Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Venue spotlight: Ebell Club, Long Beach

I fell in love with this venue after viewing some pictures from a wedding held there on Sarah K. Chen's blog (my favorite of these photos is the last of the series below). It is such a unique spot, with its dramatic architecture and abundant history. The location's website says: "The Ebell Club is located in the heart of Long Beach. Intimate, romantic, or grand style weddings in an extraordinary historic setting". Roaming around the venue really takes you back to a time of elegance and lavishness. There are so many details and one-of-a-kind areas, that it makes for truly fantastic pictures as well! And the Bride's room is just adorable. Visit the Ebell Club's website to view a detailed photo gallery and read up on the history of the location. I found a few photos to give you a taste of the venue:



Sunday, January 27, 2008

Drumroll, please!

Crissy Farah and I met up a week or two ago at Fashion Island for the sole purpose of taking some new headshots for me. Ok, so maybe we had some fun while trying to accomplish the task at hand. BUT for all intents and purposes we were two women on a mission! I mean literally, we snuck around the place like stealth secret agents, darting in and out of stores before we were caught snapping pictures.

Tonight, the fruits of our labor were unveiled to me, and I am so thrilled with how they turned out. I'll be switcing up the images on the PWBK website from time to time, but I had to start out with my absolute favorite of the bunch:



Crissy, thank you again for lending your talent to my cause, and for being wonderfully silly you! I am looking forward to working with you as often as possible this year.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Scent-sational

How often do you catch a scent of something that takes you back to a very specific moment in time? Or maybe it reminds you of a special person; sometimes even someone you haven't seen in years. Our noses have a crazy way of remembering things- it's astonishing, really. Just one little whiff and BOOM- you are transported away from the moment you are in, if only in your mind.

You can use your nose to your benefit on your Big Day. Why not pick out a special new scent specifically for the occasion? Perhaps something you wouldn't normally purchase; maybe something you have been wanting to try for awhile but just never got around to it.

Personally, I have always been a fan of the perfume Angel by Thierry Mugler. For some reason, I tried it on when I was young- maybe sixth or seventh grade- and I was smitten. It always seemed out of my price range and a little too indulgent. So when the time came to pick a scent for our wedding, I knew exactly what it was going to be. Now whenever I spritz on my Angel, it reminds me of that fantastic day, and I get to enjoy it all over again.


Friday, January 25, 2008

Venue spotlight: Marvimon, Los Angeles

EDITED TO ADD:
Check out the fabulous Marvimon weddings we were a part of, after this post was published:
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It is always exciting when I come across a venue that I had no idea even existed; especially when it is someplace as cool and unique as Marvimon. Their listing on the Knot describes the site as a: "Hip, unconventional downtown site. Originally built by an Italian race car driver in 1924 as an automobile showroom, Marvimon has reinvented itself as a stand-alone super loft open to weddings, special events and fine living. Features include a 3,000 square foot private grassy courtyard."


This place is perfect for the couple looking for somewhere outside of the box to host their ceremony and reception for 150 guests or less (the venue can accomodate up to 300 if you are not planning a sit-down dinner). I have my lovely clients Regina and Richard to thank for leading me to Marvimon- I'm ecstatic to be a part of their April wedding at the venue. Here are a few pictures of the location, but definitely visit their website for the full scoop:






Thursday, January 24, 2008

You're invited!

Click on the picture below to view the image in a larger format. Hope to see you there!


Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Jean + Chris, to-be-wed

I spied these pictures on Sarah K. Chen's blog, and I just had to post them. It's always nice to see my client's engagement pictures before their Big Day; especially when they are from the uber-talented Sarah. Jean, Chris and I met for the first time last weekend- and I have to say, I am way excited for their wedding at Calamigos Ranch next month. Here are some of my favorites from their session (you can view the rest on Sarah's blog):




Sunday, January 20, 2008

Sound advice (and some blogs to add to your list)

I typically start my work day checking out my bookmarked blogs to see what is new in the wedding world. Of course my list includes the usual suspects of favorite photographers and vendors I like to work with. But lately I have been adding blogs that I had no idea were out there, but that I have found to be truly inspirational and chalk-full of great ideas. Of course, I want to pass these on to you! Check out the following blogs for wedding ideas:

  • Style Me Pretty, which is for "the fashion obsessed bride". Their series of wedding inspiration boards are fabulous!
  • The Bride's Guide, from the Editor's of Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine ('nuff said!)
  • Something Old, Something New, the blog from the owner of KenzieKate Invitations. She has impeccable wedding style (along with adorable invitations).
Along with my blog-stalking, I also peruse some of the more well-known wedding planning websites to draw creative inspiration from the articles and photos they contain. Recently I came across a wonderful article on Bride and Bloom's website that I wanted to pass along. Read on...

Feeling Stressed? A coordinator can help
Your team may have any collection of players: your mother, best friend, your “maids” and at times even the groom (although often reluctant). With such resources, what is the wisdom of hiring a professional to help accomplish your event? The answers are many and varied.

Some brides have a detailed vision of their wedding day and revel at the opportunity to make it a reality. While this is often an excellent starting point, an experienced wedding coordinator can save you time and make certain you avoid costly mistakes by pairing you with the right vendor and paying close attention to every element of planning. Even though this may not be your first foray into organizing a big event, remember that your planner has done it dozens, if not hundreds, of times before. At times she (or he) will be masterful at editing or embellishing your vision with suggestions based on resources and experience, while maintaining a focus on your personal wishes.

It’s easy for any bride-to-be to feel overwhelmed to some degree. While the decisions may appear endless, there is a finite amount of work to do. Collaborating with a professional will help to keep you focused, on target and smiling – making the project a comfortable, stress-free process. On your wedding day you’ll be free to experience the joy of each moment, wrapped in the emotion of the experience without a care for the details, confident that every guest will have a memorable time and that you will have no regrets.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Would you like to have a chimpanzee in Bermuda shorts that’s trained to kiss all the female guests at the door? Transportation in a classic car? A white dance floor? Exotic entertainment or decor? Your consultant will be able to connect you with any element you can dream of.

The wedding singer notifies you a week before your event that she’ll be touring with Andrea Bocelli. Your officiant calls to say he’s schedule for bypass surgery. Now what? Last minute replacements are available through an established network.

A boutonniere breaks. Your carefully planned structure collapses just before the ceremony begins. The bustle on your dress fails. Jewelry mishaps. A glass of wine spilled on the maid of honor’s dress. A blister from your shoe. A breath mint required or static cling problem? Items from an emergency bag your consultant has at hand will solve these problems.

Your band leader wants to take scheduled breaks that interrupt the flow of the reception. The banquet captain wasn’t present at the planning meeting and will not honor the fire marshal’s approval of your candle lighting. A guest isn’t included in the seating plan.

The above are a few of the real issues that occur but will never be presented to you when you have a good problem-solver at the helm. Peace of mind provided by a professional consultant is any bride’s greatest asset.

Here are a few things that your wedding coordinator should be doing for you:

SAVING THE PRICELESS COMMODITY OF TIME
Rather than interviewing multiple candidates in each vendor category, your consultant, after reviewing your requirements, can provide you with a short list of reputable professionals.

KEEPING YOU ON BUDGET
Bridal magazines typically suggest a percentage when considering how much to spend on each category. Your consultant can focus your financial considerations on the items which are most or least important to you and suggest ways to save within those parameters.

ADDITIONAL SAVINGS
Some vendors may offer a referral commission which may be passed onto the client, can negotiate a better price on a block of rooms or transportation fees, etc.

CONFIDENCE BUILDER
While you may be thrilled to be planning Your Big Day, this is likely your first foray into event planning, while your consultant has the experience of dozens or more experiences to call upon. You can rest assured that details you might never imagine will be managed successfully.

NETWORKING ADVANTAGES
If there is any unique touch you can imagine to embellish your event, your consultant has the networking capability to lead you in the right direction. If you’re dealing with destination issues for yourself or your guests, professional contacts are at your disposal.

NO STRESS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
Overseeing your rehearsal so all the participants are confident of their roles for the ceremony; managing family relationships which are at times complex; handling every detail so you, your mother, groom and best friends are guests at the event and not burdened with any responsibilities, thereby allowing everyone to enjoy each precious moment – these are the primary goals of your consultant. Can you imagine doing it without that person at your side?

Kate Kenny
A Work of Art

I couldn't have explained it better myself!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

If the shoe fits

Well, you know how that one goes! One of my favorite past times is to indulge in trend and fashion 'research' (Read: Get my shopping fix by browsing on-line stores. Satisfies the craving, and 9 times out of 10 I shutdown my computer without having ran like a madwoman to retrieve my credit card. Ok, maybe 8 times out of 10...). Lately my eyes seem to wander towards all the fun shoes designers are coming up with. I've said it before, that I am a big fan of making a statement with your choice in bridal shoes. Whether you are classy, sassy, or a healthy mix of both, you can certainly find the perfect shoe that conveys your message brilliantly. And of course, I am always on the lookout for a good deal. Here are some shoes that caught my eye today in perusing some of my favorite sites.

For the more conservatively funky (try that for an oxymoron!) consider these 'Lizzy' heels from Kate Spade's website:

Or maybe these Prada Peep toes, from good ole' Bluefly:

For a bold statement, try these feisty pink Kate Spade 'Ignite' heels I found on Bluefly:
Even bolder, you say? Try this Giuseppe Zanotti pair (also a Bluefly find):
And for the blazingly bold, these Kate Spade 'Illude's' (from Bluefly) are sure to do the trick:

The best part about all of the shoes seen above? Every single one of them is on sale (Granted 'sale' is a very subjective term. Think of it this way; it's your Big Day- if you are drooling over a pair of shoes then go ahead and SPLURGE!). Keep in mind when browsing Bluefly, items go fast. If you see it and like it snatch it up because once it's gone- it's gone!


I leave you with one final pair of Brian Atwood's (his 'Jessica' heel), no price tag talk necessary (it would kill the moment). Sigh...

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Save the Date

I am so honored to have been asked by the amazing Christine Saunders, of The Spiraled Stem Floral Design, to coordinate the launch events for her new venture- the Green Event Studio. I'll be posting more details later, but I wanted to get the word out now that as a part of the three day launch, Christine will be opening her doors to the public on Sunday, February 3 from 10 AM to 2 PM. You don't even have to be a bride to attend (although this will be a great opportunity to see Christine's work, as well as meet other wedding and event professonals that will be there- and of course, yours truly will be in attendance as well!) I couldn't be happier for Christine, because she truly is one-of-a-kind as a floral designer here in Southern California; she specializes in environmentally sustainable floral design. This means that even if you choose pink flowers, your flowers will be green (Get it? Green? Pun definitely intended!). Here is a sampling of The Spiraled Stem's work, with more details to follow on this grand affair!




Monday, January 14, 2008

The early bird gets the worm

I have been asked by several 2009 Brides "Is it too early for me to hire my Wedding Planner or Day-Of Coordinator"? My answer to them is "No. It's never too early!" With 2008 so recently upon us, 2009 seems a lifetime away. The fact of the matter is, when it comes to some of the more key vendors for your day (Coordinator, Photographer, Florist, Entertainment), the good ones go fast. You could certainly wait until closer to your date, but then you risk calling all your 'wish list' of vendors, only to find that they are booked up already.

If you are looking for a Wedding Planner to walk you through the entire process, then this statement holds especially true. The more time you have, the more options you will have for your wedding. Booking your vendors a year in advance may seem ridiculous to some, but it will give you added peace of mind throughout the process, and make it easier for you to be relaxed and happy on your Big Day- just like this Bride!


Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Let the hunt begin!

The hunt for the perfect bridesmaids dress, that is. Now is that glorious time of year when you'll find all sorts of fabulous party frocks on sale. The holidays are over, but the deals are ripe for the taking- especially if you are looking for black dresses (which are super easy to find in stores and on the internet). I peeked around a few sites: Banana Republic, Nordstroms, and BlueFly, and there are some truly great finds. Why not check it out and see for yourself?

If you're not necessarily looking for a steal of a deal, but a dress that's take-your-breath-away amazing, then you're also in luck. Bridesmaid designers are catering more now than ever before to maids, with truly chic and fashionable options. One site where you will find gorgeous dresses aplenty is Bella Bridesmaid. Here you'll find links to some of my favorite bridesmaid dress designers including Jenny Yoo, Charsa, Melissa Sweet and Coren Moore. I dare you not to find at least three dresses on each site that you absolutely adore. Go ahead and try!

And if you haven't seen it yet, 'The Dress' designed by TwoBirds, will blow your mind. It's one dress that can be styled into 10 different designs- something sure to please your group of girls, each with their own unique figure. It comes in 10 luscious colors (you can customize a color for an additional fee), and can be ordered in either short or long length. All I have to say is- it's about time!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Good news for the New Year

Happy New Year to you all! I kicked off my 2008 with some great news; I received a package from the ABC yesterday, and in it was a certificate stating that I have earned the coveted title of Professional Bridal Consultant™. To add to that, I passed the Professional Development Course as a Distinguished Graduate. Go me!! Of course I had to take a picture:


This news leads me to believe that 2008 is going to bring good things to us all. I already know it is going to be fabulous because I get to work with many of you, my wonderful clients, who are getting married this year (Did you by chance think about that last night as the clock struck midnight? This is YOUR year!). To get you as stoked for ’08 as I am, here’s a sneak peak at some of the amazing venues I am lucky enough to work at this year:

  • Hyatt Huntington Beach
  • St. Regis Monarch Beach
  • Surf and Sand Resort
  • Marbella Country Club
  • Calamigos Ranch
  • Historic Cottage at San Clemente
  • Rancho Las Lomas
  • Orange Hill Restaurant
  • Franciscan Gardens
  • The Villa at Lifetime Weddings and Events

....the list goes on; it is going to be one fantastic year!!!