Ceremony Magazine 2010 - OC Edition

Please pick up the newest edition of Ceremony Magazine, Orange County Edition. You will get some inspirations for consideration at your wedding and get to see Shawna Yamamoto Event Design as well!

One tabletop featured in Ceremony 2010 in particular was inspired by my favorite Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. I can recall the moment I saw the original painting in person on one of my trips to Vienna, Austria. It was so powerful that it brought me to tears. It's beautifully tangled and twisted and tells a story of love - which I found to be perfect for a wedding tabletop photo shoot.

It's always challenging bringing art to life...but I enjoyed the challenge. I hope it inspires you and makes you want to see more in a tabletop than just another pretty flower arrangement. Every part of a wedding can hold a meaning & hold something near and dear to you within its interpretation. Even if the two of you are the only ones who "get" it.

The tabletops backdrop was constructed out of plywood and painted in copper and brushed with black to work off the background in the painting.

The original painting has actual gems and gold leaf work so I wanted to emphasize the importance of the gold of the painting and bring that into the all gold, tone on tone linens. Wildflower linens creator, Young, brought the falling greens/golds at the base of the painting to life with her amazing chair covers. The hanging crystals pay tribute to the original paintings use of gems and to the country's amazing crystals (Swaravski Crystals). The male is the geometric boxes on the left while she is the golden falling crystals and multi-colored floral garlands on the right. Amber Yin of AmberProductions used her genius of specialized lighting and spotlighted our hand-made crystal chandelier and up lite the backdrop to create the glow you see. The crystals intentionally "kiss" everything below it, rather than falling onto it. I felt it would help symbolize the title of the work if we cut out the crystals around the custom-made geometric vase rather than allowing them to fall all around it.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures and perhaps understand the depth to my designs. Rarely do I design something without meaning or without somehow connecting it to the couple and/or the celebration.

Turquoise, Red and Brown..what have you just found?

Color combinations can be so exciting! They can be a subtle part of the design or even ALL of the design. This event took place in Malibu at Calimigos Ranch. The bride asked me to create a wedding that used the colors turquoise, red and brown. She was also inspired by Chinese lanterns. The color palette and lanterns made me think of orchids and a deep dark bamboo. Simplicity & romance was also important to the couple so they asked that the centerpieces be low & have lighting/candles.

This was a super sweet couple and I enjoyed working with them so much! I wish them the very best! Here is there story:

The centerpieces were various sized dark bamboo topped with green moss and/or orchids. The center cylinder had copper wire mingling with orchids and a submersed LED. The cluster was surrounded by black river rock and ti-leaf wrapped votives.

The bridal party carried hand-painted paper parasols instead of a bouquet! Loved these!! Amazing find that I must admit matched perfectly!

BRIDAL SHOW 2010

If you are getting married in 2010, this intimate Bridal Show in Brea, California is a great place to meet wedding profesionals ready to make your dream wedding a realitiy!

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design will be there showcasing some popular trends for 2010. We will answer your questions and book a consultation on the spot for you! We look forward to seeing you there!

Pre-register for a discounted admission at www.breabridalshow.com .

2009 In Review

I can hardly believe that this time last year I didn't even know I would be venturing out on my own to start my very own event design company. By the end of March 2009, it was official. I only had one event confirmed. My logo was being designed, website under construction, online advertisments commencing and all but hope for a bright future.

I soon realized what an amazing network of people I had working around me. Industry professionals, event coordinators, photographers, lighting designers, family, friends, and past clients started calling me. ME! I was thrilled. People trusted my product and knew the level of committement and passion that I put into each of my events. They told me so.

Thank you to all of the amazing people that I have worked with this year. All of the success I acheived in 2009 was because of you. I have made so many new friends, supportors, cheerleaders and memories that I will not soon forget. By the end of 2009 I had designed over 25 of my very own events & a list for 2010 already surpassing that number.

I have now became several - with a design team of impecable taste, loyaly and passion. In 2010 we will staff two interns - one in business management and another in design/fabrication. In February 2010 our new design studio doors will officially open for business (party coming..keep posted!). In 2010, you will see Shawna Yamamoto Event Design featured in 3 wedding publications (hopefully more as the year & submissions go on!). In 2010, we will be honored to be called upon by you, your friends, your family and your referrals.

Cheers to an amazing 2009!