Everything That Glitters Is Not Gold...

So you have decided that you want a Swarovski monogram cake topper at your event?

lbvdesigns — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:51:02 +0000

Therefore, is it safe for me to assume that you have already chosen your bakery, design concept, colors and size of your cake?

If NOT, don’t fret!

I specialize in creating custom cake toppers. Thus, I already know the standard cake dimensions and intricate details for creating a perfect design. In several situations, I have worked with clients who had not chosen a bakery or finalized a design. However, it is helpful to know the overall design concept when creating an accent for the top-tier. But we can make it work!

If SO, Congratulations! You are ALMOST at the final stage of checking the cake off your to-do list.

I am sure when you were choosing to purchase your special occasion cake, there were a lot of daunting decisions involved. First, you had to find the perfect bakery amidst a sea of “seemingly” eligible cake designers. However, you probably narrowed your list based on your budget, sweet tooth, aesthetic and most importantly your confidence in the bakery’s ability to execute your idea.

Well the same holds true when selecting a company to add the final accent to the top-tier of your designer cake.

Since, utilizing your monogram at your event is important to you and adding a little sparkle to your cake fits your personality then a LBV Designs cake jewel might be a perfect fit. Here are a few features we offer to ALL of our cake jewelry customers (at no extra cost), to assist in narrowing down your vendor options:

Our preferred material for creating our cake jewelry is a rust resistant brushed metal, because it is indestructible and has the high quality to last a lifetime. As a result, you will definitely want to save your jewel as a family heirloom from your wedding or special event.

ALL of our metal can be color matched & coated in enamel to perfectly match your event’s color palette. (click here to view our available colors). If you prefer not to see any silver-colored metal on the back of your cake topper (perhaps your color palette consists of golden hues) than choosing this option might be great for you.

We ONLY use 100% genuine Swarovski crystals (really, do we need to explain why?) click here to view our color chart

Customers can choose up to 4 Swarovski crystal colors to create their color palette

We offer over 20 fonts, but if you don’t see one you like then we can create one or search around for the best fit. (click here to view our fonts)

We are a REAL custom art design company. So your customization level does not stop at choosing crystal colors and a font. We can work with you to create what you want. (click here to view our portfolio)

ALL of our cake jewelry comes with FREE shipping, which means one FLAT price (only available to standard orders. Rush orders not applicable). Unless you live in New York State where we are obligated to charge state tax on local purchases.

LBV customers receive a keepsake velvet bag to store their cake & cupcake jewelry. AND all double & triple monogram cake jewels come with a custom engraved display stand for showcasing your keepsake after the event. (here is an example of one of a recent client’s triple interconnected monogram + stand)

ALL of our designs are handmade locally in the United States within our New York City studio. We do not outsource to foreign manufacturers with unethical labor practices. As a result, you will be able to directly speak with the creator of your design by calling our studio: 1-888-722-2050

Each of our designs is sized appropriately to the dimensions of the cake tier. We do not offer the “one size fits all approach” like many large online retailers.

A percentage of the proceeds from EVERY ordered placed with LBV Designs goes to support our H.O.P.E Project. Each month we donate the money to positively impact people in need within our community and abroad.

In summary, choosing LBV Designs is a great choice because as a small specialty boutique we can offer every client our white glove customer service and our dedicated attention to solving their design needs. Additionally, we can provide the most personalized product that gives you the most value for your money. So, choose us as your vendor! We are confident that you will cherish our keepsake accessories for many years to come.

Check out our website: www.lbvdesigns.com

Happy event planning!

Ashley J. Cook

UPDATE: LBV Designs is HIRING P/T positions in NYC!

lbvdesigns — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:21:44 +0000

LBV Designs is looking to expand our team in preparation for upcoming projects. If you feel that you are a qualified candidate and interested in joining a growing brand, then read on for more details about how to apply.

LBV Designs is looking for proactive and creative individuals who are willing to dedicate themselves to assisting in the development of the LBV brand while also cultivating their skills both personally and professionally.

These individuals will have the opportunity to handle inquiries, contract negotiations, client meetings, marketing, public relations and project management. Each available role requires an open communication and cross-team collaboration. It is also imperative that each individual be service oriented and client centric in all manners of conducting business. Candidates should possess the flexibility to follow direction as well as take initiative as a self-starter. He/she should be able to thrive under pressure, have an aptitude to follow-up on assignments and have a passion for events. He/she must also be performance driven and capable of meeting deadlines and project goals. Lastly, it is very important that each candidate is able to create and maintain relationships with new and existing clients. Other responsibilities include basic office management tasks.

No relocation available.

Must live in New York City and be able to commute to our office.

Interviews will be held in person.

Schedules will be discussed upon placing an offer.

Candidates must submit a resume PLUS a cover letter to be considered. No exceptions.

We are looking to fill the following part-time positions:

Account Executives (P/T commission based)
Project Manager (P/T paid position)
Social Media/ Marketing/ PR (non-paid internship. college credit available)
Artist/ Graphic Designers (P/T paid position)

Please check back as we work to update this post with the appropriate links to each position with job descriptions, responsibilities and qualifications.

In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact us at info@lbvdesigns.com

We will not accept any phone calls concerning these positions at this time.

Thanks!

Birthday Fun: Stephanie turned 57 years YOUNG!

lbvdesigns — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:50:59 +0000

Meet Stephanie our August birthday diva. She hails from New Orleans, Louisiana where she is not only a HUGE Saints fan, teacher and talented artist but she is also my ONLY aunt who I love dearly. So this past August when my mother decided to throw Stephanie a surprise birthday party, there was no question if I would create a special cake topper for her to adorn her cake. Stephanie celebrated her 57th birthday this past August 11, 2011 and I was lucky enough to escape the Matrix of NYC and go to my hometown of New Orleans to celebrate with her and my family. What a great time it was to see my mother, cousins, friends and extended family for such a joyous occasion. Not to mention, I welcome any opportunity to enjoy all the FANTASTIC New Orleans cuisine that I grew up on (after my trip home my skinny jeans did not appreciate my food choices though).

Upon arriving into New Orleans my schedule was immediately filled with last-minute party planning & execution courtesy of my beautiful mother (where was an event planner when I needed one!). Luckily I was able to finish my chores with enough time left to customize my aunt’s cake topper before the party. So, I turned the living room area of my suite into my studio.

Here is the FIRST EVER (and probably the last) behind the scenes photo of me creating a cake jewel. The process is long, tedious and NOT glamorous so I usually look like I have been hit by a truck… so photography is usually the last thing on my mind at that time .

Here is a close-up shot of the finished product moments before Stephanie made her entrance.

The bakery who created this tasty and fabulous dessert for us was Marian, the NOLA Cake Diva. She is probably the BEST baker and cake artist in the city. Her cakes are rich, fluffy little bites of heaven. Both she and her husband are a pleasure to work with and they just relocated their bakery to the N. Causeway highway (minutes from the Galleria). To my New Orleans residents and beyond: I HIGHLY recommend Marian for your cake customization needs. Link: http://www.facebook.com/SHOWSTOPPERCREATIONS

Later in the evening, my aunt finally made her GRAND entrance into her party of over 90 guests. It was so exciting to see her face as she realized what was going on and why my mom and I had been so secretive with her. The cake table was strategically placed at the center of the room so her eyes immediately gravitated to her dazzling 57.

I think she enjoyed both her custom cake and Swarovski cake jewel, what do you think?

The night was a beautiful celebration of her birth and I look forward to many future occasions to honor my family and friends.

xoxo

Birthday Fun: Nia’s Cirque Du Soleil Sweet 16

lbvdesigns — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:22:04 +0000

Last May, Nia celebrated her 16th birthday in Atlanta, Georgia. Thankfully when Nia’s mother and event planner sought out a custom cake topper they thought of LBV Designs. I am always so grateful when people contact me to participate in one of the most exciting moments in their lives. Here is your personal behind the scenes tour through the process:

The process started out with a call from Nia’s event planner, Jamahl L. King. Jamahl is the celebrity event planner and owner of STEPS Events, in Atlanta, GA (www.stepsevents.com). He is a good friend of mine and an AMAZING planner/designer so I am always so excited to get a call from him.

He explains that this is a custom art project for a Cirque Du Soleil themed sweet 16 and at that point I can hardly contain my excitement. We agreed to terms and he gives me some ideas for inspiration.

I began the design process. See, I LOVE creating custom art! Granted monograms and numbers are popular but my favorite designs are my stilettos and art where I am given the encouragement to push the envelope a little.

What would you think of if you were asked to create a Cirque Du Soleil themed cake topper? I thought of a Asian mask with feathers, bright colors, weird shapes and swirls all being combined with the words “Nia” and “sweet 16″. As a result, I started out with 3 sketches that I submitted to Nia’s mother for review: safe, medium risk, and high risk concepts. We narrowed it down to one concept and then I made the final changes to the work.

Although, the final concept was not as risky as I would have hoped it to be, my client was happy with the design, and in the end that is all that matters. One thing that I had to learn as a designer is that I am a servant to my client. I can offer my creative imput to steer the concept from disaster, which I am obligated to do, to protect my brand. But, ultimately this is my client’s keepsake and he or she must feel good about the finished product.

This is a collage of the final design both at the studio and at Nia’s party. I am very proud of what we collaborated to create for Nia.

Happy 16th birthday Nia!

Do you remember your sweet 16? Ah! the good ole days when you had no worries outside of what you were going to wear to the school dance and who had a crush on who. I remember my turning 16. See, I had devised this master plan of manipulating my mom into buying me a brand new car (Mitsubishi Eclipse) if I forfeited the elaborate party and presentation. Well, in the end I didn’t get the car (until H.S graduation) or the elaborate party. Instead she gave me a small intimate party in our backyard with my family and a few friends. Thanks mom for the tough love! Lol!

Here’s to learning from your childish mistakes and wishing you were able to re-live 16 years old again. Cheers!

xoxo

Russell Simmons’ RUSH Philanthropic charity event- New York City

lbvdesigns — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:39:15 +0000

On February 14th, 2011 La Bella Vita Designs created custom logo cupcake jewels for Russell Simmons‘ RUSH HEARTS charity event. Held at the The Plaza hotel on Fifth Avenue Russell’s organization really brought out a crowd of supportive professionals. Read on to see pics of who made it out to the Plaza and which celebrity/humanitarian sat next to me during the luncheon. Rush Philanthropic is an organization started by Russell and his brothers Danny and Rev Run. The goal of the foundation is to promote youth art education in addition to exposing the students to resources within the artist community. On Valentine’s day the “RUSH Hearts” charity event (which was so perfectly titled) was held to showcase some of the amazing art from the students but also to raise money to support the program.

LBV Designs was contracted by Rush Philanthropic to create an event appropriate favor for all of the 250 attendees. Because the event was on Valentine’s Day I thought it would be an amazing treat if each guest was given a cupcake gift box upon leaving the event. *I mean, who doesn’t love a good cupcake?* And of course, since I specialize in creating custom jewelry for cupcakes… this would be a great way for each guest to see the jewelry in action. So, after taking into consideration the nature of the organization I thought it would be perfect to incorporate the logo and create unique favors that would serve as a branding piece even after the event. Additionally, since it was a charity event to support education, LBV decided to take our unique accessories one step further to make them dual purpose. So, not only was each cupcake jewel a unique branded accessory but it also served as a bookmark or paper clip for each guest to enjoy. YES! LBV Designs is ALWAYS coming up with UNIQUE and BRILLIANT ideas for our clients. *pats myself on the back*

When I arrived at the event there was a little army of about 25-30 volunteers there to assist me with the final set up. How awesome was it to meet each and every one of them. The event roughly started around 11 am with cocktail hour in the reception area. The reception area was cheerfully decorated with art done by the RUSH kids.

I desperately LOVE the Plaza hotel… so chic!

Lunch started at noon, right after Russell and his date made their appearance and stopped for photos. All the guests filed into the grand ballroom and found their designated tables where there was a great vegan lunch (inspired by Russell’s diet… I am sure) prepared for us. Newlywed, DJ Kiss was the event’s DJ who kept us jammin’ between each course.

Mayor Bloomberg was there with opening remarks to all the guests. Then the most adorable student from the program presented the Mayor with an amazing hand painted portrait that he created to thank Mayor Bloomberg for his support. The RUSH kids are so talented and personable. Soledad O’Brien was the host of the event. I had a chance to chat with her and the end of lunch and she was the sweetest most humble person ever!

There was an auction hosted by Star Jones during lunch. Star really has the ability to convince guests to open up their wallets. I believe Russell must have donated in excess of $10k and then sitting right to me at my table was Mr Wyclef Jean who matched Russell’s generous donation. I was excited and in awe to see so much money being willingly given by celebrities to support the organization.

After lunch and dessert were served the waiters and volunteers set up a beautiful display of the favors outside in the reception area. It is evident by now that, I am custom jewelry designer not a baker. However, my unique accessories are most complemented by dainty and delicious desserts. As a result, I chose to collaborate on this event with Roxanne Ferrance, owner of Cake in a Cup NY to bring my ideas to fruition. Roxanne is an expert in her field and her red velvet cupcakes had me craving for more. So, it was such a pleasure when she accepted my invitation to join me as the baker on this project. You can find her online at www.cakeinacupny.com or on twitter @cakeinacupny.

Kisha Kingston owner of Royale Amethyst was kind enough to create a custom table tent card with both LBV and Cake in a Cup’s logos on it. Check out her gorgeous work at www.royalamethystllc.com

It was so AMAZING to see the guests enjoy their parting gifts. Roxanne and myself had the lovely opportunity to steal a quick convo and photo with Russell before he was whisked away. At that very moment everyone in the reception area stopped and stared at us while we smiled for the camera. Can you say awkward? However, I am sure Russell is accustomed to being a showstopper at every event… I am not! Here is one of the photos we took together.

*Notice that the server (with his white gloves on) is putting the cupcake gift boxes onto a silver platter to distribute to the guests as they leave the luncheon … now that is CLASSY!*

Needless to say, the event was fabulous and I was so excited that I was invited to attend. Many THANKS to the folks at Rush Philanthropic: Vanessa, Casey, Tangie and Russell. Also, thank you to Roxanne, Kisha, and all the lovely volunteers that I met at the Plaza. Most importantly, thanks to the cutest and most talented kids ever… the RUSH kids!

Here are more pics from inside the event including some of the other amazing folks who stopped by to support the RUSH kids.

Grand Opening of Ne-Yo’s Emerlyn & Ester boutique in Atlanta

lbvdesigns — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:05:57 +0000

Last month, La Bella Vita Designs was contacted to design a custom stiletto cake jewel to celebrate the grand opening of multi-platinum R&B artist Ne-Yo and his partner Monyetta Shaw’s new boutique. Located in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, GA Emerlyn & Ester is truly a “must see” for any fashionista. Read on for a recap of my experience and exclusive pics of the event.

When I arrived, the valet parking team quickly helped me out of the car and carried my boxes.

tent entrance to the boutique

I was SO happy that one of my original designs was requested for the event. Here is a picture of Ne-Yo, Monyetta, and I in front of the highly coveted La Bella Vita Designs Catwalk Stiletto (in leopard).

(L-R) Ne-Yo, Monyetta Shaw, Ashley J. Cook

Monyetta and the Catwalk Stiletto

Amongst the guests, I met several interesting entrepreneurs within the entertainment and fashion industry. But, meeting PR mogul Kitsy Rose and Vicent Martinez of Fashionado Style was awesome. Here they are pictured with the stiletto and cake.

Vicent and Kitsy

Then toward the end of the night actress & producer Vivica A. Fox showed up with her fiance’ to wish the new entrepreneurs success. She was such a sweetheart to chat with and so down to earth! However, the whole time we chatted I was distracted by the beautiful ROCK on her hand given by her soon to be husband. Go Slim! Below is a picture of us behind LBV‘s exclusive catwalk stiletto.

(L-R) Jamahl King, Vivica Fox, Ashley J. Cook

Here is a picture of me and a good colleague of mine within the celebrity events industry, Mr Jamahl L King owner of STEPS Events. Based out of Atlanta, GA Jamahl has basically worked with every celeb and relevant brand. His events are always signature luxury and I am happy to have in my circle of advisors and mentors. Follow him on twitter at @CEOSTEPS

Jamahl King and Ashley J. Cook

A close up of the incredible cake from Highland Bakery.

Cake from Highland Bakery (Atlanta GA)

Throughout the night I had the opportunity to meet and network with several professionals from different industries. However, it was refreshing when I had the chance to chat with another budding entrepreneur, Jaimee Ratcliff. Jaimee has started a PR company, BrandmePR, based in Atlanta which she is looking to officially launch this spring. I am excited to see her unique ideas come to fruition within the busy Atlanta market where EVERYONE claims they are a celebrity or the next Rihanna. I wish her all the best and I look forward to the success of BrandmePR.

(L-R) Jaimee Ratcliff and Ashley J. Cook

The night ended with an official speech and toast to the success of Emerlyn & Ester. Ne-Yo’s latest single “Champagne life” was the perfect track to end the night. I wish all the best to the new store.

Champagne toast

** PHOTO CREDITS: Mr. David Barrack and GParasPhotography.

If you want to see more pics of the guests and the event click here.

Blog Mention: “Jewelry for my cupcake?”

lbvdesigns — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:44:56 +0000

Great news! LBV Designs was featured on another blog. Tatiana Byron is a celebrity event planner and owner of 4pm Events. She is also the founder of the Wedding Salon bridal show that is held annually in NYC, LA, Chicago and Miami. Today she posted an article about LBV Designs on her blog … find out what she had to say.

On October 27, 2010 the article, “Jewelry for my cupcake” was posted in Tat’s Tips.

Click this link:http://www.weddingsalon.com/blog/index.php/2010/10/27/jewelry-for-my-cupcake/ to read the full article.

Dylan’s Candy Bar- Bridal event 2010

lbvdesigns — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:30:06 +0000

On Monday October 18, 2010 The Wedding Salon hosted a glamorous night of bridal bliss for all NYC brides-to-be. Held at Dylan’s Candy Bar located on Third avenue in Manhattan the evening was full of colorful candies, savory chocolates and eager brides waiting to hear the new trends for 2011. Read on to hear who was selected to sit on the panel of unique bridal vendors.

There was a panel of industry experts who led the event in a discussion about unique ways to personalize your upcoming wedding. The panel consisted of Landino Photography, Magnolia Photobooth, Yves Saint Laurent (makeup artistry of Bergdorf Goodman) and yours truly La Bella Vita Designs.

I was so excited to be amongst the panel of industry experts! It was truly a fabulous night full of beautiful people and energy. I mean, who can be grumpy when talking about all the fun details of planning a wedding? The event lasted about 2 hours and over 60 brides showed up to hear the panel speak. Afterwards, YSL gave away beautiful gift bags for the brides to enjoy filled with makeup and great treats courtesy of Bergdorfs.

Being a vendor within the events industry is a joy but there is something special about when I work with brides to plan one of the most exciting moments of their lives. I look forward to the next bridal event that I participate with in the upcoming months… I will keep you guys posted of my schedule.

*Photos courtesy of Landino Photograpy and The Wedding Salon*

Blog Mention: “Pink Saturday – La Bella Vita”

lbvdesigns — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:07:16 +0000

Great news! LBV was just mentioned on another blog. Tami Reed is a blogger, publicist, mother, wife, talk show host and all around Atlanta socialite. She is also the new lifestyle editor of Rolling Out Magazine Atlanta amongst being a contributing blogger for Vibe Vixen, Channel 11 news and others. Tami came across LBV Designs online and decided to write an article about us. Find out what Tami had to say…

On July 23, 2010 Tami Reed posted an article titled, “Pink Saturday” to inform her readers about our fabulous cake and cupcake jewels.

Thank you Tami for a wonderful write-up. We are truly honored!!!

Click here: http://talkingwithtami.com/pink-saturdayla-bella-vita-designs to read the entire article.

My Kimora Lee “FABULOSITY” experience

lbvdesigns — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:57:13 +0000

What started out as an opportunity to meet and hear the famous model, mogul, mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, speak about “how to build a successful empire” turned into a pivotal moment in LBV Designs history. Less than three weeks after my company’s soft launch at the The Wedding Salon luxury bridal show, I had my first celebrity using LBV cake jewelry. I had no idea when I woke up that morning that by 7p that evening I would be standing face to face with Kimora Lee Simmons.

When I arrived to the event where Kimora was set to speak, I had no idea that her personality would be so magnetic and amiable. I mean after seeing her on tv I could only imagine how much a DIVA she would be to witness in person. However, she had me laughing and nodding my head to her “down to earth” witty comments. But let’s be clear, she is definitely a FAB DIVA! Yet, I found her personality something that I could relate to…sort of like she was a good girlfriend of mine who I could chat with over the phone.

After the event, I decided to formally introduce myself to Kimora. I was a SUCH a nervous WRECK! I was TREMBLING IN MY (tortoise peep toe) WEDGES but I managed to navigate the crowd that had formed around her until I was finally standing face to face with Kimora Lee Simmons.

There I was, nervous and stumbling over simple words because I was rushing to get the right words out before I lost her attention. She smiled and replied by giving me her assistant’s contact and suggested that I reach out to her to continue the conversation since she would be the person communicating with Kimora from LA. From that point I followed up with the contacts that I was given and on May 12. 2010 Kimora was using my custom cake jewelry to celebrate her bday in Los Angeles.

Later that day, I received a phone call from Kimora’s assistant asking for my twitter handle (@LBVDESIGNS for those of you that were wondering and wanted to start following me ). Strange question I thought to myself, but then shortly after I received a mention from Mrs. Fabulosity herself telling me how much she really enjoyed her cake jewelry.

At that point, I knew that if my work was validated by the queen of opulent accessories and glamour via twitter then LBV Designs was off to a good start.