CREATING WEDDING DAY TIMELINES

Since weddings take on average 250 hours to plan {yes, you read that correctly} it is important that with all that planning you have a timeline created for your wedding day. This is not just any timeline that a vendor will give you, this is considered the master timeline that includes every important detail that the Bride & Groom have planned up to the minute.

Here is a recommended event flow that will give you an idea of how an afternoon wedding would go. Make sure that while you are putting together the details of the ceremony & reception to include the arrival & departure times of your vendors and everyone's contact info. Keep in mind this is a guideline and you can customize it to best suit your wedding day.

4:00 pm - Prep. photos of Bride & Groom
5:00 pm - Photo session with Bride {alone, with attendants, etc.}
5:30 pm - Bride & attendants in sequester
6:00 pm - Ceremony
6:30 pm - Family, Bridal Party group formal photos
7:00 pm - Newlywed's photo session {spend more time with family & friends if done before ceremony}
7:30 pm - Newlywed alone time with champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
7:45 pm - Grand Entrance and then the Bride & Groom go straight into first dance
8:15 pm - Toasts and salads served
8:30 pm - Dinner served
9:00 pm - Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance
9:15 pm - Open dancing
9:30 pm - Cake cutting, couple's toasts and speech
9:40 pm - Optional bouquet & garter toss
9:45 pm - Open dancing
11:00 pm - Departure / Send off

WISH UPON A WEDDING :: BLISSFUL WISHES BALL

What engaged couples wouldn’t feel GOOD knowing the money they are spending on their wedding is going directly to a good cause? From the gown to the cake, and the photography to the invitations, couples now have the opportunity to shop for all the items and services needed to plan a beautiful wedding, directly from the comfort of home. Some couples dream of hiring top of the line wedding vendors, but cannot afford it. Well, now may be their only chance to score a great deal, and have the wedding they’ve always imagined, while supporting a wonderful nonprofit organization.

Wish Upon a Wedding, the world’s first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization is proud to announce Bid Your Wish for Wedded Bliss, an online auction offering couples who are planning their weddings a new option in charitable giving.

Starting in September of 2010, couples will be able to go online to browse the items that will be available to them. Then the bidding fun begins during the months of October and November, where ANYONE can bid on hundreds of items from the industry’s top professionals.

Click here to RSVP

Wish Upon A Wedding

WHEN IN ROME...

It is a gorgeous Wednesday and I started the day dreaming about Rome, pasta, cappuccinos and a good glass of wine {in the afternoon of course}. One of my favorite photographers, Victor Sizemore, recently went on this gorgeous trip to Europe and I couldn't help but to fall in love. I was born in Bonn, Germany and my family is from Budapest, Hungary. I have had the opportunity to spend many of my childhood summers traveling Europe and visitng with my family...and now I am beginning to feel home sick because although I have been raised most of my life in Huntington Beach, California, I feel a pull to go back to Europe to visit.

Besides family and friends, one of the biggest things I miss the most is the food and the shopping, what girl doesn't love to shop? Ok, food is #1 on my list, then shopping, because we need the energy to go shopping, right?! I remember growing up eatting so many wonderful dishes that were passed on from generation to generation. No wonder a dish made from a family recipe tastes better than so many chain styled restaurants. It loses it's love, because everytime Grandma made it, it was De-lic-ious! I am not one to say that I could only live in a certain place, but one thing is for sure...all of Europe feels like home sweet home.

With all the history and beauty in the architecture throughout so many people fall in love there. If it is not for the delicious food, fabulous wine and gorgeous scenery, then you can immerse yourself in the ways of life. I always loved going to the local piazza and buying the freshest produce. Afterwards, you can enjoy a petite lunch with a cappucino. If food isn't a way to your heart, the shopping available will definitely win you over! From Paris to Milan, haute couture reigns supreme. Sounds like a vacation is on the horizon...Grazzi Victor for taking such beautiful images!

photography :: Victor Sizemore

JUST BE YOU...

I trust my gut, dream and truly am a hopless romantic. I believe in love at first sight and that there is someone for everyone. I see the world as it could be, see the beauty in everyone and believe that if you follow your heart, you will meet the destiny that you were created for...

I love being in the presence of love and being in love. It makes me so happy and giddy inside. Life's best moments are just that. It is the world I choose to live in and the one that makes me feel whole and complete. I love to laugh so hard I cry and cry until I begin to laugh. Love is in the details and life couldn't be any more perfect.

Sometimes I get scared and ask the what if's, feel lost in a fog, and question myself. Then all of a sudden, when I think there may not be hope, I get sign that tells me everything is always going to be ok. Life is as simple as it is complicated. I realized a long time ago, I will never fit in a box, that in order to truly be happy I have to be who I was created to be and not be afraid to wear my heart on my sleeve...because you never know whose life you will touch and share the very same words someone special told me...Just be you!

ORANGE COUNTY WEDDING :: ST.REGIS MONARCH BEACH

This beachside wedding is a true fairy tale. Alana + Amit just had their beautiful wedding at the St. Regis in Monarch Beach and I love the way their celebrated their day with 'Happily Ever Now.' They are a story book couple who help you believe that fairy tales do come true! She is his princess and he, her prince. Alana wore a stunning couture Amasale wedding dress that was to die for! Here is a sneak peak into their wedding day. More pics coming soon!

photography :: KLK Photography

ORANGE COUNTY WEDDING :: PELICAN HILL - part II

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kelly & Sean over the course of a year helping them plan their dream wedding. I remember waking up this day knowing that it was going to be perfect day and it truly was. Kelly and Sean were not just my clients while planning their wedding day, we quickly became friends and that made this wedding that much more special.

Kelly was up early and couldn't be any happier on this day, she was so giddy! When I spoke to the Sean that morning, I could hear in his voice how excited he was to see Kelly and that he couldn't wait to be married to her. Once Kelly saw Sean, I didn't know who would get teary eyed first. Just the way those two look at each other melt your heart. Sean absolutely adores Kelly and puts her on pedestal. In his speech, he honored Kelly and vowed to make her the happiest woman on this planet, I tried to hold back my tears, but it was to perfect of a moment to let pass by.

As the evening went on, the room was filled with so much happiness and laughter! It was such an honor to have had the opportunity to create a moment in time that they will cherish forever...

event design + coordination :: Grand Engagements
floral :: Nisie's Enchanted Florist
photography :: Triple Cord Photography
videography :: Elysium Productions
makeup :: Flawless Faces Inc.
officiant :: Rev. Clint Hufft
music :: DaCapo Players
dj :: Vive Inc.
rentals :: Unique Tabletop Rentals
linens :: Wildflower Linens

ORANGE COUNTY WEDDING - PELICAN HILL RESORT

One word for you...WOW! Kelly and Sean got married this past weekend at Pelican Hill Resort and it was breathtaking! The weather in Southern California hasn't been quite like what we may used to, nice hot summer days filled with endless sunshine in July. Instead, we have overcast days that may go up into the 70's. There is a lot I can take care of leading up to the wedding day and on the day itself, weather is not one of them. Thankfully, my prayers were answered to have a gorgeous day. Here is a sneak peek into the beatiful wedding at Pelican Hill.

wedding production + design :: Grand Engagements
photography :: Triple Cord Photography

ORANGE COUNTY BEACH WEDDING - WATERFRONT HILTON HUNTINGON BEACH

I love beach weddings! They have such a relaxed ambiance and allow all your guests to feel like they are on vacation. I even felt like I was on vacation even though I live in Orange County. Here is a teaser for Tayley & Cameron's Southern California destination wedding at the Waterfront Hilton Huntington Beach. More pics coming soon!

photography :: KLK Photography

THE WEDDING PANTRY WORKSHOP :: TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Planning a wedding is no simple task! You can just about find any topic wedding related except that to expect on your wedding day. Just as every Bride is unique, so are the schedules and timelines needed to create the perfect wedding day. This is a class for anyone having a wedding without a wedding planner and needs the basics to creating a timeline on that day. I hope to see you there!


August 17th - Workshop: Timing is Everything on your Wedding Day

Now that you have worked so hard planning everything you have dreamed for your wedding day, the challenge comes in keeping everything on a schedule because there are so many things going on. From figuring out what time to start getting ready to when vendors setup, there are many details in between to plan. Rest assured, you have expert help from Gloria McCune, Wedding Planner & Designer of Grand Engagements to guide you through this detailed timeline process step-by-step. In this workshop, Brides will have the opportunity to custom create their own timelines, while understanding the importance of keeping everyone, including vendors on a master schedule. Each attendee will be provided with a sample timeline from Grand Engagements in Excel to personalize.

RSVP to reserve your spot and gift bag: REGISTER HERE!

ENGAGEMENT SESSION - CRISTY CROSS PHOTOGRAPHY

Being in the presence of love is one of the greatest gifts of life. The beauty of love is that it never tires or gets old. It is everlasting and works miracles. It changes lives and creates new ones. Each interpretation of love is as unique as it is beautiful, and I have the privilege of working with the most amazing couples in the world who share this magical type of love...

Tayley and Cameron are no exception. They are also madly in love! Cristy Cross captured their incredible engagement session via helicopter to a dry lake bed. Cameron is a pilot and flew his incredible helicopter for this engagement shoot. Could this get any more romantic?! Their gorgeous wedding is going to be at Waterfront Hilton in Huntington Beach. I am so happy for them and look forward creating their dream wedding!

photography :: Cristy Cross

ENGAGEMENT SESSION :: MICHELLE + JASON

I love how small the world is especially when you meet someone special you never know when your paths may cross again. I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle over 8 years ago and she always stood out in my mind. She is the kind of person that you cannot help but to adore. Michelle recently got engaged to her childhood sweetheart, Jason and their fabulous wedding in Malibu is quickly approaching at Saddlerock Ranch. I can't wait...I love love!!

photography :: Julian Walter

THE PERFECT PALETTE :: CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING COLORS

We live in a world full of color and the colors you love can say a lot about who you are. They depict emotion and can easily change one's mood. Figuring out what colors best describe you make choosing your wedding colors fun. You do not have to be a Artist or a Designer, just knowing what you like is all you need. Sometimes seeing how colors may come together is difficult because too much of one color might make everything look gorgeous or hideous, but have no fear...The Perfect Palette is a favorite site of mine that is always coming up with endless amount of color combo palettes for your wedding. This surely takes the difficulty out of planning a design winning look!

If you are wondering where to start with choosing colors, you can easily get inspiration from your venue and the details around you. Many times it is the theme that takes over or it can be a season. Do not ever get discouraged but do let your imagine run wild. You would be surprised what things you would come up with when you take the time to dream big. We all hold dear certain things and places that take us to a world that is happy and created just for us to enjoy. There are no rules with colors that aren't meant to be broken, but keep in mind that everything in moderation is the key into pulling of a wedding that will start a new trend adored by Brides around the world.

images :: The Perfect Palette