Afternoon tea is quite possibly one of my favorite things in the world. Just the thought of colorful pots of tea, dainty cups and saucers, and sweet conversation over cream-covered scones makes me feel relaxed and wonderfully girly (which makes up for all my non-girly times when I’m scorching things in the kitchen and running around the house in sweatpants). A couple weeks ago I was delighted to have the opportunity to photograph the beautiful Alice In Wonderland-themed tea party Joanna Chong of Joanna Events organized for her mother’s birthday. She is just getting into the wedding and event planning industry and wanted some shots of the table settings and guests. I was giddy at the very idea of a tea party, but was SO unprepared for the incredible camera-candy she ended up putting together!

Joanna was still setting up when I arrived and I got to witness all the beautiful items being brought one by one to the table. As each vase of flowers, each platter of pastries, each little teacup was hurried over, my eyes grew bigger and bigger, my squeals of delight louder, and my camera clicks more flurried. I couldn’t believe the colors, the concepts, the creativity!! From the paper lanterns to the tea-party music wafting through the iPod, there was not a single detail overlooked. After witnessing firsthand her event-planning prowess, I can only imagine the amazing work she would do as a wedding coordinator!

The floral arrangements were simply stunning! Sue Cook of SooziCook Events (soozcook@gmail.com) put together each unique collection of bright blooms – they really set the mood for the entire tea party!

There were endless platters of the most delectable treats – mini tea sandwiches, scones, delicate cakes. No one would be leaving this tea party hungry!

I instantly fell in love with these hand-crafted blossoms, lovingly planted around the table :)

The guests all wore the most awesome oversized hats…

And a quick photo of Joanna and her mother, the guest of honor!

I almost wanted to burst into a rendition of “My Favorite Things” as I walked through the Vibiana a couple weeks ago for this year’s Pamper Me Fabulous event. It was as if someone had peeked into my mind and pulled out all of my most adored things – fruity drinks, delicate chocolates, girl talk, fresh magazines, spa treatments, sweet architecture & design, overflowing swag bags, and best of all, a good cause – and made a huge fabulous event out of it. I thought Pamper Me Fabulous was a 100 on the Fabulometer (a new device I just invented) last year, but this year’s event was completely off the charts!

I started snapping away the second we exited our car and first caught site of the majestic Vibiana (I believe I was ooh-ing and clicking away while Scott was still struggling with the bags). Upon stepping inside, we found ourselves in a decadent oasis in the midst of downtown LA – clean lounge furniture, magazines on tables, and an amazing line-up of salons and spas, bazaars, and of course, the food, the FOOD. When I’m on the job, it’s always about focusing on the shots and not on the Fabulous Tier of Endless Cupcakes, but I do admit to being convinced by the woman at Mignon Chocolate table to try ONE teensy Mojito-flavored morsel.

Amanda, Ada, and the their team at Fresh Events definitely outdid themselves this time. The ambiance was divine, the treatments as relaxing as ever, and the causes beyond noble. This year they put together the Fabulous Female Awards as well, recognizing amazing women who serve within our community. The awards ceremony concluded the day perfectly with a message of empowerment and giving.

And now for a walk through the day!

The drinks below are amazing fruit smoothies from Glowelle. They come in luxe flavors like Raspberry Jasmine and Pomegranate Lychee and are chock-full of vitamins to refresh your skin from the inside out!

Councilwoman Jan Perry kicks off the Fabulous Female Awards.

Karina Smirnoff presents; Alice Crisci, who launched a foundation for breast cancer patients, speaks about her cause.

From the moment I heard the name of the event, I knew it was going to be something to go gaga for. And as I learned more about the details – luxurious spas providing their treatments, decadent desserts and hors d’oeuvres, samples of great products, all rolled up into a chic downtown loft – I began envisioning a pampering paradise, with bright colors, sweet smells, and massages and facials around every corner.

But my mind’s images paled in comparison to what Ada and her team at Fresh Events actually created! The ambiance was that much more soothing, the services that much more luxurious, the sweets melted in your mouth that much more. Every detail was meticulously planned to create a feast for the senses and a haven for the guests, right smack in downtown LA. I was so honored to be there to capture the event and I know if they put on another pampering extravaganza I would definitely love to attend again… maybe next time as a guest?? :)

The space! Inside…

And out…

Amazing fruit baskets provided by Couture Baskets, set under relaxing cabanas:

The treats!

Ciudad Grill…

Moonpillows – mochi filled with chocolate truffle centers!

The Sugar Spot – the green tea was my fave!

They rounded up some hottie male models to serve the guests…

Checking in:

Each guest received a gorgeous pink wristlet complete with a program for the day:

And once you enter – spas and salons galore!

And in between treatments there was relaxing under the cabanas…

… hanging out in the Photo Cabina…

… and a raffle! Ada and Amanda start it off –

One of the many cool prizes:

To mix it up they had the model from CWE come up to choose a few lucky winners:

I leave you with just a couple shots of the gorgeous ladies of Fresh Events!

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Thank you so much Ada for giving me the opportunity to photograph the amazing day and a big thank you to Dave for the referral!