I Do Monday Morning

Weducation Wednesday - Melissa Barrad of I Do. . . Weddings!

Melissa Barrad of I Do. . . Weddings! is grace under fire (what you need in a planner) and was recently featured on WEtv's The Wedding Planners.  It looks like the next showing is March 27 - if you missed it the first time around, be sure to catch it this month.  To learn more about Melissa, read her blog.

I Do Monday Morning: What is your hometown?

Melissa Barrad: San Diego

I Do Monday Morning: Where in San Diego?

Melissa Barrad: San Carlos/Del Serro area

 

IDMM: What's your favorite website of the moment?

MB: Style Me Pretty

IDMM: What's your favorite blog of the moment?

MB: The Blog is Found from The Image is Found Nate & Jaclyn Kaiser.  I also enjoy some Perez Hilton too.

IDMM: What's a little known fact about you?

MB: I entered kindergarten at 3, graduated high school at 16 and college at 20.  It's pretty common in my family.

IDMM: What do you see as something new in the wedding industry?

MB: Photobooths, but not the traditional option.  Digital options with backdrops the photographer can provide.  They are a blast!

IDMM: What's one wedding trend you wish would just go away?

MB: Keeping the top tier of the cake.  Unless it's wrapped properly, it doesn't keep.  Just get a new one made on your anniversary.

IDMM: What's one of the best tips you give couples?

MB: Put everything on a credit card that will give you miles and for brides, have a pair of flip-flops ready at the reception.  Don't forget to pay off that credit card each month!

IDMM: If you could get married again, who's one San Diego vendor you'd definitely use?

MB: I'd do a slide show, shown in a very low-key way using NR3 Video.

IDMM: What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working?

MB: Watch movies!

Melissa & her hubby. Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Fox

IDMM: What's new with you and I Do. . . Weddings!?

MB: I have brought on one of my past brides, Kasey to assist me with weddings.  I'm also doing more florals for my weddings.

IDMM: Whoa, you do flowers too? That's amazing.

Weducation Wednesday - Jason Taylor of Taylor Films

I've worked with Jason Taylor of Taylor Films on several weddings and I've always been super impressed by his professionalism, friendliness and of course his fabulous video & editing skills.  I asked him how he became interested in videography and he told me that his father was a total movie buff, always explaining what made great transitions in films.  Jason started working part-time for a video company and learned the biz from the ground up.  Now, Jason is one of San Diego's premier videographers available to shoot your wedding.

I Do Monday Morning: What is your hometown?

Jason Taylor: Redwood City, CA - I moved here to San Diego when I was 12.

    

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite website of the moment?

Jason Taylor: Viemo, a video share site.

I Do Monday Morning: What's a little known fact about you?

Jason Taylor: I'm a pilot.

I Do Monday Morning: Whoa, that's impressive!

I Do Monday Morning: What's one tip you give couples?

Jason Taylor: That once your guests start arriving to town, turn off your phone and enjoy your time with them.

I Do Monday Morning: What's a new trend you see in your industry?

Jason Taylor: HD.  I think starting next year couples will really start to ask for it more.

I Do Monday Morning: What's one trend in your industry you wish would just go away?

Jason Taylor: The thinking that videography isn't worth the price.

I Do Monday Morning: If you were to get married again, who's the one San Diego vendor you'd use?

Jason Taylor: I just got married a year ago and was very fortunate to have some of the best in the business involved in making our day great.  I would've loved to have shot some of my own video!

 

Jason & his wife Kathy

I Do Monday Morning: What do you like to do in your free time?

Jason Taylor: Golf at Maderas and travel -- especially to Hawaii!

I Do Monday Morning: What's new with you and Taylor Films?

Jason Taylor: My honeymoon package.  I will give the couples some pointers on using one of my video cameras and allow them to take it on their honeymoon with them. When they get back, I will edit it to a 30 minute video for $1800.

Photos by Tim Otto Photography

Weducation Wednesday - the ladies of Cake

I recently met with the ladies of Cake at their studio in Mission Hills.  Kimberly Gafter, designer and also in charge of business relations briefly sat with me while Jennifer Duncan and Christina Strickland, both chefs and decorators kept on baking and decorating.  It was a flurry of activity with Kimberly informing the other ladies of the multitude of consultations they had coming up in the next few days.

I have seen some beautiful wedding cakes by Cake, the preferred vendor for such properties as the Hotel Del Coronado, the Westin and US Grant Hotel, and meeting with these women showed me that they also love what they do and have a fun time doing it.  Kimberly told me that not only are they always working, but also often hang out together in the few moments they have outside of work!  

I Do Monday Morning: What is your hometown?

Cake/Kimberly: Buffalo, NY

Jennifer: San Diego, CA

Christina: Oakland, CA

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite website of the moment?

Kimberly: I Can Has Cheezburger 

Jennifer - Something with thumb wars 

Christina: The Harry Potter website.

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite blog of the moment?

Cake/Kimberly: She Wanders 

I Do Monday Morning: What's a little known fact about you?

Cake/Kimberly: We all are 5'4, wear the same pants size and were born within a year of eachother.

Wow!  I can't believe this is a cake!  Beautiful!

I Do Monday Morning: What's one tip you give to couples?

Cake/Kimberly: It's your wedding, not your parents or your friends wedding.  Don't have any regrets & remember you're celebrating something sacred betwen the two of you.

I Do Monday Morning: What's a new trend you see in the industry?

Cake/Jennifer: Cakes that have synergy with the entire event like those that are incorporated into the theme somehow and are not a stand-alone dessert.

I Do Monday Morning: If you were to get married, who's the one San Diego Vendor you'd use?

Cake/Kimberly: Suzanne Hansen Photography

I Do Monday Morning: What's one trend in your industry you wish would just go away?

Cake/Kimberly: Fondant.

I Do Monday Morning: What do you like to do when you're not working?

Kimberly: Kickboxing

Jennifer: Reading the newspaper & having a cup of tea

Christina: Reading

Cake: As a group we enjoy eating good food, trying new restaurants, drinking good wine & listening to live music.  We like Tango Wine on Wednesday nights (1st wednesday of each month is PMS Wednesday)

I Do Monday Morning: What's new with Cake?

Cake/Kimberly: We are installing new display case in our shop so people can stop in and pick up a cake or two or enjoy some cookies with some coffee here.  This should be completed by early February!

Weducation Wednesday - Rachel Welland of Bliss Events

Rachel (Burger) Welland is not only only a top-notch wedding planner, but was also just recently married!  In addition to planning all of her events, she is also a member of the San Diego NACE Executive Board for 2009! I'm definitely looking forward to this year and seeing some of the upcoming weddings from Bliss Events!

I Do Monday Morning: What is your hometown?

RW: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Rachel in Coronado with her home, downtown San Diego in the background.

I Do Monday Morning: What is your favorite website of the moment?

RW: Mine! BlissEvent.com - I work on it often & do my own updates.  

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite blog of the moment?

RW: I would say my new niece's baby blog and Toast & Tables. 

I Do Monday Morning: What's a little known fact about you?

RW: I've been a vegetarian for a few months now.

I Do Monday Morning: What's one of the best tips you give your couples?

RW: Do your first dance immediately when you enter the reception so you can relax the rest of the night.

Rachel with another happy couple - at La Valencia this past October, photo by Tim Otto Photography.

I Do Monday Morning: If you could get married again, who's the one San Diego vendor you'd use?

RW: I just got married, so I was really happy with everything.  A last minute add beyond our budget was videography by NR3 Video Productions and we were thrilled and have something we can forever treasure.

I Do Monday Morning: What's a new trend you see in your industry?

RW: Brides are getting more creative with attire and having fun with pops of color like a bright pair of shoes.

I Do Monday Morning: What's one trend you wish would just go away?

RW: Receiving lines.

I Do Monday Morning: What do you like to do in your free time?

RW: I love to read & am in a book club right now reading The Widow of the South.

I Do Monday Morning: What's new with you & Bliss Events?

RW: We now offer month-of coordination packages with our Associate Coordinator Jennifer Simpson which has been working out really well.

Rachel with her husband Adam at a Yankees game in 2008 at the old stadium.

Weducation Wednesday - Amy Wright of theorie

I was a fan of theorie (photography) even before I met Amy & Maurice Wright.  I didn't realize at first that theorie had evolved from Weddings by Amy!  I had their new brochure sent to me and I was intrigued--I clicked on just about every page of their website and blog.  Their pictures had personality!  I loved it and made it a point to meet them at my next opportunity.  I have to say I was not disappointed. They both were incredibly sweet and nice.  

Amy and I had coffee and talked about everything from books to politics to of course, weddings.  

I Do Monday Morning: What is your hometown?

Amy Wright: Oil City, Pennsylvania.  It's the American birthplace of oil and they are celebrating their 150th birthday!

IDMM: What is your favorite website of the moment?

AW: CNN.com

 

IDMMg: What is your favorite blog of the moment?

AW: Urban Outfitters - love the store, everything they've got, home decor, fashion, etc.

IDMM: What's a little known fact about you?

AW: I used to be a cheerleader.  We were the Oilers and wore short skirts and sweaters!

IDMM: What's a new trend you see in your industry?

AW: Cupcakes which happen to be our favorite treat at the moment.  We take mini-date cupcake breaks.

 

An engagement photo by theorie - so cute!

IDMM: What's one tip you like to give couples?

AW: Don't worry if your dress gets dirty.  I also teach brides how to look like they're sitting on the ground without actually sitting.

IDMM: If you had to do your wedding over again, who's one San Diego vendor that you would use?

AW: ChileCo Catering. Their food rocks, Chef Scotty is a hoot and we'd have a killer vegetarian, organic feast!

 

IDMM: What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working?

AW: Play with Lou and Izzie, my Italian Greyhounds

IDMM: What's new with you and thorie?

AW: Our "Giving is Awesome" participation.  

IDMM: The winner will be announced in January, there's still time to nominate someone!

When I discovered I needed a headshot, I knew I wanted them to shoot it.  I already had a headshot--me in a studio in a black suit, but I wanted one that was not so serious.  I am very self conscious about taking solo photos, but they both made me feel completely relaxed about it.  I was very happy with the photos and one is used here on my "About" page and on Facebook. If you ever need a headshot, be sure to give them a call.

Weducation Wednesday - Katherine Lohlein Farley of KLF Floral

Katherine Farley of KLF Floral first caught my eye at a fabulous wedding in Coronado earlier this year.  I thought that she was able to make the simplest arrangements look so fabulous and really pulled the look together. 

Years ago, Katherine decided the corporate life wasn't for her and went to work for a popular florist in Chicago and then later New York City.  Not surprisingly, she missed San Diego and moved back just a year ago and launched KLF Floral.  Since then, she's been delighting couples with her talents and big city background.

I Do Monday Morning: What's your hometown?

Katherine Farley: San Diego, (Coronado) California.

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite website of the moment?

Katherine Farley: Domino Magazine.

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite blog of the moment?

Katherine Farley: Snippet and Ink.

I Do Monday Morning: What's a little known fact about you?

Katherine Farley: I'm obsessed with flea markets for finding all kinds of things, especially interesting containers for my flowers!

I Do Monday Morning: What's one floral/wedding trend you wish would just go away?

Katherine Farley: Crystals - I'm over the bling with the flowers!

I Do Monday Morning: What do you see as something new in your industry?

Katherine Farley: I definitely see the use of more color coming back.

I Do Monday Morning: What's one of the best tips you give couples?

Katherine Farley: The wedding may seem like it's the most important thing, but really, it's a fun party--enjoy it!

I Do Monday Morning: If you were to get married again, who's one San Diego vendor you'd use?

Katherine Farley: I'd definitely use Amanda McPhail of Creative Events by Amanda as my wedding coordinator!

Katherine & her hubby at Coney Island

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working?

Katherine Farley: I love to hang out with my husband and friends and making each other laugh!

I Do Monday Morning: What's new with you & KLF Floral?

Katherine Farley: Getting more exposure in the new year.

Any of you couples out there would be lucky to have Katherine as your florist!  

Weducation Wednesday - Peggy Jewell of Jewell Entertainment

I had heard Peggy's name of Jewell Entertainment but never had the pleasure of working directly with her.  I got to know her a little better and she is extremely knowledgeable not only about her main business as an entertainment agent, but she has trained with a very well known wedding planner, did her own planning and at one time was president of Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) and is now a founding sponsor of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA).  A huge thing coming up for Peggy is The Special Event 2009 - The Wedding Lunch where she is one of the co-chairs.  This lunch at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on January 28 with speaker Carley Roney of The Knot is one you do not want to miss.  Early (discounted) sign-ups through December 22.

One thing that I really like about Peggy is that she is very passionate about her entertainers and their well-being so that they may perform to their potential for you.  Her mark-up on entertainment is incredibly low, which really surprised me.  She said her reason is that she feels the majority of the money should go to the talent and not her.  

The morning we met, Peggy was awakened by a call at 5:00AM by a client wanting someone to sing the Star-Spangled Banner that morning at a meeting at 8:00AM.  Peggy did her magic and the singer was there.  

I Do Monday Morning: What is your hometown?

Peggy Jewell: San Diego, CA (East County).

I Do Monday Morning: What is your favorite website of the moment?

Peggy Jewell: Either One.org or The Knot.

I Do Monday Morning: What is your favorite blog of the moment?

Peggy Jewell: The Henley Company.

I Do Monday Morning: What's a little known fact about you?

Peggy Jewell: I used to be a voice-over artist.

I Do Monday Morning: What's one of the best tips you give your couples?

Peggy Jewell: If possible, seeing the band live is important in deciding if they're the right band for you.

I Do Monday Morning: If you could get married again, who's the one San Diego vendor you'd use?

Peggy Jewell: Rabbi Ian Adler - I'm not Jewish, but he does inter-faith services and is fantastic.

I Do Monday Morning: What's a new trend you see in your industry?

Peggy Jewell: Interesting cocktail hours - you can really show who you are during this time.

I Do Monday Morning: What's one trend you wish would just go away?

Peggy Jewell: The use of iPods as wedding reception entertainment.  I've never seen this work successfully - there's something missing without at DJ or a band.  I've never seen music off an iPod get a wedding crowd up & dancing.  Also a Master of Ceremony is one of the most important and under-appreciated parts of a successful wedding reception.

I Do Monday Morning: What do you like to do in your free time?

Peggy Jewell: Be with my husband and two teenage step-daughters.

I Do Monday Morning: What's new with you Jewell Entertainment?

Peggy Jewell: I'll continue to honor the entertainer and deliver great customized service to all my couples, including offering good options.

Weducation Wednesday - Cynthia Zatkin Blase of Cynthia Zatkin Events

I met Cynthia of Cynthia Zatkin Events a few months ago at an event at The Bridal Bar.  She had done the table design for the window display which I liked so much I took a photo!  Maybe sub-consciously I knew it'd come in handy one day? I also discovered that she has a background in hotel catering which, okay I'm biased, but I think is a big asset in a wedding planner.  Most likely the largest part of your wedding budget will be spent on the venue/catering, which oftentimes is at a hotel.  Cynthia uses her expertise to help couples navigate that portion of their wedding.

 

IDo Monday Morning: What is your hometown?

Cynthia Zatkin: La Jolla, San Diego, California

IDMM: What's your favorite website of the moment?

CZ: Myshape -- it helps all women understand their beauty.

Photo courtesy of Di-Lanatta's Photography

IDMM: What's your favorite blog of the moment?

CZ: I'd have to say my friend Abbey's personal blog.

IDMM: What's a little known fact about you?

CZ: My hobby is mountain climbing and I'm planning on hiking Aconcagua in South America in February!

IDMM: Note: it's among the highest mountains in the world and the highest mountain outside of Asia.

IDMM: What's a wedding trend you wish would just go away?

CZ: Chocolate brown with baby colors.

IDMM: What would you say is a new trend in the wedding industry?

CZ: Photobooths and taking photos prior to the ceremony.

IDMM: If you were to get married again, who is one San Diego vendor you'd use?  

CZ: I would say Sara France Photography or Tande of Di-Lanattas Photography.

IDMM: What's one of the best tips you give couples?

CZ: Let your planner be your planner and enjoy your engagement as a special time.

IDMM: What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working?

CZ: Surfing with my husband or hanging out with friends.

I Do Monday Morning: What's new with you and Cynthia Zatkin Events?

Cynthia Zatkin: Aside from helping with design and I also can act as a personal stylist for my full service clients by helping them with dress shopping, fittings and accessories.

Weducation Wednesday - Mike Hogan of Entertainment at Large & Party Donuts

I've known Mike Hogan of Entertainment at Large through his DJ services so I was really surprised to see him venture off recently with the yummy treat of Party Donuts.  I later found out that Mike comes from a restaurant/club background so this new venture, along with his primary business makes sense.  

Mike truly has a passion for what he does and tries to educate himself on different aspects of the business, from flowers to photography so he can truly understand all the moving parts.  In short, he is exactly the type of vendor I love to highlight.    

I Do Monday Morning: What is your hometown?

Mike Hogan: Mason City, Iowa

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite website of the moment?

Mike Hogan: B&H Photo Video.com, I am an amateur photographer.

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite blog of the moment?

Mike Hogan: My friend's blog at Sky Diva 

I Do Monday Morning: What's a little known fact about you?

Mike Hogan: I love acting and would love to do it full time.

I Do Monday Morning: What's a new trend you see in your industry?

Mike Hogan: A bigger emphasis on late night snacks as well as smaller receptions of 75 to 100 guests.

I Do Monday Morning: What's your best tip you give couples?

Mike Hogan: Your guests come to see you get married & have a good time whether you spend $5K or $500K. . . don't lose sight of that!

I Do Monday Morning: If you could do your wedding over again, who is one San Diego vendor that you would definitely use?

Mike Hogan: The Heroes band.  They're just really talented and fun.

I Do Monday Morning: What's one wedding trend you wish would just go away?

Mike Hogan: The garter toss.

Here's Mike enjoying some down time in Monte Carlo

I Do Monday Morning: What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working?

Mike Hogan: Golf!

IDMM: What course?

MH: Barona

I Do Monday Morning: What's new with you and your business?

Mike Hogan: Party Donuts

I have tasted Party Donuts and they are absolutely delicious!  If you are looking for a great late night snack or a fun station at your wedding, this is it!  

Stay tuned for a future post where Mike gives his thoughts and tips on making the most of your DJ.  To follow Mike on his blog, click here.

Weducation Wednesday - Jared Bauman of Bauman Photographers

I heard Jared Bauman of Bauman Photographers speak to a group of engaged couples about hiring a wedding photographer and I loved his message.  He was encouraging them to find a photographer that not only do you enjoy their work, but that you love their company and feel comfortable with them.  These photographers will be with you during very intensely emotional moments and you definitely want someone you can relax and have fun with.  I've been telling couples this for years, but it was nice to hear it from a photographer.  I not only liked his message, but loved the fact that he was all about educating people and letting them make their own decisions and not pushing his services on anyone.  

Jared and I met in his Little Italy studio and I discovered that he is very chill but incredibly focused at the same time.  Dedicated to service, their studio has a full time office manager so that they can focus on what they excel in. . . photography!

   

I Do Monday Morning: What is your hometown?

Jared B - San Diego, CA

IDMM: Seriously?  That's such a rare thing in this town!

JB: Yes

IDMM: Favorite website of the moment?

JB: www.nbc.com - I just discovered I can watch "The Office" online!

IDMM: Favorite blog of the moment?

JB: CNN Money - Ask the Mole - lots of good information for the current economy.

IDMM: What is a little-known fact about you?

JB: I've been to 5 of the 7 continents and take 1 - 2 months off a year to travel.

IDMM: What do you see as a new trend in your industry?

JB: Very personalized and customized service.

IDMM: What is one of the best tips you give couples?

JB: Hire a wedding coordinator, at LEAST a day-of coordinator and let the details go on the wedding day!

IDMM: Who is one San Diego vendor you would hire for your wedding?

JB: I could name a lot, but if just one, Jessica Gillon of Events by Design.  She and her team are always creating something unique.

IDMM: What is one wedding trend you wish would just go away?

JB: The money dance

IDMM: What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working?

JB: Traveling, taking landscape photography and soccer.

Jared doing what he loves in Ireland.  Wow!!

IDMM: What's new with Bauman Photography?

JB: We've been taking more portraits - families and babies as well as doing a lot of artbooks as a substitution for traditional albums.