Why a Wedding Planner Is A Good Idea

By Mayoor Patel

Why a Wedding Planner Is A Good IdeaWhile some people hesitate to hire a wedding planner, there are some very good reasons why you should give this idea some serious thought. Here are some points to consider as you think about the feasibility of hiring someone to plan your wedding.

Whether you are going with traditional or modern, there is a world of details to be taken care of, unless you plan on something very small and intimate, such as a home wedding. As the guest list grows, so does the number of details that have to be addressed and the decisions that have to be made. Someone who is skilled at planning a wedding can take on many of those details without having to involve the bride or groom, leaving both of them a little more time to enjoy being engaged.

Having someone to do the legwork of finding and evaluating different vendors can take a load off the bride and groom. He or she will also have a handy list of reliable vendors for such essentials as evaluating bakeries for the cakes, renting chairs for the wedding and the reception, lining up a band, and renting the facilities for the ceremony. Having a planner that knows his or her stuff can weed out options that are not all that good and focus in on the outlets that will make your wedding plans progress smoothly. That makes a big difference. Instead of having to spend weeks sorting through this sort of thing, the bridge and groom can sit down with the wedding planner for an afternoon and take a look at the recommendations.

Along with seeing to details and making sure the choices of vendors are only the best, a person who plans weddings will also be able to keep everything on track the day of the wedding. The bride and groom can focus on getting ready for the ceremony and not have to worry about the flowers being late or having the guestbook in the right place. With the precision of a drill sergeant, the planner will keep things moving right along.

A wedding planner will make life so much easier for you, beginning months before the event and even up to making sure everything is perfect as you exchange vows. If you are getting married soon, contact some planners today and let them show you just what they can do.

Source: www.articleattack.com
Source: http://www.bridalscoop.com/2007/07/why-wedding-planner-is-good-idea.html

Local Vendor Highlight- Foto Nuova

We always hope that our clients have great photographers to capture their wedding day (noticed I put photographer(s) rather than photographer. Two is always recommended (One main and one assistant photographer at the least). This is the one area that we advice our clients to spend money on. At the end of the day, pictures last FOREVER and if you have a talented photographer who can help you capture it, its money well spent.

Foto Nuova is one of our Pasadena favorite photographers. Each photographer have their own style, and if you go to Foto Nuova's website you will find that he excels in vintage wedding looks. Just the music on his website can tell you a lot about his style. Aaaron Gil at Foto Nuova is a such a professional vendor to work with. Many clients flock his way to help them capture their special day with a flair.

http://www.fotonuova.com/

Wine Loves: Must Read

Wine lovers you are in luck. Looking to stock up some great wines for upcoming engagement party, wedding or just a fun night with your friends? Now you can go to winetisoldout.com which sells wine at 30%-70% off store and internet site prices.

Local Vendor Highlight- My Sweet Cupcake

This week I would like to put the spotlight on one very special Pasadena vendor- My Sweet Cupcake. As an event planner, I have the privilege of tasting many delicious cupcakes, from Pasadena to Beverly Hills, I have pretty much tried every single place. And today I am proud to share one of Fresh Events Company's favorite cupcake places- My Sweet Cupcake. The cupcakes are always prefect and scrumptious, soft and moist.
We are on a cupcake addiction! Take last week for example, we had a few events plus personal celebrations, so four out of the seven days we had cupcakes at the office. So, don't be surprised next time you visit the store and find our company picture there as "Guest of the Month."

954 Mission St
South Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 441.4010

Pasadena Weddings

We are honored to be invited by theknot.com to be a weekly guest blogger on their Pasadena Wedding Blog.

This new niche site created by the knot serves the Pasadena wedding community or couples looking into getting married in Pasadena.

We are very flattered to be included and it is only natural that we are experts of Pasadena since our studio is based in this lovely area. This city has so much to offer. From unique venues to great rehearsal dinner locations to a wide selection of cupcake stores. Yes, I said cupcakes. So if you are thinking about getting married in Pasadena, give us a ring and come in for a complimentary consultation. We will share the expert secrets with you as to where some of the best locations are for your upcoming wedding.

Check out Pasadena Weddings

Holiday Cocktail

I recently came across this holiday cocktail recipe while reading thenest.com
Isn't it adorable! Looks delicious too. Try it out at your holiday party!

Candy Cane Lane

Ingredients
2 1/2 oz Van Gogh Blue vodka
1 oz white creme de menthe
1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
Cream
Splash of grenadine
Peppermint candy for garnish

Preparation
Add a dash of grenadine into the bottom of a chilled martini glass and set aside. Pour the rest of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass with grenadine to create a “swirl” effect. Garnish with peppermint candy.

Photos by: Van Gogh Vodka and Champagne Pommery
Source: thenest.com

Invitation that makes a statement!

When it comes to invitation, if your budget allows, make a statement!
The invitation will create excitement for your upcoming event. Take this invitation for example-
This silk and faux crocodile box holds an etched metal invitation that can be customized for any type of event or color palette.
The boxes can be made in any size and in a large variety of colors and lid options.

Who wouldn't want to go to this event! RSVP me now!

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about what's in store for 2010,
contact Rachel at info@rockpaperscissorsdesign.com

Important Update for Marriage Licenses issued in LA County

Beginning 1/1/10 there are 2 major changes affecting all LA COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSES.

1. Certified copies of a marriage license fee is changing from $13 to $14 per certified copy.
(Los Angeles County. Please check with your county's clerk/recorders office)

2. This is the BIG CHANGE…….If the Couple has been issued a Confidential Marriage License…

If they want to get a certified copy of their Marriage License by mail, a “Notarized Statement of Identity”
MUST, I repeat MUST be sent along with the Request for Marriage Record.

Link to Statement of Identity form: http://www.lavote.net/Recorder/PDFS/COI-BirthDeath.pdf

ONLY IF THEY ORDER CERTIFIED COPIES BY MAIL!

If they want to go in person to pick up a copy then it is not needed.


Thanks to Alan Katz, So Cal Officiant, for this update.

{ Charlynn + Leo ::Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards Wedding }

Throughout the year we have the pleasure of working with many great couples, Charlynn+Leo is one of them. They have such amazing energy about them. Their family and friends joined them to celebrate the big wedding day at Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards in Temecula. Its always so nice to see the guests enjoying themselves at the wedding especially when we know how much time and effort goes into planning a seamless wedding. Such an honor to work with them!

Jingle 'n Mingle

Jingle 'n Mingle!
A premiere and exclusive singles’ mixer held in a luxury penthouse overlooking the
skyline of Downtown LA

December 10, 2009
6-9pm

Evo
1155 South Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Penthouse 2303

Tickets: www.jinglenmingle.eventbrite.com
Parking: 12th Ave & South Grand Ave.

Cost:
$20 online
$30 at the door

Sustainable wedding rings part of a green ceremony

Article From OneWed.com

Despite the economy, many couples have opted to make a little extra room in their budgets for sustainable products. Using locally-grown flowers or serving sustainable meals are both ways to cut corners from the carbon-footprint of your big day. Now green-minded couples can add sustainable wedding rings their wedding checklist.

A new website launched by Reflective Images, a jewelry manufacturer that focuses on sustainably manufactured or repurposed pieces, is providing brides and grooms with earth-friendly options for wedding rings and engagement rings.

The extent of the company's efforts is impressive – the entire studio, which is in Santa Fe, New Mexico - is run on green energy. The company also purchases carbon off-sets to further reduce the impact of their carbon emissions.

The unique rings offer a contemporary aesthetic, like hammered gold or platinum, as well as responsibly sourced diamonds. They come in a variety of styles and price ranges, from $200 sterling silver wedding bands to diamond and platinum engagement rings.

Of course, brides who prefer antique-style jewelry could find other ways to make their rings more earth-friendly. Shopping around for vintage rings on their own, or using a ring that has been in the family for years are both be ways for savvy brides to save money and resources.

Fresh Events Company :: Featured Wedding on THEKNOT.COM

Congratulations to our client:: Lora & Frank

Real Wedding- Lora & Frank in Los Angeles, CA

Girari Tabletop Competition: Girari Sustainable Furniture and Furnishings

This year we are very honored to be part of the Girari Tabletop Competition Judging Committee.

Here are some of the tabletop designs in this year's competition.

This piece is even more striking in person. They made really good use of the table and repetition in the floral design is brillant.


This whimsical design is truly feast for the eyes. Its almost as if it tells a story.


Unconventional color palette.


Made of popcorn.. so creative!


About Girari
Girari Sustainable Furniture and Furnishings ::
Where Respect for the Environment is in Harmony with High Contemporary Design. All of our Aluminum Products are Crafted from 98+% Post Consumer/Industrial Cast aluminum. Additional Sustainable Materials are Incorporated into our Furniture Collections and our Sustainable Event Furniture.

Alina Pizzano Trunk Show

Are you looking for the perfect bridal gown? Look no further, on November 7th, Alina Pizaano is having her Trunk Show.

Date: Saturday, November 7th at
Time: 4pm
Location: 235 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (Across from Paseo Colorado)

They are extending a 10% discount to any Bride that orders her gown that day and they will be having a cocktail reception to follow.

Wedding Tips

1) Who said the money box has to be an actual "BOX"? Get creative and use a bird cage, a treasure chest or a even a favorite handbag that you love.

2) By having a customized gobo you can easily personalize your event and have something beautiful to enjoy throughout the event.


3) For out of town weddings or events, an event website is key. It’s so convenient and keeps all the ‘need to know’ information for the guests organized and keeps guests informed. We highly recommend it to all!

4) Escort card font size should be easy to read and in font size 14+.

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

Here is the beautiful photoshoot that we did at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens recently. We worked with a team of amazing vendors to pull this off.

The Huntington has so many botanical gardens, collections, and historically significant settings to experience a truly unique wedding. There is so much room for creativity.

Location
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, CA
www.huntington.org

Coordination
Fresh Events Company
Amanda Ma and Ada Chan
Event Planning & Design
www.fresheventscompany.com

Photography
Meghan Aileen Photography
www.meghanaileen.com/

Florals
Le Petit Gardenia
Alison Franchi
www.lepetitgardenia.com

Hair and Makeup
Grace Ilasco
www.beautybygrace.com

Gowns
Alina Pizzano Couture Bridal
www.alinapizzano.com

{ Real Wedding }

Here are some of our featured weddings. Please enjoy! Hope it will inspire you and give you some good ideas as well.


Photo Credit: Fresh Events Company & CallawayGable


Photo Credit: Adrienne Gunde Photography


Photo Credit: Andy Kitchen Photography

Creative Escort Card & Seating Assignment Designs

Here are some creative Escort Card & Seating Assignment Designs to spice up your event.

Sky is the limit, go creative!

Crate and Barrel Gift Registry

For those of you who are getting ready to set up your registry check out Crate and Barrel. They have an event called the 'The Wedding Parties' where you can attend and enjoy food, drinks, music and get expert advice on registering. And if you do end up registering with them, you will receive a brilliant handblown glass heart bowl.

Check out the website for more information.

Source: Crate and Barrel Website

Transformation.. This is where the magic happens

As a wedding planner we wear many hats. From being a planner to counselor and of course our favorite.. Magician! Well, to be exact, we transform spaces. We have converted a concrete underground garage into Hollywood Glamor. A artistic showroom into a chic urban wedding oasis. Our inspiration?.. the venue and the client. From conception to completion, we make it happen!

DOWNTOWN LOFT
BEFORE

AFTER


CONCRETE UNDERGROUND GARAGE
BEFORE

AFTER


PRIVATE CLUB
BEFORE

AFTER

Photo Credit: Adrienne Gunde Photography, Fotonuova, Beautiful Day Photography

Celebrate Your Culture!

When planning a wedding, some of our clients come to us with specific cultural tea ceremony requests from Chinese Tea Ceremony to Paebaek Ceremony (Korean version of the Tea Ceremony) to many others.

Above is a collage of several Paebaek Ceremony that we helped produced. We love seeing Paebaek ceremony unveil, its full of color and eventful. From paying respect to the honorees and catching dates and chestnuts (symbolizing girls and boys that the couple will have).

A little background on the Paebaek Ceremony:
Paebaek ceremony is a traditional Korean ceremony usually performed at weddings. It takes place after the wedding ceremony and its an intimate event limited to family members. However, modern couples now do this in front of guests as well. For those who have not seen this tea ceremony before, its truly an eye opening experience.

Photobooth Confessionals

Watching guests take live pictures in a photobooth at any event is like watching a reality show on Bravo. You get drama, you get beautiful moments, you get fabulousity, you get "this is me" confessionals, and you get the occasional photo blooper ... and all I have to say is that I am ADDICTED to photobooths and every event should have one!

Here are some too cute photobooth pictures of a recent wedding...Real sweet. Congratulations to our fun and life-loving couple Henry & Nancy! You two really can get down and party!

The Hollywood Wedding

Hollywood. The land of stars, Roosevelt Hotel, Double Decker buses, and a glamorous, sunset wedding?

That's right. We had the pleasure to work with Dave and Ann... such a sweetheart couple, and helped them create their Hollywood Glamour Black and White wedding (with touches of pink)at none other than the Hollywood Roosevelt, the original destination of the Oscars. We suggested they use votives, which were customized to their theme of beautiful black damask patterns. It was stunning, especially alongside the white floral arrangements! We also created an unconventional seating, with King's tables, rectangular tables and square tables. A photobooth and a sweet candy station to continue the fun throughout the night. Talented Michael Norwood snapped shots all evening.

I loooved their cakes, too - the wedding cake was white with a beautiful sugar made pink peony embracing the caketop, and the groom's cake was made to look like sushi bento box, and a video game controller...

What I absolutely appreciate is that I had the pleasure of working with the bride and groom's mother a year out from their wedding. Since we planned a while out, I was able to witness their relationship blossom and I could feel SO much love. Sigh. And then the groom was so sweet to plan a two week vacay in exotic Africa...so detail oriented! A planner's favorite!

What a beautiful couple - congrats Ann and David!

Living Art

Its always such a pleasure working with talented vendors. One of which we are featuring today is Le Petite Gardenia. Alison Franchi at Le Petite Gardenia creates arrangements that are beyond just an arrangement- they are LIVING ART. Just see the collage above of some of her masterpieces. She never cease to impress and exceed her client's expectation and we love her for that. Learn more at Le Petite Gardenia.

Keepin' it Real

We are so blessed to be working on so many fabulous events this month...

here's a wedding collage of some our recent weddings = each picture with a different personality. Hail to the creative possibilities!

A Restaurant Without Walls

Its so rare to find vendors who truly care about the work that they do, but today we came across one- ROOM FORTY. You not only see a masterpiece but the passion and soul in the result. Today Ada and I had the pleasure of doing a tasting with Room Forty which took place at the Craven's Estate. We were greeted warmly by Matt and Steve followed by a quick tour around the property. Our senses were indulged in the evening as we tasted the various dishes. What a perfect way to end a long day at the office.

Here is their philosophy:
"A meal is the oldest form of fellowship in history. In every culture, where hospitality is extended a meal is served. Meals are more than a neutral consumption of food and drink, they are an experience, touching not just our palate, but nourishing all of our senses. We delight in considering how to access and nourish all of the senses. For the palate, our goal is to ensure our meals present an un-folding, inspiring and flawless journey of aroma and taste. For the eyes and ears, our goal is to ensure that every element of the evening, from plate to table, setting to sound is an experience of excellence. Knowing the soul has the longest memory of all the senses our goal is to ensure that the arms of hospitality have been extended and a distinct memory has been made."

For those of you looking for a cater for an upcoming event, private, wedding, special events, call Matt 626.487.0507.
Room Forty

Creating a Beautiful Wedding - Even with a Budget

Having to worry about the economy shouldn’t have to stress you out about your wedding. Brides and grooms can still plan tasteful, stylish and luxury weddings without having to sacrifice what’s important to them at the end of the day. Everyone hears this all the time, and it’s totally trite yet true – …It’s once in a lifetime – do it right the first time! It's about making good choices on what and where you spend on...

Here's some tips:

{{ keep the guest list intimate – they should ALL be VIPs!}}

- It’s about prioritizing what means the most to you for your wedding. For instance, instead of having that a massive 600 guest wedding, would it be more meaningful to invite your closest set of family and friends to share in the celebration? Keeping the guest list smaller may make for an equally exquisite and beautiful wedding as a large one, and yet it won’t break the bank.

- Parents or organizations you belong to, for example, might make you feel obligated to invite friends of friends or second cousins you don’t really know to the wedding. Sometimes, this comes up with our clients who are trying to keep the guest count intimate. Have conversations with them and be honest that the celebration will be smaller. Include these people in your wedding celebration in some other way. For example, doing an informal gathering to celebrate with them, pre or post the actual wedding. Or send them announcements and pictures. People will appreciate that. Or sometimes it might purely be a budget thing - if you're paying for the wedding, parents might be happy to chip in so that mom's three best friends can attend. Be honest, and be open.

{{focus on what really matters)}}

- If one must need to focus on budget, then allocate that budget according to what’s most important to you. We all splurge on things we just fall in love with, so why deny ourselves? For instance, if youve been dreaming about a dress since you were sixteen, prioritize that into the budget! The location might dictate the feel of the entire wedding and set the tone of the affair which may be very important to a lot of couples – if that’s the case, allocate a healthy chunk of budget to where the celebration will be held. And so forth.

{{Our favorite over-the-top splurge}}

Our over the top splurge/trend we love are individual mini-fondant cakes and an equally over the top candy and dessert stations. Totally decadent, but what guest doesn’t enjoy being considered and indulged and appreciated for sharing this moment at the wedding? A cute individual mini-fondant cake in the wedding theme and a bag of candy and desserts will truly leave a sweet taste in the guests’ mouths…

{{Creativity Don’t Cost a Thing}}

You don’t need to spend a dime extra, and yet you can infuse creative elements that really spell out that this is your wedding, not Jen and John’s. For instance we had a couple who were writers. Guests typed congratulatory wishes and advice for the couple on an old typewriter for the guestbook. Menus were actually printed from copies of love notes the couple had wrote to each other growing up. Guests loved these sweet gestures and that the couple so openly shared their hearts with everyone. These are delightful and personal touches and surprises that you incorporate into your wedding will get conversation flowing and make your wedding memorable – the one-of-a-kind wedding and tribute to your love.

Eye-Opening Invitations

Invitations make an impact. Guests get an impression about the event to come when they receive an invitation that has been thoughtfully crafted and intentionally designed. Since Fresh Events Company is always about what's hip, now, and (dare I say) fresh, I wanted to share some stationery trends with you.

Anyone can send invitations made with paper. We do it all the time. But when a little something extra is required, we love to work with out-of-the-box materials. Here are three options that are hot now.

No. 1
Plexiglass can wow guests at the first look. Whether clear, colored, or layered, it is an unexpected material. Ink silk-screened on both sides of a clear piece can give a design depth and a unique quality you just can't achieve with paper. These invitations use plexiglass on its own, plex layered on paper backers, and plexiglass as a window to a feather medallion.



No. 2
When an invitation engraved on steel arrives in the mail, you know this won't be an ordinary event. Layering it on silk-wrapped backers or enclosing it in a custom box can add an extra special touch.



No. 3
We can't talk about what is hot in invitations without mentioning thermal paper. The paper changes like a mood ring when invitees touch it.




Get creative when thinking about how to invite your guest to your event. The invitation sets the tone. Use it as an opportunity to build anticipation. Begin the experience of your event the moment the invitation arrives.

All these unique and out-of-the box invitations was designed by The Innovation Companies.
Ask for the creative Allison Howell (714.888.4566). She will make sure your invitation makes an immediate and lasting impression.

The Huntington Library opens grounds for weddings

Known for our beautiful and fabulous weddings, we are happy to announce that we have been named one of the three exclusive planners to work with The Huntington Library who recently opened its doors for weddings.


We couldn’t be more excited about helping these very special couples celebrate their nuptials in this phenomenal space that is only now available for weddings. The Huntington Library has so many botanical gardens, collections, and historically significant settings to experience a truly unique wedding. There is so much room for creativity.

The Huntington has been chosen for decades as a movie location for weddings. Whether one envisions a wedding to be “A Cinderella Story” or prepares to battle out the wedding details with a “Monster In Law” (to name just two of the hundreds of projects that have been filmed on the grounds), the potential of a real wedding produced on its premises outshines anything seen in the movies.

However, renting this exquisite venue comes with an exclusive price: For $100,000, one can have the privilege of saying “I do” surrounded by such beauty. Despite the price tag, interest for weddings at The Huntington is high. Having a wedding at The Huntington is magical. It’s like having an exclusive, destination wedding in its one-of-a-kind gardens and collections, and comes with personalized attention. Brides and grooms understand how incredibly special that is, as will their guests.

What to do at the first sign of a sniffle

1. Wash your hands obsessively.
2. Drink plenty of fluids-like water and hot tea-to keep yourself hydrated.
3. Consume more vitamin C (red berries, bell peppers, broccoli) and protein (lean meats, fish, tofu) to fortify your immune system.
4. Get lots of shut-eye (strive for eight hours).
5. Ask your dictor about zinc lozenges and other over the counter (OTC) remedies.

Source: Modern Bride magazine Aug/Sept 2009

Beach Wedding

Congratulations to our happy couple Dione and Jeff. They had a beautiful beach wedding on a private beach in Redondo Beach back in May followed by a festive reception. The weather channel predict it was suppose to rain that Saturday so Fresh Events Company had prepared a contingency plan if we were visited by the rain. Luckily, it did not rain and instead the weather was absolutely gorgeous! We were so happy for the client. I can frankly say when we assist our clients with their wedding, we put ourselves in their shoes. We ensure that each detail is well orchestrated and managed. And most importantly they truly get to enjoy the wedding. So when it was bright and sunny that Saturday morning, we couldn't be happier. Congrats again Dione and Jeff!

Photo by: Denice Woyski

Yes, The Grand Event was Quite Grand!

Yesterday we had the pleasure of attending The Grand Event at the SLS hotel, a very happening industry event. First of all, if you haven't been to the SLS hotel, it's a very different breed of hotel - very eclectic, fun, modern, and definitely edgy.

We were greeted by stilt walkers, aerialists and contortionists. whoa.

The modern shades in this ballroom were so cool. the room was dramatically uplit in pink. Loved it! The food was exceptional. There was paella, primerib with cilantro and a red pepper sauce, plenty of antipasti, and yummy desserts. Oh, did we mention cocktails? I guess there is a perk to being in this industry!

Renee Strauss had models showcasing beautiful one of a kind wedding dresses walking the floor. Yes, we touched, oohed and aaahhed. Excited because we may be working on a future project with her and the talented floral art designer, Miss Alison Franchi at Le Petit Gardenia.

Luna, who was gracious to showcase their amazing talents showcased some to-die-for decor items that would be talk of any party. Super cool was a tree made of crystal, dripping with crystal. Now that is what the next 2010 platinum bride needs! And then to top it all off, we saw lovely old friends, and AB Elements whose lounge furniture is always a hit. We got a sneak, sneak preview of the latest tabletops - which inspired many ideas. I think our clients are going to like some new stuff we're going to show them.

It was so wonderful to catch up with good company and meet new people too. What a great way to start off the weekend.

Gifts for Your Guests

Another great gift idea for your wedding guests.

The Yoku Moku Cinq Delices tin offers some of Yoku Moku's finest confections. Yoku Moku produces some of the finest all natural butter cookies developed in Tokyo with no additives, preservatives or any chemicals of any kind. Yoku Moku was recently featured in Newsweek magazine as America's Test Kitchen's #1 choice.

The name Yoku Moku comes from JOKK MOKK, a quaint village on the Arctic Circle, 500 miles North of Stockholm, Sweden. The founder, Noriichi Fujinawa was so impressed with the beauty of the village and the heart of the people, he borrowed the name for his company. Yoku Moku is one of the most popular gift items in Japan.

Assortment of five different types of confections: Cigare, Double chocolat au lait, Bateau de macadamia, thin butter-vanilla based confections doubled over with slivered almonds on top, and shortbread-style confections. 52 great Yoku Moku Cookies per tin.

If you would like to order these for your wedding, let us know and we can direct you to the respective vendor.