Archive for June, 2010

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

The fourth of July is the perfect excuse for creating a fabulous theme wedding.  If you do it right – wow!

What do you think of when you think of the 4th of July?  For me it’s fireworks.  What’s better than “FREE” fireworks that you and your guests can enjoy – you can get some awesome shots – and you don’t have to pay for them!

Ha!

The booze!  The 4th of July means “PARTY”.  There is nothing better than good fireworks and good booze!  So, for you patriotic boozers out there, here are a few red, white and blue selections for your festive – but elegant – 4th of July wedding/party.

The Bastille (red, white, and blue!)
1 Shot of Blue CuraÁao

1 Shot of Cointreau
1 Shot of Grenadine

Build the layers in a short cocktail glass. (Hint: pour the liquid over the back of a spoon as you add them to the glass to help layer.) Serve and enjoy.

Snow White Cooler (white)

There’s really nothing innocent about this concoction, but the result is a frothy o

ff-white cocktail sure to please.

2 shots of Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 Shot of Blended Whisky
Add liquor and ice to a cocktail shaker. Cover, shake well, then strain into a cocktail glass. May serve over ice, if desired, especially in particularly warm weather.

Cape Cod Breeze (red)


Hob-nob with the in crowd while sipping this bright drink on the seashore.

1 shot of Vodka
Cranberry juice
Add ice and vodka to a tall cocktail glass. Add cranberry juice, stir, and enjoy.

For a fun, bubbly twist, add equal parts cranberry juice and seltzer instead of straight cranberry juice.

Stars and Stripes (red, white, and blue!)

It doesn’t get any more patriotic than this- you’ll wow your guests with the colorful layers!
1 shot of Grenadine
1 shot of Blue CuraÁao
1 shot of Light Cream

Build the layers in a short cocktail glass.

Alaska Ice Tea (blue)
½ Shot of Gin
½ Shot of Vodka
½ Shot of White Rum
½ Shot of Cointreau
½ Shot of Blue CuraÁao
7UP or Sprite

In a tall cocktail glass half filled with ice, layer each shot in order listed. Top off with soda and enjoy!

Hint for those drinks that are red, white and blue: pour the liquid over the back of a spoon as you add them to the glass to help layer. Serve and enjoy.

Happy partying!


Thanks to the Lifestyle section of the Associated Content for these wonderful patriotic ideas!

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

As a nation prepares, I wanted to give some inspiration on how to celebrate on America’s birthday.

Enjoy!

Happy planning!

Style me Pretty, Ashley’s Bridal Guide, Sarah McGee Photography, Talk Crafty Home, The Las Vegas Wedding Planner – Thanks for the inspiration

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Every little step towards contributing positively to the environment – or enhancing someone else’s life – makes a huge difference.  Just imagine if every couple took one small step.  Magic!

I would say that I’m a relatively sentimental person.  I have my Mom’s Tussie Mussie she carried at my wedding.  My wedding gown is still in a box – in the basement – collecting dust.  However, despite being in a deep dark place – having not seen the light of day in 8 years – I still cannot bring myself to give it away.  Okay, I’m not saying that wedding gown donation is for everyone – but for some, it may be an option.

It’s the gown you wore on one of the most important days of your life.  By donating it, you are giving another Bride an opportunity to have their dream gown – on the most important day of their life.  By not leaving it in your basement, under your bed, or in your garage, you will be helping a multitude of people.  First, you are helping yourself, you are helping another Bride, and most importantly, you will be helping to improve the life of someone else.

Check this out.

Brides Against Breast Cancer

Check out the website for more information about the gown donation program.  The website tells you exactly how to donate one of your most treasured possessions.  Make sure to check the website prior to donating.  Right now, they are not accepting vintage gowns due to an overstock, but that will change.  Brides Against Breast Cancer accepts donations from individuals, manufactures, and dress shops.  Proceeds from each sale goes to granting wishes to families dealing with terminal breast cancer – where there are no cures – only dreams realized.

Happy planning!

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

We want to continue making our client’s planning process easy.  We have fulfilled our clients rental needs for the last 8 years – and we will continue to be able to provide these services – regardless of your package choice.

Check it out!

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Anaheim is Disney.  You cannot have one without the other.  In fact, Disney is a city in and of itself.  Of course, I cannot come here without paying respect to the great place – The first park to exist.

So, here is some fun and fabulousness.

Happy planning!

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

Yesterday we visited the beautiful Mission of San Juan Capistrano, located in the city of San Juan Capistrano – about 30 minutes from Anaheim.  The Mission grounds are “to die for”.

San Juan Capistrano was founded by Father Junipero Serra over 230 year ago, with the intent to spread the Catholic faith to the Native American people.  There is a separate prayer chapel dedicated to Saint Peregrine – the Patron Saint of cancer Sufferers.  This chapel is open and free to the public

The Mission Heart, or spiritual center, is in the Serra Chapel, where Catholics have celebrated Mass, and attended Baptisms, weddings, and funerals.  The Serra Chapel houses memories of generations past.

Catholic Churches are so beautiful – and the symbolism of the Catholic Mass is astounding.

The Nuptial Mass consists of the following parts…

Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading – Genesis 2: 18-24

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 112

Second Reading – Corinthians 12: 31-13:8a

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel – John 2:1-11

Homily

RITE OF MARRIAGE

Prayer of the Faithful

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Presentation of the Gifts

Eucharist Prayer

Holy, Holy, Holy – “Memorial Acclamation”

The Lords Prayer

Nuptial Blessing

Sign of Peace

Lamb of God

Communion

Dedication to the Blessed Mother

Concluding Right

Final Blessing

Recessional

Happy travels!

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Yesterday we went to the beach.  I have never seen the Pacific.  It was beautiful – but to the untrained eye – not much different than the Atlantic.  The water was crisp and cool.  I bought little plastic shovels and buckets and the kids made sand castles.  We searched for seashells to bring home.  I buried the family in sand.

So sweet.

Even on a Tuesday – umbrellas were everywhere.  The water was so beautifully blue, that it was hard to determine where the water ended and the sky started.

The warm sand, the crystal clear blue water, the palm trees, the blue sky and the warm sun – got me thinking about awesome weddings and cool drinks.

Check out this blue baby

The Blue Hawaiian

  • 1 oz Light rum
  • 2 oz Pineapple juice
  • 1 oz Blue Curacao
  • 1 oz Cream of coconut
  • 1 slice Pineapple
  • 1 Cherry

The Pineapple and the umbrella are an absolute must!

Happy sunbathing!

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Inspiration sneaks up on you at the most interesting times.

I was looking out our hotel window – on the 11the floor – admiring the blue skies  and soaking in the scenery.

Isn’t that sky beautiful?  It’s been like this everyday.  WOW!  Imagine not having to go through Disneyland in hot humid weather.

I looked down and saw the most amazing wedding venue – right in the hotel.

I started drooling?  Can you imagine?  It’s a huge open space – just waiting.  Just sitting their longing to be dressed up and admired.  The hotel surrounds his open space – sort of like the space is a valley around building.  It is so pretty.  Dressed up – this space is “to die for”.  A larger wedding would look absolutely amazing.  The round tables would be superb.  You could put a large band and dancing area on the right.

You could hang Chinese lanterns overhead.  Those palm trees are just asking to be uplit.  To see the stars on a clear day – maybe through a clear tent.

Add some beautiful linens, some amazing floral and lighting design – you would have one magical and memorable evening.

Ho hum!  Dreams.  This is definitely going onto my “wedding bucket list”.  I would love to design a wedding in a space like this.

Happy drooling!

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Destination Anaheim.  We are on a family vacation!  It’s always exciting to go someplace new.  Finally, I have ventured to Sunny California!  Finally a vacation from home, but never from weddings.

Getting ready to go was no small feat – and deserves a blog post on it’s own.  Traveling with a 6 year old and a 21 month old – is well interesting.  Understandably, I was a bit worried about the plane ride.  Not only was it 5 hours – my 6 year old has a nervous stomach and I have flown with a shirt drenched in vomit.  I have always wondered how he manages to come out clean and I am a mess.  Hhmmm?  Well, I learn from past experiences and had my bags and supplies – proper relaxation medication – and a dose of Benadryl prior to leaving the house.

Well, all the worry was for not.  The plane ride was easy and the kids did beautifully!  However, I came with a laptop, DVD player, and Nintendo – trying to assure something had battery.  Yes, Lilo and Stitch 1 and 2 and Tom and Jerry can keep a 6 year old busy for 4 hours.  Ensuring battery charge is necessary for long trips.

The sky was clear and the mountains were glorious.  I can see why people love the west coast.  The weather is gorgeous here.  No humidity – 70 degrees and sunny – a far cry from the mugginess we left.  Hooray!

When we arrived, it was easy.  Plane, baggage, rental car, drive and hotel – it was seamless – and why shouldn’t it be?  I planned it!  :)

So here I am at 4:26 AM PST – WIDE AWAKE.  The computer clock says 7:26 AM and usually I have done a day’s work by now.  Everybody is hustling on the East Coast and everybody (besides me) is sleeping here.  It’s dark

It’s Disney today and  Hadyn and Ava will love it!  Hadyn is very excited and I am looking forward to experiencing it with them.  Plus, there are things I’m excited to see!

Happy planning!

Friday, June 18th, 2010

We are absolutely thrilled to have one of our weddings on Getmarried.com!

Check it out!

Read all about it at Get Married

A very beautiful tented wedding at Brookside Gardens!

Awesome!

Happy planning!

The Lovely Photos are by the ever talented Stephen Voss