So I touched briefly in my previous post about how much I love monochromatics. Well, I do. Like a lot. And since I already had you all hooked while I blogged about flowers, I figure I’m gonna continue the trend for another week or two whilst divulging about some of my personal favorite things to see at weddings as a designer!

First up: the monochromatic look for bridesmaids. I love it. I beyond love it. I swoon for it. And, sadly, I could not find a single good shot from a real In The Now 2009 wedding to show you. I did have a few, but I’ve been bad about requesting images so alas, google to the rescue! Now, for the soapbox portion of my post…

via TheKnot.com

Having your bridesmaids hold bouquets in the same tone [and, if possible, exact shade] that they are wearing is a hip and easy way to to spice up your wedding palette. It’s the best way to bring the modern to your wedding party! Even better than having their wear short dresses, different dresses, or different colors than one another. I’m a huge fan of allowing your bridesmaids to pick a dress that suits them stylistically and body-type wise (or, actually, hand-picking the dresses for them as the bride with your event designer works, too! I know it’s something I love to be involved in, as it truly gives a huge statement to the “wedding look” as a whole).

But, adding in the element of a monochromatic bouquet into the mix just screams modern in a way that will get you noticed! Just look at the image above. The bride is holding the SAME flowers as all of the girls, but because the girls are painted in all-yellow, something about the bride looks so special and different! Beyond that, the wedding looks fresh, different, and totally fun to attend- am I right? I mean, I want to be there right NOW!! Some more of my favorite snaps from around the web:

Found on OneWed.com

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When picking the flowers that you’ll hold for “the walk” (and of course, the rest of the day, too!), it seems like there are really only two options: to color, or not to color!

While I’m known to be ever-pro the monochromatic palette [like, I'm really, really into monochromatics...], this is an area that my mind flip flops around. I absolutely adore a colored bridal bouquet. I think it’s a statement. It typically pops against the dress in such a unique way. I think flowers are so gorgeous and as much as white flowers are lovely, they do turn brown more quickly than colored flowers will after a long hard day in the sun. Now- don’t take that as a warning. Just entertain the idea of taking the risk of holding a bold color against your lovely white dress!

The PROS of holding colored flowers as a bride:

-Brings in the colors of your wedding to your ceremony site. If you’re getting married at a church, typically you’re a bit more limited on how much ambiance you’ll be bringing into your space- so say it with YOUR flowers!

-Stands out against your dress in your pictures

-Hello, you can match your lipstick (or at least, contrast your lipstick) and then you’re ALL poppin’, all over the place

-Brings a modern elegance to your wedding

-Gives you the option to give your bridesmaids white flowers, which will be the contrast to YOUR flowers, as your flowers are the contrast to your dress (and their flowers are the contrast to their dresses)

-It’s fun. Seriously.

Some pictures of real In The Now weddings this year where the brides packed a serious PUNCH with their flowers:

Erin and Justin, photographed by Mathieu Photography and flowers by your favorite EAD blogger [and team of course]- ummm ME!

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Well hello readers! It’s been a heart-stopping summer and now that things have calmed down for a season over at In The Now Weddings, I’m anxious to get back into the swing of things here at EAD! I must admit, I’ve missed you all. Your kind words, encouragement, inspired designs and enthusiasm for the industry… so YAY for being home!!

I thought I’d start out with a feature on one of my more recent tabletop shoots. This setting was totally inspired by the Rat Pack [too cool for school] style of Mid-Century design that makes my personal world ROCK! I paired a cool aqua with a hip kelly green and crisp white. The setting over at the brand new Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach was the PERFECT backdrop for this table! If you live in Southern California and haven’t had a visit- do it! It’s definitely worth your time. Now, onto the funky freshness that is an In The Now Weddings tabletop design! All images courtesy of Wayne Toshikazu.

We paired a white bengaline linen from BBJ Linen with all white leather chairs and various place setting items from Classic Party Rentals.  Bengaline is a newer texture and is literally to DIE for, ladies! It’s a slightly ribbed, subtle fabric with a sheen to it, different than satin and closer to taffeta in shine-factor, but a style all it’s own and PERFECT for the 2010 wedding season!

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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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