Are you searching for the ideal wedding exit idea?  We’ve done some hunting and included a few suggestions here for you:

Sparklers

Okay, we know these are fairly popular now but the truth is, they are popular because they are amazing!  Go for the large, 36” sparklers because they will last longer and be even more impactful for photos.  Of course, we recommend checking with your venue first to ensure they are allowed.  :)

Tandem Bike

Ride away to your new life together on a dual seat bicycle.  The brides expression in the photo below says it all.

Classic Vehicle

Why go for the standard limo when you can mix it up with the BMW Isetta?  Yea, we know it’s a bit small but it’s a great way to get cozy together.  :)

Chinese Wishing Lanterns

These are so gorgeous and as we near Summer, we’re seeing more and more.   Just remember to order high quality, biodegradable lanterns!

 

It’s been about 3 weeks since we had our first 2012 spring wedding and it was truly a great one! So with the help of the talented Bryan Miller we put together an inspiration board inspired by Melanie and Michael’s wedding.

Melanie and Michael are a down to earth couple, so it only made sense that their color palette was a reflection of their personalities. Their dusty earth tones choice, helped compliment the wedding venue, Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, as well as encompass a romantic spring theme. In addition, to the spring theme, the couple wanted to integrate a sense of greenery. They decided to give their guests a planet conscious succulent, each in a Terra Cotta pot – it was a great personal touch and a gift guests could enjoy for years to come. The two main colors Melanie and Michael incorporated throughout their wedding were mint green and the blush peach. As you can see, the mint green emerged in the floral decor as well as in the nail color of both Melanie and her Bridesmaids. The peach appeared in the gorgeous Bridesmaids dresses and the adorable ties that Michael and his Groomsmen wore. In addition, it was the main color the florist, Kiyoko of Cherry Blossom Floral Designs used throughout the venue. Melanie and Michael were truly picturesque newlyweds in their beautifully designed spring wedding.

Brides, if you’re looking for a vintage-spring color palette this could be it!

As we mentioned before, we are always honored to be part of the wedding and planning process, and this is no different. We absolutely love Sarah and Jason! And,we love the wedding date that they chose – May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) it will be a night the couple and their guests are sure to remember forever.

Sarah and Jason first met each other 12 years ago at a party in San Luis Obispo. They are both reserved people so neither one made the first move, and alas they went their separate ways. Well, fate would have it that they would see each other again in San Diego and in that moment they both knew that they couldn’t let the opportunity pass again. They have since been dating for 10 years and are incredible excited about their upcoming celebration.

Their proposal story is so cute and surprising because both Sarah and Jason have mentioned that they are very shy and try to avoid the spotlight. The proposal, planned by Jason goes like this…

Sarah and Jason, and their families planned a vacation in Lake Tahoe to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. Jason snuck away and asked Sarah’s parents for their blessing and upon his return, he dropped to one knee and asked Sarah to marry him (in front of everyone). In shock, but so thrilled, Sarah immediate response was, “Is this the twilight zone?!” Ha!

Of course, she said “YES” and we couldn’t be more thrilled for them both. We really can’t wait for Sarah and Jason to say their “I do’s” this Saturday.

Photo Credit: Bryan N. Miller Photography

So often the wedding day preparation is only about the bride but today we are celebrating the Groom as well. This topic stems from another great MSNBC article that we just had to share.

Men, here are a few suggestions for you and your looks on your wedding day:

  • Get a professional shave… come on, you know you’ve always wanted to try it.
  • Spurge for a manicure (lay off the colored polish though)
  • Looking pasty? Get a spray tan!
  • Relax with a massage, facial, and teeth whitening in the weeks before.

For more recommendations, check out this article.

In February, we had the pleasure of assisting Kristen and Chris with their wedding. Kristen and Chris said their “I do’s” on the garden at The Thursday Club in Point Loma and afterwards, they danced the night away.  We always love supporting energetic couples who are truly in love and Kristen and Chris are just that!  Kristen looked incredible in her wedding dress that she paired with vibrant teal cowboy boots and Chris’ smile was truly ear-to-ear when he first saw his bride walk down the aisle.  After the ceremony, these two served a delicious meal and their guests enjoyed unlimited libations. This celebration was an incredible combination of classy, country and beachy but above all else, it was a blast!

Congratulations to Kristen and Chris!

 

To see more of their wedding please visit their album on our Facebook Page.

Aunt Sherry says, “When I was getting married, we didn’t do formal contracts – verbal was enough for us and it should work for you too.”

Contracts are an absolute necessity for each and every one of your vendors. There are several rules of thumb that every couple planning their wedding must follow, the highlights are listed below:

Get Everything in Writing - While it may seem obvious, things happen quickly when planning a wedding and this could easily be overlooked.
Read the Contract - We know you’re busy and that floral vendor you met with was so nice and trusting but there are many reasons why you should read the contract thoroughly. The only items the vendor is required to provide are listed in the contract. In addition, contracts often contain details and deadlines that you must abide by.
Get a Second Opinion - While we offer this for our clients, some couples don’t have a Coordinator who offers this service. Have a friend or family member review the contract and ask you questions. They may spot something abnormal or an area where adjustments are required.
Get Adjustments in Writing - Should you decide to add or substitute services or goods after you’ve signed the initial contract with a vendor, always get those changes in writing and ideally have them signed by both you and the vendor.
Keep Copies Readily Available - Don’t sign that contract and tuck it away. Keep it handy so that you can refer back to it regularly if you have questions.

Happy Monday! We are starting this week off with an adorable proposal to kick start this last week of April. Proposals are so special because it’s the first step into your lives together. Plus, next is the wedding planning, which is always fun. :)
 
We must warn you though, grab the Kleenex because we teared up so you might as well.

 

Patrick and Kimberly (The Proposal) from Shutter Life Productions on Vimeo.

It’s true, I am ready for a vacation. I am not sure where I want to go or when I will head out but I keep daydreaming about exotic (and not so exotic locations). While I get to live vicariously through our couples and their honeymoons, I think it’s about time I plan a little getaway for myself. Below is a list of places that I have always wanted to visit, maybe this will be the year!

New Orleans, French Quarter. Mardi Gras would be fun but I’m willing to go any time of year.

New York. Love the hustle and bustle. No need to say more.

Alaska. So cold and so rustic. Such a change from San Diego.

Melbourne, Australia. I want to pet a Kangaroo and hold a Koala.

Normally, I don’t talk much about my relationship but today is different. I would like to share that today marks 5 years that I been with my love, Kevin. Really, where has the time gone?! I can’t believe that five years have gone by since I met him.

So because of this milestone, Kevin and I would like to share a few fun facts about our past 5 years together.  :)

How did you two meet?

It was in high school. We had one class together, beginning drama and we were both Teachers Assistants.  We sat in the same corner of the class but rarely spoke to one another. One day however, that all changed.  I was attempting to sneak in late for class and Kevin was on the stage providing technical support for the musical we were about to produce (he was a tech student, I was an actor).  Kevin, who saw me sneaking by, said a smart and witty remark.  That moment marked the beginning of our relationship.

What was your first date?

Our first date wasn’t your typical romantic dinner and a movie. We actually started our friendship just as Spring Break approached so we weren’t physically together but that didn’t stop us, instead we texted each other constantly. One day I was craving a berry sundae from Costco and I asked him to come along and hang out with me. We didn’t know it then but that was our very first date – me with my berry sundae and Kevin with his churro. :)

What was the first thing you noticed about each other?

Monica – I noticed his crazy hair! He had long curly locks, surfer dude-ish but very cute.

Kevin – I noticed her stunning eyes. Beauty at its finest.

What’s one quirky thing about each other?

Monica – Kevin can wiggle his ears. So funny!

Kevin – Monica regularly makes up words and uses them in casual conversation like “Snicklefritz.”

What’s your favorite memory?

Monica – Ah, there are so many, but my earliest and now favorite memory would have to be Kevin teaching me to drive a manual vehicle. He had an 86’ Ford Ranger and I always told him I hated it.  It was so old – the gas meter, heater and AC didn’t work and one time in particular, I put my purse on the floor and it got so hot that it actually melted a candy I had in my purse. Though now I will admit, I really miss that truck.

Kevin – My favorite memory would have to be our Hawaiian vacation. We decided to ride mopeds around the island. Monica, who was not the best bicycle rider, was initially afraid. Instead of backing down though, she conquered her fear and rode that moped at top speed – 50 MPH!  The best part however, was seeing the smile on her face.  Words can’t describe how proud of her I was/am for doing that!

What was your favorite vacation together?

Monica – Hawaii! We always take a vacation for our anniversary and we went to Hawaii to celebrate three years together.  I had so much fun and I am not a beach person. I am convinced the island does something to you when you land because I was in love for the entire week we were there.  That trip in particular, Kevin and I grew in our relationship.  I had never trusted someone so much but during that week we went parasailing, snorkeling, rented scooters and drove around the island without a map! This is particularly unusual because I am a person whose entire life is normally run on schedules.

Kevin – Colorado.   It was our first vacation together. So many laughs and good times especially when the police officer thought my driver’s license photo looked like Princess Leia, HAHA! It will be a vacation I will always remember.

 

 

As you know, we are always trying to think outside the box and bring you DIY ideas. This post is no different and it’s for the men in your wedding – not only the Groom but these boutonnieres can be for your Father, Grandfather, Officiant, and many others.

There has been a big emphasis recently on going green (which we fully support) and with that there have been a lot of people moving towards reusable items for their wedding. Check out these creative approaches.