Borrow Some Bling

Baubles that sparkle and shine make me happy. How about you? Like the saying goes "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend".

On your wedding day, you're going to be the star of the show. It's your very own RED CARPET moment. All eyes will be on you as you come down the aisle. So much thought has gone into your wedding gown....which is probably AMAZING! You've hired a hair and make-up artist to complete your look. Don't forget your jewels. Most brides forget about jewelry, until the last minute. By the time you think about it....you may have already gone over budget. So what's a bride to?


Wedding Jeannie has the answer for you. BORROW YOUR JEWELRY from Adorn Brides. They are the premier jewelry rental company for weddings. Adorn has something for every bride. Need the perfect pair of EARINGS? A stunning BRACELET? How about a sparkly NECKLACE? Adorn has it all. They make it easy to rent one piece, or an entire ensemble.

The process is simple. 1) Shop online and choose your favorite items. 2) Wait for your jewels to arrive. 3) Wear them on your wedding day and feel like a STAR. 4) Return in the packaging provided. It doesn't get any easier than that.

You may wonder if borrowing from Adorn is SAFE. I can attest to the fact that it is. Two of my brides have worn Adorn Brides jewelry. Both of my brides had satisfying experiences with them.


Above, our beautiful bride Jayanne wore Adorn Brides jewels as a compliment to her Ines Di Santo Gown. She said when the jewels arrived in their beautiful box, she felt like Pretty Woman! What a great feeling. She also fullfilled the tradition of 'SOMETHING BORROWED".

Adorn is a darling of the press. Their service has been applauded by In Style Weddings, Glamour Magazine, Grace Ormande and many more. Oprah Winfrey even included Adorn Brides in her "Favorite Things".  In fact Adorn is not only for weddings. Countless celebrities borrow their jewelry for red carpet events and special occassions.

Wedding Jeannie is keeping a secret. In 2011 we will partner with Adorn for an exciting contest. Can't divulge the detail yet. We're pretty excited and can't wait to share this. Watch our BLOG and  Facebook and Twitter pages for the announcement and find out how you can particpate.

On your wedding day, you're a celebrity. You should adorn yourself with beautiful jewelry. As the bride, YOU DESERVE IT.

Kisses from The Wedding Jeannie Team

The Wedding Jeannie Team took some time out for photo booth fun. We wish you Happy Holidays and send kisses your way. Much love from Shanelle Doughlin (left), Jeannie Ward (center), and Veronica Medrano (right).

Green Wedding? Got Wine?

It's a known fact...I LOVE WINE. Wine snob? Absolutely not. I'm open to trying all types of wine, regardless of region, brand, or price. Wine should be appealing to your pallete..plain and simple. Wine plays a starring role at most weddings. When you sit down with your catering manager to develop your menu, wine pairing must be considered. Your catering manager will have many choices available to you.

What if your planning a GREEN WEDDING?  You may be able to purchase a gently worn gown, find eco-friendly stationery, give re-usable favors, and work with vendors who follow GREEN practices. All elements you can feel good about on your wedding day.

Wine should also play a part in your GREEN WEDDING plans. I decided to experiment...just for you! I was on a mission to find a great tasting and ECO FRIENDLY WINE. Oh the hard work. The things I do for the sake of research! But seriously I found THE ONE.

Introducing Flourish Vineyards. Flourish wines are all made from organically grown grapes, inspired by the desire to provide environmentally sustainable alternatives. Flourish offers choices in white and red to compliment any menu. Butterflies grace their labels. Another nod to their desire to honor the eco-system.

Take it from me, the wine is excellent. I enjoyed a wonderful Pinot Grigio with Penne and cream sauce, and a rich Cabernet Savignon with a warm beef stew. Flourish wines are consistenly rated 88 points and higher. Rest assured, I've done the research for you, and can confidently say that Florish wines are the perfect eco-friendly option for your wedding.

I raise a glass to you, your marriage and your GREEN WEDDING. Cheers!

Grooms - Suit or Tuxedo? Or BOTH?



  



Planning Weddings for over ten years, has required me to stay on top of changing trends. Currently, I've found that grooms are becoming more involved in planning their weddings. The biggest shift is that grooms are highly aware of how they wish to look when they stand at the altar, awaiting the arrival of their bride.



Men are influenced by celebrity fashion, just like women. In 2010, we have seen fashion icons like David Beckman, Ryan Seacrest, and Justin Timberlake, sporting "Slim Fit" suits. They are elegant and sophisticated. No need for a bow tie. Let's face it...today's modern groom is not excited about the idea of wearing a bow tie.

Each time I sit with a groom to discuss their wedding day attire, I see their eyes gloss over. The mention of bow ties make them sweat. Takes them back to the prom! I'm finding my grooms are asking for suits and tuxedos in the "Slim Fit" style. Luckily for modern grooms, Friar Tux has  answered the call.

Recently, I spoke to Lauren Meskell, Friar Tux's Marketing and PR Manager. She explained how they are keeping up with this modern trend for 2011. Lauren tells me they are offering "Slim Fit" suits for rent in tan, beige linen, medium grey, black, and black with pin stripe. Having a formal wedding? Perhaps a formal tuxedo is required. Friar Tux has the answer for you too. The 2011 collection includes a charcoal grey tuxedo-suit crossover, it only has a tiny piece of satin so it looks like a suit (it is beautiful!). They also offer two new tuxedo styles with a slim fit. To complete this modern ensemble, slim fit shirts and skinny tie rentals are available.

In order to ensure the best customer service experience, all Friar Tux staff have been trained in "slim fittings". Friar Tux is really staying one step ahead of their competition. With locations throughout Southern California, it's easy to find a store near you. Do yourself a favor and stop in for a fitting. I'm sure you're going to be excited about the new offerings.

Venue Spotlight - Serra Plaza

In  the business of weddings, you make amazing connections. True for me. I've been fortunate to become more than just colleagues with some of those people. Some have become my friends. They are people you love to work with again and again, cheer for, and admire, and who INSPIRE you. Mary Lallande, Venue Concierge of Jay's Catering, is one of those special people. She writes the Jay's Catering Blog, titled "Food For Thought".

Jay's and Mary have unveiled a new venue in San Juan Capistrano's historice district. Recently they hosted a brunch for wedding professionals to witness the beauty of this amazing place. It's called SERRA PLAZA. I'm quoting Mary's words in describing this South Orange County jewel.

"Stone pavers, loggias, arches, covered breezeways, bubbling fountains, old world doors, and large clay pots with an abundance of flowers welcome you to Serra Plaza. Located adjacent to the Historic Los Rios District and within walking distance of The Mission San Juan Capistrano, Serra Plaza truly has that old world charm with a pristine new feel. The amenities include; a plaza that can accommodate 450 guests, a gorgeous bridal suite, a private patio with an outdoor stone fireplace for cocktails or an intimate ceremony, and ample parking. You could even travel by train, as the station is within walking distance."

My VENUE SPOTLIGHT is a way to share with you the best venues Southern California has to offer. So it was obvious that I had to choose SERRA PLAZA, as the latest spotlight. So without further delay....here is my interview with Mary.

What is the history of your venue?  The plaza itself is new construction. However we are surrounded by the Historic downtown community of San Juan Capistrano and one of our anchor buildings is on the Historic registry.

How many guests can you accommodate?             Ceremony? 450               Reception? 375

Do you provide In-House Catering? We have a list of four preferred caterers to choose from.

Is parking provided on-site? 269 parking spaces included.

Do you book more than one event per day? Only one. How will that affect my event? You are not rushed because of another event and have complete privacy.

What is your favorite feature of your venue? I have two, the large angel fountain in the plaza and the French inspired bridal suite. Wait make that three. The old church pews we own.

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

1.       Serra Plaza is a gorgeous Spanish styled plaza with a grand water fountain feature.

2.       Serra Plaza has a prime Orange County location with ample parking

3.       Serra Plaza is designed for grand entertaining with old world California style.

If you're recently engaged, and you can see yourself being married in this romantic place, call me. It would be my pleasure to introduce you to it.

Style Unveiled - Local Love Awards

Wedding Jeannie loves our clients. It's our goal to make sure that each one gets the wedding of their dreams. We stand beside them as a partner to ensure their day is flawless, meaningful and fun. Such was the case with the wedding of Sonia and Danny. Since their big day at The St. Regis Monarch Beach, in March, we have remained friends. In fact, together with their photographer Jen Bierman of Photojenic, we'll all get together next week to see their wedding album.

As if all of this isn't enough, their wedding was nominated by Style Unveiled. Not only once....BUT TWICE. I'm over the moon for them. Congratulations Sonia and Danny. We love you!

Thank you to our friends at Style Unveiled. This is truly an honor.

Wish Upon A Wedding Gala - Ebell Club of LA

WUW Gala from Shade Tree Films on Vimeo.

What if you only had 3, 6 or 9 months to live? What if during that time, your wish was to be married to the person you love? What if I told you there is an organization that can grant that wish? Wish Upon A Wedding is a non-profit organization that does just that. They grant wedding wishes to couples facing terminal and life threatening illness, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.

Event Planning Committee: Gianna San Filippo, Christina Wright, Candace Bradley, Gloria McCune and Me! We had a blast planning this event together. Proud to call these ladies my friends.

I'm a member of the "Wish Upon A Wedding Event Planning Committe". Together with four other wedding coordinators (my friendly competition), we design, plan and coordinate events for the Southern California Chapter. In November, we hosted the first Southern California Wish Upon A Wedding Gala. The Gala was a fundraiser, and was a huge success. I was delighted to be selected to create the theme, design and decor. As a trained floral desingner, this is MY WORLD. The fact that we raised money for the organization makes me very proud. But, knowing that I played such an important role in the beauty of the event, was the cherry on top.

Every vendor that made the Gala so amazing, donated their time, talents and services. As you plan your wedding, take the time to consider their services. Here's the list:

Venue & Catering: The Ebell Club of Los Angeles 
Floral Decor: Tic Tock Couture Florals
Specialty Linens: Wildflower Linens
Specialty Chairs: Chameleon Chair and Classic Party Rentals
Rentals: Choura Events And Lounge Appeal
Lighting: Aspect Lighting
Champagne & Wine: Barefoot Winery
Ice Luges: Ice Bulb
Entertainment: Hey Mister DJ, Del Lago Trio, The Fabulous Esquires, The Hollywood Hotshots
Photography: Trista Lerit Photography and Tracy Kumono Photography
AV & Audio: John Goolsby of Godfather Films
Photo Booth: Shutter Booth
Cigar Roller: Cuban Rollers
Tuxedos: Friar Tux
Dessert Station: Vanilla Bake Shop
Emcee: Rev. Clint Hufft
Chocolate Fountain: Orange County Chocolate Fountains
Stationery: The Card Lady
Parking Attendants: Jeffrey Valet

Tramon + Cigar = COOL

What does this picture say to you? To me it looks like a magazine ad for cigars and cool. It oozes of cool. These very stylish gentlemen are enjoying friendship and the taste of a fine stogie. The main subject is in the center. See how he looks at the camera? He appears to be saying "I'm confident, content.....satisfied". Is it possible that a cigar made him feel this way?

I happen to know the answer to this question. He is content because he is a groom who just married his dream woman. Tramon and Mayra married last month at The Museum of Latin American Art, in Long Beach. He was a groom that was involved in every aspect of his wedding. I was honored to be their wedding planner, and I enjoyed every minute of it. He wanted Mayra to have the wedding of her dreams, and he went out of his way to give it to her.

He also took care of his boys and guests by providing them a Cigar Bar and lounge. It's was Ultra Cool, like him. The couple's love of cigars even played a role in their floral decor. But you'll have to wait for those photos.

Natalie Moser Photography provided this sneek peek photo. She is brilliant with a camera. She captured Tramon perfectly. We're drooling to see the rest. Wait till you see the photos of the LA Street Dogs. This Latin Inspired wedding was stylish, hip and unique. Check back soon for more.

BridalPlasty....REALLY!

On Sunday E! premiered their newest bridal reality show. It's called Bridalplasty. As a bride, I'm sure you've heard about it. When I first heard the name, it offended me INSTANTLY, and I let my opinion be known on my Facebook page. One of the comments I received came from a respected and talented colleague, who is working on the show. So, I gave it a chance.

Five minutes into it, I had to turn it off. As a wedding planner, I believe in LOVE. Cliche? Maybe..but I've seen LOVE in all of it's glory. Along the way, I've met the most amazing couples who have fallen in love with each other's hearts and souls. Real love means complete acceptance of who the other person is. Warts and all. Of course looks are important. Each woman should do her best to play up her best assets. And we can. Just visit any department store. There is clothing, make-up, and a slew of hair care products to help us do just that. Not happy with a specific aspect of your body? Join the gym, walk around your neighborhood. It just takes discipline. A virtue that will impress your mate even more.

Why am I so opposed to this show? Because I see the beauty in everyone I meet. All women are beautiful, even if they don't look like a supermodel. Your fiance loves you for who you are. When he proposed, he was bursting with love for you. That day, he saw you as the most beautiful woman in the world. He wants to marry YOU. Not another version of you. You don't need to alter your looks to make him, or yourself happy. YOU HAVE IT ALL....LOVE!

I'm not the only one who disagrees with the message this show sends. Psychologists and plastic surgeons are up in arms about Bridalplasty. "It's a horrible idea. It absolutely plays into this notion that if you achieve the 'perfect' appearance, everything will be better. The message it sends to girls and women, as if you're not beautiful enough on your wedding day you have to receive plastic surgery from head to toe," says Roberto Olivardia, clinical instructor in the department of psychology at Harvard Medical School.

As you plan for your big day, remember how beautiful and worthy you are of becoming a wife and a soul mate. Focus on a marriage...not just a day. I wish you a day filled with beauty and love.