Caplan Miller Events Blog

Have you noticed these cute miniature cars zooming around downtown? Every time I turn around the car2go is calling my name–LOOK AT ME! CHECK ME OUT!! I was surprised to learn that you will only find them in Germany and Austin. It’s a very simple process-let me show you how:

READY-SET-DRIVE

1. BOOKING
Pick up the car at a moment’s notice or reserve in advance via internet or telephone

2. GET IN
As soon as you hold the car2go member card up to the card reader on the windshield, the vehicle opens

3. ENTER YOU PIN
Get in the car and then enter your PIN

4. DRIVE OFF
Start the car, then simply drive to the destination of your choice. And pay per minute ($.35/minute)

5. PARK
Once you arrive at your destination, simply park the car2go. Make sure that you don’t leave it in a no-park zone. Or you can use one of the many car2go “Designated Park Spots”-a parking space reserved for the cars

These cars are perfect for any of your out of town guests whether they are here for a conference or a wedding. They are also great for Austinites, like myself, that want to jump in and zoom around town looking cool in these urban chic vehicles.

Cheers!
Elizabeth

It’s Friday the 13th…

Friday the 13th happens once, twice, maybe three times a year if we are lucky! Tonight calls for some spooky celebration. I am officially giving you some Friday the 13th plans for this evening:
1. Obtain copy of Friday the 13th (Part 2 is my personal fav), press play.
2. Munch on Jason’s face (Jason pizza bagels)
3. Sip bloody cocktails
4. YES!

Slash it up!
CC

The Sugar Factory Candy Store in Los Angeles is candyland heaven, but what they are best known for is their couture pops. These bedazzled lollis are not only a yummy indulgence, but an accessory must for the biggest A-Listers in town. Some of my faves even tote these around the clubs – vodka soda in one hand and a pop in the other. And do you blame them?? Lollipops are the most best!

Lollipops, lollipops oh how sweet,
Give them to your guests as a delicious treat.
How cute would it be to give out a case
Of lollis with pictures of you and your groom’s face?
Stamp them with your monogram or put your logo on top,
The sugar will make you dance and even do the bunny hop.
When you give a welcome bag, you don’t want to tease,
Sneak in a pop and they will be happily pleased.
Stare into the gaze of the lollipop twirl,
And get caught up into the fantasy swirl.
Lollipop bouquets with rainbow colors galore,
Kids and adults will surely want more.
All different flavors with a wonderfully good kick,
Such a pleasant satisfaction in each and every lick.
Bubble gum, butterscotch, tart sour cherry,
Vanilla, grape, lemon and purple blueberry.
Watermelon, green apple, peaches n’ cream.
How can you resist this sweet-lover’s dream?
Your guests will love them 100 percent
Lollipops are perfect for your next event!!

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a lollipop? You know you love me!
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl

In this business I feel very fortunate to be around very beautiful things, including some of the most beautiful flowers you will ever lay eyes on. While different trends come and go, there are a few flowers that are so simple and chic, I will never get tired of them. White phalaenopsis orchids, french blue hydrangeas, hot pink peonies, and bright orange roses will always hold a special place in my heart. A big thank you to David Kurio Designs, Petal Pushers and Merveille for creating these beautiful arrangements! You are the best!

Florals: Merveille; Photography: Ashley Garmon

Floral: Petal Pushers; Photography: Michelle Reed

Florals: David Kurio; Photography: Kate Mefford

Floral: David Kurio; Photography: SMS Photography

love,
Sarah

I have an affinity for all things antique and after visiting the AMOA this weekend I have a new affection and appreciate for local shop owner Steve Wiman and his art medium of “uncommon objects.” Yes, I know I am a bit behind the times with finding this local jewel, but after leaving Austin for the past 8 years I am slowly relearning and being re-introduced to all the amazing talent this city offers. I have wandered many times in South Congress ‘ antique minimall, Uncommon Objects, thinking to myself “if only these objects could talk.” After stumbling into the AMOA downtown museum I completely fell in love with an exhibiting piece called Bittersweet (2004). The colors were so serene and beautiful, transitioning from pale to dusty colors of the rainbow in a pattern of waves. Using such interesting objects as a single sock, to a ribbon, to a piece of cork, to a wrench. Every item was unique and had me wondering if every object had been chosen methodically, with a reason and intention, and how much time it took to find just the right piece. And my favorite little detail of the entire piece was the pearl push pins that were used to hold some of the objects in place…it is such a delicate and unexpected touch and possibly the first time I think I really appreciated the little pin, recalling nostalgic feelings of when my when grandmother would teach me to sew doll clothes. So let’s all appreciate for a second…

Bittersweet, 2004

So all I need now is a little house of my very own, a big blank wall of a canvas and Steve Wiman commissioned to create one of my very own. Sign…some day…

Xx
E

Your out of town guests go to the expense of purchasing airfare, requesting off of work, and finding overnight accommodations in order to attend your event. Because of this, you need to show your appreciation! Have a little something waiting for them upon check-in to their hotel. It can be as simple as an iced cookie tied with a weekend itinerary, or a full bag of goodies complete with suggested activities to do in your city. Whatever you choose to do, dont forget to do SOMETHING to show your thanks!

Have a great week!
CC

We are wrapping up Sarah Miller’s bday week (because as party peeps, we celebrate for a week long) and I wanted to take the opportunity to do a little braggin’ on my partner-in-crime and show the world how amazing this gal is!

Earlier this year, Sarah assembled a dream team of our creative partners and headed to Houston to put on quite the show! This was my parent’s personal favorite CME wedding to date (so Mom & Dad, this one’s for you!).

A huge thank you to David Kurio Designs, Townsley Designs, Marquee Event Group, Tailored Tables, Brightstar, and the Petroleum Club of Houston.

gentleman’s bar. scotch & cigar room. iced raw bar. ivory draping. cream carpet. blush pink lighting. mirrored credenzas. sexy chaise lounges. sophisticated + elegant with a downtown view… how gorgeous can it get?

Cheers to a great weekend!
CC

Photography by E. Sullivan Photography

If you love J.Crew has much as I do, you will be thrilled to know that J.Crew has recently opened a bridal boutique on one of my most favorite avenues, Madison Avenue! Their gowns are so simple and chic, and at around 1,500.00, completely affordable. At their store you will also find fabulous bridesmaids dresses, darling outfits for flower girls and ring bearers and a wide range of menswear. I love their jewelry. It is the most best!!! J.Crew, you’ve come along way baby! Congrats!!!

love,
Sarah

I have a non-human crush on balloons. Seriously folks, I’m in love. They are, have always been, and will forever be, in style, fashionable, and just plain awesome. What says “happy” more than balloons? Nada.

I use them whenever and wherever I can! No shin dig is too sophisticated for balloons. Okay, well maybe some, but who cares. Today’s post is all about ballooooooonnnsssss!

In May, I designed a rainbow balloon tunnel for a circus theme bat mitzvah party. Bubble machines, circus music, and color changing lights were all incorporated into this awesome entrance to our party. Outside on the patio, we used balloon towers to add to our carnival inspired dessert area:

At a carnival party back in Summer of ‘08, I used balloons to enhance a candy table. I also incorporated balloon towers to frame the gates to my carnival:

I found this darling save the date featured on Style Me Pretty:

These oversized balloons are so simple and chic when used with Amy Atlas’s all white dessert table:

One of my very first CME events was an “Around the World” theme party. Here is an Eiffel Tower made of balloons that was the backdrop to my crepe station.

And last… I used this balloon palm tree as a buffet centerpiece. (Excuse the messy photo – the party wasn’t officially set and ready for guests yet!)

The next month is all about balloons for me! Stay tuned and follow me on twitter (@caplanmiller) to see photos from my upcoming August 21st bar mitzvah and September 5th birthday party where I will most definitely be going overboard with ballooooooooooons!

CC

First of all, I thank CC for the opportunity to opine for this online scribe, henceforth known as “the blog.” Truly disliking the word “blog” and knowing I’m not alone in my disdain for a word still in it’s infancy, I’ll let that go and attempt to write something of some value. Which brings up another point: I know sweet f.a. about the event management world so I can’t help you much when it comes to your next wedding but I wish you all the best (and throw an invite my way if the karaoke is involved). The only thing I know well is random. So good readership of the CME blog, I afraid we’re going to have to leave it at that and just be friends. I’ll try and keep it germane to something that might stick with you and maybe, just once, you’ll think of me. So, as the bard did once say, where is my purple drank?

I’m not sure what happened but what’s up with the effeminate vampire thing? Team Jacob, anyone? WTF? True Blood? What’s a Sookie? I feel lost. Give me some of that old-school vampire vibe where my bloodsmen had some balls and weren’t junked out on some watered down MDMA substitute – they just wanted to get their drank on and keep the posturing to a minimum. Regardless, I did wonder to myself aloud the other day: where would Sookie and Edward and that little bitch Bella hang out if they lived in Austin and not some gutter town? What crowd would they hang with it? It’s a rhetorical exercise but hang with me – or go “tweet” something and then come back.

TEAM JACOB!
Wow, don’t get me started. “Paging Andrew Ridgley, paging Andrew Ridgley?” Little rough and tumble Jacob would most likely be looking for some street cred – but with nice stemware. East Side Show Room? With his mason jar-Rum Daisy in paw, Jake would feel right at home among Austin’s burgeoning hipster movement. Here he could nibble on some very nice artisan charcuterie and wonder when the next MGMT show is. And how to get back at the Calvin Klein model guy who keeps stealing his airtime. Damn him!

BELLA
I actually kind of like her but more because she played Joan Jett but Joan’s not a vampire and hence, now irrelevant. But Lita Ford? Hot vampire mom who shreds. Yeah, anyway, Lil’ Bella likes it dim and depressive but with a soundtrack you can drearily dance to. But she needs to eat. Seriously, a taco, some egg noodles, something – the girl’s gonna blow away. She’s not yet the vampire (I haven’t seen the third one so don’t tell me if she jumps the fence and indeed now is) so she needs some real food. Uchiko is her spot. She can back up at the long graceful bar, admire graceful and well-appointed decor, ponder the Volturi, and hopefully eat some of the best sushi and Asian-inspired fare this city has to offer. And get bombed out on a great sake list and lighten up. A little? Please? Bella, dear?

EDWARD
Really? If this guy left his suite at the Four Seasons Austin, I’d be amazed. Hell, if I had his bankroll, I wouldn’t either. 24-hour room service and an amazing concierge staff to cater to his every whim? Hell no, he ain’t coming out. Plus his contract with Summit Entertainment stipulates he always rolls at a Four Seasons whenever possible. Unless in Paris, there, Edward always stays at The Ritz. Edward loves The Ritz.

SOOKIE and VAMPIRE BILL
Allegorical references restrained, these two are headed for The Good Knight. Cool, down-home vibe, great jukebox, no fried food, incredible drinks (ask Billy to make whatever he wants), and partially sober staff makes this their hang out. And they don’t have to walk far to procure more MDMA (Comal and 3rd) or hit another spot. Come to think of it, The Liberty would be a good scene for these two as well. East Side King trailer (great fried beets) in the back, dim outdoor lighting, and cheap beer (I think they have Abita) make this a great alternative. Whatever, these two are definitely staying east of 35. Tall structures intimidate them all too easily and no one would understand their thick-ass faux accents anyway.

Okay children of the revolution, I could drivel on more regarding 21st century vampires and their haunts for a while but those few immediately hit my mind. Lestat and Louis would have been more challenging but nobody remembers those man-whores anyway…

Until the next time,

TMR