Essence of Events, LLC

A cake is a cake is a cake, but wait, is that a cake?! Trompe l’oeil cakes are cakes that look so realistic that you think that they are that other object. Often times these optical illusions are designed as grooms cakes, so you can get your man represented in the wedding somehow.

Check out some of the stunning cakes below, and trust us, they are all cakes, even if they don’t look like it!

The detail on this cake is phenomenal, you can almost believe it is made from real wood.

I wonder how many groomsmen tried to pick up that beer thinking it was real?!

Bridging the gap between schools.

This cake is entirely edible, believe it or not!

The craftsman ship on this stained-glass cake is impressive!

Giant Reese’s peanut butter cup cake.

Intricate elephant wedding cake.

This lobster cake is an intriguing option.

Cake designed to look like cheese wheels.

Elegant stags head cake.

For information on vendors and cake designers who can provide cakes like the ones pictured above or similar, contact Essence of Events today. To set up your free, initial consultation to discuss your wedding concepts, call 253.292.1482 or email us at contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

Everyone loves ombre right now, and at Essence of Events we are definitely guilty of rocking this trend but today’s couple featured in Theme Thursday has taken the bride’s love of this latest chic style and incorporated in into their wedding.

Inspired by the sunset, as well as other gorgeous elements, including Italy where the bride and groom spent much of their engagement, they prove that you can take a fashion and make it into a complete event. Check out the photos below to get inspired for a night Under the Tuscan Sun.

The color scheme followed a sunset hue, with deep oranges and peaches, which was reflected in the bride’s bouquet. The wedding dress was custom made and straight off the runways in Milan.

The coral bridesmaids dresses added a strong pop of color to the muted tones of the rest of the décor and color of the wedding.

Younger members of the wedding party make their way to the alter in this care-free wedding ceremony.

Ombre rose petals are scattered along the aisle runner.

The happy couple are married as the sun begins to set.

The witty napkin design shows this quirky couple’s fun-loving side.

To design your own ombre-themed wedding, or to discuss your own design concepts, contact Essence of Events today. To schedule your free, initial consultation call 253.292.1482 or email us at contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

It may be just getting into the summer wedding season, but in Washington that doesn’t mean we have escaped the rain. At Essence of Events, we always plan ahead, especially for outside weddings. You never know when the heavens above may open and wash away your dream weather.

Though the Italians say “Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata,” or “Wet bride, lucky bride,” when you’ve worked for months planning a wedding under a proverbial Tuscan sun and it rains at your nuptials instead, it’s hard to think so.

To avoid that flood of emotion on your wedding day if it does decide to down pour, Essence of Events has come up with your plan B, C and all the way to Z to make sure that your big day goes off without a hitch, even under threat of stormy skies!

Rent a Tent

This is a must, especially if your entire event is all outside. Of course choosing where to secure the structure is another lesson all together; pitch it on the highest point of the venue and not downhill in case of a downpour.

Write It Down

About six weeks before your big day, when you’re (relatively) calm and collected and able to think straight, write up a rainy day contingency plan you can pass out to your vendors, and even your guests, if the skies open up at your wedding.

Things to include are directions to a location change if you have to move your ceremony or reception to a separate indoor area and alterations to your timeline that allow for delays in travel time, setups, etc.

Send Rain Cards

If your rainy day plan is more complicated for your guests than just showing up at the same venue now transformed with a tent, include “rain cards” in your invitations that tell guests about your alternative plan. It can be simple but stylish, on a separate card in the same font and format as your invite, explaining the changes. “In case of rain, please note that the reception will be held in the ballroom…”

Add More Wheels

If the weather makes the roads slippery, consider arranging carpools or hiring a car service to take guests from the hotel to your ceremony and then to the reception if it is at another location. Not only will this help people who aren’t familiar with the area remain safe on the roads, it may make sure people arrive at the ceremony on time.

Keep It Pretty

We all know a little rain never hurt anybody. Nevertheless, it can still pain you to see all your best-laid style choices get lost under raincoats, muddy pumps, and an up-do ravaged into a windswept up-don’t.

Embrace the rain; think bright umbrellas for you, your wedding party, and guests. Provide adorable wellies for your attendants (and a pair of white ones for you), and other stormy weather preparations that make light of the dark weather ahead. On the bright side, these changes will make for great wedding photos.

Picture Perfect

Speaking of great pictures, one of the few people who will love the cloudy skies is in fact your photographer. That’s because an overcast day offers some of the best lighting for picture taking. Without the harsh light of a sunny day, the softer, more diffused light will make all your photos better. Add to that colorful umbrellas and galoshes as props and you have some memorable images. Consider making cute signs to hold up during your photography session like “Rain, Rain” and “Go Away” or “Let It Rain.”

Food For Thought

A check on the 10-day forecast can help you predict the more likely weather conditions on your big day. And if it’s not looking good, keep your caterer on speed dial. That’s because you may want to shake up the menu, just ever so slightly, to serve hotter comfort food and less chilled appetizers. If you can’t switch to a stew, think about offering mugs of hot chocolate and mulled wine during cocktail hour, for example.

Laugh It Off

Making light of the cloudy skies is one of the best ways to weather the storm. Plus, it will help put your guests at ease and enjoy the moment too. So why not switch your signature cocktail last minute from the mojito to a “Dark and Stormy?” Change your ceremony’s recessional song or your first dance to B.J. Thomas’ “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.” You get the idea.

For other great ideas for your wedding day, and to schedule your free, initial consultation with our Professional Planners, contact Essence of Events today. Call 253.292.1482 or email us at contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

Wedding signs and banners are trending in a big way right now. They are cute, chic, and a lot of times have a funny, witty, and quirky edge to them. If you personalize them to your wedding day or theme then they often make the best keepsakes. You can get them custom-made just for you by your wedding stationer, purchase them on Etsy, order them online, or even DIY yourself.

With so many great options out there it’s hard to pick our favorites, but we managed to narrow it down to a selection to show the range and variety out there for you and the options available for your wedding or event. Take a look to get inspired!

These signs will direct the guests where to go for various activities and events surrounding the wedding. The top one takes a witty approach by using imagery, the bottom with unique wording.

The classic “Here Comes the Bride.” Often displayed around the ring bearer’s neck, or another young member of the wedding party, this sign gets a lot of “oohhs, and ahhs” for the adorable cute-factor!

Chair signs are popular and make great photo-ops!

These two signs make great displays for the wedding, and a work of art to display later at home. They could also both be used as guest books for friends and family to sign.

This huge piece of typography was used as an altar piece and is quite impressive, a true work of art!

A beautiful way of displaying a buffet dessert menu.

Hand stitching is a unique way to thank guests in this snapshot.

There are so many banners and signs available for couples; for even more ideas contact Essence of Events today. To set up your free, initial consultation to discuss these ideas and even more wedding concepts, call 253.292.1482 or email us at contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae