{STYLE INSPIRATION | CHRISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE}

Our inspiration this week comes from a stunning and amazingly creative wedding dress designed by the geniuses at Christian Dior. Our jaws dropped when we saw this gorgeous gown because it brilliantly features two very bridal details: something blue and a china pattern! Simply divine.

For the color palette, we pulled the cobalt blue from the skirt's china pattern. And since the dress screams fun and non-traditional, we complimented the cobalt with poppy colors like purple wine, brilliant yellow and turquoise.

This marvelous dress inspired us to create a conceptual design that incorporates Victorian and modern touches. The wedding would be formal and take place at night.

{Some images via: La Tavola Linen, Darin Fong, The Knot, Martha Stewart, Nuage Designs, BBJ Linen, Ceci New York, and Lela Rose}

XOXO,
The LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN Team

{Real Event | A Night at the SpeakEasy}

On February 25, 2011, JMC Communities transported more than 150 guests to the 1920s, a time of decadence, gambling, jazz music, and underground drinking establishments. “A Night at the Speakeasy,” took place at Ovation (a JMC condominium property) and was the third of four events that LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN is exclusively planning for the St. Petersburg based corporation.

Attendees entered the speakeasy through a side door and were given boas and fedoras, a drink ticket, and $2000 in funny money to use on the gaming tables on the 1^st floor lounge and 22^nd floor condominium. Those who walked through the lounge area could find a variety of gambling tables provided by Florida Casino Parties, passed h’orderves created by Puff ‘n Stuff catering, and “illegal” booze by UDream Events.

Guests who ventured upstairs were enveloped in “smoke” as they entered the upstairs speakeasy, and their ears were treated to the sounds of jazz and swing provided by local band the Lounge Cats. The 22^nd floor offered partygoers more drinks, delicious eats, and plenty of poker/blackjack/roulette tables, as well as exceptional views of the downtown waterfront and marina for them to enjoy the night away.

Still, guests didn’t forget what the night’s event was truly about: charity. Before sneaking back to their homes, attendees partook in a raffle and live auction to benefit the Museum of Fine Arts, The Salvador Dali Museum, and the Florida Orchestra. By night’s end, the auction and ticket sales raised thousands of dollars for these wonderful institutions.

The following are a few images that Donald Lynd of Bayside Photography captured of the night's festivities:

Guests enjoying the boas, fedoras and more!

Gambling for a good cause.

The prohibited concoctions.

The Lounge Cats performed as guests danced.

Emcee Gayle Guyardo(with husband Mark Pichowski), enjoying the party before conducting the live auction.

A special thank you to the following event partners for making this evening possible:

Photographer: Donald Lynd of Bayside Photography

Bar: UDream Events

Catering: Puff 'n Stuff Catering

Live Music: Lounge Cat

Lighting: BayStage Lighting

Valet Service: Courtesy Valet

Entertainment: Florida Casino Parties

Emcee: Gayle Guyardo

Event Planning: LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN

::

XOXO,

The LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN Team

{Event Planning + Design Internship at LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN}

LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN is looking for an Event Intern to work directly with the LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN team.

Location: Tampa, Florida

Description: Flexible dates, minimum three months, starts immediately!

Compensation: Unpaid; Company/Event related expenses will be reimbursed.

If you or someone you know are interested, please email us at jobs@luciapauldesign.com for a complete internship description and requirements.  Serious inquiries only, please.  All applicants must currently be enrolled in a College or University.  Please do not call.  Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Thank you,

The LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN Team

{Happy Weekend}

We hope you get a little "carried away" with your loved ones and reflect on how blessed and lucky we are after watching the unbelievable devastation that happened in Japan last night.  It's somewhat sad that it takes catastrophes like this to really put life in perspective and to "teach" us what is truly important.  What's important to you?

Enjoy and celebrate every moment like it's your last!

{Image via Strikes our Fancy}

XOXO,

The LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN Team

{Real Event | An Epicurean Journey with Special Equestrians}

On February 20, 2011, LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN had the pleasure of participating in the Taste of Love 8 fundraiser benefiting the Special Equestrians organization. This was our second year donating our event planning services to this wonderful cause (Anna has been part of the organization for more than 9 years), and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The theme this year was An Epicurean Journey, and that’s what organizers aimed to give everyone who attended the event.

Restaurants such as Sasse’s, Angelina’s Ristorante, and Porto Bello At Latitudes transported visitors to various regions of Italy. The Trattoria Café Napoli gave attendees a taste of Spain, while Bistro 41 let the crowd enjoy different flavors of Germany. The chef at Phensri Thai allowed the masses to experience true Thailand cuisine, Contemporary Catering shared traditional Greek fare, and the Robb & Stucky Culinary Center gave the more than 250 guests the opportunity to explore France through several native dishes.  And we can't forget dessert, created and provided by the talented Extreme Cake Sugar Shop. All of this exquisite food was paired with an assortment of fine wines to further enhance the culinary experience.

The event took place at The Design Studio by Raymond in Ft. Myers, inside a 120’ tent decorated with several large chandeliers fashioned out of an assortment of national flags. Attendees ate and drank, and when they weren’t eating and drinking, they were participating in live and silent auctions emceed by local celebrities, Gina Birch and Jay Severson. At the end of the night, more than $66,000 was raised, all of which went directly to Special Equestrians.

The following are a few pictures chronicling the exceptional event that was Taste of Love 8:

A special thank you to the following event partners for making this evening possible:

Jerry Snyderman – Chef Coordinator
A Fine Press {custom event stationers} – Stationary
Premier/Tent Logix – Tent and Rentals
KCTecs Pro Lighting and Sound – Lighting
BBJ Linens – Linens
Cody Rickert Photography – Photography
ShutterBooth  – Photobooth
LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN - Planning and Design Coordination

Until next year…

XOXO,
The LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN Team

::

Special Equestrians, Inc. is a horseback riding program which provides therapeutic riding to mentally and physically challenged children and adults. Special Equestrians is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt public charity that is solely supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, civic organizations, private grants, and service fees. Special Equestrians is an all volunteer self-administrative organization. One hundred percent (100%) of all contributions goes directly to the support of the program.