Diary of an OC Wedding Planner.....

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

OC's Finest Blog has Moved!

That's right! I've got a new and improved Blog! Come see & make note of the new address! http://www.blog.ocsfinestweddings.com/

Coming soon to the new blog: My attendance at the "Orange Coast Weddings Magazine Launch Party" at the Montage in Laguna Beach!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

I was overjoyed to be present at the Launch of The Green Event Studio presented by The Spiraled Stem Floral Design & Foscari Events & Catering. The event was to benefit Brides Against Breast Cancer, a charity that has deeply touched my heart! As I watch my friend Carol battle Breast Cancer every day, I am so touched to see all the ways women, young and old, are showing their support! Christine of Spiraled Stem and Foscari Catering teamed up to showcase their spectacular new GREEN space. The studio is a fabulous resource center to inspire GREEN weddings and events. Starting with eco-friendly flower design and catering, the studio will feature a full range of products and services by Summer of 08’. The studio is a place where event planners can come to learn more about how to create environmentally conscious weddings and events for their clients. Vendors who showed amazing support by offering their services were Wildfower Linens, Veriflora, D’lsh Design, Atmosphere Entertainment, and the COOLEST CAT, and one of my favorite photographers, Christine Farah! She was so sweet to let me use some of the event pics! Thanks Crissy!

Overall….This is what inspiration looks like to me. Christine of Spiraled Stem started her business around the same time I started mine. I met her at a couple ABC functions and worked on several weddings with her and always noticed her DRIVE! She’s come a long way and worked her tail off and I was so excited for her when she shared her vision and opened this Studio! Inspiration comes in many forms…..Christine’s Aunt was an inspiration for her. She lost her battle to Breast Cancer before Christine’s wedding and she shared her heart and soul with us by telling her story. My inspiration is my husband who has endlessly supported me through the ups and downs of starting your own business and has sacrificed a lot these last few years by allowing me to go after my dream. I could not PUSH forward without him! (I love you Donny!)

Here are a few AMAZING shots captured be the always amazing Crissy – Christine Farah Photography. I was thrilled to attend an event that brings GREEN to California!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Kristen & Alan- Nixon Library

I have been on pins and needles waiting for these gorgeous images from Orange County’s famous photographer Aaron Delesie….and BOY, was it worth the wait! Did I mention that Aaron was the photographer behind Orange County's most anticipated TV Wedding...... Housewives or Orange County on Bravo? He did remarkable work on Laurie & George's Wedding last summer! Thank you Aaron and team for sharing these with me! I was so excited about this wedding from beginning to end. Kristen and Alan are one of those couples that just emulate love and affection. When I first met them to discuss their wedding I knew right away that we’d have a blast creating a fantastically FUN Wedding at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. A location very close to my home, it was the first time I was able to do a reception in their amazing ballroom! Great timing for a patriotic style event eh? This place was literally a blank canvas of BEAUTIFUL space! From top to bottom, the spectacular chandeliers, enormously large windows and spacious floors were a sight to see! The Nixon library is a Wedding Planner’s Dream come true. Jason’s Catering brought in the taste of perfection in every way. The food was fabulous and their banquet manager Natalie and I worked amazingly together! The vision really came together when the flowers and candles arrived from Cheryl at Unique Florist. The gorgeous amber and red up- lighting was brought in by the wonderful Mark of Sterling DJ’s and I even had my favorite Videographer Joe of Today’s the Day capturing all the juicy moments and funny speeches! Lot’s of fabulous vendors……lots of dreams coming true!

Thank you Kristen and Alan for letting help plan your gorgeous wedding day!

The Greatest Speech Ever......The Best Man Sang/Rapped a Song proclaiming his love for his best buddy. There were lots of blushing and lots of laughter!

Venue Location: The Nixon Library, Yorba Linda
Catering: Jason’s Catering
Photographer: Aaron Delesie Photography
Videographer: Joe of Today’s the Day Weddings
Florist: Cheryl, Unique Florist
DJ & Lighting: Marc of Sterling DJ’s

Monday, January 21, 2008

Fundraiser Fun!

Last Friday some of my wonderful friends and past brides held a Wine & Fondue Fundraiser to raise money for the LA Marathon run this coming March 3rd! The response was amazing and so many friends and fellow vendors came out to support the amazing cause! The LA Marathon Run is for Lymphoma & Leukemia research and holds a very special place in my heart. My husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma the first Christmas after we got married and we were absolutely scared and saddened that a HEALTHY man could suddenly grow a 7cm tumor in his chest. While it was a scary time, we both learned a lot and my hubs fought his tush off and was Lymphoma free after 7 months of chemo and radiation. We are so thrilled that with GREAT care and a great attitude, my husband has been cancer free now for 2 years! A lot of these ladies were there to support us during that unsure time and I was elated to support THEM while they RAN for such a good cause. Fusion Linens generously donated all the chocolate satin linens and the Lovely Allison of Flower Allie Weddings donated the gorgeous centerpieces that were later raffled off! Overall, it was an amazing evening with fun filled memories and I was so impressed by the beautiful job all the runners did in making this a classy and successful fundraiser! The Raffle was an ABSOLUTE blast and there were so many amazing prizes donated! Special props to the hosts Caitlin & her husband Robert who shared their beautiful home with us! Robert was the fondue man of the night and I am still dreaming of that cheese! YUUUUUM Cheese!! I yanked a few of these photos from some of the girls so credit goes to Aline, Jessica, Diane, Claire, Kim, Kate, and Cat...hope I didn't leave anyone out!

The Runners!

The Fondue Man

The Raffle Prizes......There were so many amazing goodies in here!

It's Raffle Time!!

Jessica did an amazing job at MC'ing the Raffle

The Winners.....

Gorgeous centerpieces from Flower Allie

The Supporters!

Good TImes!

Monday, January 14, 2008

December Delights! Adelaide & Ed

December was my last wedding of 07' and I had the pleasure of coordinating a beautiful Wedding Celebration for Adelaide & Ed! It was an absolutely stunning event! Adelaide is from New York and travels quite frequently and her fiance resided in Houston so she really needed my help in keeping her organized and SANE! :) We had a great time pulling together the details and they were such a delightful couple to meet!

The Ceremony took place at the gorgeous Mission Inn of Riverside. I love their charming chapel and I even got chills when the boys choir sang as part of the processional.....all 40 of them! The Reception then followed at The Crestmore Manor in Riverside.....a hidden gem with a BLANK canvas of NEW space! It was a beautiful yet crisp day. Renee Broughton shared some pro photos of the fab details and I have a few that one of my assistant's Kelli took and sproused up. :) There was a great team behind this big day and I want to thank ALL the fabulous wedding pro that were part of this amazing celebration! Credits at bottom!

The ever-popular shoe picture! I think this may be one of my favs!