You have to be pretty creative to be a wedding planner.  Instead of using my creative skills to plan an event, I decided to make a gift for my girlfriend’s son’s first birthday instead of buying one.

The nursery theme is jungle/safari so I decided to construct something from scratch.  I channeled Bob Villa.  I primed, painted, and assembled wood and this was the result…The cutest child’s chair ever!

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First and foremost - Can you believe that the bride’s mother made her dress and veil?  It was gorgeous and impeccably made.  You would have never guessed that it didn’t come from a bridal shop.  The couple was married in Our Lady of Angels in Downtown LA, took photos at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, and held their reception at a private estate.  The color palette was Sage Green and Eggplant.  The style was backyard chic infused with elements of their Mexican culture and traditions:

• Loteria cards as table numbers
• Churro station w/ caramel and chocolate sauce and ice cream in lieu of a wedding cake
• Mariachi Band
• Tequila shot instead of a traditional champagne toast
• Chicken Mole and Black Bean Chilaquiles entree

Photography:  Steve D Photography

I’m obsessed with headbands.  I have accumulated about 40 of them over the past year.  I was wearing a particular fabulous one last week with a fishnet veil and a satin rose.  The woman who complimented me said she loved my "hair flair."

Hair Flair is the perfect description for my growing collection of hair accessories.  This new, funky term made think that brides are stepping outside of the box and leaving the traditional veil behind.  In fact two of my fierce brides chose hair flair instead of a veil.

Instead of a veil, try rocking some of this hair flair:

• Headband
• Feathers
• Fresh flowers
• Jewelry
• Fascinators

I had a client who wanted to celebrate the Mexican heritage of her fiance by incorporating the traditional elements of Dia de los Muertos.

Even though the English translation is Day of the Dead, this Mexican holiday is not morbid.  In fact, it is a celebration of loved ones who have passed away.  Dia de Los Muertos is a festive day with bright colors (fuschia, purple, orange), hand painted calveras (skulls), papel picado, and an "ofrenda."  An "ofrenda" is a table of offerings for loved ones that have passed away.  Typically, the "ofrenda" has pictures of your loved ones and their favorite things.

I fell in love with the color pink after watching the movie Pretty in Pink.  I became addicted to pink after I saw Shelby’s Blush and Bashful wedding in Steel Magnolias.  After that, pink became my signature color too!  100% of the time, I am wearing or carrying something pink.  I just love this color!  I don’t know if I like the color because I look great it in or because I’m a girly girl.  Who cares?  Pink is wonderful!

I will be exhibiting at the Orange County Wedding & Event Wedding Show on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza in Irvine from 12-4pm.  The show is free for brides and their fiances.  This also includes free parking and lots of prizes and giveaways.

At this show, you will be able to see examples of my event design and floral design work and ask me tons of questions in preparation for your big day.  In addition, you will be able to meet the most professional wedding vendors in Orange County. 

After seeing my event and floral design skills, you will be able to meet talented DJs, lighting professionals, photographers, videographers, caterers, see beautiful rentals & linens, and so much more!

For more information, please visit: www.orangecountyweddingcenter.com/wedding_show_2010.html

I hope to see you all there!

Hey all you lucky brides!

I just received word that the Nixon Library is giving 50% off their regular rental rate for Saturday evening on March 6, 2010.  This is a STEAL!  Usually, the Nixon Library goes for $7K on a Saturday.

Make sure to jump on this deal - QUICKLY!

I’ve been commissioned to turn the patio at Lucille’s BBQ into the French Quarter in New Orleans for a wedding reception next fall.

First, I was totally caught off guard by the location.  Who knew Lucille’s did wedding receptions?  Well, up until now, they didn’t.  This will be their first wedding reception and it’s up to me to transform this space according to my bride’s vision.

When I think BBQ, I envision red & white gingham, mason jars, daisies, and lemonade.  Scrap that!  I will be implementing elements of the French Quarter using black wrought iron lanterns, panels, candelabras, and hanging plants reminiscent of the balconies, pewter Fleur de Lis, and the streets signs in lieu of table numbers.  The live blues/jazz band and bananas foster cake will definitely tie everything together.

I have my work cut out for me, but I’m up to the challenge.  I’m also super excited!

Bridesmaids dresses have come a long way, but I’m not convinced that anyone wears these dresses again.  I know mine have been in the back of my closet in garment bags and haven’t seen the light of day since the wedding.  I have yet to find a social gathering where I could wear a floor length, red satin gown with a train.  Maybe if I found a rich millionaire like Richard Gere in Pretty Woman, I could wear it to the opera.

Trash the Dress photo sessions seem to be the latest trend.  At the session, brides will be photographed wearing their wedding gown while trying ruin and destroy the dress by getting it wet, dirty, or even tearing or destroying the dress in an outdoor setting.  I’ve seen sessions with mud, sand, red wine, water, etc.

I guess this is a modern, alternative option to storing and perserving the dress.  I can’t grasp the concept of this trend.  Maybe because I’m a girly girl and I love clothes.  I can’t imagine destroying anything that is beautiful or something that is associated with happy memories.  It also seems like a waste of money.  If you don’t want the dress and will never wear it again, why not sell it or donate it to charity?

On the other hand, I do understand Trashing the Dress after a nasty divorce.