Wedding Trend: Forgoing the Frosting

When you think of the traditional wedding cake, visions of fondant, buttercream and sugar flowers may dance in your head. As beautiful as it looks, fondant is almost always left on the dessert plate. For a more casual look, brides are moving towards unfrosted cakes- and here at The Collection we could not be more supportive!

These cakes are less formal, but no less beautiful, especially when adorned with flowers and seasonal berries. It's fresh, simple and perfect for any outdoor Wine Country wedding. An added bonus? During the summer, Sonoma and Napa can get uncomfortably warm. Bad news for fondant. An unfrosted cake will remain picture perfect all afternoon and well into the evening.

Happy Friday!

Talking Shop with Ashley of Bottz Studios

What inspired you to open Bottz Studios? I started making garlands for my friend's baby showers, niece's and nephew's birthdays, and my kid's parties. I really enjoyed coming up with color palettes and thought this is something that could appeal to a huge range of potential customers. My work evolved into making garlands for bridal showers, weddings, and birthdays. I started making mobiles when I realized the bold, bright colors and shapes could be very stimulating yet peaceful for infants.

How would you describe your wares? A trendy and cheerful mix of bold color and classic designs that are at once modern and timeless.

What is the Bottz Studio aesthetic? Whimsical, versatile and modern. Because I work one-on-one with many of my customers, I am forever coming up with new ideas based on individual spaces (nursery, wedding venue, kids photo shoot). While the design remains more or less the same the use of color and combination of colors for each individual order sets the tone for the design which allows for a wide range of aesthetics; glamorous, vintage, bohemian, playful, etc.

Are you currently working on developing any other items for your shop? Yes! My husband and I are working on extending the current line of paper mobiles and garlands to include a range of wooden products catering to infants and toddlers. Our current prototypes and designs reflect a Scandinavian influence - simple, practical, beautiful and functional. We are working on everything from wooden blocks to night lights to toddler step stools and benches with a focus on organic, natural materials.

Who shops at Bottz Studios? I work primarily with expectant and/or new parents who are looking to incorporate a custom and unique accessory into their little one's space. My market seems to be expanding, however, as I have recently started working with photographers on photo shoots, brides who wish to incorporate a mobile or matching garland into a photo booth to tie the color scheme of their wedding together and even interior designers looking to add whimsy or something unique to a design space.

What is your take on the DIY philosophy that has made Etsy? Oh, Etsy, where have you been all my life! I just adore the spirit of Etsy artisans and I've always been inspired by their drive for originality and their passion for creating life sustaining businesses. Etsy has created a world of conscious consumerism and the retail world is a better place for it.

Shop Bottz Studio on Etsy here.

Bridal Blush: Colored Wedding Dresses - Blush

Weddings are steeped in a number of traditions. Of course we all know the virginal white wedding dress to be one tradition that has carried over century after century. Acceptance of this tradition has never wained, mainly because little girls {and big girls!} dream of finding the perfect, white wedding dress. However, we envy the bride that looks beyond tradition while still keeping the customs close. Some brides opt for a bolder choice {a trend we also love} but a blush colored wedding gown is also a gorgeous choice.

The warmth of the color looks stunning in any outdoor setting. Whether you're blonde, brunette, or a redhead the warmer hues of this yummy color will accentuate and enhance your naturally rosey skin and allow your bridal glow to shine in full force. Full and lush or sleek and stunning, either silhouette will capture a softness and feminie qualities of any beauty.

Planning Guides: The Rendezvous at Basecamp Hotel, South Lake Tahoe

We are super excited to announce a new feature here on The Collection Event Studio blog! For those of you in the Bay Area (and beyond) we'll be featuring awesome places where you and your main squeeze can get away for a weekend! If you're based in the Bay Area, book a weekend away from work, wedding planning, and vendor appointments for some much needed alone time. Or if you're headed to California to do vendor research, extend your trip a few days and check out some awesome getaways just outside The Bay! First up? We're headed three hours east to Basecamp Hotel in South Lake Tahoe.

The mission was simple: build a hotel reflecting the ideals of a base camp, a place where people can come together to share stories and exchange tips before heading out on their adventures. Nearly two years ago Basecamp founder Christian Strobel lamented the fact that there were no high style yet affordable hotels that embody the spirit of exploration, something that Lake Tahoe so perfectly captures. With the help of designer Elaine Cotter, they were able to turn their mission into a stylish, hip reality. Located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, Basecamp is a short 5 minute walk to the lake and an even shorter 4 minute walk to the Heavenly Gondola.

The 50 stylish rooms (some pet friendly!) are designed for adventure and relaxation seekers alike, with the amenities and style of a modern resort, but at more affordable motel or inn-like prices. Join fellow base campers for a communal dinner (Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday), enjoy the roof-top hot tub over looking the mountains after swapping stories and roasting s'mores at the fire pit. Hitting the slopes for the weekend? Enjoying the hiking trails by bike or by foot? They have locked storage outside each room for your gear and all the tools you need to tune up before you head out on your adventure. If you ask us, Basecamp will be our next stop when we head back up to heaven on earth (ie Lake Tahoe)!

Photography by Eva Kolenko

BHLDN Spring 2013 Collection

Last week BHLDN launched their 2013 Spring Collection and we have been dying to share their new arrivals with you, dear  readers! The team behind Anthropologie's wedding line have done it yet again. Gorgeous heirloom inspired jewelry, sleek gowns, detailed hair accessories and of course they continue to have a great selection of cake plates! These are our top picks but be sure to check out the new 2013 collection here. Fill up that shopping cart ladies!!

{Marea Bracelet, Parlour Cake Stands, Cristallino Earrings, Isadora Gown, Heartburst Confetti, Oyster Bed d'Orsays, Garland of Light Bracelet, Portraiture Cake Stands}

{Frosted Laurel Earrings, Rococo Gown, Luna Bracelet, Midsummer Cake Topper, Wild Asters Garland, Over-the-Moon Balloon, Heirloom Hanger, Sparkling Peony Comb, Colette Comb, Cyprium Gown}

Happy Friday!

Happy Valentine's Day!