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!

San Diego Style Weddings Photoshoot

This morning, I had the privilege of designing a tabletop at the La Costa Resort for an upcoming issue of San Diego Style Weddings. With rentals from Concepts and Chameleon Chairs, along with beautiful florals from Patrick at Artistic Florals, Garrett was able to get some great shots. Stationary was from Rock Paper Scissors. Thanks to Dena, Kailyn and everyone involved, it was a pleasure! Here, you can see a small handful of details from the shoot.

Want to see the centerpiece and the entire table? Stay tuned--the issue will be on stands in October!

Rebecca loves Barry (First Wedding at Scripps Seaside Forum)

Rebecca and Barry married this past Sunday at the beautiful Seaside Scripps Forum in La Jolla. This is a brand new venue, and this was the very first wedding ever held at the venue!

And boy, it did not disappoint! Besides the beautiful view, Rebecca and Barry opted for the Forum as it is a certified "green" building. Rebecca and Barry incorporated several elements into their day to make their wedding green. All of their wedding stationary was printed on recycled paper and soy-based ink. For favors, guests were gifted with beautiful succulents that could be repotted as they grow.

So many amazing vendors went in to ensuring a flawless day! All of the florals were designed by the wonderful Annette Gomez, and rentals came from both Classic Party Rentals and Concepts Event Design. Food and drink was provided by the talented team at Coast Catering, and a really fun band from Los Angeles called Soulicious! An extra special thank you to Donna Stout, the site manager with the mostest, who was truly invaluable every step of the way.

Rebecca and Barry, it was a blast! Thank you for everything and Mazel Tov!

Want to see pro pics? Be sure to check back shortly for photos by Amy and Maurice, the team of Theorie.

Shanna and Erik featured!

Shanna and Erik's wedding was just featured on the I Do Monday Morning Blog! Check it out:

http://idomondaymorning.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/05/shanna-eriks-urban-wedding.html

Their wedding and reception at the Hard Rock marked the end of a truly amazing four-day celebration. This wedding was chock full of details and amazingness....and I can't wait to share additional photos with you all. Congrats Shanna and Erik--you guys are the best!

Heather loves Josh

A little blog love from Kasey.....

Heather and Josh were married last month at the beautiful Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas. Heather and Josh live in the L.A. area and are in the music and film industry. Their love of music was infused in the ceremony and reception, including reception music by their favorite band, Bart Davenport. I loved the personal touches Heather incorporated such as their love of flowers, especially lilacs! Paula Rae created a stunning lilac bouquet for Heather and I used lilacs, daffodils, and irises in the centerpiece arrangements. Thanks to Personal Touch Dining for a delicious vegetarian feast. Heather chose to use a mix of rounds and family style banquet tables which gave a nice family style, intimate feel to the space. The reception had a very organic feel including placecards made of plantable seed paper which we displayed on wheatgrass and a “concert in the park” vibe which was so fun! Their wedding favor was a recipe book of family recipes that Heather compiled and created into a beautiful keepsake, which I thought, was a great way to share both sets of family traditions. The gorgeous photos you see here are courtesy of April and Lindsey of Sweet Monday Photography, thank you! More photos can be viewed by clicking here.

Brooke loves Nick

Brooke and Nick married last month at one of my favorite venues--The Darlington House in beautiful La Jolla. With some super yum eats from Crown Point Catering and great tunes, it was a beautiful, laid-back cocktail affair with lots of personality. Florals by yours truly!

This wedding is especially near and dear to me, as I grew up with Nick--he is the little brother of one of my very dear friends from high school, Diana (who was also a bridesmaid). I've had the chance to get to know Brooke over the past year and a half, and she and Nick are amazing and creative! It was a beautiful day, and I loved the mini high school reunion:) Nick and Brooke, I wish you all the best and can't wait to see you guys on your next trip west!

All of the jaw-dropping photos you see here are courtesy and copyright of the oh so talented Suzanne Hansen, of She Wanders. To see additional images of the day, click here.

Adam asks Angela

A very nice and romantic guy named Adam contacted me back in March. He wanted to surprise his lovely girlfriend with an engagement in beautiful San Diego, followed by a photo shoot and dinner. So, with the help of my assistant Kelly and the fab Kim Irons, the day was documented beautifully!

With a wine that the couple loved, a beach proposal and a long-lens camera, Angela was completely surprised! Congrats to you both--I look forward to sharing a drink with you when you come in to town next.

Did you know that I Do...Weddings! offers proposal planning? Leave us a comment, and we'll contact you with more information.

Ashley loves Brandon

Ashley and Brandon married back in late February and got absolutely beautiful weather!

The ceremony took place at Beth Israel, in Heritage Park, in Old Town. The reception followed on the lawn in Heritage Park. I can definitely say that this wedding was truly unique, largely in part to so many unique details....from the foot washing ceremony to the use of peacock feathers, and the BBQ picnic reception and the gorgeous bride, I was honored to be a part of the day. Many of the details you see here are handcrafted by the groom, who is an amazing artist.

All of the beautiful photos you see here are courtesy of the fabulouso Garrett Delph, of Garrett Photography. Check back soon to see photos from another amazing event I just coordinated where Garrett was the photog. Ashley and Brandon, your creativity and love for each other really inspires me! I wish you all the best!

Quinta Loves Karl!

Check out the entire article about Quinta and Karl's wedding in Exquisite Weddings!

http://www.exquisiteweddingsmagazine.com/media/Exquisite-Weddings/Spring-Summer-2009/Sophisticated-Fiesta/

Felicidades Quinta and Karl!

I Do...Weddings! and Melissa Barrad featured in Exquisite Weddings

Earlier this week, Kasey and I attended the launch party for the Spring/Summer Issue of Exquisite Weddings, at Anthology downtown. The party was especially exciting for us because I Do...Weddings! was featured twice. The team at Exquisite interviewed me about my reality show experience and did a fun Q and A. Also, Quinta and Karl's wedding was recognized by the editors, which was photographed by Suzanne Hansen. If you're looking to get some inspiration from a wedding that is completely unique and different, this is it! And yes, you're right--you are seeing photos of a petting zoo at this upscale backyard wedding.

Be sure to pick up the issue, on newsstands now! Thanks to everyone at Exquisite for all of their support of I Do...Weddings!

Cake Wrecks

A friend in the industry told me about a really funny website last night--Cake Wrecks.

While not all of the cakes on the blog deal with weddings, there are certainly some interesting cakes on there! The two cakes you see above are from a wedding. The first image is what the bride provided, and the second image is what was delivered on the wedding day!

In short, seek out wedding pros that can not only understand your vision, but can also execute! Check references, and ask to see lots of photos--not just photos from other weddings or magazines that they say they can replicate.

I Do...Weddings! Bride featured in Destination I Do Magazine

Two of my favorite people, my Bride Yvana and a photographer Kim Irons, were featured in Destination I Do Magazine. The article details Yvana and her husband Joe's trash the dress session, in Croatia! Be sure to check it out....she and Joe look amazing, and I absolutely love the shots Kim set up.

Being Creative with Wedding Plans during Tough Times

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2009/03/21/kaye.wedding.ripple.cnn?iref=videosearch

This was passed to me by another consultant, and thought it was interesting. While most everyone is experiencing tough times right now, you can still have a beautiful day that fits your vision and doesn't empty your pocketbook. Stumped? Let's talk and brainstorm how:)

I Do...Weddings! featured on I Do Monday Mornings' blog!

I have a great friend named Loren, who blogs everything weddings here in San Diego. A bit earlier in the year, we met for coffee and talked weddings! She was kind enough to interview me, and you can see the interview on her blog:

http://idomondaymorning.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/03/weducation-wednesday-melissa-barrad-of-i-do-weddings.html

Loren also came to my first wedding of the year, and also featured it on her blog:

http://idomondaymorning.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/melissa-tim-13.html

Thanks Loren! You're the best!
Be sure to check out the blog!

I Do...Weddings! receives Wedding Wire's 2009 Bride's Choice Award

I wanted to take a quick moment to thank our past clients for speaking on our behalf and helping us win a 2009 Bride’s Choice Award! Wedding Wire is a great national resource, that offers up a ton of great information and reviews on a local level. Be sure to check it out!

Want to win beautifully designed invites?

I just got a really great email from my friend and past bride Sarah, who also happens to be the creativity behind fuzzynk, a design studio. Want to see how creative Sarah and her husband Rudy are? See a few photos from their wedding day here. Sarah and Rudy's wedding was featured last year in San Diego Style Weddings and is also on the Wild Animal Park website!

She has designed an amazingly hip and elegant signature collection. And to kick it off, she's givng one lucky bride free invitations! All you have to do is check the designs on her website, and comment on her blog.

For additional information, check out this link:

http://fuzzynk.wordpress.com/2009/02/08/fuzzynk-website-give-away/

Good luck!!!

Brandi and Angie

Brandi and Angie married last fall on a gorgeous day at the La Jolla Cove Bridge Club.

They picked their wedding date, as it fell on "The Sweetest Day" of the year.

It was a very small, intimate affair, with yummy goodies from Roppongi. With the fab photogs from SheWanders, and florals from I Do...Weddings!, we had a great time being able to spread out and enjoy the club. Brandi and Angie took some private time before dinner and hopped up street to their amazing suite at La Valencia, with photographers in tow. They then hopped on a bicycle fit for two, for some great shots.

Brandi and Angie, hope all is well! I loved getting to know you and your families, and I loved how much laughter filled your wedding day. Congrats!!!!