Let California Ring

Okay so this is not another party blog…but more of a political statement for me. We all know by now that The California Supreme Court has extended marriage to same-sex couples. This must see video is produced by Let California Ring (www.letcaliforniaring.org) and says it all. "Let this moving short; show you how and why we need to spark conversations about the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples across California."

Even though the California Supreme Court has voted to okay same-sex marriages...conservative groups and the religious right are trying to put a ballot measure on the November elections to permanently discriminate against gays and lesbians by changing the California Constitution to define marriage as one man and one woman. Why can't marriage just be defined as two consenting adults?

Love is love and no matter what, marriage is bound by the love to TWO consenting adults. Some of the people trying to put this ballot in November is stating that if we allow this, then some people will want to marry their pets or animals or have multiple marriages recognized...this is ridiculous! Marriage should be about the bond of TWO CONSENTING ADULTS, not three or four or five or with animals. What gays and lesbians are wanting is the ability to marry the ONE person that they love, just like heterosexuals around the world. It’s about protecting our families, protecting ourselves, acknowledging that we also have lifelong companions, and not making the LGBT community feel like second-class citizens.

If you live in California, I ask that you vote no against this ballot measure, should it make its way to the November ballots. It’s discriminatory and goes against the saying that “all humans are created equal.” Please keep equality in California at the forefront and help to elevate this to the Federal level. Regardless of your religious beliefs, what I ask from a human perspective is, “how would you feel if you were not able to marry the one person you love?” End of my political statement.

-Percy

Video from Let California Ring, www.letcaliforniaring.org

Capture the Moment in a Painting

Live event artists are all the rage and they are capturing moments from events that become heirlooms for generations to come. Such sites as Live Event Artist represent several artists who can masterfully and quickly take a moment and reproduce it on canvass for all your guests to see.

One of my favorite artist who is currently doing this is Tom Fagan, he did a wedding I attended . I love his compositions and his styling is very universal. But if you want a certain style, Live Event Artist can find just the right artist for you.

This event coverage does not come cheap, but it does become a piece of wall art that you can hang in your home for years to come. In addition, it's just a classy and useful memento of your event. Currently the trend is to use these artists for weddings, but you can use them for any life celebration, as long as your budget will allow for it.

So step back and let an artist "Michelangelo" you up and give you a unique perspective to your special event. I promise that you will not be disappointed and your guests will be wowed at how fast they turn these pieces out. I can't wait to use them for one of my own events in the near future. For more information on Live Event Artist, please contact them at (800) 921-1936. Though they are based in San Diego, California, they are able to find artists nationwide.

As the artist Degas says, "Painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, some fantasy. When you always make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people." These paintings will definitely not bore!

-Percy

Photo of Tom Fagan's Painting from Live Event Artist

Eco-Friendly Party Favors

Brides and grooms are becoming more environmentally conscience when it comes to gifting their guests. They realize that most times, favors end up unused or in the garbage. So why not give a gift that is eco-friendly and something that is sustainable and if thrown away will dissolve rather than take up landfill space?

Companies like Greenfeet and Wishingfish, offers numerous environmentally correct gifts such as a garden in a bag. These gifts not only are eco-friendly, but uses materials that are not scarce or can be planted. So when looking for party favors for your guests, check out sites that are dedicated to being earth friendly.

I personally love these gardens in a bag (it comes in a variety of plantings) since they make a beautiful statement when people leave your party. Additionally you can put a message on the bag to convey your thanks to your guests. I think its just unique and its much better than those almond candies or chocolates that everyone else tends to give out. So if you are looking for an alternative party favor...think green and look at things that can give back to the earth.

-Percy

Photo from Wishingfish

From High Above to Down Below - Unique Venue Spaces

In an earlier blog, I mentioned a new venue called Dinner in the Sky that raises a group of people 50 meters or 164 feet above the earth, to dine. Well unique venues are popping up all over the place and people are only limited to their preconceived notion of what's the right place for a dinner party...and some people are really getting creative.

In London, crafty party throwers are abandoning the "usual" places to throw a dinner party or event and have resorted to some extreme if not strange venues. For instance, people are renting parts of the Underground (subway) to have their dinner. Unusual...definitely, unique...most absolutely. I love this out of the box thinking. Creative party throwers are no longer limiting themselves to the same old boring places. They are putting a signature to their events and really giving people something to look forward to and an experience they will always remember.

Additionally, companies like Dinner in the Sky are giving party throwers options for venues that are mind-blowing experiences. Another company called BBQ-Donut offers clients a floating donut (looks like a huge inner tube) on which they can sit around and have a barbeque dinner on. The grill is located in the middle of this floatation marvel and guests can either cook their own meat or have a chef cook for them, ala Benihana. Think large fondue party in the middle of a lake. Their motto is “grill and chill” and it definitely lives up to those expectations. BBQ-Donut will literally transport this dining tube to any body of water you want. So look out for these innovative companies, because they will be coming to a city near you and offering new dining and event experiences.

So all you party throwers out there, be creative in choosing your location. Open up your minds to all the possibilities and look at event spaces as a back up rather than the right place to be. I can't wait to throw a party in an unusual location...maybe on a 20x20 raft on the middle of the lake or how about a parking garage with awesome views. My theory is if you have awesome food, wonderful company, and great libations, who cares where you are! Let’s just have a great time.

-Percy

Photos from BBQ-Donut and YumSugar

I Do to These Unique Rings

I love unique things and these rings are definitely in that category. My friend Jolene at Here Comes the Guide mentioned them to me over the weekend and gave me a link to the Shibumi Gallery Website to check out all the fabulousness.

Shibumi Gallery, owned by April Higashi, represents several artists specializing in "artful commitment and wedding rings." They all have a unique perspective on what a wedding/commitment ring should look like, but the one thing they have in common is great artistry. I love the use of raw diamonds in some of the designs! These are definitely for the couple that wants their union to stand out from the crowd.

I love all the artists on the Shibumi Gallery site and can't really say which one is my favorite, because in reality, I would wear any of these artists designs (hint hint to the artists: My partner and I who have been together for 16 years are legally getting married on June 16, 2008 and would love one of them). The artists that are represented on the Shibumi Gallery are: April Higashi , Julia Turner, Todd Reed, Susanne Matsché, Maya Kini, Geoffrey Giles, Brigid O'Hanarahan, David Casella, and Namu Cho.

So brides and grooms, grooms and grooms, or brides and brides...if you want something outstandingly unique to signify your love for one another...check out one of these designers at the Shibumi Gallery. The Shibumi Gallery is located at 1402 5th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. Gallery hours are Saturdays from 12pm to 6pm or by appointment. You can also reach them by visiting the Shibumi Gallery Website or by phoning (510) 528-7736.

-Percy

Photos from Shibumi Gallery

Percy on Style Network's Peter Perfect

Well you've heard me blog about these two before, but now you can watch how celebrity stylist Peter Ishkhans transforms a local cake bakery, For Heaven's Cakes, on Style Network's smashing new show Peter Perfect.

This is currently one of my favorite shows, not only because I will be on one of the episodes, yes I am on the Let Them Sell Cake episode, but because Peter Ishkhans really has great vision on transforming these businesses and setting them on the path to success.

Peter Perfect airs on the Style Network at 9pm ET/PT and 8pm CT, and is produced by 44 Blue Productions. The show that I will be on premieres Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 24, 2008. I am not sure what scope I will be on...since I have not seen the episode, but I will be towards the end of the show (if I make the cut/editing)...after the reveals. Watch as Peter revamps For Heaven's Cakes. If you miss the Saturday premiere, it will be on rerun's throughout the week, just check your local listings or go to the Peter Perfect Website.

For more information please visit the Peter Perfect Website at Style.

-Percy

Peter Perfect logo from Style

Marriage Equality in California - FINALLY!

SAN FRANCISCO: In an historic decision today, the California Supreme Court ruled that same-gender couples deserve the freedom to marry under California law. The landmark ruling makes California the first state in the nation to give lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people full equality. (From Equality California)

This is very exciting news, not just because it provides all couples the freedom to marry, but it shows that all couples in love have the ability to marry legally if they chose to.

For my partner, Ross, and me, we have been together 16 years; now we have the opportunity to legally wed. In 2005, in celebration of our 13th anniversary, we had a commitment ceremony and celebration that was attended by 170 of our closest friends and family. This act of commitment came with no license and no legal protections. We are registered domestic partners...which do not have the same benefits and safeguards that a legal marriage provides.

Now in a smaller ceremony, Ross and I will take the plunge to be one of many same-gender, committed, and dedicated couples to marry in California within the next 30 days. I feel so happy that our partnership will now be legally recognized as a solemn marriage in the State of California. Now we are hoping that one day it will be recognized on a National/Federal level.

This is definitely one small step to marriage equality; we still have a lot of work to get it recognized on a Federal level. California is the second state, next to Massachusetts, to recognize same-sex marriages as legal, but the first to recognize same-sex marriages regardless of residency.

For all you other same-sex couples, if you need a wedding planner...look no further and call me! I am ready to plan the most memorable wedding for you...I know, you're gay and you can create the "fabulousness" yourself, but trust me you want someone to manage your day, so that you can enjoy it.

For more information about my services, please visit my Website Percy Sales Events. I have many venues/vendors that can accommodate your wedding this summer and on a short notice, so please feel free to call me and we can work out the details. Additionally, in celebration of this momentous occasion, I will donate 5% of my fees for same-sex couple bookings between May 2008 and November 2008 to Equality California, Let California Ring, or Human Rights Campaign (you choose where it goes) in your name. Additionally I will donate 10% of my fees to Ventura County Rainbow Alliance or The Pacific Pride Foundation to any couple who mentions these two organizations specifically.

Here's to marriage equality and the freedom to marry the one you love!

-Percy

Photo of Ross and Percy during their first dance 02.12.05 by Joya Thomas

Isabella Rossellini in a Role of a Lifetime

This has nothing to do with events or a party, but it is one of the best videos/documentary I have seen in a long time.

It's called Green Porno which is currently showing on the Sundance Channel or you can also see clips on www.sundancechannel.com. The posted segment above is the sex life of a bee and Isabella is just wonderful in it.

I guess if you want to grab aspects for a party, the back drops would be great for a child's party and the costumes are great for a halloween party.

But this is just for you to smile and say, "what a great world we live in."

If you want to see green porno the snail go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bn_yTCTPlA

Enjoy!

-Percy

Video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvfTSmitM3k

Personalize Your Underwear

Just in time for Father's Day. Forget the ties and the socks...give Dad a more personalized gift! Blume has created this truly personalized underwear for the men in your life. How fun would it be to give the gift of support and fun!

Blume men's boxer briefs are comfortable and made from 100% cotton with no fly opening and an elastic waistband. You choose the name that goes on the patch. It comes in three different colors: black, grey and red.

It's also a perfect gift from the bride to the groom for the wedding day. He can wear her name the whole day, concealed nicely under the tux of course. It would also make a great gift for the groomsmen, personalize each with their name - just in case they forget it or lose it...just like in summer camp.

Available through Skimbaco for $30/each. Additional personalized items also available on the Skimbaco Website.

-Percy

Photo from Skimbaco

Invitations That Rock

Boxed invitations are a big trend right now, costing in the range of $50+. They are splashy and people are wowed by these custom invites. If you really want to "wow" people and give a lasting invitation that they can carry with them anywhere, why not consider doing invitations with an Apple iPod Shuffle or Nano.

The great thing about the iPod as an invitation is that you can really customize them with your perfect love or party songs and a personal message about your event. Also, if you opt for the iPod Nano you can do a video message that your guests can view.

Additionally, with these unique invitations, you are doing your part to save the environment, as you are not using paper that will just be thrown away. In addition, if people have no personal use for the iPod's, they can always re-gift them to someone else.

The iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano are available in various colors, so you can match it to your color theme. The iPod Shuffle (1 GB) is $49.00 and the iPod Nano (4 GB) is $149.00. Both are available through Apple or your local Apple retailer. These great invitation ideas are just as expensive as the boxed invitations, but you are giving something that is useful. So rock out your invitations and think about these iPods as an alternative and cool idea.

These also make great favor gifts for your bridal party or special friends.

-Percy

Photos from Apple

Groomsmen Custom Gifts

The bridesmaids always seem to get the cool gifts as a thank you for supporting the bride, but how about the groomsmen? Stop getting them the useless cuff links, pocket knifes or flasks and bestow something upon them useful.

A great idea is this large, customized, ballistic nylon messenger bag from Timbuk2 that is very hip and so useful. The great thing about this is that you can customize the colors for each of your groomsmen or match it to your wedding colors. You can choose the colors for the right, center and left panels as well as the color of the embroidery and inside lining.

Custom messenger bags start at $120 for the large one. This custom piece is $155. To discover all the possibilities, go to the Timbuk2 Website at http://www.timbuk2.com/. Totally user-friendly site and the customizing features are easy to use.

Let your groomsmen know how much you appreciate them by giving them something that will remind them of your wedding and thanks for years to come. This is also a great idea for the graduates in your life.

-Percy

Photo from Timbuk2

Holy Costume Party Batman!

The annual Costume Institute Gala at The Met in NYC is definitely one of the best red carpet events of the year. This year the Costume Institutes' exhibit is titled: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy. The lucky invitees to the annual gala, held on May 7, 2008, sure had a great time dressing up for the event, some in their best superhero couture.

I have to say that my favorite "wonder woman" of the evening was Christina Ricci...in this breathtaking, sexy, and stunning Givenchy (pronounced gee-von-she) gown. Givenchy has taken the required female superhero bathing suit and graciously draped it with silk organza creating a peek-a-boo effect. The red with pale pink is just gorgeous. I think this dress really captured the evening's theme as well as highlighted the institutes' exhibit.

For more information regarding The Met's Costume Institutes' Exhibit please visit Coutorture http://www.coutorture.com/1605020, for highlights to the exhibit or The Met's page at http://www.metmuseum.org/special/index.asp for information regarding the exhibit.

I hope if you live in the NYC area or are planning on traveling there in the near future, that you will take the opportunity to see this spectacular exhibit.

Take note ladies, don't be afraid to be bold or use color. The wackiest ideas may turn out to be the most brilliant.

-Percy

Photo from Wire Image

Monique Lhuillier Spring '08

Monique Lhuillier has to be one of my favorite wedding gown couturiers and now red carpet designer of all time. She has a fresh outlook to the modern woman, while incorporating some very traditional and classic aspects to her design. She also hails from my home country of the Philippines, so I have to be supportive of my "kababayans."

So here is a look at her Spring '08 show. I hope it inspires you and your bridal or red carpet looks this season.

Additionally, Monique has ventured in to other aspects of fashion including handbags, ready-to-wear, and china and crystal (a collaboration with Royal Doulton). For more information on Monique Lhuillier please visit her website at www.moniquelhuillier.com or her Los Angles flagship salon, located at 8485 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069, tel (323) 655-1088.

-Percy

Video from Elle Magazine on YouTube

Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Idea

This weekend is Mother's Day, the time of the year where we publicly celebrate our moms. If you are looking for a great last minute gift, you might want to consider this...the Madeline Medium Leather Tote at Coach.

It's so fresh looking and colorful that it will surely bring a smile to your madre. It comes in a variety of colors such as magenta, geranium, buck skin, black and parchment. It's also perfect for a graduation present for your daughter or favorite niece.

Available for $358 at Coach stores or http://www.coach.com/, some moms are well worth it...at least mine is. The Madeline Medium Leather Tote measures 12L x 8H x 5W. It has an inside zip pocket, cell phone/multifunction pockets, front pocket with turn-lock closure, open back pocket and zip-top closure. Style #11553. A perfect spring gift!

-Percy

Photo from Coach

Illuminate the Night

I am loving LED lit event tables and seating. Especially because they have functionality and add to the ambiance of any event. Lit up table bases and chairs are so hip right now, because they give the party throwers many possibilities. They also help with lighting indoor and outdoor venue spaces.

The latest, like this ice (really made out of ice) table base from PBG Events, runs on a remote controlled LEDs and has no cords. So event planners or hosts can control the light that is being illuminated or even change the colors of the party as the evening moves on.

Other event rental companies also have everyday use bases and chairs that can be illuminated without the worry of something melting, such as these cubes by Miami based Bubble Collection. They also carry such items as LED lit couches that will stay lit for 6-8 hours. Therefore, when looking for modern and innovative settings, ask your rental companies about their LED lit furniture.

A great concept for those looking at a hip new outlook to venue and dining spaces.

-Percy

Photo from PBG Events and Bubble Collection

Found: One Glass Slipper

Talk about fairy tales! This glass, okay crystal encrusted, slipper will definitely make any female going to a ball feel like Cinderella...seems like I have been talking about this Cindy chick a lot lately.

When I saw this must have sling back in a magazine, I knew I had to post it on my site. It is so Drew Barrymore in Ever After. This Benjamin Adams knockout is handcrafted by Paradox London using the finest duchesse silk, Swarovski crystals, soft kid leather lining, and the highest quality leather soles. This closed toe sling back also features a crystal encrusted buckle.

This shoe has so much wow factor, if they made it in a man's size 9.5 and not such a high heel, I may have even contemplated wearing it to my next black or white tie event. But I will leave if to my female counterparts to take the pleasure of walking in these...and I will just admire from far.

Perfect for completing the bridal, prom, or formal ensemble...well that is if you down play the rest of the bling. In the words of Coco Chanel, "take off one accessory before leaving the house," but don't let it be these shoes. But then again, excess is sometimes good.

To find out more about this shoe and their other products, please visit the Paradox London Website at http://www.paradoxlondonus.com/ or call 1-866-955-SHOE (7463) for a stockist (people who stock the shoe) near you. The shoe is called, Lopez...maybe after Jenny from the block. Here's to hoping the shoe fits you before it does some other princess.

-Percy

Photo from www.paradoxlondonus.com

Accessory Du Jour

The accessory can make or break the outfit, but with this DeAnna Cochran Jewelry original, you can't go wrong. DeAnna sure knows how to mix the elements and make a substantial and stunning piece. Her color combos are very now, mixing this season's color du jour, gun metal, with touches of jade, turquoise, silver and gold.

This Amazonite & Laboradorite Ivy Leaf Necklace is hand formed and hand carved and features .999 silver. Additionally it has .93 carats of 3mm rough cut earth tone diamonds in the ivy silver leaves set in 24 karat gold vermiel. A definite stunner that can be handed down for generations to come.

This necklace would be a wonderful adornment to a brides look, for that splash of color, or as a gift to the bridesmaids or the mothers. It's also the perfect completion to that prom dress, sweet sixteen gown, or social formal. Actually, this piece would look great with almost anything! For more information on this piece or other DeAnna Cochran Jewelry designs, please visit her website at www.deannacochranjewelry.com or email at info@deannacochranjewelry.com. Make sure to check out her charity pieces that give back to different organizations, including Jackson's Leaf Necklace and Anthony's Wish Necklace. DeAnna Cochran Jewelry can be purchased through Skimbaco, www.skimbaco.com.

-Percy

Photo from DeAnna Cochran Jewelry

Peter Ishkhans is Peter Perfect

"Style-nista" Peter Ishkhans has a new show on the Style Network, and I absolutely love the concept of this reality show. It premiered on April 19, 2008 and it has been a weekly must watch at my home...so far.

The concept is sort of Extreme Home Makeover meets Extreme Makeover but for struggling businesses and their owners. He totally redesigns the business inside out, gives the owners a new look, and gives these individuals a new outlook to their business lives. It's pretty amazing how these businesses transform and how the owners really start to think about their company in a new way...the Peter Perfect way.

In the show, he plays not only designer and stylist, but also a therapist at times. He is not afraid to experience what these individuals do for a living and rolls up his sleeves to learn from them. I think that is why the show works, he really "experiences" how these companies must function on a daily basis.

For party throwers, the show offers some great color ideas and design concepts. Peter's keen sense of mixing modern with vintage is outrageous. He surely can take some vintage wallpaper and make it look now. The show also gives you an insight to some great hair and clothing styles. Peter really likes the rock-n-roll vibe so you get some cool edgy styles to inspire your own look.

So far this season, it's the premiere season of the show, he has revamped a dog grooming business and a candy shop. This weekend his challenge is a gourmet coffee business. So tune in Saturdays at 9pm EST/PST to the Style Network to experience Peter Perfect which is produced by 44 Blue Productions. I can't wait to see what he does next. Maybe he can revamp my website and give me a makeover. Peter if you are reading this contact me.

-Percy

Photo from www.peterishkhans.com

Redefining Fairytale Weddings

Every bride wants the fairytale wedding...and why shouldn't she? It's there day to go all out and be the princess at the ball. Bridal couture guru, Reem Acra, has taken this fantasy to a new level, adding bold colors and concepts to the traditional bridal gown. Why not be the mad hatter or couture country bumpkin at your wedding? Not every bride will be as edgy to take a traditional gown to a whacked out new level but for some of you this is right up your alley.

I love these looks, not from a practical point but from one of inspiration. I think every bride can take some hints from these photos. Don't be afraid to add color to your day. A trend that we have been seeing lately is the colored sash being added to the gown, but a colored shrug, a bold hat, or couture apron...what a concept! This will definitely differentiate you from other brides and bring out that special something something to your wedding day.

-Percy

Photos from Team Sugar

http://teamsugar.com/gallery/view/1553030?page=0,4,0

Wedding Season is Here

Well the wedding season will open in just a couple of weeks! Memorial Day is the official launch to the multiple matrimonial events you have an invite to.

The bridal party is set, chosen all their fabulous attire, and ready to walk down the rose covered aisles. However, are you feeling a little like Cinderella, invitation in hand...but no concept on how you will glam yourself up?

Well you might not have your own fairy godmother, but let Hillary and Katherine, from Who What Wear TV, http://www.whowhatweardaily.com/website/wwwtv.php?id=71em3l0s25, advise you on this season's hottest wedding guest attire looks, including this stunning blue and white Jenni Kayne strapless gown.

One thing to remember this season, its okay to wear your attire more than once...just remember to change it up. The secret to keeping it looking fresh is to accessorize, accessorize and re-accessorize. Just don't wear the same accessories twice! This will keep your outfit looking new even to those people who has seen you in it before.

-Percy

Photo from www.JenniKayne.com

Dream of Being a Star?

Have you ever wanted to be a TV star? Well if you are a bride or a groom, Reality TV has several opportunities for you to be on the boob tube.

44 Blue Productions is currently casting for a new show called Made of Honor. They are looking for brides and their bridesmaids to participating in identifying whom the lucky girl or guy should be the Maid of Honor - so brides you should have no clue who the MOH will be. The bridesmaids will compete for the honor of serving you. The couple should live in the greater Los Angeles area and be between the ages of 21-35 and it must be the first marriage. They require that you have 4-7 bridesmaids. For more information, please contact casting@44blue.com.

The other producers currently casting is Brand New Entertainment and they are casting brides and grooms for a show called First Dance, where you will surprise your guests with a non-traditional first dance. If you have not seen any of the shows concepts, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qd_j98-y-M&feature=related to view the inspiration for the show. They also have their own Myspace page where you can gather more information www.myspace.com/tlcfirstdancetvshow. They have been picked up for 12 more episodes so if you are interested contact tripletcasting@earthlink.net. They provide the choreographer - you provide the moves.

Both shows will be air on TLC (The Learning Channel).

-Percy

Disposable Dresses

Have you seen the movie 27 Dresses? There were some outlandish and horrifying bridesmaid dresses in that movie, but this tops them all. Talk about burning the hideous bridesmaids' dresses after wearing them. These you can literally "pop!" While these designs are not at all practical or attractive, I have to applaud the balloon artists for their creativity and stretching the possibilities of what one can do with a balloon.

If the bride herself chose to wear one of these blow-up couture...the groom should have a really good time "taking" off the wedding dress during the honeymoon night. Talk about festive endings. And just think if she hated an aspect of her gown, all should would have to do is pop it and blow up another concoction.

So will these balloon dresses be a new trend we see sashaying down the aisles? I hope not!

-Percy

Photos from http://www.secondose.com/twisted-balloons-fashion/