Category Archives: beach

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Real Weddings: Melissa & David = True Love

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There was something about this couple.  An energy that is impossible to describe with words. The flicker in their eyes. The way they held hands as they walked to their car after our first consultation. I was captivated by their admiration for each other. It seemed to come too easily and from our first introduction, I knew I would have an absolute blast helping them plan the wedding of their dreams.  This was a couple that inspired my design senses. They wanted help creating a rich, warm and FUNtastic event that would stand the test of time and with this couple…..I knew that would be easy to do!  We had so much fun with all the details and our meetings were always filled with laughter and again….that sense of ease. I get giddy when I am priveledged to work with clients like this! 

With good taste and a keen sense of style, Melissa and David hammered away at selecting the most fabulous wedding professionals to create their once in a lifetime celebration.  There ARE key ingredients to wedding planning success…….AMAZING WEDDING PROFESSIONALS!!  The venue they chose to hold their reception have stellar views, ocean access,  impeccable ballrooms, and service like no other!  I LOVE the The Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach!  

Melissa & David also knew that they wanted to take care of their guests! With tasty food, a Photobooth, and late night snacks……all were impressed indeed!  There was a buzz throughout the ballroom and the Newlyweds were gleaming with excitement all evening!  I still have goosebumps from the emotions of the day. David, with his honest eyes and handsome smile and Melissa with her radiant beauty…….they were both overwhelmed with  happiness.

The images you are about to see are from the kind and talented Brandon Kidd of Brandon Kidd Photography. His work is so beautiful and emotional that they make you feel as if you were IN the photograph.   This was the first time working with Brandon and it seems I’ve found a pot of gold at the end of an incredible rainbow. Edgy, vibrant, and artistic.  The guests were thrilled when he pulled out a flatscreen and set up a slideshow of edited images during the reception. YES! He edited them that quick.  I loved every single image and you will too!  Sorry….I couldn’t pick just a few so I took all the images Brandon was willing to share! Us Planners LOVE photos at the end of our weddings! Instant gratification!

Speaking of images… We have an amazing clip to share with you from Weddings by SML! Steven Luxenburg of Weddings by SML put together this swanky and fun demo clip from Melissa & David’s big day. Turn up your volume because it will make your heart race! Thanks Steve! CHECK IT OUT by Clicking here!! 

Back to the pics…..here’s an amazing collage that brings it all together.

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After that splash of excitement, We MUST start with the shoes right?

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Check out her dress……

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I truly believe it was made just for her….

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David and Melissa were super smart and decided to see each other prior to their ceremony so they could take advantage of the sunlight and their rockstar photographer. I HIGHLY recommend this! md0017.jpg

 Of course, I know Brandon has an easy time with subjects like these. Hello Your Hotness!

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A fun twirl on the beach…….

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 The beautiful ladies….md006.jpg

Melissa is such a doll……..md005.jpg

And of course the Hunky Gents….. md007.jpg

All-together-now….

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Now this is what I call ART….

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The lucious flowers were designed by the one and only Allison of Flower Allie Weddings. md1.jpg

As usual Carina of Flawless Faces hit it out of the park with her skills. How gorgeous is Melissa’s makeup? Seriously, Wow!

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 A heartfelt wedding ceremony held at the St Denis Catholic Church in Diamond Bar. A tear jerker for sure! md008.JPG

 Then off to the reception! 

The festivites began at one of my favorite OC Venues….Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach. Good service, kind staff, and one heck of a chef! Yum!  Again, flowers were by Flower Allie Weddings.

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Table Linens & Chair covers were supplied by my favorite linen supplier Fusion Linens. Joe Paxton of Atmosphere Entertainment was not only their DJ, but he also provided the LED lighting that helped create the mood. What an impact!

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This elegant sign in photo guestbook was filled to the brim with meaningful messages from their friends & loved ones! Created with Engagement Images by Brandon Kidd Photography.

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The incredible cake creation by Rossmoor Pastries.

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 Red Carpet Photo brought in the crazy fun photobooth that captured some of my favoite images of the evening! What was fantastic was that they brought in props and their technicians even guided guests into creating clever poses. Loved it!

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 Of course, I had to get in on the fun! Please disregard the poor image quality….My scanner isn’t the best scanner for photos.

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Brianna has assisted me on a bazillion weddings and I don’t know what I’d do without her. We always have fun working together as you can see…….

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Thanks to Joe Paxton of AE, The dancefloor was packed ALL night!

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A Dance with Dad. 

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Did I mention how amazing Brandon Kidd of Brandon Kidd Photography is? Possibly my favorite image ALL time.

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Thank you Melissa and David for sharing this experience with ME. I had such an amazing time and I hope your wedding was everything you dreamed of and more!  You are a beautiful couple and your wedding was one that I will never forget! I know we’ll be in touch!! Cheers!

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And the awards go to…….

Photography:  Brandon Kidd Photograpy

Videography: Weddings By SML Steve Luxenburg

Ceremony: St Denis Catholic Church 

Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Floral Decor: Flower Allie Weddings 

Linens & Chair Covers: Fusion Linens

Makeup: Carina Flawless Faces Inc

DJ & Lighting: Joe Paxton AE Entertainment 

PhotoBooth- Red Carpet Photo 

Cake: Rossmoor Pastries 

Stationary: Serendipity Designs Inc

Real Weddings: Jennifer + Neil 8.09.08 Newport Beach Marriott

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They’re Married!   Jennifer and Neil were an absolute dream to work with!  I felt like I was planning my little sisters wedding! They had 2 back to back weddings. The first was on Friday that was a gorgeous Indian Ceremony (Jim Kennedy Blogged about this one as well).  They had hired me for the second wedding…..their 8/9/08 nuptuals at the stellar Newport Beach Marriott.  We had such a fun time planning Jenn & Neils big day. I am so sad it’s over!   This couple was meant for each other. True soulmates ALL the way.  So much emotion…such a warm couple…….This is why I love my job!

It was a gorgeous day & Jim Kennedy was there to capture all the gorgeous elements and emotional moments. He’s a rockstar and I LOVE working with him! It’s such a treat when my clients hire a dream team of vendors and Jennifer & Neil had ALL my favorites.

Carina of Flawless Faces started it off with perfection and gave Jennifer that stunning glow. She’s another one of my favorites to work with.  Flawless is right!  We <3 Carina!

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I love it when the bride and groom agree to do the pictures before the ceremony. I cannot tell you how much I encourage this.  The first sees are my favorite moments!

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The vibrant floral creations were by Allison of Flower Allie Weddings.  If you haven’t noticed we work together A LOT.  We collaborate extremely well and I love having her help me put mine and my clients vision to life. 

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Some FUN before the Ceremony

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 Ceremony Time!

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More Beautiful Pics!

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 Time to Party!

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First Dance

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Jenn’s Man of Honor. I love this guy! :)

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Jennifer & Neil, I hope you had the BEST day of your lives!  I feel so blessed to be apart of this amazing union and I feel lucky just to know you. I am sure we’ll stay friends for a very long time!  Have fun in Bora Bora!!

The Dream Team:

Venue: Marriott Newport Beach 

Makeup Artist: Carina Flawless Faces

Photographer: Jim Kennedy Photography

Floral Design: Flower Allie Weddings

Videography: Joe Today’s the Day Weddings

DJ:  Battleston Entertainment- Jeff

Linens & Chairs: Fusion Linens

Bakery/Cake: Rockwells Bakery

Real Weddings: Celeste + Chris = Puppy Love

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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

Real Weddings: Carrie & Derek = Magic In Malibu!

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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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Real Weddings: Andrea & Chris, Surf & Sand3.16.08 (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

Dark clouds make for dramatically beautiful pictures like this…jkpropic15.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

Real Weddings: Clara & Todd = Beach Side Bliss!

Sorrrrrrrry ladies and gents, I am a little behind on blogging, but had to share a few pictures from a wedding I did last July 27th. Todd and Clara are an exceptionally LOVEABLE couple. Everytime I met with them, they became closer than clients and more like GOOD friends that are planning a fun party together! They have a great connection and compliment each other so well that it was always awesome to be in their presence! We had LOTS of fun together before and even AFTER their BIG DAY! Some of my favorite moments with my bride & groom’s is talking about the “behind the scene action” and we were elated with FUN stories and happy moments from the after bliss! Miss them already!!

Their wedding day could not have been more beautiful, touching, inspiring, and heart felt…..Oh and did I mention, it was ON the beach? La Palapa is a hidden gem in Belmont Shore that has a fab view of the ocean and a ballroom above their restaurant for the reception. What a GREAT set up!! I had such a blast helping them save lots of mooolah by creating these fab apothacary wish jar centerpieces! It took several trips to the local discount glass store, but we did SCORE didnt we guys?!! Oh, and this is officially the FIRST wedding that showcased a Magician during cocktail hour? Jeff Palmer was amazing! Think David Blaine & Chris Angel, with a Willy Wonka personality!!TOO FUN!! And who doesn’t love a color coordinated candy buffet? I had fun with this one!

The ever talented Photographer Renee Broughton captured the sweet moments and details and sent me a few to share for your viewing pleasure! Thanks Renee!! There are also some OBVIOUS non -pro pics in here as well, but I’m sure you’ll see the difference…..