Maintaining Perspective

This upcoming weekend I was scheduled to be in Big Sur for the much anticipated wedding of Louisa and John. We have been planning this fabulous event for many months now, but sadly due to the fires in Northern California, the community of Big Sur has been evacuated and aside from Louisa and John having to move their wedding 6 days before the big day, many people in the Big Sur community have lost their homes. From day one in planning their event at the Ventana Inn, the citizens of Big Sur have come together to make this a special day for an amazing couple and unfortunately we will not be able to see it to fruition in this beautiful mountain town. Our prayers are with everyone in the area for safety.

But, this is not what this entry is about. It's about maintaining perspective, which is something my bride, Louisa knows all about. It is so easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in the planning process that many couples lose sight of the real meaning behind the wedding day...the actual marriage. For Louisa and John, it doesn't matter that they are no longer marrying in their ideal location, but that they are getting married all together. It's not about the flowers she will carry or the wedding cake to be served, because Sunday will still be her one and only wedding day and she is not going to miss it by being sad that things didn't go as planned. While all of this may sound so obvious to many, it is rare that I see a couple that are so grounded in the meaning of the day and for this reason, it is clear to me that they will get through all the obstacles that life throws at them.

With all of this being said, I wish all of you brides marrying out there to be more present in the moment then you have ever been. Really take the time to feel every hug and enjoy every minute as you celebrate your wedding. It goes by in a flash. And if like my beautiful couple, Louisa and John, something doesn't go as planned, don't waste more than two minutes being upset. Because before you know it, the day will be over and it isn't worth missing out on because a flower was the wrong shade or the fish was a little salty.

For all of you wondering what's going to happen with Louisa & John, don't worry...they instead will be marrying at a friend's home in Malibu. A place that feels so appropriate given the generosity and warmth of the family offering to host the event at the last minute. And no matter what happens, the day will be perfect, because Louisa has decided it will be so. After all, she is marrying the man of her dreams and nothing else matters.

Thank you, Louisa, for reminding all of us the true meaning of gratitude and to be aware of the things you do have rather than focusing on the things you don't. You have taught me so much in our time together!

Industry Party at Riviera Country Club

Okay, I can't help it. I just love the glamour and history of the Riviera Country Club. It's a place where Hollywood legends like the Rat Pack, John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe used to frequent and still to this day hosts some of the most luxurious events in Southern California.

I had the pleasure of planning our latest ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) Networking event in the Crystal Ballroom and wanted to share some of the pics. The color scheme was a classic palette of gold, taupe, chocolate brown and ivory. We added a little bit of funk to the space by bringing in punches of color with an eclectic mix of flowers like poppies, orchids and ranunculous.

More detail shots to come...

CHAIRS: Chloe Collection from Chameleon Chairs http://www.chameleonchair.com/ LINENS: Wheat crinkled Lamour from Elegant Designs http://www.elegantdsl.com/ CHINA: Gold Beaded Chargers from Elegant Designs http://www.elegantdsl.com/ FLORALS: Custom from Flower Wild http://www.flowerwild.com/ LOUNGE: Chocolate Suede from AB Elements http://www.abelements.com/
PHOTOS: Red Loft Studios http://www.redloftstudios.com/

For the DIY Destination Brides Out There

I just love this Hibiscus Brush Tool by Ryan Franklin. You will too if you have photoshop. There are over 20 Hibiscus/tropical flower designs that are perfect for all of you DIY Destination Brides out there. Use them for your place cards, menus, itineraries or favor tags to create a cohesive but fun look on all of your paper products. Take a peek at what I threw together in a quick five minutes.

Click here to download.

My Lucky Day

Today's my lucky day. Not only did Jen's Shower end up on Style Me Pretty, but A Savvy Baby also did a post. As if that is not enough, I just found out Yvonne & Bill, a couple who married last August in Hailiimaile on Maui, submitted their event for publication in The Knot and, well, it was chosen!! Check it out at:

http://weddings.theknot.com/ODB/themes/realweddings/view.aspx?id=31933&type=1

Here are a few of my favorites that they left out. Enjoy! All images were taken by Visionari. One of my favorite photographers in all of Hawaii.

Homemade Baby Shower, Part 2

I wanted to share just a few more images from Jen's shower, as well as the vendors who made it all possible!! I also just found out today that two of my favorite blogs will be featuring this event. Stay tuned for my feature on Style Me Pretty and Hostess With the Mostess. It is an honor to be recognized by either of these talented ladies.

VENUE & CATERING: The Herb Garden at the Blue Bird Bistro http://www.kansascitymenus.com/bluebirdbistro/

PLANNING, DESIGN, FLORALS & ALL HANDMADE DETAILS: Beth Helmstetter Events http://www.bethhelmstetter.com/

LINENS: Wildflower Linens http://www.wildflowerlinens.com/

RENTALS: All Seasons Rentals http://www.allseasonstentrentals.com/

CUPCAKES: McLain's Bakery http://www.mclainsbakery.com/ INVITATIONS: Michael Gerkin

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenae Ferguson-Weinbrenner of Imij Foto http://www.imijfoto.com/

CUSTOM SKATEBOARD: Andrew Milko, The Mercy Seat http://www.mercyseattattoo.com/

Homemade Baby Shower

I wanted to share images from a baby shower I just planned for a friend, Jen, in Kansas City, Missouri. The venue was an amazing herb garden which is tending to by the Blue Bird Bistro, on Summit Street in downtown KC.

The day started with Mimosas, tropical tea and the guest of honor's favorite cravings: Mini cheeseburgers, macaroni & cheese and Pad Thai with peanut sauce. Ladies were greeted with parasols and played a bit of dress up as everyone posed for photos in the makeshift photobooth.

Details for the day including handmade pillows and penants bearing the baby's name, custom linens, a personalized skateboard designed by a local tattoo artist and just all around great company.

Images were taken by Jenae Weinbarger of Imij Foto. Enjoy!