Catherine Loves Matt

Catherine and Matt were married back in October at the Japanese Friendship Gardens, and boy, was it an amazing day! I've included a few of my favorite images from the day, but wanted to share a really neat link with everyone:

www.atrero.com/blog/2009/12/30/san-diego-japanese-friendship-garden-venue-review/

This is a truly incredible blog post from Ed and Karen Atrero, the amazing ninja photography team of Atrero Photography! All of the images you see on the IDW blog are courtesy and copyright of Atrero.

If you are getting married at the gardens, looking for a garden or outdoor setting, love Balboa Park weddings or are looking for some amazing inspiration, you must check out this link! Ed and Karen also put together tons of images to really showcase the venue. They also offer a ton of insight on the space, from lighting, to photo ops, colors and where to park!

Of course, these images and all of this great information wouldn't be possible without the amazing Catherine and Matt. Catherine and Matt learned of the space after seeing another wedding I had worked with Ed and Karen, at the gardens last year. Everything worked out perfectly scheduling-wise, and we were in business for a fall wedding! Catherine's amazing attention to detail really showed, and I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of their wedding day. I love venues in which have such natural beauty, and you only need to enhance, versus cover up what is already there. Congrats to the wonderful newlyweds!

Introducing Ashley!

Introducing the newest I Do...Weddings! associate, Ashley!

Ashley Cargill joined I Do…Weddings in 2009, after assisting Melissa during this busy wedding season. Ashley received a degree from San Jose State University in Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Management. She had been working in a broad range of events from the AT&T Pebble Beach Golf Tournament to local events held through the City of San Jose and through her college, but knew ultimately, she wanted to specialize in weddings. Ashley has a creative touch, finding the one of a kind details to help each bride to have a personalized wedding day. Ashley is a high energy, organized planner with an eye for style that will put a bride at ease for her big day!

A little from Ashley....

I love to entertain, and have always had a passion for food and wine. I enjoy the outdoors and I love to camp and travel. Family and friends are some of life's greatest commodities and I love to spend time with them. I recently moved to San Diego to pursue my dream of event planning and couldn't be happier to work with Melissa and Kasey at I Do...Weddings! Graduating with a degree in hospitality and a focus on event coordination has truly given me great opportunities and tools for the wedding industry. I have coordinated a variety of events including golf tournaments, San Jose State University's 50th Anniversary Presidential Gala, community events throughout San Jose, as well as weddings all over Northern and Southern California. I have had a passion for all things wedding and love to be a part of one of the most special days in a person's life. I am looking forward to next year's wedding season with I Do...Weddings!

Many thanks to Justin Lee Photography for this great shot.

Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Coordinator!

Below is a reprint of an article from Exquisite Weddings--a magazine I love!


Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Coordinator

Do-it-yourself brides may think of their wedding as just one more challenge to conquer--until they discover all the little things they never even considered. Luckily, that's where wedding coordinators come in. Here, 10 local experts list the reasons to put your DIY drive aside and enlist their services to plan your big day:
Experience: "Knowledge and experience is power. With years of knowledge, an experienced coordinator is able to solve last-minute problems on site without panicking. Also, with experience, we are able to match the right vendor to the client due to our relationships with different vendors. With every wedding, we learn something new; over time, we help pass off this knowledge for a perfect celebration."
Vision: "The ideal experience for a bride and groom and their guests is a day during which nobody has to think or make decisions. Your professional wedding consultant will execute your vision and navigate all the events of the day so that you are free to enjoy your wedding--just as you've imagined it."
Cost-Effectiveness: "It is a wise investment to hire an experienced wedding coordinator so that all of the money and months spent planning a perfect day will actually be executed to a couple's highest expectations."
The Gift of Time: "Save time by getting valuable and qualified vendor referrals from your coordinator. No need to spend hours researching and wondering if certain vendors are right for you."
Cohesion: "With such a significant investment of time and money spent on a wedding, a professional planner will make sure not only that you have the correct pieces to your puzzle but that they are all put together smoothly. We guide through the labyrinth of options while maintaining the client's goals. Having all of the best vendors in the world is meaningless if the glue is not there to pull it together."
Security: "Having a wedding coordinator ensures less risk of anything going wrong and more security that all the details will be just right!"
Stress Relief: "Having a planner on board allows you to slow down, take a deep breath and truly enjoy the process of planning your wedding."
The Matter of Manners: "Etiquette can play an important role in a wedding, especially for those brides who want a traditional celebration. Wedding coordinators have experience and knowledge necessary to advise bride and families on how to invite guests, on how to deal with difficult family issues, on how to create a processional order at the ceremony, on how to assign seats at the reception, on how to send thank-you notes, and so on."
Creative Inspiration: "It seems there are countless décor ideas out there, but your coordinator can help you narrow them down to fit your own wedding style. They can also help you create customized options to make your wedding truly unique and memorable."
Peace of Mind: "There is nothing like knowing that you have someone to oversee all of the details that you have put in place as well as invested money in."

Rebecca loves Barry

One of my favorite venues this year is absolutely the Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum, located at the beautiful La Jolla Shores! I have had the opportunity to work there 3 times this year, and am looking forward to being back with the fabulous Donna Stout a few times next year! Above are published photos from Rebecca and Barry's wedding--the first ever wedding at the Forum. This wedding was so uniquely amazing that it was featured not once, but twice! First, in a local publication called the La Jolla Light. Second, a spread in the Fall issue of San Diego Style Weddings!

Check out the San Diego Style Weddings article online and be sure to pick the issue up! Click here to read the article in its entirety in the La Jolla Light. Many many thanks to everyone involved in this wedding and these great articles! In particular, the newlyweds, Mother of the Bride with the mostest Sandra, and to the photogs at The Theorie!

Yasmin loves Brian

Yasmin and Brian married in August at the beautiful Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, and boy, was it a great party! The ceremony took place on the lawn, with cocktails at the pool and dinner on the beautifully lit Azalea lawn. After the first dance, toasts and a belly dancer performance, a singer appeared and began singing "Let's Get It Started!" Yasmin and Brian hopped up and went into the adjoining ballroom, where the room was set up lounge-style and guests rocked out to The Heroes all night. The ballroom was sanctioned off with curtains, so it was a great surprise for the guests.

I loved the subtle equestrian touches we added, honoring the newlyweds' love of horses. From the horse shoes on the cake, to the tables named after horses, it was a great touch! All of the florals you see here are from the gals at Modern Bouquet. Lighting and Decor by Concepts Event Design and Event Party Rentals. Thanks to everyone at Aquario for the beautiful pics, and Marianna at the Inn for all of her help!

Yasmin and Brian, thank you so much for a wonderful experience! I wish you both all the best in the world!

Laura loves Ralph

Laura and Ralph married last month on a warm August day at the gorgeous Darlington House. I had the honor of being their florist, and I loved collaborating with them on details for their intimate day. I loved the soft, buttery colors, and incorporating succulents and kumquats for extra oomph:) It's always such a treat to work solely as a florist--it gives me an entirely different perspective on the day! Laura and Ralph, congrats and I am excited that we will all share the same anniversary next year! All of the photos you see here are courtesy and copyright of Studio Verite--thanks Kristy!

I Do...Weddings! awarded A-List Award!

KGTV-Channel 10, the local ABC affiliate, ran a local contest for a number of different types of businesses throughout San Diego. There was a HUGE amount of competition in the wedding categories, and we are so pleased to be in the top 5 of wedding planners here in San Diego. We are in great company, and many thanks to the brides, grooms, families and friends that voted. To check it out, visit the link below.

http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/winners/best-of-10news-com-s-a-list/4742/weddings/wedding-planner?place=5

Thank you, thank you!
Melissa and Kasey

Sara loves Brian

Sara and Brian married a few weeks back at the beautiful La Jolla Woman's Club and the Immaculata. It was the first really warm summer day, but it was sprinkling in the morning! And speaking of sprinkles, check out the slideshow to see shots of the cupcakes made by Kathy, mother of the bride.

Melissa McClure captured the day really beautifully, and the photobooth was a blast. I hopped in a few times (okay, well....three times) and got to play dress up with all of the fun props. Florals were by yours truly!

Congrats Sara and Bri--I hope you had a fab honeymoon and I wish you both all the best! Thank you, thank you. I loved working with you and getting to know your families. All of the great shots you see here are courtesy of Melissa McClure!
Want to see even more photos? Check out the slideshow:

www.melissamcclure.com/slideshows/guentherwedding

Sunrise, Sunset....

Sunrise and sunset--some of the best times to take wedding photos! Did you know that one of the best times to take photos is 15 minutes prior to sunset? This can be even slightly earlier, if you are marrying on the coast, and the marine layer comes in early (this is especially true for La Jolla). Check out this image from my wedding last weekend at the Scripps Seaside Forum--beautiful! Want to know when to sneak out of your reception for a handful of pics? Check out this link.

Gila loves Andy

Last month, Gila and Andy married at tropical Paradise Point Resort.I've been especially excited about this wedding for some time, as I loved the inclusion of all things avian:) From the peacock feather in the centerpieces, to the birdcage centerpieces and the tables name after birds,they were subtle touches that were executed beautifully!

Gila's family is Persian, so it was especially wonderful to include honey in the wedding ceremony, as well as authentic Persian lounge furniture (sorry no link--this is my secret....you'll have to contact me for it!) and a Persian themed food station, that Gila and Andy provided the recipe for

Holly officiated the ceremony, and we definitely had lots of help on the decor front--both Haydee and Haydee, as well as French Gourmet. I really enjoyed working with Firefly Films, and Samuel Lippke, an amazing photographer! For additional photos of the day, please check out the following link here. All of the images you see here are courtesy and copyright of Samuel Lippke.

Jay did a great job of balance modern and traditional persian music, and kept the dance floor filled. Gila and Andy, I loved the experience of getting to know you, and I can't think of a nicer couple. Wishing you all the best in your marriage!

And, for even more goodness, check out this killer slideshow!!!

Baby Snoopy

Meet the newest addition to the I Do....Weddings! team! Snoopy Barrad is a teeny, tiny newborn Shih Tzu who is only 2.2 pounds. If you happen to hear teeny, tiny sweaks when on the phone with me, or in my studio, you now know why:)

I am huge animal lover, and between Zorro, Snoopy and wedding season, it is never a dull moment in my studio! Snoopy was a surprise from my hubby and I am thrilled and excited.

Snoopy's job description is to make tired, stressed out people feel better, so call me and schedule a time to visit!

Val loves Rob

Val and Rob married this April at the beautiful La Jolla Shores Hotel. It was one of the first beautiful days of the year, so we were so pleased with the sunset after a beautiful ceremony at Founder's Chapel at USD. Val and Rob married the week after Easter, so the church was full or gorgeous lilies and hydrangeas, all in their wedding colors. If you are planning a church wedding and have a limited floral budget for the ceremony, I recommend considering a date around a holiday!

Jennifer Bueno made Val look exceptionally gorgeous, and Haydee's simple arrangements really stood out. One of my favorite aspects of the day was the cocktail hour, as guests were treated to Dennis' guitar music and street tacos! The night got even better with the lighting from Concepts and a sparkler send off. I also loved the cake topper, courtesy of Etsy. Special thanks to Marissa and Weston, who provided these shots and are always a pleasure to work with.

Val and Rob, feliciades and congrats!!!!!!!!

Erin loves Scott

Erin and Scott were married earlier this month at the North Chapel and the Admiral Kidd Club, and what a gorgeous couple they are!

I loved all of the touches at the ceremony. In particular, all of the groomsmen in kilts, and a surprise recessional by a bagpipe player. The bridal party was transported for photos in a open-top double-decker bus, that was a blast! All of the stationary was created by the fab designer Sarah at www.fuzzynk.com.

The party kicked into high gear with Daniel as the DJ. Florals and rentals were provided by Haydee and Haydee, respectively. To keep the party going, Daniel alternated with a live band, and the photographer, John, set up an amazing photobooth. One of the highlights of the evening was after the last dance. A same-day edit was shown of the ceremony and the day, to see it, click here--it is not to be missed!!!!!

To see more photo greatness, check out John's blog here. All of the images/video you see here are courtesy and copyright of Schnack Studios (photo) and DV Artistry (video). They were an awesome team!

Erin and Scott, I wish you all the best and thank you so much for the opportunity!

Sarah loves Rudy (featured on Style Me Pretty's Little Black Blog)

If you know me, you know how much I love the little details. One of my favorite places to go for inspiration and fun ideas is Abby Larson's blog, Style Me Pretty.

So, when Abby and her team contacted me about being part of her Little Black Book of amazing wedding vendors, I was literally over the moon!

I was so excited last week to learn that one of my past events was featured on the Little Black Book Blog:

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/06/10/wild-and-wonderful-san-diego-wedding-from-leigh-miller-photography/

You may recognize this wedding from my website-- Sarah and Rudy's amazing day at the Wild Animal Park. The wedding can also be found on The Wild Animal Park website, and was also featured in San Diego Style Weddings.

I am proud and so pleased to call Sarah and Rudy friends. They are both amazing designers who infused every single detail of their day with their creative touch, including the cake topper carved by the groom! Sarah is now a fabulous designer, and recently designed stationary and invites for my clients who married two weeks ago. Check out all of the awe-inspiring shots by the fab Leigh Miller. Thanks to Eddye and the team of Style Me Pretty! You guys rock!

Lex loves Ron

Alexis and Ron were married this past weekend, and honestly, you can't find more beautiful people, on the inside and the outside. The wedding took place at the Riverwalk Golf Course, and Jerry was the DJ. All of the florals are by yours truly, with photos by the lovely folks at Shadowcatcher.

Lex and Ron's wedding had the BEST wedding speeches I've ever heard! And, I've heard quite a few in my day:) The wedding was the end of almost a weeklong celebration, where Lex became a doctor! While the weather was chilly (it sprinkled in the morning!), you certainly can't tell from the photos.

Lex and Ron, congrats and thank you so much for the experience! I can't thank you both enough!

Mucho congrats to the new Mr. and Dr. H!

Want to see more photos? Click here!