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!

Kaitlyn and Pat

Kaitlyn and Pat were married last month in a beautiful beach-inspired wedding in Balboa Park. Kaitlyn and Pat are truly some of the nicest people I've ever worked with, and I definitely had an amazing time working with them, and sharing in their wedding day! I can definitely say that one of my favorite parts of the day was Kaitlyn's dress! It was not too heavy, yet still formal, but funky! The photos you see here are of the amazing Kim Irons. Many of my favorite people were there to help make sure the day was just perfect--Daniel, Jeff and the team from Modern Bouquet. Kaitlyn and Pat, congrats! You are the coolest:)

Summer Lovin'

The folks over at www.discoversd.com recently contacted me about that very first step towards love and marriage--the summer romance:) To check out the article, please click here.

Discoversd.com is a great resource to your out-of-town guests. I'd recommend including this link on your wedding website, so your friends and family can see all of the happenings in Sunny San Diego!

Chez Bride Moderne is having a trunk sale!

One of my favorite bridal shops is having a trunk sale this weekend!

If you're dress shopping, considering scheduling an appointment this weekend--the 22nd and 23rd. I also have a 10% off coupon for those brides that are looking at Amsale dresses. If you're interested, please let me know!

Yva and Joe

Yva and Joe were married at Mary Star of the Sea and La Valencia last month. I loved collaborating with the Bride, as both she and the Groom are Environmental Engineers. Because of this, we wanted to make the wedding as green as possible! All of the decor was signed and created by yours truly:), as we were going for a beach meets Old Hollywood vibe (note the slight feathers in the bride's bouquet!). I was able to work with a number of amazing vendors--Daniel, Concepts Party Rentals, Roldan Productions, as well as Kim Irons, who generously put together the amazing collage you see here. To see additional images from the day, check out Kim's blog here. Yva and Joe, you guys are the best! I had an amazing time with you, and I hope you have an amazing time in Croatia for your second reception!!!!

Toni and Eric

Several of you have recently asked me how my best friend's wedding went last month. We had a fabulous time! I loved acting as Maid of Honor, and assisting with some of the details. I really appreciated being asked to give a speech, as it reminded me how hard (in a good way!) it really is to be a member of the bridal party. But, I loved being able to dance with my hubby and celebrate with my friends. Toni, my best friend from kindergarten, and Eric married on the Silver Strand back in July. It was an amazing day, and I felt like I was on a private beach in Hawaii. Several of the guests were from Alaska, and loved being on the beach for the week prior to the wedding. Congrats Toni and Eric! I'd also like to take a moment to thank my assistant Alexandra. Without her hard work, I would have been acting as the wedding planner, not the maid of honor. Thanks Alex, you're the best!

I Do...Weddings! in the La Jolla Village News

I was so excited to open the La Jolla Village News yesterday to see a really great feature on I Do...Weddings! Check it out by clicking on this link:
http://www.sdnews.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/08/07/489b84b8d5caf

Melissa and I Do...Weddings! featured on the WE Network!

I am extremely excited to tell you about an opportunity I was approached with earlier this year. The WE Network has a new show called "The Wedding Planner," which features three other coordinators along with myself, and documents two weddings that I coordinated earlier this year. The first of which was in Rancho Palos Verdes and the second, right here in sunny San Diego, at El Cortez! The show will show wedding plans from the consultant's point of view.

To check out a preview of the show, click here. You can see me on the promo at the very beginning, as well as the 2:40 mark, until the end!

You will certainly be hearing more about this, but I did want to give everyone a heads up on air dates. I will be featured on 2 episodes, which air in December. Please note--many of you had heard that the show will air in August. The network has pushed back the air date, but I promise to keep everyone in the loop:)

BridalInsider's People's Choice Awards

I just learned this morning that I received a really neat honor--second place in BridalInsider's 2008 People's Choice Awards. To check out the list of winners, please click here. I am very thankful to my BI gals--your support and feedback mean the world to me!! Cheers!

Mamma Mia

Last week, a few of my new buddies hooked me and my mother-in-law up with free passes to see the movie Mama Mia. While I admit it's not very "guy friendly"--I had a blast:) If you're a fan of musicals, weddings and ABBA music, this is a must-see! If you're looking for a way to infuse a Grecian vibe into the day, check out the Bride's dress and decor. I also thought this would be a great way to kick off a bachelorette. Also, if you have any ladies that are under the age of 21 or perhaps parents, seeing this movie as a group would be a fun way to include everyone. To check out the movie, click here.

I Do...Weddings is in the Little Black Book!

I was very excited to be asked to join Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book of vendors. I'm in wonderful company with some phenominal vendors here in San Diego, as well as throughout the country. Abby's blog is absolutely one of my favorites....I check it out often for ideas and inspiration. To check out the company I keep, click here. Cheers!

Kristal and Vincent, Part 2

Kristal and Vincent's wedding reception was in May at the Wild Animal Park. Check out this great photo of the newlyweds, hanging out alongside the largest cheetah in captivity!

The day was pretty amazing, and to see additional photos of the day, check out Christine Farrah's blog: http://itsjustsillyme.blogspot.com/2008/06/animals-fun-wild-reception.html

Please help me in welcoming Kasey!

I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to someone wonderful! Kasey Shepard is the newest addition to the I Do...Weddings! team. Kasey has become a friend and colleague, and I can't tell you how excited I am to have her on board! The beautiful photo of Kasey you see here is courtesy and copyright of Luna Photo--thanks Paula and Mike!

Kasey will be planning events on her own, as well as assisting me on occasion. I asked Kasey to introduce herself to you all. So, without further ado, here's a little from Kasey in her own words:

A little about me: I am very excited to be a part of I Do...Weddings! As a recent bride, I love spending time with my husband, our family, and friends. I have a passion for cooking and wine. Enjoying good food, tasting great wine, and having great conversations with friends is my idea of time well spent.

Background and Experience: I have been working in event planning/management for about 5 years. I worked for the PGA Tour and coordinated the pro golf tournament at La Costa, a pro tennis tournament, events for the Arthritis Foundation, and currently work for Sally Ride, the first American woman to go into space. I manage events at different Universities around the country. I am starting to coordinate weddings professionally after doing many for friends, family, and most recently, my own :) Melissa Barrad was my coordinator and because of her, I was truly able to enjoy my wedding day and not have to be in "planner" mode. I am looking forward to the opportunity of being able to do the same for brides like you!

Kasey can be reached at info@sdweddingplanner.com.

Welcome Kasey!!!!

Toni's Bridal Shower

My oldest friend in the world is getting married in a few weeks, and we recently celebrated with a lingerie shower at Chez Barrad. Here are a few details from the day....Toni and me on my front steps, Brett--making a cameo:), as well as Toni's "Sexy Little Bride" sash.

Congrats Toni and Eric!!! All of the photos you see here are courtesy and copyright of Melissa McClure. Thanks Melissa!

I Do...Weddings! Featured on San Diego Living

This morning, I was featured on XETV Fox's Channel 6 morning news program called San Diego Living. I had a great time discussing budget tips, which I know is on the mind of every bride, no matter what your budget right now:)

To see the live interview in its entirety, check out the video clip below.

Alexandra and Adam

Alex and Adam were married two weeks ago at one of my favorite places The Prado! Alex and Adam, along with their families, traveled from New Mexico for a weekday wedding. All of the beautiful images you see here are courtesy and copyright of Tricia and Justin Duva. Daniel was the DJ, and he brought in tons of beautiful uplighting for the room. Florals were designed by yours truly:) Adam and Alex, it was an honor! I loved working with you and I wish you all the best for a beautiful life together! To see more images of this wedding, please visit Studio Duva's blog by clicking here.

Notes from a Married Bride!

I really liked this short video, that was sent to me by a DJ.
Check it out! If you're interested in being featured for a similar video, visit www.brideorama.com!

http://video.aol.com/video-category/wedding-day-disasters/101549?icid=200100125x1204319029x1200196358

Jackie and Matt

Jackie and Matt married last December, but I just received photos from the Bouchers today, and was so excited to get this present in the mail!

Jackie and Matt married on Breaker's Beach, with a reception at the Island Club. Some of my favorite people were on hand to make the day beautiful--Haydee with Concepts, Georgie with Chocolate Haven, Pastor Mike, Daniel Peterson and of course, Marissa and Weston, who graciously sent me these photos. Florals are courtesy of yours truly:) These images are courtesy and copyright of Boucher Photography.

It was a bit touch and go on the day of the wedding. I know that the Bride and Groom envisioned a wedding on the beach, but we were concerned it would rain. With a thumbs up from the bride, we went ahead and it was beautiful! Jackie and Matt were able to finish their photos on the beach and join the party, before it misted for a bit. Jackie has the BEST laugh ever, and I love being around her and Matt. Jackie and Matt, it was so exciting to work and collaborate with you....I had an amazing time at your wedding. Jackie and Matt, I can't believe almost a half year since the wedding! I hope you are both doing great!

Kristal and Vincent

I always take photos at each event, but I definitely rely and love working with fabulous photographers to tell a wedding story. So, without further ado, check out Kristal and Vincent's wedding ceremony at Cardiff Beach, documented by the talented Christine Farah. The photo you see here, is copyright of Christine Farah. To see additional photos of the big day, check out the link below: http://itsjustsillyme.blogspot.com/2008/05/rain-is-blessing.html

It was quite the coincidence, Crissy's second shooter on the wedding day was a former bride of mine--small world!

The wedding day was a wonderful experience, as Kristal and Vincent thought of every detail. While the weather wasn't as wonderful as we planned, Kristal and Vincent were laughing and dancing in the water. They followed their reception with a intimate dinner, followed by a reception at the Wild Animal Park a few days later.

Kristal and Vincent, it was a pleasure! Crissy, thanks for capturing the day so beautifully....reception photos coming soon!

Thao and Matt

Thao and Matt were married this past week at the Prado.

All of the florals you see here are courtesy of I Do...Weddings! I had such a great time creating a romantic, yet simply elegant vibe for the newlyweds. Rev. Powers officiated the ceremony, and Gary provided live music for the ceremony, cocktails, as well as the reception. Thao and Matt, it was an honor and a privilege! I wish you all the best!

Lisa and Mike

Lisa and Mike were married at the Hilton Torrey Pines last month. They lived here in San Diego years ago, and designed a destination wedding in America's finest city! I love the crispness of the buttery yellow and gold, and how it pops on the bright white. The wedding was elegant, with a beachy vibe. The Bridesmaids wore yellow shoes, and I'm all about the colored shoes!!! All of the beautiful photos you see here are courtesy and copyright of the talented Alexandra Oat. Lisa and Mike, I am so glad you came back to town to celebrate! You have a such a wonderful group of family and friends, and I had a great time getting to know you! Alex, thanks for sharing photos with me!

Jennilyn and Nickie

Jennilyn and Nickie were married last month at the beautiful St. Therese of Carmel, and the Hilton Torrey Pines. Much of the day was french inspired, from the guest tables named "Louis Vuitton", to the Eiffel Towers throughout the reception room, to Haydee's beautiful flowers and linens from Concepts, no detail was overlooked. Stan and Jeanette, along with John from NR3 documented the day. The bride and groom put together not one, but two amazing slideshows that Mick presented. Jennilyn and Nickie, I loved working with you and your families! Congrats!

Jennifer and Karl

Have you ever been to a wedding where there was a petting zoo? I have!

This past weekend, Jennifer and Karl were married in their backyard and it was a boatload of fun! There was a petting zoo, an old-fashioned photobooth, an espresso bar, not to mention a taco roller and gourmet treats from Giuseppe! Florals were courtesy of yours truly:) All of the groomsmen wore authentic mariachi costumes, and we had a large mariachi band on hand for enterainment. I also had the pleasure of working with Suzanne Hansen. Quinta and Karl, it was so much fun! I enjoyed all of the truly unique touches that were a part of your day--I'll always remember your wedding celebration.

Meet Zorro!

Meet Zorro, my newest employee!

Since Cookie passed in March, I have totally missed having a doggie in my house. So, on Sunday, Brett and I went to the Humane Society and guess who caught our eye? We've named him Zorro, or "fox" in Spanish. He's a feisty 10 month old puppy, with a ton of energy! I am so hapy to have adopted my third animal from a truly wonderful non-profit.