{Featured Event} "Luxury Spa Infused Cocktail Party at the Sanctuary"

WIPA: "LUXURY SPA INFUSED" COCKTAIL PARTY

Event Chair: Jennifer Starr, J.Starr Stylized Weddings

Venue Host: Sanctuary Resort

Thursday evening, I had the honor of serving as the Event Chair for the WIPA Cocktail Party.  Planning an event like this is so much fun for me because in a sense I get to play! I was able to create the concept, select my creative partner team, and bring my vision to life from start to finish.  This is like "Christmas Morning" to a Wedding Designer. 

When the WIPA committee told me this event would take place at the Sanctuary Resort I was thrilled.  Have you been to this property?  It is truly something special; the moment you step foot on this property, you instantly feel so relaxed.  The way that this venue is nestled in the mountains lends itself to some of the most spectacular desert views that I have ever seen. 

The concept I came up with was a "Luxury Spa Infused Cocktail Party."  In a sense, it's kind of an oxymoron.  I love, love, love taking ideas that are kind of opposite and pairing them together.  If you take a look back at some of my other design concepts you will see this tends to be a trend with me.  I knew two things for sure....this was a Cocktail Party (the first members only Cocktail Party that WIPA has ever hosted...which also encouraged 5 new Wedding Professionals to sign up!) and I needed to really incorporate the vibe of the property....thus "Luxury Spa Infused Cocktail Party" was born. 

The color scheme really served as the foundation for everything else.  I met with the talented Laurie Southwick of Southwick Linens to discuss options.  Laurie is truly a color expert and starting with the linens is incredibly important because it sets the foundation of everything else.  Laurie and I went back and fourth on many options.  We first looked at doing "traditional" spa like colors, but we both felt that they weren't fitting for a "cocktail party" that's why we moved to darker/cooler tones.  We finally decided on shades of pewter, grey, ivory, with a pop of sparkle. 

The next step was to select the furniture and rentals.  Again, because this wasn't a typical "sit down dinner" event, selecting the appropriate furniture pieces was crucial to giving this event the feel of a "cocktail party." I was so thrilled to partner with Glamour and Woods.  This company was founded by one of the valley's top interior designers and as you can see, their product line is quite exquisite. 

All the floral pieces were designed by Jan Dekker or Jan Dekker Designs.  I've had the joy of working with Jan on many beautiful weddings in the past.  She is a true artist and always goes the extra mile to make sure her creations are not only breathtaking but also appropriate and fitting to the overall design concept.  Jan met with the Glamour and Woods team ahead of time and selected vases and structures from their collection to pair with her floral.  

  

The outcome was stunning.  I just loved the sold hardwoods mixed with metal fine finishes, topped with flowing romantic floral pieces.  Jan's floral creations really brought a sense of softness and relaxation to the event setting.  The room was also set with several gorgeous vessel candles...really pulling in the feeling of a spa environment.

 



My most favorite design element was definitely the "Vase of Venus" provided by Rolando Espinoza of the Champagne Creative Group.  As guests first entered the room....their eyes were naturally directed to the front of the room where our live model was positioned up on top of a beautiful light up vase.  This over the top design piece really created a sense of relaxation yet glamour at the same time (yes! this makes me happy). 

And yes the photo to the right is yours truly...welcoming our guests and giving recognition to all my talented creative partners.  Bringing a group of "creatives" together to bring an experience to life is really a beautiful thing.  In fact, it's one of my most favorite things. 

The Sanctuary provided a lovely spread of deliciousness...Seasonal Fruit Display, Summer Harvest Vegetable Basket, Domestic and International Cheeses with Artisan Breads, Melon Gazpacho, Seared Tuna on Cucumber Noodles, Chicken Satays, Bruschetta Bar, and Dessert Station.

I was thrilled to have Dave and Drea of Desert House Productions provide the music for the evening.  Desert House Productions is known for their upscale beats and bringing a modern edge into the event.



It was a truly a fantastic event.  The sights, the sounds, the smells...but mostly the people.  The room was filled with individuals who really appreciate an "experience." I received so many compliments that meant so much to me, because these guests aren't "normal" people.  This group of people are regulars at over the top weddings and events.  

Jennifer Newman of The Wellness Bar AZ provided an "Essential Oil Bar." Everyone was able to create their own custom bath salts to take home and enjoy.  Jennifer also provided all of the lovely paper details compliments of her business Envelope Envy.  It's always very important to communicate to your guests via delicate pretty signage. 



A Very Special Thank You to the Team of Creative Partners: (Left to Right/Front Row)  Jennifer Newman, Jan Dekker, (Me) Jennifer Starr, Rachel Soloman, Rolando Espinoza, Drea and Dave Strickler, (Back Row) Jennifer Dudones, Michael Dobbs, and Laurie Southwick. (Not pictured Taryn Pollock and Jeff Bills of Serendipity Cinema). 

A very special thank you to the Phoenix WIPA Board for asking and trusting me to Chair this special evening.  I'd also like to send a special thank you to Miss Emily Bollinger (My Intern) who spent many hours hammering this day out with me, rock star style.

P.S. There were many additional beautiful photos taken this evening, stay tuned I'll be sure and post the album to my facebook page very soon.

Luxury Spa Infused WIPA Cocktail Party Creative Partner Team:
 

Planner/Designer:  J.Starr Stylized Weddings

Venue: Sanctuary Resort Spa / Leah Digirolamo & Brittany Martenson

Photographer: Rachel Solomon Photography

Floral: Jan Dekker Designs

Furniture/Rentals: Glamour and Woods

DJ: Desert House Productions

Entertainment: Champagne Creative Group

Essential Oil Bar: The Wellness Bar, AZ

Cinematography: Serendipity Cinema

Paper Products: Envelope Envy

Specialty Linens: Southwick Linens

Draping: Event Rents

Hair and Make Up (on Me): Linda Valenzuela of Mia Cosmetics



Are YOU on the List?

Happy Monday all!

I hope everyone had a fab weekend celebrating our great country! I was luckily enough to sneak in a quick little overnight staycation with my little crew.  We spent it poolside... with popsicles! And my little ones received their first pedicures (via me) so much sparkly fun!

This week, I am feeling *super* busy and *super* excited, because next week I have two huge events two days apart from each other. YES...I love when all the planning starts to come to life.

In case you missed the news I shared on Friday, I felt it was necessary to share again....J.Starr Stylized Weddings now has a Newsletter!

Over the past two weeks or so, my intern Emily and I have been working on developing a monthly J. Starr Newsletter. I am very happy to say that our July edition is hot off the press and ready to be sent out!  This is something that I've been wanting to do for a long time, and with the help and research of Emily...it's finally happening. 

I thought it was important to create a newsletter to be sent out each month so that you can stay up to date with J.Starr happenings.  The newsletter will feature all of the previous month’s blog posts, a few highlights from the month, as well as a planning tip, a stylizing tip, a vendor of the month, and a few of my fab finds all in one nice little email for your ease and convenience!

Now, onto the important part; where can you sign up?

If you haven't signed up already, you can still get in on the virtual party by clicking here.

So far, I'm blown away by the amount of subscribers!  Seriously in awe.  Let's keep this momentum going...in doing so.. I'm going to be offering a giveaway!  The giveaway will be a basket full of some of my very favorite things!  I'll release a few more details soon.  Until then, sign up.  The winner will be announced in our August J.Starr Newsletter edition!  All you have to do is subscribe, if you've already done so, then you're already entered :) 

As always, thank you for caring and connecting!

Much Love, Jennifer Starr

{Featured Friday}: On Newstands Now, J.Starr Styled & Coordinated Cover

 

Happy Friday Sweet Peeps!

 

A little less than a year ago I was asked to style & coordinate a cover, along with a 4 page editorial shoot for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites magazine.  At the time this was my second time doing this, since then I've added two more covers to my portfolio, truly such an honor. 

 

The amount of work that goes into a magazine editorial shoot is mind blowing, these breath taking images just don't happen. There is a ton of planning, designing, communicating, and executing with large teams of creative professionals. 

 

 

 

Although, when you see the final product come to life, it's exhilarating.  I posted the full 4 page editorial on my blog previously, you can view it here.  I couldn't share the cover until now....as it's currently hot off the press and currently on newsstands. 

 

 

 VENDOR TEAM:

 

Publication:  Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites & Services

Event Design/Coordination: J.Starr Stylized Weddings

Venue, Drinks & Desserts: JW Marriott Ridge Resort & Spa

Floral Design: Flower Bar

Photography: Brooke Photography

Paper Details: Paper Crown Designs

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Linens: Southwick Linens

Hair & Make Up: Rolfs

Bridal Gown: Suzanne's Bridal Boutique

Jewelry: Stella Dot/Stylist: Melissa Jonovich

Groom's Attire: Mr. Formal

{Featured Friday} Magazine Editorial Shoot at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort

 

What an honor it was to be asked to Coordinate & Design another Cover (cover to hit the newsstands in February!) and 4 Page Spread for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine.  

 

Can I just take a moment to talk about the lovely ladies of this publication....

 

Ashley Lopez (Publishing Assistant) ... not only talented and kind, she could also easily have modeled for this shoot, wow so striking...Renea Johnson-Liggett (Director of Sales) is ever so lovely and charming...and has a natural gift of making anyone around her feel welcomed and appreciated...and Teri Ambrose (Publisher/Creative Director) has really become a professional mentor to me...her expertise is truly inspiring, I so appreciate her ability to see a layout in her mind before adding in the all the elements.  Teri's personal elegance and grace transcends into her magazine.

  

 When I found out the shoot would be held at the stunning JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa I was thrilled! Teri had explained to me that they wanted to do something with his location "outside of the box"...you see, not only does the JW Marriott Desert Ridge have stunning indoor/more traditional wedding reception ballrooms, they also have some amazing outdoor hidden gem locations. 

 

I loved having the opportunity to meet and work with the professional yet very personable Natalie Hall (Senior Catering Sales Executive).  Early on, Natalie toured our team of vendors around the massive grounds of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge....showing all the different options we had available for our shoot. 

 

And that's the moment Megan Carollo (Owner and Lead Designer of "Flower Bar") and I totally *clicked*.  We were both drawn towards the idea of holding the shoot primarily in the resort's lush Organic Herb Garden.  A few weeks later I met up with Megan in her studio (which by the way if you have the opportunity to visit, this space is fantastic...I could easily curl up there every morning with a cup of coffee and become inspired.  Megan (and her team) had ideas that were completely "out of the box"  she loved the idea of really playing up mixed metals, fun pops of colors....

 

Thus..." A Modern Organic Affair" was born....

 

 

The next step was choosing the linens to best enhance this look.  I naturally sought out the help of Laurie Southwick (Owner of Southwick Linens).  Laurie instinctively knew that the "bronze coil overlay" would be the perfect addition to the sweetheart table, along with the royal blue napkins set out on our "Farm to Dining" table. 

 

To add some personal touches to our shoot Paper Crown Designs created the place cards (complete with fresh herbs attached!) menu cards, bar and party favor signs. 

 

 

In addition to our "Modern Organic Look" I desired to (in true J.Starr form) bring in some elements of Hollywood glam/Rock in Roll style.  In doing so,  I selected an elegant, fashion-forward strapless gown with a detachable peplum for our model to wear from Suzanne's Bridal Boutique.  I encouraged Rolfs (our Hair and Make Up team) to go "dramatic."  And to complete her look, I enlisted in the help of Melissa Jonovich (Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot) to add in some sparkle.

 

  And what a joy it was to meet and work with Brooke Stevens-Patrick. (Owner of Brooke Photography) Brooke's easy going nature made this photo shoot fun, and her images turned out stunning....don't you agree?  Wow. 

 

 I'd also like to give a special shout out  to Renata Hodl my Production Assistant on this shoot.  Thank you my dear friend....your muscles and great insights were so appreciated!

 

Lastly, if you'd like to read the full article I encourage you to purchase your copy of Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazines, available in most stores here in the valley.  This spread is featured on pages 104, 105, 106 & 107....and like I said, stay tuned for the COVER to be released in February!

 

 

VENDOR TEAM:

 

Publication:  Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites & Services

Event Design/Coordination: J.Starr Stylized Weddings

Venue, Drinks & Desserts: JW Marriott Ridge Resort & Spa

Floral Design: Flower Bar

Photography: Brooke Photography

Paper Details: Paper Crown Designs

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Linens: Southwick Linens

Hair & Make Up: Rolfs

Bridal Gown: Suzanne's Bridal Boutique

Jewelry: Stella Dot/Stylist: Melissa Jonovich

Groom's Attire: Mr. Formal 

 

 

 

 

 

**  VIEW Last Year's J.Starr Magazine Editorial Shoot at the Hotel Valley Ho**

{Wedding Wednesday} Waking Up with a "Glam Over".....

 

Greetings All,

 

Oh my goodness...the one downfall of working in the Wedding/Event Industry is the mornings when you wake up with what I call a "Glam Over" much like a "Hang Over" but minus the alcohol. 

 

It's mornings when I wake up feeling creativity fulfilled but yet a sense of sadness and depletion.  It happens after every wedding, stylized photo shoot, or design competition.....

 

You see so much time, energy and thought goes into to each creative project....that after the event has taken place, I wake up the next day feeling a little lost...  It's over? Really? Awe, so sad. 

 

Yesterday for nine hours I was entrenched with flowers, rental props, hair and make up at  a huge  beautiful resort while collaborating with a very large team of incredibly talented people...and today it's all over. 

 

So in an effort to survive my "Glam Over" and start focusing on my upcoming fabulous events....I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my past "J.Starr In the Press Moments". 

J.Starr Ad for Arizona's Weddings Magazine, 2011:

J.Starr Planner Spotlight Feature, Arizona's Weddings Magazine, 2011:

 

 

 

 

J.Starr Ad for Arizona's Weddings Magazine, 2012:

 

 

 

J.Starr Planner Spotlight Feature, Arizona's Weddings Magazine, 2012:

 

 

J.Starr Tantalizing Tables Feature, WEDAZ Magazine, 2012:

 

 

 J.Starr Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine Cover & Spread, 2013:

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.Starr Stylized Weddings, Takes the Cover!

Happy Wednesday! 

Wow I have to admit, I feel like I've been an annoyingly "over sharer" on social media lately...but wow...so many scrumptious things have been happening, I just can't keep it all to myself.  I'm so ridiculously excited to share that the Valley Ho Photo Shoot I stylized in the fall of last year, is now on the COVER of Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites & Services! 

 

It was such an incredible honor to be asked to Design/Coordinate this project, thank you again to Teri Ambrose and the staff at Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites & Services for the lovely opportunity! 

 

I have to tell you....it really wasn't all that long ago, that I was a recent college grad waiting tables at the Olive Garden, trying desperately to get someone to hire me in the Event Industry World.  Sometimes, even now I still feel like a "newbie", but I'll forever feel grateful to be a part of such a breathtaking and emotionally rewarding industry...and it's probably a good thing I'm no longer around all those Olive Garden bread sticks.

Vendor Team on the Shoot:

 

 

MAGAZINE

Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites and Services : www.finestweddingsites.com  

EVENT DESIGN AND STYLING

J. Starr Stylized Weddings & Events: www.jstarrweddings.com 

VENUE

Hotel Valley Ho: www.hotelvalleyho.com PHOTOGRAPHY
Erica Velasco Photographers: www.ericavelasco.com FLORAL

Garden Gate Flowers: www.gardengateflowersaz.com
CAKE

Piece of Cake Desserts: www.arizonaweddingcakes.com 

CHAIRS AND DISHES

Classic Party Rentals: www.classicpartyrentals.com
HAIR

Lisa Berger: www.thehairchick.comMAKEUP

Linda Valenzuela: www.miacosmetics.comGOWN

Suzanne’s Bridal Boutique: www.suzannesbridalboutique.com GROOM’S ATTIRE

Mr. Formal: www.mrformalaz.com INVITATIONS AND PAPER DETAILS

The Event Essentials: www.theeventessentials.com LINENS

Southwick Linens: www.southwicklinens.com JEWELRY

Claudia’s Custom Jewelry: www.designsbyclaudias.com 

J.Starr Magazine Editorial Shoot at The Valley Ho

Well, if I had to pick my proudest professional accomplishment of 2012, this would be the day.  Yes, I'm very proud that all my design concepts came together so beautifully...but honestly I'm more proud of the fact that, this day, didn't cause me to go into labor...because, well....I looked like this ~ Yes, I was 33 weeks pregnant with twins.

 

 

 Truth is, I was really worried that I might not be up to this challenge physically.... but I had the Publisher of Arizona's Finest Magazine; Teri Ambrose and a vendor team of twelve different companies depending on me to pull this off.....and I did, with the help and support of my amazing J.Starr team. {Thank you April Kuebler, Renata Hodl, and Melissa Jonovich}

 

Teri had called me in October and asked me to be a featured Planner/Designer on a photo shoot for a 2 page spread {and cover!} for their upcoming June 2013~June 2014 Magazine.   I was thrilled, but as Teri and I starting talking we both realized we would have to move quickly on this project as my belly was expanding daily.   I was thrilled when she told me that the location she had chosen for me was The Valley Ho.  I then assembled my vendor team, choosing vendors that I knew could pull off this desired "look".

 

 

 

And with this news, my mind started spinning with ideas....ultimately coming up with the concept. Retro Romance. I scoured my bridal magazines, researched the history of The Valley Ho and the time period when it was first built, I hunted the internet....looking for retro inspiration....and consulted with several of my trusted industry artist friends....and of course walked the grounds of Valley Ho with my partner in creative crime, my love...Justin Starr. 

 

Justin {being a professional photographer himself} and somewhat of a perfectionist...has a very detailed and critical eye.  Our brains work in complete opposite ways.....and though our conversations can get complex and frustrating....I'm always beyond thrilled when the ideas come to life.  

 

I arrived on property at 10am and all the magic started to come together....and I was in my zone, my happy place, my element.  I LOVE seeing my ideas come together.... I can day dream about them in my head, make sketches and floor plans, but there is nothing more exciting than seeing it unfold in person.  And at 8pm that night, my dear friend April pushed me out the front of the hotel doors in wheelchair {I had borrowed it from my Granny just in case} with my arms full of gorgeous flowers from the shoot......a moment I'll always remember ~ April, I love you!

 

To see this spread in person and read the article that explains the vision and concept and all the beautiful details that went into this shoot, please pick up the latest Arizona's Finest Wedding Magazine today and turn to pages 88 through 91. 

 

 

And of course, a HUGE thank you to our talented Vendor Team on the Shoot:

 

 

MAGAZINE

Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites and Services : www.finestweddingsites.com  

EVENT DESIGN AND STYLING

J. Starr Stylized Weddings & Events: www.jstarrweddings.com 

VENUE

Hotel Valley Ho: www.hotelvalleyho.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Erica Velasco Photographers: www.ericavelasco.com
FLORAL

Garden Gate Flowers: www.gardengateflowersaz.com
CAKE

Piece of Cake Desserts: www.arizonaweddingcakes.com 

CHAIRS AND DISHES

Classic Party Rentals: www.classicpartyrentals.com
HAIR

Lisa Berger: www.thehairchick.com
MAKEUP

Linda Valenzuela: www.miacosmetics.com
GOWN

Suzanne’s Bridal Boutique: www.suzannesbridalboutique.com
GROOM’S ATTIRE

Mr. Formal: www.mrformalaz.com
INVITATIONS AND PAPER DETAILS

The Event Essentials: www.theeventessentials.com
LINENS

Southwick Linens: www.southwicklinens.com
JEWELRY

Claudia’s Custom Jewelry: www.designsbyclaudias.com 

 

 

 

 

 

J.Starr Featured in Arizona Wedding's Magazine

I feel so honored to be featured again this year in the Planner Spotlight section of Arizona Weddings Magazine!! I was thrilled to be included last year, and stoked to be featured again for one of my 2011 Weddings, taking place at the lovely Royal Palms Resort.  A special thank to my Assistant Coordinator on this wedding: Melissa Jonovich.

** Stay tuned for more fabulous photos of this wedding in a future post**

New J.Starr Ad

Good Morning All!

It's Monday, did you have a good weekend?  I hope so. My Saturday was action packed with a special project that I'll be sharing with you soon...and Sunday was pretty relaxing...  I'm looking forward to this week because I'll be signing contracts with two new J.Starr Brides, yahoo and 4th of July is right smack in the middle of the work week, love it! 

Just thought I'd share with you the new June 2012-June 2013 J.Starr Ad that will be featured in Arizona Weddings Magazine for the next year.  A special thank you goes out to Bridget Levi, Designer Extraordinaire over at Still Life Studios for creating this beauty for me!