Grand Engagements

We are LIVE!

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:36:00 +0000

Our NEW blog is LIVE and we are so excited to share it with you! We have a whole new look & feel. Visit us at our NEW Blog! Happy Sunday!!

New Blog coming soon!!

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:35:00 +0000

Grand Engagements is getting a fresh new blog and it will be up and running within the next week. I will keep you posted with the link, so check back with us. Happy Friday!!!

Real Wedding Sneak Peek :: Sonia + Kraig

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 02:22:00 +0000

Sonia and Kraig just got married and here is a little teaser of their special day...Megan, from Honey and Poppies created this stunning bouquet. She is so amazing with design and is hands down one of my favorite floral designers! Enjoy!!

photographer :: Leila Peterson

Featured on Grey Likes Weddings :: Great Gatsby Inspired Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:01:00 +0000

Old mixed with new is a favorite equation of mine. It is not just vintage, not your borrowed or something new, it is a little more than that...it is about style. Create a modern wedding inspired by The Great Gatsby with a hint of Southern twist is just that; glamorous, sophisticated and modern.

As soon as I set foot on Rancho Los Cerritos with Gavin Wade to work with him on one of his amazing photography talkshops. I was inspired by the 1920’s and The Great Gatsby. I immediately could feel the life the house had and the parties that took place. Our inspiration included the subtle shades of powder blue & butter cream yellow because the home had such a open garden setting. When it came to flowers, I envisioned a whimsical garden style with their enchanting secret garden gates. Everything had a glowing and airy feel to it yet had such a radiance about it. I wanted to make sure everything was balanced and that when you look at the pictures you felt that you could envision yourself there in the moment, enjoying lemonade, playing croquet and chasing butterflies. The styling was all about going back in a moment of time and almost reliving the past, but better. The croquet balanced the freedom that this era was all about. An additional key ingredient was the 1927 All American Packard that brought the 20’s back to life.

A special thank you to Summer for the feature and all the phemnomial vendors who helped make this happen. So thrilled to have our work on Grey Likes Weddings. To see more incredible photos by the talented Gavin Wade Photographers, check out their blog!

Venue :: Rancho Los Cerritos

Photography :: Gavin Wade Photographers
Styling & Design :: Gloria McCune of Grand Engagements
Flowers :: Heavenly Blooms
Food :: Jay's Catering
Cake :: My Sweet & Saucy
Butterflies :: Chase-N-Butterflies
Linen :: La Tavola
Stationary :: Grand Engagements
Rentals :: Town & Country Rentals
Vintage Rentals :: Found Vintage Rentals
1927 Packard :: Classic Limos
Hair & Makeup :: Vivian Tran

Malibu Engagement Session :: Courtney + Isaac

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Courtney & Isaac met as college students Vanderbilt University during a volunteer trip for Habitat for Humanity that the two first became acquainted and began what would be their life together. College days were filled with football games and theme parties, always at each other's side. Every night after he studied at the library, Isaac would come by Courtney's dorm with cookies for a goodnight kiss.

They followed each other to the west coast and law school in Los Angeles, Isaac at Pepperdine and Courtney at UCLA. There were many all-nighters, Courtney teaching Isaac Constitutional Law and Isaac coaching Courtney through the first year brief writing. They also found a city that they could call home, with a church, friends, and lots of Korean BBQ.

But it was when Courtney returned from her second home of China that she and Isaac realized how much they meant to each other. Isaac promised that the next time she went to China, she wouldn't go alone, and Courtney discovered her home was with Isaac, wherever they were. The couple plans to wed and work both as litigators in L.A., debating who does the dishes (Isaac) and who does the laundry (Courtney) for many years to come...

Courtney & Isaac are such a stunning pair and quite the models. She has such an incredible eye for details and magnificent sense of style. Isaac is charming and witty, whenever you see them together, they are always laughing. In a few months, their wedding is going to be at the posh London Hotel in West Hollywood. Here they are enjoying life, just as they remembered it...crazy in love in Malibu.

photography :: Jasmine Star

Utterly Engaged Feature, Issue 15 :: French Wedding Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Tue, 10 May 2011 19:28:00 +0000

Anytime I work on styling a wedding, I start with a love story and it goes from there. France is known for the most amazing love stories in the world...and I am always inspired by it. From it's amazing history, architecture, art, food, style, and fashion, I am mezmerized by it all. I was very lucky to work with an incredibly stylish & talented group to create this French Inspired Wedding! See our latest feature in Utterly Engaged.

designer & stylist :: Gloria McCune - Grand Engagements
photographer :: AGIPHOTO Studios
florist :: Nisie's Enchanted Florist
cake :: Sweet and Saucy Shop
stationary :: Posh Paperie
vintage rentals :: found
linens :: Wildflower Linens
rentals :: Classic Party Rentals

Orange County Engagement Session :: Cheryl + Kevin

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Mon, 09 May 2011 01:10:00 +0000

Energy is something you cannot see but something you can definitely feel. I am not a chemistry major and as much as I admire science, I cannot explain the wonder that takes place when two people fall in love and create the equation we call love. It is beyond my understanding but I know it exists...I am blessed to witness it as often as I do.

Cheryl & Kevin are one of the most perfect couples I have ever met...It may sound crazy, but it is true. Love is a complicated dance and when you have two people together who are in sync, the most incredible thing happens, you have the chance to witness love happening in front of your eyes. There is so much beauty in this world and it is because of one common thread we all wish to feel and when you do...consider yourself one of the luckiest people on this earth.

photography :: Studio EMP

Los Angeles Engagement Session :: Sonia + Kraig

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 19:34:00 +0000

Love finds you when you least expect it. It can sometimes be in the most unlikely places. Even when you are furthest from home on a vacation...this the story of how Sonia & Kraig met while on vacation in Mexico. They were both two people living separate lives when fate had better plans.

As the time would have it, they reconnected. Little did they know that they would fall crazy in love and quickly became inseparable. Sonia & Kraig decided to take another vacation back to Mexico together where they fell in love...Kraig popped the question and Sonia happily accepted.

Here they are for their engagement session having fun, laughing and being in love!

photography :: Leila Peterson

Motorcycles, Stilettos and Tanks :: D. Park Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Years ago, I decided to leave the corporate world behind to continue in the pursuit of my happiness...planning & designing weddings. Life has been so sweet and full of happily ever after since then. For me, it is all about enjoying the journey and living every moment to its fullest. I feel so lucky to spend my days with people who are so in-love! We are all here to love and share that love. Marriage is such a sacred passage in life and it should be cherised. So when you meet the person of your dreams, hold on to them tightly and never let them go. If the grass seems greener on the other side, water your lawn more!

Cory & I have already been together for 10 years!!! I believe that love grows deeper and richer with time. Our 5 year anniversary is quickly approaching, I can't believe that we have reached this mini milestone. I say "mini" because I plan on exceeding 60+ years of marriage together. I love him so much and am just as in love if not more since the day we met. So 60 years should be cake! The moment I saw Cory, I saw forever. He is everything I could have ever dreamed of and so much more. I picture us growing old, sitting in rocking chairs on a front porch together and talking about life. I feel so lucky to have such an amazing friend, partner and lover to call my own. Love is a funny thing...it is simple, complicated and everything in between. If love is the foundation of a marriage, then a good sense of humor is the glue that keeps it together...at least in my book.

Drexelle & David of D. Park Photography have created a series dedicated to soon-to-be married couples about what makes marriage so special. Once you are married, it is just the beginning of a fun and wild adventure. Here is a snippet of what life is like keeping up with the McCunes.

Why Marriage from David Park on Vimeo.

photography :: D. Park Photography

Wedding season is here!!

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:44:00 +0000

There are a lot of great things happening here at Grand Engagements! With wedding season in full swing, I am so excited to share with you the amazing weddings we have coming up. Which explains the biggest reason why I haven't had the chance to sit down and blog...but it will be worth it! So I will bring you up to speed since the holidays...

January was crazy and by crazy I mean, I turned the BIG 3-0! Yikes!!! I wasn't sure how that was going to feel, but fortunately, it wasn't as bad as I thought. I spent so much of my teens thinking of my 20's that 30's felt like it was so "old!" Yes, I said it! Now that I am 30 and the 90's are still considered young in my eyes, I am looking forward to life more than ever! Everyone kept asking me what big party I was going to have, and we all know as a planner that would be hard to do, unless I was having a huge party thrown for me by Sean Combs off on a private island or a loft in NY, I don't think I would have wanted it. Trust me!! I am all about "Go BIG or Go Home!"...So I went home. I wanted to do just the opposite of what I thought I would want. Cory and I went to Disneyland, just the two of us, shared churros and laughed all day. It was so fun and refreshing! So, in a lot of ways, it put life into perspective and made me the happiest girl in the world at the happiest place in the world. Turning 30 is more than a number, it is about feeling comfortable in your own skin...and finally I can say that I am.

Now that spring is here and it still feels like winter, I am looking forward to the warmer days ahead. With the summer-like days on the horizon, this will be beautiful wedding season. Weeks have been flying by as I have been meeting with my incredible clients and planning their weddings. There is always so much great stuff going on, getting to sit down and write on the blog can easily be overlooked. So come back often, great posts are headed your way!

Los Angeles Engagement Session :: Liz + Peter

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:32:00 +0000

If I could choose two words to describe Liz & Peter, it would be "Hollywood Glamour." They are the kind of couple with the "it factor." Liz has a true everlasting glamour about her, she is beautiful inside and out. Peter is strong, intelligent and funny! Together, they are perfect and can take over the world! Just spend some time with this incredible duo and you will see in no time their passion for life rub off on you!

Greg Bumatay captured this high-fashion engagement shoot that I am just drooling over. Greg just won my heart over!

photography :: Greg Bumatay

My little one...

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:49:00 +0000

My son Ryder is my world...I never thought I could love soooo much. He is funny, silly and knows how to make you laugh! He loves to dance and play...and will amuse you with his fanciful stories. He is perfect in everyway. Here is Ryder doing what he does best, being a ham! I guess that is what happens when you grow up in family full of photographers...my theory is, someone has to be in front of the camera...now I know who he got that from.

photography :: AGIPHOTO

Los Angeles Engagement Session :: Marie + Kevin

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:49:00 +0000

Marie & Kevin met during their undergrad at Cal State Fullerton University and share their passion for music...Before you knew it, they fell in love and knew they were meant to be together forever. Marie & Kevin share a magical bond between them that is all about everlasting love. Soon they will both marry at the fabulous Langham Hotel in Pasadena.

Sharing their love for music, there couldn't have been a better place to celebrate their love druing their engagement session by visiting the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Music Center in Los Angeles, California.

wedding planner :: Grand Engagements
photography :: Chris Bence

Featured in Utterly Engaged Issue #14

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:48:00 +0000

2011 sure is looking pretty! I had the pleasure of starting the year out celebrating a fabulous event with Lucia & Henny from Utterly Engaged at the Avia Hotel. These ladies inspire me every day with their gorgeous wedding e-zine, creativity and love for life! It was bittersweet to see it come to and end after months of planning with the inspiring Utterly Engaged ladies, but knowing what a great time everyone had and all the wonderful responses we received, made every moment the best! For the full e-zine be sure to check out issue #14.

We had so many incredible vendors who came together for this amazing party to celebrate the New Year. Samuel Lippke captured the day perfectly with his incredible eye for style. (Always a favorite of mine). This party had to be hands down one of my favorites and definitely one that I will always remember. A special thank you to Lucia & Henny for having me be a party of such a special occasion!

event planning + coordination :: Grand Engagements

photography :: Samuel Lippke

Featured in Ceremony Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:15:00 +0000

I am so happy to share with you one of our weddings featured in Ceremony Magazine! It was at the fairy tale ranch of Saddlerock in Malibu. If you have not visited, you should! A photographers dream...It is a stunning vineyard full of endless acres of lush grapes, trees and roads to happily ever after. Thank you to Michelle & Jason for being such a wonderful couple and making this such a perfect day!

photography :: Mimi Nguyen

Utterly Engaged New Year Party

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:44:00 +0000

You are invited to the

SNAP. CRACKLE. POP!
It's a New Year Party

Rise and shine to a brand new year!

U T T E R L Y E N G A G E D

F E A T U R I N G

The 2nd Annual Design Challenge
for Wedding Professionals

Where wedding vendors collaborate and bring their creativity to the table.

This year an elite panel of judges from the wedding industry will decide the winner!

Venue, Late-Night Breakfast
& Beverages hosted by

AVIA HOTEL IN LONG BEACH

Energy Card Readings
Let Avec Cinta show you what your 2011 holds!

.................................................................................................................

V E N D O R H I G H L I G H T S

Event Planner & Coordinator GRAND ENGAGEMENTS

Photographer SAMUEL LIPPKE

DJ PLAYTIME ATTRACTIONS

Videographer SHADE TREE FILMS

Lighting INVISIBLE TOUCH EVENTS

Organic Ice Cream SWEET LUCIE'S

Dessert Bar HONEY BEE SWEETERIE

Mini Donut Bar DOUGH A DEER

Floral Designer FLORAL ELEMENTS

Linens LA TAVOLA LINEN

.................................................................................................................

INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR?

Please email Henny at henny@utterlyengaged.com for more information. Thank you!

.................................................................................................................

Click HERE to RSVP!

Nixon Library Wedding :: Yvonne + David

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 23:47:00 +0000

Yvonne and I met earlier this year and we instantly became friends. Planning her wedding was so much fun because we were always laughing, sharing stories for our love of our cats and having a wonderful time! I felt like I have known her my whole life!

What was so incredible about Yvonne is that she has a heart of gold and loves the world around her. She and David weren't ever afraid to take risks and live life the way they dreamed. While planning her wedding, she and David decided to move to Taiwan and opened up a fabulous restaurant. I admire them so much because the time needed to be invested into a new business takes so much and to add planning a wedding to the mix overseas is not for the weak of heart, they truly are a power duo and a perfect couple in my book!

Their wedding was so beautiful at the Richard Nixon Library. Days leading up to the wedding, we didn't know what to expect with the weather and as you know, rain is never on the timeline! Fortunately, we didn't have any rain during their ceremony and enjoyed the rest of the evening dancing the night away. From around the world, friends and family gathered to share such a special day full of laughter and happiness as everyone had the chance to celebrate being together once again.

event coordination :: Grand Engagements
photography :: Frank Salas

Engagement Session :: Rachel + Jon

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 05:05:00 +0000

The moment I met Rachel & Jon, I knew they were a match made in heaven. Rachel is fabulous, charming, brilliant and one of the funniest people I know. Jon is charismatic, creative, talented, an amazing chef and absolutely head-over-heels in love with Rachel!

When Rachel told me that both her and Jon are foodies and love picnics, I knew we had a great theme to go with for thier engagement session. Their engagement session was photographed by one of my favorite photographers Gabriel Ryan.

photography :: Gabriel Ryan

flowers :: Honey and Poppies

Ho! Ho! Ho!

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 05:49:00 +0000

Christmas is here and it is definitely a very special time of year! So we decided to mix things up a little this year. Normally, we open presents on Christmas Eve and since our son is a present fanatic and loves opening everyone's gift, we figured it may be best to leave it to Santa Claus to put the presents underneath the Christmas tree. We baked some sugar cookies, got some milk for Santa and placed a carrot out for the reindeers to snack on. I am excited for this day as it always is filled with so much fun! There is no place like home for the holidays.

From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!

photography :: AGIPHOTO Studios

It's raining, Irish, let's get your sweater!

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:46:00 +0000

It must have started when I was little...as far as I could remember. I think I was 3 or 4 years old and our neighbors had a German Shepherd named Suzzie. I loved her so much. I always felt that there was a connection between us, as if she somehow knew what I was thinking and when I needed her by my side. We had an instant connection and that is when my love for animals began. I couldn't wait until one day I had a doggie to call my own...

My parents must have gone crazy for all the times I would beg them for a dog. I would watch the Lady and the Tramp Disney movie and only hope that I would have a puppy come out of a big box with a huge bow. Although, all the Christmas' were wonderful, there wasn't a puppy in sight. When I was 6, we got a cat named Kitty. She was extremely fascinating, but didn't want to play and fetch like dogs love to. Must less, hang out with a hyper little kid. She loved to eat and sleep. Throught the years we grew together and I loved her, but still felt like I was missing that inner connection that I had with Suzzie that I so fondly remember.

No matter where we lived or what was going on, it seemed like the circumstances would never allow for a puppy. I knew in my heart that someday...I will have a puppy. When my husband and I moved in together, he was still my boyfriend and I began to torture him with the very same question. "Can I have a puppy? Let's go get one!!" By that point, I had my share of 3 cats that I had rescued and seemed to quickly become a cat lady. I am so happy that Cory didn't run by that point, but he knew what he was getting in to. So I have a weak spot for ALL animals. Cats, dogs, fish, rats, birds...reptiles not so much, but you get where I am going. I would have grown up to be a vet as long as I only saved animals. I couldn't bear that some wouldn't live. So I thought, I would just rescue them and give them the best life I possibly could. All my cats have stockings with their names on it and would have presents under the tree! They love it!!

At that point, we have all these cats and we are in the housing market looking for a home and I knew we would have the opportunity to get a puppy. We just bought our first home 5 years ago and we discussed getting a puppy right after our honeymoon. We got our first puppy named Rogue. She was a Hungarian Viszla and they are spectacular doggies. We had her for 4 months and then she passed away. My entire world collapsed...in a split second. I wanted to die because I never knew I could love her SOOO much and then have her taken away from me. I felt like I was living a nightmare and I wanted to wake up so badly. As we were praying for the Lord to take care of Roggie-bear, I felt like a huge blanket of peace comforted me and took away the pain I was in. Just as if God was telling me that everything is going to be OK. I remember questioning the hurt in the days that passed. I prayed to God asking him why this had to happen and how can I possibly go on without her? She was my first little puppy and now she was gone.

I was given a little book called All Dogs Go To Heaven and after reading it, I started talking to Rogue and telling her how much I missed her. I wanted her to know that I wanted her back and that I wish something could be done. In the weeks that passed, I found out about a litter that was going to be born in December and I had a feeling to go ahead and place a deposit on a puppy. A part of me felt crazy because I thought that it was too soon, and an other part of me knew I had to go meet this puppy in the future that I didn't even know yet.

Now, it's December and the puppies are ready to go home to their new families. It was our turn to pick and as I am sitting there, Cory told me that I had to pick out our new pup because I always have a crazy connection with them and they end up being our perfect match. There were all these cute puppies running around and I couldn't decide, but I had to. Then in the corner of my eye, there was one I didn't pay attention to as much but she was the only one following me and trying to catch my attention. Thankfully, my husband saw this happening. That moment, he told me to look at her and then our eyes locked. My heart felt content and at peace, there was a sense of giddiness because in my heart, I knew she was the one. I promised her I wouldn't let anything happen to her and would take care of her forever. In a moment, I felt like I was a little kid again who finally got her wish and got a puppy. It was a new beginning and I was grateful.

We decided to name her Irish. She is the same breed as Rogue, a Hungarian Viszla and because I am Hungarian and my husband is Irish, we thought it would be fitting if she was half of us. We love her endlessly. Irish makes us laugh and loves to talk. Some days she acts more like a cat than a dog, because our cats would like to think they had some part in raising her. She even sleeps on our bed and gets tucked in. Irish loves getting dressed up for Halloween and goes Trick-or-Treating with my son. I even have sweaters for her for when it is cold. She is our baby girl. Now she is 4 and is a huge part of our family. Our son is 3 and Irish adores him...I can all of a sudden see how they have such a special connection like I did when I first met Suzzie. It is amazing how life makes a full circle. Now it is raining and it is time to bring out her sweater for a walk...

Holidays by the numbers...

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:34:00 +0000

Everyday during the holidays, I feel like a little kid as I anticipate the mail man dropping of the daily mail. Receiving Christmas cards are like mini presents filled with hand-written love and it is the best! I love to put all the cards on top of the mantle and adore the wonderful style it takes on it's own. Each card has a fun theme, style and wish. This year, we got a fun fact card and I thought it would be fun to share what the holidays are all about by the numbers...including my thoughts.

25% of people in the U.S. believe Santa drives an SUV in the off-season. If Santa does drive an SUV, I hope it is a hybrid or it better be magic!
During the holiday buying season, visa cards alone are used on average of 5,340 times every minute in the U.S. I am sure that my husband believes this statistic is true just for me during the entire year. I would like to think I am a shopaholic, but I just deny deny deny.
7 out of 10 dogs get gifts from their owners. I love my Irie (she is a Hungarian Vizsla) and she is spoiled with tons of love. She is my baby girl and loves wearing costumes during Halloween and sweaters when it is cold. I know she is looking forward to her Christmas stocking being full of goodies. She checks it everyday...
50% of people in the U.S. wear holiday-themed clothing during the holiday season. I made an effort to try to get rid of my husband's crazy red pants, which ever year I pray I he doesn't find. I still have my puffy paint little drummer boy sweatshirt that I made when I was 14, but I don't fit in it...which explains why I don't wear it (that is my excuse).
41% of toys and presents given to children during the holidays are broken by March. Now that my son Ryder is 3, these statistics may soon become a reality. In that case, play-dough may be my best friend. Smush away! It's ART!
There are approximately 25-30 million real holiday trees sold in the U.S. every year. Happy to know I contributed to that total. I still love the smell of a real tree and have often debated whether or not to buy a fake one. The idea behind taking down a fake tree and fluffing it helps me appreciate the beauty behind having a real tree.
The average Christmas/New Year's long-distance trip length is 275 miles. I would love this number to be true with my family. Between Germany, Hungary, Florida and California, we may want to add at least 3,000 more miles to that total. I have my bags packed and ready to go!
During the holiday season, more than 1.76 billion candy canes will be made. I love candy canes, just never fell in love with mint or peppermint. If they had chocolate candy canes I would be in heaven. I suppose that would not have the same wow factor or last as long...
87% believe the holidays should be more about family and caring for others, and less about giving and receiving gifts. Giving comes in many forms and sharing & caring is considered giving too (in my book). The holidays are about celebrating love and life with family and friends. As long as you are giving from your heart, that is what matters most!

Happy Holidays!

Looking back at Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:48:00 +0000

I wish I could buy a remote control for life being able to rewind, pause and reminisce. Every year I can't wait for the holidays to come and when they do, I feel like someone hit the fast foward button and I didn't quite get my real 24-hours that day. I get sad because the good days are the ones I would like to last the longest and the not-so-great days to go by even faster. This Thanksgiving was a lot of fun, we had special guests, my mom, my husband's best friend (who somehow ends up making an appearance every year) and my grandmother-in-law, who is a youthful 89 years old celebrated in the festivities of overindulging.

Somehow I feel like we have to get up as early as 6am to get everything started. I can only imagine what Paula Deen's kitchen was like. I promised my hubby I would help him prep and show him that it is possible to clean as you cook, because by the end whoever ends up cleaning the dishes, wishes they never came over, the pile never ends. So, this year I began to make New Year's resolutions a little early...and that is to take cooking seriously. Scary, I know...Apparently, making grilled cheese sandwiches and cream of wheat doesn't count since my husband is pretty much the chef in Maison de McCune. So, I was all over making cranberry sauce, yes, I followed a recipe from Paula Deen and it came out delicious. I was so proud of myself because the idea of cooking is daunting to me and I figured if I take baby steps, one day I will be cooking the turkey. Well, maybe...or not. I can always dream!

Everything turned out perfect and as we sat together and later on played cards. Our family is full of card players, you name the game and we will play it for hours on end. UNO, Pass the Aces, Phase 10, Gin, and my personal favorite, Hungarian Snapszere are some of what we like to play. Playing cards just brings back so many wonderful childhood memories of mine and it always keeps everyone engaged in having wonderful conversations.!

Since Thanksgiving feels like it was forever ago and that eatting leftovers will never end, thankfully Cory loves to make his famous Turkey Sandwiches (the ones that end up being 4 inches tall full of random secret ingredients, including my cranberry sauce) and before you know it we are ready for the next set of holiday cheer, Christmas!!! YAY! I hope all of you had a wonderful time with friends and family!

Wish Upon A Wedding - Blissful Wishes Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:15:00 +0000

Being a part of the comittee for Wish Upon A Wedding is truly an honor. This fall we had the Blissful Wishes Ball for the Southern California Chapter to raise awareness and funds to this incredible organization founded by Liz Guthrie & Sasha Souza.

The Wish Upon a Wedding is the world’s first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation. Often, couples facing such situations do not have the energy, time, money, or resources needed to plan their wedding. Wish Upon A Wedding takes care of all the details, offering couples a chance to relax and enjoy a very special day while surrounded by the love of their closest family and friends.

This year we litterally rolled out the red carpet for our guests and had a ball! Here are the images from that lovely evening. For more information, please visit Wish Upon A Wedding to see how you can help.

photography Trista Lerit

These are a few of my favorite things...

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:06:00 +0000

With Thanksgiving around the corner and only 39 days until Christmas! I get so excited with the sweet fragrances of the holidays and all the fun gatherings coming up! I already have my cinnamon pine cones and the holiday decor ready to be setup. The upcoming weeks are filled with gatherings when days are full of preparing food to eat and decorating the house. It's so nice to take in the days sharing stories and creating new memories full of laughter.

Now it's time for the holidays with spiced eggnog or another favorite of mine, apple cider. I think we should celebrate the Holiday's all year round eating comfort food and celebrating those in our lives. Earlier this week, Cory made a new favorite recipe (when it comes to food, I have many)...Eggnog Crème Brûlée. It is amazing! Then yesterday he decided to whip up some Banana-Nutella Muffins. Say that ten times really fast!!! Between the two of us I think we are the new Martha Stewart. What can I say, we love to entertain!

I look forward to this time being with those I care so much about. My little son is already three and I feel like yesterday I was dreaming of having a family. When did life get so busy? He is growing up so quickly and before I know it he will be all grown talking about marrying his true love and having kids....oh and I get so sad knowing that he won't be so little one day. I am so used to thinking of the future, I have to remind myself to slow down and just enjoy the moment.

On a happy note, even though Thanksgiving is next week, I am already thinking about Christmas and looking forward to one of the funniest times when I get to take Ryder to see Santa...let's hope this year is better than the first two. I love how children can make us smile...Poor Santa. This picture makes me laugh every time I see it!

p.s. - Dear Santa, I spoke to Ryder about you coming into town and he is looking forward to it!

Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Grand Engagements) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 20:10:00 +0000

I have one word for you that I love to hear when it comes to the wedding world...FASHION! One of the hottest trends right now is black accents in bridal couture with a European touch. Designers are always keeping us on our toes with the most glamorous styles that will take any modern day woman into a show stopping runway model! Fashion Designers are always creating their upcoming season must-have's and there are many dresses that arent' prêt-à-porter (ready to wear).

::TIPS ::

Start thinking about what styles & designers you like, this will give you a great starting point.

Begin shopping for a dress is 9+ months in advance if you have the time.

Make sure you are comfortable in a dress that fits your body well.

Order your dress 6-8 months in advance to have it made.

Once your dress arrives at the Bridal Boutique, plan for alterations.

On your wedding day, remember this is your day and make it you!