Sounds of the Season

It's that time of the year where music becomes all encompassing. I love music and constantly listening to it...but for some reason during this season - my musical taste seems to be broadened. It's the only time that I listen to both traditional  and modern tunes, secular and non-secular music and I consider them all of it feel good!

Maybe it's the sense of renewal and hope. For peaceful solutions or the kid like magic I try to keep alive in myself. It's interesting how I find myself being teary eyed by listening to certain songs that I have grown up with and grown up to love. And each year I am finding new renditions of the holiday songs I love. 'Tis the Season for feel good music.

Here are a few of my favorite tunes and the versions that I love. Hopefully they get you in the mood for the season.

Baby It's Cold Outside by Idina Menzel and Michael Buble


O Holy Night by Tevin Campbell


My Favorite Things by Barbra Streisand


Angels We Have Heard On High by Home Free


Do They Know It's Christmas by Band Aid (The Original Version)


Joy to the World by Whitney Houston and Georgia Mass Choir


Auld Lang Syne by Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis


When You Wish Upon a Star by Mary J. Blige with Barbra Streisand and Chris Botti


Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Sam Smith

And Finally Christmas would not be Christmas without...
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole!

Enjoy the Holidays!

Let's Celebrate!
-Percy

2015 Pantone Color of the Year...Marsala!

I am so excited for the announcement of Pantone's Color of the Year...it's one of those announcements I look forward to every year. Call me a nerd but I think being a designer and planner these colors really set the tone for design elements for the year. The 2015 color of the year is Marsala!

I love Marsala's earthy tones with just enough hints of copper and red. It reminds me of the Southwest, especially cities of Santa Fe, Taos and Sedona. There's richness and depth to the color and it definitely does not go flat.  Looking forward to seeing how people will incorporate this luscious, earth tone color to design this coming year.

Here's some inspiration for the Color of the Year

 Let's Celebrate!
-Percy

My Favorite Things: Hostess/Hosts Gifts for Holiday 2014

The holiday season is upon us and it's that time of the year our social calendar is be amped up! Between office parties, family parties, and friends open houses...this season, unlike any other, seems to be the time we definitely get our "eat, drink and be merry" on.

But don't come empty handed to a party! I think it's always nice to bring a hostess gift to the homes that you are visiting as a way to say "thank you for remembering me this time of the year." I know some people say, "no gifts" but in all reality - who does not like getting gifts?

So to help you pick out the right hostess/host gift for the season...I have compiled a few of my favorites for the year. I think they are all useful and pretty universal for anyone. So here you go.

My Drap
I love these My Drap tear off cocktail napkins on a roll! They come 50 units to a roll with a price of $27-$30. They are all 100% cotton and totally re-useable! They come in 5 sizes and 25 different colors, collegiate motifs and also seasonable prints! Perfect for the "hostess with the mostess" a definite must give for the holiday season! Easy storage and just a fun conversation piece for their next cocktail party!

Pottery Barn
These Pottery Barn saddle leather coasters are totally useful and rich looking. These coasters come in a set of six, are 4" in diameter, made from natural leather with hand stitching for $29. Free shipping from online orders and monogramming is available if you want them a little more personal... but even without them they look fantastic! Perfect for those who have everything.

lovesome

So my childhood friend Nicole has started her company  lovesome, which specializes in making out of this world dark chocolate bark! I have so many favorites flavors but the spicy pecan with sweet fig is my go to chocolate!  She currently offers about 20 flavors of these heavenly creations. A 6oz box is $12.50 and worth every penny! In addition, she also offers amazing tea cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. Perfect for your host/hostess with a sweet tooth.

Ojai Olive Oil Company
My current food obsession are these olive oils and balsamic vinegars from Ojai Olive Oil Company. My particular favorite at the moment is the Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar which is great on salads or for dipping bread into. A 250ml bottle runs about $12. The blue bottle is also quite nice. Great gift for the foodie or the home cook in your life.

Pacific Pickle Works

I can't get enough of these pickled confections by Pacific Pickle Works. These amazing items are all natural and hand crafted in Santa Barbara. My personal favorite item is the Bloody Mary Kit, which comes with a bottle of Bloody Mary Elixir, made with their own all-natural Worcestershire sauce, and a jar of Jalabeaños and Asparagusto! Enough to make at least 15 delicious Bloody Marys. All you have to do is add your own tomato juice. The kit retails for $29.95 and is the perfect gift for the host who knows the importance of an open bar.

Tabletop Made on Etsy
I love a good letter press thank you card. Especially one that is made by a local designer like Tabletop Made. This particular set of 6 blank cards is called Dot and Dash and they are beautiful and at the right price of $15! These cards are printed in Santa Barbara using a Kelsey Excelsior Press and hand printed using soy-based ink. Includes 6 4Bar kraft envelopes.Perfect for friends who still value handwritten cards!

Hopefully these suggestions will help in your hostess/host gift giving this season!

 Let's Celebrate!
-Percy

Giving Thanks

Wedding of Greta and John by Percy Sales Events
Photo by Donato DiNatale Photography

Thanksgiving is the US holiday that we celebrate as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest of the preceding year. I define my personal harvest as everything that has come into my life that not only has enriched me, but also things that have thought me a lesson...and I had a plethora of both this year.

I want to thank my family for their love, support and their understanding as I continue to grow the Percy Sales Events brand. To my friends for the encouragement to do what I love to do. To my clients for trusting me to handle one of the most important days of their lives. To my colleagues for continually challenging me to be my best and for your support and love as well. I've been truly enriched by your presence in my life.

This year I've learned, as I do every year, who I am as a person, who I am as a wedding planner and event designer, who I am as a business owner. You never really stop learning about yourself, your abilities and your limitations. I guess if you stop learning you stop growing - and that would be kind of boring now that I think about it.

My one take away this year is to always trust my gut, to trust myself on things, people and situations...and I implore all of you to do it too. It's interesting how I've second guessed myself this year on something or someone,  only to be disappointed or added unnecessary stress in my life. Whereas...if I stuck with my original gut feeling it would have been so much more better. So...I vow to trust my "big" gut and to stop second guessing myself moving forward (I know easier said than done).

I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy reflecting on your own harvest for the year and give thanks to the many blessings that you have been given (even if you don't think there has been any - there are some jewels there when things become clear). LOVE with all your heart, LIVE life in the present, BELIEVE in yourself, and BE THANKFUL!

Let's Celebrate!
-Percy

New Blog Name and Re-Inspired for 2015!

As 2014 comes to a close, I want to thank the wonderful clients that Percy Sales Events was able to get down the aisle and help with their "I Do's" this past year.  We've had some awesome clients and each of their wedding was as diverse as our couples (as it should be)...and we can't thank them enough for being the inspiration.

Moving into 2015 we are looking forward to another year of epic celebrations! Percy Sales Events will also be adding some new things to our product offerings for our potential clients as well. We are excited to be ramping up our International Destination Wedding division as well as our new Elopement division for our company. Additionally, we are going to be creating some awesome "Signature Packages" with our fabulous vendor partners for select properties throughout California, Mexico and Hawaii. Stayed tuned for more information about this in coming weeks.

As far as blogging...I am resolving to do more of it this year! I am coming up with a blogging plan, not only as an outlet to write...but a way to inspire couples in their wedding planning process as well. I love blogging tremendously...but between family, planning weddings and life itself, I have not found the time to actually sit down and write. I am promising myself and those who follow me a renewed blogged that will be personal, meaningful and inspirational (well as inspirational as I can get).

Also for those following me - I am once again changing the name of my blog. I originally had PeaceLoveWed as my blog name but have given the name to my husband who has started his own wedding officiating business. I thought it was more appropriate name for his business anyway. So now my blog's new name is Celebrate, simple and to the point, as this is exactly what I love to do...CELEBRATE love and life!

Looking forward to connecting with you all in 2015! Thank you!

Let's Celebrate!
-Percy

Percy Sales Events' New Website - FINALLY

It seems like I have been working with my web guy on this website forever. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal. It's not flahsy, it's actually pretty simple - but all the background stuff that goes with it is quite daunting. But we prevailed and have officially launched the new website today...just in time for Valentine's Day...quite appropriate I thought!

I am so excited to unveil our new and improved Percy Sales Events website. One of my past clients said that I run my company like the Covergirl motto "Easy | Breezy | Beautiful" and I think my website sort of reflects that.

I want to thank my past clients for giving me the opportunity to make their wedding dreams a reality. My clients have also been my inspiration!  I thank my past, current and future clients for giving me the opportunity to do what I love and to create beautiful weddings and events!

I hope you enjoy the new website

Revamped Blog - Welcome to peace love wed - the blog for Percy Sales Events

Well...it's been a while since I've blogged. I've truly missed writing and sharing my thoughts - but seriously this is a full time job just to keep this running. I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of blogging and looking forward to some new things I have planned for the blog.

It has been a milestone year at Percy Sales Events and we've had some awesome weddings this year. I'll do a year in review starting in November to recap the wonderful clients I have worked with this year...all truly unique and absolutely fabulous to work with.

My new and improved website should be up and running shortly. I have to give a shout our to one of my past grooms who has worked tirelessly to make it happen. It'll be fun to launch. So streamlined and modern - I can't wait. With that project on the horizon - I thought it would be a perfect time to also revamp, rethink and re-invent my blog. In the next couple of weeks you will be seeing some new things to the Percy Sales Events Blog. One of the main changes is the name. My blog will now be known as peace love wed. I can't wait to start sharing and I can't wait to inspire you as well.

Thank you for your continued support and I can't wait to see what the new year has for Percy Sales Events and for peace love wed!

-Percy

2013 Golden Globes Best and Worst Dress List

Best Dressed: Julianna Moore in Tom Ford

Let me preface that by no means I am a fashion expert. I love fashion, I love style and generally I know what looks good. Fashion is a personal choice so while someone might think something looks great on them, another person may feel the opposite.

The Golden Globes is the kick off for the Awards Season and this years red carpet did not disappoint. Celebrities went glam and brought out the big guns to this years ceremonies. The men looked awesome too, especially Bradley Cooper, who I think set the tone for men's fashion that evening.

But in all reality we are here to look and see what the women are wearing. Julianna Moore was my definite favorite in that Tom Ford number. Simple, elegant, flattering and the bare back with just the touch of spaghetti strap was fantastic!

Worst Dressed: Anne Hathaway in Chanel

Some of my favorite red carpet favs did not disappoint while others caught me by surprise and had me yelling, "WHY!" I am talking to you Anne Hathaway! I love you in white and I love Chanel but didn't anyone tell you that you looked like you were wearing a body cast! Now maybe in a different color it would have had a different effect but the number you strolled in did not wow me at all. The top half of the dress is the most distracting. The bottom half was actually pretty flattering...but seriously you looked liked you were wrapped in a bedazzled ace bandage by Karl Lagerfeld. Loved your hair hated the dress and BTW congrats on the win as Fantine. Well deserved.

So with that said here are my pics for the best and worst dresses of the evening. Like I said, I am no expert so my choices are purely my own aesthetics and thoughts and at the end of the day that's all it is.

My Picks for Best Dressed:

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu, Nicole Richie in Naeem Kham, Lea Michele in Elie Saab, Claire Danes in Versace

Kerry's illusion dress was fresh, young and vibrant. So 1920s flapper glam...I loved it. Nicole Richie looked demure and classic. Loved the long sleeps on this dress very vintage but very now as well. Lea's dress was fantastic. Loved the white sequence and the halter top (take note Anne Hathaway). Claire Danes looked magnificent in this simple and red number.

Nicole Kidman in Alexander McQueen, Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen, Adele in Burberry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Yves Saint Laurent

Sarah Burton hit the right buttons for the Alexander McQueen dresses that Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson wore. Love the peek-a-boos on both dresses while giving a statuesque look to both. Adele has a style and this Burberry dress did not disappoint. It's very much the songbirds persona and it was a perfect compliment to her. Rosie (who is she?) but who cares because her dress was youthful, modern and sexy enough to get noticed.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Vera Wang, Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta, Marion Cotillard in Dior, Jennifer Gardner in Vivienne Westwood

Julia's illusion dress was fantastic and age appropriate. Love the lace detailing. Jessica's coral dress drove me crazy. Perfect for her skin tone but more importantly the dress was so simple with just the right amount of detailing that it was perfect. The Harry Winston jewels didn't hurt either. I loved Marion's asymmetric dress and the color was superb. The draping and the metal belt accent was stunning. Jennifer's dress was awesome. The fabric shimmered and the texture was the perfect punch for the simple dress.

Julianna Margulies in Emilio Pucci

Julianna in this navy blue number is exquisite and probably my second favorite of the evening next to Julianna Moore's Tom Ford ensemble.

My Picks for Worst Dressed:

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad, Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy, Sienna Miller in Erdem, Kristen Bell in Jenny Packham

Jennifer, we get that you are are one sexy mutha (literally) but really...and let's face it...you will never recapture the moment you hit the red carpet in that Versace scarf dress again. Amanda...vintage lace never looked so wrong. Sienna...what in the heck are those appliques? It's very dated on you and you look much order and heavier than you really are! It's sorta reminding me of a Filipina bridesmaids dress from the 1990s I saw at a wedding once. Kristen, what in the heck happened to your neck! Take off the damn armor already the war is over!

Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein, Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera, Julianna Hough in Monique Lhuillier, Hallie Berry in Atelier Versace

Jessica, I was mixed on your dress, but after careful thought and the more I looked at it the more I hated it! It's very ill fitting and the top is not at all flattering. Your boobs look like they are sagging down to your waist! Lucy, I think I had a comforter made out of that back in the 80s and also Scarlett O'Hara stated, "The BITCH stole my look!" I think she is referring to the curtains. Oh Julianna, we are not on Dancing with the Stars anymore. Halle, it's time to retire that look...we get it.

Debra Messing in Donna Karan, Rachel Weisz in Louis Vuitton, Tina Fey in L'Wren Scott, Lena Dunham in Zac Posen

Debra, did you wear this just in case you needed to jump out of a plane? I think I had pants made out of that same material in the 80s. Rachel, I am just as confused as your dress. Tina...you need a new stylist because that dress just is not flattering in so many ways. The length is odd, the tuxedo fold is odd, the white just looks off with that lace. Kudos on the hair though. Lena, I know it's your first awards show and your are really close to Zac but that dress is not doing anything for you...I think you need to talk to Jennifer Hudson who made the same mistakes her first award season for pointers.

Guiliana Rancic in Celia Kritharioti

Guiliana's dress, I think, is the worst dress of the evening. The cut, the neck the lace there's so much wrong with this dress. If she is trying out for the part of Maleficent than she did a great job but this dress as a whole, dare I say it...gross.

And finally the dresses I am on the fence about.

Jody Foster in Giorgio Armani, Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, Emily Blunt in Michael Kors, Amy Adams in Marchesa

I love Jody's speech and the thought of her dress. I am wondering if it would have been better without the shoulder straps. Jennifer's dress from afar is gorgeous but the crumb catcher/pocket boob thing threw me off. Emily's dress I am so mixed about. I love the gold lace and the peek-a-boo but there's something that is just off and I can't pinpoint it. Amy's dress is gorgeous I think a darker fabric or tone may have been better. It blends in to her skin tone too much.

Okay that's all folks. See you for the Oscars!

Percy

All Photos LOST!

I have lost all the photos from my blog. I got a new phone and for some reason Blogger/Picasaweb/Google synced the galleries to my new phone. I didn't want to have those photos taking up any space on my phone so I deleted them off my phone.

I didn't know that those photos were tied in with my Blogger account and nor did I ever think they would affect my two blogs in anyway. Well it did and there is no way in recovering them either.

Why would an application have no backups for such a thing. I've been writing this blog for 4 years and while my words are still in place...the photos that are all gone. Now I am wondering if it's even worth trying to recreate them.

Let this be a lesson to all bloggers using Blogger...don't sync your Picasaweb with your phone and don't delete any galleries off your phone unless you have backed them up somewhere else first.

-Percy

Wedding Video Preview Racquel & Lynn, Xcaret, Riviera Maya Mexico 9/27/11

Fabulous wedding preview video by San Jose Filmmakers out of McAllen, Texas! These brothers are experts and have such a creative eye. I had the opportunity to use them as the photographer and cinematographer for my client's wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico. I can't wait to see the final video...if the preview is this WONDERFUL!


Racquel & Lynn - Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico from www.sanjosefilmmakers.com on Vimeo

Real Weddings: Christine & Dan

I had so much fun working with Christine and Dan on their dream wedding. What a lovely couple they are. They have such a wonderful support system and their family and friends really reflect who they are...plus they really knew how to party!

Christine gave me creative freedom in designing her wedding. During our first meeting I told her that her colors would be black, light gray, and pale pink and that we would have floating black crystal chandeliers on the rooftop and she said, Okay. Everything else developed from there. All she wanted to do was approve everything and see samples before she committed to them. I really appreciated that she trusted me in capturing who she and Dan are and reflecting that in one of the most special days in their lives.

Their wedding took place in Santa Barbara on a beautiful August day. Let's just say the Khardashians' may have been partying on the same day, but they had nothing on this couple! The ceremony was held in the Mural Room at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and their wedding reception was held at the beautiful rooftop of the Canary Hotel.

I had such a great time creating this wedding and even had a better time celebrating with Christine and Dan. Thank you both for letting me be a part of your wedding day!

Here's a preview video of their wedding day by Lola Video who captured this wedding beautifully.





The Vendors:

Design and Coordination: Percy Sales
Floral: Wendy Smith, Your Image Floral Design
Lighting: LBPS Events
Ceremony Location: Mural Room at the Santa Barbara Courthouse
Reception Location: Canary Hotel
Photography: Henry Chen
Cinematographer: Lola Video
Ceremony Guitarist and Reception Trio: Anthony Ybarra Music
Gospel Choir: Inner Light Community Gospel Choir
Cake: Montecito Confections

Linens: Sitting Pretty Chair Covers and La Tavola

Real Weddings: Racquel & Lynn

I had the wonderful opportunity to plan and design Racquel and Lynn's destination wedding in Riviera Maya Mexico!

On the day of their engagement, year to date of their actual wedding, the bride called me up to book me and start the planning of her destination wedding. She told me she wanted it to be a unique destination, but also somewhere they love. As fate may have it, the week after she called I was going to Riviera Maya Mexico for a wedding conference...so I doubled up and did site visits for her while I was down there. One of the places that I visited was Xcaret and once I was on the grounds and saw the venues I knew this place was it. I sent pictures via text while I was there and within a day we had a signed contract and started planning the destination wedding of her dreams!

Racquel and Lynn's wedding took place on September 27, 2011 at sunset in the gorgeous St. Francis of Assisi church that overlooks the Caribbean Ocean in Xcaret followed by a reception at La Isla an underground cave venue with a river running through it...also located at Xcaret. Their guests dined on a gourmet four course meal (don't think your typical banquet food) that was one of the BEST meals I have had in a long time. The presentation, the flavors, everything was perfect. When the entrees were served, we surprised their guests with a full 30-minute Mayan stage show that brought the region we were in alive. Their guests partied well past midnight....and they didn't let the humidity stop them from enjoying themselves. We were all soaked at the end of the evening from dancing, but it truly was a memorable experience for all.

The staff at Xcaret, especially Gabriella and Graciela in the events department, were so dedicated and truly loved what they do that they executed my vision to the book and for the first time...in a long time, I actually got to enjoy and be part of the wedding festivities. I loved all the vendors that I worked with in Riviera Maya Mexico and also glad that I have formed a great working relationship with some new US vendors too. I can't wait to work with them all again!

Thank you Racquel and Lynn for letting me be a part of your special day!

Here are some photo previews of their beautiful wedding taken by the FABULOUS San Jose Photography, a group of 5 brothers who are photographers and cinematographers based out of McAllen, Texas. It was a pleasure to work with them and so happy that we were able to connect!

{CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE}

we had such a great time during hair and makeup at the Occidental Grand Xcaret. Lots of laughs with Racquel and her siblings as well as their mom.

Racquel went from the Occidental Grand Xcaret hotel to Xcaret via a traditional "trajinera." It really added to the feel of the event.

I absolutely love this photo. I remember this vividly as we were about to open the church doors for Racquel and her parents to walk in, Racquel got teary eyed...as her parents joyfully anticipated the walk down the aisle. This picture captures that moment perfectly!

One of the performers from the Xcaret Mayan stage show during the dinner portion of Racqul and Lynn's wedding dinner.

First Dance to Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are"

Father/Daughter Dance to Barry's White's "My First, My Last, My Everything"

Racquel and Lynn's interpretation of the lift from Dirty Dancing to the Black Eyed Pea's "Time of My Life"

Some Pictures of Racquel and Lynn's Trash the Dress Session

The Vendors:

Design and Coordination: Percy Sales
Location, Food and Beverage, Music and Entertainment, Glass Heart Favors: Xcaret
Xcaret Coordination: Graciela Carmona Rivera and Gabriela Rodarte Medrano

Photography: San Jose Photography

Cinematography: San Jose Filmmakers
Flowers, Centerpieces, and Rentals: Planner 1 Events
Cake: Dolcet Cakes
Transportation and transfers: Your Cancun DMC
Invitations, Paper Suites, Programs: Jocelyn the Paper Stylist
Hair and Makeup: The Spa at Occidental Grand Xcaret
Hotel Accommodations: Occidental Grand Xcaret

Paper Flowers: Tony Cervantez

Real Weddings: Maya & Eric

What a fantastic time I had planning Maya and Eric's wedding! Their wedding was truly significant and had so many personal touches that you couldn't help but cry on their wedding day...pure love! Everything from walking in to an acoustic version of Sea of Love played by a guitarist to walking out as husband and wife to a full on mariachi band was just magical.

This is the second wedding I have done for this family and the great thing about working with them is that they are all really passionate about the process of being wed. It makes it so much easier for me when you can throw out an idea to the couple and they can vision it either working for them or not. Working with Maya and Eric and their families was filled with lots of laughs, conversations, and passion. I can't wait to plan the next one.

Maya and Eric were truly unique. The road to matrimony for them was a journey so "the journey" was reflected in every aspect of the wedding. From their invitations that included a cd of their favorite road tunes, to vintage postcards for their escort cards reflected that journey. The floral were a mix of of wild flowers and sunflowers, just like it was picked on the side of the road, were placed in mismatched jars, vases, and other vessels found in the home of Eric's mom. We also infused Maya's Mexican culture in the venue and added custom papel picados and luminarias. All in all it was M&E throughout the evening!

Maya had three dresses to wear for her wedding day, but opted for two. She wore a fabulous high low cut gown for the ceremony and than changed to a simple white summer dress for the reception. They walked from the church to the reception venue just so they can have some "alone" time together...of course they had a photographer there too!

Congratulations Maya and Eric! Thank you for letting me become part of your family!

 

 

The Vendors:
Planning and Design by Percy Sales Events
Flowers by Wendy Smith Tremiti of Your Image Floral Design
Photography by Gloria Plunkett Photography
Hair and Make Up: Tara Fontana, Fairytale Hair and Makeup
Bride's Make Up: Anya Collier
Ceremony Location: Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
Ceremony Music by Anthony Ybarra
Officiant: Ken Collier
Mariachi: Mariachi Mexicanisimo
Reception Venue and Food: El Paseo Restaurant
Pies by Simply Pies
Reception Music and MC: DJ Luke