PWBK in the Southern Weddings blog 'Featured Pros' section

I stumbled across a new feature on the fantastic Southern Weddings blog- the 'Featured Pros' section, where you will find names of many of the amazing wedding professionals whose work is featured on the blog often. Not only is the list fabulous, but to my delight, our name is listed on there! Check it out for yourself here, and be sure to browse the blog and the work of all the phenomenal pros listed.

Jenny + Matt, Rancho Las Lomas, Silverado

I would have to say that Jenny is just about one of the sweetest gals I have ever met. Her smile is absolutely contagious and she has the most infectious laugh that brings joy to those around her. And Matt is seriously one cool dude- when I met him for the first time on their wedding day, it all just made sense. They are a perfect balance to each other and it is obvious that they always have such a good time whenever they are together.

Each of their families are so loving and supportive of the two as a couple- and it was incredible to be a part of what was obviously a truly special occasion for everyone in attendance. So many moments stick out in my mind from the day, but I can honestly say that Jenny's dad gave one of the most moving Father of the Bride toasts I have ever witnessed. I think even the parrots outside of the main dining room at RLL were a little misty eyed!

I hope you get a good feel for the love and happiness in abundance that day from the moments captured by Crissy of Christine Farah Photography posted below.

The picture on the bottom right makes me laugh; Jenny asked Crissy "What should I be doing? Should I...I don't know....do a jig?" And so she did!

A special thanks to the following fabulous team:

Christine Farah Photography
24 Carrots
Flower Allie
Fly By Night Disc Jockeys
DaCapo Players
Natalie Buketov
Jason Daniel Productions
Pastor Scott Turner with the Summit Church
The Great Dane Baking Company
Your Photo Pros, who handled Jenny and Matt's favors of on-site portraits

The little monkey

I am always asked 'How's Riley doing', so I figured it was about time for an update. It's amazing how fast puppies grow! It seems like every day it is something new- a new trick, a new 'thing' he is interested in, new teeth. For one whole week he was missing his front two teeth and it was just about the cutest thing I have ever seen. He has brought so much joy to our family, and we are so incredibly blessed to have found him! Here's his latest 'portrait'- 4.5 months old now.

The 'Real Me'

Some of you may remember back in January when the amazing Crissy of Christine Farah Photography (who I am truly blessed to call a friend) took me out to snap some new headshots. What some of you don't know is that Crissy (being the creative perfectionist that she is- always striving for amazing shots) didn't think she truly captured the 'real me' on film. We headed out for a round two, and I must say, these ones definitely let who I am shine through. You like?

And just for fun...

Crystal ball for 2009...

I cannot believe how fast this year is flying by! The madness that was wedding season is slowly calming down to a steady pace, and I am looking forward to catching up on my to-do's as fall closes and winter draws near. Next year is already shaping up to be supremely incredible- here is a sneak peek into some of the fantastic locations you will be seeing me at:

• The Resort at Pelican Hill
• Hyatt, Huntington Beach (twice!)
• Greystone Mansion
• Talega Golf Club
• Wilson Creek Winery
• Dove Canyon Country Club (twice!)
• Rancho Las Lomas
• Spanish Hills Country Club, Camarillo
• The Mission Inn
• The French Estate
• The UCI University Club

And more to come! Stay posted as there is tons of fun in store...

Kathy + Gregg, to-be-wed

These two lovebirds are getting married in the spring at the charming French Estate in Orange- I just love the endless possibilities with that place! I am helping them out with design and decor for the wedding, and we are having a blast creating what will be a truly beautiful day. And who better to capture all of it then gabriel.ryan.photographers.? I am looking forward to working with this dynamic husband and wife duo- their fantastic style caught my eye awhile back, and I have been just waiting for the chance to see them in action. Kathy and Gregg headed out for a fun and funky engagement shoot recently and here are some of my favorites. Check out gabriel.ryan's blog for some more photographic goodness.

Preview: Michelle and Derek, All Saints by the Sea and Rancho Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara

I don't typically post any of my own photos from weddings as I like to leave that to the professional photographers and their always much more amazing take on the day. After this past wedding however, I just can't resist. I have to share with you some of the details from the gorgeous and fantastic day I helped Michelle and Derek put together. Speaking of the newlyweds, how adorable are they?

Michelle's couture Rivini gown fit her personality perfectly- unique and fun while still being elegant

Guests started out on the front lawn of the house for cocktails and lawn games (bocce ball and croquet, to be specific)

Lounge furniture welcomed guests who wanted to sit and watch the fun and games

As guests walked to the back of the house for the dinner and dancing, these life-sized bird cages flanked the entrance to the massive lawn

Guests were treated to bottles of 1999 Dom Perignon as the champagne served for the toasts and throughout the evening

And then for the real fun- the team at White Lilac really outdid themselves with the decor and design for the event! Michelle and Derek had a very specific vision in mind, and they totally 'got' it. They incorporated bright colors and clean, crisp lines accented by centerpieces of whole lemons with just a few white orchids. So vivid and fresh!

For their favor a live succulent was set at each guests place setting for them to take home and replant

The fabulous head table with an 80 foot scrim (the screen behind the table) lit up at night with accent colors and the damask motif used throughout the wedding. The lights really began to show after the sun went down (you'll see later on...)

Michelle and Derek wanted to include pictures of their grandparents on their wedding days since they couldn't be with them to celebrate as they start their new life together. This was accomplished with a touching display that stood behind their gorgeous cake from The Cake Studio.

Isn't the scrim just fantastic! It really helped to define the space since the lawn was just ginormous

All the guests really came to have a good time and the party was underway in no time flat

Late night snacks whipped up by the chefs with Good Gracious included mini pizzas and little vegan milkshakes with soy cookies (delicious AND healthy!)

I am truly looking forward to the lovely and talented Kusha Alagaband's pictures from the day; and after this sneak peek, I am sure you are as well!!

Off to Santa Barbara

I will be leaving bright and early tomorrow for Santa Barbara- so looking forward to Michelle and Derek's wedding on Saturday! We have an all-star team of talent involved including White Lilac, Kusha Alagband Photography, Good Gracious, and our 10-piece band High Rize. Needless to say I am going to be busy- so please be patient if your e-mail is not returned until Monday. Thanks, and have a fantastic weekend everyone!!

Ashley + Cort featured on the Wedding Chicks!

Delightful news for what could have been just another Monday- Ashley and Cort's spectacular St. Regis wedding has found its way onto the fabulous Wedding Chicks blog. Check it out here!

Jenny + Matt, to-be-wed

Well...technically these two ARE wed. They had a fantastically amazing wedding last Sunday at Rancho Las Lomas. But when Crissy of Christine Farah Photography posted their engagement pictures, I had to show them off. I love that their fun and carefree style basically oozes out of their adorable pictures. Enjoy!