Austin Restaurant Week

October 12-15 & 19-22 , 2008

Soirée was thrilled to be an integral part of the first official Austin Restaurant Week With more than 50 of Austin's top restaurants participating, Austin foodies got to sample some fantastic cuisine at great prices! Thank you to Rare Magazine and all the sponsors for a great inaugural event! And foodies - take note - Austin Restaurant Week will be taking place twice a year from now on - in Winter and Summer. We'll keep you posted on the dates!

The Wedding of Jenny and Jeremy

The Schovajsa Residence
La Grange, Texas

October 25, 2008

Special is the word of the day when it comes to this wedding. Everything was so darned special! I get chills just writing this blog entry!

Jenny said early on she wanted to be able to feel the love in the air at her wedding – so that was my inspiration from day one. Every detail of this event was about love.

There were lots of “wow” factors at this wedding including: gorgeous custom black/ivory patterned linens, spectacular lighting, a fun and delicios spread of the bride and groom’s favorite foods, super creative and unique floral centerpieces, a ceremony arbor custom made (with Love, of course!) by the fathers of the bride and groom. And what would a special wedding be without a special dress. This Monique Lhuillier number was divine on Jenny!

This was a dancing crowd. The vendors and I couldn’t believe how big they wanted the dance floor – it was among the biggest dance floors I’d ever seen! But they used up every square inch of it! In fact, Jeremy was so focused on the dancing, that he was really concerned that his rented tuxedo shoes might not be comfortable enough to cut a rug all night long. So Jenny surprised him with a gorgeous brand new pair of cowboy boots right before their first dance! It was incredibly sweet!

Speaking of sweet, Jenny also surprised Jeremy with his favorite dessert – Banana Pudding Blue Bell Ice Cream in waffle cones! Yum!

I will always have incredibly fond memories of this wedding and especially of Jenny, Jeremy, Debby, Bill, Connie & Gary. You are so wonderful – thank you for letting me be a part of your vey special and love-filled day!

Photography by Red Fly Photography

Tracey Blanton Surprise Birthday Party

October 3, 2008

What a husband! Pete called me a few months before Tracey's 40th (I mean her 29th) birthday to help surprise her with a fantastic party. I planned their wedding a few years back and was so excited to see them again along with their growing family. Oh, did I mention Tracey would be nine months pregnant at the time of her birthday! I had so much fun planning this gorgeous romantic and ethereal décor. It was a beautiful event for a beautiful family. Pete wins the "husband of the year" award for sure! Great job, Pete - Tracey was definitely surprised, and I was thrilled to have the honor of being part of another huge day in your lives....Thank you!!!



Photos by Pam Hults Photography

Greystar South Congress Apartments Grand Opening

September 17, 2008

Soirée teamed up with Rare Magazine to host the grand opening of the Greystar South Congress apartments. Greystar South Congress is the hip new apartment community located on South Congress, just north of 290. The event showcased work from local artist Chad Harlan, as seen in the September issue of Rare. Food was served from some of our favorite spots including Ecstatic Cuisine, Roux, The Woodland, Starlite, Irie Bean, and Delish. A special raffle was held to benefit the Young Filmmakers Program of the Austin Film Festival. The highlight of the evening was the fashion show. Models worked the runway that was built over the pool. (That's right, over the pool!) Special thanks to Tito's Vodka, Maine Root, Sweet Leaf Tea, Ilios Lighting, and Marquee Rents for helping to make this such a success!

Bel Air Lofts Phase II Grand Opening Party

September 4, 2008
Thursday marked the grand opening of the Bel Air Lofts Phase II. The unique and modern Bel Air Lofts are located on trendy South Congress. The event had a Palm Springs feel as guests listened to Frank Sinatra hits and enjoyed Bloody Marys. Hot rods from various collectors were on display at the property, and guests were treated to a special surprise as the roller derby team Hot Rod Honeys skated up to the party. The Hot Rod Honeys mingled throughout the party while staying on skates the whole time . . . very impressive!