Rachael and Shannon

When I think about Rachael and Shannon's wedding this past November, I think of laughter and music. They married at SeaGrove Park, with a reception at the Del Mar Racetrack. That's right--we had our own private box and patio to enjoy the festivities!

So much personality was put into the details, and it was a fabulous day. The groom wanted to have his own entrance to the ceremony, and arrived via a very neat chaffeured car. The bride arrived on foot with a bag pipe player. Guests were treated to a double decker bus ride, complete with a tour of Del Mar and champagne!

Arriving at the reception, Rachael and Shannon were announced via trumpet. Not just any trumpet player, mind you, but THE trumpet player for the races. You know--the "da, da, da, da, da, daah...." you hear before every race, and on the commercials.

These jaw-dropping florals and photos, were created by Belle Fleur and Mark Hopkins, respectively. I'm always excited to work with Amina and Mark, as every event we've done together has been so wonderfully unique and creative.

Rachael and Shannon, working with you both was such a treat. I know that your marriage will be filled with laughter, love and music!

On the other side.....

I love throwing parties--being a host, setting a mood....It's especially great because it helps me remember what it's like to be on the "other side"--to feel a bit of stress to pull off my own event, versus helping others plan their own perfect day. While my husband's 30th birthday wasn't a wedding celebration, it was a catered event for 50 friends and family in our home. We served Asian food and even gave out chopsticks to guests as a party favor! The party was a little while back, but I received photos from my dear friend Max last night. A special shot out to Mick, the Elite British DJ, for allowing us to play with one of his systems!

HOME SWEET HOME!

YAY! Brett and I just got the keys on our brand new digs. I'm really excited to move and fix up the place.... Even though the house will need some TLC, I'm excited to put Brett to work...I mean, clean and paint.
Soon I'll have an in-home studio that will be a great place to plan and brainstorm for your big day. This will take a bit of time, but I will certainly share photos when this is done. I'm very enthusiastic about this project!
There will be a few dates where I'll be moving both my home and my office and I will be keeping everyone abreast of these dates.
Cheers!

Real Simple Wedding Book

I became addicted to Real Simple a few years back when one of my brides gifted me with a subscription. I really dig reading articles on organization, as well as fun creative projects:) So, when I found out a while back that they were coming out with a wedding book, I was excited!

Check it out, here.

Real Simple also offers some fun, yet practical wedding advice on their website here.

If you buy the book, please let me know what you think. You can purchase the book through Crate and Barrel.

27 Dresses

One of the best ways to get excited about wedding season is to see a wedding movie. There will be several this year, but 27 Dresses is the first! I'm hoping it's a good movie, but even if it isn't, seeing all the funny bridesmaid dresses should be pretty interesting! Are you seeing this movie?

A Meeting of the Melissas

Melissa, Melissa and I met at CPK yesterday. Melissa is Melissa McClure, wedding photog and a bride-to-be. Melissa 2.0 is Melissa Koehler, another great wedding photog and assistant to Melissa McClure. It is always fun spending time with like minds, as well as like names! I always enjoy being with photographers, their creativity is so inspiring.

What inspires you?

Happy Friday!

Lori and Matt

Lori and Matt were married this past summer at the beautiful Prado.

It was a morning ceremony and it was an abnormally chilly day--at first. About an hour before the ceremony, it became warm and gorgeous! I was so happy that Matt and Lori had a lovely backdrop to exchange their wedding vows. The reception was intimate and filled with tons of great touches. Lori created a really neat program that showcased tons of photos of her and Matt growing up, as well as together. We even had sugars shaped in a heart for coffee, and parasols for the guests! Jerry was on the hand for the ceremony and Linda designed the beautiful flowers. All of the images are courtesy and copyright of Rebecca Seal.

Lori and Matt, it was such a pleasure! Thank you so much for a great experience!

Helen and Max

Helen and Max married recently at La Valencia. Throughout the planning process, Helen was finishing law school, as well as studying for the bar, as well as being back in Tennessee. We collaborated over a years time to create the perfect destination wedding for their friends and families! Haydee created the beautiful arrangements and Daniel kept the dance floor popping! Two of my favorite details of this wedding were the blue cake, and the color palette--both of which worked beautifully with the vintage flair of the hotel. Helen and Max, it was a pleasure! I wish you a liftetime of happiness. All of the images you see here are courtesy and copyright of the fabulous Rebecca Seal.

Laura and Brian

Laura and Brian were married last week at the Sheraton in Harbor Island. The property was recently remodeled and it looks great! They traveled from Texas, and it was a blast! Laura and Brian's wedding was elegant and classic, with wonderful touches such as holiday ornaments as favors/placecards for the guests. The color palette was selected to honor their love for Texas A & M...go Aggies! I loved working with the photographers Jen (who's work you can see in the first photo--copyright Jen Harris) and Melissa (her work is the second photo--copyright Melissa McClure).

It was a chilly day, but all worked out great with the weather. Laura's hair turned out AWESOME. Definitely one of my favorite wedding looks! Brian, you looked pretty great, too:)

I feel honored to have been with you on your wedding day--thanks so much for everything!

Cookie

I'm always talking about, or showing pics of my dog Cookie. My husband and I are huge animal lovers, and love all different types of animals. Here's a recent photo of her....

Cookie is a Pekingese, and she was adopted from the San Diego Humane Society over seven years ago. The Humane Society is an organization near and dear to my heart. In fact, I even donated to them in lieu of wedding favors when I got married. Cookie is a great dog, and is snoring next to me while I'm working today:)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! 2008 has been pretty great so far. My husband Brett and I spent New Year's Day at a brunch at our friends' house--Scott and Nicole. They live in Del Mar, right on the water. Brett took this photo, and it's one of the best sunsets I've seen in a while. I kept thinking about the New Year's Day brides and what a beautiful sunset they received. Here's to a phenominal 2008!

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!