Sunday, November 30, 2008

Need Party Favors?

WOW! Finally...what I've been looking to offer my clients since I've been in the business~ The latest and greatest in party favors of all types. 350 + unique choices with costs slightly above wholesale for you not available until now directly to clients. Brew a cup of tea and shop from the convenience of your own home. Visit the Swell Shoppe Tab at Swellegant Events to access the Mecca of party favors.


Here are a few of my favorites:


Be swell.
Natalie Vishny

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

A Beautiful, Rockin' Nixon Library Wedding

One Fun Couple + Fantastic Guests = A Night To Remember
Natalie and Joey, an incredible team who had known each other longer than any of their bridal parties, created a beautiful wedding day. Their parents were supportive and loving...the perfect inspiration for all families.

We collaborated for months on colors, decor, and menu selections. The day of their wedding was the culimation of all of our hard work... we laughed, and spent time enjoying every part of the preparation for this memorable evening.

The secret to a perfect wedding? Preparation from our wedding team to make Natalie and Joey's dreams come true. Thanks for allowing me to help create your perfect day, Natalie and Joey. It was an incredible day.

A special thanks to Miguel Pola for the fabulous photos!



Be swell.
Natalie Vishny

Sunday, November 9, 2008

California Couture


Nothing inspires me more than learning! Newport Beach may never be the same now that 400 Bridal Professionals descended on OC at The beautiful Fairmont Hotel. I enjoyed a decadent evening and breakfast in bed in the middle of three days full of learning!

My discoveries: The latest trends in decor...

The top wedding and eventfavors... visit my Swell Shoppe at Swellegant Events.

Tips from the industry professionals including Colin Cowie and Barbara Wallace.

Money Saving Tips for your event ...

Special thanks to everyone at The ABC and all of my favorite vendors in Orange County who made this conference into a reality.


Be Swell.
Natalie Vishny


Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Let Your Holidays Sparkle in a New Way!

Let your Holidays Sparkle… without Breaking the Bank!

I’m watching the election results as I write this blog…no matter what way you voted...It’s Time for a party! We’re all ready to think about our holiday parties in a new way.

We’ve all experienced it. The time when we really want to host a party, but we feel as if we don’t have the money at the moment. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune and cutting financial corners does not mean you have to sacrifice the amount of fun your guests will have at your bash!

Here are some great tips that will help you host a fabulous get-together:

1) Do what you love. When you’re happy, your guests will be happy. Do you love to cook but despise cleaning? Hire someone to take care of the aftermath of the party. Do you hate cooking? Pick up from your favorite local restaurant.
2) Create an affordable theme. Instead of hosting a glitzy over-the-top party this year, think about alternatives: a cookie exchange with your friends, an evening of soup, rustic bread, and caroling; a cocktail party with the nearest and dearest in your lives.
3) Don’t mail the invitations. Hand create an invitation, use an evite, or connect with your friends the good old fashioned way… by phone.
4) Go eclectic! Mix and match your Grandma’s silver with your contemporary bowls. The trends in catering use a variety of décor items on every buffet.
5) Give up on paper goods. In almost all cases, using china and glassware that you own is less expensive than heading to the local party store.
6) Think …borrow… and buy ahead. The month of November is full of sales on all types of party goods. Borrow serving items from your friends and neighbors. Having a list when you ask from your neighbors or enter a store is like going to coffee with a friend. Comfortable.
7) Toasting? Absolutely! Have a specialty drink of the evening instead of a full bar! Greet your guests at the door with a greeting station with your favorite drink.
8) Choose food, flowers and décor for the season. Ask your favorite caterer, florist for the least expensive items in November and December. Use them everywhere. If you’re cooking, follow the store ads and buy items that are inexpensive. Make lists. They’re your best friends for the moment.
9) Imagine yourself in your own home and create a timeline for the day. That will help you create your last minute lists!
10) Enjoy your guests. The best host and hostess are calm and collected…know that opening your home is the greatest gift of all.
Be Swell... and Enjoy the Holidays!
Natalie Vishny

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A Party Planner enjoying her own party?

A Swell Event, Indeed. Amazing Things happened when I let go of an Event and Let the Experts in my Event World Take Over.

Hosting my own party to celebrate my new site seemed... at first glance, like an interesting idea. I'm never one to shy away from a fun evening! Now that the party is over, I am blown away by the support from everyone in my world. Working by referral for six years with no site for my clients to view was pretty incredible. It was time and Swellegant Events took on a life of its' own. And, so, I hosted a celebration to toast many of the people who have helped me forage my way into the event business, and to thank my family and friends for their support.

First on the scene ... a surprise to me, and an incredible gift, was the talented and award winning photographer, Marc Weisberg. Generous with his talent and praise, he captured the evening beautifully. My overwhelming thanks to him.

Amazing things happen when you let go of an event and let the experts take over.

Jason and Adriana and everyone from Jason's Downtown hosted the event with signature Funky Monkey Cocktails (among others!), artisan cheeses, and customized tray-passed appetizers, as they always do for all of their clients. Jason, my friend, and colleague, never fails to suprise me with his ability to pull off an incredible event. Adri, you're a gift to the industry.

Gerry Robinson, a Hollywood Favorite entertainer, The Party Song Maker showed up and let everyone relax because of his talents. Who thinks in rhymes ? Unbelievable.

I smiled when I saw calm Kelly down the street.. That's Kelly Aguilar, from Social Butterfly Inc. Her generosity of spirit and knowledge is always appreciated.

Other friends appeared with their unique talents, and I toasted with them. Jen Siglin, expert web designer, from Laughing Beagle made the evening possible because of her great website work and Brandi McNaughton from Girl Friday Designs provided incredible graphics. Tim, the King of the Universe, from BTB Events didn't do a stitch of work, and that's exactly what I wanted. Irma and Joseph, you're the balloon artists, no doubt. Tina Murphy, expert videographer from A Motion Video provided video footage for my site, with patience and grace.

No party is complete without incredible sweets. Luisa, Goddess from Luisa Chocolatiere and my favorite ladies from Some Crust allowed everyone to enjoy decadent treats. Clients, if you are ever in need of sweets, they are the best in the business. I'll head to the gym this week thinking of them.


The incredible team from YSBD drove from the valley for a toast. Unbelievable. Rory, you are more than an incredible MC and DJ. You're a hottie with that blonde hair. Mary and Mike, thank you for your ethical and honest way of treating clients.


And finally, the biggest toasts of all went to Vish, Hanna, and my loyal clients and friends. Thanks for your belief in me.

Be swell.

Natalie Vishny


Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Five Weddings and a Funeral.

Events are what my life is about! When someone in my business world and extended community needs me, I look forward to the call to assist in creating a perfect day.

My September 2008 was filled with my favorite events of all... WEDDINGS. 5 Full Coordination Jobs in all.... all beautiful brides, all incredible grooms. I love giving inside tips to grooms before the wedding day (my special surprise to brides!) , fluffing the dresses and calming the nerves of brides as they walk down the aisle, and helping the families and friends of the bridal couple make the most of the day. ( I especially love Mothers of the Brides and Grooms... having the perspective of a 45 year old woman. ) I take great pride in leaving a reception site with brides often saying to me, "I had no idea how much I needed you."

My wedding bag which includes everything from Tylenol to Duct Tape, takes care of every imaginable emergency! After the wedding, I take great happiness in receiving emails from married couples showing me their ultrasound photos, their baby pictures, and inviting me to birthday parties of their children.

And, I realize the importance of weddings and marriage, even more deeply, the longer I am married. 22 years...to be exact. And also, because of a funeral I attended this month of a happily married young man, I know that life is short. Knowing his bride and knowing her heartache reminded me of the fleeting time we have here on earth.

And so, I say, to all of my readers who are looking for a coordinator who takes your event seriously, and LOVES the opportunity to assist you, understands the magnitude of what each life cycle event means, give me a call. Always happy to help create your dream.

Be swell.

Natalie Vishny, Orange County Party Planner

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Thanks all the way around Orange County for my Swell Site!

Due to the strong encouragement of colleagues in the event world, I am making my first foraging steps into the world of "blogging". ;) It's a fun and creative device, however a little on the time consuming side of things, considering my current event schedule. I will attempt to update when and where I can.

My first item of business is to thank all of my colleagues who have supported my venture into Swellegant Events. After six years of being in the business, and having the most incredible referral clients, I knew it was time to go live.

Special thanks to Jen Siglin, my web designer! Her patience with me went beyond measure. Special thanks also to Brandi McNaughton of Girl Friday Designs for her graphics work... amazing! For all of the contributing photographers, a huge thank-you to you, as well! Couldn't have put together this site without you., Most importantly, a special thank-you to my clients who allowed me to showcase small parts of their events on my site... no photos on a site can ever capture your event memories, but I hope that reliving a bit of your event on my site brings a smile to your face.

And, finally, a thank-you to my family. My sister and brother, who were my unpaid editors, but the most truthful, provided incredible advice, thank you. It all begins and ends with family.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Welcome to the Swell Blog!

Check back here soon for updates and event information! Be swell.