Frances and Jared wanted their wedding to feel more like a festive dinner party than a formal reception. Unfussy garden meets shabby chic, Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar was an amazing place to host the event. It was clean and elegant and add in beautiful personal details like a stunning Ketubah and family-made chuppah and I’m always sold. I …

Over the next few days, to help close out what has been an unbelievable 2009, I have asked some of my favorite photographers to share images from their favorite weddings of the year. The unbelievably kind and talented Jose Villa shared Alissa and Ryan’s San Ysidro Ranch wedding.

Jose’s images are so gorgeous that I’m going to let them speak for themselves…

Arvind and Karisa have such a sweet story, and their wedding was a total handmade community affair! I adore the photography by Ellie Grover – she captured the love between the couple and the sweet details of the day perfectly.

Karisa and Arvind met while volunteering in India. Ellie says: It wasn’t until Karisa’s last day that Arvind made …

I felt like the Goldilocks of wedding venues. We visited eight, three in Southern California and four in Northern California. This one didn’t have enough room, this one didn’t have a coordinator, we didn’t like the coordinator at this one, there wasn’t an easy way to park at that one, the bathrooms had a leak at this one, there were …

So, not going to lie….amidst all of this planning joy and decorating fun, this last month of wedding planning has been super stressful. As much as I wish I had a fairy-tale planning experience with no complications, that’s just not the way it’s been lately. If I were more of a “venter,” I’d tell you all about it…but …

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 …

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 …

[Jordyn and Drew's beautiful garden-inspired wedding from summer 2007. More pictures below!]

This is the classic debate when it comes to music and entertainment for a wedding: band versus DJ. Here are my thoughts, my biast opinion, from my experience and perspective.

A few years back I was, for the first time, planning a wedding with a couple from scratch and hunting …

Bonnie Tsang recently shot an awesome engagement photo session at Lee Carrillo State Beach and UCLA for Jennifer and Dan, who are UCLA alums who met surfing.  I love the resulting photos and think that they are so unique and full of personality, exactly what an engagement session should be!

The second installation of a four or five or maybe six part series of what to do after “yes” and before “i do”!

Decadent tonal pink and gold fabulousness. More pictures from this classy table top ifya scroll down. :)

Hiring a Planner

Okay, so, since I’ve already touched on hiring vendors in one of my previous soapbox rants, I want to broaden …

Lately I have been seeing some absolutely gorgeous engagement sessions, and today’s does not disappoint.  Amanda and Matt from Nistor Photography shot Susan and Brendan’s engagement sessions at the Getty Museum.  We knew Amanda had style (she is the author of the inspiring Vintage Glam blog) — but she also has some unbelievable talent.

It always helps when you have beautiful …

I recently came across the website of Mary Frances Photography and was immediately captivated by her photography and blog.  I like her use of textures and she seems to be a great up and coming (and affordable!) photographer in the SoCal area.  She is a recent graduate of Hallmark Institute of Photography and obviously loves what she does.  We’re happy …