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:

Shelley & Nolan

WHO: Shelley & Nolan Mopia

WHAT: Wedding

WHEN: May 15, 2010

WHERE: Immaculata Parish / Bahia Resort Hotel

I've known Shelley and Nolan for awhile and when they asked me to be a part of their wedding, I was excited!  This was my first time working side by side with some awesome vendors.

We started off at The Immaculata Parish in USD.  Beautiful Catholic Church with soaring ceilings, Spanish style architecture, mosaics, marble tile, and stained glass windows galore.  I got a chance to work with Julie and Christine who are very professional and fun to work with.  Ceremony went by smoothly as expected. One of the highlights of the ceremony was when after Shelley sent her prayers to Mother Mary, she and Nolan presented each of their mothers with a rose.  Which I thought was very unique and a very heartfelt moment.  Bridal party then proceeded to take pictures in Old Town San Diego.  Which is a great venue to explore and take unique photos.  Not to mention the best restaurants!  

Reception took place at the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Bay San Diego.  The Bahia is on a 14-acre peninsula so you are surrounded by water, warm sandy beaches, fabulous views, and best of all you get to experience San Diego's best weather.  We got to work with Kristin who was very down to earth and super sweet.  Shelley and Nolan had some surprises up their sleeves.  Shelley surprised Nolan by singing, which she has never done in public before.  Might I add, she was awesome!  I'm certain no eye was dry that night.  Shelley and Nolan are known for their dancing skills and being directors for 220 Second To None, which of course was on the agenda.  Another surprise however, Shelley and Nolan was expecting 220 to perform, but the performers were the surprise.  They had the alumni dance and perform performances that Shelley and Nolan choreographed throughout the years.  

Fireworks blasted through the skies, nontraditional father/daughter mother/son performance, friends/family had the time of their lives......overall, working with Shelley and Nolan was the best I could have ever hoped for.  A very sweet and laid back couple; and not to mention fantastic dancers!  

Here are some vendors that made the day happen:

Starcross'd Creative (No longer in business)

InEye Photography/Montayre Photography

DJ Shammy Dee

Sweet Cheeks

Here are some photos by InEye Photography/Montayre Photography:

VENDOR LOVE <3

Kasia & Anthony

WHO: Kasia & Anthony LaLicata

WHAT: Wedding

WHEN: December 12, 2009

WHERE: Our Lady of the Rosary / The Westin Hotel

My very first official, and THE BIGGEST, wedding I did was one of my good friends and coworker, Kasia, and her hubby Anthony.  Kasia is Polish and Anthony is Italian, so you could imagine how big the wedding was with all their family there.  Almost 300+ people!

We started off at Our Lady of the Rosary, located in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego.  This Italian Roman Catholic Church had magnificent paintings on the ceilings and walls depicting the apostles and evangelists. Stained glass windows each depicting one of the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary. Statues and sculptures beautifully crafted and displayed.  A string quartet played as the bridal party walked down the aisle.  It was the perfect traditional wedding we hoped for.


Reception took place at The Westin Hotel in Downtown, San Diego.  Kasia & Anthony had a Marie Antoinette Winter Wonderland theme. Whites, ice blues, and silvers were sprinkled all over the venue.  Angelica Strings played during the cocktail hour. There was a Euro bar serving lattes, espressos, coffee and teas.  Kasia is a BIG coffee drinker, so it didn't surpise me she would have this.  There was a dessert table filled with individual polish & italian pastries provided by various bakeries.  What I was most excited about was the guest performances by Krakusy, a polish folk dance ensemble.  I have never seen anything like it before.  The guests enjoyed them very much as well.  And Traditional polish and italian customs were displayed throughout the night.

Here is a list of some of the vendors who participated:
Angelica Strings
Rhapsody in Bloom
Taylor Films
Glenn Currie Photography

Here are a few pictures I took from my point of view:

Escort cards made by me :)  They were scrolls with the meaning of every guests last name.  

Flowers by Rhapsody in Bloom

Cake stand made by the proud and talented husband, Anthony!

YES!  They had snow! :)

It was my pleasure to plan and coordinate their wedding.  Being my very first wedding, it was one I will never forget.  :)