Lovelies, we’re in for such a fabulous Friday treat today. Overflowing with industry talents like Nancy Liu Chin Designs, A Savvy Event and Very Mary Inspired, this pretty, pretty shoot for their Oh So Inspired workshop has us weak in the knees. Time and again, these ladies have transformed blooms, brides and tablescapes galore into complete wedding gorgeousness. So when they get together and talk shop, the results are bound to be beautiful. Milou & Olin captured every petal, ribbon and stunning linen from La Tavola right here in the gallery.
From Nancy Liu Chin Designs…For me, the wedding season feels like contractions as one wedding ends, another begins. As a veteran, I had become use to the daily grind and without any long breaks since starting NLC Designs in 2001, I felt at times depleted of resources both mentally and creatively. The cycle of design/creativity sometimes feels lost because there was rarely a moment’s pause to refresh, to learn, to reinvent.
During this particular off season I began to re-elevate what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it. Through taking a short break, I had the chance to reignite, redefine what I wanted my work to look and feel. It was so —–simply inspiring.
It was during this time that I had several wonderful heart to heart chats with fellow professionals —- Kelly McLeskey-Dolata of A Savvy Events, Mary Phan of Very Mary Inspired. We all sort of came to the same conclusion that it would be so refreshing to have a vendor retreat — a place in which people could come at the end of a long wedding season to meet with others with the soul purpose of reigniting our passion, renewing our commitments, relaxing in a place where we can “explore” other creative avenues, relooking at our business with new eyes and simply reassessing where our business is at and where might we want to go.
After much talk Kelly, Mary and I came up with this great idea for a 3 day hands on intimate retreat called Oh So Inspired. We found a beautiful and charming venue in Sonoma, California called Ramekins where the daily activities will take place. It’s ideally located in a quaint town, and within walking distance from the main square. Beautiful in late fall, Sonoma is a short and scenic drive from San Francisco. Our lodging partner, El Dorado Kitchen and Resort, which is one of our favorite places to style in Sonoma, is mere blocks from Ramekins so attendees have a great place to stay during the retreat. Breathing in the crisp air, seeing the gorgeous fall hues in Wine Country, what could be more enticing?
Over a course of 3 days, the Oh So Inspired retreat will offer creative activities including floral class by Nancy Liu Chin, sketch lessons by Mary Phan of Very Merry Events, calligraphy tutorial by Maybelle, a culinary cooking experience from the chefs at Ramekins, and you’ll also get to partake in a styled photo shoot designed by Kelly McLeskey-Dolata of A Savvy Events ( at a secret location ) along side one of the Nation’s top photographer, KT Merry. To top off our styling, we are excited that Small Masterpiece’s founder, Jason Murakawa will demonstrate how to set a proper table.
In addition to all the education, you’ll get a chance to hear stories of inspiration and humble beginnings from successful entrepreneurs, as well as bond over fire-side chats. The original “eventiste” Marcy Blum will grace us with her presence and open our event with her fabulous stories of Inspiration. And many more speakers to follow.
But there is more!
Each day will start out with delicious breakfasts, followed by a mid day lunch by Ramekins. The first night we will have a wonderful cooking class followed by dinner for all attendees. Our final night will include a celebratory event and dinner. There’s a wonderful swag bag for all attendees which will have goodies that we would love to share but you’ll have to come to get it.
Sounds like your cup of tea? Cozy up with us this November 3- 5 in Sonoma. Indulge in learning, renewal, and honest to goodness growth plus take your business to a whole new level and create life-long connections.
Oh So Inspired
November 3-5, 2014
Register here!
Photography: Milou + Olin Photography | Styling: Very Mary Inspired | Floral Design: Nancy Liu Chin | Venue: Ramekins Sonoma | Invitation: Forever Heyday | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Planning: A Savvy Event | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Ribbon: FrouFrou Chic | Vendor: Oh So Inspired