It has been literally for. ev. er. Since I posted one of my tabletops. Shame on Manda. Bad, bad Manda. Sorry about that guys! It’s not for lack of photos or lack of trying… it’s just the time! But, you can only love me now because here come two [well, one kinda two] tables right atcha!

I became obsessed with the cool, modern pallet of poppy pink, yummy warm orange against a stale, slate grey backdrop. The 3 together became absolutely drool-worthy! I knew I wanted to use poppies “sprouting” from grass for the centerpieces and the idea of a dual centerpiece became equally appealing to me. Two trays, the same size, shape and color. Filled with grass, then poppies bursting out towards each place setting. Fabulous. Of course, what’s better than having a bud and budlet tucked into each napkin! I chose to do a modern style long plate [which I love], with a modern take on the classic “menu fold” napkin that we all see these days- wrapping the plate. I did a salad plate above each place setting and to the right, leave the glasses lined on the left. So modern, simple and chic. That’s what I’m all about. LOOK at those classy flutes! Ugh, it’s love!

I chose a different colored flower for each napkin. That may be THEEE best part about buying poppies: it’s a mixed bag of color. SO organic, natural, and wild!

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There’s probably a gazillion reasons that I love Cynthia and Ron. No, really. No, seriously. They’re wonderful. Their love is infectious. It’s easy to capture, really easy to be around, and SUPER easy to witness. Their wedding day was like waking up love and telling him to pay attention. Magical. And there was nobody better to capture that story than Sarah K. Chen. These pictures are more than I’d hoped and prayed for. They are a pleasure to look at, because I get to remember all that the Second day of May entailed. Pictures of hope, of joy, of love. Ugh, I’m taken back just flipping through them. I can only ask that this re-kindles the love you have…

The backdrop to their big day was perfect: The Cravens Estate in Pasadena is a historic property now operating as the Red Cross building. It’s gorgeous interiors filled with antique accents and the grounds themselves were enough to get excited about- talk about the perfect blank slate!!

Did I mention I made these? Yep, In The Now Weddings proudly debuts their floral line!! Okay, okay, not entirely true, but I am now offering full event design to clients which includes floral design. Phew. This one was a bit nerve wracking, but with Cynthia’s trust and witty banter in her emails [all that signified and reiterated time and time again how much she truly trusted ME and my judgement, taste, talent... ], I knew I’d hit a home run. And I did! I have such a wonderful team!!

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I’m splicing this post with pictures from one of my biggest inspiration sources: Amy Atlas. A designer known mainly for how fabulous she is at creating decadent dessert tables. As you can see from the pictures: beyond words gorgeous. If you haven’t visited her site, DO IT! You won’t regret it! GO NOW!

Step 3: Going for it!

What’s the best way to learn something? Trial. By. Fire. There’s no real better way to get used to something then to just jump in with two feet [and one heart] and swim to the deep end! Best thing you can do to immerse yourself [and overwhelm yourself]: put up a website. There are plenty of resources out there, and plenty of people willing to be hired and help you get out there [craiglist, much??]. BUT- take your time building it up. Start a splash page and a blog. Post everything. Link to everyone that inspires you. Do NOT put up pictures that aren’t your own on your site- no matter how much you love them. That’s the first way to strip all credibility from you. You’ll get enough under your belt to make your site look schmancy fancy soon enough. Until then- wait it out.

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Taking a break this week from my sessions on being a wedding planner to bring you some of the most gorgeous eye candy this side of the Grand Canyon!

A few weeks ago in April I had the pleasure of working with Sarah K. Chen at one of my area’s most sought-after venues, Ranchos Las Lomas!

The key to exceptional portraits: smile with your eyes. Study America’s Next Top Model ladies, what they say is true! Don’t forget it! Practice in front of the mirror. Take LOTS of pictures while you’re engaged, and be ready to commit. Yvonne committed to this rule and gave Sarah an easy time- look how naturally gorgeous each of her photos feel!!

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Some monograms I’ve produced for past clients will be the eye candy featured here today. Wish I had more handy! Monograms are my WEAKNESS! The best way to tie everything together! :)

In my journey through this career that I’m immersed in, I’ve learned quite a bit about what NOT to do. Almost as much as what TO do. Funny enough, the nights spent with tear-filled eyes are the most growingly painful, and the most character building. How do you work in an industry full of love and emotion, yet have a thick-skin to potential clients rejecting you on a weekly basis? Or being displeased with your services in any capacity? Or trying to talk down your price even though you KNOW you charge under what the going rate should be?

There are a million questions that go along with how to start a business. But… weddings as a business?? Now, THAT is intense. Bringing love into the picture creates a whole new ball game. I just want to show you mine- what players I’m using, who my “biggest hitter” is, and my score board so far. Hopefully it’s inspiring to someone. That’s why I’m writing… for that someone!

Step 2: The Experience.

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Splicing my post with some sweet sources of inspiration for your big day!

I was asked by one of my clients the other day how I’ll know when I’ve “made it” as an event designer. I replied immediately “when I see myself being published all OVER the place- print, web, everywhere!”. And I still think that’s true! To be “someone” in this industry, you need to be accessible to anyone, and you really need to keep up with the times and trends. Something I tend to do lurking from my own quiet corner of the world.

But really, the more thought I put into it, the more I knew that I already have made it. At least, for myself. My heart is in 100% of what I do. How I work, who I am, and what I love all become totally intertwined into this dream job that I’m living each day. And THAT makes me a success. Don’t you think? My next short series will be a play by play about how I got to be where I am, and maybe even a post on where I’d like to go. Not sure how many of you readers are interested in planning, or in my story, but here it goes anyway… as real and candid as it gets. And please, feel free to comment with questions! I’ll answer ‘em, promise you! It may not be the answer you’ll want or need, but it’ll be real!

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J&J were one of the FUNNEST couples that my team and I have worked with! They’ve got spunk, they’ve got sass, and more than that… they’re pretty down right gorgeous. I love a couple that doesn’t take anything too seriously! They were actually already technically married before they had “the wedding”, which made the event that much more memorable for their friends and family… and added that extra ounce of fun!

These wedding pictures are a HUGE treat-skie for me because I just got them today. Jamie and Jeff’s wedding was last September and I knew that Tony Florez was going to KILL it with their photos. Right I was! I was so so SO excited, image by image, going through all of these today! With no further delay…

An effortlessly gorgeous Jamie.

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So in the past two week I’ve met with a few clients who are having an event at a private home/estate. With this comes great flexibility [set up time, vendor selection, decor choices] but also great risk and responsibility [especially if it isn’t YOUR home, and if it’s located in a neighborhood of any kind]. The main foreseeable problems, right off the bat, consist of a few things: parking, inconveniencing the neighbors, and noise restrictions.

So, let me break them down a bit in the way I see fit.

1. The parking situation, most likely, will not be easy. My suggestion is to find a local church or business center that may allow you to rent or use their spaces for your event. If it’s a couple blocks away, offer the guests a trolley. Yes, it may add a tad more expenses than you anticipated originally when you started planning, but the convenience for your guests will be worth it! Plus, this way the driveway of the home you’re at, and right out front of that, looks clean, beautiful, and UN-cluttered with cars for that big grand exit you’re thinking of […or is that me?]!!

2. For the noise situation, the best thing you can do is speak with the city. I’ll be honest- I’m not quite sure that the city will grant permits to anyone- home or not- for “sound” after 10 or 10:30pm. I believe it’s a general respect thing for the community surrounding you. Which is why this ties so much into the 3rd point, below…

Really and truly- that third one is a biggie. Probably the biggie-est. So, I’ll tell you what I’ve told them: offer the olive branch.

3. The absolute BEST thing you can do for dealing with the neighbors near by is be preemptive about it and TELL THEM, up front, and personally. I’m not saying you need to notify all the neighbors within 2 blocks but definitely the immediate near-bys are important. More than that, say it with more than words. Say it with effort. Say it with food. A few examples:

Fresh Baked Cookies

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I don’t have enough good things to say about the fabulous duo of Jan and Tey at Jan Garcia Photography. They’re in love. They’re sweet. And they’re exceptional at their art. What could be a more perfect package? Well, Alex and Brad might be!

Alex made such a stunning bride. And working with her every step of the way was total and utter fabulousness in overload for me! The Chapel at Lake Hills in south Orange County made the perfect backdrop for this clean, modern style wedding. It’s so full of natural beauty and charm, we hardly brought anything into it! Some chiffon draped down the aisle and we were done!

Alex was the first of their 3 girls to get married. It was such an emotional day for her family! Don’t worry- they still have a few more YEARS before they’ve gotta do it all over again!

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A treat, a treat… we’re all in for a treat! The new fabuloso and up-and-comer Wayne Toshikazu just sent me ooodles of wedding pictures from Caroline and Stephen’s big day last summer. Since they came at such a wonderful time, I couldn’t help but share their mexican fiesta styled wedding. SO fun!

First up, some getting ready and detail shots:

There is something soo beautifully organic about a light, flow-y dress. To top it off the detailing was incredible. It was perfect for their beach-side soiree!

This, above, is possibly my FAVORITE getting ready shot of all time. So candid. So amazing. SO CUTE!
And yeah, most of my clients are total knock outs!

Caroline’s gorgeous and simple mantilla-style veil was just the first of many nods to their heritage. I loved her hair- classic half up, loosely pinned with gorgeous flower detail. So lovely.

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