Erin + Julio, Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, Huntington Beach

The theme of the day was definitely FUN...from their fun choice of colors (bright pink, black and white with lots of bling), to a party that raised the roof, Erin and Julio's wedding was celebration indeed. Although there are many to choose from my favorite part of the day would have to have been when Erin's MOH (and sister) Nicci remembered (during the full blown dance party at the reception) that Erin had included a polaroid guest book- complete with polaroid camera- as a part of the day. She then proceeded to request 'Hey Ya' by Outkast and as the song played ran around snapping pictures of all the guests so they could literally 'shake it like a polaroid picture'. Now if that's not classic, then I don't know what is!

Here are a few lovely pictures from the day, courtesy of the delightful team over at SoCalSunshine Productions:

A special thanks to the following fabulous team:

SoCalSunshine Productions, for photographing the day
Cheryl and the team at the Hyatt
Flowers by Stacey, who provided Erin with the most blingalicious flowers ever!
Don Kilbury with the Entertainment Express, our lively DJ
Bruce Danzara who presided over the ceremony
White Flight- the dove release experts
Hair Comes the Bride
Tomgirl Baking Company (even the cake had bling!)
Sarah with For the Love of Sugar, who made the most adorable monogram cookie favors ever

Tara + Jason, to-be-wed

Just in time for their wedding next Saturday at the Historic Cottage in San Clemente (remember Christine and Trevor's wedding there last July? I just love this venue!), Tara sent over some of her engagement pictures taken by Brian Crane Photography. What I loved about their session, is that Tara and Jason included Tara's son (and soon, Jason's son:)) Zachary in some of the photos. What a neat idea- to capture their whole family before the Big Day. Here are some of my favorites:

Now THIS is what I call getting soaked!

Claudia + Chris, the getting ready experience

If at all possible, I always encourage my clients to have their photographer come early enough to snap a few getting ready pictures. This doesn't necessarily need to include hours of coverage- just enough time for them to get the essence of your getting ready experience on film. They may not necessarily be pictures you will blow up and frame after the wedding- but it's the little things that are fun to look back on when remembering your Big Day. I was inspired to post this after viewing some of the pictures Kim Le of Kim Le Photography took of my recent couple Claudia and Chris. So much fun- check it out for yourself:

Chris and his guys started out at a local barber shop for some 'manly pampering'. Even guys need to be spoiled from time to time:)

Claudia's Augusta Jones dress looked like it was made just for her- stunning!

Claudia + Chris, Santiago de Compostela Church and Franciscan Gardens

With the clouds looming overhead all day Friday, the day before Claudia and Chris' wedding, I hoped and prayed for the weather to snap out of it for their Big Day. Sure enough- it did not rain a single drop all day! Claudia was such a trooper- so calm, composed, and absolutely stunning the whole day- despite having to scramble at the last minute to get a tent for Franciscan Gardens in case the weather turned on us. I truly enjoyed spending the day with Claudia, Chris, and their wonderful friends and family. And I was so impressed with all the thought and time Claudia put into her wedding details- that girl thought of everything, from gorgeous flowers and linens, to coordinating custom placecards, menus, and table numbers (featuring their beloved furbabies- so cute). Thank you, Claudia and Chris, for including me in your absolutely amazing day!

For your viewing pleasure Harvard Photography sent over a few teaser images (more to come when I receive the full disc):

A special thanks to the following fabulous team:
Andrew with Harvard Photography
Kim Le Photography, for capturing all of Claudia's getting ready shots
Clara (and the crew) at Franciscan Gardens
Minette at Santiago de Compostela
DJ Greg with Unforgettable Entertainment
Designs by Marina
Heidelberg Pastry Shop
Natalie Buketov, hair and make-up artist extraordinaire
East Side Marios, whose food was absolutely scrumptious

Venue spotlight: The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Coast

EDITED TO ADD:
Check out the fabulous Resort at Pelican Hill weddings we were a part of, after this post was published:

• Jenny + Kevin, The Movie
• Jenny + Kevin
• Christine + Richard, Revisited
• Christine + Richard
• Maria + Anton

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I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the brand new the Resort at Pelican Hill (set to open this Fall; weddings will not start until Spring of next year) for one of my 2009 couples, and I have to say that I was absolutely blown away! Even though portions are still very much under construction, it is shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind wedding experience. Not only will it boast unobstructed, absolutely breathtaking views of the Pacific, but amenities include the following:

• An exclusive Bridal Lounge for the wedding day, with an almost salon-like set-up perfect for primping


• Only one wedding per day will be hosted at the venue


• A dedicated 'Wedding Butler' will be available to the Bride and Groom to make sure their every need is met that day


• A level of service that will be off the charts amazing- Pelican Hill's tag line is 'The Possibility of Perfection' (love that!)


• And so much more!

The new main ballroom is where the old clubhouse used to be and although the original 'bones' of the building are intact, it has been revamped and looks gorgeous. And the wedding lawn gives me goosebumps just thinking about it- completely majestic and utterly magnificent. Check out the Pelican Hill website for more info and tons of gorgeous pictures. Here are two from the website to give you a glimpse into the fantastic world of Pelican Hill- I can't wait until its done!!

Crystal + Chris, Private Residence and the Villa at Lifetime Weddings & Events

Crystal and Chris' wedding was a union of two strong cultures- Vietnamese and Greek. This made for an unforgettable day filled with new family, old traditions, and even a little 'opah' here and there! We started off the day at Crystal's parents house for a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony. I still get goosebumps thinking about it; usually the Bride's side has more family members in attendance. But this time, many of Chris' close relatives came to be a part of a tradition that they had never witnessed before. Such a strong show of support was very moving! When Crystal first walked in wearing her Ao Dai, everyone gasped- she was so beautiful, and it was amazing to hear both fathers pass along heartfelt blessings to the couple.

The day only got better from there, as we headed out (despite the heat) to Crystal's co-MOH's house for an intimate and personal ceremony. Crystal did an amazing job planning out the many details that go into having a private residence ceremony; everything looked beautiful! Then finally we were off to the Villa at Lifetime Weddings and Events for an 8-course Vietnamese lunch reception (and a little A/C). The day wouldn't have been complete without some spontaneous Greek dancing which started out with just a few men. Soon enough, even Crystal's dad was on the dance floor joining in the merriment.

Here are my favorite images from the lovely couple's special day, courtesy of Sarah K. Chen's blog:

A special thanks to the following fabulous team:

Sarah K. Chen, Photographer
Zack with Frequent Flyer Productions
DJ's Mike Tang and Steve Mendoza
Kim Chi Flowers
Lily's Bakery
Natalie Buketov who beautified all the girls
Nikki at The Villa at Lifetime Weddings and Events

Sara + Shane, to-be-wed

When Sara and I first sat down to talk about her and Shane's wedding coming up in July at Rancho Las Lomas, it didn't take us long to realize that we went to college together. In fact, we were in the greek system around the same time; which explained why she looked so familiar to me. Sara is the type of girl that is easy to become instant friends with, and I am super excited to be a part of their Big Day. The couple headed out with Jim Kennedy recently to take their engagement pictures and it looks as if they had a total blast while they were at it. Here are some of my favorites from the JKP Blog:

I love this one of Sara- she has such a killer smile

Hot, hot hot!

They are such troopers- I definitely would not be brave enough to plunge into the ocean this time of year!

Platinum Weddings by Kerrie- 'Featured Expert' on the Adorn Brides blog!

I recently had the pleasure of serving as a guest blogger/'featured expert' on the fabulous Adorn Brides "Diamonds and Dish" blog. Definitely head over there to check it out for yourself- and peruse their fantastic array of bridal bling, perfect to make you feel like a Princess on your Big Day!