I've been nominated by Fox News for their 2007 Hot List in Los Angeles. What a thrill. I've worked so long and hard to gain this type of recognition. To be recognized by my peers as one of the best is an honor. In order to win this contest I must receive votes. For those of you who know me, you need to vote. Go to http://myfoxla.cityvoter.com/Details.aspx?business=59191 I need your votes. I LOVE LA!!!!!!!
I just got my new Pocket's Invitation Book from Carlson Craft. Ooooh, it's so pretty. These invitations are so creative and fun. You can put together your own combinations of pocket color, invitation color, inserts for response cards, maps and accommodation information. I've already had two clients order and I've only had the book a week.
I'm looking forward to sharing this book with more of my clients. If you are interested in Pocket invitations at a discounted rate, please call me. I can't wait to show you the possibilities.
The Ritz Carlton in Laguna Beach was the setting for the beautiful wedding of Drs. Raymond and Sheri Cros, on June 22nd.
Raymond and Sheri are a very sweet couple that live in Philadelphia and wanted to marry in Sheri's hometown. Sheri wanted someone to have her best interests at heart because she wasn't here to handle all the details. My first meeting was with Sheri's mother, who is the heart, soul, and humor of this family. We had a fabulous time working together.
When I finally met Sheri in person, we had an instant connection. We arranged for the vendor meetings to be handled by her sister. It truly was a family affair.
The Ritz Carlton lived up to their reputation. The grounds were impeccable and the view spectacular. Every need was attended to and all of Sheri and Ray's wishes were carried out exactly as requested.
Jen Bierman of Photojenic was the photographer. As you can see from the picture above she's one of the best. She is a preferred vendor at most of the top tier venues in Orange County. Do yourself a favor and see Jen's work at www.photographybyjen.com I'm proud to call Jen a friend as well as a colleague. Her joy for wedding photography really shines through in her work. Her attention to detail ensures that her calendar fills quickly with O.C. couples quickly.
Not only did Wedding Jeannie provide design and coordination, we also provided the floral decor. It's funny, I keep saying "no more flowers". Certain couples just win my heart over and I can't say no. I took great joy in personally making Sheri's bouquet. The look on her face when she received it was priceless.
The ceremony was beautiful with the ocean as the backdrop, followed by one the most beautiful sunsets ever. It was as if it was prepared especially for them.
Thank you Sheri and Ray, we were so happy to share it with you. See more at www.photoshow.net/jeanward
Planning a wedding at home is a complex task. Most wedding venues are set up to handle every aspect of a large event, homes are not. With careful preparation this dream can be accomplished.
Many people believe that by not renting a venue, money will be saved. A home wedding requires you to rent every possible item to turn a yard into a venue. Remember that most wedding venues already have rentals items such as chairs, tables, linens, china, etc. You will have to bring in everything down to cutlery, napkins and possibly portable toilets.
In order to accomplish this task, your key vendors will be your coordinator, a reliable rental company and a caterer that specializes in off-site events.
Now, about logistics. Your wedding coordinator and/or catering manager will need to do a thorough walkthrough of the home. It must be determined how the event will flow and if the home accommodate it.
What are the common pitfalls:
- Parking: Can your neighborhood street accommodate the amount of parking spaces your guest list will require? Will your neighbors be willing to allow your guests to park in front of their homes? Consider a valet company that can secure a parking lot in your neighborhood and provide your guests with valet service.
- Space: Is there enough space to accommodate all of your guests, a ceremony area, seating and food service?
- Bathroom Facilities: Does the home have enough bathrooms for your guests? Do you want 100 or more people coming into your home to use them? If not, consider portable toilets. There are several reputable companies in the Southern California area that carry very clean and discreet looking units.
- Weather: In Southern California we are lucky to have such fabulous weather. On occassion we do have rain, and a contingency plan may be in order. Is there enough room for a tent in case of rain?
- Noise Ordinances: Check with your city to determine their regulations. It's imperative to know what time your music must be stopped. If you go over this time, your neighbors may complain and your party could be shut down. Notify your neighbors about your plans.
- Landscaping: Is the yard looking it's best? On this day, it will be the star of the show. Guests will mingle around and have the opportunity to look at every nook and cranny. Since it will be featured in every photo, make sure it's all dressed up for the occassion.
- Delivery Access: Will all of your vendors have clear access to the ceremony and reception area? Deliveries will begin as early as the day before the event. Make sure your driveway is clear and there is enough room to bring in all necessary items.
- Access to Power and Water: Do your have enough electrical power to accommodate lighting and entertainment systems? Have an electrician come to the home and give you an accurrate assessment. You may need to install more lines or risk blowing the breaker. You don't want to have the power shut down in the middle of your first dance.
These are only a few of the points to consider. Most homeowners aren't prepared to take on this challenge. Make sure you hire a wedding coordinator to handle the event. Most importantly you must make sure the coordinator is experienced in home weddings. It will be the difference between a seemless event or a possible disaster.
I've love to meet with you and assess your home. Please call me and ask for my "Home Wedding Package".
Remember "there's no place like home"!
On June 9th Terri and Mike were married at the home of their friends in Laguna Hills.
They are a very special couple who have been lucky to find love and happiness in life. They live in San Jose and chose to marry in Orange County where Terri is from originally.
No dry eyes were to be found during the ceremony, where they read love letters to each other. The letters were a suggestion from me, that they didn't immediately embrace. As time went on, they both got very excited about writing their letters. All of the guests agreed that it was the best part of their ceremony. It was so personal and very emotional. They are having the letters done in calligraphy and framed. What a wonderful heirloom.
Terri and I were introduced by one of my favorite djs Chuck Kerr of Music on The Move www.musiconthemove.biz She hired me without even meeting me. We had a great rapport in our phone meetings. She put great faith and trust in me to assure that the yard could accommodate all of her guests. She also honored me by allowing me to create all of her floral designs. She chose shades of blue, lavendar, white and pink. The result was gorgeous.
I turned to the expertise of Denise at Thank Goodness It's Sophia Catering. www.tgis.com As usual they were consumate professionals and the food was fantastic. Food stations were placed throughout the yard. The biggest hit of the night was the mashed potato martini bar. It was fun, unique and delicious.
Terri and Mike have a great sense of humor and provided a "love story" video for their guests to enjoy. It was done in a comedic style. Think "Scrubs". What fun to celebrate a wedding with tears followed by laughter.
Photography was provided by Mark Montgomery Photography www.markmontgomeryphotography.com It was a very hot and long day, but Mark was great. Mark's patience and professionalism allowed him to acheive some difficult shots. I can't wait to see more pictures when they are ready.
This wedding truly reflected the couple's love of family, friends and life. Congratulations Mike and Terri. Thank you again for all the faith you put in me. It was a true pleasure.
Congratulations to Michael and Demetra. On June 30th they were married in the backyard of Demetra's family home. It was a gorgeous event with a beautiful garden feel.
Michael and Demetra are both beautiful people. They both have movie star looks with down to earth personalities.
Demetra's parents are my neighbors. They live across the street from me. To be chosen to design and plan this wedding was a great honor for me. Not only did we plan the entire event, we created all of the floral designs. The bride even chose to get ready at my home.
Demetra wore a stunning Steven Yearick gown that was purchased from Mon Amie Bridal salon in Costa Mesa www.monamie.com
I'd like to thank Orbit Party Rentals for providing absolutely everything we needed to make the backyard a ceremony and reception site. The amazing fabric draped tent with chinese lanterns was stunning. www.orbitpartyrentals.com
The guests were treated to a delicious dinner provided by Cafe Opa Greek Restaurant, which is partly owned by her father.
Every detail had to be planned very carefully. Having a wedding and reception for 170 people in a blank canvas is no easy feat. I've never worked so hard or felt so rewarded.
I'll never forget my Big Fat Greek Wedding.
See more at www.photoshow.net/jeanward
I have to rave about my favorite mascara. It's called "Kiss Me Mascara". The first time I read about it I was very sceptical. Honestly as a woman who has tried every mascara ever made, the idea of no smearing or smudging was impossible. They claim that your lashes aren't coated, but enveloped with tubes around each lash.
Off I went to my local Sephora to buy a tube and try it myself. After applying it I was pleased. My lashes looked full and lush with no clumping at all. I was immediately impressed. So, my lashes look better than ever and I decided to put it to the test. I rubbed my eyes, lightly at first and then harder. Shock! They were perfect! The mascara didn't smudge and my lashes looked like I had just applied it. Well, I was sold.
Taking the mascara off is a breeze. You don't need any make-up remover or even soap. Simply apply water and lightly rub your lashes. The tubes simply slide right off.
I love this product so much that I tell all of my clients about it. Your wedding day is a very emotional experience. You will definately shed a few tears of joy. Using Kiss Me Mascara will ensure that your lashes will look perfect from the beginning to the end of your day.
Try it for yourself. Ask for it at your local cosmetics counter or buy from their website www.blinc.com
I recently completed a wedding for a lovely couple. It was an amazing day filled with love and promise for the future. Unfortunately the day will be forever scarred by a very inappropriate toast given by the Best Man. He opened his toast with thanks to the Groom for asking him to be Best Man at all of his weddings! It was the third marriage for the Groom and the first for the Bride. Most of the Bride's family were unaware of this and she and her parents were humiliated. Don't let this happen to you.
The wedding reception is filled with so many wonderful traditions. You have the anticipation of the grand entrance, the joy of the first dance and the photo opportunities of the cake cutting. Then you have the toasts.
The toasts can add an element of grace and love to the day, or it can create a very uncomfortable situation.
Who gives toasts at a wedding reception? Traditionally the Best Man and Maid of Honor will give toasts to the couple. It's also common for the Bride's father to propose a toast to his daughter and her new husband. I always recommend that those toasting the couple think carefully about what they will say in advance. It's important to gather your thoughts and make sure that the toasts are sincere and tasteful. Adding a bit of humor is acceptable and lightens the mood. As a bride and/or groom, you may suggest your friend or family member chosen to toast, use the internet for ideas and etiquette.
Being in the business since 2000 and hearing hundreds of toasts, I can say that taking time to think about toasting is very important. The worst thing that can happen is when the person proposing the toast has not prepared. I've seen five people toast in succession and each one spoke for 5 minutes each. They told stories of childhood all the way through college. There have been rambling speeches that made no sense and left guests wishing for it to be over. Another pitfall is toasts given in bad taste. A toast should never include mention of previous marriages, infidelity or financial issues. Believe it or not, it happens all the time.
Your wedding reception is a time for celebration and well wishes. Make sure that those proposing the toasts are well prepared and it will add class and sincerity to your day.
Cheers!
More and more couples today are having their weddings in far away destinations. Consider the many possiblities. You could have your wedding in another state or country. Many couples get engaged while on vacation and wish to get married in the place where it all began.
There are many advantages to having your wedding in a faraway place. Instead of visiting with hundreds of guest for 4 to 6 hours, you can spend 2 or 3 days with a smaller group of family and friends. Your guests are treated to a mini-vacation, in which they can enjoy local culture and activites.
All inclusive resorts are the perfect choice for a destination wedding. Whether you choose The Bahamas, Hawaii, an Italian villa, a winery or a historic venue, there are many things you need to consider.
Once you've chose the location, you will need to do some research. Find out the laws and requirements for obtaining a marriage license and making your marriage legal. Many couples will have a legal, civil ceremony at home. Then they will have an intimate recommitment ceremony at their chosen destination. This can solve the problem of complicated laws in another country. Consult with a travel agent or buy travel books about your destination to find resorts that will host your wedding and all the celebrations related with it. All inclusive resorts will have ceremony sites, restaurants for brunches, rehearsal dinners and receptions. They also have several rooming options for your guests. The concierge can assist you with booking activities and tours.
To make the trip memorable for your guests, create itineraries for them, but allow them the choice to do everything on this list or nothing at all. Make welcome baskets that will be awaiting them when they arrive; filled with maps, guides, local treats and beverages, sunscreen, etc. Attach a personal note thanking them for coming so far to celebrate with you.
Planning this type of event can be time consuming and complicated. A wedding coordinator can handle all of the aspects of this type of event for you. A certified coordinator like myself has taken classes and been trained to hanlde all aspects of destination weddings.
If you are thinking about a destination wedding, but don't know where to start, I can help you. Together we can create a magical event in a beautiful place that you and your guests will remember forever. Please call me and lets begin making this dream come true.
Bon Voyage!!
Let's talk money. Now I'm sure that's the last thing a newly engaged couple wants to do. Visions of gowns, cakes, flowers and beauty begin filling your head. I'm telling you - it's all possible. Everything you're dreaming about can happen. I know there are wedding coordinators out there that want to bust your bubble and say, "well your budget doesn't allow for that". If you're coordinator is flexible and creative, it can.
Your budget will be your wedding road map. Together with your fiance and possibly your parents, pick a dollar figure that you can spend. Once you have that number, you are armed with the information you need to decide how many guests you can invite, what venue and vendors you can afford and how your style can be infused into your day.
As a wedding coordinator, I'm often told by new clients that they don't what they are spending on their wedding. As their partner in planning I must have this information. I am trained to take that number and categorize it, adjust it, negotiate with it and turn it into results. Your budget dictates what venues I can show you and what vendors I can refer. Whether your budget is large or small, a good coordinator can help turn your vision into reality. The coordinator has sources and connections that can take an expensive look and make it affordable.
Budgeting can also diminish misunderstandings and stress. Spending can get out of control if you haven't set limits for yourself. No couple wants to start their life together in debt. An experienced coordinator can show you countless ways to to trim costs and still have a wonderful wedding. If you must use credit cards, search for the card with the lowest interest rate.
Be realistic, decide on a number you can live with. Then call me, together let's take that number and let's create a once-in-a-lifetime event you won't forget.
on Puttin on The Ritz