Sneak Peek - Catherine & Collin

Another Sneak Peek for Monday. This collage is from the beautiful Adamson House Wedding of Catherine & Collin, in Malibu. This young and vibrant couple are so much in love. They live in Washington DC, but wanted to marry in Southern California where Catherine was raised.

The day was filled with love, sunshine, and beautiful details. I love this historic property. It's an early California Rancho, with stunning ocean views, lush landscaping, and lovely picturesque nooks for photos. Guest enjoyed the touching ceremony (which made everyone cry) that took place under a hundreds year old tree, and dinner under market lights front of the crashing surf of The Pacific Ocean.

The vendors that came together to give Catherine her garden style wedding were spot on. I can't say enough about the teamwork of this dream team. Another blog post is coming soon about this unbelievable cake. Thank you to our intern Arianna who provided this collage. Special Thanks to the following dream team:

Venue: Adamson House, Malibu
Catering: Contemporary Catering
Photography: Ashley Henry
Rentals: Smart Party Rents
Floral Designer: Marion Curson
Cake: Sugar Jones
DJ: The Amazing Anthony of Feet First Entertainment
Beverage Vendor: Liquid Catering
Shuttles & Limos: Exquisite Transportation
Wedding Coordination: Jeannie Ward & Arianna Garibo of Wedding Jeannie

Sneak Peek - Diana & David

Vintage 1927 Packard Limousine by www.classiclimo.com

The wedding of Diana & David Dominguez took place last Saturday. Veronica was their lead coordinator, and took this photo of them arriving at their reception in a Vintage 1927 Packard Limousine. David surprised his blushing bride with this stylish ride. Imagine her surprise as she stepped out of the church with her new husband. This impressive car whisked them away to take photos at the beach.

There will many more professional pics coming soon by the talented and always fun Natalie Moser Photography. It was a "fairtytale" wedding. The word "fairytale" came from David. He told me he wanted to give Diana a "fairytale" wedding. What a guy! They married at St. Lawrence Martyr Church in Redondo beach followed by a French themed reception at Verandas in Manhattan Beach.

Check back soon to see the full portfolio. Thank you to the following vendors for their hard work and passion:

Venue: The beautiful Verandas in Manhattan Beach
Catering: New York Food
Photography: Natalie Moser Photography
Videography: Isabel Cinemathique
Mariachi: Mariachi De Mi Tierra
DJ: Scott Topper Productions
Specialty Linens: Designer Specialty Linens
Lighting: Verandas
Wedding Cake: Torrance Bakery
Photo Lounge: Mobile Photo Lounge
Limousine: Classic Limos
Tuxedos: Friar Tux
Hair & Make-up: Design Visage 
Wedding Coordinator: Veronica Medrano & Shanelle Doughlin, for Wedding Jeannie

Beauty And The Bustle

Your WEDDING GOWN. It's the most expensive purchase you'll make in your lifetime for a garment. A lot of dreaming, thought and sometime stress goes into buying your dream gown. Seriously...have you ever watched "Say Yes To The Dress"? You know that buying your gown is not something to be taken lightly.

There are many elements to consider about your gown. What shape should it be? Will you choose lace, silk, satin, taffeta? Will it be long or short? Should the neckline be a sweetheart, halter, scoop neck? Visiting a salon and trying on gowns is a thrilling experience. You are being draped in thousands of dollars of fabric and embellishments. What a true DIVA experience.

Ok...you've purchased your dream gown, and the fittings will begin. Here is where I step in and say to salons and seamstresses...WHY DON'T YOU PAY ATTENTION TO THE BUSTLE?! Whew, that felt good. Let me explain why. On the wedding day, there is a short window of time that your gown must be bustled. Your stunning cathedral or sweep train is out in all of it's glory as you walk down the aisle. During the cocktail hour your train continues to be the star of the show as you take photos. It's all so dreamy.

The time has come for your grand entrance and first dance. You can't walk into the dining room and dance with your new husband without being bustled. Tripping over your gown is not an option. Carrying the train around all  night is a chore. You have a good 10 to 15 minutes to get that bustle up and out of the way. Sounds like plenty of time, right? Who's going to bustle you? Trust me, I've had brides tell me, "you don't need to attend my final fitting, because my sister, maid of honor, bridesmaids will take care of the bustle". Listen to me when I tell you, they never know how to do it. They think they do. They have great intentions, but they didn't pay attention to the fine details.

Cindy wore a stunning ballgown, with an impressive Cathedral Train. The bustle had 28 points and required a diagram. It took two of us to bustle her, one on each side. Ten minutes later, she was ready to dance.

No sign of a train now!

I've been part of hundreds of weddings, and I've seen it countless times. The seamstress doesn't sew a good bustle, or the bride doesn't ask any questions about it. In order for you to dance the night away and not worry about a broken bustle, like the stress-free Cindy above, that bustle has to hold.

Here are some of the pitfalls I've seen:

• The train is heavy and the seamstress uses only one loop on the outside that will attach to a TINY hook or a button. This never holds. It's guaranteed to tear. It's why I have a sewing kit with me at every wedding.
  
• The seamstress made loops for the hooks with thread...the same color as the dress. Imagine there are 12 - 16 of them. Now imagine, nobody can see them. Welcome to my nightmare. What should take 5 minutes, now takes 15! And the food is getting cold.
  
• The bustle is French with strings underneath the dress. The seamstress did not indicate which strings go with which. Another waste of valuable time.
  
• The seamstress attaches a loop for you to carry your bustle on your wrist. Don't laugh..I've seen it. You can't party the night away carrying a train around all night.

How can you avoid these pitfalls and feel comfortable and secure in your gown when the party starts?

• Obviously you should HIRE ME. I come to your final fitting, and ensure the seamstress is on her toes. This is part of every package I offer. Often, brides take their changes and opt out of this service. Those are the ones that require me to bring my sewing kit.
  
  
• ASK QUESTIONS. Find out if the seamstress will use hooks, strings, stitching, etc. I cannot stress enough stitching should be outlawed. You can't see them, you can't find them, and they always break.
   
• If the seamstress is using strings, make sure they are color coded or numbered for easy matching.
   
• If your bustle is complicated, ask them to draw a diagram. You'll be glad you did.
   
• Can't afford a wedding planner to assist you? Make sure you put your Maid of Honor in charge. She MUST attend the fitting, and bustle you twice, in the salon before you leave with it. When it's bustled, walk around, sit down, dance a little, pull  on it...make sure it's solid.
   
• Pay a little extra for a good bustle. It's a great investment.

There you have it. BUSTLE 101. I'd love to hear your opinion and if this little article helped you. If you decide you need a seasoned expert to help you with your bustle, and all the other little details, I'd love to hear from you. I can't wait to meet YOU and YOUR GOWN

Groom's Corner - Tasting & Cigar Bars

Hey guys..why are you letting your fiance have all the fun? It's your BIG DAY too. Get involved in the planning, and put your personal stamp on the wedding day. I don't mean picking out flowers and linens, or deciding on the favors your guest will take home. I'm talking about something just for you.

Imagine your reception. It's lovely, everyone has eaten and the dancing has begun. But it's hot in that suit you're wearing. You want to escape outside with the boys. Wouldn't this be a great place to set up a cigar bar and liquor station? Don't get bent out of shape if the girls want to join the party. Because let's face it. Cigars are still SEXY. In fact sexier than ever. So are liquor bars. I suggest a rum, tequila or scotch tasting bar.

How can you be the coolest host, and have a cigar bar regardless of your budget? Follow my simple tips below, and your party will be better than the rest.

Big Budget - Hire a cigar roller. They come to your wedding day with tobacco leaves and cigar blends. Guests can watch them roll a cigar just for them. That's first class.
Medium Budget - Cigar companies will come to your wedding with 3 - 5 specific cigars varieties. They are usually set up on a table where the attendance will cut and light their cigar.
Modest Budget - Buy your own boxes of cigars and set them up on a table for the reception. Have matches and cigar cutters available for your guests. Everyone just helps themselves and enjoys the fun.

Maybe cigars aren't your thing. Try the latest trend that has taken over clubs all over LA and Orange County hip spots. Unless you're hiding under a rock, you've tried hookah. Even I have. You can actually rent them for your own wedding. The service comes complete with an attendant who will help you choose your flavor of tobacco and light the hookah.

Before you decide to have a cigar or hookah bar, there are a few things you need to consider:

You’ll need a wedding venue with an outside area.

• Have your planner check the local rules about smoking near entryways and window.
• Create a lounge in the outdoor area with rented furniture.
• Be prepared to sign a damage waiver on the rentals.
• Customizing matchboxes is a great photo-op and take away from the wedding.
• The area will gain a life of its own.
• Get regular cigars for the guys, petite cigars for the ladies.
• If using hookah, make sure to choose varieties of tobacco all of your guests will enjoy.

I've enjoyed sharing images of some of our previous events. Hopefully, they inspired you to get outside and have fun.

Venue Spotlight - Waterfront Beach Resort

Last month my beautiful couple, Felicity & Jeffrey were married at the sprawling Waterfront Beach Resort, in Huntington Beach. This was my first time working at this venue. When you enter the doors of the resort, you are taken away to a place of luxury and unrivaled service. You instantly become relaxed, and feel pampered.

The staff at The Waterfront are the best in the business. Vanessa Rockafellow is the Senior Catering Manager. At her right hand is Catering Manager Danielle Wagner. These two are consumate professionals. Under their supervision, no detail is forgotten. The Waterfront truly is their passion and it shows. When you meet with them in their cozy Events Boutique, until the your wedding is finished, they will take care of everything for you.

The Waterfront Beach Resort is now on top of my list for favorite venues. I love it so much I want to share it with you. Vanessa answered my "Venue Spotlight" questions, and provided me with the pictures that will make you want to come see for yourself. So sit back and enjoy Vanessa's story about why you should come visit THE WATERFRONT. Take it away Vanessa.

Q: What is the history of your venue?
A: For over 22 years, The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, was the first “major” branded hotel to open in Huntington Beach. Starting as just a hotel and banquet space, it quickly and comfortably grew into the resort that it is today. Weather relaxing by the pool, getting more adventurous at the beach, having the seaside wedding of your dreams or dining and relaxing in Shades restaurant and lounge, The Waterfront will always mark the change for Huntington Beach from sleepy surf town to the center of gravity as a true destination for business or for pleasure.


Q: How many guests can you accommodate?
A: 300 max for Ceremony and 400 max for reception.

Q: Do you provide In-House Catering?
A: Yes our award winning culinary team can provide many options for lunch or dinner receptions.


Q:. Is parking provided on-site?
A: Yes we are 100% valet here. $14 for day use and $26 for overnight.



Q: Do you book more than one event per day? Yes we have four ballrooms, two of which are ocean view.
A: Our Ceremony & Reception Sites are outlined here:

Pacific Terrace- 30-100 guests


Ocean View Pool Deck- 50-250 guests (Only available after Labor Day up to Memorial Day)


Garden Gazebo- 20-300 guests


Reception Sites
West Coast Club- 20-70 guests


Pacific Ballroom and Terrace- 150-200 guests


Cielo Mare Ballroom- 70-150 guests


Grand Ballroom/Waterfront Ballroom- 200-400 guests


Q: How will that affect my event?
A: We stagger all events and require that all events have a professional wedding coordinator (like Mrs. Jeannie Ward) to ensure that each guest has a personalized experience for their event.

Q: What is your favorite feature of your venue? 
A: Aside from our incredible ocean views, our staff and service is what makes this place awesome.

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

1. Vanessa and Danielle (Danielle is getting married here too she loves it so much!!)



2. We are one of the only hotels with all ocean view guest rooms. We take pride in the fact that our property always looks new and is constantly enhanced with new furnishings and creative touches to ensure that our guest experience remains unique with each visit. Our ocean view ballrooms are obviously what attracts most of our clients.


3. We also have our Waterfront Events Boutique which gives you an interactive experience where you can see your event come to life. Let our experience create yours!!


Now you know why I love the Waterfront Beach Resort. If you're getting married, and want a resort that offers you everything in one place, go visit Vanessa and Danielle. You'll be in good hands. I'd love to take you there myself and introduce you. Come on...let's go play at The Waterfront.

Pinterest & Your Wedding

Unless you've been stranded on an island with no form of communication, you've heard of Pinterest. Maybe you've heard of it, but aren't sure what it is. Pinterest is an invitation only, photo sharing site. It gives you the ability to create inspiration boards by category.

In a very short time Pinterest has become the #1 resource for brides researching ideas for their weddings. Why has it become so popular? There are many reasons. First and foremost we live in a world of rapidly changing technology. Through our smart phones and tablets, we can access the internet like never before. Pinterest has apps for both of these media.

In the past when I've met a bride planning her wedding she would come to me armed with stacks of bridal magazines, or a binder filled with photos. Now, when I meet with brides, they come to me with tablet in hand. They immediately show me their Pinterest page filled with inspiration for flowers, gowns, hairstyles, and oh so much more. It's quickly becoming the preferred source for planning, over publications. Not to say it's not magical to hold a glossy magazine in your hand. But let's admit it, it's much easier to carry your tablet with all your inspiration organized neatly and beautifully, all in one place.

On a recent design meeting with one of my clients, and florists, Pinterest was the key factor in a seamless meeting. Our bride and our florist both used their IPads and Pinterest pages to hone in on the brides perfect vision for her day.

Wedding Jeannie has a Pinterest page as well. Here, you'll learn a bit more about me. You'll learn about my favorite foods, my clothing style, people who inspire me, and of course our real weddings.

As you plan your wedding, I encourage you to use Pinterest. It will help you to show your vendors exactly what you want, leaving nothing to chance. Be careful not to give away to much information. You wouldn't want to post a picture of your actual gown, as many of your wedding guests may be following you. If used wisely it's a valuable tool. It's the new frontier in wedding planning.

I would love to follow you, and have you follow me. You can find me at the following link If you don't have an invitation yet, email me at weddingjeannie@hotmail.comweddingjeannie@hotmail.com I'd love to send you and invitation to connect.

Happy Pinning. I'll see you there!