Monday, December 28, 2009

The Knot Best of Weddings 2009


We are so excited to be listed in "The Knot Best of Weddings 2009 Magazine" as one of the top floral vendors in Santa Barbara. We want to give a big THANK YOU to all of our wonderful brides who took the time to nominated our company for this award and are sooooo honored to be mentioned in the 2009 issue Best of Knot!!!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Best man, or Man’s best friend? By Annabel Heydorn

Having pets in weddings has become very popular this year. In fact, Nico Designs has even had the pleasure to work with some wonderful couples and their furry friends in creating some of the most spectacular and heart-warming weddings. After all, for pet-lovers, their dogs, cats, or birds may be just as important as any other member of their family- why wouldn't they want them to be included on their most special of days?














I did some research and have found some other websites that talk about pets in weddings as well as some canine fashion for all kinds of special occasions. As a dog lover myself, I could not think of a more fun-loving guest to have at a wedding!





Sources:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/25-really-creative-dog-costumes
http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/30/weddings-gone-to-the-dogs/
www.Glamour.com--Do or Do Not? Dogs in Weddings
Here Comes the Pooch: Including Pets in Wedding Ceremonies-- NY Daily News
http://www.designerdudsfordogs.com/

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Nico Designs at Lotusland! By Annabel Heydorn

Last month, the Nico Designs team had the greatest pleasure of designing a very exclusive, private dinner at the one and only Ganna Walska Lotusland in Montecito, Calfornia. I was SO excited when asked to share a little bit about this event with all of you because I think Lotusland is a BEAUTIFUL and extremely unique location to visit… it's AWESOME!

Here are some photos!

We hung carriage lanterns down the lemon arbor to provide some twinkling illumination for the cocktail hour.















Beautiful, lush centerpieces filled the table with wooden and gold candlesticks to embellish the dining experience.















The dinner, the décor and the gorgeous, natural location was enjoyed by all involved in creating and participating in this truly one-of-a-kind event!


Sources:
http://www.lotusland.org/

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Touched By an Angel- by Maya Angelou

This is one of my favorite poems written by one my favorite ladies. Enjoy.










We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

Maya Angelou

Monday, November 16, 2009

we work with the most AMAZING couples...

Getting the chance to bring someone's 'dream' wedding to life is one of the things I treasure most about working at Nico Designs. Here is a Thank You note from a fantastic couple, who chose to make Nico Designs part of their special wedding day! Megan and Steve, we were honored to be included in your happiness and wish you all the bes the world has to offer :-)

Here is the sweet note we received from the happy couple:

Hey Nico!

I'm sorry I haven't emailed since the wedding- we have been traveling!

Steve and I just wanted to say thank you for all of your hard work to make our wedding happen! It was absolutely beautiful in every way! I was so excited to see the silver, chandeliers and especially the flowers. It was magical and we wanted to thank you for it all. Lani did an amazing job too! I was so impressed with the table centerpieces. You made *my* (and Steve's of course..lol) dream wedding come to life :) It was everything I had envisioned!

Hope all is well with you!

Thanks again,
Megan and Steve Selig

Saturday, November 7, 2009

A vintage touch... - Nico

I have always loved anything vintage... I sometimes think about how fun it would be to have partied with Billy Holiday, Cole porter or even The Rat Pack.. All from different Eras However everyone of them was known for throwing great parties.. Ive attached some awesome vintage decor pictures that make me want to pour myself a gin martini.... Cheers!!














Monday, November 2, 2009

Workout of the Month


Beautiful Brides here is the Nico Designs workout of the month. This workout routine includes weight training tips, as well as cardio exercises. This plan should be followed about 5 months before the big day for best results, so hop to it ladies and have fun!!

Workout:

Each week alternate two days of cardio with three days of strength training to help tone your legs, back, abdominals, chest and arms.

Monday

• Back, biceps, abs: Warm up with three to five minutes of cardio and stretching. Unless the instructions for an exercise say otherwise (see list below), perform each move 10 to 15 times without stopping, rest one minute, do another set of 10 to 15 reps, rest, and repeat for a final set of 10 to 15 reps. After weight training, do 15 minutes of cardio (choose from last month's list), followed by a cooldown and a few minutes of easy stretching.
• Rowing: Stand facing a bench with your left foot forward and your right foot back. Lean over, placing your left hand and knee on the bench. Grasp a 2- or 3-pound dumbbell in your right hand, wrist in, then pull elbow up and back, as if rowing. Switch sides to complete one set.
• Bicep curls: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes facing forward. Keep arms at sides, palms facing forward. Holding dumbbells (2 or 3 pounds each for beginners, 5 to 7 pounds for intermediates, 7 to 10 pounds for advanced exercisers), bend elbows and raise weights to chest. Return arms to sides.
• Standing abs 1: Standing on your left leg, extend right leg slightly to your right side, with toes touching the floor. Extend arms up to the left, forming a straight line with your extended leg. Keeping abs tight, pull hands down and right knee up to meet each other at your torso. Return to start. Do three sets on both sides.
• Standing abs 2: Standing on left leg, extend right leg behind you and slightly to the side, toes touching the floor. Extend right arm toward ceiling. With abs tight, lift right knee and pull right elbow down so they touch. Do three sets on both sides.

Tuesday

Skip the weight training today, and choose from any cardio options, such as a group fitness class, jogging, powerwalking, etc for 30 to 60 minutes depending on your fitness level.

Wednesday

• Chest, triceps, shoulders, abs: See Monday for instructions on stretching time, number of sets and reps, cardio work and cooldown.
• Push-ups: Do as many traditional push-ups as you can (aim for three sets of 10 to 15). When it gets tough, do knee push-ups. Keep your back straight and your abdominal muscles pulled in.
• Tricep dips: Sit on the edge of a chair or bench, feet on the floor. Hold onto chair and lift buttocks forward and off the edge. Lower yourself toward the ground until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle, then push yourself back up.
• Boxing jabs: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart; step one foot slightly forward, holding fists at shoulder height. Alternating arms, punch out without locking your elbow, turning wrist so knuckles face up.
• Overhead shoulder press: Stand with arms out to the sides, elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. Holding dumbbells (2 to 3 pounds each for beginners, 5 to 7 pounds for intermediates, 7 to 10 pounds for advanced exercisers), straighten arms toward the ceiling. Return to start.

Thursday

Cardio: See Tuesday.

Friday

• Legs, abs: Follow Monday's instructions for stretching, number of sets and reps, cardio and cooldown.
• Squats: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes facing forward, arms extended in front of you. Squat until thighs are parallel to the floor, while keeping knees directly over ankles. Return to start.
• Reverse lunge: Stand with feet together. Extend left leg behind you and drop into a lunge, keeping right knee over ankle. Return to start. Repeat with right leg behind.
• Standard abduction: Stand on left leg, toes forward. Lift right leg straight out to side, squeezing right buttock, and return. Repeat with left leg.
• Single-leg dead lifts: Holding dumbbells (2 pounds each for beginners, up to 7 pounds for intermediates, up to 10 for advanced exercisers), stand on left leg, weight on heel, and extend right leg behind you with toes pointed. Keep arms at sides. Tip forward until your torso and right leg are parallel to the floor. Return to start. Repeat with left leg raised.
• Frog diamond: Lying on your back, extend legs straight into the air. Keep thighs and heels together and feet flexed. Open legs wide, bend knees and bring toes together to make a diamond shape. Extend legs while squeezing inner thighs, and press feet to ceiling.

Saturday

Take a yoga class either at your gym or via DVD.

Sunday

Relax and enjoy a spa day!

Source:

http://www.instyleweddings.com/weddings/article/0,,20166534,00.html

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Halloween in Full Force!

I just had to share these amazing pumpkins...






Source:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.yankeehalloween.com/images/pumpkinfriends19.jpg&imgrefurl=http://perfectmemoriesevents.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html&usg=___iVN9WmWqw1vY3fWQFEugPUWJ34=&h=350&w=271&sz=13&hl=en&start=1&sig2=j1kYfciCr8sny6ujivKAWw&um=1&tbnid=5bWZ7Q_IqDbapM:&tbnh=120&tbnw=93&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwedding%2Bpumpkin%2Bcarving%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=OQfqSvGKKajeswOOjvnqCA
http://www.masterpiecepumpkins.com/Graphics/nightmare-Jack-Sally_Hill%20(3.5)_____.jpg

Happy Halloween!

Although we do not have a Halloween wedding this year, I thought this pumpkin carving idea was super creative, elegant, yet festive at the same time...engrave your initials or ceremony date into pumpkins and use them to mark the aisle at your next seasonal wedding or ever use a smaller version as a unique and personal centerpiece. HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!





Source:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.blissweddingsmarket.com/brideideas/images/wedding-logo-pumpkin.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.blissweddingsmarket.com/brideideas/wedding-logo-halloween-wedding.htm&usg=__XS0rL4VxC6DpNcQ1GF6AROoCLQY=&h=533&w=400&sz=48&hl=en&start=2&sig2=pn397VOouJILc_l09UFdGg&um=1&tbnid=u4ogpRVe94x4_M:&tbnh=132&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwedding%2Bpumpkin%2Bcarving%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=9AbqSsPDEpSMtAO3yqzcCA

http://elegantengagements.blogspot.com/2007/10/pumpkin-carving-ideas.html

Friday, October 23, 2009

Shani and Colin Clark Wedding

Nico Designs congratulates Shani and Colin Clark on their October 10, 2009 wedding at Rancho Dos Pueblos. We wish you two all the happiness in the world!!













Photos from Jessica Lewis Photography

Friday, October 16, 2009

Thank You - Nico

I LOVE hand written thank you notes!! I feel so special when I go to the mailbox and have something other then a bill! he he..

Here are some very sweet and thought thank you notes from very pleased Nico Designs Clients.


"Dear Nico,
I want to thank you for all your patience and hard work for our wedding. Your vision was amazing and your passion is apparent, Everyone at the wedding complimented the beautiful floral arrangements. THEY REALLY WERE BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Warm Regards,
Carina and David"

"Nico,
Thank you so much for all your hard work. I was so impressed and so very happy with everything you did. Meeting you the very first time, I just knew you were the right person to share our special day. Your artistic vision is amazing. Such a Beautiful job!!
Casey and Cliff
Alexander"

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Melissa Sweet Bridal Dresses



The new Melissa Sweet collection does not only allow bridesmaids to step out of the norm with fashionable, sexy, and stylish dresses, it also features a fantastic bridal collection. Check out this runway video to see just which dress would compliment your style...

Source:

http://www.priscillaofboston.com/video.jsp?clip=msbr&gid=902

Monday, October 12, 2009

Give your wedding a little POP! By Annabel Heydorn

We were turned onto this yummy trend after Britney Spears featured these couture, refillable lollipops by Sugar Factory on her most recent Circus Tour! While we love Brit Brit and her choice of lollipops, we figured this would be and even more FABULOUS gift idea for guests on your big day! These vibrant colored lollipops can be tailored to fit any occasion, (perhaps even just for a girls-only bridal shower) and as the website shares: “Your options are practically limitless.”

Choose a fun, blingy handle with whatever color of rhinestones you wish!! Packages of 4 are available to try as well:


Be amongst other featured stars like Kim Kardashian, and the Pussycat Dolls and design your very own lollipops to add some flavor on your wedding day!


Resources:
www.sugarfactory.com

White Pumpkins!

Hello happy people! Well today is the first day I felt the weather turn from Summer to Fall... I'm taking the day off and resting up from our busy wedding week and started thinking about everything about the season Fall I love. I love how it gets dark earlier, wearing scarves, pumpkin lattes, apples, wind, rain, Cinnamon, candles, sitting by the fire, and most of all pumpkins! My favorite pumpkins are the white ones. Check out these fun decorative ways to embellish and carve your white pumpkin.






Melissa Sweet Bridesmaids Dresses



Let's face it, who ever said you can reuse a bridesmaids dress by simply shortening it and wearing it again clearly never participated in a wedding. So for all those future brides who wish to give their bridesmaids a chance to wear the dresses again without too much embarrassment, check out the new Melissa Sweet bridesmaid collection. This line of gowns is both sexy, elegant, and completely reusable ;-) Here is a runway video of the latest styles and gowns...enjoy!

Source:

http://www.priscillaofboston.com/dress_return.jsp?gid=47

Thank You's

Here are a few sweet thank you notes that we got from our brides. Nico Designs wants our clients to know how much these kind words mean to us and how honored we are to have been part of their special day!

"Hi Nico,

Just got back from the honeymoon, and I wanted to say thank you for the flowers at my wedding. They were absolutely beautiful, and I got so many compliments on them. You have a gift!

Thanks again,

Caroline Hall"

"Hi Nico,

The gazebo was INSANE!! I didn't see it until I walked down the isle and almost cried because it wa so damn gorgeous!!!!!! Thank you so much! You did an amazing job and I really appreciate it. Thank you thank you thank you!! I'll send Picts when I get them.

Love!
Hannah"

GIRLY MONDAYS by jasmine schoch


Shape up for your Big Day!

Want to get in shape for your wedding day? Use this simple month-by-month plan as a guideline for your workouts. With it, you'll find all levels of exercise, and reap all the benefits. The program uses two-week cycles, so if six months sounds too long, just take it two weeks at a time. The best part? No gym membership required!
Wedding Fitness Checklist

Cardiovascular workouts, like walking or jogging, can be done anywhere outside. Just make sure you have the following:

* Comfortable clothes
* Running shoes
* Two 3- or 5-pound hand weights
* A straight-back chair
* A mat or blanket (optional)

Month 1

This month, you should mainly be focused on just getting active and engaged in the program. A good way to get motivated is to start a workout diary. Write down the date, all the reasons why you need to work out, and what your goals are. Write down your weight (always weigh yourself in the morning for consistency), and use a measuring tape to record the size of your chest, waist, hips, thighs, and forearms, so you can monitor your progress. To stay motivated, keep notes all the way through.
Tip: Weigh in and take measurements once a month only. Focusing on quick results will only discourage you.

Weeks #1 and #2

* 20 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week

Weeks #3 and #4

* 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week

Month 2

Still here? Good work! Now get out that measuring tape and scale. Any improvements? You shouldn't focus too much on weight loss yet, but your energy should be higher. Keep writing in your journal, and pay special attention to how you feel, how you're dealing with stress, and what you think you are gaining from your exercise program.
Tip: Remember to check your heart rate about 15 minutes into your aerobic exercise to make sure you're hitting your target heart rate.

Weeks #5 and #6

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 2 sets of 10 stomach crunches
* 1 set of 10 push-ups

Weeks #7 and #8

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 3 sets of 10 stomach crunches
* 2 sets of 10 push-ups

Month 3

This is usually when people start to give up. Get out your diary, and flip back to your first entry. Remind yourself why you are doing this. Also, flip ahead in your calendar and check how quickly your wedding day is approaching: Aren't you glad you started exercising weeks ago? Weigh yourself and take your measurements again. Are you making progress? Even if you haven't lost weight, you should see some results in your muscle tone.
Good to know: Muscle weighs more than fat, so you might have gained a few pounds, but you've most likely turned some of that fat into muscle.

Weeks #9 and #10

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 3 sets of 10 stomach crunches
* 2 sets of 10 push-ups
* 1 set of 10 squats

Weeks #11 and #12

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 3 sets of 10 stomach crunches
* 3 sets of 10 push-ups
* 2 sets of 10 squats
* 2 sets of 10 bicep curls
* 2 sets of 10 tricep curls

Month 4

Take a minute to write a note of congratulations to yourself -- you're doing an amazing job (we know it sounds cheesy, but do it anyway). Weigh yourself and take your measurements: If you've been following the program, you definitely should notice some changes by now.
Good to know: At this point, if nothing has changed, you may need a more advanced program, and you should consult a personal trainer.

Weeks #13 and #14

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
* 3 sets of 15 push-ups
* 3 sets of 15 squats
* 3 sets of 15 bicep curls
* 3 sets of 15 tricep curls
* 2 sets of 10 chest presses

Weeks #15 and #16

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
* 3 sets of 15 push-ups
* 3 sets of 15 squats
* 3 sets of 15 bicep curls
* 3 sets of 15 tricep curls
* 3 sets of 15 chest presses

Month 5

Okay, now it's time to get serious: There are only eight weeks to go until your wedding. Weigh in and take your measurements. Now, where do you still need the most help? Stomach? Thighs? Butt? Pick one or two areas, and focus, focus, focus. We're going to continue along the same program, but now we're going to add an intense three sets of 15 extra exercises for whichever area still needs help. With every crunch or set, envision yourself in your gown -- you'll get there.

Weeks #17 and #18

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
* 3 sets of 15 push-ups
* 3 sets of 15 squats
* 3 sets of 15 bicep curls
* 3 sets of 15 tricep curls
* 3 sets of 15 chest presses
* 3 sets of 15 "extra target area"

Weeks #19 and #20

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
* 3 sets of 15 push-ups
* 3 sets of 15 squats
* 3 sets of 15 bicep curls
* 3 sets of 15 tricep curls
* 3 sets of 15 chest presses
* 3 sets of 15 "extra target area"

Month 6

Just four weeks to go! As you get closer to your wedding date, your crazed schedule may threaten to derail your exercise program, but don't let it. Weigh in and take your measurements, but don't be surprised if they aren't as important anymore -- the way you feel should be motivation enough to keep exercising. We are going to continue working at the same level as last month. If you're having trouble finding the time to keep up this pace, cut back the number of sets you do, but use heavier weights.

Weeks #21 and #22

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
* 3 sets of 15 push-ups
* 3 sets of 15 squats
* 3 sets of 15 bicep curls
* 3 sets of 15 tricep curls
* 3 sets of 15 chest presses
* 3 sets of 15 "extra target area"

Weeks #23 and #24

* 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
* 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
* 3 sets of 15 push-ups
* 3 sets of 15 squats
* 3 sets of 15 bicep curls
* 3 sets of 15 tricep curls
* 3 sets of 15 chest presses

Source:

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-beauty-tips/wedding-workout-exercise/articles/six-month-fitness-makeover.aspx