This year has definitely been the year of warp speed planning. I received a phone call from one of my sisters asking me if I would help plan one of her best friends wedding, Veronica to Haitham at the start of spring. I said sure not problem, but you do realize that it's in two months time? Having planned a few weddings already this year within two months I immediately got to work.

Veronica and Haitham were so easy to work with. They knew they wanted to keep the wedding intimate with focus on family and close friends. I knew that based on their budget and size of wedding the perfect venue for them would be The Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach. They offer an all inclusive package that includes venue, food, cake, and flowers.  Lucky for us Deanne of Bella Fiore is the hotels preferred florist so the choice was an easy one.

One of Veronica + Haitham's friend brought an abundance of pastries for everyone to enjoy.  Haitham's family is from Egypt and they couldn't attend the wedding celebration but not a single moment was missed.  We set up a web cam so they wouldn't miss a thing.  Haitham even had a little dance with him mother via the cam.

I want to thank Will William Kim Photography for capturing the night.  He was so attentive and kind.  I truly enjoy working with him.

Melissa + Bernie's Wedding at the Los Angeles River and Garden Center this past weekend was by far one of my most favorite weddings ever.  I couldn't have imagined spending my holiday weekend anywhere else other than with Melissa and Bernie, no one parties better than these two.  

I want to thank Kristen and Rafael for introducing me to such a lovely couple.  From the very first consultation I knew that we would not only have a great time planning the wedding but we would definitely remain friends after the big day.  (I'm seeing her today, any excuse to keep her coming back)

Sunday's celebration at one of my favorite little hidden gems  Los Angeles River Center and Gardens could not have happened without the help of my partners in crime Deanne of Bella Fiore and Henry of Henry Chen Photography, this is one of many weddings The Wedding Clique will be working on together this year. 

This wedding is a perfect example of how you can use several colors without having it look like a skittles factory.  The focal point of the wedding were the Carlisle Lamour linens by BBJ Linens.  Everything from hand painted wedding invitations using that pattern, to all the table names, programs and signs were inspired by this table cloth.  

I feel honored and blessed to have been a part of such a special day.  What started out as an idea in my head and a year of planning all came to fruition.  The joy in Melissa's face when she saw it all put together is priceless. 

Vendor Highlight:  This DJ had the dance floor on fire.  Loved him. Luke of Premiere Events

Ceremony and reception locations: Los Angeles River Center and Gardens in Los Angeles, CA

Planner, coordinator, and stationery: NOZZA Studio

Officiant: Father Mike Javor

Dress: La Soie Bridal Shop #1

Florist: Bella Fiore

Cake: Rossmoor Pastries

Music: Ricky Rasura Harpist 

Transportation: Hilltop Limousine Service

This was by far one of the most stressful weddings I've ever had to plan. There are several lessons to be learned but I think the most important lesson I learned was that as long as you have friends, family and a community that supports you everything and anything is possible. Zoila and Arturo are blessed to have a community and a loving family that were willing to do whatever it takes to make their special day possible. Two weeks prior to her wedding the venue that they had booked informed them that another wedding was also booked that day and they would have to find an alternative venue. With two weeks to the date we worked hard to pull it all together. To all the vendors that help me with your support I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also am blessed to have a great network of wedding vendors to work with. Congratulations Zoila and Arturo, if you managed to make it through this you can make it through anything.

Photos by Studio 7 Photography

Less than six months ago my friends Ivis + Mike surprised us at their house warming party with the announcement of their engagement.  We were all so excited for both of them, but soon after that a date was set and the next few words came out of her mouth "Do you think you can plan a wedding in four months?"  Oh, how I love a challenge. 



Ivis is one of the most creative and crafty people I know.  I knew my friend was talented, but I didn't know she was this talented.  Before I get into all the craziness that took place in such a short amount of time, I want to thank two of my favorite boys.  Henry of Henry Chen Photography and Will of William Kim Photography for capturing all the very special moments of my dear friends wedding day.
 
The staff at The Mitten Building went above and beyond to help me set up and keep things running smoothly throughout the night.  I even had a local volunteer roll and wrap every single napkin, I mean only in Redlands would that happen. Farm Artisan Foods and its staff was one of the easiest catering companies I've worked with in a long time.  I have to say it was really nice to start off my season working with such competent vendors. 

This post will most definitely have to have a part two.  There are so many little details of this wedding the require its own post.  Ivis not only challenged me to help her plan a wedding within four months, she also decided she was going to make every single element from centerpieces to homemade infused vodka favors.  I fell in love with the brides bouquet, hair piece, bridesmaids bouquet and the flowers girls piece so much so that I want to start selling her items in my store.  They were so adorable.  There is so much to describe from guest book board to the cake table displays that it most definitely requires a follow up post.  I'll leave you with a few shots and if you want to view more click over to Henry's Blog.

I know it sounds like a cliche when as a planner we say that no two weddings are ever alike, but really no two weddings ever are.  The basics remain the same, the scheduling, the planning, and the execution.  However, the couples, family, and friends of those we work with are what make each wedding so special and unique.  This wedding was one that will always remain in my heart.  I remember meeting Rochelle and her mother for the first time and instantly formed a bond. 

After months of planning, preparing and getting to know her story it was apparent that this day would be special.  Rochelle was an LMU graduate and the year she graduated from college she also lost her little brother to cancer.  Her little brother always admired big sister and someday hoped to attend LMU as well.  Rochelle knew the minute she got engaged the wedding would take place at Sacred Heart Chapel and the Sunken Gardens of LMU.  It was an emotional day for the entire family.  A little angel was missing but he was remembered in so many ways that day.

Taek of Taek Photography captured every moment of this special day.  I had the pleasure of working for the first time with Michael of LA Event and Design.  We had so many wonderful design elements planned for the day, but one thing we didn't plan for and couldn't control was the wind.  After a full day of setting up we managed to tweak and change a few things and still deliver the overall concept.  A seaside blue and silver wedding day. 

I will always remember Rochelle and Bradley, their families and friends.  This truly was a special day.