a soolip wedding

soolip was the very first paper store i visited when i moved to los angeles in 2004. i remember telling myself, when i have my own stationery line, i have to contact the owner of the store... fast forward to january 2009 when i launched bluepoolroad, i met wanda wen, the founder and creative director of soolip. i'm happy to report that wanda is a fan of bluepoolroad and you can find us at soolip! i'm so inspired by wanda's passion for paper. her store is filled with gorgeous papers from around the world. i can spend hours and hours at soolip... but on this past sunday afternoon, i spent many hours at vibiana. wanda held her annual "a soolip wedding" event at this newly restored, former catholic archdiocese cathedral of los angeles. 45 feet arched ceilings, gilded foyer, layers of century old marble... it is quite a space.

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the event brought together quite a collection of talented artisans, floral designers, food and wedding experts. one that really capture my eye was the presentation by the patina group. not only was the food scrumptious, the concept behind each dish was fresh + innovative. i loved the floral arrangements that adorned their space too, really a perfect pairing. they were designed by dandelion ranch, one of my must-see flower shops in los angeles.

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fashion director erin dallesandro of kirstie kelly couture added a modern twist to the traditional runway fashion show by having her models to actually walk the event in their beautiful gowns. you could really feel the fabrics + textures up close. it also opened up conversations between the models and the brides-to-be. and speaking of presentation – what is more awe-inspring than displaying a couture gown in front of a century old marble alter? such a simple idea, but its grandness says it all...

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there is one more exhibitor i want to talk about – heath ceramics. a sausalito, california-based pottery. i was so excited when heath opened their los angeles store a few months ago. but i will save this for my next week's blog because i'll be going to the heath wedding lounge on sunday! mirena from heath commented on her way out while i was taking (more) pictures of the location, "you never stop working!" i love that compliment... i was so into the architectural details that i couldn't put my camera down! :) anyway, can't wait to see more of the linen collection designed by commune. the california-made linens were designed to complement heath's stoneware. here's a little sneak peek...

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a final note, "soolip" means:
1. a place where beauty and inspiration are a part of every day
2. chinese; one's life destiny is to seek wisdom
3. wanda's middle name