Christine Marie Events

The Perfect Gifts for the Perfect Day

2012-07-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a great idea for your wedding gift exchange on your big wedding day.

Pick out a great cologne and perfume for each other and wear it on your wedding day plus 40 days after. Then only wear the sent on your anniversary. All the joys and excitement of your wedding day will come flooding back even on your 35th wedding anniversary!

So Many Mustaches so Little Time

2011-11-09T17:04:00.000-08:00

With November comes a change in time, a bit of a chill in the year and mustaches. That's right mustashes. November is the month dedicated to growing mustaches and raising awareness for men's health. The money raised goes to various men's health organizations including the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Together, these channels work together to ensure that the funds are supporting a broad range of programs in awareness and education, survivorship and research.

The other day, I had the chance to sit down with my Brother-In-Law, Daniel Santos, who is participating in this great tradition and thought I'd share some of his thoughts with you. On a normal day, you can find Daniel cheering on the Red Sox or grooving to the greatest '80 tunes, but in November you'll see a slightly different side of him...a hairier side. Here's a little bit about why Daniel participates in Movember:

Day 1 stubble

1. When did you become aware of Movember?

I first learned about Movember last year from a work colleague at work

2. Why have you decided to participate in Movember?

I first decided to participate in Movember because I believe that it is important to spread the education and importance of this cause. I'm very committed to Movember; my Grandfather was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer a few years back, and I feel it to be the responsibility of every man to get a health check.

3. What is your goal fundraising amount?

I do not have an official goal for Movember, but my personal goal is $3000

4. Why should others participate in Movember?

Others should participate to become educated about an amazing cause/ fund to save lives.

Day 7 handlebar

To check out Daniel's current Moustache (Mo) or donate check out his Movember Mospace page at http://us.movember.com/mospace/1359642/

To Marvelous Moustaches everywhere!

Cheers.

McGuirk Baby Shower

2011-08-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of putting together a Baby Shower for the McGuirk family at Dolce Hayes Mansion. The mother of the women expecting is the one who threw the shower and recruited me to manage games, decorations and the flow of the party. This was her first time throwing a shower and she wanted it to be perfect for her daughter. I had less than a week to put the whole thing together and I think I did a pretty darn good job. :)

The family is very irish and mom wanted to make sure that this was part of the celebration so we had clovers as our centerpieces and we brought in a performer to sing a few irish melodies for entertainment.

In addition to this, we had a banner made, balloons strung at each of the tables and candle favors for each of the guests. Since the sex of the baby was not known we kept with a pastel color theme.

The party started with brunch provided by the hotel, then some games and present opening. Finally to close things out Catherine Brady sang her heart out to the 24 guests in attendance.
Very much looking forward to the next one.

Thank you to Catherine Brady for helping to make this party happen.

Pyucin & Dylan's Sustainable, Eco-Vintage Wedding

2011-07-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Such a cute and eco-friendly couple featured on today's Rock n Roll Bride. Best part is, one of my favorite photographers took the pictures!!!! Check it out!

Pyucin & Dylan's Sustainable, Eco-Vintage Wedding

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping 101

2011-06-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest parts of being a bridesmaid is the dress shopping! Now as a bride, you may want to consider the following prior to jumping into this very exciting part of planning your big day.

Do your Research – Just like you did with your dress, before hitting the stores, look online at styles and designers you’re interested in. Let this help to narrow where you will go to try on dresses. A wedding consultant can also give you some recommendations of stores to look at. Use them as a resource.

Call ahead – Call the stores you’re interested in to see if you need to make an appointment. If they’re good, they will need one. You’ll be happy to have one too. This will allow you to get the attention of one designated sales rep who will help you pick out the perfect dress. If there is a specific style you’re interested in, calling ahead will allow you to confirm that the store actually carries that particular dress. Some stores may carry a specific designer but may not have all of the dresses in the collection.

Shop Early – Most bridesmaid dresses are made to order, which means the dresses aren’t actually made until you place the order. Because of this, you need to allow ample time for the dresses to be produced. I suggest placing your order at least 4 months prior to your wedding date since most dresses take about 12 weeks (some designers more, some less) to produce and deliver. By shopping early, you avoid rush charges and allow enough time to get dresses altered if needed.

Shop with your most difficult to fit bridesmaid. - If she looks good in it, everyone will.

Get measured – by a professional. Even better: at the store you’re purchasing the dress. This person can help you decide the best size for you based on your measurements. Working with someone at the store is really the best since they know the dresses and have seen them on different shapes and sizes and they understand the fit of the dress. Remember that each designer is different so never assume your size or force yourself into a size because that’s what you typically wear.

Expect Alterations – Alterations are pretty standard when it comes to bridesmaid dresses since they are made to order, not necessarily custom made.

Have Fun! – make this a fun shopping event with your girlfriends.

Here are my top 2 picks for Bridesmaid dresses in the San Jose Area

Bella Bridesmaid, Los Gatos – great variety of not your average bridesmaid dresses. They also have stores scattered throughout the US. www.bellabridesmaid.com
Priscilla of Boston, Santana Row – If you get your bridal dress here, they offer a discount on your bridesmaid dresses. www.priscillaofboston.com

What are your favorite picks?

Vendor Spotlight: Skyla Arts

2011-06-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

As part of my ongoing blogs, I have decided to add a segment highlighting vendors I have met in my professional experience. Today I'll be showing you a little bit into the world of hair and make up with Liz Chang of Skyla Arts based in Mountain View.

Name: Elizabeth Chang
Company: Skyla Arts, Harmony Skin Solutions
Price range: $500+

I cant remember exactly how I happened to stumble across Liz but the moment I met her at Starbucks for the first time, we just hit it off. She has such a passion for what she does and you can really feel that when she discusses it with you. Liz specializes in make up facials, and chemical peels and can also provide hair services and portrait photography. So not only can she take care of your day of wedding beauty needs, she can prepare your skin to make it the best it's ever looked months before.

Liz at work putting lashes on a bride

Liz started doing makeup for theater and school events when she was still in elementary school and realized it was her gift. After a very successful make up session for her sisters wedding and some encouragement from family, she knew it was what she really wanted to do with her life. After finishing college, she bought her first kit and started assisting at a high-end salon in LA. Her dream was becoming a reality. About 2 years ago, Liz moved up to Mountain View and is continuing her business here in the Bay Area. We are truly lucky to have her around.

Here are some excerpts from my interview with her last week so you can get to know Liz like I do:

What kind of events/weddings do you love to do?

All kinds! My preferred makeup style is very clean and chic. My specialty to do the no-makeup-makeup look aims to add polish and sophistication by emphasizing a person’s best features. I love it when a bride or my client looks in the mirror and loves her look without feeling like it does not look like herself.

How do you keep up with current trends in the industry?

I work in the fashion/commercial side of the industry as well, so I always keep up with the fashion magazines and try my best to pay attention to the styles on celebrities, because most people will identify themselves with a style icon/celebrity, and knowing those references, for example: Taylor Swift curls, or Gossip Girl hair, is equally important.

What’s the first question you ask a potential client?

In person I usually like to know what they like to do for fun during down time, kind of get a feel of their personality, taste, and what their comfort level is for their look, like how “dressed up” would they like to strive for, or maybe more bohemian. The other thing I ask is whether or not they have any allergies or sensitivities.

What’s your favorite part about what you do?

Making my clients feel and look beautiful!

What’s the biggest challenge about what you do?

My client last night commented how it must be hard for me to do my job because there is no way I could know what the client has in mind, especially if they themselves don’t know what they want. Other times, it’s hard when the client wants to look like a certain celebrity, but the celebrity most likely invests a lot of time and money in skin care, and what you see is her beautiful skin, and not necessarily a special kind of makeup. I responded that yes, it is challenging, because I cannot read your mind; sometimes it’s a trial and error process, and the results are always rewarding!

Another challenge is sometimes my clients come to me as one of the last vendors for their wedding, and most of their budgets were spent on the wedding venue, and expect to spend a fraction of the cost for my services. That is why it is important to hire an experienced wedding coordinator, who will help you navigate your budget and get the most bang for your buck, and educate you on how much to budget for your beauty vendors.

What’s been the most unusual request you’ve had from a client?

The event was unusual but the request itself was fairly normal: My client here in the Bay Area had found some random photos of makeup she liked on the internet after the consultation to show me a better idea of the “glow” she had in mind, and popped on the computer, was photos of my former co-worker and my mentor’s work from at the high-end salon in Los Angeles. I had goose bumps!! What a coincidence…! She probably picked up that my style and my mentor’s was very similar (or else I would not be her assistant), and that even though there are tons of Asian makeup examples on the internet, she found the ones from my mentor in LA!?! What a small world.

To find out more about Liz visit her website: http://www.skyla-arts.com/
or read her blog: http://skyla-arts.blogspot.com/

Wedding Consultant to Bride to be

2011-06-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

Being in the wedding industry, when I tell people I'm planning my own wedding, they always respond with "you must know exactly what you want." The funny thing is, I'm still trying to figure it out.

Being around bridal magazines, websites, blogs and brides, it's true, I've seen a lot of what works and what doesn't work, what's popular, what's not, and what's the next thing and what's so last season.
With so much seen, it's sometimes hard to narrow down what you want. It's a bit of blessing and a curse, really. So yes, I still try to plan as if I'm a normal bride. I ask my friends what they did, and how they dealt with certain situations. I do my research on wedding sites and blogs and I still ask a million questions of each of my vendors. I'm still a normal bride trying to figure it all out as I go along.

As all brides do, I want this day to go smoothly. As a wedding consultant I especially want this day to go smoothly. It's almost more imperative that I line everything up ahead of time because I'm a wedding consultant and wont be able to make sure the centerpieces are perfect or the name cards are in alphabetical order. Someone else is going to have to do it and I think that may be a bit of a challenge for me. So how am I dealing? Planning ahead! Getting all the big stuff out of the way so I can focus on the details. Taking care of what I know I want so it's out of the way. I've got a little over a year to plan it out to perfection and I know I can do it, as you would, with help from some fabulous friends.

What does a Wedding Consultant really do?

2011-05-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

As I have started this journey into the world of flowers, cake and wedding dresses I am finding that many people out there don't really know exactly what a Wedding Consultant (aka planner or coordinator) does so I thought I'd outline some of the amazing things us planners do.

It's quite amazing really, how this once untouchable person who you only thought worked with the rich and famous has become somewhat of a necessity when planning your big wedding day. I don't just say that because I am a Wedding Consultant either. Think about it; It's a beautiful summer day, your hair is done, you've just put on your gorgeous bridal gown, all your best girl friends are all dresses up ready to walk down the aisle by your side and all of a sudden it starts raining ... or .... the cake is missing in action. You thought your fiance took care of it and he thought you took care of it. I know, I know a brides worst nightmare.

Believe it of not, these things happen. Who are you going to look to make things right? This is were a Consultant comes in. Not only will she be wearing flats to run from bridal suite to reception space to relay exactly how each table is being set, but she'll have a bag of tricks up her sleeve so you can relax. She would have made sure that cake was ordered and confirmed it the week before. She would be standing by with umbrella's for the rainstorm and have a bad weather back up ready with staff ready to put it into action. On your wedding day she is your go to gal to make everything run as smoothly as you dreamed. All you have to do is focus on that one true love you've been waiting your whole life to marry. Leave the logistics to us, we'll leave the love to you.

The Wedding Consultant is more than your day of stress reliever though. There are actually a variety of ways you can take advantage of them with out worrying about breaking the bank.

Option 1 - Full Service Wedding Consulting
   This is the big ticket item and what I think most people see as a Wedding Consultants job. If you want someone there every step of the way, this is the way to go. Many times, when couples don't know where to start and really don't have time to even think about a wedding, they go this route. Your consultant will do the research for you, but you still have to make the decisions. Consultants really get to know their couples throughout this process which makes the big day run even smoother since she'll know what your reaction will be before asking the question.

Option 2 - Month of or Day of Wedding Consulting
   This seems to be a popular choice for couples because you get the onsite and pre-wedding attention without paying for the full service. This is a great choice really for all couples. It allows you to hand off every little detail a month out from your wedding so you don't have to worry about it. Your Consultant will take care of making sure your vendors have what they need, arrive at the right time, and are paid accordingly. She'll take care of the on site logistics and details just as she does in the Full Service without being involved with the bulk of the planning.

Option 3 - As Needed Consulting
   This is an option that I don't think a lot of people know about. With this you can get an experts advice on the specific item you may need help with of have a question about. You pay the consultant by the hour so there are not strings attached. Call them as needed and pay for the exact number of hours worked. This option tied with a Month or Day of Consulting is a great combination if you can't afford the Full Service Option.

Option 4 - Vender Referrals
   Think about it, a Professional Wedding Consultant has relationships with people they have worked with closely. They know their work ethic, price point, personality. Use them as a resource to find vendors that match what your looking for instead of spending all your time browsing wedding websites aimlessly.

Full planning mode with mother of the bride
at the Hayes Mansion, San Jose

So many choices to make your Wedding Planning experience a good one. Make sure you hire someone that clicks. There are a lot of companies to choose from which can be intimidating. Ask friends who they've used and do your research on your Coordinator so you don't have to research your vendors. Such an amazing investment you wont even know how much until after your big day is over and you realize how much of it you actually remember. You'll save time, money and your sanity.

Leave a comment below and check out my dear friend Nicole Chubb's recent blog (leave a comment there too) for a chance to win a $25 Fandango Certificate! Winners will be selected at noon tomorrow - Like me on Facebook to stay posted :)

The Engagement Party; keep it simple and fun

2011-05-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Jason and I recently had our engagement party at my parents house. I think it ended up being a good time had by all. Here are some of the tips I used to keep our costs down and keep it simple but still have the party we wanted:
First we defined our purpose. Besides just celebrating with our dearest family and friends we also were using this chance for everyone to get to know each other. What's the best way to do this? Name tags. We didn't just have the names of guests on the tags though, we had each person include their relation to the bride. This helped break the ice with conversations between family and friends.
Keeping the cost down for my parents, who were hosting the event, was extremely important to us so we utilized their backyard for the venue and made the party a potluck. The potluck is a great cost saver for the hosts and it's always fun to see what interesting dishes people come up with. You're sure to set up with a buffet you would have never put together on your own. * One word of advice, either have people tell you what they're bringing prior to the event or assign groups (ie, A-F bring Appetizers, G-O bring Side Dishes, P-Z bring desserts). This will keep from 10 potato salads from ending up on your table.

Our massive Potluck display

To keep the evening casual, we used tables, chairs, and linens my parents already had (we had about 40 people, so we definitely pulled out our entire stock pile) and borrowed from friends what we didn't. It created a casual backyard BBQ feel without using cheap card tables and paper tablecloths or spending a lot of money on renting everything.

For our centerpieces I went to Costco and picked up a a few mixed floral bouquets. Instead of just plopping them into vase, my sister and I created our own arrangements by split the flowers up into many smaller vases and mason jars we found around the house. We set them out on the tables along with pictures of Jason and me to again, create a conversation piece during dinner.

Lastly, we included an activity to create some interaction among people, my fiance's favorite; Beer Pong. Of course you could include something like horseshoes, frisbee toss, or even cards and board games, really anything to get people moving is great. It allows your guests to interact without feeling like they are being forced to talk to people they don't know.

The guys enjoying a game of Beer Pong

The best advice I can give with all of this really is, good food and drink makes any party a great one. Don't over think it and remember why you're all there; to have fun and celebrate!

Dad's 60th Birthday

2011-04-21T21:51:00.000-07:00

So my Dad turned 60 this year. Kind of amazing, especially if you know my dad. I think he has become more active as he's gotten older. For example, his birthday weekend he went canoeing all day, followed by yard work, I'm sure, on Saturday and then cycled 60 miles on Sunday. Quite crazy, some would say but just a normal weekend for my dad.
Because my dad is so amazing, my mom wanted to do something special for this milestone birthday, but she also wanted to be able to enjoy it. Her solution? Talk to her event planner daughter! My solution? Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos. I wanted a place that would be unique, casual and stress free for my mom. After our initial visit, there was no question that it would be perfect!
The day came and everything was perfect. The staff was great, the food was delicious, and my dad was so surprised.

Dinner set up in the cave

The food was catered by Restaurant O and everything was fabulous. Top pick of the night was the Short Ribs but everything turned out beyond expectation.

Some of the guests enjoying some wine before dinner

Grandma and my Aunt ready to eat

The Birthday boy having a blast with some friends

My dad with his best friend from SJSU. He drove from Fresno to be there.

I'm so happy that everything went according to plan and that we were able to enjoy the evening. As an added bonus during dessert, we invited guests to bring pictures and share stories of their experiences with my dad.

Photos of my Dad throughout the years

Our build your own memory page station

All in all a wonderful celebration with friends and family from across the state. Good times for sure. :)

Let's go to the Races!

2011-04-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working at the annual Archbishop Mitty High School Auction. The goal of this event is to raise money for the General Endowment Fund which helps keep the schools tuition costs down. The attendees include everyone from parents of current and past students, community influencers, teachers and alumni.

All are there to support the school as best they can.
Auction items included everything from shopping spree packages, to AMHS fan kits, to a Caribbean Sailing adventure. There really is something for everyone.

This year, the theme of the event was "A day at the races." The silent auction room was reminiscent of jockey uniforms with bright colors and geometric shapes transforming the gym from an athletic practice space to a grand auction hall. It's truly amazing what a little fabric can do to change the feel of a room. To top everything off, the call to dinner was a live bugle reveille.

After the Silent Auction closed, guests made their way over to the other gym which was made into the winners circle. Shrubbery lined the walls, gobos displayed colorful shapes on the drapes, silver Mint Julep Cups with live mint plants along side jockey hats created a lovely centerpiece on each of the long tables and a magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling.

To make the auction a reality, the school gets help from a lot of different places. Parents helped by making phone calls to potential donors and guests, putting together the silent auction tables, decorating the gyms and working the night of the event. The program itself is organized by the Director of Special Events and Public Relations, Sarah Janigian along with the support of multiple departments on campus. Just working with her behind the scenes the few days that I did, it's amazing how many hands touch this event in one way or another.

The time and energy commitment made by everyone to support the school makes me proud to be an Alumna of such a great organization. I was so happy to be able to come in a help where ever needed just to be a part of a spectacular event and I can't wait to jump in and do it again.

Here's to planning the next one!

Getting Inspired

2011-03-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Let the planning begin! But as a bride where do I start? There are so many things to do and so many things to think about.

Never mind the pure logistics of where, when, and how, but what about the what. What do I want the theme to be, what is the most important pieces of the day, and what of my personality do I want to share with my friends and family.
The what is a great place to start the whole planning process because it will help you and your guy to focus in on locations that fit your expectation, the vendors that fit your needs, and the decor that truly exemplifies your personality.

The inspiration for the what can start anywhere but my suggestion is to start with what the two of you like. Make a list of your hobbies, what you like to do on the weekends, your go to activities, your favorite dates, etc.
then look through magazines, internet pages, and photos to get inspirations from everything. Don't feel like you have to be trapped in wedding world but instead look into your world.

If you're a backpacking, camping, kayaking kind of couple, look through your favorite trail guide. Although they don't publish it many places, some parks do have fabulous ceremony and reception sites that just might set the perfect scene for your big day. http://www.parks.ca.gov/

If you love to travel, think through some of the favorite places you've visited. What was it you loved so much about that Basilica in italy or that little village in Peru? Find a place that reflects that feeling.

Do you love the theater? Talk to the local stages in your area and see if they rent out the space to private parties (I know for a fact the California Theater in San Jose does and it's a beautiful venue). Then use your favorite shows as inspiration for the theme. http://www.shomler.com/calsj/index.htm

Once you've hit home on a venue, create the atmosphere from there. The venue acts as your starting point for the ambiance. Instead of creating an environment on a blank slate, the venue creates the environment for you.

If you need assistance putting all the pieces together and getting a concrete vision, a wedding planner can be a great asset. An outsiders perspective can be good and they'll have the tools to make your vision a reality. They can also help with budgeting out your dream and connecting you with vendors.

Remember that inspiration can come from anywhere. Don't feel like you have to be confined to the traditional sites and scenes of a traditional wedding. The day is a celebration of you, so make it that.

How do you get inspired? I want to hear your thoughts. Post them below.

Don't make your friends go broke; how to keep your bridal party's cost at a minimum

2011-02-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

One of the most important decisions a recently engaged couple makes is who is going to be in their bridal party. These people usually consist of family members and very good friends of either the bride or groom. Being asked to be a part of someone's special day is quite the honor. It says that you have been an important aspect of the couples life in one way or another and they want to tell the world of your importance.
But what is the financial obligations of these friends and family members? What is a comfortable amount to ask these people to contribute? Let's face it, when a person is initially asked to be part of the bridal party, most of the time they are so flattered that someone would think of them for such a great honor, the money signs don't seem to be part of the equation.

In reality, here's what we're talking about as a minimum for financial contribution:

Bridesmaid
Dress - $150-$300
Bachelorette Party $200-$400
Shoes $25-$75
Hair $30-$50
Nails $50
Make-up $50
Wedding Gift $50
Total Cost: $550- $1,000 per person
(doesn't include any undergarment, alterations, or additional gifts)

Groomsman
Tuxedo Rental - $100-$200
Shoe Rental - $20
Bachelor Party - $200-$400
Wedding Gift - $50
Total Cost: $370- $670 per person

As you can see, the cost really adds up for each member of your party. I'm a firm believer in trying to minimize this expense as much as possible but I know, that's much easier said than done.
You want to include them but you don't want to burden them at the same time. So what to do what to do. Time to get creative. Here are some suggestions on how to keep the costs at a minimum and still get the wedding you want.

For the girls:

Find out if everyone already has the same color shoes that would work with the style of the wedding or let them be free in their decision of what to wear.
Choose a dress from a designer that has tiered pricing (the more dresses you buy of that style, the less it will be per dress).
Keep an eye out for trunk shows. These usually offer some kind of discount when the dresses are purchased within 2 weeks of the show.
Find a company who can do both your hair and makeup. Many times they'll give you a package deal that ends up being a little less expensive than if you were to buy separately.

For the guys:

Have the groomsmen wear suits they already own. To make everyone match rent only the vents/cumber-bun, tie, and pocket square.
As part of your gift to the groomsmen, pay for haircuts before the wedding day, and to get their shoes shined.

For the whole party:

Consider including a portion of the overall cost into your original budget. Look at it as part of the overall wedding expense.
Keep the Bachelor/Bachelorette party local and stay at a house rather than hotel if possible.
Let your party know ahead of time that you don't expect a gift from them for every party (engagement, bridal shower and wedding day). I think this is an expense that is not thought through but could help your girls out in the long run.

All of these solutions will help your bridal party enjoy your day that much more. You don't want to make being a part of your special day a headache for them as they really are there as honored guests. Remember that.

I'd love to hear from you!
What do you think is a reasonable amount of money for your bridal party to put out?
Have any ideas to save your bridal party money without breaking your bank too?

The Wedding Planner Gets Engaged

2011-02-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I just got back from a great vacation in England. Who would have thought I would come back engaged! It looks like the wedding planner will be planning her own wedding. :) I'll keep you all informed of the challenges and successes I have along the way.
First things first though, how did it happen?
My boyfriend, Jason, and I planned to go on this vacation at the beginning of the summer last year. We both had studied in London during college and were looking forward to getting back there to enjoy the city together.
Little did I know, he had much bigger plans than just being a tourist for 10 days.
Our first couple of days in London were pretty standard; waking up way too early dealing with the time change, realizing that looking left to right before crossing the street doesn't work as well as it does here, and of course, learning how to "mind the gap" when getting on the tube.
By day 6 we were getting to know our way around our neighborhood and had somewhat of a routine. We had made a habit of walking through Hyde Park in the morning. I guess you could say it's like the Central Park of London. Dogs run around without leads (aka leashes), runners and cyclists make their way past fountains, monuments, art installations, and, you know, Kensington Palace, and commuters use it as a short cut to get to work.

On this particular day, we had stopped by Starbucks and picked up coffee, a chocolate croissant for Jason and a blueberry muffin for me (a pretty standard event with us no matter where we are in the world). We started out on our usual path looking for a dry bench to enjoy our tasty treats. Of course, this was the first morning of our trip that we woke up with frost everywhere so a dry bench was a little hard to find. We settled on a wet one and did our best to dry it off.

We sat down and proceeded to drink our coffee and eat our pastries when Jason asked me a question he had asked many times before: "Can I keep you? Forever?" to which I answered "of course you can baby" he then responded with "then you might need this" I turned to see a little gray box. Being the romantic that he is, Jason got down on one knee and asked me the big question. to which I said "yes babe yes!" and in an instant it was over. We were engaged and I was a blubbering mess with a mouth full of muffin.

It was unexpected, completely nontraditional and perfect! I wouldn't have had it any other way. So here I go, planning my own wedding. Wish me luck. :)

Tranquility in Saratoga

2011-01-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

Today I had the pleasure of visiting Hakone Estate and Gardens nestled just above downtown Saratoga on Big Basin Way. I have seen countless photos taken at this venue but had never stepped foot on the property until today. The entrance fee on a daily basis is just $5.00 for adults and $3.50 for kids and seniors (kids under 4 are free).
I arrived and checked in to the very cute gift shop and was pointed in the direction of the entrance. I went in and met with the event manager on site, Kyongmi, who explained the rates and regulations of the National Trust Historic Preservation. The venue can hold both a ceremony and reception for about 150 people comfortably and has also been the setting for many of Silicon Valleys best companies offsite meetings and retreats. I couldn't think of a more tranquil and serene setting to have a one day retreat or get married at.

The View of Silicon Valley from the Viewing Deck.

Side view of the Ceremony Site

The actual gardens are blocked by a tall fence so once you get inside, you truly leave the rest of the world behind. There is a beautiful waterfall and pond with Koi fish swimming around in it as you walk through the entrance gate. Various houses sit on the property and are used for the foundations very busy schedule of activities, which Kyongmi also handles. The garden provides many places for a person to get lost in themselves and relax. Just walking around for a few minutes, I could feel my shoulders relax and my whole mood change. I started walking slower and really looking around at every aspect of nature and beauty that was placed before me.

One of the house on the property

From the bamboo garden to the moon bridge, the environment gives a great backdrop for any special occasion.

For more information on Hakone Estate and Gardens visit www.hakone.com

Brady PT Christmas Party

2010-12-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas has come and past and I once again had the great pleasure of planning the Brady Physical Therapy Christmas Party. I love being apart of these parties because the owner is so creative. We've never done a stand around, drink a cocktail and chat company party which is what I love about planning them. We've done tours of San Francisco, a Murder Mystery, theater and dinner, a private magic show, a tour of the Giants Stadium and much more.

There are a few ground rules, though, when putting these parties together.
1. It's always a surprise to the employees.
2. Each employee can bring 1 guest.
3. If transportation is hired, it must be used for more than 1 trip (example: we must go at least 3 places; Point A to Point B to Point C and back, never just from Point A to Point B and back).

Being located in the San Francisco Bay Area has provided a variety of possible locations which has made the guessing game the staff plays prior to the night of the party quite fun. This year we got questions like the usual, "How do we dress?.. 'What time will we be done?.. 'Where did you say we were going again?" to "Should people be concerned about their animal allergies?" oh the joys of planning a surprise party.

This year, the boss wanted to show off the new clinic the company just moved into so we started the evening at the office. We rearranged some of the equipment, added some holiday decorations and music, and set out some simply delicious appetizers. This completely changed the atmosphere of the office. The staff was able to give their guests a great tour of the office and mingle with some of the other employees.

Then, we played a fabulous game of Jeopardy. The categories, which the owner and I worked on together, included; Physical Therapy, Brady Physical Therapy, Holidays, Bay Area Sports, San Mateo, and Foster City. The different categories really represented the clinics past and present and everyone had some fun with the friendly competition.

After that, everyone headed over to the Melting Pot for some good old Fondue fun. Fabulous food and great servers. The staff then proceeded with their annual secret santa gift exchange. The noise and laughter coming from our private room was a clear indication of the success of the party.
Always a good time with the Brady clan.

The Brady PT staff group picture

The boss and wife having a good time

Some of the Brady Staff

Flowers at Weddings

2010-12-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

As you start planning your wedding, what are the items are your check list? You need something to wear, somewhere to be married, something to bring you there, someone to perform the ceremony, and something to hold? Flowers have forever been a major part of the wedding ceremony and reception but why? How did these beautiful accents provided by nature become such a needed item for wedding ceremonies across the world?
It's quite interesting actually. The use of flowers (and herbs) dates back to the ancient Greeks were originally part of the ceremony to show love and well wishes to everyone. They were considered a gift from nature.
A wreath of herbs and garlic bulbs was placed on both the bride and grooms head to symbolize love and happiness and were thought to have magical power to ward off evil spirits.
At the reception, a kissing knot made up of rosemary and roses was hung above the heads of the bride and groom and head table. This was said to bring love and good luck to everyone sitting at the table.
Flowers were also given to guests to ensure happiness and long lives.
Throughout the years, as superstition became less involved, flowers replaced the herbs but the tradition they started continued around the world.

In Germany, the bride and groom would hold candles with flowers and ribbons tied to them during the ceremony.

In India, the grooms brother would sprinkle flower petals over the bride and groom at the end of the ceremony to help ward of any evil spirits.

In Sweden, the bridesmaids would carry little bouquets of aromatic herbs and the groom would carry thyme in his pockets as they walked down the aisle to scare off any trolls.

In Austria, the brides would crown their veils with the flowers of life.

In England, the bride and her bridesmaids would walk to the church together. A small girl would lead them to the church while sprinkling flower blossoms along the path so the bride will have a life filled with flowers and happiness. This tradition is continued in modern weddings that have "flower girls.

Flower and Herb meanings:
http://www.victorianbazaar.com/meanings.html

Floral Resources

http://weddings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/History_of_Wedding_Flowers

http://www.2020site.org/wedding/wedding-flowers.html

Thanksgiving Luncheon

2010-12-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of working with a fabulous client to put together a Thanksgiving Luncheon for about 70 people. One of the challenges of this program was turning an ordinary meeting room into a dinning hall that surrounded the guests with the warmth of Thanksgiving.
How did we do it?
We started by setting the room up with long tables, very pilgrim 1st thanksgiving like. Then we covered them with copper table cloths and added a chocolate runner to give some contract. This addition of a second color really makes the table pop. A runner was created out of fall leaves, gourds and indian corn.
On the walls we hung fall wreaths and to top it all off, a little Frank Sinatra played in the background.

Traditional Thanksgiving faire was served. The buffet was completely decorated with pumpkins, hay, and a scarecrow.

Because we were able to change the setting into a more cozy environment, people felt comfortable sticking around and chatting with their coworkers. It was nice to see people enjoying a little time away from their normal work day.

It truly turned out to be a great event.

Thanksgiving with the Family

2010-11-25T12:58:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up and went for my regular morning run and notices something great about the neighborhood. Kids raking up leaves with their dad, I'm sure to be jumped into later, couples all bundled up taking their dogs for walks, the smell of BBQ turkeys wafting into the street. It was so nice to see people being out being active and enjoying the holiday as it should be enjoyed. Thanksgiving really is the start of what I like to call "the family season." The time of the year when the family becomes the main focus of shopping, cooking, entertaining, and traveling. I love it! And thanksgiving is my favorite.

After my run I walked into my house to find my dad stuffing the turkey, my sister mashing yokes for the deviled eggs and a broken mixer. That's right, it wouldn't be thanksgiving without some challenge to overcome. Luckily, my older sister doesn't live too far and ran over and got hers. Meanwhile, my niece is playing in the living room and my nephew is running around outside. Never a dull moment in the Brady house, but that's what it's all about. Enjoying the little moments together as a family.

My mom and sister working in the kitchen. Catherine's dish is Gnoche Verdi

I love that all of us help with the preparation of the meal. We each have a dish we're in charge of which really makes it that much more fun. Here goes my sister licking the devil egg filling bowl. Oh those little moments that turn into memories and the jokes at future family functions.

The infamous Deviled Eggs

My brother's apples for the Apple Pie

Go enjoy the holiday with your family and make your own memories.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

2010-10-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

It's the night before your wedding and you're laying out all of the items you need for the big day. A pair of white shoes, your brand new dress, grandma's diamond necklace that has been in the family for years, your sisters borrowed hair piece, and of course, the light blue garter which completes your outfit.

Many brides will not step foot out the door without making sure all of these items are in place. Is it superstition, tradition, or what? Where did the need for something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue come from? And what do they really mean?

The complete original saying goes as follows:

Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a sixpence in her shoe.

All of the items mentioned in the rhyme are meant to be good luck for the bride a groom and definitely have a lot of meaning behind them.

Something old

The something old item is traditionally a gift from the mother or grandmother to start the brides married life. It symbolizes wisdom being pasted onto the bride from past generations.

Something new

The something new item symbolizes hope and optimism as she starts her new life.

Something borrowed

The something borrowed item usually comes from someone who is currently happily married. The hope is that the success of this married couple will rub off on the next.

Something blue

In ancient Rome blue symbolized love modesty, and fidelity. Purity is also associated with the color since Christians have long dressed the Virgin Mary in it. And lastly, blue was a popular color for brides to be married in before the late 19th century as evidenced in proverbs like "Marry in blue, lover by true."

And a sixpence in her shoe

The sixpence is a coin that was first minted in Britain during the reign of Edward VI in 1551. Grooms in Scotland were send to be the first to put the coin in their shoe on their wedding day for good luck and guaranteed fortune in his married life. To optimize the fortune, the coin must be in the left shoe.

There you have it. The old tradition debunked. Keep these items in mind on your wedding day for they very well may help you to live a happy, fruitful, and bountiful life.

What did you have on your wedding day that fit each of these items?

References:

http://ask.yahoo.com/20031027.html

http://www.scotlandsmusic.com/scottish-wedding-traditions.htm

Fall Weddings

2010-10-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

Aw, it's finally starting to feel like fall here in the SF Bay Area. The leaves are falling, they're a slight chill in the air, and it finally rained yesterday.
Although the weather outside may be a tad cool, it is no excuse for a boring wedding. In fact, I love an elegant fall wedding. The natural colors of the season brighten up any room and the candles, oh how the candles create such an intimate cozy feeling. There are many themes, too that work perfectly for this time of year. Just today I was inspired by some masquerade masks that came all the way from venice. My mom and I were at Natasha's Attic taking care of some business for the recent show she had costumed when I saw the glass case full of all different styles and colors. They were all so unique with their different personalities shinning through. Of course, after looking at them for some time I had to think of a way to use them and I thought, but of course, why not for a wedding or even engagement party. How fun would that be? Everyone entering the wine cellar with elegant dresses and masks to match. You could take it back to Marie Antoinette and have professional dancers come in to instruct on traditional dances or play games where people have to find certain masks with specific characteristics. Food could be a full feast of chickens, pork, steak, potatoes and of course loads of desserts. Oh what fun it would be. Candles hanging from the ceiling, candelabras along the wall and rich royal colored fabrics everywhere. Puppet shows for the kids, and plenty of beer and wine for the adults. Oh what a celebration it would be and all from a mask in a glass case.

Challenges of a Look and Feel

2010-10-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

I never thought designing a look and feel of a company would be such a challenge. I've gone over what I want in my head a million times. Simple, elegant, sophisticated, clean lines, nothing to complicated, but memorable. How to make myself stand out against the competition? There are a lot of Wedding Consultants out there. The more I mention what I'm doing to friends and family the more people I find out are doing the same thing I am. So what makes me different from the rest of them? What does a bride look for when searching for the person to handle all of the details of the most important day of their life?
1. Understanding of their vision
2. Level headed
3. Price fit
All of these assets, every other consultant should have as well. If they don't, I'm one step ahead. What else is there, though? Exclusivity. My plan is to only do 2 weddings a month (24 weddings a year). This way I can give full attention to my brides without thinking of the 3 other celebrations I have that weekend. Personalized attention. Meeting with the couple in person to get a complete sense of what they are looking for in a Wedding Consultant. Giving advice when asked, and not interfering with what they want to handle. Letting their Wedding Day be theirs to enjoy.
How to bring that to life is going to be a challenge, but one I'm looking forward to. Any ideas? I'd love to hear what you would like in a Wedding Consultant.

2010-10-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

I never thought designing a look and feel of a company would be such a challenge. I've gone over what I want in my head a million times. Simple, elegant, sophisticated, clean lines, nothing to complicated, but memorable. How to make myself stand out against the competition? There are a lot of Wedding Consultants out there. The more I mention what I'm doing to friends and family the more people I find out are doing the same thing I am. So what makes me different from the rest of them? What does a bride look for when searching for the person to handle all of the details of the most important day of their life?
1. Understanding of their vision
2. Level headed
3. Price fit
All of these assets, every other consultant should have as well. If they don't, I'm one step ahead. What else is there, though? Exclusivity? My plan is to only do 2 weddings a month (24 weddings a year). This way I can give full attention to my brides without thinking of the 3 other celebrations I have that weekend.

Starting from Scratch

2010-09-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a month since I quit my full time stable corporate job. I took a leap of faith and decided to pursue a dream I've had since I was about 14; to own a business. What's the business? Wedding and Event Coordination. Based in San Jose, California, I would like to work with brides, families and individuals to plan the most important moments of their lives (Everything from weddings, to anniversaries, to graduation parties).

So far, here's where I am with the development of the business:
1. Factitious Business Name filed - check
2. Business License - check
3. Vendor List - half check (started but always being added to)
4. Website - working on it
5. Logo - working on it

The first 2 items were easy. Go to the city, pay some money, and get confirmation. The last 3 are taking a little more work. So yes, I am official, have the papers to show it but am still developing all of those fabulous marketing entities that will get the word out about my services. I am working on it though. It was a big jump to leave the stability and comfort of having a normal 9-5 job with benefits, 401k, stock options etc, but I did it and I'm glad I did. Probably the best thing I've done all year and I'm excited to share about it.