I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE

Biking is the best.  I love taking a bike ride at sunset on the boardwalk, or just around the block to ease my mind.  I'm so excited to be moving to Ocean Beach where I can bike or walk anywhere I please.  Where do you like to ride?  xoxo... Jessica of the Wanderers

Listen to Queen's "Bicycle Race" to get you in the mood! xoxo... Jessica from the Wanderers

Sweet Treat October : To smash or not to smash?

To smash or not to smash! It wasn't until this October, when all that has been on my mind is Halloween and  consequently sweets, that I contemplated whether it was acceptable to smash cake into your partner's face on your wedding day. I was surprised after researching on google that this question is quite the controversy. Since sweets are still on my mind, I thought it would be fun to see delicious cake and what the shewanders' couples decided to do with it.

I wanted to hear if these couples were sweet on their wedding day, or if their faces tasted sweet from the cake and frosting that decorated their faces! Here's to cake!

Dos Besos,

Katie from the Wanderers

"Nick and I aren't the type do anything sweetly--especially if there are witnesses--so I knew I had to be on the defensive. We had cannoli instead of cake, though, so it was sharper and not as smash-able. figuring that the best defense was a good offense but not wanting to stab him, I quickly got some filling and wiped it on his face. To this day he complains that I got cannoli in his eye. :)"

-Brooke Taylor

"I was happy to be tidy in the cake-feeding.  We had cupcakes, so there was ample opportunity for a mess.  To be honest, I don't really remember if we tried to smash and chickened out or what."

-Ashley Fong

Sweet Treat October : A Sweet Addition

Christina Tolpa can do it all! She is a fabulous coordinator at Bliss Events and owner and creator of  A Sweet Addition, for just that! Check out her delicious talents!

1) What should brides/grooms/curious seekers know about you?I don't take myself seriously but I take my work seriously! I'm a wedding and event coordinator, and owner of a favor company, as well as a very recent bride. I’ve seen the wedding industry from different perspectives and understand the emotions and importance each role plays. With such perspective, I feel I am able to interact with my industry co-workers, clients and their families and guests more effectively. For me, the most important thing to be – other than extremely creative and organized – is calm, understanding and flexible in every situation.

2) Why do you love what you are doing? In a word: smiles. :) There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you contributed to someone else’s joy and most cherished day, surrounded by family and friends.

3) What makes your business wonderful and stand out from the rest? I’m passionate about what I do. I put all of my heart into each and every event that I’m involved in! I never push ideas or talk a client into something that is not for them... Instead, I try to find what they are looking for and will not rest until I know they are getting exactly what they want. I listen to my clients and do all that I can to make their event successful and a true reflection of who they are.

I also prioritize educational programs and industry events. Trends and rules are always changing, and as planners and business owners, it is our responsibility to stay current. I’ve found that staying current and exposing myself to these industry changes allows me to provide more guidance and insight to my clients.

4) Where do you find your inspiration? Everywhere… buildings, landscaping, art, color, blogs, magazines and fashion!

5) What does the world need right now? Love, sweet love…. No pun intended!:) With everyday stresses, I think it’s important people remember to celebrate the important things and important people in their lives.

6) What advice do you have for brides to be? Advice for Brides to be.... Wow, I may have too much advice!:) First, try not to let the planning consume you, getting married is what matters!! Stay focused on why you are getting married and try to enjoy every moment leading up to the big day. A lot of time, money, thought and energy is put into a wedding... Having a good planner will ensure that your day runs smoothly and all details are executed properly. Planners are amazing for many different reasons but it's comforting to know someone is there making sure you, your family and friends can enjoy the day and not worry about all the details.

7) If you could go to one of the 7 wonders of the world, where would you go and why? Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory! It’s a wonder… right!?

peace, briana

Sweet Treat October : an interview with the CAKE girls

I love CAKE.  more specifically I love the company CAKE.  I have known them since I first started shewanders in 2002.  They have inspired me and encouraged me every day since.  I hope you enjoy the interview and have a chance to one day eat a CAKE cake.  With Love,  Suzanne

PS How fabulous is this shoot for Exquisite Weddings?  The cake was such a highlight.  See more of this shoot here.  Also hat's off to our gorgeous models.  Ella from Brightly Designed.  Emma from the Little Hen House.   Noah from Root 75.  These are some talented kids.  See more from this shoot here.

Interview with the CAKE girls.

1. How do you come up with your CAKE designs?

-If it's left completely up to us, we try to get as creative as possible. We determine decor by theme, color and manifest the design through art. Or, we ask the clients for their vision and do our best to capture it.

2. Have you ever had an imaginary friend? who/what was it?

-No, but I used to imagine that my stuffed animals and dolls came alive when I left the room.

3. Is there any specific music/artist/song that gets your creative juices flowing?

-Honestly, when we're suffering through a long shift, Jenn and I put on the "Ying Yang Twins" station on Pandora and dance!

4. What’s the best topping to put on ice cream?

-Thick hot fudge, home made whipped cream and a ton of roasted spanish peanuts.

5. What would you carve into a pumpkin?

-A goofy monster

6. What’s your favorite “old wives” tale?

-Swallowing watermelon seeds will grow a plant in your stomach and the stork brings a new baby home.

7. If you could have a super power what would it be?

-TO FLY!!!!

Shoot Credits:  Katherine Farley/Root 75, Courtney Scowby/Brightly Designed, Summer Watkins/Grey Likes, Kimberly and Jennifer/CAKE and Alyssa McNees/EW.  Jenny/Luxe Special Events