New Website is Up!

I am very pleased to announce the launch of my brand new website--which launched this morning. With some help from my web designer with the mostest, Sarah, and great photos from some of my favorite photographers, you can find some of my latest and greatest work. Check it out.... and I look forward to your feedback:)

Some Like It Hot

My husband and I love Netflix. It's definitely given us the chance to see a lot of movies that aren't always readily available. So, we began adding classic movies like The Graduate and Casablanca to the list. I added Some Like It Hot to our queue, because I knew that it was filmed at the Hotel Del, and I had never seen a Marilyn Monroe movie before. I liked the movie even more than I had expected. Many scenes were filmed in the Crown Room, where I've coordinated events in the past. It's really neat to know that my Hotel Del beach weddings have shared a little bit of sand with Marilyn:) Can you recommend a movie filmed in San Diego?

The first image is from Helenna and Travis' wedding this past January. The image is courtesy and copyright of Marissa and Weston, of Boucher Photography.

Nicole and Marc

Nicole and Marc were married this fall at The Thursday Club. The club is such a beautiful palette, and I loved this color combination in the room. The beautiful photos and decor are courtesy of Luna Photo and Organic Elements, respectively. Marc and Nicole, it was wonderful working with you and I wish you all the best! All of the images are courtesy and copyright of Luna Photo--thanks Mike and Paula!

Katelyn and Scott

Katelyn and Scott were married at the El Cortez earlier this year. The ceremony took place inside the reception room, where guests were seated all around them. It made for a really neat, intimate effect, and really highlighted the unique shape of the Don Room. Guests enjoyed cocktails on the patio, as well as beer brewed by the Father of the Bride himself! During the hour, we turned and decorated the entire room into a formal reception for 200! This was no easy feat, but Paul and his team, did a fabulous job. Katelyn and Scott, congrats on the wedding and your big move. It was a pleasure collaborating with you and your wonderful families. All of the images you see here are copyright and courtesy of San Diego Wedding Candids.

Kathleen and Chris

Kathleen and Chris were married in the Loggia Room, which is one of the smaller rooms overlooking Balboa Park at the Prado. This room is perfect for less than 80 guests, and features two patios. We used one patio as a "bistro" area, and set up a coffee display, with short tables and lots of candle light. The additional patio had a bar and belly bars for people to enjoy the beautiful view. The ceremony took place just down the street at St. Francis Chapel, and Daniel provided lots of great tunes. The images you see here are courtesy of John and Kristina Alexanders. Kathleen and Chris have a wonderful rapport and chemistry, and they are so much fun. Congrats guys!

Tracy and Andy

Tracy and Andy were married last month at The Thursday Club. Despite cold weather, it turned out to be a wonderful day! Daniel kept the dance floor packed, and Sherri provided the beautiful flowers. Giuseppe's food was stupendous--I really enjoyed the italian theme selected by the bride and groom. The wedding was so well put-together, and it was wonderful! Andy and I worked together a few years ago--he was even my supervisor! Tracy and Andy, I think you were made for each other and I know you'll be very happy together. All of the photos here are courtesty and copyright of the talented Shawna K.

Athena and Charlie

I was really excited to see photos from this wedding. This was my first event at the Japanese Friendship Gardens, and Athena and Charlie really personalized each detail of the day. Ed and Karen were on hand to document the day, and all of the photos here are courtesy and copyright of Atrero Photography. Thanks guys!


Even though the wedding took place during a major heat wave earlier this summer, it was a blast. You have to love Athena and Charlie's take on "the old ball and chain!"

Thanks Everyone!

I was notified today that I Do...Weddings! came in third place for the Channel 10 A-List Award, in the Best Wedding Coordinator category. There were 39 nominees, and I am very pleased. I'm especially thankful for the support from past, present and future brides, as well as many of my colleagues.
To see the full list and to see where other vendors stacked up, check out this link:
http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/Winners/PopWinner.aspx?contest=82

Angela and Jean

This wedding took place a little while ago--but I love how the photos turned out! The wedding took place at the La Jolla Bridge Club, and all of the photos are courtesy and copyight of Trailbrook Photography. Because the venue does not allow candles, we improvised with twinkling holiday lights and chinese lanterns. It was a beautiful, yet extremely cost-effective effect. Congrats Angela and Jean!

Estancia Wedding

Click on the image below to see additional detail from the day.....

I just received an electronic version of this beautiful montage from Stephanie and Tim's wedding at Estancia back in September. All of the photos are courtesy and copyright of San Diego Wedding Candids--thank you so much Kristina and John! It was an amazing day, and these images really show the beauty of the day.

I Do...Weddings! Featured in San Diego Style Weddings!

YAY! I can't tell you how exciting it was to walk into my favorite store earlier this month and be in San Diego Style Weddings! Not one, or two, but three of my weddings were featured in the newest issue of the magazine. To see the articles and photos online, please see the links below:

The Wild Animal Park

http://www.sandiegostyleweddings.com/real_wedding_article_2006.asp?real_wedding_id=64&ctr=13

Sarah and Rudy, it was an honor to work with such creative and nice people!

The Prado

http://www.sandiegostyleweddings.com/real_wedding_article_2006.asp?real_wedding_id=83&ctr=17

Lindsay and John, I loved meeting you and your families--what a beautiful day!

Cuvier Park and The Prado

http://www.sandiegostyleweddings.com/real_wedding_article_2006.asp?real_wedding_id=78&ctr=2

Alicia and David, all of your hard work from Texas really paid off! What a stunning day!

I feel very blessed for my work to be featured, and I thank all of the wonderful photographers for their photos--Leigh Miller, Weddings By Amy and Aquario Studio.

Need a wedding break? Look at this link!

My aunt, a fellow animal lover sent me this link today, and it made me smile:
http://www.idodogtricks.com/index_flash.html
You can "instruct" the dog to sit, stay, shake, stand...etc.... Try "kiss" last..
Super cute, and was a much needed break from email:)

Stephanie and Tim

I was back at Estancia this past weekend--my second home-away-from-home, after the Prado!

Stephanie and Tim did an incredible job with all of the details, especially as young business owners. They are the owners of Better Buzz Coffee. If you're looking for an alternative to Starbuck's, this is it!

Mike Hogan did a great job DJ'ing. Even though I only get to work with him about once a year, it is always a treat! John and Kristina did a great job capturing the details, as usual.

Congrats Stephanie and Tim-it was a pleasure!

Check out the floral headpiece in the bride's hair. It was perfect! The second photo is me in action, with my new wonderful assistant Mary. Both images are courtesy of Mike Hogan.

Elaine and Brian

One of my summer grooms just posted his slideshow to You Tube. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMPFFFj4wwk
There's a ton of really great shots--especially details halfway in. You'll notice there are a ton of kissing shots. The DJ pulled names out of a hat and brought couples on to the dance floor. Each couple kissed in their own unique way:) and Elaine and Brian had to replicate it. It was hilarious!
All of these images are courtesy and copyright of the incredibly talented Stan and Jeanette of Trailbrook Photography. The wedding took place at the Immaculata and Loews Resort in Coronado. Congrats Elaine and Brian!

Keri and Beau are models!

I just received word from one of my June brides, Keri, that a photo from her engagement session won an internation award from the WPPI (that Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, to you and me). The photo was taken by the amazingly talented John, of Aquario Studio. Keri's husband Beau is a pilot, which served as the perfect back drop to their engagement session. Congrats to John, Keri and Beau:)

Karen and Roger find love again

Back in June, I coordinated the wedding of Karen and Roger, and was also their florist!

Recently, their wedding and love story was featured in the San Diego Union-Tribune:



http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070819/news_mz1c19wed.html

If you would like your wedding featured, contact Nicole at nicole.reino@uniontrib.com.
My husband Brett and I had our wedding featured 4 years ago!

I Do...Weddings! on the A-List

I found out late last week that I was nominated for a really neat honor--the Channel 10 A-List!
http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/

The list is a local San Diego award that gives people the opportunity to vote on their favorite businesses in San Diego. There is an entire section for Weddings, and I am honored to be a wedding planner on the list.

Please vote for I Do...Weddings!
http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/details.aspx?business=54385

How about a gift for your hubby?

I get a lot of requests for ideas for what to get your spouse as a wedding gift. There are tons of wonderful ideas, but I was given this great opportunity and wanted to share it all with you. Woman Captured, is an offset of Boucher Photography, run by the wonderful Marissa and Weston Boucher. I just checked out the studio yesterday, and it was really fun! Marissa has such a great way of making you feel at ease:) Right now, they are offering 15% off if you book in the next two weeks. Check them out!

Congrats Keren and Mike!

Keren and Mike married on the most popular day of the year--7-7-7, at the Redondo Beach Historical Library, and it was beautiful! Keren is my husband Brett's best friend, and I have known her for almost 10 years. Keren was also a bridesmaid in my wedding. Keren and Mike, welcome to the club--congrats! Photos are courtesy of Jubilee Photography.

Congrats Cyndi and Ben!

I just received photos from Cyndi and Ben's big day, which took place in late July. Cyndi and Ben have become good friends since they've moved to San Diego last year. The wedding took place in Moose Pass, Alaska and it was a beautiful day. Congrats you guys!

This photo is copyrighted by Xtreme Media.

Jessica and Greg, Beck's Wedding of the Month

A recent event, where Jerry Beck was the DJ, was featured as Beck's Entertainment's wedding of the month! Check out this link:
http://www.becksentertainment.com/greg_and_jess.htm
Jessica and Greg and I had collaborated for the past year, and they even came out a few times from their home in Arizona. The wedding took place at the Woman's Club, and it was beautiful! To see a few pics from the event, check out the link above.
Jess and Greg, you guys were such a pleasure! Congrats newlyweds!

Candlelight at Pala Mesa

Earlier in June, I coordinated my first event at Pala Mesa. Located in Fallbrook, they have a beautiful ceremony site and our reception was held in an amazing tent. The tent was accented by uplighting, swags of fabric, chinese lanterns and a personalized gobo from Concepts. Jennifer Cole designed all of the flowers and included tons and tons of beautiful candlelight. The bride asked that the back end of the tent be left open so that we could add candlelight to a fountain. It looked magical as the sun set! I was so excited to work with a new amazing photographer, Michael. Congrats to the new family--Eden, Duane and Brooklyn, I wish you guys the best!

A Day of Surprises at the Prado

Yup, I've been a regular here lately. I've been talking to the Prado's catering and sales team about my own parking space, but no such luck yet! It was a romantic and grand day, and we were able to include lots of fun touches. After Keri and Beau kissed, they were suprised with all of their two hundred guests wearing clown noses! Hey, we stuck with the theme.... the clown noses were red:) The Groom also surprised the Bride with reading their first emails, as they met online.A final surprise was the Groom's cake, courtesy of Flour Power. Bob did a great job with playing music for all ages, and it was a treat to work with John, of Aquario Studio again this year. Keri and Beau, congrats and good luck with the big move!

Classic Beauty at The Prado

I've said it once, and I'll say it again, I truly love the Prado. Daphna and Ian got married earlier in June in the gardens and the ballroom, and it was a stunning day! Even planning from afar, no detail was overlooked! The Bride was serenaded by the Groom, and the crowd danced all night long to a band and also a DJ. The day was accented by florals and decor from the ever-amazing Haydee. Mazel Tov and congrats Newlyweds!

May 12-San Diego Mission and Mission Bay Hilton

My most recent wedding was a really fun day. Any time I get to hang out with Tony, I am a happy girl! Justin kept the crowd dancing all night long, and we even passed out glow sticks for the last hour of the party! The cake was just amazing...any time you were closer than 10 feet to the cake, you could smell chocolate--perfect for my chocoholic bride and groom! And how cool is this? The newlyweds left the church in a friend's Lotus. Congrats Manny and Erika!

Vote for An I Do...Weddings! Bride to Be Modern Bride of the Year!

Hey everyone, I need your help! I just found out the Traci, one of my brides has been selected as a top 10 finalist for Modern Bride's First "Bride Of the Year!"
You can see her video and vote for her by visiting:
http://www.brides.com/modernbride/modernbrideoftheyear/voting/
Traci's full name is Traci Swain, and is from New York City
The top five finalists will go to New York for a fashion shoot, which will air on The Insider. The winner will be featured on the cover of the December/January issue of Modern Bride.
How cool is that?
Congrats, and lets help her win! You can vote every hour till May 9th.

April 30-Cuvier Park and Azul

About a month ago, I was approached by Danielle and Steven to help plan an intimate elopement. So, this past Monday, they celebrated with a dozen friends and family for a beautiful ceremony officiated by Rev. Powers at Cuvier, also known as the "Wedding Bowl." We then moved to Azul restaurant for a private dinner in the wine room. I was honored when they asked me to be their florist, as well as their coordinator. Be sure to check out the photo of their arch above (click on the photo to see additional detail). I wired dragonflies and orchids to the trees, which will be planted in the newlyweds' back yard. Congrats Danielle and Steven!

April 28-Mission Bay Hilton

I haven't worked at the Mission Bay Hilton for quite some time, so it was wonderful to be back!

I worked with this couple for the past year, and really enjoyed it! I was especially pleased with the stunning flowers, all of which were created by the Mother of the Groom the night before, and the morning of the wedding. Bill kept the dance floor packed all night! Kim and Steve, I wish you all the happiness in the world!!!

Do You Want to Be In People Magazine?

I was taking a break from a wedding timeline and just stumbled onto this on People's website: http://reallifeweddings.people.com/.
There's a lot of fun categories to peek at, and the first ever wedding issue hits newsstands on June 15th. Have something fun to submit? Try to do it soon:) There's a fun section on Bridesmaid dresses. Check it out to relieve some wedding stress!

April 21-A beautiful view at Oceanview

I may have mentioned to several of you that I've never had rain at a wedding (knock on wood!). With the rains on Friday, I was getting a bit nervous, considering my Saturday wedding was almost completely outdoors at Oceanview! With a bit of luck, and the help of some amazing vendors, the wedding was absolutely stunning! Concepts hung the lanterns, which looked spectacular at night. Amanda provided beautiful flowers (and also the beautiful first photo!), and Georgie satisfied many sweet "tooths" throughout the night. Stan and Jeanette and John and Norma were on hand to document the fun day. Kendra and Marcus, I've enjoyed every minute of getting to know you over the past year! Have a wonderful time in Fiji, congrats!

April 14-A Wild Wedding at the Park!

Most of you know that I am a huge animal lover. While all of my events are near and dear to me, I was especially excited to play with the animals at my Wild Animal Park wedding this weekend. The ceremony took place in the Heart of Africa, and was officiated by Holly. Daniel kept the crowds very happy dancing! I was very impressed with Leigh's work, and you can see more examples of her work and more of this wedding on her blog. All in all, it was an amazing day which really reflected my couple's personality and wonderful style. Besides, what other wedding can you go to, where you get to pet a hedgehog? I did, and it was great! Congrats Sarah and Rudy! Be sure to look at the amazing cake topper handcrafted by the Groom.