Gallery Reception

Yesterday's wedding had a number of special elements. One touch that I loved were the 7 canvases that the couple wanted displayed on easels, as their guests entered the reception room. The reception was held at the Marina Village in the Sunset Room that overlooks Mission Bay. Since it was on the second floor, we were able to place 3 photo canvases at the entry on the 1st floor, then 2 more on the staircase landing and the last 2 at the top of the stairs on the second floor. The photos were absolutely beautiful and high quality. The bride and groom looked like professional models as the pictures resembled something out of a magazine. When guests walked in, the photos became conversation pieces that created a "gallery feel" leading into the lovely reception.

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. So, the photos below were taken with my phone (and definitely do them NO justice). But, I can't wait to receive the ceremony and reception pictures from the photographer. So, be sure to check back for those!

Here are the 3 photos placed at the entry. The couple is wearing traditional Vietnamese attire which they changed into half-way through the reception.

These are shots of the 2 pictures at the landing on the stairs:

Close ups of those two pictures

These are the 2 canvases that were placed at the top of the stairs (near the escort card table)

Kartina & Edmond

Katrina and Eddie were married at St. Charles Catholic Church and held their reception at Admiral Kidd Club.

The pink and green color scheme was bright and cheery, just like Katrina's sweet personality. From the bride... to the flowers... to the cake... everything was beautiful and the day ran smoothly. Their guests had a wonderful time and the dance floor remained full until the very last song of the night!

The above pictures were taken by Patti Patterson Photography

Bev Mo

If you're stocking your own cocktail hour and reception bar, you have to visit BevMo for their 5 cents wine sale. Just purchase one bottle of wine and get the other for only 5 cents! So, choose from over 100 wine selections... stock up and save!

Sitting Pretty

A number of elements can significantly add to (or even take away from) the overall look of your wedding. One of the decor elements that can turn your event from "good" to "glam" are the chairs. We've all seen the one-size-fits-all chair covers that never quite fit very well and rarely look neat and tailored.

However, Chameleon Chair, is in a class of its own and has found a solution to the common problem with chair covers. Chameleon chairs are "created" by mixing and matching a variety of seat cushion colors and chair back designs. This results in a unique chair that properly fits into your wedding's style and theme.

Take a look at how the correct selection of chairs can positively complete the look of an event.

Wedding DONT'S

I can guarantee that as you plan your wedding, you'll receive more than enough advice from everyone telling you what to DO. But what about the DONT'S? Well, here are 10 "wedding don'ts" to help you avoid common pitfalls:

1. DON’T create a wedding for others at the expense of your personal desires and responsibilities. A wedding is an event intended to bring people together. But more than anything else, it is about uniting two people together for life. As you begin planning your wedding, try to focus on creating the kind of celebration YOU want, and not one you think other people will expect you to have. Yes, it’s important to consider other people’s feelings. But don't make choices to please others if they will make you unhappy. And definitely don’t spend more than you can afford just to "keep up with the Joneses." When the reception ends... the debt remains. So, don't enter your newlywed life with financial stresses.

2. DON’T invite people just because you think you have to. Simply put: each additional guest means an increase in cost. If you have a specific budget limit, you reduce your ability to spend on other items each time you increase the headcount. For example, more guests can mean fewer flowers or a less extravagant menu. On your wedding day, be surrounded by those who you care about most and not by people that you hardly recognize.

3. DON’T be late. This rule applies to the bride, the groom, and everyone else involved in the wedding. Yes, it's your day. But don't make others miserable. Try to start your wedding on time. If you don’t, everything will run behind schedule, and that can create real problems at your reception location. If locations or vendors end up working later than originally scheduled, you may find unpleasant overtime charges added to your final bill.

4. DON'T worry about things going wrong. Any good event planner will tell you that not everything goes right all the time. This is the real world and “stuff happens.” Keep your sense of humor and a flexible attitude. There’s no point in panicking the morning of the wedding. Minor problems will probably occur and no one will even notice (remember, your guests don't know all of your plans anyway. So they won't know if something went wrong or was missing). If a big problem is looming, there’s probably little that can be done about it at this point. The show must go on, so why worry? It helps to hire a planner so that you can focus on what is really important – vowing to love and be with your spouse forever. Let your wedding coordinator take care of the final details. And you just relax, smile, and enjoy your special day.

5. DON’T forget to send thank-you notes. When you receive a gift from a shower or the wedding, you should send out Thank You notes ASAP after the wedding day. The general guideline is 5 weeks. Make sure the notes are simple but personal.

6. DON’T include things that don’t matter to you. Observing wedding traditions can be nice, but they aren't essential. You don’t have to have a flowergirl and ringbearer (or even adult attendants) if you don't want to. Maybe you’re a bride who finds the garter toss ritual embarrassing...if so, skip it. There's no law that says you can’t walk yourself down the aisle and give yourself away. Create your own traditions!

7. DON’T forget to eat. Famished, fainting brides and grooms are a bigger problem than you might imagine. Don't skip breakfast because it might be your only meal of the day. If jitters have your stomach in a knot, try to eat a few saltines. Many couples are so busy visiting with guests at the reception that they barely get a bite of their own reception menu. Not eating can make you cranky at the least; and cause you to faint at the worst. So, eat a meal before the wedding (especially if you're going to drink), and try to eat at the reception too.

8. DON’T spend too much time with any particular guest. It may be difficult, but you should make it your goal to spend at least a few minutes visiting with each of your wedding guests. The only way you’re going to make it through the crowd and still do all the other things you’re supposed to do (have your first dance, toasts, dinner, and cut the cake) is if you push yourself to be brief with each guest. You can always circle back later and spend some extra time with your favorite people.

9. DON’T let guests drink and drive. An open bar is a nice thing at a wedding, but give your bartenders free reign to cut people off to ensure their safety. Nothing puts a damper on a wedding day like alcohol-induced drama. Drunk people get in fights, say embarrassing things, and even get in traumatic car accidents. Have business cards for local taxi companies on or near the bar or pre-select a few volunteers to serve as designated drives. It only takes an instant for the memory of your wedding celebration to be scarred by a tragic accident.

10. DON’T forget what it’s really all about. Your wedding day will pass quickly. All the months of planning will be realized in just a few short hours. Guests will ooh and aah over your beautiful gown; they’ll marvel at the lovely flowers; they’ll enjoy the delicious reception menu you organized so carefully. But, ultimately, all those things are just a part of the party. A wedding is the celebration of something much more important: the decision two people make to join together and live their lives as one. Amidst the fanfare of your wedding day, try to remember to take a moment or two and gaze across the crowd. Share a smile between the two of you, and commit yourself to finding a way to bring those smiles back to your faces everyday.

And above of all.... DON'T forget to have fun and enjoy the day!


Some information gathered from: http://www.weddingchannel.com/ and http://www.theweddingwizards.com/

Susan & John

Susan and John were married on Shelter Island, with the beautiful blue water and clear blue sky serving as their backdrop. Their reception was held nearby at the SES Portuguese Hall. I enjoyed working with them, and it was a lovely day for a lovely couple!

CREDITS~

Brett Charles Rose Photography www.ultimateweddingphotography.com

SES Portuguese Hall: www.upses.com

Joyce & David

It was exciting to experience how much fun all of Joyce and David's guests truly had dancing, laughing and mingling.

The couple was married at Tom Ham's Lighthouse with 75 guests in attendance. Due to the smaller guest count, the couple held the reception inside of the Harbor View Room. The intimate size created a comfortable, family environment and allowed all guests to feel connected to the celebration.

Just For Fun

Are you and your fiance high school sweethearts? Or maybe one of you is a teacher. Or, even better, maybe the two of you are just looking for something fun and unique to add to your wedding. Well, how about these chalkboard candles created by Mine Design?

These candles can actually serve 3 purposes at your wedding: 1.) as the favor 2.) as a placecard (use the chalk provided to write your guest's name on the side) and 3.) as an accent to your tables (have them lit and waiting for your guests at each place setting as they enter the reception room). It's just for fun. So, you can really get creative with this one!

10 for 1

Today I stumbled across a bridesmaid's dream! Finally, a dress that is not only versatile, but it's also one that they'll actually use again.

At TwoBirds Bridesmaid, they offer a single dress that can be created into over 10 different (and very stylish) dresses. There is a choice of 2 lengths in 10 different colors, ranging from zero to "plus" sizes. So, now you can find dresses for your bridesmaids that will fit their body type without requiring alterations... a money saving and hassle-free option!

Vote for Us!

For the 2nd year in a row, What A Wedding! has been nominated for the 10News.com A-List. So, we're very excited to compete for the title of "Best Wedding Planner". The voting period begins today and ends on October 3rd. Please help us secure a spot at the top. Click the logo above and be sure to cast your vote for WHAT A WEDDING!

Vintage-Style Video

Super 8 mm film (also simply called Super 8) is a motion picture film format released in 1965 by Eastman Kodak.

You may recall seeing this grainy, old fashioned type of video used for old home movies. Well, now you can bring that same vintage feel to your wedding day video, since some videographers are offering a super 8mm film option. Just watching the footage and listening to the background music is sure to evoke such wonderful emotions and memories for you and your husband.

I can't help but love the way this type of film looks. Here are a few examples that I found from weddings where Super 8mm video was used:






I just love the intimate ceremony filmed below (with only the couple, officiant, photographer and super 8 videographer)




Credit-
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/
wikipedia: http://www.wikipedia.org/

Lazy Day Project

My husband and I bought our new house a year ago. And (of course) out of excitement, I wanted to go out and buy all new furnishings. But, family and friends kept telling me to wait and purchase things little-by-little. So, I took their advice and throughout the year, we bought various items.

Last weekend, we purchased a new area rug and I immediately developed a dislike for our old dining room set. So, today I turned into Martha Stewart and re-upholstered the chairs. I really enjoy decorating, but I ended up doing a better job than I expected. Check out the "before" and "after" picture!

Never Too Many Minis

I love these little donuts!!! Well actually, how can you not? They're fresh, warm, lightly crispy and just soooo doggone yummy! But, best of all... they can be made on-the-spot at your party, shower or reception.

I've attended a few events where mini donuts have been served and I can never eat just one... BAG, that is! You get about 8-10 mini donuts per bag that are sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. However, if preferred, you can also select other toppings or dipping sauces (chocolate, vanilla icing, etc.). Or you may choose to have them prepared as a dessert, sitting in martini glasses with ice cream and whipped topping. The options are endless!

The donut making equipment is compact enough to have it situated in a selected corner of the room. Additionally, it can be used indoors. But, wherever it's set-up, your guests will inevitably follow the tempting aroma and find these tiny treats.

The two companies that I have experienced here in San Diego are Party Donuts and Dolce Donuts. Both have been equally delicious. But, give them a try for yourself. I guarantee you'll agree, that you can never have too many minis!

CREDITS-
Party Donuts: www.partydonuts.com
Dolce Donuts: www.dolcedonuts.com

Yvonne & Noel

Yvonne and Noel were married at The Water Conservation Garden on the campus of Cuyamaca College. Prior to this wedding, I was not familiar with the venue. But I was quite taken with this little gem in east county! The garden is beautiful and has a few different locations where the ceremony can be held. And, of course, there are a number of amazing spots for taking pictures. (click photos to enlarge)



Everything about Yvonne and Noel's wedding was beautiful... the couple, the location, the colors, the decor and more! The green, flowy hanging fabric took longer than expected to attach, and a few last-minute revisions had to be made. But, like everything else that day, it turned out amazingly!



A special touch: The couple loves going to Jamba Juice. So, they decided to incorporate that into their wedding and had small cups of their favorite flavor smoothie delivered during cocktail hour. Other fun elements were the mini monogrammed Martinelli's apple cider favors and the escort cards that were attached to See's candy suckers... the gold candy wrappers perfectly matched the color scheme.



CREDITS-
Water Conservation Garden: http://www.thegarden.org/
Jamba Juice: http://www.jambajuice.com/
Martinelli's: http://www.martinellis.com/
Photographer: Amanda Gervasi http://www.gervasiphotography.com/

Aww... how sweet!

At yesterday's wedding the newlyweds (Alana & Danny) had a coffee station set-up for the reception. This cute little after-dinner spread contained a variety of coffees, flavored creamers, tea bags, individual chocolates and clear Irish coffee mugs.

The cutest touch to the coffee station were these chocolate monogrammed spoons. The bride & bridesmaids met at the mother-of-the-brides house for a fun, spoon-dipping girls night together. They created these hand dipped favors for guests to stir into their coffee. Everyone loved them and the kids simply unwrapped and licked the spoons like chocolate lollipops!