Inspiration lies around us all.  We just have to take a moment from our busy lives to find it!

Get out into nature and explore! Take a long stroll along the beach, sit in a lovely garden on a sunny day, or embark on an adventure in the woods.  Release your inhibitions, and let your imagination set fire!

I get so much of my inspiration from just looking at the beach and ocean.  We have incorporated driftwood, sea glass, beach stones, and sand into the decor for several of our events, and the best thing about using natural elements, is that we will return many of these items back to the beach once the event is over!

Photo credit: Michael Gardner

I can envision an event in just about any garden that I see. This is a little rose garden tea party in Montecito that we styled a few years ago. Sweetness.

Photo credit: Medeighnia Lentz

We use trees, flowers, succulents or other natural elements in almost every event we produce.  They add such a simple, yet lovely touch to any special occasion.

Photo credit: Matt Walla

Photo credit: Erin Feinblatt

Travel – near or far! Leave your comfort zone and immerse yourself in different cultures, stumble upon secret hideaways, and embrace local customs and food.

So many of our events are fashioned after places that I have traveled to.  I love discovering tucked away shops, cafes, parks, and secluded spots with breathtaking views.  I remember the character and essence of these special places and  and I incorporate them into our events, transforming our venues into incredible cultural experiences.

We recreated a French marketplace featuring a , confiserie, patisserie and boulangerie filled with freshly baked pastries and baguette for a small school with an even smaller budget! With a lot of hard work and heart, we were able to create something quite charming and memorable.

Photo credit: Erin Feinblatt

For an intimate dinner gathering, we infused Asian flavors and flair into our food and decor.

Photo credit: Matt Walla

For a lovely luncheon, we were inspired by Moroccan elegance.

Appreciate art and fashion! I am not a fashionista, but I can create an event just by looking at a Vogue fashion spread.  Grace Coddington, Creative Director of Vogue, is my muse!  Her work inspires me like no other.  I cannot wait to recreate my own version of this amazingly stunning Alexander McQueen floral dress!

May 2011 American Vogue Editorial, Styled by Grace Coddington

Daydream! Take the time to daydream.  Just sit and let your mind wander.  Close your eyes and just imagine what could be.  You can do wonders with a lot of imagination and little budget!

Keep dreaming and keep educating yourself and never stop looking, thinking and growing.  You just never know where it will lead you!