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 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’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!

The basics of a wedding are all the same, no matter who the couple is.  Here’s a list of opportunities to put your personal mark on your wedding.

1.  Ask your caterer to prepare you or your finance’s favorite dish or your grandma’s holiday pie that’s a family tradition.

2.  Design a personal logo as an element of decor throughout your wedding - invitations, menu/place cards, lighting, favors, and cake toppers

3.  Instead of the tried and true wedding march, have your ceremony musicans play a song that’s special to the both of you.

4.  Design your own wine.  At the reception or cocktail hour, service wine that you’ve made yourselves.  Try Crushpad in San Francisco.  If you’re in an area without wineries, create your own wine lables.  Try www.bottleyourbrand.com

Every movie with a wedding scene always has the bride and groom happily making a grand exit from the ceremony or reception as all their guests surround them with well wishes and love as they start a new life as husband and wife.

What happened to the grand exit?  I love this part of the wedding.  The Grand Exit has somehow faded away from wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Now, it seems like guests rush off after the ceremony to avoid traffic jams trying get to the reception site.  On the other hand, receptions fizzle like a night club when the lights come up and the bride and groom are left with a handful of straggling guests.

Bring back this classic tradition and plan a Grand Exit with style.  Your guests can send you off with rose petals, bubbles, or sparklers.  Don’t forget about the time honored tradition of decorating the get away car with "Just Married" decorations.  It’s such a great moment to capture via photo or video.    

Let your wedding planner, photographer, and DJ/MC know what time you will be making your grand exit and they will alert and coordinate your guests for you.

P.S. No confetti - it’s too messy.  It gets stuck in your hair, eyelashes, cleavage, etc.

I love winter weddings!  It combines my two favorite things - the holiday season and weddings.

Although some may feel that a holiday wedding is inconvenient, it has many positive attributes.

First, all of your family is usually in town to celebrate the holiday - why "knot" kill two birds with one stone and celebrate a wedding.

Second, every wedding venue is already decorated with beautiful holiday decor that will perfectly accent your winter wedding.  This can save you extra money in your budget.

Third, in this tough and tight economy, corporations are cancelling their holiday parties.  Vendors will be more than willing to offer freebies, discounts, and include additional services at no additional cost.