I think Fiona and I have been EQUALLY giddy to have me blog these images. Seriously, Luna Photo has outdone themselves with these! They are truly breath-taking and I know you’ll agree!!!
Check out those yellow kicks!!!
LOVE that it looks like a “stolen moment” on a street corner. But, by far, hands down, my absolute favorite that made me gasp allowed when I saw it….
Like, seriously??? I know, RIGHT! Soo stinking romantic, sexy, lovely, appropriate, artsy, amazing and full of goodness! I cannot WAIT for their wedding in August [with a funky fresh fun pallet of orange and lime]!!! Fio and V, you two are a match made in the heavens! I loooove your love!
Wednesday July 02nd 2008, 8:40 am
Filed under: Personal
“I know, right??”
1. This Monday I went over to my parent’s for dinner with my mom and sister. I really felt the need for a drink and since lately I don’t “do” soda, I picked up a can of diet lemonade [yes, still a can… probably still carbonated, but still!!]. I opened it, took one sip… and it was totally sour. Like, sour lemon candy. Not FOUL, but pretty gross. I look at the can which says on the side “for best flavor, drink by the date on the bottom”. Guess what the date on the bottom was??? October 2005. I kid you not. The worst part was that my mom said she KNEW they were sour and yet still “loves to put them in her diet coke” she swears “they’re yummy”. Gives me the shivers!
2. Fact about me: when I was young my small, small elementary school used to hold bookmark contests every year. Each grade would have a winner [we’d basically illustrate a bookmark and the winner’s would be copied, laminated, and given to all the students]. Somehow, 4 out of my 6 years I won! It was great. I also illustrated the cover of the yearbook in 6th grade [each year a 6th grader would win the yearbook cover contest]. Artsy am I, apparently!!
3. The heat has been killing me lately. While Josh and I LOVE our condo in Mission Viejo, it seems like our air conditioning just can’t keep up. Sometimes it smells like it’s burning so we try to give it a rest periodically. I came home from running errands today and the INSIDE of our home was 86 degrees. Seriously!!! And to add to that, our fan in our bedroom finally pooped out. It sounds like it’s out of oil or something because it’s creeky and ricketty and seriously un-useable. Sad face!
4. Josh fact- this 4th of July [which, I have a wedding on!!!] is the 10th anniversary of Josh’s house burning down. Yes, his house burned down. On the 4th. And he was home, asleep. He and some friends [his parents were away] barely made it out alive before the roof collapsed onto his bed- all this we owe to a drunk dude whose girlfriend accidentally made a wrong turn driving him home. The guy broke down Josh’s door and got them out safe. He actually had his story written in a random “Chicken Soup for the Soul” affiliated book called True. Also, it’s kinda OUR 10 year anniversary in a way because I met Josh a week after his house burned down! He lost everything he owned and was still the caring, loving, easy-going guy he is today!
5. Wedding Trend I’m crazy for: original music for your “walk”! Brandon, an associate and good friend of Josh’s is finishing up his master’s degree in composition and is truly an accomplished composer of original music. He’s getting into the swing of offering his services to create unique, original music for couples for their big day. What better way to make your wedding remarkable! He did this for his brother’s wedding, and everyone loved it so much that her sister is now using it in her ceremony as well! You can hear a mere snippit of Brandon’s talent here!
6. Speaking of music… I’m an avid fan of So You Think You Can Dance [I believe we covered this last week] and every time I hear that Leona Lewis Song “Bleeding Love” I cannot help but think of the GORGEOUS routine that was choreographed to it last week. Holy. Moly. View it with me once more:
7. One of Bex, my sissy face-face, nicknames for me is “Mand-e-harmony”. Mainly because every time I meet a single guy I have to consider them for her. But, I’m picky. Probably more picky than her! Okay.. maybe not. It’s just because I love love soo much. I’m so happy in my marriage that how could I NOT want everyone to have what I do??
8. VERY exciting news that I’ll keep a bit cryptic for now- my best friend [I probably have 4 total that know me heart and soul] is pregnant with triplets. EEEEEk. Can you believe it? I’ve affectionately coined them “the trinity” and will be referring to them as such from here on out. Also, my mind is already cooking up the incredible baby shower that is in the works….
9. In case anyone hasn’t noticed yet, I dress very very simple! Most days I’m wearing plain t-shirts or button up shirts. I hardly ever wear graphics on my close. I’m 99% of the time in jeans [though lately, I’ve been into dresses because of the heat!]. I don’t consider my style boring, but more modern and clean- just like my work style. Not sure why, but it’s always been ME!
10. That being said, my FAVE discovery today is the idea of the gold wedding shoe. I do LOVE a cute, intricate pair of shoes, even though my style is so simple. I signed onto Facebook [add me as a friend!!!] today and got directed to a shoe ad, and from there… the sickness started. SO, for some inspiration:
The New Classic:
The Funky Urban:
The Simple Elegant:
The Detailed Flat:
The Blingin’ Pair:
I knoooow right?? I love them all!
I have a few more days of emailing and paperwork before I’m off to enjoy a lovely 4th of July in Marina Del Rey! I cannot WAIT for this holiday event and for the gorgeousness that is surely to accompany it! Stay tuned for pictures galore!
Well, I must say that I was avoiding going through my pictures from this weekend because I thought I’d failed you all! But, it turns out there’s still plenty of images to blog! Brenna and Ryan are the CUTEST couple, ever. They’re young and in love and soo sweet! Their day was filled with friends and family [literally- packed to the rafters] and yet still it felt intimate and close. I loved every bit of it! But, here are some images to prove that!!
We worked with some GREAT vendors, including Chair Covers 4 Less for our linens and Just Chair Covers for our, well, chair covers! The room turned out perfectly!
The room was aglow with candles!
Personalized matchbooks!
Our cost-economic centerpieces turned out to be a perfect amount of chic on their day!
These cupcakes were made by Brenna along with friends and family. The main “scheme” of the day was black and white, but really, it was all colors. Just WAIT until you see her home-made bouquets. They’re so bright and cheery!!
See that cake cutting set in the corner? This was Brenna’s something borrowed. It is from her parent’s wedding, who just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary earlier this year!
The head table:
Our ceremony set up was simple: black chairs and some petals.
[Workin’ it]
My gorgeous, teary bride!
Love that dad is so WITH her in this moment!
“…and, cue music!”
Seeing her guests…
Seeing Ryan!
Married!!! [Sorry, no shots of the ceremony!!]
For “cocktail hour” at this dry event, we made the guests shirley temples as our signature drink! They were a HIT and we couldn’t even keep them on the table!! I wish I had a picture of them, but I don’t!! For dinner, we pulled out tubs of rootbeer, the groom’s favorite, and it looked tooo cute!
Their pastor with the bride and groom for some post-ceremony portraits:
My fave! Brenna, WORKING IT for me while Ryan tends to their daughter, Dakota! I wish that I’d gotten a thousand more photos of this little family… but until their photographer comes back with photos, this will have to do!
Grand Entrance:
Into their fun, silly, laid back first dance:
Even though there’s an arm in the way, I really LOVE that shot. Is that weird?
Speeches came next:
A tear-filled speech from Ryan’s brother, Anthony, had the whole room choked up and laughing simultaneously!
Not a dry eye, at this point…
Now, a few words from Dad!
Straight into dancin’ with Dad
Ryan and Mom
The girls, watching [loved this!]
Brenna put together an AWESOME slideshow:
Time to cut the cake! I had a terrible angle for this one, but you get the idea:
And then, their grand exit! Dad helping Bren with her big dress into the car:
Right before she tossed her bouquet out the window to one of the girls. Soo cute! I loved it!!
All in all, the day was filled with SO much love, support and family that cared for Brenna, Ryan and baby D! I was honored to be a part of such a family affair and to feel like part of it for a few days was so special to me! B & R- I hope that your day was everything you wanted it to be, and I hope that your life is more than everything you’ve dreamed it to be!!! I’ll hold you in my heart always!
Here’s two for the road that I took a quick moment to edit, old-fashioned style [which is my new fave for make a blurry pic salvage-able!]:
Okay, so this may be a “1 of 2″ posts for Cyn and Derek, but I just HAD to show you what Stephanie Williams has been up to with these two! Cyn and Derek are one EXTREMELY lucky duo because not only are they working with the FAB Stephanie for their wedding, but Cyn’s maid of honor is none other that the amazingly talented Susan of En Pointe Photography! Since Susan’s in the wedding, she can’t shoot on the day-of, but the couple and her have every intention of planning a 2nd engagement shoot to add beauty to the world! For now, these images from Stephanie will more than quench my need for pro pics!! Here’s three of my fave:
[Sorry, Derek. You were reduced to a blur on that one, but it’s WELL worth it for your hotttt fiance!!]
I know, right? Ridiculous! Go visit Stephanie’s blog for more!!! Now!
Thursday June 26th 2008, 10:03 pm
Filed under: Vendors
Okay so, the bride and groom from the protected post below had the honor of using the amazingly-talented-up-and-comer [book him now, ladies!!!] Wayne Toshikazu for their day. Now, UNFORTUNATELY, since they’re trying to keep their small, intimate wedding a private affair against this public world, I can’t blog anything that shows off who the bride and groom are. BUT, since Wayne got some killer details and it’s totally worth showing his style, here’s some detail shots from their day:
Since Wayne is JUST getting started into the industry, I hear he’ll be offering some amazingly great deals to second shoot… from what I talked about below, this is the time to jump on options like him!
Wayne, I wish I could show HALF of the brilliance that you caught in still frames! I seriously love them with every ounce of me!!
Wednesday June 25th 2008, 8:36 am
Filed under: Personal
New tradition! I’m starting a weekly random blog about things that are important to me, things that aren’t, and everything in between!!
1. I am counting down the days until I can get an iPhone. I cannot believe how long I’ve been in the industry [and I pride myself on answering emails quickly] without a phone that I can check my email on. Because of this, I get stuck at home! But hey, I’m committed! Right now I’m waiting for the release of the new version in early July [before, I was waiting for my verizon contract to end…]!
2. I have a long laundry list of pet peeves. If I can recall any specifically, I’ll try to post one a week. BUT, we’ll see. Today’s pet peeve: since I’m left handed, when I write with certain pens, ink will get all OVER the side of my hand. I avoid all “wet” pens like the plague. I mainly use Bic Click Stick pens exclusively. When my company invests in pens [which I’m totally into this idea and want to SOON], it will be these pens. Since you can’t buy them at stores, I’m forced to use pens from places like Howard’s Appliances, The Doubletree Hotel, and random Realtors!
3. Funny Josh-ism: One time, in reference to a very tall thin person, Josh used the expression “tall cup of glass” as opposed to the real term, “tall drink of water”. Oh how I love him!
4. FACT: The only bridal magazines that I read and order [and that I feel are worth any time after you’ve got a ring and dress!!!] are Martha Stewart Weddings, The Bride and Bloom, and Ceremony Magazine. Seriously, people!!!
5. Gas prices are seriously KILLING me lately! Driving a Yukon sure doesn’t help, but honestly. It’s crazy how quick $100 goes lately, right?? At some point, I want to buy one of these:
6. Lately I’ve been super into my domestication. I want to bake. And cook. Well, cooking is easier for me since I don’t have a mixer here in my condo, but seriously! People like THIS make me need to bake!!!
7. Favorite event idea of the moment: I’m soo diggin’ the clients who hire an up-and-coming photographer to second or third shoot for them [even hiring them independently!]. This is a GREAT way to score a killer deal on an aspiring photographer, and it allows your day to be captured by multiple creative “eyes”! Plus, for the low price that most of these photographers are charging, it’s totally do-able for even the smallest budget!
8. My favorite reality shows of the moment: top chef [LOVE that stephanie won! though, richard put up a GREAT fight!!], project runway, america’s next top model [my sister protests this always], so you think you can dance [who is better than cat deely? she is soo elegant and sweet!], kathy griffin, and last comic standing [though, enough of the auditions, already!]. wow, that sounds like a LOT of TV. it’s not that bad.. i don’t think!
9. I found this website a while back and fell in love. I own a pantone guide for color reference [even though I feel that I’m a measly graphic designer!], but I just cannot get enough of having it accessible at any time online. Yessss.
10. I’m really, REALLY into music [duh, my husband like MAKES it for a living!]. Right now, my fave is Jesca Hoop. Last month my whole family went to see her down at this dumpy club in our area. It was soo awesome! Just her, a few guitars, a bass, and a backup singer. The harmonies were insane! Take a listen to a few of her songs here but really my favorite you’d have to buy on iTunes. It’s called “Seed of Wonder” and you can read the lyrics here. Love it!
Business lately has been great! After 2 official weekends “off” from events, it gave me an amazing amount of time to take care of my summer clients and I cannot WAIT for my summer events to kick into high gear! I love each and every client so much and get so attached. Can’t wait to see these brides walk down the aisle to their men! Knowing that I can be a part of it makes my heart happy. Thanks for helping me love my job!!!
***This post is for my clients, friends, and family to see the work that I’ve done for my most recent couple. To respect their privacy to the utmost degree, any picture or dialogue with personal information is in the password protected post below. Thank you for understanding, and please enjoy the details!!***
Since I already wrote a full blog for friends and family of the bride and groom, I’m going to limit myself to minimal commentary about the day. BUT, since I made the personal florals myself [all bouquets and boutonnieres], I wanted to make sure that they, along with a few other amazing details, made it up onto the blog! Plus, I took a few pretty good pics. I love it when I get lucky with the camera!!
I am a SUCKER for fresh-stem bouts. I whipped these up for the guys and saved a peony and two mini callas for the groom’s bout. Since it’s tradition to have the groom’s flower look like it was plucked from the bride’s bouquet and given to the bride, I wrapped them in the same color of fabric [light silver grey]. Love it!
The bride’s bouquet turned out gorgeous! BUT, it was a total labor of love. Ladies, PLEASE respect your florists!!!!!
I know, right? The peonies came out sooo delicious!
The couple had their reception in their loft area [in the courtyard mainly, with dancing and cake inside]. This is their amazingly funky chandelier:
Maid bouqs:
A close close close up of the mom’s nosegay bouquets [all in all, 3 mom bouquets, 6 bridesmaids, and a bride!]
The bridesmaids all came together two nights before the wedding and made 258 cupcakes for the guests [well more than enough for this intimate affair]- not only were they super cute, they were sooo yummy!!
[That’s our champagne, chilling after we took out all of the cupcakes]
The bride, after the wedding, wore a fresh peony in her hair. Since I’m big on options, I ran these upstairs during the cermeony:
First Congregationalmade a gorgeous vintage style backdrop and set the tone for the day!
Back to the reception…
Their custom cake topper was made by two of their friends, and totally fit their mexican-fiesta style vibe!
A moment during the first dance- and the closest we’re going to get to the bride and groom!
And, my mom’s favorite image of the day [she said she’d frame it and hang it above the mantle!]:
