Events by Pins & Petals Blog. Full Service Luxury Event Planning and Design.

Hi there!

The best thing about blogs is that they’re an adult version of Show & Tell, wouldn’t you agree? I don’t know about you but that was always my favorite day in class!

Cut to being a grown up and I now have the pleasure of sharing all of the absolutely gorgeous events that I have had the pleasure of designing and planning for countless clients.

Telling the story of how these events come to life quite literally brings a sparkle to my eye. I am beaming with happiness, excitement, and pride as I share all of these lovely details with you.

Come, read along, stare longingly at each and every beautiful photograph, and embark on my stories of the planning journey with Events by Pins and Petals!

Erin Rugala, owner, creative, and designer of Events by Pins and Petals. Full service, luxury event and wedding planner in the Bay Area.

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September 18th, 2023

In the world of weddings, where every couple’s love story is unique, Priya and Rahul’s journey to “I do” stands out as a special representation of their love and cultural traditions. Our time working together was spent orchestrating a two-day extravaganza filled with vibrant colors, cultural richness, and the fusion of both Indian and Western influences. With just six months on the clock to plan this two day wedding, we worked around the clock to craft a Traditional Indian Wedding that would leave a lasting impression.

September 11th, 2023

When Christina and Craig envisioned their dream wedding, they didn’t envision a grand ballroom or a sprawling estate. Instead, they longed for the warm embrace of an intimate celebration nestled within the charming confines of a San Jose backyard. They opted for a rustic boho backyard wedding design that would unfold in the home of Christina’s mom. It was the perfect canvas for this intimate wedding with the right amount of warmth and coziness. We were determined to weave that charming essence into every aspect of their special day. From the first glance, we knew this rustic boho backyard wedding would be nothing short of magical.

August 31st, 2023

As California begins to heat up for the summertime, one lucky teenager, Bella, had plans to make this the best summer yet. Bella wanted to reign in the start of summer with a celebration for her and 100 of her friends. With a little bit of direction from her mother, Kelly, to make this summer kickoff bash bright and fun, we decided to to create this exciting and vibrant Club Theme Party.

August 28th, 2023

California’s rolling golden hills makes for a great starting point for any wedding. The particular wedding was a special one among the thousands of private estate wedding venues in California. Rachel and Jake’s wedding took place at a private estate in Half Moon Bay, the domain of the Keen family and even graced by Mark Zuckerberg, and stood as the picturesque backdrop for their grand celebration. Guided by the expertise of Events by Pins and Petals, this wedding was a journey of colors, emotions, and exquisite details, set against the breathtaking golden hills of Half Moon Bay.

August 25th, 2023

In the months leading up to my clients Becca and Rom’s wedding day, a sense of anticipation filled the air. As a fun way to celebrate this milestone in Becca’s life, her sister and I envisioned a day that would unfold in vibrant hues and joyful moments, bringing together a close-knit group of friends and family to honor the bride-to-be. This citrus themed bridal shower was not just a prelude to her upcoming wedding with Rom but a reflection of her unique personality and style.

August 16th, 2023

In the heart of enchanting California wine country, a love story blossomed that spanned across miles and hearts. Grace and Strother, a couple who lived in Chicago and are as unique as they are united, entrusted me with the privilege of crafting a wedding that would weave their essence into every detail. Grace, the embodiment of elegance, was on the cusp of completing her journey toward becoming a therapist. Meanwhile, Strother navigated the currents of a demanding career. Their love served as a steadfast anchor. Their wedding, set against the stunning backdrop of Beltane Ranch, was destined to be an ode to their bond, an unspoken promise of forever.

August 14th, 2023

Sharon, a vivacious and stylish grandma, defies age with her love for dancing, vibrant hues, and unapologetic fun. Her 80th birthday celebration became a canvas for her colorful spirit to shine through, a jubilant mosaic of memories and laughter. Entrusted with crafting an unforgettable day, I embraced the challenge of encapsulating Sharon’s essence within every detail of this stylish 80th birthday party.

August 11th, 2023

Love’s journey often takes us across borders and miles, and for Elizabeth and Casey, it spanned the country. The captivating blend of law school aspirations and a demanding career put some limitations on the couple’s ability to plan their own wedding from across the country. That’s where I came in! Elizabeth’s vision for the special celebration led them to dreaming of an Italian-inspired wedding nestled amidst the redwoods. Entrusting me with their dream celebration, this sweet couple allowed every detail to fall into place seamlessly.

Alyssa's Quinceanera Party: A Celebration to Remember

July 29th, 2023

Surrounded by a kaleidoscope of girly delights, today we’re taking you a journey of the enchanting butterfly affair that was Alyssa’s Sweet 16, a late quinceanera party. Like a graceful dance of butterflies, this vibrant celebration unfolded, weaving a tapestry of joy and sweet memories that would forever flutter in Alyssa’s heart. From the soft hues of pinks and purples to the whimsical touch of butterflies, this party, lovingly curated by Events by Pins and Petals, became a captivating soirée that whispered of girly elegance and enchantment.

A Very Chic 1st Birthday Party: Cyrus's Vintage Car Adventure

July 26th, 2023

Amidst a dreamy landscape where modern elegance merged with vintage charm, we celebrated a very precious moment for Cyrus’s 1st birthday. Born during the pandemic, this special milestone marked the first time he would meet all his family and friends. His parents entrusted Events by Pins and Petals to weave a chic and cool vintage car theme, painting the canvas in all the shades of blue. With our creative touch, we transformed the home into a captivating oasis, where cherished memories were born and joy filled the air.

July 24th, 2023

Step into the enchanting world of Sriya’s intimate birthday garden party, where dreams and magic intertwine amidst the vibrant hues of pink and purple. We orchestrated an extraordinary celebration, captivating the hearts of Sriya and her ten closest friends. With a heartfelt focus on sweetness and whimsy, this backyard soiree became a cherished memory, celebrating not only Sriya’s special day but also the joy of love and friendship.

July 21st, 2023

Welcome to this beautiful winery wedding celebration like no other, where love and enchantment unite amidst the scenic vineyards of Soda Canyon, Napa. Krystle and David’s intimate Winery Wedding was filled with both romance and joy which intertwined with the breathtaking beauty of the private winery and home. With the anticipation of their first baby girl’s arrival, this heartwarming occasion marked not only the start of a new chapter as a married couple but also the next milestone as a family and parents. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Krystle and David embraced the heavenly atmosphere of the winery, creating unforgettable memories and forging lasting connections.

July 19th, 2023

Get ready to be whisked away to an enchanting world of opulence and elegance as we embark on a journey to a breathtaking sunset picnic at the bunker on the Ruby Hill Country Club Golf Course. This styled shoot, hosted and planned by Events by Pins and Petals, was designed to exude a lush and rich textural atmosphere filled with velvety linens, a luxurious array of textiles, and an extravagant sea of babies breath. Every detail of this intimate gathering was thoughtfully curated to create a true feast for the senses. Join us as we immerse in the decadence of this picturesque event, where every inch of this picnic is marked by detailed touches and the ambiance if nothing short of a dreamy fairytale.

A Backyard Wedding Reception: Kristina & Luke's 2nd Celebration

July 18th, 2023

After a year filled with unforeseen challenges, Kristina and Luke eagerly embraced the opportunity to gather their loved ones once again for a second wedding reception. This intimate backyard wedding reception was a fun celebration that not only commemorated their marriage but also marked a special occasion—Luke’s birthday. Held in the comfort of their own home, the couple created a beautiful and elegant chic boho atmosphere, where cherished friends and family came together to share in the joy of love and new beginnings.

July 13th, 2023

It’s time to pop the confetti cannons and raise a toast as we dive into the unforgettable celebration of two remarkable sisters at their joint graduation party. With a select group of their closest friends by their side, these talented ladies bid farewell to one chapter of their lives while embracing the excitement of new beginnings. From playful activities to delectable treats, this intimate gathering was a feast for the senses, brimming with joy, and tailored to reflect the unique personalities of the graduates and their guests.

July 06, 2023

Kristina and Luke’s All White Wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara proved that their love was equally special and strong as they embarked on their journey to forever amidst the enchanting beauty of the Santa Barbara coast line. Their original wedding plans, like many of my other clients, were disrupted by the pandemic, but they embraced the opportunity to create an intimate and unforgettable celebration at the picturesque Ritz-Carlton Bacara. In an all-white wonderland, with just 30 cherished guests, they crafted a wedding weekend filled with love, treasured moments, and elegant simplicity.

June 26th, 2023

Love blossomed under the sunny skies of Danville, California, as Sarah and Amir embarked on their journey towards eternal togetherness. In an intimate celebration held at Sarah’s childhood home, the Hessler-Kadesh wedding was an enchanting fusion of love, warmth, and bohemian charm. Stepping away from the traditional and embracing their unique style, this young couple crafted a boho wedding that would leave a lasting impression on all who attended. Keep reading for all the details.

June 20, 2023

Love knows no boundaries, and Jill and Michael’s intimate wedding celebration in Danville, California, was the perfect representation of it. Despite the many, many challenges posed by the pandemic, this couple’s determination and the support from their loved ones created an unforgettable event at a charming private residence. From DIY touches to heartfelt moments, let’s immerse ourselves in the dreamy details of Jill and Michael’s intimate wedding day.

June 16th, 2023

Today’s post is about an event that was very special to me. It’s time to unravel all the details of my unforgettable 38th birthday champagne soirée, a night filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of champagne. As the pandemic restrictions eased, it was the perfect opportunity to gather my closest friends and celebrate in style. So, let’s rewind and relive the magic of this incredible event! Let the celebration begin! Keep reading along to celebrate with me and my closest friends.

June 13th, 2023

Nicki and I shared a unique bond even before she entrusted me with the honor of planning her wedding. We were vendor friends, and her remarkable talent as an artistic florist had graced multiple events that I had organized in the past. Our shared passion for creating memorable experiences brought us together, and when the unexpected challenges of the pandemic forced Nicki and Mike to postpone their original wedding plans, they decided to embrace the change and reimagine their dream celebration. Keep reading to discover how we transformed this venue into a vibrant, blooming wonderland.

June 07, 2023

Welcome, dear readers, to a love story that unfolded amidst breathtaking landscapes and soaring temperatures. Today, we delve into the incredibly romantic and pink wedding of Laura and Eugene, a couple whose journey began with an 18-month engagement, navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic. From our first interaction on Instagram to the scorching summer day they said their vows, every detail of their celebration radiated with love, kindness, and an undeniable touch of romance. 

A Love Story for the Ages: Joey + Drew's Modern, Chic Wedding Takes Center Stage

May 25th, 2023

Modern Chic San Francisco LGBTQ Wedding. Events by Pins and Petals. Luxury Wedding Design. Bay Area Wedding Planner. Bay Area Event Planner.

Today I am thrilled to share with you the extraordinary love story of Joey and Drew. From a pandemic proposal to a breathtaking wedding, their union radiates joy, resilience, and pure love. This unforgettable celebration not only caught the attention of BRIDES magazine, but will also be featured in the upcoming issue of California Wedding Day.

Join me as I uncover the behind-the-scenes details of Joey & Drew’s remarkable wedding and relish in the magic that unfolded.

Unveiling a Vibrant New Chapter: Step into the Enchanting World of Events by Pins & Petals

May 19th, 2023

Join Erin, the owner, beauty, and brains behind Events by Pins and Petals as she uncovers the fresh new visual identify for her business that is filled with creativity, inspiration, and a desire for connection. 

Bright & Beautiful 2020 Grads!

August 21st, 2021

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It’s true…. There were definitely things to celebrate in 2020! This graduation event was for a group of girlfriends celebrating their depature from high school and off to college. They wanted something bright and beautiful, to match their personalities! The grads mentioned organe and pink and we ran with the theme! Adding pops of color to an event is one of my favorite things to do and these girls made it really easy! Read more to see how we pulled it off for these beautiful graduates.

Forty and FABULOUS!

July 22nd, 2021

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Vasavi’s 40th birthday was a delight to plan, even in just the two short weeks we had to put it all together! Vasavi’s husband, Phani, wanted to throw an intimate party for his wife with 40 guests and I was so excited to bring this vision to life. With a palette of soft pink and wood accents from Luxe Event Rentals, it was easy to create this elegant boho chic vibe. Read more to learn how we turned their ideas into reality!

A Holiday Party Like No Other

April 20th, 2020

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Holiday parties are expected to be full of Christmas lights, tinsel, and fake snow piled up on a window sill. Naturally, planning an elegant Holiday party for a corporate group at a private home in Alamo, California, we avoided all of that and really stepped out of the box for a Holiday party like no other! Though we definitely kept every aspect of the Holiday party elegant, unqiue, and beautiful, we did want to keep it feeling personal and intimate by incorporating some of the client’s Christmas decor. Read along to see all the details unfold!

An Opulent Winter Wonderland Inspired Holiday Tablescape

April 5th, 2020

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From hot cocoa and sleigh rides to holly-berries and mistletoe and the perfectly set dinner table with every little detail, all of the traditional Holiday cheer is sure to bring a smile to your face year after year. This year, I wanted to improve on the traditional Holiday table so that it would be a better, more enhanced version of what you normally expect! Though the traditional reds, greens, and gold were part of the inspiration, the true inspiration for this table came from the idea of incorporating black and darker tones of what one would normally expect. Read more to see how we added a moody twist to this traditional Holiday Tablescape!

An Elegant Barn Wedding in Byron, California

March 20th, 2020

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High school sweethearts, Kylie and Tyler, wanted both a rustic-barn and an elegant vibe for the October wedding leading them to the brand new Fox Haven Ranch venue in Byron, California. While venue searching, the bride, Kylie, knew that she wanted a barn setting but she also knew that she wanted it to be more upscale and incorporate some bling into the day too! Read more to see how we achieved just that for the happy couple.

A Friendsgiving Event in Livermore's Wine Country

February 3rd, 2020

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With the beautiful vineyards as the backdrop and Concannon Vineyards Grape Vine arbor as the setting, this Vendor Friendsgiving event had all the best of Livermore Wine Country to help make it an unforgettable evening! The idea to host an event showing our gratitude for all the talented vendors that we are so lucky to work with in the Event Industry came from Julia Steinman, owner and grazing-boarding mastermind of Charming Fig Catering. Read more to uncover how we made this an event to remember for these amazing vendors!

A Nautical Inspired Celebration of Marriage

January 6th, 2020

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With an intimate wedding ceremony at Cavallo Point a few months prior, Carmina and Bill wanted to celebrate their marriage with friends and family in a fun and unique way. Being on the water holds a special meaning to the newlyweds so in searching for their ideal venue they wanted to ensure that they had the best of both worlds; being surrounded by the people they love while celebrating on the water they love. Read more to find out how we made their wishes come true.

Bright and Whimsical Inspired Editorial

December 15th, 2019

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Upon arrival at Distinct Locations new Healdsburg venue, Green Acres, you are immediately inspired by the beautiful vineyard views, various sculptures decorating the property, and an overall relaxed vibe. The vision for this editorial was dreamed up by Erin of Events by Pins & Petals and Jennifer of Busy Bees Floral Design who were inspired by ornate ceramic head sculptures with colorful painted butterflies located around the Green Acres property. These sculptures gave a bright palette to inspire the overall design for the photoshoot captured by Adriana Klas Photography. Read more to indulge in the magical, whimsical, and vibrant editorial that was brought to life by these powerhouse women.

November 4th, 2019

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With forty acres of the most incredibly lush vineyards behind them, Krystle and David wed in front of an intimate group made up of 100 of their closest friends and family. Their June wedding was on the property of Odyssey Vineyards, a private estate in the quaint Atlas Peak area of Napa, California. Keep reading for all the fabulous details.

September 25th, 2019

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Nestled far back in the Las Trampas hills of Moraga, the 4-acre property owned by the bride, Jennifer Herskowitz and the groom, Daniel Esposito, served as the venue for their beautiful rustic, romantic wedding. With a palette of soft hues and blush, cream, and taupe accented with lush greenery to tie in the beautiful nature surrounding them, the tone was set for their guests the moment their invitations were sent out. Read more to uncover all the details!

Some Humble Bragging Rights...

July 18th, 2019

Diablo Magazine, Best of the East Bay, Events by Pins and Petals.

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I will keep this short and sweet; I am beyond excited to share with you all that I was chosen as Runner-Up for Diablo Magazine’s 2019 Best of The East Bay Event Planner!

Although I didn’t win the coveted title of The Best, I was voted as Runner-Up and honestly, I am just as honored and grateful for that title. To have been nominated by enough people to even be considered is so amazing in itself!

I appreciate everyone who supports me and my business. It is such a pleasure to be able to work for so many wonderful clients and to work alongside an array of some of the most talented vendors in the industry.

Words cannot describe how flattered I am by the outpour of love that you have all shown me and my company.

I am over here BEAMING with joy and gratitude for each and everyone one of you who voted for Events by Pins & Petals.

I highly recommend reading this edition of their magazine as there are so many great categories with some of the best companies featured here in the East Bay!

With lots of love and the utmost gratitude, I say THANK YOU!

Erin Rugala, owner, creative, and designer of Events by Pins and Petals. Full service, luxury event and wedding planner in the Bay Area.

A Berry Sweet First Birthday

June 19th, 2019

A first birthday is such a tremendous milestone for both the little one and their parents and it absolutely warrants a fun celebration; and that is absolutely what I planned for this berry sweet birthday girl!

When I was hired on by the mom of the birthday girl, she had already picked out the Strawberry Picnic theme and their favorite park as the location, but she was unsure where to go from there. Keep reading to discover how we made this angel’s first birthday party berry special!

Elegant Wedding Stationary from Basic Invite

May 27th, 2019

As any event planner would tell you, the invitation is what sets the tone for any event. Whether you are sending out Save the Dates as your first piece of stationery or jumping right to the invitations, the color and theme starts at that point and should be carried-out throughout the actual event! Continue reading to get all the inspiration you need for your wedding stationary!

A Nautical Inspired Baby Shower

May 20th, 2019

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Surrounded by anchors, sea shells, and all of the beautiful shades of blue, this Nautical inspired baby shower made for the cutest celebration! This baby shower for a baby boy, Ryder, really took the typical mimosas and diaper games to the next level. The sweet mama-to-be is over-the-moon welcoming her second child – and first boy – to their little family and a more sophisticated shower seemed appropriate for this experienced mom. Read more to find out all the details that went into making this a special moment for mom and Ryder.

Blushing Bridal Dinner Event

April 10th, 2019

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A few months ago I was strolling around our wonderful downtown area here in Danville and passed by this sweet bridal boutique, Brides on Hartz, and this idea instantly popped in my head of how I could collaborate with them. I knew a bridal event was a must and I was determined to make it happen!  I loved the sweet simplicity of their bridal store and I found their selection of wedding gowns to cover all styles, shapes, and sizes without feeling overwhelming. I have been in countless bridal boutiques looking at wedding gowns with brides of mine and it is easy to feel inundated with opinions and options for the brides but at this boutique everything about it felt calm, light, and easy. Keep reading to unlock the magic of this event and how an amazing team of vendors came together to pamper these fabulous brides!

5 Reasons You Should Hire A Wedding Planner

March 26th, 2019

Why You Should Hire A Wedding Planner. Events by Pins and Petals, Luxury Wedding and Event Planning.

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As an Event Planner for nearly 15 years with a substantial amount of time spent as a Wedding Planner, I have used my experience to compile my top 5 reasons that I feel people should hire a Wedding Planner. Planning a wedding is as tedious and time-consuming as you make it, but, it can definitely take over your life for the duration of your engagement. Wedding Planners are here to make your life easier and your planning more fun! Read more for all the ways hiring a wedding planner can save you so much time, stress, and energy during the process.

Meet the Boss-Base Behind Events by Pins and Petals!

March 13th, 2019

Erin Rugala is the owner and founder of Events by Pins and Petals, a full service, luxury event and wedding planning design team.

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Let me introduce myself; I am Erin and I am the owner and official Boss-Babe of Events by Pins & Petals. Though my business is new to social media, I am not new to this industry! With a total of 15 years of Hospitality and Event industry experience under my belt, I pride myself on my knowledge and expertise in this field. Being an Event Planner is more than my career, it is my passion. In all of my years in this industry I have had the pleasure of working on events ranging from major production sporting events, to corporate events, to weddings, to galas and all of the things in-between. Continue reading as I talk about my expertise in the industry, my inspirations that have led me to pursuing this career, and how I can help you as your event or wedding planner. I can’t wait to meet you!