Chic Celebrations

A Wonderful Love Story...

2010-09-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this video I found via Snippet and Ink this morning. I just had to share it. It brought me to tears (no surprise, I'm a cryer), but it reminded me that it is the little things that matter most. In the end, I think this is just the kind of love everyone should be looking for.

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Beach Wedding Featured on Style Me Pretty...

2010-07-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

A few months back my friend Maria Carmel, who is an AMAZING photographer introduced me to the guys over at Franklin+Gower. Their stuff is so great, they really bring customized grooms style to a whole new level. The three of us got to chatting and wanted to put a fun, chic shoot together that would really showcase the Franklin+Gower look to brides and grooms. Everything came together flawlessly and Style Me Pretty loved the images as much as we did. They featured the shoot yesterday, so Exciting!!

A private beach in Malibu was the perfect location for the look we wanted to go for - calm and neutral, with pops fuchsia. I tried my hand at florals on this one, and had a lot of fun doing it. I mixed ranunculus (one of my all-time favorites) and succulents with sola wood flowers for a fresh feel that would last in the summer heat on the beach. A burlap runner down the table was accented with large coral pieces, vintage books, old lanterns and small accent floral arrangements with gorgeous amaranthus dripping down. Succulents in small galvanized metal pails acted as place cards. Our ceremony alter was made of bamboo posts, draped in chiffon with tiebacks made up of more of that gorgeous amaranthus. Our groom and groomsman wore sea-foam green slim fit trousers with a green and white patterned side-stripe and a coordinating pocket square, with a navy blue blazer.Our brides dress was by Alix and Kelly and the bridesmaids dress was by Thread Bridesmaid. They each carried bouquets of ranunculus, succulents and solidago (green filler) tied with burlap.

Check out the gorgeous images that Maria captured...

I hope you all enjoy these images as much as I do.

Heart Stopper...

2010-06-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

I saw these no-slip shoe grips a few months ago on DogN'Bird (one of my favorite stops for wedding eye-candy and ideas). This makes clumsy actually look cute, and on your wedding day no less. On top of that how adorable will the photo's turn out?! You can buy them at drugstore.com and they come in packs of two, so you can always use the second pair post-wedding.

Image Courtesy of Polly Alexandre

Things I Love Right Now - Vintage Typewriters

2010-03-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

I just cant get enough of them. I scour ebay and other sites for them non-stop and I can never decide on the right one. The colors are sooooo amazing: pink, blue, steel gray. Or do I want a black one?! The answer to me is clear - one of each. So perfect for a guest sign in, as another detail to look fabulous in the background or even at home. You decide...

Photos Found via

Ann Wade Parrish, You Look Nice Today Photography, Poetic Home

Wish Upon a Wedding Launch Party

2010-03-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! The official launch party for Wish Upon a Wedding of Southern California is coming up. It's going to be fabulous. The SoCal Board of Directors is made up of some of the industry's best, and they will no doubt put on an unforgettable event to kick off Wish Upon a Wedding in Southern Cali. If you have any interest in how to become a Wish Granter or how else you can help, head over to the site. It is full of the information you'll need. If you cant find it there, contact me and I'll point you in the right direction. See you on April 22nd!

Things I Love Right Now - Chandeliers

2010-02-22T15:53:00.000-08:00

I dont know why, but lately I just cant get enough of chandeliers. It makes me want to move into a bigger house, just so I can hang these lovers everywhere. No matter what ideas you have for your wedding, there's a chandelier that will work perfectly.

Inspiration Board via Syle Me Pretty

Wedding Paper Divas

Happy Valentines Day...

2010-02-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the day. Celebrate what you love, being in love or falling in love. I love sweets, and how cute are these. I almost wouldn't want to eat them. But I'm sure I'd find a way.

Images courtesy of the yummiest website Cutest Food

JL Designs Valentines Collection...

2010-02-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

I saw these on the JL Designs Blog and just about died. Honestly, I was taken back by the absolute fabulosity of these flowers. Anyone who knows me, can attest: my favorite flowers of all time are peonies and tulips. And Carissa rocked them both in these arrangements (as always). She also has some not-so-pink arrangements for the man in your life. Head over to her blog to see the rest of the collection and place your order, or start dropping hints, now.

The gorgeous pictures were taken by The Modern Type

I hope the hubby is reading this today, because I cant wait to see one (or better yet ALL) of these when I wake up Sunday morning.

Wish Upon a Wedding!

2010-02-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

For those of you looking to do something to give back, this is it. When I first heard about Wish Upon a Wedding, I knew I needed to get involved. W.U.W is America's only wedding wish granting organization, granting weddings & civil union ceremonies at destinations across the US to couples facing terminal illness. I am honored that I was accepted to serve on the Los Angeles/Orange County Board of Directors. Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants is the founder of Wish Upon a Wedding, and I am excited to be working for such a great cause alongside her and a tone of other fab industry pros. Head over to the website to learn more about how you can help, submit a wish or start a chapter in your area.

Featured On: Wedding Chicks

2010-01-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to a couple great things: it was raining, which makes me just want to cuddle on the couch with some hot cocoa all day. AND Paul VonRieter submitted a wedding that we worked on together to the Wedding Chicks and it is being featured on their blog. So sweet. Head over there, check it out and let me know what you think.

Thanks Paul for your amazing work! I wouldn't have this amazing eye candy if it weren't for you.

Orange County Engagement Session...

2010-01-05T23:11:00.000-08:00

OK, finally! I know by now you may have seen it, but here are my favorites from Lauren and Nick's engagement session. Jonas Peterson was in town last month to shoot these two, and they turned out amazing.

Featured On: Wedding Chicks

2009-12-30T15:01:00.001-08:00

Yay! Another one of my favorite sites loved Jonas' recent E-Session, shot for one of my fantastic 2010 couples. Their blog is a daily must-read. Thanks Amy and Jocey, you ladies are fabulous.

Stay Warm and Happy!

2009-12-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, stay warm and happy this holiday season. Enjoy your loved ones. I know I will.

Photograph by Leah Haydock Photography

Featured On: Green Wedding Shoes

2009-12-23T14:54:00.000-08:00

I just got an email from super-blogger Jen at Green Wedding Shoes, that she will be posting my clients E-Session on Monday. Looks like Lauren and Nicks photos, shot by the ever talented Jonas Peterson, were quite a hit. Thanks so much for posting Jen!

Featured On: Swoon Over It

2009-12-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to an awesome email from Amanda over at The Blissful Bride. She loved Lauren and Nick's engagement photos (I had sent her a few last week), and posted some on her blog. I've been following her blog for (what seems like) forever, if it's not one of your daily reads you need to go over there now.

Enjoy!

I heart Jonas Peterson!

2009-12-03T18:15:00.001-08:00

Last night I finally got a chance to meet with the super talented Jonas Peterson who is in town to shoot an E-session for one of my 2010 brides. AMAZING. He is everything his photo's are. He showed us some slide-shows of his latest weddings and (as always) they nearly brought me to tears. Their shoot is on Saturday and I cant wait to see what he comes up with. If your not familiar with his work, take a look (just a few of my favs):

If I could post them all I would. Go check him out and you'll fall in love.

NYC

2009-11-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

Im off to NY for the week, a girls trip is much needed before this crazy holiday season.

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema

Another Project...

2009-09-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

OK, I know. I totally don't need another project, but this one's really cool. I grew up my whole life swearing my parents never owned a video camera. Still true, but apparently my mom borrowed a 8mm video camera from my uncle for her wedding and didn't give it back until I was like 2. Cut to a quarter century later, helping my Grandpa clean some old stuff out of his bonus room and we find the camera. In a box with film canisters marked "wedding", "Gianna's 1st Birthday" and "Brad's 1st Fathers Day". WHAT!?!?!? So while those are getting cleaned up and transferred to DVD, I start playing around with the camera. Awesome.

Don't worry, I'm not considering a career change - but it should be fun to play around with. So with my trusty friend the internet, I have ordered film and some other goodies. Now I just need to figure out what to shoot first. Anyone have any ideas or advice?

San Diego, here I come...

2009-08-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for next 4th of July!! I know, it's far off but I get to spend the holiday weekend at one of the most amazing resorts in Southern California. The Grand del Mar in San Diego is beautiful, and one of my 2010 couples is getting married there. They met on the 4th, got engaged on the 4th and they will be married on the 4th. I love it. These pictures barely even do justice to how great the venue is...

I'll definitely be posting these wedding pics next year, so stay tuned.

Ashley and Franco...

2009-08-14T01:34:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled when I heard about Ashley and Franco's wedding plans. A small, romantic affair at a private residence in San Juan Capistrano. The couple wanted their guests to truly feel like they were at a big family dinner in Italy. Ashley has quite the resume: American Idol, her own show coming up on MTV, a new album... needless to say, she is a jetsetter who barely has time as it is so she came to us to assist on the wedding plans. She also has an amazing family who helped with so many of the DIY details. The fantastic Paul VonRieter Photographica was the photographer behind these beautiful images. More to come!

They had sandals for the ladies to use while they danced and parasols if it got too bright. All of the tables had fresh potted herbs (labeled in Italian). The table names were some of the couples favorite places in Italy. Absolutely beautiful, THANK YOU Ashley and Franco for letting us be a part of your special day.

Laguna Hills Wedding

2009-07-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Nicole and Justin are a dream. Nicole is a fabulous wedding planner and dear friend, so I was thrilled and honored when she asked me to handle the details of her big day. The wedding took place at Justin's parents home in Nellie Gail, a Laguna Hills community. The flowers were a mix of peonies (my favorite), orchids, garden roses and calla lilies. The bright and blush pinks looked so great against all the greenery throughout the property. Sherry did such an amazing job and was so great to work with. There were small crystal chandeliers hanging throughout the trees, and they added such sparkle once the sun set. Paul VonRieter was there to capture these gorgeous images.

Nicole and Justin, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day.

I wish you all the love and laughter in the world.

Happy Holidays...

2008-12-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

Enjoy yourselves this Holiday Season. Marinate in the love and happiness with family and friends. I wish I was somewhere that it snowed, because this picture just makes me want to snuggle up on the couch.

Photographed by James Christianson via Style Me Pretty

Meagan and Henry...

2008-10-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Meagan and Henry got married at The Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. The historic site is beautiful and has the Old European feel they were looking for. Meagan is an Orange County native who moved to the UK (where Henry lives) after getting engaged. Even being so far away, Meagan was still a total DIY bride. She took care of a lot of the little details herself, and carried them over. What a trooper!

Photos courtesy of Monika Orban

The candles and whimsical florals truly made their fairy tale come to life. Thank you Meagan and Henry, for letting me be a part of your special day.

Nicola and Greg...

2008-08-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekends wedding at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott was perfect. Nicola and her amazing mom, Patti, already had most of the wedding plans in motion when they came to us. They had a guest list of well over 200 and wanted to be able to enjoy their day and let us take care of the rest. Nicola and Greg were so do it yourself. From the toothpick accents at cocktail hour to the ribbon detail on their dinner menu's, they had thought of everything. It was so fun to watch them enjoy their special day.

Picture Courtesy of Figge Studios

This is just the most romantic first dance shot, isnt it? More to come from this one...

Thank you Nicola and Greg, for letting me play a part in your special day.