I Do Monday Morning

WIPA Meeting featuring Sean Low

Today is the last day to register for the WIPA meeting coming up in Los Angeles next Wednesday, July 1 at the lowered rates.  You do not want to miss this one!  

WIPA Presents: Things May Not Always  Go According to Plan... But You Still Need to Have One

Who are you? What do you do?  These two questions are the heart and soul or "core values" of every creative Wedding business and what should help guide you in every decision you make; big and small to nurture it.

Sean Low, President of Preston Bailey Designs, Inc. and successful business consultant will make us think in different ways about how we identify who we are, what we do and how to translate the core of  each of our own creative business' values into our own marketing strategy, pricing methodology, customer service, and corporate structure. How will you make your plan work for YOU?
 

Sean Low is the President of Preston Bailey Designs, Inc. and business consultant to those in the business of being creative.  
Sean has a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his business experience ranges from law, investment banking, financial executive to small business owner.

Through his work with Preston and his other creative clients over the last six years - Vicente Wolf, Marcy Blum and Sylvia Weinstock to name a few - Sean has discovered his own creative passion: thinking about creative businesses - how they run, how to make them run better, helping them know who they are and then be the best at what they do.

You can read about Sean's approach to managing creative businesses on his blog:www.seansblog.typepad.com   

**FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND JULY 1, SEAN LOW WILL BE SPEAKING AT THE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd SAN FRANCISCO WIPA MEETING.

Registration Information Non-Member Fees are: $55 By June 24th $70 After June 24th Click here to register If you are a WIPA Founding Member you receive 4 complimentary meetings in 2009.  You may select not to have this meeting as one of your 4  "Comps".  If you select to not have July 1st count as a "Comp", the Members Fees are: $40 By June 24th $50 After June 24th Click here to register If you wish to select this meeting  as one of your 4 "Comp(s)" Click here to RSVP Please provide your name and indicate that you wish to attend the meeting at The Ritz Carlton REGISTRATION CLOSES  MONDAY, JUNE 29th at 6 p.m.  NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED Note:  Only the individual from your company whose name appears on the current WIPA Founding Membership Roster is considered a  Founding Member of WIPA.  If you have any questions regarding Founding Membership, please contact Cherie Flores, WIPA Director of Membership at 707-945-4549 or cflores@villagio.com *It is standard non-profit association policy not to offer refunds upon receiving registration and payment. Sorry for any inconvenience.

OVER NIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS Special Hotel Rates for WIPA Members The beautiful Ritz Carlton of Marina Del Rey has extended a special offer to WIPA Members. Please contact the reservations desk and refer to the WIPA Member Special Pricing. $179 a night for June 30th and July 1st only  Ritz Carlton  Marina Del Rey  4375 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 800.241.3333 310.823.1700 *Ask for Group Reservations For additional information regarding room blocks please emailjoyce@wipausa.org

Protect that Dress

Today I went to the IMATS or International Make-up Artist Trade Show.  There was make up for film and theatre and also tons of air-brush and mineral make-up and every imaginable type of make-up brush.  Lucky for me, it was open to the public and not just professionals.  I definitely got my money's worth by buying stuff at a discount, especially for make-up that never goes on sale.

One of the models at the MAC booth

One thing that I thought would be good for brides or planners to have in their emergency kits was the Garment Saver.  Some high-end stores have these types of things in their dressing rooms to protect their clothes while you're in there trying them on, but then what do you do when you go home?  

 

Sometimes brides or bridesmaids forget to wear something that's easy to take off once they get their hair and make-up done.  Other times, depending on the style of the dress, it may be tricky to get it on without getting any make-up on it.  

The product looks short on the drawing, but it's actually quite long and fits over your head and past your neck.  I considered taking a photo with the Garment Saver on, but quickly decided against it.  After all, the purpose of it isn't to make you look good, but to keep your precious dress or other garments looking perfect.

Thanks to Marnie and Melissa of Engaged Beauty for their tips on good buys at the show! 

Engaged Beauty has moved!

Engaged Beauty has moved and is now partnered with Salon Sol.

9430 Scranton Road Suite 105

San Diego, CA  92121

Engaged Beauty is offering 25% off one service until July 4 - pamper yourself today!

This summer's featured treatment is the Slimming Wrap: Tone your body with cutting edge treatment using pure 100% micronized green coffee that is naturally rich in chlorogenic acid polysaccharides proteins and essential oils. This slimming and toning wrap stimulates your body's ability to break down fat, increase metabolism and eliminate water retention. 

Shanna & Erik's Urban Wedding

An urban wedding reception at the Hard Rock Hotel marked the end of four nights of festivities related to the wedding of Shanna Sood and Erik Holindrake.

It was a busy time starting on Wednesday with a sangeet at the bride's house with an Indian dinner catered by Royal India.  Along with henna applications, there was a caricaturist there to add to the fun and the bride Shanna performed a dance.  Thursday was the rehearsal for the western wedding ceremony and Friday was the traditional Hindu ceremony at the Sood family residence.

The ceremony was held at St. Michael's church in Poway.  Pictured above are the bride's parents Paul and Indu Sood and in the middle are the groom's parents, James and Teresa Holindrake.

The bride's dress was by Maggie Sottero and the bridesmaids were free to select their own style dress from After Six.  All dresses were from Sandra Tour of Tour of Elegance. 

Avant Garde was the limo service used from Poway to the Gaslamp Quarter.  The Hard Rock Hotel is right in the middle of the downtown action with the Convention Center across the street and the Gaslamp sign right outside the reception room window.  Downtown was especially hopping that night with a Padres game going on just a couple blocks away.

Florals for the ceremony and reception were by Splendid Sentiments that designed a combination of tall and short arrangements.  Linens were by Concepts Party Rentals and the DJ was La Jolla DJs .  Tray passed hors d'oeuvres during the cocktail hour included pear and brie purses and vegetable samosas with a tamarind chutney.  The buffet included shrimp scampi, pasta with pesto and sun dried tomatoes and chipotle-lime rubbed NY strip. 

Look at the beautiful henna by Khoobsurat Henna that lasted from Wednesday!  Check out the adorable likeness in the bobbleheads!  Wedding Planner Melissa Barrad explained that she and Shanna went through a bunch of photos from the engagement party, and those were sent to HD Design Center/webobble for the final product.  Such a fun item for the cake and a nice wedding keepsake too.

Some of the guests getting some fresh air during the cocktail hour and the happy couple with wedding planner Melissa of I Do. . . Weddings.  I have to say, Melissa was still very peppy and focused after four days of activity - not easy to do!

Be sure to check for more updates on this wedding on Melissa's blog or on the photographer, Garrett's blog at Garrett Photography.  

All the best to the newlyweds!

Coming Up Roses

I was in Las Vegas last week with friends and snapped this photo while walking through Caesars Palace.  When you got up close it smelled just wonderful!  

 

Bloomingdale's Pre-Wedding Wedding Party

Recently, Bloomingdale's at Fashion Valley held another one of their fabulous wedding events! Headlining this particular event was Isabelle von Boch of the famed Villeroy & Boch tabletop company.  This company is French-German and has been in business for an amazing 260 years.  

Isabelle spoke about bone and porcelain chinas and some misconceptions that they are very fragile. Once, she recollected how she was reaching for something in her cabinet and a bowl fell out, hit her tiled kitchen counter (and chipped it), fell to the floor, bounced and was still in tact!

This eighth-generation family member also spoke about differences in Europe where they will have different dish sets for breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and dessert.  Can you even imagine the storage?  She offered some great tips for making the most of your set such as buying accent plates in smaller numbers and to change placemats to give your table a different look.

Starting at the top, Wayne Foster Entertainment provided the music for the evening.  There's Max, from Wayne Foster Entertainment. Whether you have a solo musician or a 10-piece band, Wayne Foster is sure to deliver some great talent!  

Sweets were by Dazzle M Desserts and savory hors d'oeuvres (Wild Mushroom Risotto with Seared Filet pictured above) were by Dining Details.  I learned their food is presented so that everything on the plates are edible, including the flowers.

Models glided around the floor in gowns provided by M Bride. The florals were by Kathy Wright & Co. 

Dramatic back-clasp necklace shown here was by Pamela Pogue of Juelerie. Pamela is pictured above wearing one of her own creations.

If you are engaged and have not registered yet, check out Bloomingdale's and see what they have to offer.  Not only do they have fantastic products, but offer great service along with events such as this and twice-yearly brunches with helpful tips and prizes for the couples!

20-20 Lifestyle Event

Last week I was excited to attend the 20-20 Lifestyle Event celebrating Waters Catering turning 20, at The Ultimate Skybox at Diamond View Tower.  This venue is just so spectacular with so much potential.

Gowns worn beautifully by live models were provided by M Bride, Florals were by The Floral Department, Invitation, Menus, Favors, etc. were by Gina Falletta Designs, Rentals by Classic Party Rentals and Linens by A Perfect Table.  

I was so bummed to have missed Irene from A Perfect Table.  She set up everything so beautifully as she does and then was so sick had to go home.  

Waters Catering naturally catered the event with delicious tray passed hors d'oeuvres and club plates.

Cute flash drives with "green" entertaining practices replaced gift bags as favors for the night. There were three luxurious prizes given away by Se San Diego and announced through their lucky flash drive. From what I understand, two prizes are still unclaimed, so check plug yours in if you haven't yet!

It was great to catch up with old friends like Keri Quinn of San Diego Style Weddings over some of the cool drinks offered that evening.  I tried the mix of Hendrick's Gin, Berry Reduction, Elderflower Liqueur, Meyer Lemon Juice and Rose Champagne.  Doesn't that sound so yummy?  It was also very fun to hear camera talk with event photographer Boyd Harris and Cary Pennington (pictured above with Amanda McPhail of Creative Affairs by Amanda) and take funny Flip videos.

Additional 20-20 Lifestyle Vendors:

Plush Lounge - I love these guys - so professional

Dallmann Confections - I am very disappointed that I left before these were presented

Viridian Spirits mmm. . . absinthe - tried for the first time just a month ago

My only regret was that I couldn't stay longer, but I was off to another event that you will read about here soon.  

Trunk Shows this week in LA

Call for an appointment and grab your maid of honor, mom or friend and make the drive to LA.  There are not one, but two trunk shows in LA this week.

Carolina Herrera

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 16 - 18.

8441 Melrose Place

Los Angeles, CA  90069

323.782.9090

Head to The Bridal Bar Los Angeles  to complete your look with some fab jewelry!

Tejani.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 17 - 19

10AM - 6PM Friday and Saturday

10AM - 4PM Sunday

The Bridal Bar

624 N. Doheny Drive

Los Angeles, CA  90069

*Note the two overlapping days are Friday and Saturday.

Need a great taxi?

During the course of your wedding, they'll be lots of times when you may need a taxi -- when you can't pick up friends or relatives at the airport, after a long night of partying for your bachelorette/bachelor parties, or maybe even a ride to LAX for your honeymoon.  Whatever the case, unless you know the person, sometimes they may be late or not know how to get where you need to.

 

I'm going to share with you my favorite cab driver - Jimmy Kayhanian!  He was totally camera shy & refused to pose for this picture.  After I moved to San Diego I needed a cab to the airport, it was a Friday afternoon and pouring rain.  For fear that no one would pick me up (I lived very close to the airport) or if they did come, I'd be late, I asked the concierge at the hotel I worked at for cab recommendations.  I got a list of five or so names and Jimmy's was at the top.  I called and he was extremely pleasant and was even waiting for me when I got home to take me to the airport!  I've used Jimmy's services around San Diego several times over the years as well as recommend him to others and he is always extremely prompt and professional.

The next time you need a cab, please think of Jimmy at 619-895-5519.

Wedding Showcase at The US Grant

  

 

Book your Wedding Date at The US Grant by July 1, 2009 

and we are pleased to confirm: 

10% off all of your Food & Beverage Planning

      

Complimentary Bridal Ready Room & Refreshments on your Wedding Day

   

Celebrate your Wedding Night in Style in our Bi-Level Presidential Suite featured on Bravo’s Hit TV Show 
“The Real Housewives of Orange County ”

 

Breakfast for Two on the Bi-Level Presidential Balcony

 

GREEN IS THE NEW WHITE

 Book our Ultimate Green Package and we will contribute 5% of your

Food & Beverage Billing to www.CarbonFund.org  in your name.

 

Please RSVP by April 12 at usgrantweddingshow@luxurycollection.com to be eligible for wedding showcase gifts