Clutch Events

Get Inspired!

2011-03-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts about planning a wedding is creating an inspiration board! An inspiration board pulls in the feeling, flavor, colors and vibe of your event onto a single page. You can show a vendor such as a planner, photographer or florist your inspiration board and they are instantly caught up with your ideas of how the big day should look. The best part of an inspiration board is it is a perfect way to capture your thoughts and ideas! While planning your wedding you can easily get inundated with magazines, websites and blogs of pictures and ideas and it can get hard to keep track of everything and/or to keep your vision cohesive.

Here are two of my favorite inspiration boards that were put together by Clutch Events Associate, Sarah Gai. Sarah has a special talent in that she can hear just a few sentences of your vision and can whip up a spot on board that makes a bride giddy with excitement because she captures 'that feeling'.

The bride Sarah created this board for wanted a classic and clean look with a pop of fun yellow!

The words used to describe the below board were a mix of modern and vintage Montana. I think she nailed it!

You can easily make yourself an inspiration board by going to one of my favorite wedding blogs, Style Me Pretty. You will see the below 'build a board' icon and from there just click on the pictures of real weddings you find inspiring and you can build your board!
For my own wedding I'm creating inspiration boards for my photographer, my florist and my hair stylist to get them in tune to my inspiration! Happy planning!

A Crafty Couple!

2011-03-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

SODO Park was the perfect venue to accentuate the craftiness of 10.10.10 spunky & clever couple, Kate & Elliot! What was super fun about working with these two is how complimentary they are to each other. Each meeting would begin and end with comments like, "Elliot is really great at detailed 'to do lists, he is getting things done" or "New fun projects keep coming up because Kate has such great ideas and is so artistic". I'm paraphrasing here, but you get the idea. They brought out the best in each other and it showed during their fabulous wedding!
The bride, a fab designer, created their own invites, programs, menus and more. When walking through the front doors at SODO Park there was a ~ 8' X 15' faux store front that Kate & Elliot hand painted to welcome guests to their Wedding Haberdashery.

The white chocolate & golden raspberry cake is from TM Dessert Works in Ballard. And yes, that is a giraffe and cat cake topper! The couple also had super yummy cookies, cakes and cupcakes from Simply Desserts in Fremont.

The couple ordered over 100 apothecary jars of different shapes and sizes. They made many of them into mini atriums filled with dahlias, moss and succulents. After the wedding K&E planted the succulents at their yard!

Other jars were filled with craftiness such as vintage spools, buttons, scissors, clothes pins, ribbon, measuring tape, etc. It gave the their long tables a vintage, haberdashery feel.

Their photographer, Win from LifeBox Studios did an amazing job moving them about all of the nooks and crannies that SODO Park has to offer. A little October rain didn't keep K&E indoors!

A major hit of the reception was the photobooth from 321Photo! The couple put together an eclectic 'prop bar' which let guests to dress up & get creative! It definitely made their photo collection one to remember.

The Horah is always one of my favorite parts of a Jewish Ceremony. Try not to laugh and have fun during this part of the reception, I dare you! Plus it is a great way to get the entire group on the dance floor ready to help you celebrate! DJ Ollie with Gen X Pro kept the guests on the dance floor from beginning to end!

One of my favorite florists, Kimberly Neff with Lilies & Lemon Drops incorporated deep purples, plums and magenta into her gorgeous bouquets. Kate and her bridesmaids made a trip to Pike's Place Market for their centerpiece flowers the day before the wedding. The couple hosted a family style lunch served by the always decadent, Herban Feast. They also chose bride & groom 'old time' feeling signature cocktails, a French 75 and a Spiked Arnold.

Bride Kate wore an amazing Jenny Packham dress! Loved it! Groom Elliot, wore a dapper suit with purple shoes:)

This couple proved that having a Sunday afternoon wedding doesn't mean you have a to have a formal low key event. This was one of the most rock'n parties that I've been too! They spent their engagement thinking about the details that would add to their overall aesthetic and guests experience. The result was UHmazing!

Wahoo, Get Hitched Give Hope Results!

2010-11-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

Uh, what a night! What an event! What a success!! Get Hitched Give Hope 2010 surpassed our expectations beyond belief! We had a goal to raise $50K for Making Memories Foundation and guess how much we raised?? Wait for it...wait for it....$64,000!!!!! Hi Cloud Nine, it is SO nice to meet you!

If you weren't there...well, sorry, but you missed out! 500 brides, grooms and wedding community members made their way into the glamorous Four Seasons last Thursday and gave to a great cause while getting great deals! I won 50 glassybabys for my own wedding, aaah yeah!

So check out some super rad photos from La Vie Photography of the event and the team that put it together!

Shout out to the fabulous guy and gals who put on the event!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of those who donated their time, goods and $$ to such a great cause! Feel good about yourselves, you rock! And if you want to read more about the event or see more pictures check out our recap page!

Cute Little Pumpkin!

2010-11-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

Trick, Treat or a Baby Shower for little Olivia Gai?! How about all three! Throwing a baby shower for Clutch Associate Sarah Gai on Halloween was SO much fun! We chose an appropriate theme for the holiday and the event, "Cute Little Pumpkin", awwww! And used fun colors for the season and the gender, a soon to be little girl - purple, orange and black.

We incorporated orange and white mini pumpkins throughout the living room and dining room. And to the right in the below picture are festive bat/malt ball favors for the lovely ladies to take home with them.
What would Halloween be without yummy treats!? We did witches brew mimosas made with prosecco with a oh too perfect orange label and straight up OJ for the expecting mommies. Dishes like a cheesy strata and a chicken, spinach, mandarin orange salad were a perfect combo for a late brunch. Especially when you top it all off with a peanut butter cupcake for dessert!
As a take home for Sarah and a cute touch of decor we hung onesies on clothespins in each of the windows in white, purple and orange. It is a baby shower...we have to get a little corny right? The chair says 'Mummy To Be'...bwah haha!

A fun game that got everyone involved was to bring a picture of themselves as a child dressed up on Halloween and Sarah had to match them to everyone's name - super cute and a fun blast from the past!

Sarah and I!! No, we didn't plan our fall green outfits:) And below...eat your heart out Martha Stewart, I quilted it myself!

And because Sarah is the most prepared person with a thank you I had to showcase her shower gift. How cute is that stork? She drew and colored it herself....ah, love her!!

I'm so happy you had a great shower Sarah and I can't wait to meet Little Olivia!!

Christie & JJ Get Married!

2010-10-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

Who is a fun couple? Christie and JJ are a fun couple! And they let the fun fly at their September 18th Wedding!

Step 1 to Fun - They chose an entertaining new venue, Urban Light Studios. The space is broken up into unique, artsy rooms like a tiki bar, library, Chinese room and a log cabin (Random tidbit...the log cabin room is from the set of Northern Exposure).

Step 2 to Fun - Hire boisterous vendors! Case in point, their photographer, Stephanie Haller! (How many of you thought I was going to say myself? Bwa hahaha! No!) Stephanie took awesome pics of the couple and their family throughout the studio. To see more pics take a look at her blog!

And while we're on the subject of 'boisterous vendors'....Christie's Italian Grandmother and Aunts prepared a delightful Italian meal! Talk about a wedding feast made with love!

Like the close ups? Shanelle of Pacific Artistry did on site hair and make-up for Christie and her bridesmaids. Who could say no to that face?!
Step 3 to Fun - Save $$! The couple was able to save pennys left and right by doing things themselves and having friends and family assist them when possible! A few examples you could do yourself are 1) They had their close friend officiate the ceremony and MC the reception. 2) Christie had a craft party where many of the decorations were put together in a cost effective manner. Bonus, she has sold many of them to a future bride! 3) The couple sent out their Save the Dates via email directing guests to their website and had a close friend do the rest of their paper design. You can find other tips throughout the blog on ways to save money as well!

An awesome picture on Greenwood Avenue outside of Urban Light Studios! It shows off Christie's gorgeous dress she purchased on Ebay which was an unworn gem from JCrew! I think I should incorporate a life size lion into all of my receptions...what do you think?! It was a definte fun photo backdrop!
Christie had found her amazing necklace on Etsy before she was engaged and had kept her eye on it for months. She loved it so much she made it her 'signature piece' for her wedding day!
The couple had an fab friend bake some delicious tiramisu cupcakes and they also had a yummy strawberry cutting cake from Simply Desserts in Fremont.
A close friend to the bride put together the bouquets, bouts and a few large arrangements for the space. And another close friend took the lead on serving and bartending!

I hope you liked the 3 Steps-o-Fun and the enjoyed the loverly images from Christie & JJ's wedding!!

Get Hitched Give Hope!

2010-10-20T18:20:00.001-07:00

Get Hitched Give Hope is just around the corner! It is next Thursday! Now is the time to buy your tickets and read the online program so you can check out the goods, services and events that will be happening at GHGH!

It is going to be such an amazing night! There will be fabulous food and cocktails, marvelous music, great live/silent auctions and amazeball raffle items! And remember it isn't just for brides and grooms! It is for anyone who wants to support an incredible cause! The money the GHGH team raises on Thursday goes to Making Memories Foundation who grants wishes to woman/men with stage 5 breast cancer - BOO cancer!

So pick out your party dress and some swanky shoes and head to the Four Seasons on the 28th!

Need some incentive?? The first person to contact me in reply to this blog will win two free tickets to the event!! WAHOO!!

Nautical Nuptuals

2010-09-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Meet Adam and his sweet Melissa! The lovely couple were married in June at one of my favorite venues, Roche Harbor Resort. Enhancing the already gorgeous aesthetic the marina provides the two chose white and navy decor for their nautical nuptials. Please enjoy these gorgeous photos taken by my new photog obsession, Shannon Rice of Riso Studios.

Playing up their vintage digs Adam & Melissa took some retro pics in the Presidential Suite where Teddy Roosevelt once stayed at the Hotel de Haro.

Talk about a beautiful bride!! Melissa got her got her make up done by Sequoia Leopold of My Flawless Tan & Make up and her hair 'did' by Kate McCarthy of GEM Salon.

A little bocce anyone? The couple meandered around the grounds of the resort taking charming action shots like the ones below.

A fun wedding feature was that the pair used all of the spaces that Roche Harbor had to offer. The ceremony was in the sunken garden, the cocktail hour was in the courtyard, the reception was in a faboosh white tent by the shore and an after hours party was held in the main hall.

The tent, chairs and lanterns were ferried out by ABC Party Rentals and the flowers were provided by local Friday Harbor florist, San Juan Florist.

Can we please just take a moment to absorb how insane this candy table is? I know, I feel better just looking at it too. The bride displayed yellow and white candy in apothecary and mason jars she collected before the wedding on top of a nautical navy striped linen rented by Prop Gallery West. I love it!

Melissa and her father danced to Sweet Melissa by the Allman Brothers and later on guests boogied into the night dancing to the rock'n band, Oncore.

I hope you enjoyed a piece of the Hay Wedding!

Grazie!!

Just Do It!

2010-08-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to take your wedding decor and style into your own hands and do it yourself! And that is just what super couple Jen and Ray Illian did for their June 4th wedding at Georgetown Studios. Showcased below are some of my favorite DIY projects from their wedding. I hope you enjoy and get some creative ideas. DIY projects are a great way to add personal touches and showcase a couples sense of style!

Meet Jen and Ray...I know, they are super cute...they are high school sweethearts...yep, that makes them even cuter!
Their 175 guests sat in two rows at rectangle tables that stretched the length of the Engine Room. Jen added a splash of color to the table decor by using turquoise hand made napkins.

To let their guests know where they would be sitting the couple wrote the guests name and table number on river rocks and created signage by displaying Goodwill purchased frames that they refurbished and spray painted the glass with chalkboard paint.

De-labeled Pellegrino bottles subbed as flower vases. The flowers for the wedding cost under $30 and were purchased the day of wedding at the Pike Place Market.

Mugly's...unfortunately it isn't the name of Seattle's newest pub. But it did act as the bar for the night of the wedding and as the guests favor. Jen and Ray collected eclectic mugs from thrift stores which served as the guests drinking glass for the evening.

To mark the table numbers Jen took a pattern out of a quilting magazine to make stuffed birds. She used extra fabric she had and filled them with rice to give them weight and shape. Basically, she is super crafty...

Tradition! Keeping a long time tradition of Jen's family alive the couple had a pinata filled with candy for guests to take a whack at! Please note the awesome dress Jen is wearing made by local designer, Chrissy Wai-Ching.

Just to name a few other cool ideas this budget conscience couple did to make their wedding special and affordable...they did all of their invitations online, they had a friend officiate their ceremony, an iPod was used for dinner music, they had Veraci Pizza cater (their moms made salads) and their dessert was personal cheesecakes from the Confectional. All photos were taken by their friend photographer, Erica Nomura - nicely done!

Here's The Scoop!

2010-06-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

Local ice cream shop, Molly Moon's, has launched their new venture, an ice cream truck! And good news to you brides who are looking for a tasty, unique dessert this mobile scoop shop is available for weddings!

Some fabulous planner friends and I stopped into the Wallingford location today to talk with Events Manager, Renee Gervasi, and sample some sweet and savory flavors! Molly Moon's frozen treats are made extra special by using local Northwest ingredients including milk from Western Washington hormone-free cows, much appreciated! Some of our favorites included Balsamic Strawberry, Maple Walnut, Salted Carmel (personal fave!) and 'Scout' Mint made with Girl Scout Cookies! Yum!! Their FedEx sized truck has been traveling through local neighborhoods and making appearances at private events for a few weeks now. You can keep track of its location via twitter alerts, website map and coming out soon you can download an iPhone App to track its path, how cool is that?!

How does the phrase go? You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! You don't have to scream to get all of your questions answered about having Molly Moon's cater your wedding. Just email Renee! renee@mollymoonicecream.com

Still smiling from today's tasting are Clutch Events Associates, Andrea Noble & Sarah Gai, Kaycee Parker of Parker Events, an international super model, Molly Moon's Event Manager Renee Gervasi and Molly Moon Wallingford Manager Kendal Hutson.

Why Knot Tie It!

2010-06-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

It's the big day, you are getting dressed and ready to go and you look at your groomsmen, you gasp and flinch at their poorly tied ties! Oh, what to do?! Learn how to tie those ties in a pinch with this awesome website I found that shows you how to tie a ton of popular knots!

There are step by step diagrams and videos that show you how to properly tie a Bow-Tie, Windsor Knot, Four in Hand Knot, Pratt Knot (Not Spencer, eew) and more! There is also etiquette advise on what knot to use and rules on length for corresponding occasions!

Above is a handy dandy example diagram of how to tie a Half Windsor Knot. The tie-a-tie website is much more helpful:)

Hooray for Fab Weddings!

2010-05-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

A round of applause for Tonja Brown & Matt Russell! Aah, I love weddings! Well duh...but seriously, this one was tremendous! Matt and Tonja were married at the Golden Gardens Bathhouse on April 17th and here are a few pictures from one of my fav photographers, Jenn Repp to show you some fun details!

They started the day off at the Alexis Hotel in downtown Seattle...I know, they are a frick'n cute couple!

Before going to GG the bridal party took a slight detour and hit up a true Ballard hangout, King's Hardware for some Rainier beers and super dandy pictures!

One of my 'pick of the litter' pics is of the groom and his men in the alleyway - kudos to Ali Harvey, Jenn Repp's superb associate!Being April and being Seattle we saw a few drops of rain. Nothing too crazy to keep the gang indoors, but just enough to get to use super charming umbrellas as props!

Dessert, oh my...they had a tower of yummy cheesecakes from The Confectional located in Pikes Place Market. If you haven't made your way down there for a decedent treat yet, do yourself a favor and head down this weekend. Luckily for me (and my couples) I don't want to be known as 'the planner who ate all of the dessert', because we could have had a situation on our hands with me and these cheesecakes! A fun treat for the guests and a family tradition that is influenced by Matt's English heritage came in the shape of the favors! Each guest received a 'cracker' made by Olde English Cracker up in Bellingham that had a festive hat. They were great for the party and for the pictures!

Thanks again to Matt & Tonja for letting me be a part of this most special day!

New Events With an Old Fashion Twist

2010-05-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

I love the color combination of yellow, black and white in the spring! That was the color theme for May's Association of Bridal Consultant's meeting and I wanted to share some fun photos of the event with you!

The meeting was hosted by my planner pal Kaycee Parker of Parker Events who did a fab job of putting everything together. And I had the pleasure of meeting Floral and Event Designer, Kimberly Neff, owner of Lilies and Lemon Drops for the first time. Pictured below are some super cute creations that she put together for the event themed 'Old Fashion Picnic' which was held in Auburn at Sanders Mansion.

I love these first two centerpieces with multiple small glass and milk glass vases! I LOVE milk glass! It reminds me of grandmas house and who doesn't love grandmas house?! This is a look you can do by collecting 'cheap' vases from Goodwill and getting fun flowers from your local farmers market.

And I love how Kimberly used chalkboard squares as the base of each centerpiece. It draws the eye and gives it that 'old timey feel' that is fun to do during the summer. And ribbon! That is a girl after my own heart! Putting ribbon on anything makes me instantly happy!Helping Kimberly complete her look was Heather Driscoll who has a company specializing in paper design, Heateroriginal. She did fun hanging 'balls', cute faux flower buds in the vases and an adorable lemonade banner for the refreshments table.

I hope you like what you see and get inspired to put together a creation of your own using yellow, black and white this summer!

Shop to Make a Difference!

2010-05-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the forecast for this weekend?!? It is going to be absolutely gorgeous & sunny, which is perfect weather for my favorite cardio activity, shopping!! Have you had your eye on those cute summer tees at Jcrew? Maybe a new dress for wedding season at Anthropology? Maybe a fun new kitchen gadget at Crate & Barrel? (I could go on and on!)

University Village has all of these stores + 53 other fab stores, restaurants and spas which are participating in this weekend's Shop to Make a Difference event! Shop to Make a Difference is an event where if you buy a $25 'Cure Card' you will receive 20% off all participating shops in UVillage! All proceeds from the Cure Cards benefit woman's cancer research at the Fred Hutchinson Center. It is a win, win! You help cancer research and get an awesome discount at your favorite stores!

This is my 2nd year participating in the event...insert super cheesy picture of me last year selling Cure Cards at Lucy! See you shopping this Sunday afternoon!

Matt & Mikale Orren's Wedding

2010-05-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hooray, pictures from the fabulous wedding of Matt Orren and Mikale Lichota!! The too cool for school couple met in Seattle in December 2007 and by March of 2009 they had a house in Shoreline, an Old English Bulldog named Bella and an engagement ring on Mik's left hand!

The wedding was on March 4th in Lanikai, HI where Mikaela grew up. The ceremony was held at the gorgeous St. Anthony's of Padua Church and the reception was the Mid Pacific Country Club. Over 100 guests flew over from the mainland to enjoy the festivities, including photographer, Kara Hicks!

The mother of the groom baked tasty cupcakes for dessert and made the cupcake tower herself! This picture makes me smile, the cute kiddo with the afro was eyeing them for quite some time! The one 'must have' request by the groom was to have Miller Lite tray passed during the cocktail hour. Wish granted!And of course I need to have throw in my favorite picture of the three of us:) Thanks Matt and Mikale, you two are awesome!!

2010 Get Hitched Give Hope!

2010-04-23T00:14:00.001-07:00

Drum Roll Please....Clutch Events is pumped to spread the word that the 3rd Annual Get Hitched Give Hope Event is being held at the exquisite Four Seasons on October 28th! Grab a pen and your day planner so you can mark your calendars right now! This is the premier bridal giving event and you don't want to miss it!

What is Get Hitched Give Hope you ask? It is a swanky cool party (yeah, fabulous people attend it, you should too) with cocktails, yummy appetizers, live auctions, silent auctions and fun raffles. All of the money raised goes to grant wishes for stage IV breast cancer patients and their families. I know, super worthy cause!

Last year the crew raised $30,000 (awesome!) and this year our goal is to raise $50,000 (even more awesome!), so help be a wish granter, super hero type person for a night and be a part of Get Hitched Give Hope! Tickets go on sale August 1st! Don't worry, I'll remind you!

Spring/Summer Fitness Series #4

2010-04-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

Deep breath, you are almost there! This is the last workout in our 2010 Fitness Series! Think of doing it as' icing on the wedding cake'!! Our final workout comes to us from Sara Dean, personal trainer and owner of Sync Fitness!

Hello Seattle Brides! I love this time of year. Helping brides prepare for their big day is so exciting. I have lovely ladies of Seattle come to Sync Fitness every year t get their rears in gear for their wedding day. Of course every bride has her own body wish list: cut shoulders, 6 pack abs, ripped back, smaller hips, firm buns and toned guns. We work hard to check off each item on that wish list.

Of course, every bride wants to get the best result in the shortest amount of time (because, let's face it, as a bride-to-be, there are NEVER enough hours in the day!) So my secret weapon for brides is combining strength and cardio into each and every workout. This is entirely possible and can be done in a short amount of time. Give me 30 minutes and I'll have you huffing and puffing and begging for more! The key is to keep your heart rate soaring during your workout. So you choose exercises that make you pant! Here's a little sample workout that you can do in under 30 minutes:

Jumping Jacks

Push Ups

Walking Lunges

Pull Ups (weight assisted or negatives if needed)

Plank

Body Weight Squats (GET LOW!)

Mountain Climbers (or as Clutch Events likes to call them, 'the devil')

Full Sit Ups

Burpees

Tricep Dips

Jump Squats

Perform each exercise for 30 seconds and perform 3 rounds of this workout. Try not to rest between exercises. Rest for a FULL 2 MINUTES between rounds. This rest will allow you to PUSH, PUSH, PUSH during each round.

This is the kind of workout you can find me doing with my Sync Fitness Boot Camp in Wallingford. If you need more ideas, come check out a class! We would love to make you sweat!

I hope you enjoyed Clutch Event's Fitness Series! Now go work it out and enjoy the rock'n body you'll have this summer by incorporating these four work outs into your weekly regiment!!

Spring/Summer Fitness Series #3

2010-04-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, so now our arms are working it from Carly G Fitness' arm routine and Common Goal Fitness sure made our core feel it! Now it is time for our third installment in our fitness series, sorry no resting yet! I'd like to introduce Whitney Scofield, Kinesis Instructor and Facilitator with 5 Focus Fitness Studios! She is a kinesis guru and she will kick your butt (in an awesome workout sort of way of course!) Whitney is getting married herself this summer and her workout routine has got her ready for her close-ups!

5 Focus Fitness Studio's Kinesis classes utilizes interval training to increase your metabolism and improve your cardiovascular endurance. You'll burn 30% more calories while improving your flexibility, balance, strength and coordination. The Kinesis Wall is a unique cable-pulley system that allows for unrestricted movement in a full body workout. 5Focus Kinesis is different every class, so you'll never go back to your old, boring workouts again! The first class is free to try! 5 Pack is $100 and a 10 Pack is $200. Packs don't expire for a year!

Attention Brides!! Whitney is hosting a educational workshop called Bridal Body Bliss on May 14 from 5:30 - 6:30 at 5 Focus Fitness Studios. In this workshop, with Whitney you'll learn;

The "Wedding Dress series": four easy resistant band movements for sculpted arms

The equation for Bridal Bliss

Tips to maintain your sanity!

Workshop followed by wine, snacks and sharing!

It is only $10 to attend and you'll see me there! So come ready with any wedding questions you may have!

If you would like to learn more about Whitney's Bridal Body Bliss educational workshop, Kinesis or 5 Focus give her a call!

206-631-2818

http://www.5focus.com/

Spring/Summer Fitness Series #2

2010-04-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

Now that all of your arms are plenty sore from Carly Garreffa's workout of Carly G Fitness I thought I'd throw in a nice core workout into the mix with our next fabulous trainer...

Meet Lesley Sheehan of Common Goal Fitness!

Learn about Lesley & Common Goal Fitness...We have one body to take us through this life, I train my clients to treat it right, keep it strong, flexible, mobile and looking good. I'm here to offer a challenging workout designed to fit you and your needs. Count on me to provide support, sparkling conversation, accountability and the push you're looking for. I apply functional, dynamic movements that move the body in all three planes of motion: back to front, side to side and rotational. Whatever your fitness goal, my goal will be bringing you closer to yours.

I could go on and on about my credentials (they're impressive) and my experience (it's vast) but I'm more interested in you and what you're looking for. After all this isn't about me, it's about YOU!

Work your body from the inside out!
Every movement we do comes from our core. Our core works as the gyroscope to keep us balanced in our daily movement. In fact, there are billions of receptors involved in balance during movement and these are connected to the muscles of the core.

If our upper and lower body is strong, but the core is weak, we are very vulnerable to a host of problems, the biggest of which is injury. Low back pain, bulging stomachs, loose gluteals, and large 'love handles' are strong signs that signal the need for core training.

The following four movements all include the use of and the need for core strength.

Sliding Slide Lunge with Weights Need: paper plate and a weight

This move targets the glutes, hips, thighs and core all at the same time. By using a paper plate and sliding on one leg in and out, you add intensity to the traditional side lunge. Taking the weight toward the floor engages the core, making this a dynamic exercise that will really challenge you.

1. Put a paper plate under the left foot and hold a weight (I use a 10lb kettle bell) in the left hand.

2. Keep your body weight in the right leg and bend the knee as you slide the left foot out to the side, keeping the leg straight.

3. As you squat toward the floor, keeping the knee behind the toes, take the weight down and touch the floor.

4. Squat as low as you can and keep the back flat, abs engaged.

5. Push back up, slide the left foot in as you stand. Repeat for 8 - 15 reps and then switch sides, completing 1 - 3 sets

Plank: Knee to Elbow - Need: a towel or mat

The traditional plank exercise is notorious for strengthening the core. My favorite kind of plank involves even more core by inserting a knee bend into the exercise. You'll challenge the core every more in this 3-point stance (just two hands and one foot) and engage the lower body muscles of the working leg as well.

1. Begin in a plank position, on the hands and toes.

2. Make sure the body is in a straight line from the head to the heels, core braced.

3. Life the left foot off the floor and bend the knee, pulling it in towards the chest. Your torso might bend a little as you bring the knee in.

4. Cross the left foot over the right leg, hold briefly, then take the left knee back to the chest.

5. Bring the left foot back into full plank and repeat on the other side.

Repeat, alternating sides, for 1 - 3 sets of 8 reps (1 rep includes a knee bend with both right and left legs)

Tricep Kickback - Need: two dumbbells

The kickback is a common triceps exercise that involves extending the arm while the torso is in a bent position. For this variation, you extend both arms at the same time, which will involve more lower back stabilization and use of all muscles related to your core.

1. Hold a medium weight in both hands and bend over until your torso is at a 45-degree angle or parallel to the floor (more advanced). Bend the knees if needed and keep the abs engaged to protect the lower back.

2. Begin the movement by bending the arms and pulling the elbows up to torso level.

3. Holding that position, straighten the arms out behind you, squeezing the triceps muscles.

4. Bend the arms back to starting position and repeat for 10 - 16 reps.

Tips - Do this exercise one arm at a time if you're using heavier weights or need more support for your lower back. Try not to swing the arms to get the weights up. Keep the abs engaged!

Clamshell Crunch - Need: a big stability ball

Here's a sure fire challenge for...(drum roll please)...YOUR CORE! The clamshell crunch is a whole body movement, that involves the arms, legs abs and lower back. Your inner thighs squeeze a big stability ball between your feet while your arms and chest exchange the ball to hold it in your hands. It's a tough move, so make sure you only lower down as far as you comfortably can without the back arching off the floor. Start with a small range of motion and slowly build the strength and endurance for the full exercise - your low back will thank you.

1. Begin by lying on your back with the legs straight up.

2. Hold the ball in both hands with the arms extended above you.

3. Put the ball between your feet, squeezing them to keep the ball in place, and lower both the arms and legs down towards the floor.

4. Bring them back up and take the ball in your hands.

5. Lower the arms and legs down towards the floor again and continue, exchanging the ball between the hands and feet for 1-3 sets of 8-12 reps.

Avoid arching the back at the bottom of the movement. If you have trouble with that, place a rolled up towel under the hips, bend the knees and/or only lower the arms and legs a few inches instead of all the way down.

Lesley Sheehan is a ACSM Certified Personal Trainer. You can find her at Denali Fitness (Interbay) and The Fitness Lab. Call or email her at Lesley@commongoalfitness.com / 206-909-9926

It is Spring and soon to be Summer!

2010-04-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

You know what that means! It's wedding season! Time for a fitness series to help you tone up for all of those flirty dresses!

Clutch Events is going to showcase four fabulous local trainers, each with a different style and tips for you to get that killer body for your wedding this summer!

To start us off we'll begin with Carly Garreffa, owner of Carly G Fitness. Carly is a in home personal trainer and is going to show us four exercises for toning and strengthening our arms.

The 1st move is the Bicep Curl to an Arnold Press

1. Position 2 dumbbells at your side, palms facing in, and arms straight.

2. With elbows at your sides, curl both dumbbells and rotate forearm until forearm is vertical and palms face the shoulder, elbows are directly under wrists.

3. Press the weights up while rotating the hands/weights so palms are now facing forward with arms straight above the head.

4. Rotate the hands and lowering the arms back to position, palms facing your shoulders, then slowly release the curl down back to staring position with weights at your sides.

Repeat for 3 sets of 12 - 15 reps with a 20 - 30 second rest between sets

The 2nd exercise is Chair Dips

1. Sit on the edge of a chair with feet together flat on the floor with your hands on either side of your thighs.

2. Lifting your backside up off the chair, bend your arms 90 degrees, lowering your body down toward the ground; keeping your back close to the chair.

3. Slowly lift your body up with your arms to a straight arm position.

Complete 3 sets of 12 - 15 reps with a 20 second rest between set

The 3rd move is Pushups

1. Lie face down on the floor with your hands slightly wider than shoulder width.

2. With your abs engaged press your body up until your arms are fully extended (Don't lock your elbows!)

3. Lower your body to the floor without releasing your weight and repeat (press up for 2 count, lower down for a 3 count)

Repeat for 3 sets of 12 with a 20 second rest between sets

The 4th move is a Rear Deltoid Fly

1. Use 5 or 8 lb dumbbells and begin in a seated position on a fit ball, bent over with arms hanging down and weights under the knees.

2. Keep the back straight and the abs engaged.

3. Lift the arms out to the sides, up to shoulder level, squeezing shoulder blades together.

4. Keep elbows slightly bent and only lift to shoulders.
Lower and repeat for 3 sets of 12 reps with a 20 second break between reps

Carly says, 'If you incorporate these exercises into your regular workout routine you will definitely have tone arms for the summer'! And looking at the below picture she would know! Check out Carly showing off her chest, shoulders and arms on her wedding day a year and a half ago! Gorgeous!!

If you would like to learn more about Carly G Fitness and her in home training sessions give her a call at 406.431.0485 or shoot her an email at carlyg@live.com. Carly can customize a workout routine for your body and lifestyle while you avoid gym membership fees and can stay in the comfort of your own home!

Plan a Getaway To Roche Harbor!

2010-03-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

My new favorite place in WA for a fun getaway and 'destination' wedding location is Roche Harbor! I have lived in Seattle for nearly six years but hadn't made the trip to San Juan Island until this past weekend. I LOVED it!! If you haven't headed up there yet, I recommend getting out your calendars right now and picking a weekend for a vaca!

I have a wedding there this summer that I can't wait for! The fab couple are using four different spaces on the resort grounds for their rehearsal, ceremony, reception and breakfast send off. The Hotel de Haro, the heart of resort, was built in 1886. The antique white hotel is on the marina and has lush greens pathways, beautiful gardens, open stone fire places, endless walking trails and is overall gorgeous!

Plus, what is extra special about this boutique resort are the people who operate it! If you are looking for a place to get married I definitely recommend calling Sam Jacobson, Lodging and Events Director, who works extra close with his wife Alejandra in Catering, who 'can do and create anything' and Trina Fessended, Lead Reservationist. These three are part of a wonder team that can turn any dream into a reality on the water of Puget Sound! It is extremely refreshing working with folks who come from a place of 'yes'! See for yourself, check out the Roche Harbor Wedding Blog!

I hope you have a fabulous trip up to Roche Harbor this summer!

Two Birds, One Stone

2010-01-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

Attention Animal Lovers and Cupcake Fans! From now until the end of February, The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Company will donate $1.00 to the Seattle Humane Society for every "Yellow Heart Cupcake" (chocolate Carmel cashew, YUM) sold at their Belltown store!

Support your local shelter and satify your sweet tooth by purchasing a Yellow Heart Cupcake today!

Also, save the date for the Seattle Humane Societies annual Tuxes and Tails Event! Tuxes & Tails is April 24th and is being held at the Sheraton in downtown Seattle. Clutch Events is proud to be helping out with the event, stay tuned for more details!

Clutch Events featured in Seattle Bride!

2010-01-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

Lesley and Chris Jackson were married at ShileShole Bay Beach Club this past July and let me tell you, it was fresh, fun and fabulous! A mix of modern elements and old school flavor along with photography by Jenn Repp caught the eye of Seattle Bride Magazine. Lesley and Chris are featured not once, but twice in the latest issue available on newsstands now. You can check them out under "Bride Ideas" for one of the summers hottest trends, renting a photo booth for a festive reception (Atomic Photobooth) and under "Local Weddings of Note", because some weddings make you want to stand up and take note!

Sequins, Champagne and Kissing - Oh My!

2009-12-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve is approaching, let the countdown to fab events and 2010 begin!

If you are hosting a primo party this Thursday here are a few handy tips to keep in mind!

1. If you have too many guests and too little champagne glasses for a NYE toast you can save on money and purchase the plastic imitation champagne flutes at Target. Cheap? Perhaps. But by midnight no one will be caring about presentation.
2. Looking for "NYE" platters to decorate your hors d'oeuvre table? Purchase silver and gold chargers at your local Safeway for only $2 - $3 apiece!
3. Create a rock'n New Years Eve playlist full of dance favorites to keep guests entertained. Don't forget "The Final Countdown" by Europe!
4. Set a reminder in your phone so that if you have a few too many cocktails you won't miss the moment for a big group countdown!
5. Make sure to save a few bottles of chilled champagne for the stroke of midnight!
6. Keep the taxi cab numbers close by for friends who need a ride home! Make sure to call early, its a busy night!

Whether you are hosting, attending or holding down the couch on the 31st Clutch Events wishes you a wonderful NYE!

Now Hair This!

2009-11-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

I have officially found my favorite new accessory for the Winter (and odds are much longer)! I have always loved funky hairpieces and tried to use the 'Holiday Season' as an excuse to adventure out with hip new head wear. But Violet Magpies amazing hair ornaments brings my intrigue to a level of obsession!

Jen Carrigan is the owner and creative mastermind behind Violet Magpie, which is responsible for making vintage and handmade designs. She combines unique one offs from estate sales, antique stores and flea market finds and adds a modern twist using feathers, broaches and more.

What I love about her wedding collection is that she offers the standard white/cream pieces that can serve a more tradition bride as well as pass for a modern veil. But if you are looking for bright colors and brilliant feathers, she has you covered!! Want the best of both worlds? Wear a more elegant piece during the ceremony and trade it in for a peacock feather during your reception! Badabing badaboom, you are fab in an instant!

You can find Violet Magpie at some local shops such as Pretty Parlor, Velouria, La Rousse and Gossamer.

Oh, and we also love Violet Magpie because they don't just selleth, they giveth away as well! A percentage of profits go to support organizations such as the WIL Fund, empowering women in developing countries and breaking cycles of poverty by providing business loans. Kudos!

Lesley and Chris make a hot night COOL!

2009-11-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

July 25th marked the middle of summer and the busiest day in Seattle! Parades running through down town? Check! Mariners game? Check! Sounders game? Check! Sweating in the sun temp? Check! Super awesome couple getting hitched in Shilshole Bay Beach Club? Chaaa Eccckkk!

Lesley Sheehan and Chris Jackson met three years prior at a friends BBQ. She was quasi new to Seattle from the East Coast (Springsteen Country) and he was set on moving to North Carolina that very next week. After that night she continues to listen to The Boss (duh) and he never left...

Some super fun unique items about this wedding you ask?? Let's put aside his awe-inspiring chops and her hip style for a second OK? Each table had there own cake set upon an exalted homemade cake stand with funky toppers, the guests were entertained for hours with a fantabulous photobooth and the photography from Jenn Repp kept cheesy grins on faces during the sunset of a life time until the moon came up!

And as Perez would say....Completely Gratuitous Moment! Me with the Bride and Groom!

Luckily this isn't the last you have seen of Chris and Lesley...stay tuned!

Moonlighting at Moon Mansion

2009-10-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

There is a great group of wedding industry gals that chum around and see all that there is to see in the greater Seattle area while talking shop and sharing ideas! Our last adventure was at the fabulous Moon Mansion in North Bend. The mansion just recently opened up for events! With a grand staircase straight out of a romance novel and views to capture a crowd I'm sure it is going to book up fast!

Part of the evenings entertainment included the fabulous Sequoia Leopold of My Flawless Tan who applied her awesome airbrush makeup, a wonderful meal from the gals at Three Chicks Catering and fun photos done by Carrie Stark of Elegant Images and Stark Naked Photography.

Here are some of the fun shots snapped during the night by Carrie Stark.

Me! Megan Clark of Clutch Events

Kaycee Parker - Parker Events

Erin Lindeman - Lindeman Wedding and Events

Nems - Three Chicks Catering

Not pictured is the planner who coordinated the evening, BreeAnn Gayle with Pink Blossom Events, thanks BreeAnn!

Rabuor Village Partners Fundraiser Success!

2009-10-28T18:17:00.001-07:00

With the help of Seattle's Wurst Restaurant, Shultzy's, last Sunday's Rabuor Village Partner's 1st Annual Fundraiser was a huge success! Throughout the evening RVP was able to raise just over $17,000 for the project!

Clutch Events is very proud to donate a percentage of all events to the non profit organization. RVP's mission is simple; To partner with communities in rural Africa as they develop self sustainable solutions to overcome the challenges of poverty and HIV/AIDS.

If you would like to learn more about the Rabuor Village Partners please check out their website, www.rabuorvillageproject.org.

Fall Over Colors No Longer!

2009-10-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

College has started, football is on TV and the leaves have officially began to change colors! Fall has arrived! Shades of red, maroon and orange are filling the streets and sidewalks. This color palette makes for a great wedding! But don't think that seasonal colors are the only way to go for your upcoming nuptials! This fall isn't just about pumpkins and turning leaves anymore!

The newest color trends can take you from October all the way through February this year!

Charcoal, Grey, Silver, Plum, Purple, Lavender

Yes, they are fabulous colors, but you can turn them into fab textures too! Combine satin lavender bridesmaid dresses with charcoal wool suits for the men. Velour ribbon is the perfect wrap for your bouquets. Make a chilly afternoon wedding into a hot event with the warmth from heavy fabrics and deep colors!

Is your wedding a formal evening event? Add some sparkle with silver or champagne table toppers! Glittered votives or mirrored centerpiece bases will add light and panache!

Have fun and get creative with these cool shades!

To Mic or Not To Mic, That is the Question?!

2009-10-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

"How was Angie's wedding last night?"

"It was super fun!"

"I bet the ceremony was beautiful!"

"Actually, I couldn't hear a word. The officiant didn't wear a microphone."

"Oh, lame."

Don't let this be a conversation your guests have after your wedding! Sure you are offering free food and cocktails, but don't forget your guests attend your wedding to actually witness you getting married! If they can't hear you or the officiant it will make for a lousy ceremony for your guests.

How can you avoid such a situation? Simply get a microphone for your officiant! A mic will allow both you and the officiant to be heard clearly wherever you get married. And don't fret about it being an eye sore or in the way of your special moment, you can rent a lapel microphone that the officiant can wear that are barely noticeable to the crowd.

Welcome to the Clutch Events Blog!

2009-10-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you for reading the Clutch Event Blog! This is a place where you can come to get tips for your upcoming wedding, get a sneak peak at the latest trends, find out about upcoming events and read some funny stories! I hope you enjoy!