Sandy came to us looking to pull together and execute her detailed and comprehensive vision for her wedding day.  She is a designer by trait so it could only be expected that her wedding be tailored from beginning to end.

Sandy and John are not just connected with a ring.  They also work together.  I love that they chose to use their professional photographs rather than what we would generally expect to see.  It has been great getting to know them throughout the planning process and I am excited to share them with you.

How would you describe your personal style?

My everyday style is tailored yet casual—jeans and cotton tops and sweaters. I would describe my going out style as elegant.

The groom’s personal style?

I wanted a man with style and I got one. At work, john dresses in Armani shirts and nice dress pants Going out, he dresses in Lucky brand jeans, black ostrich cowboy boots and Robert Graham shirts.

How do you plan on incorporating your styles into your wedding day?

Our wedding style is more a reflection of our environment than of our style of dress. We will be married under a black, Texas-style gazebo on a downtown San Diego terrace on a beautiful summer night. Our reception is in the Don room at the El Cortez. There will be lots of roses and orchids and candlelight inside and out.

When did you get engaged? How did he pop the question?

I live in San Diego. John lives in Texas. One time, after I picked him up from the airport and brought him home, I noticed him fumbling in his bag. He seemed agitated. He took me by the hand and told me to sit on the couch. He threw one of my dogs next to me and put the other one in my lap. I thought he was mad at me for some reason. He was just nervous. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He knew how important my dogs are to me and said he was marrying the whole family which is why he wanted them to be a part of it. Needless to say, I was surprised and I said YES!

What are your favorite wedding resources?  Blogs? Magazines?

My iPad is my greatest wedding planning tool. The web is full of ideas and inspiration. I use a cork board program called Corqulous to save photos I like from different websites including theknot.com. I have cork boards for every aspect of the wedding. Over time, you can see the things that go together and the things that don’t. With a tool like this, it’s easy to see what you resonate with and what you don’t. Over time you will know if an idea you had three months ago still works with the things you now like. You should love everything in your wedding but also allow for some surprises.

What is the thing you learned along the way that surprised you?

First, your vendors want to do beautiful things for you. Show them what you like and let them do what they do best. In the end, you will have a way better wedding than you could imagine. Second, your vendors enjoy variety too. Be original and you will inspire them.

Describe your relationship in 5 words

Committed, connected, loving, meant-to-be, fun.

What is the best part about being a bride-to-be?

It’s your day and you get to do what you want.

If you had one piece of advice for other bride’s what would it be?

You get what you focus on. Don’t spend one minute worrying about what could go wrong. Think only about what makes you happy and how perfect things will be and they WILL be perfect!

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?

Marrying my groom. Seeing his reaction as I walk down the aisle. Being our guest’s reason for having such a great time.

Looking for an interactive way to add a little personality to your wedding celebration?  Try creating your own crossword puzzle.  Use it on the reverse side of your menus, add it to your welcome bags or incorporate it into a farewell brunch!

photo credit: Gene Higa Photography

In our quest to find cake perfection, we have found Sweet Cheeks Baking Company.  Oh how we love thee…  Not only do they create edible art that is beyond yummy, but it is made with all sorts of wholesome ingredients.  Have an idea?  Go ahead and throw it past Team Sweet Cheeks.  They love a challenge and always surpass expectations!

We are smitten with Sweet Cheeks Baking Company

What is your favorite part of the industry?

Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. is all about service and hospitality, catering to the custom interests & needs of our clients, so we LOVE when people bring us super cool or unique themes/ideas/requests.  We love a challenge as a team and find that challenge is what keeps us improving in this industry all the time!

If you weren’t in the event industry, what would you be doing?

I would be studying whales and marine mammals or learning to train at Sea World…until I had to get a paying job again.

Where do you draw your inspiration?  Are their specific resources?

Are you kidding?  Inspiration is ALL OVER THE PLACE for cake!  The more you open your eyes, the more you see as opportunity.   Today I was wearing this totally rad pair of leggings with crazy colorful paisley and giant floral patterns all over a sky-design background.  I looked in the mirror in the middle of the luncheon I was attending and cracked up…these would be the most beautiful cake design for someone with the right imagination like mine.

What is one piece of advice you would give a bride?

Come with ideas and with a vision as best you can.  This is the most special dessert of your life.  You and the cake are the two art pieces at the wedding that everyone wants to see.  If it’s super cool, everyone has tons of fun photographing it.  If it’s boring or tasteless, you may as well opt instead for a dessert buffet and make them delicious.

What are some of the trends you see for 2011?

We’ve been doing lots of dessert buffets.  Also, dietary restrictions are all the rage…gluten-free cakes, etc.   There are issues with too many combinations:  our most restrictive was a gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan who wanted a gorgeous wedding cake.  Hmm, we do love a challenge…did I say that?

Team Sweet Cheeks

Right Cheek = Elaine
Left Cheek = Donna
Master Sugar Shaker = Krista
Design Goddess = Charity
Snack Maven & Detailer = Misty
High Gear Shaker = Katrina
Super Butter Creamer = Kristin
Eagle 1 Commander = Kristy
Eagle Chaser = Kristie

On a perfect summer day in July, Cie and Chris were married at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.  Thanks to Boucher Photography, we have some amazing images to share.

For today, we have a sneak peak into their magical day.

A restroom amenity basket is not a necessity but it is certainly appreciated by your guests.  It is also a great way to add a little personality and color to the reception and ceremony site restrooms.

The items you choose to have will depend on the setting of your wedding but we have posted our list of items for you to choose from.

Toiletries

Lens solution / Eye drops

Spray Deodorant

Lotion

Floss

Mouthwash

Hair spray

Sunblock

Bug Repellent

Body Spray

Feminine hygiene products

Nail File

Face Mist

Lip Gloss / Chapstick

Comb

Hair elastics

Bobby pins

First Aid

Tylenol/Advil

Antacid/Pepto Bismol

Bandaids

Amenities

Safety pins

Q-tips

Spot remover wipes/Tide To Go pen

Mints/Gum

Lint brush

Hand Towels

Room Spray

Scented candle

Kari and Randy came to LBE to put the finishing touches on their San Diego destination wedding. The Colorado couple chose the stunning Lodge at Torrey Pines for their venue. It was simply the perfect setting for this sweet outdoorsy couple. We had a great time working with Kari and Randy along with their wonderful families on their wedding. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Colley!

Kari’s gorgeous lace gown was handmade by a family friend

The couple’s adorable pups, Red and Tillman carried the rings to the alter…

Thank you to all of our fabulous vendors!

Venue- The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Photographer- Ventana Photography

Videographer- Roldan Productions

DJ- Tim Altbaum Productions

Florals- Kendall Floral Supply

Stationery- Noon Designs

Bakery- V.G. Donut & Bakery

Linens- Concepts Event Designs

Rentals- Chiavari Chair Rentals

Tuxedo Rentals- A Better Deal Tuxedo

Bridesmaids Dresses- J. Crew

It is not a surprise that Southern California is one of the top destination locations for couples getting married in the US.  Whether your travel plans have you tying the knot in sunny San Diego or somewhere else, destination weddings require some unique planning.  I recently came across some great advice from Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier regarding gowns for destination weddings and thought I would share!

5 Wedding Gown Tips for a Destination Wedding:

A Destination Wedding no longer strictly means low key and casual. You can go as opulent and glam as you like on your big day on the beach or in the mountains. But here are some wedding gown tips that I would recommend following:

1. Choose a gown that is packable or able to be stored easily on a plane or mode of transportation to your ultimate destination. You may choose to ship your gown, but that can be very risky unless you are certain of what awaits it on the receiving end.
2. Consider the climate of your destination when choosing your gown. For a warm tropical climate consider humidity and insects. Certain fabrics don’t hold up well in humid climates and insects love to find a home in a tulle skirt!
3. If you do chose a ball gown or full skirted dress, can the under layers of tulle or lining be removed during the reception to insure your maximum comfort and agility. You’ll have to consult your seamstress during your alterations on this one! Remember that removing underlayers will ultimately change the length of your gown, so you may need a different heel height for partying!
4. Make certain that you inquire about someone at your destination who can help you on the ‘day of’ in terms of steaming, professionally ironing or repairing your gown should there be any mishaps. Just a FYI, unless your gown is made of plastic or lycra, I guarantee that some touch ups with an iron or steamer will be necessary especially if the gown has been transported in a box or tight garment bag.
5. As with any wedding, choose a gown that ‘looks’ appropriate at your destination venue. Sheer, lightweight, organic fabrics and lace always look good in the tropics, gardens or vineyards. Heavier satins, velvets & brocades may be a better choice for a Winter Resort. Accessorize accordingly as well.

Have a lovely weekend!  We are so excited to be working a fabulous wedding with a great couple.  Details to be shared later of course…

Something borrowed is traditionally an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. Carrying your grandmothers brooch, father’s handkerchief, or wearing your mother’s piece of jewelry is the perfect way to incorporate this tradition.

An eco-friendly wedding gown can have several different definitions.  It could mean a designer dress made from sustainable fabrics, it could mean shopping for a vintage gown, renting a previously worn wedding dress or even designing and tailoring your own. You could also fulfill the age old tradition of wearing your mother’ s dress or at least using the fabric to design a new and modern  look.  There are certainly plenty of creative options when trying to be both glamorous and green.

If renting or sewing your own are just not your style, check out these eco-friendly designers.  Some of these designers will even work with you to make a custom gown that is both special and unique . Having a “one of a kind”  means that you can truly make your dress individual by incorporating a sentimental piece of clothing, fabric or jewelry into the design.

Morgan Boszilkov-Morgan Boszilkov is an Atlanta based designer. Her new line of eco-friendly wedding gowns are made in the United States and 5% of profits are donated to environmental causes. Her designs are beautiful, elegant and green.

Wai-Ching- Based out of Seattle, these dresses are edgy and exotic. They are hand-dyed and luxuriously handmade to order using peace silk and hemp fabrics.

Olivia Luca -  Her website walks you through her 7 step design process, starting with skin tone and bodice style. This is a fun way to design your own dress or an excuse to get the girls together to create a personalized bridesmaid dress they might actually wear again. She is Portland-based, specializing in custom bridal and bridesmaid designs.

Annatarian – An eco effective design company in LA. They use the latest in eco-tech fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton, peace silk and hemp.

Threadhead Creations- For someone looking for something simple, elegant and green. They have both ready to wear designs or will custom design a gown just for you.

Gwendolyn Gleason Couture- Using organic fabrics Gwendolyn crafts vintage inspired wedding gowns with a modern twist. Gwendolyn empowers women in India who struggle to find regular work by hiring them to complete the specialty beadwork on her couture gowns.

The Cotton Bride- Couture garden and destination bridal gowns in cotton, silk and linen. Hand made in the USA.

Justin Alexander- The destination bridal collection harmoniously combines rich organic fabrics with natural accents.

Thank you to our fashion guru Bethany for putting this post together!

Autumn is right around the corner which is especially hard to believe in Southern California.  It feels as if we are still waiting for the summer to show its warm and sunny face.  Maybe our September will be our long lost July…

Either way, the end of summer does not mean the end of fabulous flower options.  We listed some of our favorites below.

1. Poppy, 2. Delphinium, 3. Marigold, 4. Black-Eyed Susan,

5. Carnation, 6. Carmellia, 7. Gladiolus, 8. Protea

More flowers blooming in the Autumn months:

Acashia, Allium, Alstromeria, Amaranthus, Anemone, Baby’s Breath, Bittersweet, China berry, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Cosmos, Echinops, Freesia, Gerbera Daisy, Gladiolus, Hypericum, Iris, Juniper,Kangaroo paw, Kalancheo, Liatrus, Lily, Asiatic, Gloriosa, Misty Blue, Orchid, Pepper berry, Queen Ann’s Lace, Quince, Rover, Roses, Rowen berry, Salvia, Solidago, Statice, Star of Bethlehem, Sunflower, Water lilies, Yarrow, Zinnia.