New Episode of The Wedding Planner Now Airing

Great News! For those of you that live in San Diego, Cox now has the WE Network (Channel 337)!

This is perfect timing to coincide with my second episode of the The Wedding Planner. For additional information on the episode, check out this link:

http://www.wetv.com/wedding-central/episodes/wedding-planners-2

This episode is extra special to me as it features I Do...Weddings! in San Diego's finest city, for Kasey and Will's wedding. Kasey, of course, is now my partner, and her wedding was beautiful. This episode is a great opportunity to see both of us in action.

The image you see above of Kasey is courtesy of Luna Photo, who was also featured in the episode.

WeTV "The Wedding Planners" featuring Melissa Barrad airs tonight

Tonight, at 10pm local time, check out "The Wedding Planners" on the WE network (WeTV).
The show airs locally on Time Warner (Channel 54), along with Dish Network (Channel 889) and DirecTV (Channel 260). Check your local listings!!!

http://www.wetv.com/wedding-central/episodes/the-wedding-planners

The show will re-air at the following dates and times:
Monday, December 8 at 2am | 1c
Monday, December 8 at 11pm | 10c
Tuesday, December 9 at 2am | 1c
Sunday, December 14 at 11pm | 10c
Wednesday, December 17 at 4pm | 3c
Sunday, December 28 at 12pm | 11c
Monday, January 5 at 1:30pm | 12:30c

Come see me plan Rosie and Nandi's wedding, which was in March at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf Course. Like what you see? Leave your comments here!

Ali and Max

Ali and Max's wedding is very special to me, as they are very good friends of mine. In fact, Max was a groomsman at my wedding, and we also work together as he and Ali are wedding photographers. The wedding, which took place at The Dana, was a really neat experience for me, as I was both a guest and the wedding planner! My husband Brett was also a groomsman.

Ali and Max's wedding was the windiest wedding I have ever attended or planned, but you certainly couldn't tell..the newlyweds looked goregous and happy in every photo! I also loved Sharon, of Organic Elements' showstopping florals! To see details of the day, be sure to visit Gabby Fox's blog at:http://www.gabriellefoxphotography.com/blog/?p=440

Gabby, thanks again for the photos! Ali and Max, Mazel Tov!!!

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Jenae and Indra

Jenae and Indra were married back in October at St. Andrew's, just down the street from my childhood home! The reception took place at Admiral Baker, and with some help from the band, The Heroes, we had a blast all night long! Jenae looked breathtaking in her mom's veil--I loved the retro touch! Jenae and Indra, it was an honor geting to know you! To see the slideshow from the wedding, click on this link: http://bkmphotog.com/Indra_Jenae/.
The gorgeous photo you see of Jenae above is courtesy and copyright of BKM Photography. Ben and Kirin, I really loved working with you and getting to know you.

I Do...Weddings! featured on NBC San Diego

Local writer and NBC Anchor Marianne Kushi was so kind to write an article about me and my show, which begins airing this Sunday at10pm.

To see the article, click on this link:

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/around_town/the_scene/La-Jolla-Wedding-Planner-Says-I-Do-to-Reality-TV-.html

Angie and Mike

Angie and Mike were married this past September at the North Chapel and El Cortez.

I was so lucky to spend some time with Angie and Mike prior to the wedding, and each time, it reminded me how loving they are to each other and everyone around them. It certainly made for many memorable moments on their wedding day! Angie and Mike are huge sports fans, and asked me to check the score of the Charger game during the ceremony. I was pacing in the back of the chapel, when they scored in the last few minutes of the 4th quarter. They asked me to walk up to the altar discretely, and hand Rev. Holly the score. It was really neat to hear her yell "Go Chargers!" after they were pronounced husand and wife!

At the reception, we had a blast in the photobooth and I loved the garter removal (see the pic of the granny underwear that says "I Love Michael!)

Besides the newlyweds and the amazing day, I was able to work with many of my favorite people. During the reception, Michael came up to me and said "You're right. When all of your vendors know each other and work together well, it makes for an amazing day!" Another memorable moment of the evening were the personalized shot glasses. Not only did Angie and Mike get them for the bridal party, but they also got them for us vendors! See the picture of us below, toasting Angie and Mike with vendor friendly apple juice:) (NR3 Video, Discofriend, Red Cheese)

Angie and Mike, I can't tell you how much I enjoy being around you both. I am certain that you are definitely made for each other, and will have a beautiful life together! To see additional photos from this day, please view the slideshow at:

http://boucherphotography.com/slideshows/ANGIE_MICHAEL_WEDDING

Thank you to Marissa and Weston for the amazing photos!

Lorraine and Rick

Lorraine and Rick married this past weekend at the Immaculata and Loews. It was extraordinarily warm, and I know Lorraine's famly from Ireland fell in love with San Diego!

Two things come to mind when I think about Lorraine and Rick. First, their big hearts and love for each other and music! That's right, we incorporated a bagpiper, mariachis, a DJ and a band into the mix for a fabulous event! At the end of the evening, the crowd kept chanting "one more song!" and were were able to stick around for a few more rockin' tunes!

All of the gorgeous florals you see here are courtesy of Haydee, with rentals from Concepts Event Design. Darryl, of Epic Affair, was on hand to document the day, as well.

I had the pleasure of working with not one, but two amazing photographers--Jasmine Wang, hailing from San Fran, and the wonderful Melissa McClure! The photos you see here are courtesy of Melissa, but definitely check out both photogs blogs to see more awesomeness!

http://melissamcclure.net/?p=608

http://www.jasminewangphoto.com/blog/?p=878

Lorraine and Rick, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know you both. Your wedding day and the family and friends that surround you, are both absolutely wonderful! I wish you all the best life has to offer!

Erika and Ethan

Erika and Ethan were married a few weeks ago at The Dana, in Mission Bay.
Erika and Ethan are both teachers, and are seriously one of the nicest couples I have ever met!

They gave out apples to guests, which also acted as their place cards:) You also have to love their "pimp cup" toasting flutes!

In addition to beautiful weather, I was very happy to be working with Mick and Nancy.

All of the rockin' photos you see here are courtesy and copyright of Gabrielle Fox. Gabby, it was so nice to work with you on your birthday! To see additional photos from the day, check out Gabby's blog: http://www.gabriellefoxphotography.com/blog/?p=387

Erika and Ethan, you guys are the coolest! Thank you so much for a great experience!

Jennifer and Matt

A blog post from Kasey......

Jennifer and Matt were married last month at Seagrove Park with their reception following at the Del Mar Powerhouse. I loved working with them and their wedding was a blast. Jennifer and Matt are from Philadelphia, so most of their friends and family came to San Diego for their elegant beachfront wedding. Jennifer was amazingly detailed and had so many personal touches that made the day so special, including a beautiful ceremony performed by their friend and musician Michael TiernanJennifer was stunning and Matt looked so proud.The beautiful photos are courtesy and copyright of Melissa Murphy, thanks Melissa! Thank you guys so much for the opportunity to be a part of your day!

I Voted! Did you?

Brett and I walked Zorro to our polling place a few hours ago, and voted. Did you hear that rumor about if you vote, you get free Starbucks? Well, it is true! Click on this link to find out about this, and a few more promotions that are taking place today:

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/alpha-consumer/2008/11/04/election-day-freebies.html

Amy and Shawn

Amy and Shawn were married back in September at the Darlington House.

This wedding was truly amazing! I loved how we included both Amy's southern roots and tropical details from Sean's background to create a wonderfully pink day. Amy and I share a love for Perez Hilton, champagne and lots of fun details, so when I was asked to design the florals, I was so excited! Norma and John, Blake and Concepts, were, as always, a blast to work with. All of the photos you see here are courtesy and copyright of Kim Irons. Thanks Kim! To see additional photos of the day, check out Kim's blog at: http://kimironsphotography.blogspot.com/2008/10/amy-and-shawn-rock.html.

Amy and Shawn, I had such a great experience getting to know you! Thank you so much for the opportunity!

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone has a fun day, and gets to eat a ton of candy! Don't forget to turn back your clocks Saturday evening--and enjoy that extra hour of sleep! Fall is officially here!

When is your TV show airing?

As wedding season comes to a close, I've been getting a ton of questions about my upcoming show on the WE Network, called "The Wedding Planner." While the show was originally slated for release in late summer, it was pushed back to December.
But, I am pleased to report that the show is right around the corner!
To learn more about the show, and the specifics events I designed, please check out the links below:
http://www.wetv.com/wedding-central/blogs/wedding-planners-2/melissa-barrad
http://www.wetv.com/wedding-central/blogs/wedding-planners-1/melissa-barrad
http://www.wetv.com/wedding-central/bios/melissa-barrad

To see a promo video about the show, click on this link within my blog:

http://sdweddingplanner.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-am-wedding-planner-come-see-me-in.html

As the air date gets a bit closer, I will most definitely keep everyone in the loop!

Cheers!

Baby Marcus is here!

One of my most awesome assistants and very, very good friend Nicole, had a little boy last week! Baby Marcus is healthy, and handsome and the entire I Do...Weddings! team is very excited for the new family. Congrats Nicole, Richard and baby!

I Do...Weddings! Bride is a MODERN BRIDE

Last summer, I coordinated Traci and KC's wedding at the Prado, which is featured in this month's Modern Bride magazine. It was certainly one of the most exciting and unique weddings I've ever been a part of! I've seen packed dance floors in my day, but Tim had one of the biggest dance floors I've seen!

The bride is a professional dancer, and during her recessional, she and KC released doves in honor of their parents. So how did they make for one of the most unique recessionals ever? They played "When Doves Cry" and each Bridal pair grooved their way to the reception. I must admit... helping choreograph dance moves at the rehearsal with Nick and Drew Lachey, and the Maid of Honor, who is a member of the Pussycat Doll dance troupe, was very memorable!

Check out the issue, on stands now, on page 204. All of the breathtaking images you see are from the talented team of Marissa and Weston Boucher!

Photobooth Madness

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to go to an industry mixer that was a ton of fun! I love getting together with wedding professionals and sharing ideas, and this was no exception.

I also love photobooths....every time I have one at a wedding, I always try to pop in at least once!

Here, you'll see Kimee, Christina, Melissa and I crammed in the booth.

I had just finished devouring some really great donuts, and the sugar must have just gotten to me! The booth you see here is FotoCabina, which was very spacious and printed out very quickly! If you're looking for a sweet treat to give you guests at the end of the evening, definitely check out http://www.partydonuts.com/!

Ila and DJ

It's a very rare wedding day where I'm the first person to go home! Why is that, you ask?

I was Ila and DJ's florist for their wedding celebration this past Sunday at Cuvier Park and the Prado. The awesome image you see above is from the talented folks at Shadowcatcher Imagery. I love getting to play with flowers, and this weekend was no exception. Ila and DJ, are some of the kindest people I know. Within 2 days of their wedding, I received this email:

Hi Melissa!
I just want to express our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to you for doing such a spectacular job with the flowers on Sunday! Thanks for being so dependable. Our bouquets, the aisle, and the tables at the Prado looked GORGEOUS! It was exactly what I wanted and couldn't ask for anything more. I can't wait to recommend you to everyone I know!
Maybe we'll meet again one day.
Thanks once again!
Ila & DJ

Ila and DJ, I wish you a life filled with fun and laughter!

Stephanie and Dennis

Stephanie and Dennis married last month at the Hyatt Aventine in La Jolla. The wedding was stupendous, mostly due to the fabulous attention to detail by my bride Stephanie:) This was also coupled with the fact that they now share their anniversary with me and my husband Brett (see the first photo, copyright of Luna Photo) and their cake baker Shirley the cake lady!

Now if that's not a coincidence, I don't know what is!

All of the immensely beautiful photos here are copyright of the fantabulous Susan Ye. I also worked with a number of other rad vendors that I love: NR3, Sharon with Organic Elements. But, my most favoritest (is that a word?) part of the day was a song and dance number by members of the bridal party. They sang and danced to "That's How You'll Know...." from Enchanted. You know....the song where Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey dance through Central Park.

Stephanie and Dennis, I honestly couldn't think of a cooler couple to share an anniversary with!

Jennifer and Corey

Jenn and Corey were married this past month at SeaGrove Park and Azul. We started with a great ceremony by Rev. Powers and continued on to an amazing party at the restaurant. Jenn and Corey hired their friends to come to town to play, and I was extremely impressed! I loved the bluegrass music, and even took a spin on the dance floor at the end:) All of the fun photos you see here are courtesy and copyright of Studio Duva. See the fluffiness around Jenn's bouquet in the first picture? That's Jenn's moms veil from her wedding--a great touch. Jenn and Corey, I had such a blast getting to know you--your friends and family are great dancers by the way:)

Melissa featured in the La Jolla Light

An article came out today in the La Jolla Light about my upcoming television show on WE:

http://www.lajollalight.com/life/248030-la-jolla-wedding-planner-to-be-featured-on-we-network

An extra special thank you to Maria, the wonderful writer, who came out to my studio to chat with me!

A love note from Mirelle and Pat

Mirelle and Pat were married back in June at the La Jolla Shores Hotel.

They recently sent me this note:

Melissa,

Thank you for making our wedding run smoothy and for keeping us at ease! We really appreciate that you took charge and made every last detail look picture perfect. Best of luck to you. We know you will have a wonderful future in your career!

With love,
Mirelle and Pat

All of the beautiful images you see here are copyright of Studio Z--Michelle, Bill and Annie, it was a pleasure!

Mirelle and Pat, I LOVED getting to know you! Mirelle, all of the touches you put so much love in to are perfect!

To see an amazing slideshow of a bunch of breathtaking shots from Mirelle and Pat's day, click on this link:

http://buddyblueshoespresents.com/MirelleandPatrickPhotoStory.wmv

Becoming Mrs. Jones

One of the most interesting aspects of wedding planning to me is the back story.....how people came to their decisions, what excited them during the process, and what parts were stressful! So, when Mrs. Jones contacted me about budget, as she is in the beginning stages of planning, here's what I had to say:

http://becomingmrsjones.com/?p=34

To check out Mrs. Jones' blog and keep up-to-date on her planning, click here!