Sunday, July 25, 2010

A Stunning affair!

A BIG Congratulations to Aleah & Ali Zandi!

Ali and Zandi were married Saturday at The Calabasas Country Club.  It was a perfect day -- the bride looked even more perfect!  When Aleah called me she had everything pretty well taken care of, there were just a few minor touches we needed. Carrie of CFS Designs came through yet again with the incredible flowers, La Creme in Woodland Hills made the yummy cake. I am so excited to get to share a few shots I took from the day!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Fantastic New Venue!

I have been holding out a little on this one because I really needed to see it in person to believe it. The Castle Green in Pasadena California, is maybe one of my all time favorite's!!


This place has a sense of magic and beauty. I have the pleasure of working with DeEtte English  and her fiance, Lawrence on their upcoming nuptials. Since I was born in Pasadena (at the Huntington Memorial Hospital,) and my mom grew up there, as well as the fact that my aunt still resides there... well, you can understand why this venue has interest for me.

If you are looking for a venue that is romantic with a Morrocan flavor,  and want that perfect "Vintage meets Classic" look, look no further!










If nothing more than the AMAZING pictures you would get, I highly suggest this venue for any type of occasion!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

I LOVE the concept of 'Trash the Dress' and wanted to share some of my favorite shots





Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Looking for a FUN accessory on your big day?!

A Classic Wedding Car 

Mike is the guy you want to talk to.. He services all of the greater Los Angeles area!


Excited to use him for DeEtte's wedding at the Castle Green in Pasadena!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Nice to meet you, how can I not wreck your wedding?!



Thanks to Masterpiece Weddings There are so many things to consider when hiring your vendors, but let's talk about what to look for in your wedding planner. There gazillions of questionnaires online for you to review, download and bring with you to your initial consultations when you interview your potential wedding planner.

But how about some things that may not be on the questionnaires?

What are you going to wear on my wedding day?

* We wear formal attire, not black tie (unless you request it) but formal, cocktail attire. We don't wear name tags. We want to blend in at your wedding, not stand out like a sore thumb.

How many weddings will you have on my wedding day?

* I will personally only have one. And I'll have a team with me, so we can be in 3 places at the same time.

Will you drink at my wedding?

* Um, no! No professional. You won't see us eat at your wedding (although we will, in shifts), we are there for you and to make sure you are getting what you paid for from all of your vendors and means we are on the clock the whole night. (not to say, when you get back from your honeymoon we shouldn't all go to Dragonfly and grab a cocktail)

And when you are meeting with your vendors be upfront with them, ask the hard questions, expect answers.

Sizzling Summer? Do's and Don'ts for your hot summer wedding.



My mother to this day never fails to insist on the sunscreen, and I am glad she does:) I work so much at the beach here in Southern California, that I am constantly exposed to the sun and sand. Here are few tips to help cool you and your guests down on that hot summer night.

Do provide heat relief. No matter how much you love the sun, your guests will probably want a few ways to escape the heat. Make sure an outdoor venue offers some shade or air-conditioning (tent rentals can include portable air-conditioning systems). Instead of having guests sweat it out through the ceremony, just before it starts, have an usher pass out small ice-cold hand towels across the rows. Scatter decorative tubs or baskets filled with bottles of water near the ceremony site -- and once the dancing begins, place water in close proximity to the action. And don't forget your vendors: Set up an area where they can grab cold beverages as well.

Don't forgo save-the-dates. Summer is the prime time for vacays, especially when it comes to families with school-age kids. Send out an announcement in advance to get your wedding marked on everyone's calendar early.

Do serve lighter fare. Heavy food and heat don't mix. Follow the farm-to-table trend and choose a seasonal menu that includes grilled entrees and local, fresh produce. Gazpacho shooters and grilled fruit skewers make tempting appetizers, and for dessert, consider fruit pies or tarts in lieu of cake. Frozen cocktails (mint, cucumber, or watermelon are popular flavors) or even Popsicles (use the sticks that catch drips) can be festive touches too.

Don't time your outdoor wedding to begin midday. With the sun at its strongest, overheated guests won't be in a party mood. It can also be tricky to get folks to enjoy adult beverages and sit down to a big meal when they're baking. Shoot for a late afternoon or early evening start time. The ideal plan: Schedule dinner for sunset (provided the sun isn't setting too late on your date); then work the rest of the event around that timing.

Do consider stay-cool attire. A bride should feel comfortable and confident -- not sticky. For your wedding dress, choose a light fabric that breathes, such as silk. Or follow the example of many modern brides who are opting for shorter skirts. If you can't resist the heavy traditional ball gown, wear it during the ceremony and then change into an elegant sheath for dancing. A groom can look dapper in a crisp linen suit and leather sandals, or for the ultimate in beach-casual, khakis and a button-down are perfect.

Don't overlook sun and bug protection. Sunburn can give the term "blushing bride" a whole new meaning. Prior to getting dressed, the bride, groom, and attendants should apply sunscreen to skin that will be exposed. Consider wearing a moisturizer and foundation or powder that contains SPF (just give it a test-drive for allergies weeks beforehand). In the guest bathroom, include a basket with sunblock wipes as well as bug spray (which should also be available at the ceremony site).




To top it off how bout this great specialty cocktail for your guests to enjoy all evening long!



Agave Negra

Beverage director and sommelier Franklin Ferguson’s inspiration for this drink was bubble tea. The round sections of blackberry (called drupelets) mimic the look of the tapioca pearls in the popular Asian beverage.


Ingredients
  •  
    1. 2 blackberries, plus 1 blackberry and 1 lime wheel skewered on a pick
    2. 1 cup ice
    3. 1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila
    4. 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
    5. 3/4 ounce Simple Syrup
    6. 1/2 ounce Chambord
    7. 1 ounce chilled club soda
  • In a cocktail shaker, muddle the 2 blackberries. Add the ice, tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup and Chambord. Shake well and pour into a rocks glass. Stir in the club soda and garnish with the skewered blackberry and lime wheel


Daily Inspiration

A little something that makes me think of Branden and Sara's October Wedding!

A Stunning July Evening

It's been a little bit since my last blog, we've been busy with this amazing summer wedding season! But I just could not take it any longer -- I had to sit down and share a few of my snapshots from Liz and Steve's Wedding.
This was a big one for me, not only did we book their package over a year ago, but the couple was residing in Virginia, and we basically planned the entire event being 3000 miles apart. The best part about this incredible couple is that throughout the entire process of putting their day together, they never lost the sense of fun and pure enjoyment in the process - I truly feel that is key to a successful marriage.









This day could not have happened without my Right hand woman Carrie, of CFS Designs.
www.cfsdesignllc.com
Her flowers are always stunning, and yet again her eye for decor is spot on!

Coordination by yours Truly
www.withgraceprods.com

Photography of the wonderful Megan Stark (HER PICTURES TO COME!!)

Catered by Pierre's Catering Service of Westlake Village CA
http://www.pierrecatering.com/

Cupcakes by Jackies Cakes of Burbank Ca
www.jackiescakecreations.com

Favors, Menus, and Programs by Maiden Malibu Invitations
www.withgraceprods.com

Live music by Hannah Mullholland and Austin Grant!
http://www.myspace.com/hannahmulholland

Check back soon for Professional Photos by Megan Stark!
http://www.meganstark.com/Site/Welcome.html

and none other than The Malibu West Beach Club for their venue
http://www.malibuwestbeachclub.com/