Archive for July, 2012
Real Wedding – Constance & Marc
Here’s a little teaser video of one of my favorite couples! Constance and Marc were an absolute dream couple, who planned the most beautiful wedding in the Japanese Garden and Viennese Ballroom this past June. Coordinated by Ruth Wang of Plan 2 Perfection, the day went off without a hitch! I’m hoping to get more photos of this amazing wedding, but for now enjoy their fun video, courtesy of Couture Foto!
- Chelsea
Wedding Stress
Let’s face it, no matter how easy the planning process might be, I’ve found that a little bit of wedding stress is inevitable. With so many people to talk to and decisions to be made, there will always be one item left on that to-do list at the end of the day! From the endless questions of “when is the big day?” to the critique of your wedding colors, taking a little bride time is essential.
Here are (4) tips from an article on GalTime.com which can be helpful when trying to stay calm:
1. Communicate: Communication is key and is good practice for marriage. For example, when dealing with an over (or under involved) fiancé, know that emotions are running high and good communication goes a long way. When you are in a calm and non-reactive mood, talk to your soon-to-be spouse, address what is causing your frustration and calmly explain how you feel and what your needs and hopes are.
2. Talk to a Friend: Have a “Bitch Session” with your best-friend. Bitch Sessions have a short time limit and are reciprocal. Allow yourself 15 minutes to complain about your wedding related issue and then another 15 minutes to listen to your friend’s complaints. Then switch to light or humorous topics, ending your time together on a happy note. You’ll both feel better and get your mind off your own troubles for awhile.
3. Seek Professional Help: If you’re truly overwhelmed, go to professional counseling or meet with a clergy member. There is nothing wrong with having a neutral person who is trained and objective, support you and give solid, workable solutions. Some couples even elect to go for couple’s therapy simply as a training exercise. Evolving from “single” to “couple” is a transition and becoming better educated on how to approach new territory is never a bad idea.
4. Be Prepared: Remind yourself that you are expecting the best, but preparing for the worst. If you are worried about the “What If’s” on your big day, like inclimate weather, a guest getting sick, a bridesmaid with a last-minute emergency, or a pimple on your forehead… know that these things can happen. Hopefully, they won’t; but having realistic expectations and a Plan B (and even a Plan C) allows you to enjoy the process… and most importantly– your wedding itself.
What’s your biggest stress in planning your big day?
- Chelsea
The Best Hour at The Party
The cocktail reception is the hardest part of the wedding to plan. The ceremony is a no-brainer, and every bride and groom will figure out the dinner program with the help of their wedding coordinator (most likely to consist of a grand entrance, first dance, dinner, toasts and cake cutting), but the cocktail hour can raise a few questions. The first place to start is to determine if you will be attending the reception or if you’ll be hiding out (taking pictures perhaps?) to make your grand entrance at dinner? If you are joining cocktails, how long will you be mingling? Is 20 minutes too short or 40 minutes too long? If you hide out, be sure to let your catering manager know so we can bring you food and drinks!
The cocktail hour is also the first time your guests get a real feel for the décor and menu. I recommend to my couples to pick cocktail reception food that differs from what is being served at dinner, but also truly reflects the couple. Every couple has a food that they can’t live without and I think the cocktail hour is a perfect place to show it off! Whether its fried macaroni and cheese, pigs in a blanket or sushi, your guests will love the creative options you’ve selected for them. This also rings true for signature cocktails. If there is a drink you and your new spouse always drink, then you should serve it up to your guests. You can even work on a theme name – like a Chelsea-colada!
Décor is also important to think about. Your guests need to be comfortable for the hour and many of them might not know each other. Think about small seating areas with sofas and side chairs, for more intimate conversation, interspersed with cocktail tables. Don’t forget about umbrellas if it’s hot and sunny, or heaters and lighting if it’s colder and getting dark. Make sure you have some background music or a trio playing in the background; nothing too overpowering, but you’ll need a little sound to fill the space.
I know the main focus of the planning tends to be on the ceremony and dinner, but taking a little time to ensure your guests are happy for that hour is essential. Unlike the ceremony and dinner, they might not know where to go or who to talk to. If you give them a good hour to chat and meet other guests, I guarantee that dance floor will be full all night!
Here are a few setup photos of my favorite cocktail reception on The Horseshoe Garden. The couple rented smaller furniture sets and custom bars, and added in cocktail tables. They incorporated their wedding colors of yellow and grey seamlessly into this setup!
Photos Courtesy of Bob Gail Special Events
- Chelsea
What’s the craziest thing you’d do in your wedding dress?
If you’re this couple, cliff jumping is on your list!
Photos by Zvonimir Barisin
- Chelsea
Capturing That Unexpected Moment
Extemporaneous [ ikˌstempə'rein:əs ]: said or done without preparing or practicing
We all attempt to capture that unexpected moment on film; personally, my greatest achievements with photography seem to be just plain luck, not talent. Your wedding photography should not, of course, be left to “just plain luck”, which is why you contract a professional photographer. Your wedding photos will become an everlasting record in time – bringing back a special emotion and remembrance years from now when you pay another visit back to your special day.
It’s amazing to me how these talented photographers are not only able to be right there when magic happens, but also have just the right setting and perfect focus in a nano second. Pure talent.
Here are some of my favorite extemporaneous phots!
Justin & Mary Photography
Chenin Boutwell, Boutwell Studio
Chenin Boutwell, Boutwell Studio
Chenin Boutwell, Boutwell Studio
Brandi Thompson Photography
Lil Sugar
A. Niesing Photographer
davina + daniel via Style Me Pretty
Theresa Scarbrough Photography
Isabel Lawrence
Smoothdude via Flickr
Wedd Book via Pinterest
- Jill
Gifts for the Guys
If your fiancé plans to have his groomsmen gifts personalized, be sure to forward him a link to The Plunge’s cleverly written article on the topic as a reminder to plan ahead! As The Plunge’s article says, “if you mess this up, whatever, we’re men. Good friends don’t demand good gifts. They do, however, deserve them.”
Here are some great groomsmen gift ideas to get your groom started…
Dr. Dre Wireless Headphones, Beats by Dre – $279.95
Bleecker Debossed Painted Stripe iPad Sleeve, Coach – $178
Monogramed Wine Stopper, Neiman Marcus – $22
Belize Crocodile Embossed Laptop Sleeve, Neiman Marcus – $200
Putter in Stainless Steel with Sterling Silver, Tiffany’s – $2,150
Paloma’s Groove Cuff Links, Tiffany’s – $500 in Sterling Sliver with Amazonite
California Wine Club, Wine of the Month – $564 for a 12 month subscription
Craft Beer Club – $428 for a 12 month subscription
- Jill
Advice From A Recent Bride
Elsa Schelin, our Director of Communications, recently got married over Memorial Day Weekend in Palm Springs, CA. We’ve asked Elsa if she had any advice for all of you soon-to-be brides, and here’s what she had to say!
As a recent newlywed myself, the biggest advice I can give any bride-to-be is twofold:
• Hire a “month of” wedding coordinator! This person will be in touch with your vendors, review all contracts and policies, and be there for you in a BIG WAY on the day of your wedding. The last thing you want to do is stress out on your special day because you have to do everything yourself. Your wedding coordinator will make sure your favors go in the right place; that your vendors show up on time; that your champagne flutes get placed at the right table and in front of the right seats; and that all the “little details” get taken care of…so you don’t have to worry! Wake up, have a great breakfast with your wedding party and start getting your hair and makeup done without a care in the world. You will look and feel more beautiful and confident that way!
• Live in the moment. We had a four day wedding extravaganza over Memorial Day in Palm Springs, and we knew it was going to be a whirlwind if we didn’t decide ahead of time that we would do our best to cherish and appreciate every moment, every conversation and every activity. You don’t want your special day (or weekend) to fly by in the blink of an eye and wake up on your honeymoon with nothing to remember it by! My fiancée and I had a great talk and decided that we would “live in the moment” all weekend the day before we left for Palm Springs. We were so delighted and comforted to have such an important and touching conversation going into our weekend, and it sure worked! We were pinching ourselves all weekend, being so happy and grateful for all the people who showed up to celebrate with us, for the perfect weather and setting, and for a truly magical experience! Live in the moment and be grateful for every single thing you have, and for everything that happens. Look your guests in the eye when you walk down the aisle. Try to say a special something to everyone in attendance. I guarantee you will have the best experience of your life if you approach your wedding with that attitude!
I wish you the very best!
Love,
Elsa
Here are some of our favorite photos from Elsa’s big day, taken by Leah Lund Photography!
My Fair Wedding Casting Call!
WEtv’s hit series, My Fair Wedding, with leading wedding and entertainment expert David Tutera, is now casting Brides getting married in the Los Angeles Area in July, August and September 2012 who need a little help making all of their wedding dreams become a reality!
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the show please contact producers today! Send an email to MFWcasting@pilgrimfilms.tv with the following information:
1. Your name, and the Brides name if you are not the bride
2. Address
3. Phone Number
4. Wedding Date and Location
5. Estimated Guest Count
6. Brief Explanation of Why This Wedding Needs David’s Help
7. Current Photo of the Bride and Groom
In your email please also be sure to include a brief description, along with any wedding photos of existing plans, such as Venue, Dress, Décor, Florals etc. Every bride has a vision and David is known for making fabulous revisions!
Please note that Brides and Grooms must be at least 21 years of age and citizens or legal residents of the United States.
Good Luck!!
- Amanda
Elaborate Fruit Displays
Last month I worked on a wedding for Amy and Lorin, who provided an elaborate fruit display in The Huntington Foyer for their 356 guests. The amazing display of exotic and domestic colorful fruits was done by Alfredo Catering of Beverly Hills for this beautiful wedding.
A Black-Tie affair, no one was going hungry this night as they enjoyed nibbling on figs garnished with blueberries, kumquats, tangerines, kiwi, pomegranate, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, plantains, apricots, bing cherries, pears and raspberries, just to name a few.
The elaborate display continued all night, allowing guests to casually enjoy the sweet sensations. I thought this was a perfect complement for a warm summer wedding!
- Christie
Spring 2013 Wedding Dress Trends
Although we are barely entering the summer months, the Wedding industry is always one step ahead. Key wedding designers and Brides.com have launched a new wave of Wedding Dress Trends for Spring 2013. I am sure that we will start to see these trends emerge in the coming months, as we begin working with our upcoming brides.
Trend #1: Color
Many designers added splashes of color to their designs this season. Bridal Fashion Director Rachel Leonard put it best, “You don’t have to wear a white dress anymore, but it still has to look like a wedding dress. The trick is to find a color that is flattering to your skin tone, and not everyone looks great in white.”
Gown by Oscar de la Renta
Gown by Maggie Sottero
Trend #2: Portrait Backs
In Spring 2013, we will once again see dramatic and sexy backs, but this time with a delicate and more romantic feel.
Gown by Reem Acra
Gown by Anna Maier / Ulla-Maija
Trend #3: Peplums
A high fashion look will be gracing the trend in 2013. Peplums are making their way into many designs this season.
Gown by Alfred Angelo
Gown by Junko Yoshioka
Gown by Ines Di Santo
Trend #4: Lace
This season we will see lace making a comeback as a popular design choice. These designs are classy and sophisticated, with a splash of tradition.
Gown by Monique Lhuillier
Gown by Marchesa
Gown by Ines Di Santo
Trend #5: Dresses That Transform
These days more and more brides are changing into a 2nd reception dress after the ceremony. Many designers have responded to that demand with convertible dresses. These designs have removable trains, skirts, and shawls to give you the look that transforms as the night progresses.
Gown by Reem Acra
Gown by Monique Lhuillier
It is always fun to see the trends and predictions for the upcoming wedding season. Which trend do you think will be the most popular?
- Amanda
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