Vendor Spotlight: Montayre Photography

To continue my spotlight on some of my vendor friends.....

I present Montayre Photography, specializing in weddings and events based in southern California.  Ryan Montayre is one of my very good friends and have known him for years.  He's very easy going, light-hearted, funny and talented.  I've had the honor to work with Ryan on a few occasions.  When it comes to business, he's very professional, with a little comedy mixed in.  There is never a dull moment when you're with him.

A good wedding photographer knows how to tell a story through pictures, incorporating lighting, angles and perfect moments.  Ryan does just that and more, adding his artistic eye in every photo.  So for those of you looking for expertise, personality, quality and experience, look no further.

Here is just a little snippet of his work:

Don't hesitate!  Book Montayre Photography now for your next event!  Tell him I sent you.  :)

It's my Anniversary!

Today marks my 3 year anniversary with my love.  See our wedding blog post: here

I can remember it like it was just yesterday.  I've never been so happy in my life!  Cliche, I know.  But seriously.  I am happy everyday.  Maybe not all day.  But everyday.  There really is no secret to a happy marriage.  Whatever works for you two is the only thing that matters.  We've only been married 3 years.  However, we've been together for almost 12 years!  A relationship that lasts forever only comes once in a blue moon.  And it was the bluest of blues for us.  <3

I love reminiscing how my husband proposed to me.  We went to San Francisco for our 7 year anniversary of being together.  To make a long story short.... 1. Airplane, 2. 2 Friends,  3. Hotel room, and 4. Best weekend ever!  That pretty much sums it all up.  Hehe ;P  No seriously.  We could not have done it... Actually, strike that.  KELVIN could not have done it without the mischievous help from 2 of our friends who lived in SF.  I do have to emphasize that Kelvin planned the whole thing.  Our friends just helped set up.   It truly was one of the best weekends I've ever had.

Enough with all the mushiness.  ;P  Here are some pictures from that weekend:

Each post-it had a little message for me :)

Room was filled with flower petals and candles

THE RING!

Of course had to do all the touristy stuff.  Here's us in front of Alcatraz (it's there, I promise)

Me jumping for joy in front of Lombard Street

We visited the famous 7 sisters.  Houses were used in the tv show Full House.

And of course the Golden Gate Bridge

Can't pass up wine tasting at Napa Valley!

If you or know someone who is about to be engaged, tell them to give me a call!  I can help plan and execute.  I just won't ask the question.  :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Say "Yes" To The Dress!

Recently, I have been honored to find out that 2 of my friends have found THE dress.  And totally 2 different dresses at that!  It's very interesting how us females have different tastes, yet seeing THE dress, we're all in agreement.  Finding THE dress can be a little stressful at times, but it can also be the best part.  And once you do find IT, you just know.

It is important to try on more than a few dresses.  Wedding dresses come in several styles, cuts and colors, such as A-line, Mermaid, Trumpet.  Necklines also differ.  There's scoop neck, sweetheart, V-neck, and many more.  You need to try different ones on to see how they fit your body type.  You may like one style, but once you try it on, you may not like it.  Dresses also look very unflattering when on the hanger.  So I encourage to just try it on, and keep an open mind.

Several factors also play a role when picking your dress:

1) What part of the year will your wedding be.  Summer? Winter? You would need to decide if you need a bit more coverage, longer length, shorter length, more or less embellishments.

2) Where will your wedding take place.  Will it be indoors or outdoors?  Beach weddings may get a bit messy with all the sand, so you may opt for a shorter length.

3) What is your wedding style/theme/feel.  Will it be more traditional?  Or are you more of a modern vintage gal?  You may even want a fairy tale/fantasy wedding with a big ball gown like a Disney princess.

4) Choosing the right white for your skin tone.   Dresses aren't just your typical white.  There are several shades of white.  So trying on dresses in a few different colors will help narrow your decision.

5) Accessories!  Show your personality with your jewelry, hair embellishments, etc. But if your dress is overly embellished with crystals, you don't want to over do it with too much bling.

6) When picking your dress, you also need to consider what type of veil you want.  Blusher, shoulder length, fingertip, or cathedral.  Experience with all different lengths and styles.

7) Shoes!  Shoes can be your chance to show more of your personality.  Are you a wild girl at heart?  Wear some zebra or cheetah print.  Are you a cowgirl at heart?  Wear some cowboy boots.  But remember, you'll be wearing your shoes for most of the day, so make sure they're comfortable.

Most of all, have fun!

New Year, New (Nostalgic) Beginnings

I know I have been MIA (once again).  But one of my goals for this year is to keep my blog updated as much as possible.  My other goals for this year is to be more creative, artsy, crafty and stylish.  What are your goals (or resolutions) for the coming year?  Just a little advice... If you make a goal (resolution), try not to make it generalized, like "I'm going to work out more".  Instead, what specific work out will you do?  And stick to it.  Don't say you'll do it for the rest of the year.  Instead, set a smaller goal, like 5-6 months.  That way, 12 months doesn't seem so long.  You'll be more inclined to quit sooner.  Or just do small goals everyday.  Whatever your goals are for this year, be thankful that the world didn't end!

Happy New Year!

Spotlight: Studio 64 Photography

I know and am friends with a few, very talented vendors.  So I decided, once a month, to spotlight some of them.

Recently, I celebrated cinco de mayo with some friends, JayR & Erin.....at their wedding!  Not working, but as a guest.  It was one of the best weddings I've been to lately.  They got married at the beautiful Prado in Balboa Park.  Their awesome photography team was Studio 64, a new up and coming team whose innovative style sets a new trend in the photography world.  Marcel and Iris are a fun, easy going couple who make you feel comfortable.  I haven't worked with them personally.....yet! :)  But from what I see, from weddings I've been to, they're one of the best.  

Studio 64 excels in weddings, engagements, various charities, and even celebrities.  One to mention is my cousin Eugene Amano of the Tennessee Titans.  Their wedding was the first I've seen Studio 64 work with.  It was the first time I saw beautiful photography, like I've never seen before.  They pay special attention to detail, lighting and overall style.  

If you're looking for a well-rounded, stylish, easy-going, and talented people who make you feel comfortable in their world, contact Studio 64 Photography!

{My friends below......Photos courtesy of Studio 64}

Eugene & Frances' engagement session at LP Field

Eugene & Frances' Wedding

Karen & Christian's maternity shoot

Erin & JayR's Engagement Shoot

Erin & JayR's Wedding

So don't hesitate to contact Marcel & Iris!
{facebook} {email} {website}
{phone} (619) 947-1048

How pinteresting...

If you've been living under a rock lately and have not found the next big thing in social networking, you are truly missing out.  Not only is Pinterest the newest craze in social networking, but you can learn and discover new things daily.  According to Experian Maketing Services, Pinterest is the 3rd most popular social network on the web, preceding by Facebook and Twitter.  Basically Pinterest is a virtual pin board where you 'pin' your 'interests'.  You can categorize as many boards as you like, from weddings, home decor, fashion, places you'd like to travel, etc.  I've come to discover that Pinterest is one of the best sources for wedding ideas.  Just type in an idea - flowers, centerpieces, hairdos, bridal gowns, themes, etc, etc.  It'll come up with tons of pictures of what other people have pinned.  Once you select a picture you like, it will lead you to the source of that said picture and you can go from there.  If you still don't understand, click on my Pinterest page to the left of this site.  But beware, once you start, you can't stop!  Happy pinning!

Marion & Joe

WHO: Marion & Joe Lippman

WHAT: Wedding

WHEN:August 14, 2010

WHERE: Estancia La Jolla Hotel

Marion and Joe were the most organized couple I've ever worked with.  They had everything planned, laid out, organized and executed. All I had to do was just show up! :)  Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Estancia hotel.  I only coordinated the ceremony and set up the reception.  If you haven't been to the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, you're missing out on a very relaxing experience.


"Opened in 2004, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is a 210-room, Southern California hotel and spa resort near San Diego in La Jolla. Estancia La Jolla is situated adjacent to the University of California San Diego (UCSD), within an easy drive of San Diego's Golden Triangle, the village of La Jolla, beaches, shopping and San Diego's world-class attractions.  This hotel in Southern California features 26,000 square feet of state-of-the-art IACC certified conference facilities, a full-service spa and fitness centerand multiple award-winning restaurants and lounges.  Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa was recently listed on the "Hot List" for 2005-2006 by Conde Nast Traveler, one of only three properties in California, as well as awarded AAA's prestigious Four-Diamond Award." - Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa.


Here are some vendors that helped make the day memorable:
Michael "Gonzo" Gonzales - Ceremony & Cocktail hour musician
Hans Monrod - DJ
Montayre Photography
Fancy That! Designs


Some pictures from the wedding provided by Montayre Photography: