Tis’ the season, and no we aren’t talking about Christmas. Spring is in full swing which means wedding season is here! For all our brides and grooms to be, check out these tips and trends brought to you by the Kapture Wedding Team.

1. Dress

This year is bringing a new twist to the wedding dress. Hot for 2012 will be large, frothy ball gowns accentuating the grandness of your day, lace cap-sleeves, and a high to low hem line, most likely to ensure everyone can see your amazing shoes. Beaded bodies, illusion necks and slits will also be used to glam up this years’ lines.

2. Colors

Bright pops of colors like red, tangerine, pink, and blues mixed with a more muted and even keeled pewter, grey or silver sends the message of just enough party with the perfect amount of elegance. Find the right combo for you, you can’t go wrong.

3. Location

Traditional is great, but if you want to stand out and set your wedding apart from the rest consider a rustic setting turned glam. Think barn on the outside, black tie affair on the inside.

4.  Groom

Guys be guys. We’ve all seen the groom wearing a great suit with a hot pink tie and forced to eat a comically small portion of fish. While colors are popular this year, in general they should be left off the tux. Keep it traditional and classic, clean lines and simple colors. When it comes to food, don’t shy away from steak and potatoes because you fear it will give the TGIFriday’s vibe. It can be classy and he’ll feel much better on a full stomach.

5. Bachelor & Bachelorette Party

Somewhere over the last few years we started seeing co-ed parties, and finally with great pride, we are pleased to announce that trend is coming to an end. Some traditions should never be messed with, this being one of them. Girls – enjoy a night with your girls and guys – you do the same.

6. Honeymoon

The Cancun trip for many couples, is becoming a thing of the past. More and more newlyweds are opting for trips that allow them to do things that fit their lifestyle interests and add an element of adventure to their trip. Costa Rica and Thailand are becoming popular destinations because of their natural beauty, unique outdoor activities and if desired, locations where one can be free of technology distractions and unnecessary luxuries. If you and your spouse are avid Food Network watchers, a trip to experiment the best food the world has to offer might satisfy both of your pallets. Hotels in locations such as Italy, Argentina and Napa often coordinate getaways centered around food and wine that let you unwind and enjoy the local fair in a romantic setting.

Wishing all of our 2012 brides and grooms a glorious wedding day.

This year Kapture had the opportunity to coordinate Generosity Water’s 4th Annual Fundraiser at the Hollywood Roosevelt. Generosity Water raised over $150,000 to build wells and remain committed to the clean water crisis. We were thrilled to be there and experience the excitement of the night. Everything from the water walk to the VIP lounge helped create the best environment for giving!

Photos by Callie Biggerstaff Photography & Ryan Burch

The BASF Group, world’s leading chemical company, celebrated a night of science and innovation at the Witte Museum in San Antonio. With Kapture and Top Chef Marcel Vigneron behind the scenes, the BASF Group enjoyed the evening lounging outdoors, integrating ideas, and putting their taste buds to the test! Spanish guitarist Pino De Fazio set the mood of the evening with live flamenco music while guests enjoyed Chef Marcel’s culinary creations.

Coachella is back but for the first time ever with double the fun, parties, people, and lyrical content. Two weeks of music from artists you can’t get enough of and artists you’ll come to love, this year’s Coachella lineup has music lovers in a frenzy. We know you’ve been planning the perfect outfits, staking out the best food stops, and compiling your “must see” list. The countdown is ticking away and we’ve scouted out the perfect pre, in-between, and post party events that will make Coachella2012 one of your most memorable!

Friday, April 13th

Muse

Gen Art and Ciroc hosts its first Coachella event. With light shows, funhouses, pop-up acts, art, food, and overnight clubs, Muse will be one of the most talked about parties this year. They are keeping it super hush hush on the details but from what we hear, it’s going to be MIND BLOWING!

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 13, 14, & 15th

Hard Rock Hotel Music Mansion

As if the Coachella lineup wasn’t already jaw dropping, Hard Rock Hotel adds to the list with artists and DJs making this party a great excuse to venture out of the grounds and take the scenic desert route to this private location.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, & 22nd

Coachella Dreaming

There are never enough pool parties especially with the heat in the desert. Thanks to Goldenvoice, your day of lounging by the pool, listening to DJs spin, and having your favorite drink just got better!

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 13, 14, &15th

The Guess Hotel?

Brands make their mark at Coachella and Guess? is no exception. Partnering with BMF Media, this year brings special performances, pool party fun, and lots of giveaways!

Friday, Saturday, April 13 &14th

Belve Music Lounge

Belvedere has put together a pool party experience to get you relaxed and ready to throw down your best moves! With Belvedere infused drinks, good music, and the heat from the sun…what more could you ask for? If your hearts not racing yet…that’s probably because you’re not here!

Saturday, April 14th

The Neon Carnival

Bump shoulders with celebrities, win prizes, ride your favorite carnival ride. If you know where this hidden location is at….you should definitely go!  

Thursday, April 19th

WTF..What The Fest

If it sounds crazy, it probably is..and that’s exactly why you should go! Get those hips and feet moving…dance, socialize, and listen to local DJs!

Sunday, April 15 & 22nd

The Do-Over at Ace Hotel

Just when you thought you’ve had enough, end your Coachella experience at the Ace Hotel. Relax, soak in the entire weekend, reminisce about the guy/gal you drooled over but didn’t get their number, recover from your hangovers..this is the place.

Mingle at one..or if you’re feeling really adventurist, why not all? We dare you!

Don’t miss out! RSVP now! Don’t say we never told you!

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Spring Break is here and look no further for some of the best leisure activities right here in the OC. For the adventurist, foodie, artist in you these top picks will surely satisfy your needs without breaking the bank, all the while supporting our local businesses.

Fresh Eats

Find fresh produce, locally made products, and a variety of food trucks all in one place at the The Farmer’s Market in Costa Mesa. Every Thursday from 9a-1p local farmers gather to showcase the season’s best finds at the Orange County Fairgrounds. Don’t miss out on sweet honey comb, ripe apricots, and tart rhubarb. Take some time out to sample the products and then head over to the food trucks and grab lunch.

Live Performances

If you’ve never seen a live performance or it’s been awhile gather some friends or that special someone and head over to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts or  South Coast Repertory. Critics are raving about “Sight Unseen” currently at the repertory til April 1. Tickets start at $20. Before the show have a meal and take a walk through The Camp, where you can find unique shops and great food. If time permits venture over to SEED; you’re sure to find something that peaks your interest. Everything is hand-made by local producers.

Sightseeing

Itching for a getaway? Head over to Catalina Island! It’s far enough to feel like a vacation but close enough to do in a day. The Catalina Express can take you to the island at an affordable rate from any of four convenient port stops. Once on the island, enjoy a bike ride, kayaking, or hike along one of the many fantastic trails. If Catalina isn’t in the cards, gather your family and friends, pack a picnic and rent a Duffy boat to adventure through Newport Harbor.

Orange County truly has it all. For all you OC Spring Breakers, enjoy!

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Lads and lassies alike are getting into the Irish spirit this weekend to celebrate in style! St. Patty’s Day is the perfect reason to party it up with family and friends.  So this Saturday celebrate by hosting an Irish bash your guests will be raving about well into spring.  Use these simple tips to throw an impressive event featuring delicious drinks, festive décor, and fabulous food.

Photo Credit from Left to Right (Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5)

Décor:

If you’re looking for alternatives to common party store decorations, there are endless creative DIY tricks to bring a touch of Ireland into your home.  Decorate with festive green shades and accents of gold.  Use tall vases with green sprigs or beer mugs planted with lucky clovers.   For a centerpiece gather a collection of green glass pieces or purchase pillar candle holders and hang sparkly leprechaun inspired hats at varying heights and levels.

Food:

Create a table of green treats to tempt your guests.  Stick with easy to eat appetizers but make sure there are savory options, especially if guests are drinking! Delicious foods such as shamrock sandwiches, stout pies, corned beef and cabbage rolls, or corned beef quesadillas are easy to whip up but will fill up your guests and continue with the St. Patrick’s Day theme.  For desserts, you can’t go wrong with creatively decorated cupcakes, chocolate gold coins, green colored candies, or clover shaped cookies.  If you have time to prepare a special treat, try a chocolate Irish Crème Cheesecake or check out this easy recipe for a Chocolate Stout Shake from Better Homes and Gardens.

Chocolate Stout Shake:

Ingredients:

• 1/4
 cup chocolate stout beer or stout beer
• 1/2
 cup prepared chocolate fudge ice cream topping
• 1/2
 gallon vanilla bean ice cream
• 1 
cup milk

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan heat beer and chocolate topping until warm and combined. Cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, in a blender combine ice cream and milk, half at a time. Cover and blend until combined. Divide ice cream mixture among 8 glasses. Drizzle with chocolate sauce.

Drinks:

While St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect (and possibly only) excuse to drink green beer, it’s great to have other cocktail options for your guests.  Search for cocktails with Irish Whiskey, Bailey’s crème, or any drink with a festive green color.  Drinks such as “Irish Eyes” or “Old Dublin Apple Martinis” are always popular. To break up the green and add a gold touch, try an “Irish Gold” cocktail.

Irish Gold Cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskley
• 2 parts Ginger ale
• 1/2 part peach schnapps
• splash of Orange Juice
• Lime wheel for garnish

Directions:

1. Build the whiskey, schnapps, and juice in a glass filled with ice.

2. Top with Ginger Ale. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Atmosphere:

This Irish holiday is the day to go over the top with green.  Encourage guests to rock green clothing.  They will get in the St. Paddy’s spirit by digging up scarves, hats, jewelry, and other fun attire to keep them from getting pinched.  Create a playlist of Irish Pub songs and let your guests mix and mingle!

National Craft Month is upon us and Kapture can’t wait to celebrate!  It was started almost two decades ago by the Craft and Hobby Association as a way to inspire people to embrace the joy and benefits of crafting.  Now millions of craft enthusiasts and companies in the craft industry have exciting plans throughout the month of March!  Whether you’re a crafting pro or you’re looking to dive into a new hobby, there’s something for everyone.  Not sure where to start? Here are 5 ways to make the most of the month!

1. Visit a Craft Fair

Craft fairs, festivals, and expos are constantly happening all over the country!  Fairgrounds, convention centers, and even local farmer’s markets transform into rows and rows of a crafter’s heaven. They are a great place to showcase your work, check out vendors, get inspiration, or find unique supplies.   Check online listings, your local newspaper, or websites of your favorite craft stores to see what’s happening in an area near you!

2. Craft for Charity

Crafting for a good cause allows you to share your creativity while helping the community!  Local nonprofits are often in need of craft donations or supplies.  Whether it’s knitting blankets, sewing stuffed animals, or painting murals, the possibilities are endless.  Search online for local crafting charities or contact your favorite nonprofit and see how you can help.  It’s the perfect way to combine your hobby and a cause you’re passionate about!

3. Organize Your Supplies

I know what you’re thinking; cleaning is not a fun way to celebrate… However, I promise you will have fun looking for fun ideas to organize your supplies and finding lost treasures you forgot you bought!  Look for craft room inspiration online, in magazines, or even on your favorite home decorating TV shows.  You’ll find great ideas to use creative products such as jars, old dressers, and picture frames to organize your supplies.

4. Start a New Project

Have you ever wanted to try a new hobby but just haven’t made the time to do it? Collage, candles, knitting, decoupage, jewelry, painting, scrapbooking, beading…we challenge you to take on a new project!  Navigate the popular pinterest boards or etsy shops to find ideas.  Check out the thousands of craft blogs filled with advice.  Or take a class.  Many stores have great specials going on this month!

5. Host a Craft Party

Help others see why crafting is so much fun!  Hosting a craft night or party is the perfect way for you to share your favorite projects and see the projects your friends love.  Gather craft ideas and inspiration and send out themed invitations.  Make examples and set up stations with tables and chairs, supplies, and tools.  Play fun music and set our finger foods for snacking.  And don’t forget to have a camera ready to take photos of all the finished products!

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This past Saturday Newport’s finest attended the “Life Is Beautiful” charity event, and Kapture had the honor of producing it.  Not only was the event gorgeous and entertaining, it also raised money for a wonderful and worthwhile charity.

Venue and Décor:  The event was held at a beautiful residence in Newport Beach.  The Kapture team mixed elements of old Monte Carlo with rich hues of browns, and golds, and even brought in a couple of casino table for the guests to enjoy.  Since the property had a beautiful view of the bay, we mixed elements of white with spandex sails to create the overall look of Monte Carlo meets the Sea.  The stage was set up right at the end of the property, making it look like it would almost drop into the bay.  Instead of a normal VIP area in a separate room, or area of the residence, this VIP spot was on a yacht.  The VIP guests could enjoy a special drink on a beautiful yacht that faced towards the party.

Food and Drinks:  The wonderful chef Chang Sivilay of Pelican Hill graciously used his culinary expertise to cook an array of appetizers such as shrimp gazpacho, beef skewers, and mushroom and asparagus tarts.  While enjoying the delicious food, guests had a number of specialty drinks to choose from.  Basil and Lavender infused champagne were passed while the VIP guests had the option of hopping on the yacht and trying Tres Siete Tequila, which was donated for the event.  Guests could also enjoy pomegranate margaritas specially made with Tres Siete Tequila.

Entertainment:  The program began with music provided by a string quartet from the Orange County Performing Arts High School, and was followed by a beautiful performance of an original song called, “Second Chances”.  Next the guests were able to take in some action through an acrobatic performance, by former Cirque du Soleil artists.  The stage was almost set for the unveiling of the beautiful candidate, but first guests enjoyed a ballet performance to another original song, and watched an inspiring video that captured all of the troubles that the candidate endured.  Finally the time had come for the reveal of the candidate.  After being chosen by the Life Is Beautiful team, the candidate endured strenuous workouts, surgeries, and a therapist to help guide her to a better life.  She looked stunning in a beautiful fire engine red gown.  After she was unveiled, the night’s activities had just begun.  Both a live and silent auction featured various items and were a great success.  After the auctions, guests went out to the courtyard area to enjoy a game of roulette or black jack.

The entire Kapture team enjoyed in helping create an event that included so many amazing elements and supported such a meaningful cause.

Kapture produced a breath-taking evening for the Life is Beautiful Charitable Foundation’s Inaugural Gala in Newport Beach. The red carpet entrance was dolled up with the Rolls Royce Ghost and tasty champagne infusions.  Delectable finger food by the Executive Chef at the Pelican Hill Grill, stunning music, acrobatic, and dance performances were enjoyed by all.  The silent auction featured world-class fine art from local artists and the Kelsey Michaels Art Group in Laguna Beach. V.I.P. guests took in the magnificent  view from the yacht while tasting TRES SIETES TEQUILA.  The highlight of the night was the unveiling of the honoree, Sheryl Brackley. Her story was truly touching and we feel thankful to have been a part of her special journey.

Photos by Jerry Kasai

Kapture has always been inspired by women leaders in the business world. Just as we strive to be the best in our industry, we look to other women leaders who are the best in theirs. From Oprah Winfrey to Indra Nooyi (CEO and Chairman of Pepsi Co.), the business world has seen some of the most visionary thinkers and doers, who also happen to be…women!

Leaders like Irene Rosenfeld (CEO of Kraft foods), and Coco Chanel have changed the faces of their industries, and have made executive decisions which have propelled them and their organizations forward. Irene Rosenfeld has taken actions which would have seemed contradictory to growth, (like splitting her company in half!), but have proven to be quite successful. Coco Chanel, as many know, completely changed the way fashionistas and business women alike thought about fashion and clothing.

Coco Chanel, Ms. Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd

There are women leaders and entrepreneurs in all industries, from entertainment to manufacturing. One such entrepreneur that is pertinent to Kapture is Ms. Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd. Working in the Washington D.C. event world for over a decade, she started her own event production business. Known as a visionary in the DC event and meeting planning industry, she has produced events for celebrities and dignitaries alike. Ms. Rukowicz Ladd has grown her business, and made a difference in her segment of the event world by challenging norms, and looking towards the future as far event production is concerned. Here at Kapture, we love hearing success stories, especially as looking towards the future, and aspiring to be the best in our industry, is an integral part of our everyday life.

Photo Credits:

Featured Image: Indra Nooyi, CEO and Chairman of Pepsi Co., http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/IndraNooyiDavos2010ver2.jpg

Coco Chanel: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/30/Coco_Chanel%2C_1920.jpg

Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd: http://trulyamazingwomen.com/the-women/dc-event-planner-roxanne-rukowicz-ladd