Mishka Designs

Okay, I promised to keep you updated. The good = it's still cool outside, if you sit in the shade and are drinking a Corona. Oh, and it hasn't rained yet. The bad = it's humid. and it's hot. The ugly = you are sweating walking in the shade.

Sweet! My own fan club . abrazos, m

It's Getting a Little Hairy In Here! Well, I know I don't typically ever get to help anyone with their style, but I do love hair styles - some of these I've actually had done myself for parties (meaning I had someone do it TO my hair, not ME actually doing it with my own two hands!). There's something to be said for a simple, sophisticated do. I really love the soft braid/waves in this first picture and this retro look I think would be super chic with a feather and a little jeweled clip. Underneath we have these great semi-bee hives, although of the three, I think I like Sarah Jessica Parkers the best. Still going with the "less is more" theme, we have this really amazing braided do up top. I really love this middle do with braid underneath the bun - I think the combination is really striking. And, lastly, a combination of braid and wavy curls, worn by Heidi Klum. Alright, now we're getting to the good stuff! After scouring the web, I realized I'm an adornment kind of girl, so you'll have to excuse me if so many of these photos have THINGS in the hair! We'll start by Going Greek! I had this done for a party (by Elle Salon here in Vallarta) and it turned out fabulous with gold ribbon I brought from the States - I can easily see this done for a bride, with the right ribbon/jewels. Top left, we have silver string with pretty jewels, in the middle we have my favorite Grecian hair example - when you look close you can see a combination of pretty ribbons, and I love the Grecian look with curls at the end of this row. Underneath, pretty silver ribbons, and double black headband with teased look. Moving onto flowers in the hair - something quite popular down here by the ocean! I like the simplicity of these miniature roses in the first picture, I think this sculptural hair do is interesting (although not sure how practical it would be for a wedding), I heart heart this floral creation but am a little concerned as to how it would hold-up down here in the humidity! On the bottom row, I think this very simple, wavy hair style is a very classic by the ocean do and love the feel of it. I think the middle floral french braid is very different and could be very striking (those are not real flowers). And I think this last photo is very smooth and classic. I had to do a section on tiaras. I had a tiara, although it certainly wasn't what I had planned on or thought I would do but, then, ended-up falling-in love with one and just had to have it! I think this first photo is very romantic and whimsical and the next photo has a real nice, soft look to it as well. On bottom, I think this is a great look for a short-hair bride. And last, I know this isn't probably a tiara, but a clip, but it COULD be a tiara and, anyway, I think this is also a great look for a short hair bride. Of course, I saved my favorite section for last. These are actually what inspired me to do a blog on this in the first place - clips! Oh how I adore thee! I heart heart this first hair style - I'm not sure what it is I love about it the most - I like the combination of curls and braid and pretty clips - I think this would look great with a veil down below. I think this middle hair style with clips is also great, but I don't think a veil would look good for it - those clips would definitely replace a veil. And the last picture in this row is also great - brings back a 1940's, 1950's vibe - super fun! I would have loved to see how this hair style (silver bun) looked like from the front, but couldn't find a picture. This next picture is also a really great bun with a few little pearl pins. Great side ponytail with clips, although I don't think it would be for me - I would be too worried about getting hot; also LOVE these clips on the red hair do and love the hair do - although, again, I'm not sure how well that would hold-up as the night goes on; and lastly, I love this hairdo and big floral sparkly clip - something I think would look well with a veil or not. Next week I'm going to do a design board on a really odd color combination (olive, pink and blue!), but I think it's going to look amazing!

PV has a lot of great things - bands isn't one of them. Enlace (already mentioned) and Coco'Ache (cuban band) are the two best bands and the only ones that most of the coordinators recommend. Like Edna said, there are better bands in GDL, but they will be $$$.

thank you for your comments - it's fun . you guys rock (of course!). Ocean is great - although we now call her Two Toofs, because she has, well, two teeth! she's a vampire, but on the bottom . am working on next week's blog .... surprise surprise .

Quote: Originally Posted by edna Hola Mishka how is the weather? any updates? strange signals? LOL!!! saludos calurosos... today we are in the F: 100's and 90% humidity OMG!!! hola e! you make me laugh, which is great because there's been little to laugh about the past week or so! Well, no rain as of yet, but I hear you on the humidity - I will stop running outside as of Monday and go to the nice air conditioned gym, if that tells you anything! BOO!!!

Well, I know you thought this would never come, but here it is! Enjoy! Mishka Designs' Blog: Yeah for the Red, Orange and Teal!

I know I wrote about this last year (I can't believe it's been a year since I've been with ya'all - how fast time flies!) but we've been having a week full of fireworks! Again, tons of castillos - these big iron structures with fireworks on them - and, of course, big bang bang bang fireworks! I found a video on youtube which sortof explains what it all looks like - I'm pretty sure this video was from the fireworks show last year, but it will give ya'all an idea! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvP8DvxYZiM And some images on flickr (because I took a ton of pictures and I suck at taking pictures of fireworks, apparently!) http://www.flickr.com/photos/tercer_ojo/2637403925/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/phixelle/2554465403/ And, of course, the corona (the crown) of the castillo crashed into the crowd AGAIN this year, causing everyone to scatter - and, if you weren't the one scattering, it was funny - especially since you know there is NO WAY you could ever have castillos in the States or Canada . http://www.flickr.com/photos/phixelle/2555289158/ Thank you all for your emails and I promise I will get back to being a creative, interesting blogger .... after May! :).

Don't chastise me, dear brides and coordinators - we've been super busy working on an upcoming wedding which is turning out AMAZING - but as a result, I'm horribly delinquent writing to you! A BIG shout out goes to Scott and Carrie who were married April 11th in Las Caletas! INVITES As a twist, both the bride and groom got into the maraca deciding action, as they chose which design they liked best. They did send us their invites which we loved and were excited to copy, but really wanted the Lacy Romance design which we have done before as an example. CHOCOLATE AND IVORY LACY ROMANCE We also did little name/date/location tags which Omar freehanded into the computer and I played around with to look just so! I'm pretty pleased with it, if I do say so myself! As we have a slight lull in the action, I will be posting ideas again - I miss them too and I've been collecting things I've seen online just to share with you - just haven't had the time! So, I will do my best to make a big blog full of ideas to say "thank you" for checking-in even when I've been a bad blogger! Ya'all rock!!

Quote: Originally Posted by pvbeachbride10 I contacted DD but they are booked for my date already in 2010. Anyone have any other suggestions? I've emailed Prisar, so I'll hopefully meet with them. How about Vows or Vallarta Weddings or EM Vallarta? Thanks so much for your feedback! I tried a search for Vallarta Weddings and Em Vallarta but since they both have Vallarta in their names I got hundreds of possible hits. I love Incredible Weddings, VOWS, Prisar or moi (lol!). Incredible Weddings Puerto Vallarta Weddings & Events Vows Vallarta Vows Vallarta Weddings Cordination Puerto Vallarta Jalisco Mexico Weddings Destination puerto vallarta weddings, puerto vallarta wedding planner, elegant and affordable beach weddings, puerto vallarta adventure weddings, mexico destination weddings, Prisar Prisar Vallarta - Organizacion y Coordinación de Bodas y Eventos en Puerto Vallarta Because I'm a vendor here, I was staying away from the conversation ... but, stepping aside from that whole thing for a second, I do think there is a point that an outside coordinator is outside of the whole scene and there could be a possible plus to that. But, having worked both in the states and here, I do think that working in Mexico is a WHOLE other animal. If your coordinator has worked in Mexico before and understands the business culture here AND speaks Spanish, then I think it might not be a bad deal. BUT, if your coordinator has never worked in Mexico before and does not speak Spanish, I think you are far better off to go with a coordinator in-town. Business here does not work like it does in N.A. and you really need to understand the culture in order to a) get things done on time and get the best prices and c) get the best vendors. Not all vendors are created equal! Some you pay a little more for because they are ON TIME (that's HUGE here - can't emphasize HUGE enough and because the quality of their work far outshines their competition. And others charge WAAAY more than they should when your coordinator will be able to direct you to someone who is just as good but less expensive. So, that's just my two pesos about that .

Quote: Originally Posted by Andi Hey Mishka, do you know if there is any info online about Glam? I tried to google it but came up with nothing. we are trying to decide which club would be the best to reserve a table at...this new one sounds really fun! thanks! I tried to google it too and nothing ... I asked a friend of mine to pick up a card from there when he goes tonight - or we might go fri or sat. This is a HORRID weekend (Semana Santa) - so I might not be able to get any info until next week ... but get it I will :). (yes, it is JUST that cool!).

Real quick - first the name of the Cuban bar is Bodeguita del Medio - it's a block down the street from Mcdonalds - haha. Second - new bar just opened up and it looks FABTABULOUS but, of course, can't vouch because haven't been yet - just walked by. It's called "Glam" and it's at the very end of the Malecon where No Name Cafe use to be. It's two story with some balconies, beautiful hanging chandeliers and oodles of tvs with music videos. I like it because they kept the old town look on the outside (a lot of people who build in Vallarta don't do that). We might go there next week for dinner so, if we do, I'll keep you posted .

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild Those did turn out really nice! I didn't know you performed weddings too, you are a busy woman I know! I normally won't perform a ceremony AND do a huppah and maracas (and/or a wedding design), but Jen was so nice and laid-back and asked so nicely that I couldn't say no .

Thanks guys . Normally we need about 4-6 weeks lead time on maracas. Although, I probably should post somewhere that we are closed the month of May - no more maracas or wedding designs - full up! :). Which reminds me - any brides who are just now scrambling for May you need to get things booked and deposited ASAP - most of the coordinators I know are booked and, if they are booked, that means all the good vendors are getting booked too.

I'm sorry girls! I thought I answered all of you! RE: the first week of June still being beautiful .... well, I guess that depends on what someone means by "beautiful." Everyone has their respective opinions. June will more than likely be warm (and if you aren't from a humid climate, it will be very hot in the sun). It's probably on the side of 60% chance of rain. RE: tent at QDM in CC - I think it really depends on how many people you have. QDM has some good cover so, if worst turns to worst, you could hide under shelter. I think what I would do is watch the weather the beginning of May - if it's already raining then I would rent a tent. You could put a deposit down and cancel the tent - you'd lose your deposit but you'd for sure have the tent in case a few days before it looks like rain - if you don't and the rainy season starts early you stand a good chance of not being able to find a tent. RE: rainy season starting early and ending early - from your lips to God's ears! No, unfortunately, no matter how early the rainy season starts that usually doesn't predict a shorter season into October. I do think you are more probable at the end of October to not have rain, irregardless. Let's put it this way - I think the likelihood of it raining at the beginning of June is more likely than raining at the end of October. But it will more than likely be humid and hot. At least it has been the past two years. boo!! And, on another note, I said I would keep ya'all updated. Four nights ago it drizzled at the edge of downtown for probably 2 hours and was super humid. But for the past two nights it's been almost chilly. So, I have NO IDEA what is going on with the weather!! When we get our first downpour I promise to let you know .

Hello dear brides and coordinators! A BIG SHOUT out goes to Jen who was married (by me, no less!) April 1st and to Megan who tied the knot April 3rd ... and nearly got an accidental belated April Fool's joke! Copper Lillies We met with Jen when she came down on an earlier trip - a real down-to-earth bride with an easy smile! She sent us her very own design board as an example of what she would like to see on her maracas. Jen's Design Board After talking about it, we discussed with Jen that we were a little worried that the tone of copper she picked might not be the right tone on a maraca - so we switched the background color to ivory and the design to copper and this is how it turned out! Jen's Maracas http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jtt8Qgru2g...ensMaracas.jpg Jen also wanted a huppah - she had read the blog about huppahs written by Vallarta's very own Tamara of Incredible Weddings, and sent us pictures. The day we went to put her huppah up it was very very windy - so, in order for things not to flap around we needed to tie them down fairly well. This is the example and her huppah! Jen's Huppah Talavera April Fools Megan really liked the talavera example we had on created before for our photo shoot but we wanted to do something a little different. I asked Omar to create a different pattern but didn't like the look of it so I asked him to do something based on the talavera design example we had used before. I normally don't have time to send maraca photos to brides before I send them off, because we work right up to the due date. But this time I took a picture and sent it to Megan - only to figure out that the colors were wrong! Omar had mixed-up two of the orders!! Luckily, Megan caught the mistake (and was sweet enough to say she would accept them the way they were - but I would have none of that - her wedding colors were turquoise blue NOT turquoise green and that's a big difference!). April Fool Maraca While this is not something I would ever like to happen again, I do think the added color gave a better definition to her maracas and they turned out better than they would have the first time around! Megan's Maracas Inspiration to April Fools to Megan's Maracas! I've been working on some beautiful designs for an end of April/beg of May wedding and end of May wedding but I promise I do still have the design board I promised eons ago and will post that next week as we have a small break in the favor congo line!

Quote: Originally Posted by smith3576 I realize this is practically impossible to predict, but does anyone know if it's generally windy at night the beginning of Nov? I want to do these candle centerpieces but our reception is in the evening outdoors (the Terrace at Dreams) and I don't know if the wind blowing them out will be an issue. Thanks!!! Jamie Jamie, Hello! Generally the terrace at Dreams is pretty well protected from the wind - BUT, with that said, when I design something outside I never design something that doesn't have candles protected by something - unless they are HUGE pillar candles and are burnt down enough that they will mostly hold being lit.

Beachy with Class! A big shout out goes to Brit who was married last Saturday in Las Caletas! We did a whole set of things for her, as you will see - all super fun! INSPIRATION Brit did send us her invites but told me she didn't really want something based off the invites (other than the colors) - after discussing it a bit as to what she would like to see, I remembered an invite that I loved which was very colorful but super kewl - Brit loved it too and, thus, started our inspiration for her wedding sets! Maracas The first thing Brit ordered were the maracas. She wanted the colors of yellow, orange and an orchid/fuschia color. We decided to put the white tiger lily on it for the biggest effect and this is how they turned out! MARACA TAGS & NAMES/DATE/LOCATION The bride really wanted to have the names/date/location on the maracas but it was a little over her budget - so, instead, we offered to do tags on some and she decided to do the print on others. The inspiration for these tags (and, as you will see, the place cards as well) came as I was struggling to find something that would be beachy but not too "beachy" - I wanted something artistic, yet also classical when I ran across this graphic image and realized it was perfect! On the other side of the tags I put a tiger lilly water color and I really like the effect. Also taking oodles of time was the font - I must have looked at over 100 different fonts before deciding this was IT! And you thought picking a dress was hard! PLACE CARDS When I asked Brit how she would like her place cards she was really laid back and basically told me to just do something kewl!! So, I thought place cards on the forks would look nice (and as I knew the wedding was outside at Las Caletas, I thought that would ensure that they wouldn't blow away). I really liked how they came out - as I was playing with font colors I accidentally did the two-tone and decided there was some kewl factor there! HAND PAINTED FANS We were just going to do sandalwood fans with ribbon and accents but, when we went to order the fans, it turns out that they are stuck in Mexican customs right now and nobody in Vallarta had any! So, we had to do some quick thunking and we suggested to Brit that we could do some fans based on the same theme as the maracas with a slight twist and she agreed! I'm actually glad it turned out this way because I think they turned out awesome - actually a product of my husband, rather than Omar! Next week we have Megan's maracas to share ... we've been so busy and I promise I've been scouting the web for ideas - but they have mostly been for my bride's weddings and, of course, must keep those under wraps until we unveil! If you are eager for me to get back to cool decor ideas I will be back to that at the end of April when we have a little break before we go into May and are oodles busy!

Sandy - If you like China Blanca, you might try Villa Guillermo which is just outside of old town and on the beach. Villa Guillermo : Puerto Vallarta Villa Rentals by Casa Helga Villas If you're going to do China Blanca, you might want your guests to stay in Nuevo Vallarta, as it's a lot closer than PV for them to get from Point A to Point B.

Quote: Originally Posted by mayanbride78 If i decide to do a floral centrepiece for all my tables and need glass vases.... Does anyone know where in PV I can buy some cheap glassware/vases? thanks. Here are some options... Walmart Mega Soriana Perlita Mega and Soriana are grocery stores like Walmart. They won't have a huge selection but they'll have something. Perlita is a crafts store like Michaels but VERY NOT like Michaels. If you don't speak Spanish at all, your best bet will be the first three.

We've been incognito but not lazy! A big congratulations goes to Gilda and Jade - both of whom were married this last Friday the 13th! I'm very fond of Friday the 13th as it was also the day I got married! LOVEBIRDS Gilda first asked me to do some fans with the swirl, similar to previous blog postings, but in her colors of white and silver (white, silver and a touch of red were her colors!). But, then, she told us that lovebirds had a real meaning to them and they would like to include it somehow, if they could. This was the information she sent us.... So, Omar and I put our heads together and decided to combine the swirl idea with the lovebirds and this is what resulted! Tropical Flowers Jade sent us her invites and wanted to know if we could do something similar in her colors of fuschia and orange. I told her that, when you put a strong color on top of another strong color you need a lighter color to balance it out. So, she decided to do half orange and half pink with a white design and this is what Omar pulled out of his hat! Next week we have Britt's design - it's completely unique, not like anything I've ever done before, so hopefully you'll tune back in and see how it turns out!

Quote: Originally Posted by brittbrodin Okay, that definitely makes me feel better! When you say hot, are you talking humidity or temperature? Both! They go hand-in-hand here.

Quote: Originally Posted by brittbrodin Mishka...thanks for the update. I'm not going to lie though it makes me a little nervous!! As you know, we're getting married next Saturday so I would love could keep me updated on the weather. I was told 99.9% chance that it won't rain! Oh no.... I will keep you updated - just email me :). Don't worry - so far we haven't had another day of rain since the CC incident (haha!) - but, if it does look like sprinkles, I'll say "OH NO" . Keep in mind too, that, while it rained in CC, it didn't rain ANYWHERE else in Vallarta. So.....I'm just saying :).

Quote: Originally Posted by Jess oh thanks Mishka! How about any of these?: peonies amaryllis ranunculus tulips orchids peonies are available april, may and june I don't know what amaryllis are I looked them up but I've never seen them here. NOT so say we can't get them here - but if I had a bride interested in them I would need to ask my provider. ranunculus are available Jan-May tulips are available year-round because they are IMPORTS (thus $$$) orchids are also available year-round because they are IMPORTS (thus $$$)

JL - Bad that it rained because, if it starts raining now, that means that our normal "rule" of "no rain" from Nov-middle of May is shot to pieces - meaning that once it starts raining, it usually continues to rain - at least off and on. Also bad that it rained because, when it starts raining, the humidity comes and, with the humidity you get? Everyone?! that's right - HOT. HOT. HOT. Nikki - don't worry - December is usually pretty safe and, although we've had a few decembers that were a trifle warmer than normal, it's still not HOT.