I Do Monday Morning

Bloomingdale's The Wedding Party

I am a huge fan of Bloomingdale's and the wedding programs they offer at Fashion Valley. The next event is coming up on Thursday, January 21 from 6:00PM - 8:00PM featuring Los Angeles' renowned gown designer, Claire Pettibone.

Bloomingdale's always puts on great events in nice intimate settings. Also they will have some great wedding professionals there to showcase their services, a good chance to meet the vendors directly in a fairly relaxed setting.
Register at Bloomingdale's and enter to win a luxurious 3-night stay at Marquis Los Cabos, Mexico, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
Featured professionals to include: Ashley Video, Carol Smith - Invitation Factory, Concepts Event Design, Cuban Cigar Factory, Dazzle M Desserts, Hyatt Regency La Jolla, Jack Black, Kathy Wright & Co., Lisa Lippe - Details Defined, Paul Barnett Photography, San Diego Authentic Flavors, Stone Brewing Company and Waters Fine Catering.

Call 619-610-6551 to reserve your place!

Businesses Going Out of Business

I was recently told that a couple had ordered a cake from Crumbs of Paris bakery in El Cajon and they have shut down without notice. 
The couple had put down a deposit of, I believe $600 (yes, six hundred dollars) and they started calling the bakery and could not get a call-back. (Now when you call, the line is disconnected)  Because of the holiday decor on the windows, my guess is that they closed down fairly recently.
 

Here is a shot of the inside
 
On the bright side, some great local bakeries have offered to assist this couple and have extended a discount.  On the dark side, right now the likelihood of them recovering their money is not good.  What's tricky is that in the bad economy even established businesses have shut down.  What does that mean for you planning your wedding?  The screening process for vendors will definitely need to be more thorough, with references from other couples, Knotties and I stress, other professionals.  Maybe getting insurance should be considered?  Read and re-read your contract before you sign.  Can the deposit schedule be modified at all?  Is there anything that can be modified in your favor?
I feel so bad for this particular couple and for anyone else who may have unsettled busines with this bakery or any other business that has closed.
Does anyone have more information on this bakery or any other closed wedding-related businesses?

The Special Event 2010

The first early registration has already passed, but the deadline has been extended until January 7 before the show hits it's full price.

What: The Special Event

Where: New Orleans

When: January 12 - 15, 2010

San Diego Pros scheduled to speak are:

Mike Hogan, Entertainment at Large - "Making the A List"

Anseth Richards, Bridal Bar San Diego, Catherine Bachelier Smith, CBS Weddings, Susanne Duffy, Crown Weddings and also from LA, Harmony Walton, Bridal Bar Founder - "Planners Present. . . Solving the Puzzle of the Perfect Wedding"

  
San Diegans were lucky as this show was held in America's Finest City earlier this year, but will be moving on for 2010.   If you haven't already check out one of those fab speakers for your special event.

Leslie & Tim: Destination France and Del Mar

Late last year, Leslie & Tim Herrmann of Carmel Valley had the ultimate fantasy destination wedding in France at the Chateau d'Esclimont.  Look at these photos - absolutely breathtaking!  Huge Chargers fans, the couple went to France after seeing the Bolts at a special game in London.

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Fast forward to 2009 where a fun and French-inspired reception followed at L'Auberge Del Mar.  The couple wanted to ensure the party had a French flair but had various elements to the evening to surprise and delight their guests.

As guests walked in, they were greeted by a beautiful "Eiffel Tower" martini luge created by James Lovejoy.  I think that photographer Jared Bauman of Bauman Photographers totally nailed the French mood with this gorgeous black and white photo:

The food included fun tray-passed hors d'oeuvres to include pomme frites and tomato soup served in beaker-style glasses with mini-grilled cheese.  My favorite was of the night was definitely the risotto station.  Yum!

The mood was definitely light and fun.  I wish I had photographed the response card, but it read "children welcome."  When have you ever seen that in a wedding invitation?  Leslie and Tim wanted to make sure that there were things to do and see for everyone throughout the night. 

A mini cake of the wedding cake was made to celebrate a couple of birthdays that night.  Photo by Jared Bauman.

Leslie's dress was custom-made along with her neice's who she had made to match!

The fun night ended with an after-party poolside at the Del Mar Marriott.  As guests entered, they used their glow-bracelets to enter and grab an ice cream or other goodie from the Sweet Treats truck!

Other fantastic vendors of the evening included:

Venue: L'Auberge Del Mar coordinated by Jessica Heck

Florals: Isari Flower Studio

Hair & Make up: Engaged Beauty

Lounge Furniture and Light Boxes: Plush Lounge

Guitarist: Rob Szajkowski

Roasting Marshmallows. . .at your Wedding?

Seems like everyone nowadays is trying to do something to engage guests at weddings. I remember the days when having your guests sign the matting around your engagement photo or having them take photos with disposable cameras were a huge thing. Now, guests are building their own candy bags to take home, posing for silly photos with boas and hats at the photo booths or even roasting marshmallows. Yep roasting marshmallows.
Earlier this week I was at a fabulous masquerade party thrown by Bridal Bar Los Angeles and was introduced to Plush Puffs. 

Plush Puffs are gourmet marshmallows in various flavors like vanilla bean, (I had this one - yum!) cinnamon, peppi-mint and simply s'mores! These tasty treats are on sticks and you "roast" them over a sterno. Really fun to eat as-is or even to make into actual s'mores. 
What's the best interactive thing you've seen at a wedding lately?

The Talking Photo-Booth

I was at a meeting for WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association) last night and discovered the ePod Talking Photo-booth! Photo-booths have been all the rage this past year or so but this one is different as it talks to you. How it works is that the attendant is outside and can view the guests in the booth on his computer. Based on what they are doing, the attendant will activate the sound bite to be played in the booth. Some examples are: "you have some food in your teeth" and "is it possible to be that good looking?" Guests are surprised with the voices and their reactions definitely make for some great candid photos. 

Because the attendant is controlling the sound bites depending on what the guests are doing, it's very interactive and is tailored to the crowd. The action/reaction aspect seems similar to that of music via DJ vs. an ipod play list. 


Christian Shimer, (pictured above) one one of the partners in the Carlsbad-based company said it was a family collaboration to build the booths themselves to incorporating the sound and photography into it. It was built with the thought that the styling of the booth could fit in any venue from a casual outdoor event to an elegant wedding at the swankiest of resorts.

There is one all-inclusive price of $1,495 which includes 4 hours of unlimited photos with attendant, double photo strips (one for the guest, one for the host's memory book), a DVD with all the photos from the event and a customized music video montage on DVD and also in a web ready format to share. There is potential for customizing the exterior of the ePod for an additional charge. (888) 337-3763 or [email protected].

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 [email protected] *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 email[email protected]

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!