Vendor Spotlight: D.Park Photography

I'm so excited to be blogging about D. Park Photography!  Drexelle interviewed me for her blog last November and took some really fun headshots for me!  We had such a fun time together. They are both such talented photographers and an even more amazing couple. They are so talented and passionate about capturing the perfect moments on your big day. Because they're best friends and husband and wife, they work great together and make whoever they're shooting feel comfortable in front of the camera. So check out these, "modern classic wedding photographers for the truly original, authentic and timeless love stories."  They won't disappoint!  

• Cat or Dog?  We love both!  We’re actually in search of our first dog as hubby and wife.  Stay tuned!
• Twilight or Harry Potter? Harry Potter, hands down.  We’re going to the midnight showing on the IMAX.  Though, I [Drexelle] can’t deny I love Twilight.  Read all the books.  Can’t wait for the last movie!  When pressed, David will admit he’s more Team Edward than Jacob.  Ha!
•  Mac or PC? Mac for tasks requiring design. PC for tasks requiring organization.
•  Sweet or Salty? Sweet!
•  Beer or Wine? Depends on our mood but David loves great beer (he’ll actually be going to Germany for Oktoberfest), whilst I [Drexelle] prefer wine.
• Mountains or Beach? Beach (sun, clear waves, warm weather) 
•  Neat or Messy? Monica Geller neat.  Don’t know if that’s a good thing…
• What is the last book you read? Purple Cow by Seth Godin [Drexelle] and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie [David
•   Most embarrassing moment? Ooooh, these can be painful to share. Haha!  Tons of those.
• Favorite sports team? N/A 
•  What was the last movie you went to see? Bridesmaids!  So funny! 
• Who would play you in a movie?  David would love to play a warrior in an epic movie.  We’ve been watching through Lord of the Rings on blu-ray and he just loves the swords they use.  Meanwhile, I would personally love to be in a Glee movie. 
• What is your favorite drink? David: Primitivo wine. Drexelle: Pepsi
• What is in your refrigerator right now? An assortment of goodies from Trader Joe’s
• What is your favorite place to eat? Our special place with the best memories: Storyteller’s Café in Grand Californian Hotel.  Place with the best food:  The Penrose Room in the Broadmoor in Colorado
• What TV reality show or game show would you go on? I [Drexelle] was on Wheel of Fortune and that was so exciting for me.  But I would dream of being on Dancing with the Stars or American Idol. If David had a chance, he’d join Bear Grylls on a Man vs. Wild trip or try out for Ninja Warrior.
• How many pairs of shoes do you own?  David has more!  He’s the shopper.
• Where did you grow up?  David grew up in Anaheim Hills.  I grew up half the time in LA (‘til after the riots) and then in Garden Grove.
• Where have you gone to school?  David and I both went to UC Irvine.
• What is your advice to people planning a wedding?  Firstly, plan for your marriage.  The average couple spends 500 hours planning a wedding but may, at most, read one book on marriage.  Plan for your marriage.  Have the hard conversations.  Have date nights.  Invest in each other’s relationship.  Secondly, for your wedding, it’s one day you won’t get back.  You deserve the best.  Hire the best.  It will make all the difference on your wedding!  We have more tips on our Type A Bride Minute page here (includes great tips from the lovely Holly from Simply Sweets)!  Here’s also a great reference to help you out:  Fall in Love with the Right…Photographer.
• What is your best marriage advice?  In marriage, you will learn how strong, how hard, how amazing love is.  It will be difficult.  There will be challenges.  Feelings will go up and down.   But it is one of the most incredible things on this earth: being the other half of another person.  You’ll be growing up the rest of your lives, together.  There are tons of stuff out there to help you build your marriage! Commit to building up your relationship to be stronger.  You’ll be amazed at what it will do.
• One of your favorite wedding moments? Two moments:
• 1)   The minute the father of the bride sees his baby girl all dressed up as a bride for the first time.
• 2)    The minute the groom sees his gorgeous bride for the first time
• Both moments are incredibly emotional and we feel so blessed to be able to capture them.  For me [Drexelle], they were my favorite moments at my own wedding.  Brings tears to my eyes just to remember it!
• Anything else we should know? A little bit about us
• We’re David and Drexelle. 
• From best friends, high school sweethearts, to husband and wife, we were complete opposites. God amazingly brought us together, two kids who were scared of marriage but now passionate about a lifetime committed to love – the good, the bad, the crazy, the lovely. 
• We’re not only here to capture each moment and to celebrate your incredible love story.  We’re here to inspire people like ourselves who were jaded about love through incredible imagery that celebrates love and marriage – lifelong, lasting

In Honor of Neha Soneji and Harin Contractor

I was so excited to book my first Chicago bride Neha!...and over the telephone!  So you can imagine my anticipation the first time I finally got to meet her, Harin, and her parents for our timeline meeting.  We of course had even more fun than I imagined talking about snowboarding, and other sports they enjoy.  Neha and Harin are truly some of the most genuine people I have worked with and I feel so special to have been part of their day.  I must say, I am starting to become quite attached to Indian weddings!  All of the bright colors and energy makes "work" even more fun!  I hope you enjoy some of their pictures below....they are absolutely stunning!

The Team: {Coordinator: Simply Sweet Weddings} - {Location- Hilton Waterfront Resort} - {Photography: David Crane Photography} - {Videographer: New Classic Films} - {Caterer: Jay Bharat} - {Make up/Hair/Mhendi: My Fair Bride} - {Entertainment: Kumba Entertainment} - {Rentals: Elegant Chiavari Chairs} - {Bakery: Simply Sweet Bakery}

  

Vendor Spotlight: Fusion Linens

Such an important part of your wedding is your reception! Obviously! This is where you and your guests will be spending the most of your time, so you want to make sure the room is absolutely gorgeous! One way to do that is to use specialty linens and napkins, upgrade your chiavaris, and my personal favorite...a white dance floor. Fusion Linens has some of the most amazing table wear to make your reception room pop. Feel free to contact Danielle Spraker if you have any questions! Check out some of her tips to picking linens as well as some pictures of their fabulous table wear below!

• Cat or Dog?  Dog
• Twilight or Harry Potter? Harry Potter
• Mac or PC? PC
• Sweet or Salty? Sweet
• Beer or Wine? Beer
• Mountains or Beach? Mountains
• Neat or Messy? Messy :)
• What is the last book you read? The Bible
• Most embarrassing moment?  Sent a text message to the person the text was about!
• Favorite sports team? Green Bay Packers
• What was the last movie you went to see? Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides
• Who would play you in a movie? Emma Stone
• What is your favorite drink? Diet Coke
• What is in your refrigerator right now?  Home-made ice cream mix
• What is your favorite place to eat?  Gabbi's
• What TV reality show or game show would you go on? Jeopardy
• How many pairs of shoes do you own?  Oh man, over 10
• Where did you grow up? Orange, CA
• Where have you gone to school? Orange, CA and Santa Rosa, CA
• What is your advice to people planning a wedding? Don't take the fun out of the whole experience by stressing on the details. If you have many moving parts that need to come together then definitely invest in hiring a wedding coordinator. Keep your eyes on the prize, remember that this is only a party commemorating your lasting union to the love of your life.
• What is your best marriage advice? As a newlywed my best advice is choose your battles wisely, you have to live with this person:)! Treat your spouse with the respect that you want to receive and say "I love you!" every night before bed
• One of your favorite wedding moments?  My father gave a speech that brought me to tears, that was by far one of my favorite moments in my life..
• Anything else we should know? Weddings can be overwhelming and turn the sweetest person into a stress case. Try and enjoy the experience as it will all be over before you know it. Input can be a big help but don't be afriad to put your foot down if your ideas are being over shadowed.

The process of selecting linens is made easier when a client has a good idea of what feel he or she wants to create in the room. For example, a bride that wants a fresh clean feel would be well suited to a white linen. The centerpiece plays a large role in design and décor so having an idea of what the florals will look like will help me recommend the best linens to create the desired table scape. When choosing a linen company it is important to be aware of what services the venue will provide and what services are left up to the clients. A bride getting married at a hotel may not need a linen company to set up her linens, whereas a bride getting married at a golf club may need a linen company that can offers the labor to handle the setup.  Linens are a great finishing touch to any event, but they should not be the main focal point.

What's the Right Print for Your Invitations?

One of the first things guests will see from your wedding are your invitations! So it is extremely important for them to reflect you and your wedding. There are many different elements that go into the invitations and one of them is what the right print is. Some options include letterpress, laser, thermography, engraving, and so much more. Beau-coup created an amazing outline of a bunch of different ways you can print your invitations to tell people about your special day! I've put some explanations of what each one is and what is less expensive than others. Also, here are tips from The Knot to make the perfect invites!

Laser $

Wedding Paper Divas

These prints produce remarkable results based on digitally-rendered files. The native digital file is sent directly to the digital printer, losing no image quality. Colors can cover the entire rainbow spectrum, and are as bold, vibrant and as comparable to color offset printing. The printing appears as a flat image. Recommendations: This type of printing is most commonly used for smooth or lightly textured papers. It is the most economical way of printing (next to printing yourself on your own inkjet or laser printer) and a perfect solution for those wanting professional print quality at reasonable prices.

Letterpress $$

Letterpress Wedding Invitations

This type of printing utilizes a movable type machine. The inked raised type is stamped onto the paper. The various typestyles on the market today are not available with this printing process, since the characters are preset and determined based on the machine itself. It's not easy to find printers that will provide this type of printing but if you find one that will, the effect will look best on handmade paper. Recommendations: This process is used most commonly for invitations that have unusual textured paper and is much more expensive than most other types of printing. 

Thermography $$$

Invitation Diary by Event House

No ink is involved with this method. Metal plates that are etched with letters are stamped into paper so what is left behind is the imprint of the letter. You'll be able to see this printing type on the borders of many invitations, addresses, and monograms. Recommendations: Embossing is best when used to accent an invitation, such as with borders, monograms, motifs, and the return address on the envelope flap. Thermography is an added cost, but well worth the visual 3-Dimensional effect it creates. You will only want to order embossing if you have 3-4 weeks to wait for your invitations to be printed.

Engraving $$$$

Louella Court

This process is the oldest form of printing. It begins by etching the design and/or text into a copper plate from a negative. The paper is placed on the press face down above the inked plate. It is then printed by pressure coming down on the back of the sheet while the front of the sheet meets with the plate. This "sandwich" effect creates the raised lettering on the front and bruising on the back of the printed paper, which are both classic features of engraving. Typically you will receive the actual copper plate used for printing as a keepsake. Black ink is usually the best color for this style. Recommendations: This type of printing is quite a bit more expensive than thermography, so engraving is usually done for ultra-formal wedding invites, formal parties in general, or when there are few budgetary constraints. Engraving is also suitable for events with a large guest list since it becomes more cost effective in larger quantities. You will also have to allow for longer printing times, up to 4 weeks with some of brands.

Vendor Spotlight: Green Leaf Designs

Shelby Nolan from Greenleaf Designs is unbelievably talented!  She's based in Huntington Beach and has a super cute style that I absolutely love, hence why I am so excited to highlight her on the blog this week.  Enjoy her Q&A and awesome pictures below!  Be sure to check out her website to see more of her work here!


• Cat or Dog?  Cat

• Twilight or Harry Potter? Neither right now it's the Karen Moning Fever series

• Mac or PC? Mac

• Sweet or Salty? Salty

• Beer or Wine? Beer

• Mountains or Beach? mm thats hard, I guess beach

• Neat or Messy? Neat

• What is the last book you read? Right now I'm reading The Help

• Most embarrassing moment?  I would never tell  ;)

• Favorite sports team? Denver Broncos

• What was the last movie you went to see? It's been so long I cant even remember.

• Who would play you in a movie? Charlize Theron

• What is your favorite drink? Green Iced tea from subway

• What is in your refrigerator right now?  Fruit, yogurt, ground beef, juice boxes and GO-gurt.

• What is your favorite place to eat?  The polish village cafe in Hamtramck, Michigan.  SO fun and YUMMY!

• What TV reality show or game show would you go on? I don't know, i really don't watch to much reality TV. I do wish they would do a show on flowers, like a chopped version for florist.

• How many pairs of shoes do you own?  about 20

• Where did you grow up? Huntington Beach

• Where have you gone to school? Well other then the basics, I did a little time at Orange Coast Collage and received my floral certificate from Golden west collage.

• What is your advice to people planning a wedding? Bring your personality in the wedding! And have fun with it! Such as signature drinks, naming your tables after memorable dates, place you go to.  Have a favor or dessert bar with family treats along with which side of the family it came from and maybe a little story with it.

• What is your best marriage advice? A marriage is not 50/50, it's 100/100! Give everything you have and make each other laugh! Marriage has it's ups and downs, don't give in or up during the downs, because the ups are amazing and will make your marriage that much stronger!

• One of your favorite wedding moments?  Seeing a bride cry from happiness!

• Anything else we should know? Have fun with planning your wedding, don't get overloaded and overwhelmed.  Break it down one step at a time.  

Vendor Spotlight: Tiffany Monday

I seriously love Tiffany so much!  She is one of the most genuine people in the industry and I get so excited when I get the chance to work with her!!  She has so much passion for what she does and a ton of experience. Hair and makeup is one of the most important elements of you wedding so let Tiffany Monday and her team help you feel beautiful all day long! Check out more about Tiffany below, along with photos of her gorgeous work, and some beauty tips for your wedding!

• Cat or Dog? Neither- I am too busy for pets! Eek!

• Twilight or Harry Potter? Twilight! Edward is so HOT!

• Mac or PC? Mac…did you even have to ask…

• Sweet or Salty? Sweet :)

• Beer or Wine? Wine

• Mountains or Beach? BEACH!!!!

• Neat or Messy? Neat…I am a type A for sure!

• What is the last book you read? The Glass Castle by Jennet Walls

• Most embarrassing moment? My pants fell down in a Sign Language college class!!! I was MORTIFIED!

• Favorite sports team? Sacramento Kings (Basketball)

• What was the last movie you went to see? Bridesmaids :)

• Who would play you in a movie? Charlize Theron

• What is your favorite drink? Iced Tea

• What is in your refrigerator right now? Nothing! On a Diet!

• What is your favorite place to eat? Native Foods in OC

• What TV reality show or game show would you go on? Wedding day makeover on TLC

• How many pairs of shoes do you own? 100 +

• Where did you grow up? Rocklin CA (30 outside of Sacramento) cowtown! Moo!

• Where have you gone to school? Rocklin High School, Sierra College, Sac State, Paul Mitchell in Costa Mesa.

• What is your advice to people planning a wedding? Take it one day at a time, and hire Tiffany Monday for all of you Beauty needs!

• What is your best marriage advice? Don’t sweat the small stuff, and communication is key!

• One of your favorite wedding moments? At my own wedding…My cake fell over in front of all my guests! OMG!

• Anything else we should know? Simply Sweet Weddings ROCK!!!  

R: Tim Otto

Tim Otto

Emp Studios

L: Emp Studios R: Braedon Photography

Here are some of her great beauty tips!

Beauty Tip #1 

Pictures really do speak 1,000 words! 

Communicating with your stylist/makeup artist is key to getting the bridal look you want! Always bring photos to the trial and be prepared to try and describe what you want in detail.

Beauty Tip#2

Bring out the very best in you!

When you are choosing pictures of hair and makeup looks, consider bringing photos that have similar  face shape and coloring. Your beauty goal for your wedding day should be to bring out the very best features you have naturally rather than trying to look like a movie star that looks nothing like you! 

Beauty Tip #3

Long Lasting Beauty

Airbrush makeup not only looks great, but lasts all day as well! When looking for makeup artists always ask what brands they use, and if they offer airbrush. You want your makeup to last all day, so you can be picture perfect for you own red carpet occasion! 

Setting your hair in rollers and using a light hair spray (I love Kenra) will help your luscious locks hold all day long! You should set for at least one hour, and always apply heat and let cool. I also always prefer that the client does not wash their hair the day of the event, so the hair has natural oils to hold the style!

Hair Extensions:

Do you want to feel red carpet ready on your wedding day? Hair extensions are a great way to dress up your look, while still looking very natural. We customize in blending, coloring and applying clip-in extensions so your hair looks and feels fuller, longer and sexier for any event. The hair extensions we use are made from the finest 100% pure remy human hair available. At your trial we can color match your hair to get the perfect shade and length that will complement your features for your big event! 

Caring for Your Wedding Dress

Every girl dreams about their wedding dress ever since they were young. So taking care of the most special dress of your life is very important! You've finally found the dress of your dreams and you'll want it to look as pristine for your walk down the aisle as the day you bought it. Here are some tips on how to prep your dress, keep it looking perfect the day of, and maintaining the beauty for years to come. After all, future generations may someday want to wear it :) Thanks to Martha Stewart Magazine for this great article!

L: Epic Imagery; R: Scott Nelson Photography

Pre-Wedding Prep

Getting your gown ready for its debut will likely involve making a few changes. For a new dress, changes might mean alterations in fit. However, a dress purchased at a sample sale might require cleaning or repairs. If you're wearing a vintage gown, the world could be more extensive, involving fabric replacement, restyling, and refitting. Regardless. allow enough time for completion: about three to six months for alterations, eight months for major restoration.

Ideally, you should bring your dress home a day or two before the wedding. But if you need to store it for longer, you'll want to take some precautions. If storing it for les than six months, hang it on a padded hanger in a closet away from direct sunlight, leaving several feet of space on either side. To shield fabric from dust, cover it with a material that allows for ventilation, such as muslin or a cotton sheet. Don't use plastic! Because it's a nonporous, it can trap condensation, causing mildew and mustiness- gross!

If you have to store it for more than six months, don't hang it but rather package the dress in an acid-free cardboard box.

Removing Wrinkles

When you arrive with your dress, be sure to put it on a padded hanger right away. You may find that many of the folds will come right out, but chances are the gown will probably need to be steamed a little. 

Professional steaming will produce the best results; usually, the bridal salon where you purchased your gown or the place that did your alterations will provide this service. But if you've traveled, this likely isn't a viable option. A good alternative is to create your own steam room. Cover a bathroom floor with towels and run a very hot shower, allowing the room to fill with steam. Turn the water off, then hang the dress on the back of the bathroom door. Next, wrap your arm in a dry, white towel and run it down the length of the gown, smoothing out any wrinkles. This method is much less likely to leave water spots or iron impressions than a home steamer or iron.

Managing Mishaps

Keeping your dress looking its best all day requires a little bit of care and forethought. Use caution when dressing. You should cover your face -- a gauzy scarf works well -- to protect the gown's fabric from your makeup. 

Even with vigilance, spills and slip-ups do happen. To combat little emergencies, Steven Saidman, president of Imperial Gown Preservation and Restoration in Fairfax, Virginia, recommends every bride keep a stain kit on hand stocked with rubbing alcohol and clean white cloths. To remove a stain, apply the rubbing alcohol (for dry stains such as grease) or tepid water (for wet stains like wine) to the cloth, and gently blot the spot from its outer edges in; do not work from the middle of the stain out, since this will spread the mark. To dry the dress, use a hair dryer on its lowest setting from at least six inches away. It's also a good idea to have a needle, thread, and double-sided tape handy for fixing hems that have come undone.

Safe Keeping for Years to Come

The final step in protecting the memories and investment your bridal wear represents is to have the gown preserved, meaning both properly cleaned and carefully boxed. If your gown has just the usual grass stains and smudges on the hem, take it to be cleaned within a month of the wedding; if there's a more serious stain, like red wine or juice, bring it in within a few days.

Because very few wedding dresses are suited to traditional dry-cleaning processes, you'll want to find a company that specializes in these gowns. If you can't find one in your area, search online. Make sure the company you select sees and inspects the dress before quoting you a price, says Steven Saidman, president of Imperial Gown Preservation and Restoration in Fairfax, Virginia (some nationally recognized businesses offer free shipping and estimates). Avoid cleaners that offer a set price for all dresses. Different fabrics and embellishments require special cleaning methods. Some dresses are more labor-intensive to clean and will cost more than others; in general, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for the entire cleaning and preservation process. Just be sure to read the warranty carefully and steer clear of cleaners that void their guarantee if you open the box in which your dress is stored. Saidman advises looking for a company that will stand by its work for years, since many invisible stains, such as perspiration, champagne, and sugar, sometimes won't show up on the gown for four to six years if they're missed during the cleaning.

After cleaning, the dress should be stuffed with acid-free tissue paper and placed in an acid-free corrugated cardboard box. Once home, store the box in a climate-controlled area of the house, such as under the bed or in a bedroom closet; never keep it in the basement or attic, which typically experience the greatest fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The end result of all this planning and care? Decades from now, your dress should look as beautiful as it did on your wedding day.

Vendor Spotlight: Troy Grover Photographers

Since I've been blogging so much about yummy food, I think its time to talk about one of my favorite photography duos, Troy and Aimee Grover. They are the cutest husband and wife team with such amazing talent! Every time I see them they are so fun to be around and make me feel so happy to know there are people like them in the industry.  They make working fun, and they are able to let their subjects feel relaxed and comfortable....including myself when Troy did my headshots last year!  Every moment they capture is effortlessly beautiful. Each photo is unique and the passion they have for what they do is evident in every picture. Make sure to check out their website to see their amazing work for yourself!!

• Cat or Dog? Troy: Dog; Aimee: Doggie
• Twilight or Harry Potter? Troy: Twilight; Aimee: Twilight
• Mac or PC? Troy: Mac; Aimee: Mac
• Sweet or Salty? Troy: Sweet; Aimee: Sweet- Chocolate lover!
• Beer or Wine? Troy: Beer- Blue Moon; Aimee: Wine, sweet wine
• Mountains or Beach? Troy: Beach; Aimee: Beach, a warm one
• Neat or Messy? Troy: A very strategic messy; Aimee: Neat
• What is the last book you read? Troy: Rework; Aimee: Rework
• Most embarrassing moment? Troy: In a high school basketball game, I went up for a dunk, missed it, and then got a T for hanging on the rim. Then my coach turned all Bobby Knight on me.; Aimee: Singing a solo at church when I was little and freezing on stage when I couldn't remember the words.
• Favorite sports team?Troy: LAKERS!!!; Aimee: Lakers
• What was the last movie you went to see? Troy: True Grit; Aimee: Little Fockers
• Who would play you in a movie? Troy: Will Ferrell in Elf! Smiling's my favorite; Aimee: Kate Winslet in The Holiday.
• What is your favorite drink? Troy: White Chocolate Mocha non-fat; Aimee: Coffe with Coffee Mate Coconut Cream
• What is in your refrigerator right now? Troy: Turkey, milk, eggs, cheese, grape juice, frozen dinners, chicken; Aimee: Dito
• What is your favorite place to eat? Troy: Wood Ranch- best beef ribs ever!; Aimee: Urban Thai
• What TV reality show or game show would you go on? Troy: I want to be on the Biggest Loser, but that involves me gaining a lot of weight so I might have to think about it; Aimee: Amazing Race!
• How many pairs of shoes do you own? Troy: 6; Aimee: More than I need
• Where did you grow up? Troy: Omaha, Nebraska...the good life!; Aimee: My younger years were spent in Huntington Beach then my family moved up to Washington for the dreaded Jr. High years. I made my way back to sunny California for college.
• Where have you gone to school? Troy: Cal State Fullerton; Aimee: Biola
• What is your advice to people planning a wedding? Troy: Hire a planner;) ; Aimee: Hire vendors that you really mesh with.
• What is your best marriage advice? Troy: Love never fails...people fail. Don't ever give up! ; Aimee: You can never say, "I Love You," enough.
• One of your favorite wedding moments? Troy: I love the best man speech because you never know what to expect. ; Aimee: When the bride and her dad see each other for the first time.
• Anything else we should know? Troy: We just got a puppy! And with that we won't be having kids for a while ; Aimee: I love coffee treats!

Confetti Lab at The Party Pantry

If you like planning even the smallest of parties for your friends, you need to check out Confetti Lab on June 23 at The Party Pantry!!  My friend Brittany Shanks from Spruce PR has sent over all the fun details so check out more below...  If I didn't already have a wedding, I would for sure be going to check out some fun products and ideas!

Confetti Lab will be held June 23rd from 6pm to 9pm and is a party planning event where newly married brides, ladies planning a shower or anyone wanting exposure to great party products, tips and diy projects can get just that! There will be local (LA/OC) party supply vendors showing off their products, a taco truck, several sweets vendors, and diy stations. 

  

Vendor Spotlight: Final Touch Bakery

This is so exciting for me to talk about Final Touch Bakery! This is a small family owned business that has been around for more than 15 years so they have tons of experience. I met the owner Stephanie Dinh and she truly has a passion for every cake she does and she will do her best to make your day as special as possible. Her bakery specializes in custom cakes, from baby/bridal showers, birthdays, and of course, weddings! Not only do they do custom cakes, but they can also make special pastries and cupcakes! They have such a variety of flavors that include classics like chocolate and red velvet. But their signature flavor is their white cake with fresh berries and bavarian cream. It's seriously to die for. Not only are their flavors delicious but the outside of their creations are just as amazing as the inside. I love their versatility and everyone I've talked to loves their work. Check them out and take a look at their beautiful cakes below! Feel free to contact Stephanie for any questions!

• Cat or Dog? Neither. I'm not an animal person.
• Twilight or Harry Potter? Twilight.
• Mac or PC? Mac all the way!
• Sweet or Salty? Salty.
• Beer or Wine? Wine.
• Mountains or Beach? Both.
• Neat or Messy? Neat.
• What is the last book you read? Eat, Pray, Love.
• Most embarrassing moment? I peed in my pants in public when I was younger..So embarrassing!
• Favorite sports team? Don’t have one.
• What was the last movie you went to see? X-men: First Class.
• Who would play you in a movie? Meryl Streep.
• What is your favorite drink? Pear Martini...yum..
• What is in your refrigerator right now? Lemons, watermelons, bread, cheese, juice, salad....everything!
• What is your favorite place to eat? Marche Moderne.
• What TV reality show or game show would you go on? Top Chef!
• How many pairs of shoes do you own? 30 or 40...
• Where did you grow up? Saigon, Vietnam.
• Where have you gone to school? Vietnam, Kentucky...Cal State Fullerton for college.
• What is your advice to people planning a wedding? Don't stress out about the little things! Enjoy your day...trust your vendors.
• What is your best marriage advice? Be sweet to your husband...and compromise.
• One of your favorite wedding moments? The ceremony is always beautiful.
• Anything else we should know? I actually graduated with a computer science degree and I used to be an engineer! But then I realized that I love to bake and cook. 

Vendor Spotlight: The Fry Girl, Inc.

I am so excited to share my love of The Fry Girl, Inc. today!  She is so big time catering on almost every television or movie set you can think of....but more importantly, she comes to weddings!  Shelley Beals will make mini donuts, mini funnel cakes, mini corn dogs, and french fries, right there on the spot. Every one of my client's that has booked her services cannot say enough great things.  Her hot fresh treats really hit the spot the last two hours of the wedding.  I could honestly go on and on forever about great they are...the first time I worked with her, I ate so many donuts I had to go outside and get fresh air...no joke! Haha.  Check out a little sneak peak into Shelley and let the pictures speak for themselves!

• Cat or Dog? Dog.
• Twilight or Harry Potter? Neither. 
• Mac or PC? PC.
• Sweet or Salty? Sweet.
• Beer or Wine? Wine.
• Mountains or Beach? Beach.
• Neat or Messy? Neat.
• What is the last book you read? If You Like Chocolate Eat Chocolate by Anthony Miner. 
• Most embarrassing moment? Talking to a client on the phone thinking they were a male & coming to find out they were really a female!
• Favorite sports team? Don’t like sports. 
• What was the last movie you went to see? The Tourist.
• Who would play you in a movie? Coco Chanel but I’d have to learn to speak French. 
• What is your favorite drink? Chardonnay. 
• What is in your refrigerator right now? Lots of Jenny Craig! Haha
• What’s your favorite place to eat? Chef Melba’s Bistro in Hermosa.
• What TV reality show or game show would you go on? My own hopefully.
• How many pairs of shoes do you own? 100’s. 
• Where did you grow up? Weyburn, Saskatchewan Canada.
• Where have you gone to school? Canada. 
• What is your advice to people planning a wedding? Enjoy the day as it goes too quickly!
• What is your best marriage advice? Never go to bed angry or holding any resentment.
• One of your favorite wedding moments? The same moment at every wedding. When guests rave about our mini donuts deliciousness!
• Anything else we should know? Our gourmet food truck will hopefully hit the streets of LA by summer 2011! Watch for us! 

 

Strawberry Farms

A few weeks ago I had to finally pay a visit to Strawberry Farms....I couldn't believe that I had never worked there, or even been there!  I see pictures of it all the time from all the different vendors I work with.  Even Aimee and Troy Grover (Troy Grover Photography) got married there!  Anyways, one of my favorite photographers, Huey Bui, is a preferred photographer here so I asked him to send me some of his favorite photos that showcase the location.  I mean, how can you NOT love that barn!!  If you would like to find out more information, please feel free to e-mail the amazing Stacy Megill.

I hope you enjoy!

Wedding Insurance

Wedding insurance will cover all sorts of aspects including: no dress, lost deposits, lost rings, severe weather, transportation shutdown, ruined photographs, military call to duty,  damaged gifts, sudden illness, unemployment, and any additional expense. 

There are many types of insurance coverages but here are a few examples from www.protectmywedding.com

• Cancellation/Postponement: Cancellation / Postponement of the event can provide coverage for certain deposits listed in the policy in the event of a necessary cancellation or postponement of the wedding. For example, if the venue suddenly goes out of business and is inaccessible or sudden illness prevents the honorees, parents, grandparents or children of honorees from attending, or an honoree is unexpectedly called to duty, this coverage can reimburse you for the deposits lost.
• Lost Deposits: Lost Deposits can provide coverage if a vendor goes out of business, declares bankruptcy before your event, or simply fails to show up. For example, if your band or your limo provider fails to show up, this coverage can reimburse your lost deposit.
• Additional Expenses: Additional Expenses can provide coverage for certain unexpected expenses you have to incur in order to avoid a cancellation or postponement of your wedding. For example, if a caterer or transportation company suddenly becomes unavailable for your event and you can find a last minute replacement, this coverage can reimburse you for the difference in cost up to 25%of the original contract price.
• Event Photographs & Video: Event Photographs & Video can provide coverage in the event your photographer’s film is defective or photos are lost or damaged. For example if your photographer fails to show up, or loses your photos from your wedding, this coverage can reimburse you for the cost of reconvening your wedding party to take new photos or video.
• Event Gifts: Event Gifts can provide coverage if your gifts are damaged. For example, if your gifts are somehow damaged while on display at the event, this coverage can reimburse you for repair or replacement cost.
• Special Attire: Special Attire can provide coverage if the honoree’s event attire is lost or damaged. For example, if you’re traveling to your destination event and the airline loses your event attire, this coverage can reimburse you for the replacement attire.
• Special Jewelry: Special Attire can provide coverage if the honoree’s event attire is lost or damaged. For example, if you’re traveling to your destination event and the airline loses your event attire, this coverage can reimburse you for the replacement attire.

Great places that offer insurance include Wedsafe.com, Protectmywedding.com, weddinginsurance.com and wedsure.com

There is also special event liability that can be purchased such as bodily injury, personal  injury, property damage, and liquor liability. The basic insurance policy that covers photographs/videos, special attire, gifts, lost rings, and lost deposits can cost anywhere between $155 to $550, depending on the amount of coverage you want. As for liability insurance, the cost is around $185, which covers up to $1,000,000 for accidents.   

Wedding Program Essentials

Your wedding program is probably not on the top of your priority list.  So here are some things to be sure to include!  Clients often ask me if they have to even do a program for the ceremony, and I always encourage them to do so.  It is so nice for guests to be able to follow along with ceremony and see the readings, songs as well as other important information such as readers, family members and bridal party members.  It is also great to provide a program for a Catholic Mass or Jewish ceremony in cases guests are not familiar with the traditions or structure.

Focus Photography, Inc.

Essential:
-Names of the bride and groom
-Wedding date and time
-Ceremony location
-Listing of ceremony songs, readings and rituals, in order
-Names of ceremony participants (officiant, readers, musicians and bridal party)

Optional, and oh so nice!
-Welcome note to guests
-A meaningful quote, lyric or passage
-Anecdotes about your relationship for engagement
-Biographies and pictures of all your wedding VIPs
-A brief message or recognition honoring departed loved ones
-Detailed information about unfamiliar rituals
-A note of thanks to parents
-Map or directions to the reception in case guests forgot their invitation enclosure
  

So About Your Marriage License...

That minor detail....your marriage license...here are a few tips to make sure you have that extremely vital little piece of paper for California weddings.

www.cartoonstock.com

-You must apply together!
-A valid photo ID is required
-The license is valid for 90 days once issued
-You do NOT have to be residents of the state of California
-If either person has been divorced within the past 90 days, you will need proof of divorce

What's the difference between a public license and confidential license?  Well, I'll tell you...

-Public licenses are on public record, while confidential licenses are private and only available to the couple
-A public license can take place anywhere in California, while a confidential license must take place in the county it was issued
-The couple must be living together prior to marriage to be eligible for a confidential license
-No witnesses are needed for a confidential license

You will need to contact the recorder's office to make an appointment, find out cost, hours of operation and any other pertinent details.

Click here to find out more information as well as frequently asked questions and contact information.
  

Why You Should Use A Travel Agent For Your Honeymoon

Planning a honeymoon while planning your wedding can definitely add extra burden and stress!  This is why I am excited to share some information that Fatima Reep from First Ticket Travel, Inc. has given me!

"One of the first decisions couples face when planning their honeymoon is whether to use the services of a travel agent.  A do-it-yourself approach may sound alluring and adventurous, especially if you have a preconceived notion of your honeymoon. However, going it alone may pan out more adventures than you signed up for!

We realize that wedding planning can be quite stressful and time consuming. We feel that planning a honeymoon should not be. We begin with an initial meeting with you.  Getting to know you helps us guide you through the entire honeymoon design and honeymoon planning process holding your hand every step of the way.

Like working with a bridal consultant, a travel agent can offer you many perks. In addition to doing all of your booking (for accommodations, transportation, and anything else you'll need in advance), you will also benefit from the agent's globetrotting expertise and access to insider discounts. In many cases, agents can obtain better deals for you than even the most discounted travel websites, and in some cases, your agent will be able to get you package deals.

Think how you’d handle these situations:
    1.    A few days before the wedding, you get a call.  Your flight is cancelled, and you had booked your                         own air online.
    2.    You also have booked your own cruise, a Safari, a week in Tahiti
    3.    Furthermore, you didn’t know about travel insurance.

So NOW, you have to figure out who to call first, what to do.  

In any of these instances, the services of a travel agent would prove invaluable.   You would not have to worry.   Your travel consultant would make sure alternate arrangements are made.  Despite what you may think, your travel agent will probably save you money compared to what you could book on your own. And, if this is the first big trip you’ve ever planned, you really need a travel agent – things go wrong, airlines change schedules, natural disasters get in the way, you name it.

So, now that you’ve decided you’d rather leave it to the experts, you need to find an expert – travel agent, that is. How do you find a good travel agent?   Referrals are probably the single best way to find a travel agent.  Your Wedding Planner is the first place to start.  Your Wedding Planner has earned your trust by now.

Once you find a travel agent, call first to talk. This is similar to an interview – you are checking to see if there’s rapport, and if he or she books the kind of travel you’re looking for (Europe, for example, or does she plan complex, custom itineraries).  This selection process is especially important if you’ve found a couple of travel agents (via searches or referrals), so you can narrow your selection down to one.

Many travel agents require a nominal, nonrefundable deposit upfront before they quote packages (or before they provide package details, in some cases). Don’t be discouraged by this policy. Often, it means you’re taken seriously, and your travel agent will take her time in planning your honeymoon. Keep an open dialog with your travel agent, and the end result is the perfect honeymoon for you.

Finally, keep your mind open to suggestions your travel agent may have. You might be dreaming of hiking glaciers by day, and something romantic and toasty at night, but your travel agent can help you to compare the merits of New Zealand, Canadian Rockies, Swiss Alps, and Alaskan cruises, so you can put your dreams into action.

HONEYMOON REGISTRY/ HONEYMOON GIFT PROGRAM

Our honeymoon registry is fun and easy and the best part is that there is no extra cost to set it up.   Your guests will be able to upgrade your all inclusive honeymoon package, purchase a candlelit dinner for two on the beach, treat you to parasailing or scuba diving.   The options are endless.

Top 20 Honeymoon Destinations

Ok, so I never get to be involved in the exotic honeymoon planning....although I do love to see the pictures my couples send me.  So I decided to take a mental vacation and fill you in on the top 20 honeymoon destinations according to the new issue of Bride's magazine.  It's fun to daydream about laying on a beach with a pina colada!

Where are did you/are you/would you go on YOUR honeymoon!?

Ok....and here they are!

1. Hawaii
2. French Polynesia

French Polynesia

3. Fiji
4. Italy

Italy

5. Bali
6. Bermuda
7. Costa Rica
8. Greece

Greece

9. The Bahamas
10. France
11. Antigua 
12. Aruba
13. Jamaica
14. The British Virgin Islands
15. The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands

16. Australia
17. Anguilla
18. Barbados
19. Mexico
20. St. Lucia

St. Luca

  

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe

I have been meaning to blog about The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe [or The Inn@RSF as we regulars like to call it! :)] for quite a long time. I first found out about The Inn when I started planning Jessica and Logan's wedding back in 2009. I immediately fell in love with the property and the beautiful lawn that their reception would take place, tucked underneath a huge tree covered in twinkle lights!

The service we all received over the entire weekend was just fantastic, the rooms are beautiful, and the whole ambiance of the property really makes you feel like you are on vacation.

Then, this past summer there was so kind to invite me to a coordinator's retreat down at their property where we were spoiled with dinner, dancing, brunch, and their finest accommodations....such VIP status! I can't say enough great things about this property, especially Marianna Ogando, the catering manager that handles all of the wedding details! I highly recommend checking out The Inn if you are looking for an outdoor space in San Diego!

The Four C's: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat

How much do you know about The Four C's?  I gotta hand it to the guys...there is a lot of work that goes into buying the perfect ring!  It's always fun to look at diamonds so make sure your knowledge is up to par!!  After all, diamonds are a girl's best friend.

www.darasdiamonds.com

CUT

Cut refers to a finished stones proportion, polish, and evenness.  Artisans sculpt facets, or small angles into the raw stone to create the overall shape. The best measurements guarantee stand-out glitz and glimmer while those with poorly placed facets come out dull looking. Diamonds come in a variety of cuts including round, brilliant, pear, marquise, emerald, asscher, cushion, princess, and heart. Andrew Coxon, president of the Diamond Institute for De Beers Diamonds Jewellers, says, “80 percent are round brilliants. They have the most sparkle and are most popular among consumers."  When shopping for a stone look for brillance (reflects lights, fire (flashes color), and scintillation (sparkle).  Also, make sure you study the stone in different lighting environments.

COLOR

There are two color categories that tend to be indiscernible to the untrained eye: colorless and fancy. However, it all  depends on personal preference.  Colorless diamonds are graded on a scale from D, completely clear, to Z, traces of yellow, gray, and brown. D color is as clear as looking into glass, E and F are in the colorless range and G and J are near colorless. Colors start to turn very light yellow after K and L. Some consumers prefer a slightly warmer white but the colorless stones tend to be the most rare and most expensive. That being said, most diamonds sold in jewelry stores are in the D to L range.

Yellow, pink, blue, and other colored stones are considered fancy diamonds. They are more costly than colorless diamonds because they are rarer. There is no rating system for fancy stones but the more saturated shades are more expensive.

CLARITY

There are two occurring imperfections with diamonds: internal flaws, such as inclusions, and surface flaws, such as blemishes. Diamonds are given a clarity grade from the GIA’s 11-step scale: Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2), Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2), and Imperfect Included (I1, I2, and I3). “Eye clean” stones are considered to be in the VS to Si range and are carried in many jewelry stores. Flawless stones exist but are incredibly rare; so rare that most jeweler have never seen one. Stones in the I range should be avoided.

CARAT

Many people might be surprised to learn that the term “carat” refers to a diamonds weight, not its size.

A metric carat weighs 200 milligrams and is divided into hundredths, or points; each carat comprises 100 points. A 75-point diamond weighs 0.75 carats, a 25-point diamond weighs 0.25 carats and so on. Carat weight, however, is not a direct reflection of its cost. A large stone with a low color grade can be less expensive than a smaller stone with a high color grade.  Remember when shopping for a diamond, the stones weighing in at just under the full carat mark are less expensive than stones right at full carat mark. When the stone is set, you won’t be able to tell the difference but it all depends on personal preference.

EASY WAYS TO MAINTAIN THAT SPARKLE

Once a year take your ring to the jeweler for a thorough cleaning and a prong checkup. Dirt, lotion, and skin’s natural oils can coat and cloud your ring. At home you can soak the ring in a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid before scrubbing the stone gently with a toothbrush.

In Honor of Karen Morse & David Sanford

So excited to post this Christmas wedding from last December...lets me relive the holidays a little bit.  Now here's a story for you!  Karen taught my sister in middle school and was also her dance team coach!  David, had her in his P.E. class and is ALSO the cross country coach at the high school I went to.  Talk about a small world!  This wedding was so fun to plan since I felt like I already knew them, and I also had the pleasure of working with such awesome vendors!  Check out some of the pictures below by our Angelina Jolie look alike photographer, Chloe Atnip.

The Team: {Location- Ceremony: St. Peter's by the Sea, Reception: Seacliff Country Club} - {Photography: Chloe Atnip Photography} - {Florist: Amazing Blooms Studios} - {Entertainment: A Night to Remember} - {Bakery: Rossmoor Pastries}