Wedding Jeannie Blog

Wedding Welcome Bags - Do This Not That

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Welcome bags are a great gift for your out-of-town guests. Imagine how appreciated your friends and family will feel when they arrive at their hotel, weary from travel to find a thoughtful gift. Fill it with snacks, refreshments, local area guides, and a personalized note of thanks. Here is a something to think about before you order personalized bags with you monogram and your wedding date.

DO THIS:

NOT THAT:

It's very easy to get wrapped up in Personalization on everything related to your wedding. Of course you want your guests to walk away with something to remember you by. Save it for the wedding day itself. You can personalize your monogram and date on your dance floor in lights, with tags on your favors, or on napkins for the cocktail hour.

In the case of your welcome bags, keep them neutral. A bright roomy bag will be re-used every time the recipient goes to the beach, on a picnic, camping, or maybe to the farmer's market. The memory of your wedding will make them smile every time they see it. Bags with a personal monogram and a wedding date, tend to stay in the closet.

Have fun creating your welcome bags, but remember this is a gift for them. Make it easy to re-use it proudly.

An Irish Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 19:33:00 +0000

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, it's natural that I'm thinking about the wedding of Sara and Ryan. To honor Ryan's Irish heritage, the groomsmen wore kilts, and the bridesmaids wore rich green gowns, reminiscent of the lush Irish Countryside. I adored that Sara wanted Ryan to be happy, and embraced his. It was all done with taste and respect. For a dramatic conclusion to the ceremony, guests were serenaded by a brilliant bagpiper. Clauddagh symbols were prevalent in the decor, which included Bells of Ireland in the floral centerpieces. Traditional Irish Dancers performed during the ceremony, to the delight of the guests who rose to their feet and clapped along. I must admit it, I did too. Every St. Patrick's day I think of this very special couple, and how they were true to their traditions. To them I raise a pint of Guinness and say schlange. May the luck of the Irish be with you today and always.

Photography courtesy: Krista Mason Photography

Planning Your Destination California Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:57:00 +0000

Southern California is a premier destination for a wedding. The area boasts the Pacific Ocean, nearby mountains, picturesque wineries, and a modern dessert oasis. When choosing your perfect destination, the sky is the limit. Planning your wedding in another state is exciting and frightening all at the same time. With the expertise of an experienced planner, who acts as your agent ensures that the experience is fun and stress-free.

I've planned Southern California weddings for couples residing in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Colorado, Portland, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Washington DC, and even London, England. Why do couples need the help of a planner you ask? With all the online resources you're thinking you can do it all yourself. This thinking couldn't be further than the truth.

Online planning sites only give you a short glimpse into their advertiser profiles. A profile won't tell you if the vendor is reputable, if they fit in your price budget, fit your wedding style, or if you will mesh with them. You can spend countless hours online and on the phone nailing down all of aforementioned details.

This is where your DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNER is the best investment you can make towards your wedding. Your planner gets to know YOU as a couple. She will have a consultation with you via phone or Skype. During that meeting, she'll find out what style of venue you desire, what design style you are aiming for, your guest count, and your budget. She'll also pinpoint your priorities. Maybe your priorities are food, flowers, lighting, entertainment....and the list goes on and on. The planner will take all of this information and put together a list of venues and vendors that work in your budget and style. The biggest value a planner brings to the table is her vendor list. By hiring us you can expect PRE-QUALIFIED vendors. I've worked with thousands of vendors over the last 12 years and I can pair you with your perfect team immediately after hearing your story.

Here is what you can expect Wedding Jeannie to do for you while you are far away:

Create a detailed budget for you. This budget will become the road map for selection of venues and vendors in your budget range.

Planning Trip: You can expect to make three to four visits to your chosen destination. We'll take you to visit 3 to 5 venues that meet your style and budget. We take the guess work out of choosing a venue. You could spend hours online researching venues that sound fabulous, only to find out when you arrive that the venues you fell in love with on the computer screen don't meet any of your needs. Wasted time = wasted money. Wedding Jeannie carefully assesses all of your needs, and recommends only those that are just right for you. We prepare the venue managers for your visit, by giving them all of your information and specifications.

Vendor Introductions: In addition to visiting venues, we arrange meetings with florists, photographers, DJs/Musicians, etc. We make the most of your visit by bringing you to reputable and qualified vendors. By knowing your budget and priorities, you only meet with the professionals that can deliver what you need. You time is valuable...we make the most of it. Wear comfortable shoes because we'll be doing walk throughs. We may even have the opportunity to sample the cuisine.

Skype Meetings: Just because you're not in town doesn't mean you don't enjoy the same service. We conduct progress meetings with you via Skype. Stay up to date, and feel comfortable knowing that all the details are handled.

Accommodations & Transportation: It's our experience that DESTINATION WEDDINGS mean out-of- town guests. We set up room blocks for your guests at nearby hotels. Because of our relationships with local hotels and resorts, we can secure special pricing for you. Need transportation for your guests from hotel to venue? We've got you covered. Our shuttle and limo companies are ready to take care of you.

Activities: Southern California has entertaining opportunities for your guests. This is where we live, and we have our finger on the pulse of the region. If your guests want to make a vacation out of their visit, we can assist in planning nearby activities for them. From amusement parks, to award winning restaurants, wine tastings, to beaches...we'll plan a great itinerary for you.

Welcome Bags: When your guests arrive have a gift back for them filled with destination related items. Fill them with water bottles, sunscreen, a local sweet treat, entertainment and city guides, all along with a printed note from you. We offer an a la carte option for filling your bags and delivering them to the hotel.

Rehearsal Dinner: We'll arrange for you to have the perfect rehearsal dinner at the best restaurants in town. We arrange a private room and a pre-fixed menu. All you need to do is show up.

Project Management: We manage your vendors, floor plans, timeline and all the activities that a destination wedding includes.

I hope that you are excited about planning your DESTINATION SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEDDING. Your choices here are limitless. I'm excited to assist you with the myriad of details required to make it memorable and stress-free. Let's SKYPE and learn more about each other. Our first consultation is free. You have nothing to lose. Still unsure if you need a planner? Read what a few of our out of state clients have to say...

My husband and I live in Colorado and decided to get married in beautiful sunny Southern California near the beach! Jeannie Ward helped us make our dream wedding come true, it was more beautiful than we ever imagined it could be.We were a bit worried about organizing a destination wedding but Jeannie's correspondence made the entire process much easier. She was very good about emailing and calling us and our vendors. The vendors that Jeannie recommended were a hit and made our special day a success!

Hiring Jeannie was the best decision that we made throughout the wedding planning process. She was more than a wedding coordinator/planner, she was the glue that held everything (including me!) together. From meeting with me every time I was in town (even when it wasn't necessary to meet, because she said she could tell it made me feel better), to communicating with and managing all our vendors, being our fiercest advocate when it came to negotiating contracts with other vendors, having an incredible team around her that was always on top of it, responding to all my emails (sometimes 5-10 per day) within a few hours at the latest, and creating a gorgeous vision for my dream wedding and then executing it beyond anything I imagined - Jeannie does it all with a smile on her face. Her depth of knowledge, integrity and loving attitude were invaluable and allowed me to just be the bride.

Destination Wedding - Santa Barbara

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:39:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy: GlobeImages.net

Santa Barbara has become the ideal location for a Destination California wedding. Known as the American Riviera this city is cosmopolitan, historic, charming and absolutely breathtaking. This paradise is a picturesque two hour drive from Los Angeles. Don't want to drive? Take the Amtrak instead. It drops you off steps from the beach. Santa Barbara has everything you need to realize a real destination wedding. From beautiful resorts,boutique hotels, to historic, as well as beach front venues...there is a perfect location for you.

Santa Barbara is such a popular destination spot for weddings, that we've planned weddings there for clients from Los Angeles, Orange County, and even England. Your guests will love the myriad of activities available to them in the days before or after your wedding. World class resorts such as Bacara Resort & Spa, The Four Seasons Biltmore, Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, offer luxurious accommodations, five star restaurants, and spa services.

Sam and Heather who hail from Los Angeles chose to marry at the intimate Canary Hotel, located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara. Their ceremony was held on the Canary's Rooftop Perch, overlooking the Santa Barbara Mountains over the clay tile roofs that city is know for. I have a serious crush on this place.

Santa Barbara's most beautiful feature is the ocean. Why not feature her as the backdrop for your ceremony? One picturesque Ocean Front Property is The Fess Parker Doubletree Resort. Last June, our couple from England chose this venue for it's breathtaking Rotunda. It's an open air space with stunning arches that allow guests to get a full view of the beach no matter where they're sitting.

If you're looking for an historic resort with a Waterfront view, consider The Four Season's Biltmore. Features include Spanish Colonial Style Architecture, colorful gardens, a sought after Montecito location, access to Butterfly Beach, and Santa Barbara History. Built in 1927, it was a favorite secret hideaway of the rich and famous, especially Hollywood Royalty. There are several ceremony locations in lush gardens, or Beach Front lawns. Your reception with be warm and luxurious in any of their well appointed ballrooms. My favorite feature of the ballrooms are the Spanish tiles, roaring fireplaces, iron chandeliers and sconces.

Photo Courtesy www.wedsb.com

Would you prefer to marry in a rustic and historic venue? Consider the Presidio Chapel in the heart of Downtown.. The Chapel is part of the Santa Barbara State Parks. Built in 1763, you will feel the history all around you. It's the perfect location for a charming and intimate feeling. Don't worry about being in the middle of the bustling Downtown area. This venue is completely private.

This blog post is simply scratching the surface of what properties are available in Santa Barbara. If you want learn more about your options, we'd love to help you. We have an extensive vendor list of service providers, local restaurants, hotels, activities and more. Let's plan a trip to the American Riviera. You'll fall in love with it, just as I have.

Winnie Couture - Pink For The Cure

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:03:00 +0000

Planning weddings allows me the pleasure of visiting beautiful bridal salons in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. One of those salons in particular holds a special place in my heart. It's Winnie Couture in Beverly Hills. For many years I've shared this treasure with my brides. When I look back on my portfolios, I love that so many of my clients have worn a Winnie. The most recent was just last month.

On January 31st, I attended their Flagship Store Cocktail Party, launching their 2013 line. Veronica and I were honored as VIP guests. The glittering salon was filled with beautiful brides hoping to find their dream gown. And oh how beautiful the gowns were. The event was titled "Pink For The Cause", with all proceeds benefiting Breast Cancer Charities. That's a cause that's very dear to my heart. While we had a great time, we also made a difference this night.

Enjoy what you missed in these drool worthy photos by our dear friends Jayanne and Perry Hampton of Witon Photography. If you're looking for talented and genuine wedding photographers, please visit their website. Not only have they done beautiful work for my couples, but I was their wedding planner only a few years ago. Networking with your friends....how can anyone call this work?

Celebrity Designer Winnie Chlomin Lee's gowns dazzled everyone in attendance. Her designs are feminine, glamorous, and inventive. Each gown has a life and personality of it's own. But what brings the gown to life, is the woman who wears it. I love how Winnie's gowns accentuate a woman's body. Each gown is made with the highest quality of fabrics and embellishments. What is most surprising about these gowns is they are priced for every budget.

The night was a big hit for Winnie and all of the vendors who participated including Witon Photography, DJ Nahchey, Velvet Cupcakes, Sweet Love Candy Buffet, Premiere Party Rents, and last but not least the always fun Sommer of So Cal Shutter Booth. Congratulations to Winnie and their entire staff at Beverly Hills, we're so thrilled to call you friends.

Bridesmaids Gift - Vision Necklaces

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:07:00 +0000

I just learned about a new jewelry company called SACRED JEWELRY. Look at these gorgeous Vision Necklaces. They would be a perfect bridesmaids gift. Whatever you color scheme is, there are so shades to choose from. These necklaces were featured today on Good Morning America, with an amazing offer. They are normally $199, but using the GMA code, you can snag these for $48! This bargain is too good to pass up. Every one of your maids will love this signature piece that they can wear again and again.

Ceremony Magazine - Maritime Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:30:00 +0000

Last summer we shared in the joy of Julie and Sean's wedding at The Balboa Yacht Club. Of course I love every one of my amazing clients, but Julie was even more special. We are "industry" friends. When Julie asked me to be her coordinator I was deeply humbled. She knows every planner in Orange County, and she chose me. Julie and Sean focused on a Maritime Theme because of Sean's love of boats. It was an homage to his father, and very meaningful. Ceremony Magazine acknowledged that this was a WEDDING OF DISTINCTION, and published it their new Orange County 2013 issue.

As if Julie and Sean aren't thrilled enough to have their wedding featured, one of the images of their day is also soon to be featured in Ceremony's OC April cover. We just happened to snag a sneek peek of it from the fabulous Joel Maus of Studio EMP. He is a master at capturing stunning images, and this one is no exception. Isn't it lovely? CONGRATULATIONS on this achievement Joel.
Drool over all the NAUTICAL details. The ceremony was so meaningful, and the reception was a great party. So many fun moments to remember. The dance floor was packed all night. The photo booth was a wild party itself. Julie and Sean treated their guests to a late night taco bar. To top off the night, their guests gathered in a tunnel that led to the couple's awaiting limo, and sent them off with sparklers.What a wedding indeed.

Of course all these elements don't happen on their own. It takes an army of creative professionals who come together and work as a team. And what a dream team this was. It was so fun to work with the best in the business, who happen to be my friends as well. How can you call this work? When looking for vendors, please consider these outstanding professionals:

Venue: Balboa Yacht Club
Coordinator: Wedding Jeannie
Floral Design: Sussanna Davidson of French Buckets Florist
Photography: Joel Maus of Studio EMP Photography
Videography: Mike McCaleb of Mission Visual
Specialty Chairs & Dance Floor: Fusion Linens
Specialty Linens: Designer Specialty Linens
Event Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Bridal Fashion: Hope Stanley Bridal Stylist for Mary Me Bridal
Groom Fasion: Friar Tux
Wedding Cake: It's All About The Cake
Entertainment/DJ: Invisible Touch Entertainment
Photo Booth: What A Blast Photo Booth
Late Night Taco Bar: SoHo Taco
Beauty/Make-Up: Courtney Boyle
Beauty/Hair: Angie Pham

The Look of Love - Video

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:03:00 +0000

I'm not a bride, but I'm obsessed with wedding magazines, just like you. My favorite is California Wedding Day magazine. It's luxurious and filled with inspiration and drool worthy images. I'm so lucky to have a long standing relationship with the editors. They consistently choose me to design for their events. In November of 2012, they hosted a Bridal Show called The Look of Love, at Chuck Jones Center in Costa Mesa. The event boasted the best and brightest wedding professionals in Southern California. I had the honor of creating a set for the show. We called it Chevron Chic. Our set was bright and sunny, utilizing colors of tangerine, yellow, white and gold. Accents of Chevron pattern were used in the linens and paper products. The magazine just released the video recap of the day by Russell Fowler Studios. I hope you enjoy what we created. I can't stop watching it. I'm gushing with pride.

This stunning set didn't happen by itself. The talented vendors that brought my vision to life were a dream team. If you want the best for your wedding, please consider them.

Vendor Love:

Venue: Chuck Jones Center
Photography: Christopher Todd Studios
Videography: Russell Fowler Studio
Floral Design: Jenny B Floral Design
Paper Suite: Copper Willow
Catering: 24 Carrots Catering
Event Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Specialty Rentals: Luxe Event Rentals
Linens: Designer Specialty Linens
Lighting: The Event Company

Wedding Jeannie Knows - Groom Style

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:43:00 +0000

Wedding Jeannie knows Grooms Style. And we want to share what we know with you. Never before have grooms been more fashion savvy. They cringe at the thought of renting a traditional tuxedo for themselves and their groomsmen. In fact, many are buying a quality suit that they can wear again. How many bridesmaids can claim that luxury? And why not? The bride shouldn't be the only one in the spotlight.

How can your groom customize his wedding day look? We love how our groom Will above chose to wear a wool blend suit with a simple tie. It was a dressed up, but casual look for his beach front wedding on the sand.

If your groom still wants a traditional tuxedo rental, there a many accessories available to reflect his individuality. Socks have been trending for many years, and they are still here, and here to stay. Socks are enjoying a new resurgence thanks to that famous Kardashian, Rob. His new line of men's trouser socks launched just in time for the 2013 season.

The Arthur George by Robert Kardashian Collection boasts a large selection of socks that scream individuality. They are the perfect gift for your groomsmen to wear on the big day. At one of our recent weddings, they did just that. By the time the dancing started, they had all rolled up their pants to proudly show off their socks.

Grooms have their eye on the Red Carpet for wedding inspiration. Fueled by the "hipster" look, bow ties are now the latest trend in showcasing individuality. Let's hear it for the boys at The Golden Globes. They showed that the once forgotten bow tie can be fresh. Our New Years Eve groom wore a black and white bow tie that would make these leading mean jealous. All of his groomsmen wore them too. But each was different in some way. All were shades of black, white and grey to match their theme. Some had stripes, other dots, but all reflected the personality of the gentleman who wore them.

Where can you find bow ties that have personality? Modern Family star, Jesse Tyler Ferguson has a website called The Tie Bar, just for you. Ferguson has a whimsical line of designer bow ties, and an online store to make buying easy. The sales on the site go to charity, in support of same sex marriage. To round out your look, he also carries pocket squares and cuff links. Why not splurge on a polished look? After all, you only get married once, don't let the bride have all the fun. If you're a little freaked out about how to tie one, well Jesse has you covered. He has a YouTube video tutorial to walk you through it. With a little practice, you'll be a pro.

We loved sharing the latest trends and keeping you in THE KNOW.

Wedding Jeannie Knows

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 23:29:00 +0000

A new year has emerged. 2013 is on track to be one of the most exciting for Wedding Jeannie. I'm celebrating by creating a new series just for you. It's called WEDDING JEANNIE KNOWS. Knows what, you're wondering. When in comes to weddings Jeannie is a KNOW IT ALL! Every two weeks I'll tell you what I know about Fashion & Style, Wedding Gowns, Vendor Selection, Floral Design, Food & Beverage, Budgets, Savings....basically everything relating to weddings. If you want to know, you should subscribe to our blog and check back often. Why? Because you want to be IN THE KNOW.

Our first in KNOW feature will be GROOM STYLE, and you can read it tomorrow. If your groom is a fashion plate, and wants to know how to stand out when he's waiting for you at the altar, it's a must read. He'll learn about suit and tux styles, how to accessorize with ties, bow ties, cuff links, and even socks.

Come on by tomorrow and return every two weeks for more KNOWledge.. I'm looking forward to it, and you will to.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 17:57:00 +0000

Enjoy the magic wedding day of Julie & Sean. The beauty of the bay and sail boats captured the lifestyle of this fun loving couple. Many thanks to Mike of Mission Visual for this video recap. It so fun to relive the day.
Newport Beach Wedding Videography - Julie + Sean from Mission Visual on Vimeo.
A dream team of vendors made this day happen. Please consider them for your special day:

Venue: Balboa Yacht Club
Wedding Planner: Jeannie Ward of Wedding Jeannie
Photography: Studio EMP
Videography: Mission Visual
Floral Design: French Buckets
Wedding Cake: It's All About The Cake
Specialty Linens & Rentals: Fusion Linens
Lighting: Signature Party Rentals
DJ/Entertainment: Invisible Touch Entertainment
Photo Booth: What A Blast Photo Booth
Taco Bar: Soho Taco

What's The Big Deal?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Wedding Jeannie is offering a really big deal! It's the Winter Wish Promotion. If you book any of our valuable services during December or January, you get a 10% discount. Piece of mind with a 10% savings. Now that's a VERY BIG DEAL.

Call us today and say "give me the Winter Wish Discount". Wedding Jeannie is always in high demand. We still have 2013 dates available. But don't wait! A deal like this means our calendar will be full in no time.

Happy Holidays form The Wedding Jeannie Team.

Wedding Jeannie Winner - Bride's Choice Award 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:35:00 +0000

Los Angeles, CA – January 10, 2013 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading online wedding marketplace, is thrilled to announce that Wedding Jeannie has been selected as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2013 for Wedding Planning in Los Angeles, CA!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Wedding Jeannie's selection as a Bride’s Choice Award 2013 winner was selected based on the positive experiences expressed by past clients on WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews. While many industry awards are given by the host organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with Wedding Jeannie.

The WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2013 are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on professional achievements from the previous year. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients. As a Bride’s Choice Awards winner, Wedding Jeannie is highlighted within the WeddingWire Network, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.

“Each year, WeddingWire looks forward to celebrating the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Network,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Now in its fifth year, the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program continues to recognize the elite wedding professionals who exemplify a commitment to quality, service and professionalism. These businesses were chosen by our bridal community for their responsiveness and dedication to their clients over the past year. We are honored to recognize Wedding Jeannie for their impressive achievements within the wedding industry.”

Wedding Jeannie is thrilled to be one of the top Wedding Planners in Southern California in the WeddingWire Network of sites, which include leading wedding sites such as WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. We value all of our clients and truly appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2013.

Unity In Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 17:30:00 +0000

Welcome to one of the most exciting new wedding products of 2013! An exclusive process developed by the highly-skilled artisans at Unity in Glass creates hand-crafted glass sculptures for couples to preserve their unity ceremony memories to celebrate for a lifetime.

It’s so important for couples to commemorate one of the most important days of their lives with a sentimental act of committed love, followed with a lasting memory and Unity in Glass sculptures are the perfect way to do both.

During the wedding ceremony, instead of typically lighting two candles into one or the more recent trend of mixing two different colored sands, Unity in Glass has brilliantly created a beautiful and innovative display of unity. Couples begin their artistic sculpture journey by personally choosing their desired glass crystal colors, which will then be presented during their wedding ceremony and united in front of family, friends and loved ones. This mixology of love is then sent back to Unity in Glass, where artisans then heat, "marry" and sculpt an immaculate glass piece that the couple can keep as a reminder of their life lasting commitment.

The sculptures are longer lasting (they’re made to last a lifetime) and more elegant than sand or candles and the couple’s unity ceremony is embodied for eternity in an elegant, hand-crafted glass sculpture that will allow them to revisit their wedding day for years to come.

The bride, groom and extended family members perform the unity ceremony with the colored glass crystals, blending the combination of their color choices, just as they would with sand. After the ceremony, the couple returns them to Unity in Glass using the included, prepaid shipping label. Then, artisans use the exact crystals combined by the couple at the ceremony to create the unique sculpture that captures the spirit of the intimate event for eternity. The exclusive design and any additional items ordered, such as hand-sculpted glass, heart-shaped keepsakes for family and friends, are carefully packaged for safe return to the customer to display in their homes and enjoy for a lifetime.

The Unity in Glass trend is catching on and couples say they’re choosing the sculptures over the sand ceremony because it’s a more beautiful and permanent way to capture the memories of their wedding day. Lee Ware founded Unity in Glass after studying glass blowing at the prestigious Pratt Fine Arts Center and currently works at his studio in Texas.
www.UnityinGlass.com

You're Engaged! Now What?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Congratulations on your engagement! You're in love, and you're embarking on a life as soul mate. Right now you're on cloud nine. On your finger rests the promise of the future. I bet you've never felt so alive. What should you do next? Here is my best advice:

LIVE IN THE MOMENT: Enjoy the feeling. Revel in the joy that you and your fiance are feeling AT THIS MOMENT. For now, simply enjoy the outpouring of LOVE from all of your family and friends. Show off the beautiful engagement ring on your finger. You're still staring at it....aren't you? Good, that's what you should be doing.
DREAM: Once the dust has settled and you've shared the big news with everyone, start dreaming. Buy magazines, surf the web, imagine yourself as a bride. Two of my favorite websites for inspiration are http://www.projectwedding.com/ and http://www.weddingwire.com/. They both have great ideas and photo galleries to get you started. Another great resource for inspiration are wedding blogs. My favorite is http://www.styleunveiled.com/
ORGANIZE YOUR IDEAS: Make an inspiration binder. Use the tabs for categories such as gown, venue, decor, music, food and beverage. Pull pages from the magazines, and print photos from websites. Now start filling your binder. Having your ideas organized and in one place will save your sanity. There is no reason to keep stacks of magazines filled with inspiration you don't need. Only keep what you do need and discard the rest. When you get rid of the clutter, you avoid confusion. With so many decisions to be made, confusion is your enemy.
START A PINTEREST PAGE: Start a page just for your wedding. This is a page you will share with your planner and floral designer. Knowing exactly the look you're trying to achieve will save you and your vendors precious time. Worried your friends and family will see all the top secret details of your wedding? Never fear...Pinterest allows you to create a secret page that you can share with only those who need to see it.
BUDGETING: Next step is setting a budget. Not fun and pretty, I know, but it's necessary. Get the money issues out of the way and let the fun begin. Before you can start planning your dream day, you must know what you can and can't afford. The budget will be the roadmap for every single decision you make. Whether you're paying for your wedding yourself, or getting support from your family members, you must decide what the overall budget is. Only then, can you begin choosing venues, vendors, and even your wedding gown. Don't blindly think you can begin spending, without knowing if you can afford it. Once contracts are signed, there is no turning back. Especially where venues are concerned...they often require food and beverage minimums. You don't want to figure out later that you can't afford your dream gown because you've gone over budget at the start.
HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER: The earlier the better. By getting a jump on the planner's experience, you'll avoid costly mistakes. Her fee will pay for itself when she helps you to make every penny of your budget work for you. As a planner I know how to take your budget, your priorities, your individual style and theme, and break down your budget. This means you get the absolute BEST for your hard earned dollars. Allocating your dollars to the proper categories, shows me which vendors are "right for you". A planner's years of experience and respect in the industry will also garner YOU preferred pricing and extras, you could never negotiate on your own.

Don't trust a budget tool on a planning website to know what YOU want. Thousands of other brides, using that tool are NOT YOU. You're an individual. While your priority may be food and beverage, another bride may be more focused on floral decor. Planning websites use a standard formula based on the national average to break down your budget. Are you average? I doubt it. I haven't met one couple yet, who's budget is the same as another.

Rely on a planner's hard earned resources. Sure planning websites have vendor directories. The best of those even have real reviews. But, have you looked at any yet? In just the category of photography, one site listed over 75, in Los Angeles alone. Orange County has 60! Do you have time to visit countless websites, make dozens of phone calls and attend meetings to figure out which photographer is right for you? Of course you don't. Now imagine doing that with venues, gown salons, florists, bakers, DJ's, caterers...and on and on.You shouldn't have to waste time and be frustrated. After all, time is money. Planners work hard to know "who's who" in the industry. She'll save you time and money by streamlining the process for you. She'll only send you to vendors who are reputable and capable, which prevents stress for you. Half of a planner's VALUE to you is her database and resource list. The other half is the ability to execute those resources into a magnificent, and stress free day.

These are just a few tips to get you started. I offer you a FREE CONSULTATION to determine your needs and explain how my expertise can be of VALUE TO YOU. My heartfelt congratulations to you and your fiance.

Now....go stare at that shiny ring some more, and shower your fiance with love and kisses. Then call me to set up your consultation. It would be my honor to become your partner in planning.

Bridal Fashion & Cocktails with Winnie Couture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 17:14:00 +0000

My favorite Bridal Salon in Beverly Hills, WINNIE COUTURE, is hosting their 2013 Fashion Show & Cocktail Party. More than half of my brides are "Winnie Brides". Because of their contemporary styling, impeccable customer service, and the salon experience, I send all my brides to Winnie.

I'm tickled PINK to be attending, and would love it if you would join me. This event sells out quickly, so buy your tickets right away. Tickets are only $15, and support Pink For The Cure. That's something you can feel good about. You'll see the 2013 Bridal Collection, sip cocktails, eat sweet treats, and meet the designer Winnie Chlomin Lee herself.

Have you seen the salon? It's elegantly appointed with luscious drapes, tufted furnishings, and glittering chandeliers. But the best part...you're surrounded by hundreds of the most beautiful gowns you've ever seen. The only down side to visiting Winnie Couture, is leaving. I could spend all day there.

The WINNIE COUTURE EXPERIENCE is something every bride deserves. Most salons have dressing rooms with an adjacent area of mirrors where you can see how the gown fits. But, those mirrors are shared by several other brides. You should expect the spotlight to be on YOU, not you and 2 other brides. Winnie has private dressing areas. Each has it's own dressing room, private mirror and sitting area where your maids and mom can sit back, relax and watch you become a bride before their very eyes.

I know you just got engaged and you're dreaming of the perfect gown. Come to Winnie Couture with me on January 31st. Let's share in a cocktail, the 2013 Winnie Couture Bridal Collection, and the WINNIE EXPERIENCE.

Foodie Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 18:54:00 +0000

Lobster Claw served on a Corn Cake with Chili Verde by 24 Carrots Catering.

I consider myself a FOODIE. How about you? I'm not sure where the term "foodie" came from, but I imagine it in the dictionary with a picture of you and me.

Beef Short Rib on a Bed of Lentils with Baby Carrots by Ebell of Los Angeles

If you're reading this, you found your way to my blog and website, and my passion for weddings is obvious. My second love is food. I love cooking and eating. I'm constantly searching for new flavors and wine pairings. My TiVO is always set to The Food Network, The Cooking Channel, and Bravo. If I buy another cook book, my husband is going to kill me! Can you guess my favorite show? It's Top Chef. Tom Coliichio is my idol. I've even eaten at his restaurant Craft Steak in Vegas. I told you, I'm obsessed!

Executive Chef Louis Pecan of The Ebell of Los Angeles

My chosen profession, and my obsession are a marriage made in heaven. I have the luxury of working with the best caterers and chefs in Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, San Diego and Las Vegas. They love to entertain wedding planners, and unveil their latest cutting edge offerings. Many of which are interactive. Both Jay's Catering and TGIS Catering offer an exhibition PAELLA. The smell of the garlic and threads of saffron cooking while guests watch, is a religious experience to me. I love this image of Chef Wende Gavin of Jay's Catering, making Paella. Have you ever seen a pan that big?

One of Many Vegan Options by Summit Event Catering

Of course, food is personal. Everyone has a different palate, favorite dishes and sensitivities. Chefs are more aware than ever of VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, and GLUTEN FREE needs. The Chefs at Summit Event Catering are proving that Vegan can be both delicious, and appealing to the eye, by creating dishes that are tailored to this emerging trend.

Love in the form of Empanadas by TGIS Catering

My favorite recent trend is to treat your posse to LATE NIGHT SNACKS. I lovingly call it Drunk Food. Before you send them home, sober them up. Tray pass Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Sliders, or Flat Bread Pizza Bites. Don't forget the Vanilla Bean Milk Shake Shot. If your guests are foodies, they will appreciate delicious food as a send off.

I have to stop writing now, because I just made myself hungry. And, it's time to rub my salted turkeys and flip them. Tomorrow we'll fry them in Canola oil, flavored with Rosemary and Garlic.

May the holidays bring you joy, peace and love.....and delicious food. If you became engaged over the holiday and want a wedding planner that loves food as much as you...call me. I'll pair you with the perfect venue and caterer that considers food an art.

P.S. Stay tuned and we'll soon talk about food and wine pairing. I can't wait!

Venue Spotlight - Bella Collina

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:33:00 +0000

Feast your eyes on the beautiful BELLA COLLINA. It's my latest VENUE SPOTLIGHT. This summer I had the pleasure of referring one my couples to this amazing place. It's located in beautiful San Clemente. BELLA COLLINA is a stunning private golf club with breathtaking views. I feel like the luckiest planner in Southern California right now. They enjoyed working with theWEDDING JEANNIE team so much, that they have invited us to be included in their preferred vendor list. Be still my heart. Did I mention I'm in love with this venue?

Tanja Janjic is the Private Events Director at BELLA COLLINA and she is fantastic. She strives to please her couples and their guests. She is detail oriented and her caring personal service is very rare in this industry. I asked her to tell you why she loves her venue, and why you should consider it for your wedding. Enjoy Tanja's answers and fall in love with it too.

What is the history of your venue?
- I am delighted to introduce you Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club nestled in the hills of San Clemente. We are a unique country club that was formerly known as a Pacific Golf Club. It’s the perfect venue to host your wedding and ceremony. Truly unrivaled to other Orange County wedding locations, at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club every special wedding ceremony and reception is customized to reflect the couple’s unique style and taste. Our ballroom features views of our golf course with brightly colored springtime florals, lush summertime greens, vivid landscape of colors in the fall, out-door amphitheater for ceremonies, and bridge over the lake that can be enjoyed from the outdoor patios. How many guests can you accommodate?

Reception?

-200 seated dinner inside the Sienna Room including a dance floor

-Outdoors; 500 seated on the Meadows

Ceremony?

- 800 seated on the Amphitheater

-100 seated our beautiful Rustic Organic Farm

Do you provide In-House Catering?

- Absolutely. Our wonderful executive chef Paul Villa can customize any menu to fit your dream wedding.

Is parking provided on-site?
- One of many great things about Bella Collina is that we have plenty of parking spaces available on site, 230 to be exact.

Do you book more than one event per day? How will that affect my event?

- No, we only do one wedding per day.

What is your favorite feature of your venue?

- Bella Collina truly feels like a TUSCAN STYLE VILLA. Our beautiful outdoor Roman amphitheater naturally carved out of the hillside was built for ceremonies in 2010, and is one of my many favorite features about Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club. You also get to enjoy San Clemente’s cool sea-breeze and picturesque rolling hills from the hilltop Clubhouse.

. Give us the top three reasons why couples should book your venue for their wedding/reception.

Best thing about Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club , as I previously mentioned, is that we only do one wedding per day .This allows the couple to personalize the club house, and really feel like they have the venue just for them and their guests .
We have some amazing photo opportunities around the golf course , and many vignettes within the venue . This backdrop is the perfect setting for your wedding portrait. Every Bella Collina wedding feels like a destination wedding without having to go too far!
If you are looking to have an evening ceremony with a reception that goes late into the night, this is the perfect venue for it because at Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club we don’t have noise, or time restrictions.

I love Tanja's comments about why she loves her venue. If you are looking for a spectacular Orange County venue, with breathtaking views, a TUSCAN VILLA feeling, an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, you've found the perfect choice. I'd love to take you on a private tour. Please call me, and let's visit Tanja soon.

Chevron Chic

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:04:00 +0000

One of the hottest wedding trends for 2012, is the CHEVRON pattern. There are so many ways to use chevron. You can use it in linens, paper products, and floral treatments. I've yet to find a client who has asked me for a this design.

When I got the call from California Wedding Day Magazine, inviting me to design a set for their latest show called The Look of Love in Orange County, I got my chance.

Here is a sneak peek of what I came up with. The entire set I designed will be featured in the magazine next year, so I can't share all the images. It was my idea of an endless summer with bright colors and a playful look.

I hope you like my idea of CHEVRON done in a CHIC way. My creative partners in creating this set were Floral Designer Jenny B Floral Design, Paper & Invitation Specialist, Jill Velez of the swank Copper Willow, specialty linens were custom made for our set by Designer Specialty Linens, sexy tabletop rentals were provided by Classic Party Rentals, and our modern luxe furniture was provided by Luxe Event Rentals.

Don't you love how bright and filled with sunshine our table is? It's bright, fun and just a bit cheeky. Wait until you see the entire set! It was photographed by Christopher Todd Studios. Oh they are stunning. They make me want to be sitting on the sand drinking a lemon martini. If you like what you see, call me. Let's go CHEVRON together.

One Hope Wine - Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 19:48:00 +0000

One of the biggest functions I offer as a wedding planner is my knowledge of food and wine pairings. My client's are very discerning and they want the very best wine for their guests. I love that about my couples. In recent years, many of my couples have expressed their desire to use their wedding as away to donate to charity. I'm often asked how they can incorporate a spirit of giving into their day.

Because of One Hope Wine, you can do just that. One Hope Wine offers varietals that will pair perfectly with all cuisines. Whether you're having seafood, beef, poultry, vegetarian or vegan, One Hope has the perfect wine for you. But how does that play into charitable giving? The team of this amazing company actually gives back 50% of all profits to charity. Which charities your ask? The list includes Breast Cancer, Autism, Aids, Supporting The Troops, and Supporting The Planet. With so many charities to choose from, you will find a cause you can stand behind.

Keep your eyes open for this brand. You're going to start seeing it everywhere. From Southern California's finest restaurants and hotel, to your local market, it's on the table. It's not only because people feel good about giving, but also because the varietals are award winning. Winemaker Robert Mondavi makes sure of that.

Raise your glass, impress your friends, and make a difference in the world you live in. You are young, you are progressive, and you want your wedding to reflect your style and your generosity. Cheers to you, and cheers to One Hope Wine.

Another Great Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Here at Wedding Jeannie we are constantly humbled by the reviews we receive from our clients. Only a few weeks ago, we worked for Nicole and Nate. What a fun and I must say...flexible couple. Their wedding was held at the magnificent Serra Plaza in San Juan Capistrano.

We had a surprise and uninvited guest on wedding day. RAIN! I have a great memory of Nicole and Nate sitting down, watching their slide show and eating their dessert while the rain fell on them. They were so happy nothing could dampen their spirits.

Enjoy the wonderful review and thanks they gave us on Wedding Wire. It's filled with sunshine!

Blissfull Wishes Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:13:00 +0000

Weddings are what I do. I dream them, eat them, sleep them. I'm lucky to be considered an expert in my industry. Weddings give me so much joy and reward. But life is more than what you receive from what you do. It's giving as well. I'm proud to serve on the Board of Directors for OC/LA Wish Upon A Wedding. It's a non-profit organization that grants weddings to couples suffering from a life threatening illness. I hope you enjoy the video of our annual fundraising gala by Isabel Gonzalez. This is how event planners have a good time and raise money for charity.

OC/LA Blissful Wishes Ball 2012 from Isabel Gonzalez on Vimeo.

A world of gratitude to the sponsors and donors that allowed us to produce this event and raise in excess of $25,000. When looking for your wedding vendors, please support these wonderful professionals.

Vibiana
Good Gracious Catering

TGIS Catering
Vanilla Bake Shop
One Hope Wine
Cocktail Concierge
Samuel Lippke Studios
Isabel Cinémethèque
Classic Party Rentals
Wildflower Linens
Ice Bulb
Shirvan Designs
My Flower Guy
Commerce Flowers
Calligraphy Katrina
DJ Nahchey
Event Company OC
Undercover Live Entertainment
Clint Huft
Fusion Designs
SoCal Shutterbooth
The Electric Violinist
Fusion Linens
Chiavari Chair Rentals
Wine Straws
ZinGBer Publishing – Barbara Wallace Weddings
Here Comes the Guide

The Bride Wore Toms

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Katie and Will are a very fun loving couple. She is sweet and a bit shy, and he is Mr. Congeniality. Their wedding was very classy, yet a bit cheeky. It was held at The Santa Monica Beach Club. The ceremony was right on the sand and their reception was a non-stop party!

The attire was formal yet fun. The guys showed off their striped socks, but the girls stole the show. They wore Toms. Katie and her girls get my seal of approval as stylish, and CHARITABLE. There are so many ways to give back to your community, the environment, charitable organizations, and the world. I bet you can find a way to have your dream wedding, and make a difference like Katie and Will did.

Stephanie Godfrey is the talented photographer who captured their wedding day. Check back soon, as we will be posted a full portfolio soon.

Autumn Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:56:00 +0000

Bridesmaid's bouquets of rust colored Calla Lilies

Happy first day of October. If you're like me and you live in Southern California, it's hard to imagine fall as we experience a heat wave. I'm ready for the heat to be over, and I'm dreaming of cooler Autumn days. To help you get in the mood, I'm sharing some photos of FALL INSPIRED EVENTS we've done.

If your planning a fall wedding, there are a few key buzzwords to r. RICH, WARM, LUSH, ABUNDANCE, area all words that make up a FALL WEDDING theme. Include produce on your table, and even in your bouquet.

Nature comes to mind when thinking about FALL WEDDINGS. Our beautiful couple above took a photo in front of a fig tree at their fall wedding. The bride even chose a beautiful sash to compliment her gown in warm espresso color.

What colors should bridesmaids wear in fall? There are many rich colors available, such as, plum, chocolate brown, copper, burgundy and even gold. The beauty of these shades is they look great on almost every complexion.

FALL WEDDINGS can be so much fun. Warm your guests when they arrive by providing a warm cider and tea station. After dinner, serve hot chocolate. For table adornments use pumpkins, pears, or apples. Consider serving butternut squash soup as a starter. Imagine an herbed chicken entree with a rich plum sauce. Maybe you prefer a filet with fall vegetables and sweet potato puree. I'm making myself hungry!

As I sit here in Los Angeles in the cool air conditioner, I dream of Fall. Together we can dream of crisp cool days, leaves changing color, warm inviting cuisine, and a romantic wedding day filled with richness and color. What are you waiting for? Let's get started today. I can't wait!

Heather's Gown

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 20:22:00 +0000

Happy Thursday. I'm feeling particularly happy today. So, I thought I would share a photo of one of my favorite gowns of 2012.

This is the beautiful and sassy Heather. She got married this year at The Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara. The venue is a Spanish Style hotel. I thought a gown with frilly lace would do the trick. Heather wasn't so sure. She felt she wanted a much more casual look. I took her to Winnie Couture and the perfect dress emerged. The front is very simple yet elegant, but the back has rows and rows of lace and pleated chiffon. Very flamenco. I was just a little giddy when she chose it.

I like to joke with Heather and say that her dress is the mullet of wedding dresses. It's business in the front and party in the back! Isn't that fun? After all a wedding should be a little fun, right?

Have a great Thursday.