need something a little roomier.

Strawberry Fields 3 Piece Cosmetic Set by Betsy Johnson
Price: $45
Why we love it: The 3-piece set allows you to keep your makeup separate from other cosmetics like your toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc. Plus the shape of the bag and style can make it pass for a handbag so you can carry-on your cosmetics on the plane. (Just remember to make them fit into a small ziplock baggy).

The Best Large Luggage Piece...

Durable coated nylon traveler designed for maximum convenience with retractable handle and double shoulder straps.

Lacoste Large Duffle on Wheels Available in Blue, Green & Red.
Price: $275-$295
Why we love it: The outside nylon lining allows you to stuff much more into this type of bag than a standard rectangular luggage piece with no give. So when you can't decide between three black pairs of flip-flops, you can bring all three!

Best Accessory...

Accessorize yourself with chunky, short yellow necklaces.

Lemondrops Necklace from Anthropologie
Price: $38
Why we love it: Yellow is the hot color for 2008 and with this necklace you'll look great wearing it out to a romantic dinner for two or event at the beach.

Best Beachwear...

A light glittery print and a jet bead tie makes this Italian jersey halter suit a sophisticated choice for pool or beach.

Badgley Mischka Glitter Girl Tankini
Price: $250
Why we love it: From the designers of some of the world's favorite wedding dresses comes swimwear from Badgley Mischka. We already know that this duo knows how to fit a woman's body, and when it comes to swimwear, women want to know their suits suit their curves. Plus the tankini offers just the right amount of comfort and style without exposing too much.

The Most Multi-functional Outfit...

Thirsty terry style tunic is piped with navy accents and cinched at the neckline with a seaworthy drawstring rope.

Milly Bitter End Tunic Mini Dress
Price: $200
Why we love it: The right tunic can function as three different outfits. First, they make excellent bathing suit cover ups. Second, you can pair them with leggings and a scarf for stylish daywear. Last, they can even function as an evening dress when paired with some strappy heels. That's why a tunic is a must this season for honeymoon travel.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Wishing you the very happiest St. Patrick's Day from banquetevent.com!

Are you festive and wearing green today? Or maybe you're not not wearing green, but you're being green (as in doing something to save the environment). Either way, send us some photos of how you celebrated today. We'd love to see them.

Email Us Here.

Close To Your Heart

Weddings are the ultimate time to start a tradition that you can pass down for years and generations to come. We've noticed the recent return of an old, yet timeless tradition. After all, as the saying goes, "Something old, Something new..."

Check out these romantic revivals of traditional lockets. Lockets are beautiful pendants that hold a photograph of someone you hold most dear to your heart. You could use them to place the image of a loved one that has passed away or of yourself and your groom. Either way, this simple touch of charmed delight is the perfect accent piece. If you don't want to wear it around your neck, you could even tuck it inside your bouquet just to keep a sentimental piece with you that you'll remove and keep forever.


Above:
Aphrodite Locket
Available at Anthropologie
Description: A locket strung from silk and glass, ready to hold what you treasure most featuring the Greek goddess of love.
Price: $188

Above:
Oval Fabric Locket
Available at Anthropologie
Description: Wearable, handmade photo frames made of vivid fabric and gold-tone brass. Also available in purple and coral.
Price: $48
Above:
Nadri Round Locket Necklace
Available at Nordstrom
Description: Tiny crystals detail an antique-style locket, opening to the side and dangling from a double chain. Available in Jet with blue stones and silver with swarovski crystals
Price: $225

Above:
Judith Jack Marcasite Slide Locket Necklace
Available at Nordstrom
Description: Intricate pattern styles the front of a marcasite-studded locket that slides open.
Price: $265

Stuck On You

Looking for a unique "save the date" idea? Check out SaveTheDateMagnet.com for tons of customizable wedding magnets to send to your guests. Save The Date Magnets come from New and Blue Boutique in Portland, OR. New and Blue has been providing unique wedding invitations, save the date announcements, wedding supplies, and favors on its five websites since January of 2003.

The magnets are fully customizable by fonts, colors, images and clipart.

An Engagement Story

Ashley and Justin met last April while they were working at Nordstrom. Justin is a reservist in the Marine Corps and at the time was a manager in the Women's Shoe Department at Nordstrom when Ashley transferred to his store. Working as the operator in Customer Service, Ashley needed to respond to a disappointed customer and needed the assistance of a manager in Women's Shoes. Standing around looking for a recognizable face, Ashley was approached by Justin. Immediately, she started to blush as he was just the man she had wanted to put a name to his face since she spotted him weeks before. He smiled flirtatiously and gave her his business card to refer to the upset customer. Although the introductions were brief, it was only minutes later that Ashley claimed to her manager that she had met her future husband. Read more about this couple...

Wedding Details
Wedding Date: February 28, 2009
Engaged at Joeys on Lake Union
Ceremony Location: Sacred Heart Chapel at the Villa Academy
Reception Location: Hotel Deca
Wedding Colors: Indigo and Metallic

Have an engagement or wedding you'd like to share with us? We want to hear about it! Share Your Love Story

A Little Birdy Told Us About This Dress You're Going To Love...

We think you'll love this incredible bridesmaid dress from Two Birds Bridesmaid. Imagine paying for one dress and being able to wear it 10 days in a row without anyone realizing its the same dress? Talk about getting the most bang for your buck, right? Now you can, with Two Bird's amazing and beautiful transformable bridesmaid dress. This dress can be worn in 10 completely different styles and is available in size 0-16. Plus sizes are available. The dress is available in 13 colors so you can either mix and match colors or mix and match styles. The best part is, the dresses are completely wearable once the wedding is over, so your bridesmaids won't feel like they can only get a one time wear out of their dress. The dress is a little expensive, but think of it as an investment that you'll get a lot of use out of.

Price: $270-$290

Pump Got You Pumped Too?

If gas prices have got you in a tizzy as of late, maybe you should take a cue from this recent cartoon...