As they say in the fashion industry, when it comes to parties, "this season, it's all about"
Carolou Goodridge Couture! Designing and implementing this extraordinary event for this fabulous fashionista was an event planner's dream. Carolou's fashion and image expertise meant that she was willing to be bold and take risks when it came to the vision and creation of her 30th Birthday and Business Launch celebration. The event highlights are below:
The client and fashion maven herself, Carolou Goodridge of
Image Forward Consulting (IFC). If Carolou and IFC look and sound familiar, it may be because they were recently featured by Washington, DC's Modern Luxury and
High Powered Professional.
The venue was
Washington DC's Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the perfect place to see and be seen. Fashion forward guests and figures filled this unique and exclusive attraction, one of only 11 in the world.
The attire for the evening reflected fashion statements throughout the last three decades. In a salute to the 80's, our guest of honor appropriately paid tribute to one of the Museum's guests.
The food menu celebrated the world's three fashion capitals - New York City, Milan, and Paris.
Georgetown Catering prepared and served Manhattan Clam Chowder, Milanese Skewers of Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, and Prosciutto, and Parisian Miniature Apricot Brie en Coute.
The cocktails were prepared and served by
Mixology Bartending Services. Signatures drinks were also created with the the world's three fashion capitals in mind. The featured drinks were The Big Apple, The Coco Chanel, and The Mint Lemonada.
The music celebrated the birthday girl's three decades of life and was provided by
DJ Saucee. DJ Saucee had guests moving all night long.
The birthday tribute was given by Washington, DC's soulful and sensational
Green Tea. Earlier this year, Green Tea celebrated her third release, Beautiful Weirdo.
The cake was couture, of course, and created by Grandma's Goodies in the spirit of Chanel. The specialty cake and cupcakes got rave reviews.
The photographer was Tracy Clayton of
Tracy Clayton Photography. Tracy got fun and creative shots (as you can see above) and captured every important detail. He also did a series of photo shoots with Carolou in the month's leading up to the event and assembled the photos for a much anticipated and well-received photo presentation that evening.
The favor does not get much better than a Carolou Goodridge Couture Swag Bag. Guests took home these bags that were filled with speciality items from
DC Modern Luxury,
Evelyn Brooks Designs,
CC Sweet House,
Amina Bee Events,
Willow Capital Investments, and
Scottee James.
Cheers to Carolou Goodridge Couture!
Pingg features the artwork of many known and talented artists, so I was not surprised to find the perfect invitation by Craig Kanarick here. In our increasingly connected society, electronic invitations serve as a creative and efficient way to share event news, especially when the event planning window is small.
Co Co. Sala is Washington DC's upscale chocolate restaurant, lounge, and bar, so it is the perfect environment in which to host an event with a chocolate theme. Lounge booths and tables, private rooms, or outdoor space are all offered to meet your event needs. I opted for reserved booths and tables for approximately 20 guests who wanted some privacy, but wanted to enjoy the Co Co. Sala scene as well. 
The vibe at Co Co. Sala is intimate and cozy and dark and rich, just like chocolate. The decor and elements are in the spirit of chocolate, especially some of the artwork that is actually the real thing.
The cocktails at Co Co. Sala are as good as they sound! Chocolate lovers will not be disappointed by the "MMM" Malted Milk Martini, which is Svedka Vanilla, Bailey's, and malted chocolate.
The desserts at Co Co. Sala cater to every chocolate lover's palate. From white chocolate and raspberry mousse to milk chocolate and peanut brittle crunch, whatever your favorite combination, you will find it on Co Co. Sala's dessert menu. The Onyx (dark chocolate mousse, vanilla creme brulee, salted caramel, crispy pearls, and brownie) and the Some More Creme Brulee (chocolate creme brulee, toasted marshmallow, and graham crumble) were evening favorites. 
The brunch and dinner menus are not to be overlooked either. A bridal shower or engagement party could be celebrated at Co Co. Sala's brunch, which includes comforting selections like the Breakfast Flatbread (cheddar hash browns, chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, roasted tomato, hollandaise sauce, and pesto flatbread) and the Artichoke Tart (creamy hearts of artichoke, tomato confit, and truffle and tarragon vinaigrette).
Favors of miniature chocolate chips, chocolate covered peanuts, and chocolate covered pretzels went home with guests. For guests who still did not have their fill of chocolate, to-go treats from Co Co. Sala's dessert counter were available.
Location & Menu: The Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor, Michigan was the perfect setting for a baby shower brunch that Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly would declare "just darling." The Gandy Dancer's Sunday Brunch offers a generous buffet spread within an architectural landmark, the 1886 Michigan Central Depot Ann Arbor. The shower menus, which were accented with pink stripe or polka dot ribbon and pink rhinestones and tucked into guests' white linen napkins, described the buffet that featured everything from carved roast beef and ham to housemade breads and pastries. 
