A Monarch’s Tale: The Journey of a Decade

photo by Clane Gessel

I previously posted a sneak peek from Luly Yang’s 10th anniversary celebration and couture runway show, A Monarch’s Tale: The Journey of a Decade.  This was our second time in a row managing the event benefiting Seattle Children’s, and for the second year in a row it has sold out!  I am so delighted to share even more images from this spectacular event we had the pleasure of managing for our dear friend and source of inspiration, Luly Yang.  We were  thrilled to return to assist Luly with this most special collection that debuted  at Fremont Studios on April 27th.  In her own words, “This year’s couture collection is very close to my heart, as it is inspired by my personal experiences and the transformations as a fashion designer over the past decade.  I have chosen to tell my story through the eyes of the Monarch, the iconic gown that launched my career in fashion.”

photo by Walter Grio

This inspired collection follows the Monarch’s journey as she travels through through five fantasical geographically inspired locations (and resulting show segments), Grand Canyon, Bamboo Forest, Amazonia, Antarctica, and Celebration, each with it’s own unique and distinct beauty.

GRAND CANYON

photos by Clane Gessel

photos by Walter Grio

BAMBOO FOREST

photo by Clane Gessel

AMAZONIA

photos by Walter Grio

photos by Clane Gessel

ANTARCTICA

photos by Walter Grio

photos by Clane Gessel

CELEBRATION

photos by Clane Gessel

photos by Walter Grio

When it came to the event design, we naturally drew inspiration from the Monarch and the Amazonia segment, creating a modern day jungle.  The talented team at Rented Elegance wowed us with an over-the-top butterfly chandelier that anchored Studio B, where the pre and post-parties were held.  We worked with Choice Linens to find the perfect fabrics for the party, and filled the room with Glassybaby in various shades of orange filled with dancing candlelight to represent the fluttering of butterflies around the room.

photos by Team Photogenic

We worked with our friends at City Catering Company to create an international menu, with bites inspired by each of the segments of the fashion show.  My personal favorite was the icy rosemary granita dessert, a nod to the Antarctica segment.  All of the tasty cuisine & specialty cocktails from City Catering Company were supplemented by mini-cupcakes from Trophy Cupcakes, and wine from Precept Wine.

photos by Clane Gessel

photo by Team Photogenic

There are so many individuals and companies that helped bring this event together and discounted or donated their products or services in order to help benefit Seattle Children’s.  We are so grateful for your time, talent, care and contributions!

Presenting Sponsor. TriWest Healthcare Alliance

Lead In Kind Sponsors. Seattle Magazine, True Colors Events, Gene Juarez Salon & Spas, Team Photogenic, Rented Elegance & Design, Kerri Efendi Designs

Supporting Sponsor. Furuta Lee Foundation

Supporting In Kind Sponsors. Choice Linens, Coat Check Complete, Precept Wine, Trophy Cupcake, Red Carpet Valet, Glassybaby

We would also like to thank the entire team at Fremont Studios, City Catering Company, Anthony Tippins, Margaret Larson, Clane Gessel, Walter Grio, Rose Dennis, all of the event volunteers, our staff at True Colors Events, the staff at Luly Yang, and of course Luly herself for making this entire night possible!

photo by Clane Gessel

The Making of A Monarch’s Tale

Check out this incredible video created by Bogle Productions with the assistance of Andrew Hoge that premiered at the introduction of Luly Yang’s couture runway show last Friday.  We were so delighted to be included in this beautiful and informative piece.

 

 

Go behind the scenes with fashion designer Luly Yang as she prepares to debut her 2012 – 2013 Couture Collection, “A Monarch’s Tale: The Journey of a Decade.” This collection celebrates 10 years of sensational fashion design and follows the fantastical journey of Luly’s celebrated Monarch Butterfly Dress.

Luly Yang’s A Monarch’s Tale Sneak Peak

Last night we had the honor of coordinating Luly Yang‘s annual couture runway show, A Monarch’s Tale: The Journey of a Decade.  It was a “monarchtastic” extravaganza!  Luly’s fashions wowed and amazed, and it was such a joy to create an event based on the theme of her collection.  A full blog post will come soon, but here is a sneak peek of some of the runway images from talented photographer Clane Gessel.

Domi + Jonathan

Domi + Jonathan are an absolutely lovely couple who met through church 4 years prior to becoming a couple and eventually making their way down the aisle.  Domi had a vision for a wedding that was bright and cheery, and even nature delivered with design, with the surrounding trees blossoming pretty in pink!

Ceremony. Villa Academy

Reception. The Bellevue Club

Photography. Photo Elan

Videography. Aaron Horton Productions

Florist. Flora Nova Design

Ceremony Music. Seattle String Quartet

Cocktail Hour Music. Jay Holcomb

Entertainment. Magician Nash Fung

Reception Music. Craig Lawrence Band

Officiant. Reverend Brendan Coleman

Dessert Baker. Decadence Custom Cakes

Transportation. British Motor Coach

Hair & Makeup. Salon Maison

Favors. Godiva

Luly Yang 2012 Annual Couture Runway Show

For the second time in a row we are so pleased to have the honor of coordinating Luly Yang’s Annual Couture Runway Show.  Anyone who is familiar with Luly knows the work of art that is her butterfly dress, and for her 10th anniversary, Ms. Yang has created a collection that pays tribute to the awe-inspiring gown.  A Monarch’s Tale – The Journey of a Decade, is the story of the butterfly’s journey around the globe, from the frozen tundra to the South American rainforests, and beyond.  This very personal collection will be absolutely amazing, and building the event around the concept has been a creative delight.

Taking place at Fremont Studios on Friday, April 27th, her 10th anniversary couture runway show will be a fun, fabulous, and of course, fashionable spectacle.  A limited number of tickets for this event benefiting Seattle Children’s are still available via Brown Paper Tickets, so get them while you still can.  It will be an evening you do not want to miss.

Megan + Roger

Megan + Roger are a fun Ballard based couple we had the pleasure of collaborating with to help make their wedding come to life.  Drawing inspiration from geography, history, cinema, fashion, and more, Megan had so many wonderful ideas regarding possible visions for her big day.  One of the things I say in wedding planning is that there are hundreds of right decisions you can make (because I am not going to let anyone make a detrimental decision, of course!).  After much consideration, and with the design help of the talented Steven Moore of Steven Moore Designs and Sheryl Bracken of Paper Moxie, a one of a kind dream day blossomed that everyone was thrilled with, and spoke to the couples sensibilities perfectly.

Venue. Semiahmoo Resort

Wedding Dress. La Belle Elaine’s

Photography. Gabriel Boone Photography

Florist. Steven Moore Designs

Linens. BBJ Linens

DJ/Emcee. Chris Graves with Your Song DJ

Lighting. Trendy Event Rentals

Officiant. Annemarie Juhlian

Dessert Baker. Market Street Catering

Stationary. Paper Moxie

Hair & Makeup. Salon Maison

Jennifer + Brandon

Jennifer + Brandon are an absolutely adorable couple who had their vintage inspired wedding in shades of pastel at her family estate last summer.  It was one of those rainy days where the clouds parted just in time to have their ceremony under the care & shade of Jennifer’s favorite tree in the yard.  The clouds parting was only one of the many magical moments that occurred that day for this lovely twosome and their wonderful friends and family.

Wedding Dress. Luly Yang

Photography. One Love Photo

Videography. Cabfare Productions

Florist. Fiore Blossoms

Linens. Choice Linens

Rentals. AA Party Rentals + Pedersen’s Rentals + Rented Elegance

Caterer. Tom Douglas Catering

DJ/Emcee. Austin Beaver

Cake. Macrina Bakery

Ice Cream Truck. Molly Moon’s

Hair & Makeup. Salon Maison

Parking Attendants. Red Carpet Valet

Vanessa + Derek

We had a great time working with Vanessa + Derek.  They may be young, but this incredible couple has been together since they were in junior high school!  Planning their wedding was a family affair, and we really enjoyed and appreciated this tight-knit group.  Whether you call it eggplant, aubergine or plum, we played with the purple palette to create the perfect setting for their event, and we are thrilled with the results.

Best wishes Vanessa + Derek!

Ceremony Location. Bastyr Chapel

Ceremony Music. Ravenna Brass

Reception Location. Hyatt Regency Bellevue

Photographer. J. Garner Photography

Videography. Aaron Horton Productions

DJ-Emcee. Austin Beaver

Floral & Decor. Rented Elegance & Design

Lighting. Trendy Event Rentals

Hair & Makeup. Salon Maison

Rentals. Pedersen’s Rentals

Linens. Choice Linens

Invitations + Reception Coordinates. Paper Passionista (fka All About Weddings)

Dessert. Celebrity Cake Studio

Transportation. British Motor Coach

little u – Holiday Edition 2011

At TCE HQ we have an annual year-end tradition called “little u – Holiday Edition.”  This blog post is a chance for us to highlight the kids and pets of our couples, past and present.  It’s a fun way for us to keep up to date with our couples, and see what is going on with their lives after the “I Do’s.”

We are so delighted that our couples give us the opportunity to live our professional dream on a daily basis.  Looking at these pictures, we definitely see some dreams-come-true!

Dana & Allen had a beautiful winter wedding in the winter of 2009, since then they have made a couple very important additions to their family, Clayton Allen (8 months), and Massa (1 year, 8 months), both all dressed up and ready for the holiday season!

Maggie & Matt were married in the fall of 2008, and this summer they welcomed this blue-eyed beauty into their family.  Say hi to Ms. Marlo!

In the fall of 2008 Lauren & Bob were married in a lovely wedding at Roche Harbor Resort.  This March, Conor Nolan came into their lives and is already smiling like a pro!

Elaine & Brian had a lovely wedding in the summer of 2008.  Just over a year ago they welcomed a sweet baby girl Ellie to their happy family of four-legged friends.

Everyone saw pink & black at Hayley and Juston’s 2010 nuptials at The Golf Club at Newcastle, but right now all I can see is black, white, red, green, and some serious model potential when looking at Romeo & Missy!

This summer I had the pleasure of working with Melissa & Dan and their kids to plan their summer nuptials.  Looking at these pictures, I think you can tell they had a very good time!

Shane and Adam had a 2009 wedding with a vintage roller coaster feel to it in shades of pastel.  Now a lovely little lady Charlie with a pale peach flower headband in her hair graces their lives.

We had so much fun working with Davina & Dallas and their families to plan their 2007 nuptials.  Now they have Izak, a little guy with a big personality, to keep them busy!

Edie & Michael got pregnant while we were planning their wedding, and having 5 month old Calvin at their wedding was the best present they could have asked for!  Now Calvin is big brother to Wesley Robin, born less than 2 months ago.

We had the pleasure of working with Sarah & Rachel to plan their 2007 wedding at Stimson-Green Mansion.  Now these ladies have a very special little guy in their lives!

Ericka & Jon’s daughter Abigail, looking lovely with straightened hair, became a big sister this year to cutie Crosby!  Married in 2003, Ericka & Jon have the pleasure of being one of our earliest couples.

Married in 2006, Stacey & Brett shared this picture of their little one Riley showing us all what it really means to smize!

We always used to end the post with a pic of our dog Buster.  We lost our little guy earlier this year, but I thought I would put up shots of him one last time, and share the pictures from the previous little u – Holiday Editions.  We love you Buster, you remind us what pure joy really means.

Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year everybody.  May 2012 be filled with a lot of (the good kind of) exclamation points!

True Colors Events Sells Urban Unveiled in Partnership with Seattle Bride

Travis and I are always trying to think of way to make Urban Unveiled, the wedding show for those with style, sophistication, and a passion for the unique, even better.  We have been a part of the show since its inception, and as its owners, we have had the most amazing time coming up with new and creative ways to enhance Urban Unveiled and bring new and exciting things to the Seattle wedding market.  We have had themes such as Hollywood After Party, South Beach Chic, Woodland Glamour, and most recently, Diamond.  What started out as an idea has grown into the leading boutique wedding event in the Pacific Northwest.  Here are some of our favorite pictures from shows past.

Urban Unveiled 2011 – Diamond

Urban Unveiled 2010 – Woodland Glamour

Urban Unveiled 2009 – South Beach Chic

Urban Unveiled Fall 2008 – Hollywood After Party

Urban Unveiled Winter 2008 – Modern Marie Antionette

Shortly after the October event Seattle Bride approached us about acquiring Urban Unveiled.  We have always looked out for the best interest of the show and all of the vendors.  Seattle Bride has been the media sponsor of Urban Unveiled since the beginning, and we saw this as a perfect fit.  We will remain involved in the creative process of planning & designing Urban Unveiled, as well as at the show itself.  Collectively Travis, myself, and our partners at Seattle Bride do not anticipate any significant changes to the quality and content of Urban Unveiled, and we have already begun discussing the 2012 event.  We see this partnership as an incredible opportunity to bring even more attention (and more couples!) to Urban Unveiled.

The attached Press Release came out recently, and we wanted to share it with our friends.  We are very excited about this next evolution for Urban Unveiled.

Seattle Bride magazine acquires Urban Unveiled

Tiger Oak Media and True Colors Events announce partnership in
producing premier regional boutique bridal event

12.19.2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SEATTLE)—Tiger Oak Media, publisher of Seattle Bride, Oregon Bride, Seattle magazine, Seattle Business magazine and Northwest Meetings and Events is pleased to announce its acquisition of Urban Unveiled into its Seattle Bride operations. Beginning in 2012, Seattle Bride will begin producing Urban Unveiled (now in its seventh event) in conjunction with existing Seattle Bride events and publications.

Since 2007, Urban Unveiled has been the city’s premier boutique bridal showcase, featuring Seattle’s finest wedding vendors including Luly Yang Couture, Rented Elegance & Design, PNTA, 7 Salon, Michael Bride, Choice Linens, Pedersen’s Rentals, Lisa Dupar Catering, Tom Douglas Catering, Herban Feast, and City Catering Company. Targeted toward upscale, urban-minded brides and grooms, the event has been owned and operated by award-winning Seattle-based event planning company, True Colors Events.

With the new partnership, True Colors co-owners and event producers Jesse Brix and Travis McBurney will work with Seattle Bride to coordinate event clients, determine the design and décor direction and integrate fashion from Luly Yang Couture.

“We are excited to  Unveiled to the Tiger Oak family,” says, Tiger Oak Media CEO, Craig Bednar. “As the exclusive media sponsor of the event since its inception, Seattle Brideand Urban Unveiled have developed a natural symmetry in being an outstanding resource for those getting married.”

“Tiger Oak’s strength in running first-class events and long respected bridal magazines makes this a natural fit for Urban Unveiled,” says McBurney, co-owner of True Colors Events. “We are excited to remain involved with the production and vision of Urban Unveiled as this event continues to provide an unparalleled experience for vendors and soon-to-be-brides.”

About Tiger Media

Tiger Oak Mediais a regional and national publisher of intelligent, attractive and engaging targeted magazines, events and books that appeal to those who appreciate and seek out quality content and design.Tiger Oak is the largest circulating group of local magazines and media in the city.

Seattle Bride–www.seattlebridemag.com

Oregon Bride–www.oregonbridemag.com

Seattle magazine –www.seattlemag.com

Seattle Business magazine –www.seattlebusinessmag.com

About True Color Events

As True Colors Events, Travis and Jesse have had the pleasure of planning and coordinating weddings for couples since 2005. Travis has experience as a project manager for a Fortune 500 company, while Jesse has a background as a professional counselor. They feel this combination of structure and sensitivity is the building block to successful event creation and vision execution. True Colors Events is proud to have been recognized at “Best Wedding Planner” by Seattle Bride Magazine in 2011, 2010, and 2008. True Colors Events was also recognized as “All-Around Best Wedding Vendor” by Seattle Bride Magazine in 2010, and “Best Day-of Wedding Coordinator” in 2008.

Contacts

Seattle Bride
Michelle Derouen, 425.396.4647 michelle.derouen@tigeroak.com