Welcome

Hi, I'm Jennifer Johnson, OC's finest wedding planner! If you are reading this you probably have a fascinating interest in weddings like muah! I love everything about them...the bride & groom, the floral decor, the venues, the dancing, and mostly the pure happiness and joy that weddings bring! I still get goosebumps during ceremonies and I've been known to tear up on occasion. This is my absolute passion and I love every second of every brow-sweating, pulse-inducing, hurdle-jumping, feet-aching, eye-catching moment. I've been thrown alot of curveballs, but hey, I played softball for 14 years...I can handle anything! My husband calls me The Octa-Planner....need I say more? The satisfaction of seeing the day unfold and the love that consumes the air is why I love this profession!


Puppy Love: Celeste + Chris

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 I had such an amazing wedding last weekend at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach. The bride and groom were fabulous to work with and I was so in love  with the special touches and details!  This was a DIY stationary bride & groom ALL the way!  Celeste & Chris are HB locals and they really brought their personalities and love for this Beach into every inch of their wedding.  From the custom Invitations, Programs, Save the Dates, Table Numbers and Escort Cards…..this was Sophisticated Seaside Design at it’s best! Great job!

The wedding was filled with all things love but one of my absolute favorite moments was when their adorable lab pup “MAX” brought the rings down the aisle. He was their ringbearer afterall and what a good one he was!  The timing had to be specific because the Hyatt is not too keen on dogs chilling on their lawns……so one of their friends had Max at the bridge behind their ceremony. Max could literally watch Mommy & Daddy saying their ‘I DO’s.’   Then came his moment.  “May I have the Rings?”  Father Brian asked.     This proud pup strolled up the bridge and down the aisle and greeted Mom and Dad with the rings.  Can I say that I was about to bawl seeing that!?  I love weddings to the core but  what I love even more are our furry friends….so this was a double bonus for me!

We had a fabulous team and the day was seamless!  I want to thank Alice Hu for the amazing images! We had a great time working with you!  Bella Blooms provided the  delicious floral decor and the service from the Hyatt Catering staff  impressed us all…..as usual.  I love working with the Hyatt because they truly care about their clients and will jump through hoops to make things happen! 

Celeste & Chris, I hope you had a great time! Thank you for letting me be apart of your very special day!

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How Cute is this guy? The Ribbon had their wedding rings attached and it was such a touching moment to see how excited he was to give them to his Mommy & Daddy!

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Here are some extra Detail Shots from Brianna (My fab assistant)

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Ceremony & Recepton: Hyatt Huntington Beach

Photography: Alice Hu Photography

Entertainment (DJ):  Mark Davies with Sterling DJ

Floral Decor: Bella Blooms

Cake: Tom Girl Bakery

Home IS Where The Heart Is!

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Katy always wanted to get married in her backyard. It was a dream she had since she was a little girl who adored the movie “Father of the Bride”.  Who DOESN’T love that movie? The nuptuals were in Orange at the Presbyterian Church and the Reception followed in her GORGEOUS  Yorba Linda backyard that we transformed into a candlelit dream come true. Katy’s dad (a true green thumb) had spent the last 5 months landscaping what would be one of the most spectacular gardens in all of Yorba Linda.  While Katy would say that her dad is “Sooo Like Steve Martin” when he’d fuss about moving furniture, there was NO doubt that dad wanted his little girl to have the perfect wedding Day.  Side story: I caught Dad planting hydrangea just HOURS before he was supposed to be in the Limo.  A couple nudges from this planner and he was on his way but not without another walk around the property to make sure it was perfect.  Katy’s Mom was delighted to see all the elements come together and was so proud to give her daughter the wedding she always dreamed of.  I truly felt like I was living the movie of “The Father of the Bride” because the day was so emotionally thrilling!

 Saturday was simply beautiful!  Being a Yorba Linda resident myself, you couldn’t ask for a better place to get married than in your own home town….at the house you grew up in! The team of professionals made the day as magical as ever! John Partridge Photography captured all the beautiful elements of the day! Thanks for sharing John!  Jeremy & Sofia of TGIS catered the most delicious menu and fab service!  Paul of Couture Flowers designed amazing floral elements to set the mood while Joe Paxton of Atmosphere Entertainment  packed the dancefloor!

Katy and Kelsey are such a warm and loving couple and I know they will LOVE their new home together in Texas! Thank you for letting me help make your wedding dreams come true. Hope you are enjoying your honeymoon!!

Photos Courtesy of: John Partridge Photography

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Photos below courtesy of Brianna Dowdy

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Min & Ed in Rancho Palos Verdes

Last weekend I had such a fabulous wedding that I couldn’t hold back from sharing some of the beautiful elements! These photos were taken by my stellar assistant Brianna. She recently bought a new camera and has been getting really good with it.   How lucky am I that she took some amazing snapshots of the reception details.  I will leave more to the imagination by sharing the pro pics that will be coming in the next few weeks from John & Joseph Photographers based in Seattle WA. Stay Tuned for some ravishing pics of the bride & groom! 

Saturday was super sunny and perfect weather for a wedding! Min and Ed are from New Jersey and had not only hired me for Wedding Coordination but to also assist them in creating a dynamic design for their Reception at the Norris Pavillion Theatre in the gorgeous hills of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.  Min and Ed were such a delight to work with and always came to California prepared! Min’s taste was right in line with mine so we made a great team! I had a lovely time hanging out with both of them!

The bride knew she wanted Baby’s Breath and LOTS of it! Thanks to Flower Allie Weddings, it really came together well and I am so thrilled with the results. Lighting was provided by David of Rainbow Lights & Sounds.  The delish catering was from The Kitchen of Exploring Foods and I was oober impressed with their service, style & yummy menu! Another impeccable vendor found!

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Magic In Malibu with Carrie & Derek!

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Last week I was off to Malibu for a beach side ceremony and reception at the charming Malibu West Beach Club for Carrie & Derek.  This radiant and loving couple, both from Boston, wanted two very important things for their nuptuals……A central location for their families and an intimate wedding on the beach in California! Carrie’s brother lovingly officiated the ceremony and it really gave the ceremony an emotional touch.  Saturday, the weather was just right and the bride and groom were elated to have their family and friends travel as far as Boston & New Zealand. I gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed all the accents in the air and there is something about that Kiwi Lingo! Love it! :)

I always have a great time working with the talented Trista Lerit of Trista Lerit Photography.  WOW! As you can see for yourself, her images are breathtaking and she really captures the essence of the day! Every chance I get to work with her, I am inspired!  Flower Allie Weddings provided the floral decor and together with the dazzling details, Carrie & Derek’s vision came to life. 

 We had a great team and I want to thank Monrose Catering for providing the tasty food and excellent service and DJ Eric of So Cal DJs for the fierce uplighting and keeping that dance floor packed!! The cake was a tasty treat by Sarah of For the Love of Sugar.

Carrie & Derek, I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon! Thank you for letting me help you create the wedding of your dreams! Cheers to many years of laughter, joy & happiness!

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A Small Taste of Saturday….

T.G.F.B.- That stands for “Thank Goodness For Brianna”.  She’s a good friend of mine who happens to also be wonderful with photoshop (which I am not).   She helped me put a little collage together of last Saturday’s Wedding with Leasa & Dane. These images are from my whimpy ol’ canon camera that I took in a rush as we set up, but she spiced them up a bit. I wanted to share the beautiful floral design by the talented Marcia L. Johnson. The color was stunning! :)  Next week, you’ll get to see a more professional approach to the images of the day thanks to a slideshow from Michael of Memories by Michael.  I always have a great time working with him and this wedding was tons of fun! Yay! So Stay Tuned!

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Leasa & Dane (Rancho Las Lomas) Video Clip

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Click here for: Leasa & Dane’s Wedding Video Clip - Studio West Video 

This past Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous day!  Leasa & Dane hired me for their fabulous Spring Wedding and we had a blast pulling together all the fun and beautiful details! The whole vibe of the day was awesome. (Yes I am using that word!) I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to see everyone around having FUN at all hours of the day and night.  Our team of vendors at this wedding were top notch and I will be posting some images soon from the talented Michael of Memories By Michael Photography. In the meantime, I thought I’d share a  tear jerker video clip from Dirk of Studio West Videography.  The Knot Best of Weddings 2008 selected Dirk as their best of Videographer in Orange County and I am so excited for his success and recognition. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, HIRE a videographer!! If not for you, but for your future kids, family or just to watch on a rainy day when you want to go back in time to the most memorable day of your life!   My husband & I watch ours ALL the time and we get all sappy together watching our pre-ceremony nerves, the watery eyes,  and the excitement in our parents voices…..My dad’s toast still has me on the floor laughing !   Best Money Spent I say…..

Anyway, stay tuned for more on this wedding!  The Ceremony was in Dana Point at the St Edwards Church which is perched atop a cliff with a panoramic view of the ocean. So Serene…So Magical!

The guests were then brought to Rancho las Lomas for an elegant Reception. Nestled in between trees and hugging the Silverado Canyon, this is one of Orange County’s most UNIQUE Wedding Locations. Check out this gorgeous Tiger! One of many animals that are on the property. This venue IS to die for!

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Overall, this was a seamlessly stunning wedding celebration and I was so thrilled to be apart of it! Hope you are enjoying your Honeymoon Leasa & Dane! (((HUGS)))

Cheers to the Newlyweds!  Stay tuned for more!

Andrea & Chris 3.16.08 (Part 2)

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Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach CA

I promised you sneak peeks and HERE they are!  I was so excited to check my inbox and see an email from Jim Kennedy! (He has even more on his blog). Last Sunday was an absolute dream come true for my bride & groom, Andrea & Chris.  I always love working at the Surf & Sand Resort……it holds the most breathtaking Ocean View for a Laguna Beach Ceremony.

As I mentioned in my post below, the morning of the wedding was clear as clear can get, and then seconds before sending Andrea down the aisle, down came the rain. Hey, I must admit…..it made for the most stunning and memorable ceremonies I’ve seen this far.  They say it is good luck and BOY do I believe it!  What made it even more spectacular was how HAPPY everyone was. Both Andrea & Chris were gleaming from sheer excitement during their “I DO’s” and the guests were overjoyed to share this moment with them.

Chris and Andrea really wanted a great band so we brought in The Antix to rock the reception. Their energy was captivating and they never had that dance floor empty!  I cannot say enough great things about this band! Simply Spectacular! 

I feel so lucky to get to be apart of such an amazing wedding! We had a ball throughout the planning and I couldn’t ask for better bride & groom!  Calm, Cool, Collected, and did I mention HILAROUS? When I first met with them, Chris had me crying from laughter. Our meetings were always tons of fun and I truly feel grateful that I was able to help them have that FUN wedding that they both wanted. I love it when my clients tell me that they really want a big party and a good time for their guests…..and we had JUST THAT!

  Flower Allie brought in the amazing floral design (more pics coming of the reception details). I’ll have even more pictures to share soon from Jim Kennedy so stay tuned. Until then….ENJOY! 

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This is one of my favorite pictures! Andrea looks vibrant!! jkpropic1.jpg

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Taking in a moment alone before the ceremony……….jkpropic13.jpg

Always with a taste of humor, Don Johnson delivered a touching & personal ceremony.jkpropic14.jpg

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The Happy Couple! Sportin the Vans!jkpropic17.jpg

Sharing a celebratory cigar with his buddies….We had a cigar lounge set up in the cocktail area.

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Chris & Andrea wanted to surprise their guests with a little late night snack….Jack in the Box Tacos. Yum!

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The Photo Cabina was brought in by Jim Kennedy and was a HUGE hit! I filled a basket with props and the booth was never empty! Good Times for all. (I even took a few myself with my assistants….maybe I’ll share that later.)

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Thank you Andrea & Chris for letting me be apart of your big day!! I’ll miss you both! Cheers to many many years of love & laughter!  (((HUGS)))

The Fabulous Team:

Photographer: Jim Kennedy

Videographer: DV Artistry

Flowers: Flower Allie Weddings

Officiant: Don Johnson 

Band: The Antix

Chair & Linen Rentals: Fusion Linens

Lounge Furniture: Lounge Appeal

Uplighting: Atmosphere Entertainment

Sneak Peek! A Taste of Laguna…….

 3.15.08  - Andrea & Chris - Surf & Sand - Laguna Beach, CA.

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Wow! What a gorgeous day!   I just received an AWESOME  Video Clip: (Special thanks to Daniel of www.DVArtistry.com .

I cannot tell you how fabulous it is to have a PERFECT team for a Laguna Beach Wedding.  I may not have pictures yet, but I CAN share the most amazing video of the most perfect day by Daniel of DV Artisty!

The day was pure…..the Laguna clouds were clear…..the day was spectacular….everything was set perfectly for the most amazing Laguna nuptials………..then as soon as I sent my gorgeous bride down the aisle…..it poured.  Believe it or not…….It was actually BEAUTIFUL….My Arizona Bride, Andrea, was so excited to be married to the most amazing man, that she hardly noticed that her cheeks were dripped with rain tears! A sight to be seen! Every guest revelled in the fact that it was raining yet the ocean gave peace! I’ve never experienced this before but the rain actually brought a dramatic dimension and the kiss tells the story.   

Andrea and Chris were a dream come true for me and I am so thrilled that Daniel of DV Artistry was able to capture it all in his talented way.  As a surprise, the guests were able to see the same day wedding edit from Daniel and it was the TALK of the reception. The tears were flowing and the guests were laughing…..If anyone is considering a videographer, I HIGHLY suggest you grab this amazing talent.  He brought his own equipment and set up a surprise for ALL the guests to see…………..Check it out! I still have goosebumps and I KNOW that everyone LOVED to watch the clip at this awesome and swanky wedding!

More Pics to follow……….We had a photobooth from Photo Cabina that captured HILAROUS moments and a setting that the bride and I collaboratively designed that is magazine worthy!  I cannot wait to share it all with you! Flower Allie Weddings delivered a stunning scene…….and Stay Tuned for MORE pictures! ….Think…..Beach….Black…..White…..Damask….Pink……and SPANKIN New Black chivairis thanks to Fusion Linens!! Whooo hoo, I love Angel …..he does big favors for his wedding planners and clients!

More details and pics from Jim Kennedy to follow!

 HUGS  ALL Around!

Orange Coast Weddings Magazine Launch Party!!

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Wow!   What a HUGE honor! I was invited to the “Who’s Who?!” Party of the Year.  The Very Fresh & The Very New “Orange Coast Weddings Magazine” Launch Party at the super fab Montage in Laguna Beach.  Wooo Wheee!  To be invited to an event like this is so surreal. It almost feels like I am on another planet!  For those that haven’t met me yet, becoming a wedding planner is one of those dreams I MADE happen……driven by blood, sweat, tears and here I am with a taste of recognition!  I love meeting the extra special professionals from Orange County & LA and this is one of those moments that I really FEEL that I’ve arrived!  

 I decided to bring my always supportive and ever-positive husband, Donny- “ALL SMILES”-Johnson-!  What a friggen’ trooper!  Poor guy! I socially danced around the ballroom and said “HI” to those I knew & worked with……and even those I admired!  I just took it all in……and my dear Donny did not wander……… although there was a candy table bigger than our kitchen….and by golly, he was in hog heaven when he saw that sushi bar!  I must admit, I actually did lose him after that…. BUT HEY He deserves it too!! What a rockstar husband!  He puts up with my long and whacky hours and my wedding-ish-gaga-devotion. He deserves that damn sushi bar!!!  We even had some fun in the Red Cheese Photobooth! (I never know how to pose in those booths, but darnit I had fun!)

The pictures I am sharing below are from the EVER Amazing Jasmine Star.  I am in ABSOLUTE AWE of her talent! If you haven’t seen her work already I REALLY suggest you check out her amazing website & blog.  She’s on my blogroll already but I’ve been dying work with her! So for all my brides and grooms to be, check this Chickadee out! You’ll be inspired by her images and her eye for Emotion is BIGGER than your dreams! (((BIG HUGS)))

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Some RedCheese Photobooth fun! What’s cool about this photobooth is even after the big party and good times, you can upload your pictures online!  ocwpartypic2.jpg

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Welcome to my New Blog!

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That’s right! I’ve moved to this new spot and I love the new layout and options to post bigger and better pictures! Thank you for your support and fabulous comments on my blog posts! I read them all and LOVE hearing feedback!

Coming soon:

My attendance at the “Orange Coast Weddings Magazine Launch Party” at the Montage in Laguna Beach! I’ve also been published in “Your Wedding Day” Magazine and I am so thrilled to share the pages with you!