COTE DE TEXAS: Courtney Caplan
Showing posts with label Courtney Caplan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Courtney Caplan. Show all posts

Southern Accents’ Loss: Caplan Miller Events

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A 50th birthday party planned by Caplan Miller Events – The Appletini table had it’s own cabana.

 

Last year,  I wrote a story about my good friend’s daughter – Courtney Caplan, a young entrepreneur in Austin, Texas who along Sarah Miller started a party planning business, Caplan Miller Events.  CME has been a huge success – their parties are out of this world and every one who knows Courtney is so  proud of her.     One 50th birthday party CME planned was so divine that pictures of it were splashed all over the wedding/entertaining blogs.  After the Cote de Texas story went online, Courtney was stunned to get a phone call the very next day from Southern Accents magazine.  Karen Carroll, then editor-in-chief of SA,  wanted to showcase the party planners in her magazine.  To say everyone was thrilled would be an understatement. 

 

 

image  CME is known for using furniture vignettes at their parties.  At the 50th birthday party – lime green and zebra were used as theme colors.

 

A few months after that initial phone call and much preparation later, Southern Accents did come, photographers in tow to capture the lavish “faux” party  Caplan  Miller Events put on for the magazine.  The story of that party was scheduled to run this spring - except what no one anticipated happening happened and now of course, Southern Accents is no more.  What a shame for CME that all those party pictures will never be seen.   But, graciously enough, in the last issue of SA, there is a storyline on Austin and a small blurb of the girls along with their picture was included on their web site HERE.   Although extremely grateful to be included in the “Insiders Guide To Austin,” it is still small potatoes next to actually being featured in the magazine.  Courtney, the ultimate optimist and a the-glass-is-always-half-full kind of girl is just happy knowing what would have been.  And so, since I feel somewhat responsible for the whole episode, I asked Courtney to share a few recent events she has planned so we could all enjoy them.     As always, CME didn’t disappoint and my jaw was hanging open while I gazed over the pictures Courtney sent.  I’m sure you’ll be impressed too!

 

 

image  Caplan Miller Events:  Sarah Miller, Courtney Caplan, and Elisabeth Elias who heads up their new Destination Management and Corporate Events Division.  Looking good girls!

 

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The first wedding Courtney shares was an outdoor event held in the bride’s parents backyard overlooking  Lake Travis.  The theme was yellow as you will see,  for the Yellow Rose of Texas – a popular rose AND song!  The flower girls wore adorable yellow tutus.

 

 

 

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CME had to construct a large wooden floor over the lawn which was used for the ceremony.   Yellow flowers by Petal Pushers of Austin were everywhere.

 

 

 

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The wedding canopy overlooked the lake  - so beautiful!

 

 

 

image A view of the ceremony.

 

 

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The programs continued the theme.

 

 

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Of course the bridesmaids wore yellow and carried a mixture of gold and yellow flowers.

 

 

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And naturally there was lemonade.

 

 

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The bride wanted a candy bar – stocked with every kind of yellow candy...

 

 

 

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And sucker – notice the darling yellow dotted ribbons!

 

 

 

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The place cards were cleverly affixed to yellow ribbon with clothespins.

 

 

 

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More yellow flowers were at each table.

 

 

 

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I loved how they had fireside S’mores!

 

 

 

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Even the beer Koozees were color coordinated.   It’s hard to imagine how much work goes into planning an event like this!   All photos were taken by Diana M Lott Photography.

 

 

 

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The next wedding Courtney shared was a beautiful indoor event, this time with an orange theme.  In Austin, there are a lot of orange party themes since the local University of Texas’ color is burnt orange.   Here, reflected in a mirror is the flower-laden wedding canopy.    The photographer is Jenn Lindberg Weddings and the floral designer is David Kurio Designs.

 

 

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A close up of the corner of the wedding canopy.

 

 

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After the ceremony, the canopy is placed over the favors. 

 

 

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During the cocktail hour, the lighting changed from orange to lilac.  What a wedding!

 

 

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The tablecloths were silk taffeta and Caplan Miller Events had mirrors made by Townsley Designs for all the table tops. 

 

 

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A close up of the table settings with their mirrored tops and glass chargers. 

 

 

 

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The cake was topped with orchids and in the background – I wonder if that is the groom’s cake in the shape of a UT Longhorn?????  Only in Texas!

 

 

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This next wedding was a true Texas experience weekend.  The rehearsal dinner was held in Luckenbach, Texas – a town of just a few residents which was made famous by a Waylon Jennings song.

 

 

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The photographer for this weekend was Juxtapose.   I love the wedding couple’s initials spelled in flowers against all the rough woods!

 

 

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The couple had a BBQ at the old Luckenbach Feed Lot for the Rehearsal Dinner.

 

 

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Hook’em!   Of course there had to be a Texas Longhorn.   The couple actually met on 6th Street in Austin and the groom is fresh off his second deployment to Iraq.

 

 

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  The wedding ceremony was held in Fredericksburg at the Grape Creek Vineyard complete with a bagpiper.

 

 

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   Blue hydrangeas were placed all around the outside altar.

 

 

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The reception was held at Hoffman Haus – a charming B&B in Fredericksburg.

 

 

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The reception was held in a tent complete with chandeliers from Mexico and toile table cloths in blue and white to match the hydrangeas.    Courtney made sure to tell me that these glasses weren’t the ones she ordered!  They were supposed to be cobalt blue cut crystal – but CME made do with what was sent.  Courtney – it looks pretty nice to me!

 

 

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Another view of the tables – so pretty!!    Gorgeous flowers by David Kurio Designs and Draping by Townsley Designs. 

 

 

 

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Since the couple were married at a vineyard, wine corks held the place cards.

 

 

 

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The tent from the outside looking in – so romantic looking.

 

 

 

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Flip-flops in hydrangea blue were provided for dancing – the details are just amazing.

 

 

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All the women wore hats to the wedding, so of course there was a Hat Check!

 

 

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The candelabras held white orchids.

 

 

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There was even a late night buffet complete with donut holes and funnel cakes – yum!

 

 

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Mini burgers at the Late Night Buffet.

 

 

 

 

image And finally, just this past August, CME had another 50th Birthday bash – this time on 6th Street in Austin, photographed by Jerry Hayes.

 

 

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Each guest’s menu became their own place card.   And yes – burnt orange was again used in honor of the UT Longhorns.

 

 

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I adore this flower combination – green orchids and peach roses!   So beautiful!     The amazing flowers were by David Kurio Designs

 

 

 

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Everyone was seated in one long table overlooking downtown Austin.   Even the chair cushions matched the linens.

 

 

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Outside, CME had all the furniture, provided by Townsley Designs, brought in for the event. 

 

To see even more pictures of their events – be sure to visit Caplan Miller Events web site HERE.      I tell Courtney and her mom I can’t wait until Elisabeth gets married, I am going to hire CME to plan it – if they won’t be all booked up that is!  

 

 

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I mean – if  Courtney had been an event planner when Elisabeth had her Bat Mitzvah, I’m sure we would have ended up with this:  a circus!  Isn’t this the cutest thing ever??   The Bat Mitzvah girl had her own Circus!  Love it!    Courtney, you are the BEST!!!!!!

 

 

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In a bit of blogging news – The Skirted Table this week welcomed my blogging mentor, Jennifer Boles of The Peak of Chic.   Be sure to listen as Jennifer discusses how she started her blog - it’s an amazing story, and she also talks all about her new job at House Beautiful.   To listen go HERE.     As always, Linda, Megan and I so appreciate your listening and commenting.  Be sure to leave us any ideas for upcoming shows you might have.  

Courtney Caplan - Rising Star!

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Remember this "library" where everyone commented, how can it be a library, there are no books?!!!  So, I changed the name to the rather boring sounding "TV Watching Room."

 

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Well, you can see here, among the gorgeous Bennison and Rogers & Goffigon fabrics and M. Naeve antiques, there ARE some books, here! 

 

These clients of mine were people I knew when we started working together about five years ago, but we really weren't friends.  After working on a house for this long, either you end up enemies or buddies!!   Thankfully, we became close friends and they are, I like to say, my favorite clients.  We've shared a lot together over these past five years, mostly great things, and lots of phone conversations and emails go back and forth between us.  So, when something happens worth bragging about, I'll get a call or an email from them and vice versa.  Today, was just that kind of day when I got an email full of pictures from a party held at Lake Travis this past weekend which their daughter had planned.  You see, their daughter, Courtney Caplan, is in business for herself  in Austin, Texas.   She's an upscale event coordinator which is a fancy word for party planner.    Today, Courtney and her partner Sarah Miller own Caplan Miller Events and CME is fast becoming the "go to" company for weddings, parties, corporate events, and Bar Mitzvahs.  

 

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The beautiful and dynamic Courtney Caplan

 

Courtney ended up in Austin after graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in Corporate Communication.   She worked at the legendary and tony Driskill Hotel for six years - serving as their Catering Director where she personally coordinated more than 1,000 events.  She received many accolades and awards during her stint at the classic hotel.  But, the ever energetic Courtney wanted more and yearned to be her own boss.  Hence, CME was born.  The company has quickly garnered rave reviews and laudatory press.  To say it is a success would be an understatement.  I'm so impressed with Courtney's abilities, I've already hired her to be the planner for my daughter Elisabeth's wedding.  Just because she's only 17 and not even out of high school really doesn't matter!  I want to be sure Courtney and CME will be available in, oh, about ten years from now.  

 

Just take a look at these pictures from a 50th birthday party Courtney and CME planned at Lake Travis, Texas last weekend.  You'll understand why her parents wanted to share them with me:

 

 

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Now, do you know see why I am so impressed?   Look how charming this setting is!  Greeting all the arriving guests were green Appletinis, standing ready under a green and white tent.  

 

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A montage of flowers from  the party.  Look how beautiful that ball of pink flowers and green orchids is.  The lake, and setting for the party, is Lake Travis right outside of Austin.  The Hill Country of Texas is our French Riviera.

 

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Zebra and linen pillows on couches were brought in for the party.   Fans were available to cool down the guests.

 

 

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A collage of the decor for the 50th Birthday party that CME planned.   The theme colors were the green, as seen in the orchids, pillows, and tablecloths, and to contrast the green was a deep apricot and accents of zebra skin.  Notice how even the cushions on the dinner table chairs were made out of the zebra skin.   Modern, hip, and youthful!

 

 

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Scattered around the party were statues, brought in from Las Vegas.  Look closely - the statues are alive!!

 

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See!  Amazing!!!

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Another member of the Las Vegas crew - giant, live orchids!!

 

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The lighting for the party was dramatic.  In the past decade, lighting vendors have become very popular and vital to a successful, upscale party.

 

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The lighted dance floor.   There were three musical acts, one of whom was Sister Sledge!   Notice the tents - zebra rugs and pillows, sofas and chairs, provide a trendy place to sit and talk away from the crowd.  Great idea, Courtney!

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Courtney and CME turned an outdoor lawn area into a New York City discotheque.   I love the hot pink lighted floor and ceiling.  The building to the left was lighted lime green.

 

 

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At the end of the night, they even had a fireworks display.

I can understand why her parents are so proud of Courtney.  She's really a talented and innovative event planner and these images leave a lasting impression of her abilities.   Look at  some photos from other, more tamer events, CME has coordinated:

 

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For a Texas outdoor wedding, CME set the theme right at the party's entrance.



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Only in Texas and maybe Colorado - the bride wore lace and cowboy boots.



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The bride walks to the wedding under an old-fashioned windmill.



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The ceremony was outdoors, the reception was tented.



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Tables were marked by names of Texas cities.



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At another wedding the theme was red, and a huge urn with red flowers greeted the guests.  The table also holds a package of goodies to take home.



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The red theme carried over to the bride's cake.


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 This wedding was held in a quaint, Texas town, complete with an old gas station and a steepled church.

 


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The path to the ceremony was marked by paper lights.  The groom looks a little nervous to me.


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The tiny flower girls look adorable walking down the petal strewn aisle!

 

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At another wedding, the ring bearers road up in a flower encrusted University of Texas Longhorn wagon.  Poor thing - he doesn't seem too happy!

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This groom's cake is amazing - it's the University of Texas Tower.  Hey, this IS Austin, you know!!!

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For a bridal shower, hydrangeas and roses were the centerpieces.

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Name places were stuck into rose-filled apples.  Charming!

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For a corporate event, Texas fiddle players greeted the employees at their annual party.

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And Texas beer, Shiner Bock, was passed.

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Autographed Asleep at the Wheel CDs were handed out.



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The vodka bar was an ice sculpture!


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For another corporate event, the theme was decidedly feminine.  Notice the huge vases filled with lemons and flowers on each side of the podium.



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The tablescapes for this corporate event.

 

What's most amazing about CME is how young Courtney is yet, she has the maturity and knowledge to have made her company such a success.  Her future is bright and I couldn't be happier for Courtney or her parents -- after all, they ARE my favorite clients!

 

Be sure to visit Caplan Miller Events' web site here.