What happens when you get wedding planners, props and a photo booth together? Well here are the results. Veronica and I had a great time with other locals at the Assn of Bridal Consultant’s Annual Conference.

The conference was so rewarding. There were other wedding professionals in attendance from 39 states and 3 countries. We were able to attend seminars to enrich our minds, businesses and our spirits. I connected with old friends and made a few new ones.

One of the highlights of the conference was the “Wedding Couture Luncheon” with the incredible Colin Cowie as the keynote speaker. His staff prepared a slideshow of his events. He shared his secrets on creating an event from the ground up. He held an auction to raise money for the ABC Scholarship fund. The winner would be allowed to work with him on an event for the weekend. He raised $10,000  in 10 minutes from three people! That’s a total of $30,000! But did he stop there? No Way! He got 7 more people to donate $10,000 each to work with him. That’s a complete total of $100,000!!!!!! It was incredible. He had everyone in the room electrified. He took pictures with everyone. I’m the only one who missed it. I had to leave right at that crucial moment, because I was being interviewed by Get Married TV. I was heartbroken, but happy to be interviewed for an upcoming spot on this new television show.

The final party of the night was planned by yours truly, along with Michelle Tortuya and Wendy Alexis. Turns out our Our OC Seaside Soiree was the hit of the entire three days. More than a hit, we scored a home run! The Ocean Institute was beautiful, the food we selected from TGIS Catering was unbelievable. We are still receiving raves almost a week later. Our DJ Chuck Kerr rocked the party. He had wedding planners on the dance floor from the first song to the last. He had to shut of the music and warn them that the buses were going to leave without them. And they didn’t care! It was great fun. We work so hard all year. We watch others eat, drink and be merry. This is our chance to be a guest and enjoy. And we did!

Photoboof.com provided the great props and photo booth. It was more like a small tent. But, it fits more people than a traditional booth. There was a line for it constantly. Veronica and I got a little silly. We work hard all year, we deserve it. I also jumped in with local planners, Michelle Tortuya, Christina Wright, Wendy Alexis, Alicia Garcia from San Diego and Juliet Douglas from Las Vegas.

Being on the planning committee for this conference was one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made. I’m still on a natural high from the rave reviews we received for our Tuesday night event. Being able to “wow” other planners who have seen it all, tasted it all and done it all, was so incredible. I’m still pinching myself when I hear people say “your party was the best we attended”!

I’m looking forward to next year in Indianapolis.

From Sunday, November 9th, to Tuesday November 11th, Wedding Jeannie will be attending the Assn of Bridal Consultants Annual Conference. It’s being held in Newport Beach this year at The Fairmont Hotel. One of my favorite wedding and lifestyle designers Colin Cowe (pictured) will be a featured presenter. He will dazzle us with a design feature.

Throughout the three days I will have the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the wedding industry, through seminars, classes and presentations. In addition to Mr. Cowie, speakers include Barbara Wallace and Mary Dann. Featured companies at the Trade Show will be The Bride and Bloom Magazine, Sandals Resorts & Honeymoons, WedPro Software and many more.  

I’m looking forward to networking with many of my colleagues throughout the country. How fabulous that wedding planners from every state as well as Japan and Mexico will be in attendance.

The icing on the cake is that I am on the conference planning committee. In partnership with Michelle Tortuya of Charming Events, we have planned the Tuesday night networking event. It’s been named the “OC Seaside Soiree”. I was able to secure the Ocean Institute for this casual party. My favorite caterer Sofia Riley of TGIS Catering is providing a delicious array of food stations to impress wedding planners who have seen and tasted it all! I had so much fun planning the menu with Sofia. Our customized specialty drinks will match our theme and colors. Can’t wait to try our very own Tangerine Mojito, California-tini and Midori Champagne Cocktail. 

My very good friend Fayth of Three Petals will showcase her amazing floral designs and our tables will be adorned by sulty linens from Wildflower Linens! If you’ve been browsing wedding magazines for inspiration, you know that Wildflower stands out above alll linen providers. There are so many other amazing details included in this event, but this post would go on forever if I talk about everything.

When I return, I’ll post pictures that will be provided by the talented Natalie Moser, along with details and descriptions.

Have a great weekend. I know I will come back with great new ideas and knowledge to bring to my future clients.

Congratulations to The Ebell of Los Angeles. They have been chosen to be my first Spotlight Venue. Featuring this magnificent location was an easy choice. Vintage venues are hard to come by in Southern California, and this one is my favorites. Walking into The Ebell is like walking into another time. It envelopes you. You are instantly transported into another era. One of grace, style and elegance. My recent clients, Gwen and Mark were married at The Ebell in July. Our experience with Melissa and the entire staff was fantastic. I can’t say enough about the delicious food and the outstanding service. Dina Douglass of Andrena Photography captured the couple and The Ebell in fine detail. See the pictures in Dina’s blog

The Ebell’s Director of Catering and Special Event’s is Melissa Allen. She is a consumate professional who works hard to ensure that her couples have a fantastic wedding experience. Wedding Jeannie posed these questions to Melissa. Enjoy her answers in red.

What is the history of your venue?  The Ebell of Los Angeles was built in 1927 by The Ebell Women’s Club and remains their clubhouse to this day.  This architectural masterpiece by renowned Architect Sumner Hunt has been designated an Official American Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the White House Millennium Council  as well as state and local designations as a historic landmark.  The Ebell of Los Angeles is not only a elegant setting for a wedding and reception: the 1,200-seat Wilshire Ebell Theatre has been a theatrical and cultural centerpiece to the Los Angeles community as well.  Judy Garland was discovered performing in a talent show on the Wilshire Ebell Stage.  Amelia Earhart made her last public appearance at The Ebell before her ill-fated flight around the world. 

How many guests can you accommodate?  Ceremony?  In the lounge, appx 250; in the garden, approx. 200 (though its more comfortable around the 150-mark)  Reception?  In the dining room, up to 250 guests with space for dancing (up to 300 without a dancefloor).  In the Lounge, up to 170 guests with space for dancing (up to 220 without a dancefloor.)

 Do you provide In-House Catering?  Yes; our executive Chef Louis Pechan is an extremely accomplished culinarian.  His flair for the exotic compliments his superlative talents in classical and innovative cuisine.  

Is parking provided on-site?  Yes, the Ebell has two parking lots that we share with the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.  Valet parking can be arranged as well, though its only required for events that extend past midnight.

Do you book more than one event per day?  Our clubhouse can accommodate two events based on the layout of our facility.    

How will that affect my event?  It shouldn’t affect it much at all: guests for each party have separate entrances and use separate restrooms and when available, use separate parking lots.  It’s rare for us to book two events on the same night, but it does and can happen.    

What is your favorite feature of your venue?  The Ebell is absolutely stunning in architectural design.  I personally have an affinity for everything vintage, so the history and the uniqueness of the Ebell is probably my favorite part.   We also have a fabulous event team: Teddi and David and I take great care to give personal attention to our clients during the planning process, Chef Pechan takes great pride in his culinary presentation, the Service Staff led by Party Supervisor Anessa Curtin is top-notch and an attentive team.  Its pretty obvious that we all love working here and with each other…

Give us the top three reasons why couples should book your venue for their wedding/reception.Besides the architectural beauty of the Ebell (reason #1) we find that the privacy of the facility is appreciated (reason #2); unlike a hotel or country club, the Ebell is a closed facility, so you needn’t worry about a hotel guest on their way to the pool stopping and gawking at your wedding ceremony.  And reason #3: we know that a wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment and its precious not only to the couple but to their family and friends and we approach each one with the honor and integrity it and our guests deserve.   Thank you, Jeannie!  It was such a pleasure working with you and having you here – I can’t wait to do it again! Cheers!

~Meliss

On Sunday, I had the great opportunity to attend The Same Sex and The City, wedding show at The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs. One of the featured vendors was the talented Alina Pizzano. Alina is a refreshing designer, who owns a chic salon in Old Town Pasadena. She had a few of her stunning gowns on display. Each one was unique and made of the highest quality fabrics. One was a sexy satin slip dress, another a beautiful lace A-Line and yet another was a stunning original ballgown.

Every gown Alina designs is a one of a kind work of art. If you are a bride that wishes to have a gown made to fit your body and personality, you must visit the salon. You will be treated with the ultimate in service and care. You’ll actually sit with the designer herself to share your vision for your gown. All fittings are done privately. They actually close the salon for you. When was the last time you received service like this? You must be saying to yourself, “I could never afford to have a couture gown made just for me”. Well…..you can, at the same price as purchasing a made to order gown, in the most exclusive Southern California bridal salons. Move over Vera Wang and Monique Lluillier, Alina is on your heels.

The Salon is located at 24 South Marengo Avenue in Pasadena. Every detail of the salon has been designed by Alina and her husband Jameel, in a effort to create a welcoming experience for every bride they work with. You deserve to look and feel like the most beautiful woman in the world on your wedding day. Alina and Jameel will ensure that you are.

Alina and Jameel - Congratulations on living your dream and making so many lucky women happy.

Wedding Jeannie offers congratulations to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi. The happy couple exchanged vows August 16th at their Los Angeles home with an intimate group of family and friends. As everyone knows, home weddings are my favorite.

People Magazine was there to cover the nuptials. I’m so glad that they decided to share photos with everyone.

Have you seen the amazing Your Wedding Day Magazine at your local newstand? If not, run don’t walk to your nearest Barnes and Noble today and pick one up. It’s such a luscious find. You will be ovewhelmed by all the beautiful photographs, ideas, advice and inspiration provided by only the best wedding professionals.

It first caught my attention while I was at Firestone Winery in Santa Barbara last year. I was impressed then, and now I am completely floored by their latest edition. It’s their 10th issue and they pulled out all the stops. They feature only the most reputable vendors and showcase the finest products and services available. Holding the magazine in your hands will prove to be different than any other you’ve recently purchased. It’s soft, silky and downright sexy! Have you ever held a magazine that felt like that? They have truly set themselves apart and are setting a new standard for the industry.

Can you imagine how honored I must have been to be invited, and then approved to become a YWD Preferred Vendor? View my Platinum YWD Preferred Profile in their prestigious directory. What a thrill to know that my hard work has paid of and allowed me to be in the company of the finest of wedding professionals throughout the country.

 Congratulations to Ann Bennett, Thea Lignos and all the staff at Your Wedding Day. You have created a magazine of the highest quality. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to the other magazines on the market.  Ann. I can’t wait to celebrated with you over a fabulous bottle of champagne. I’ll come to Santa Barbara soon, and we’ll toast to the new issue and the magazine’s continued success.

Wedding Jeannie is proud to introduce my  new monthly feature, The Vendor Spotlight. Each month a unique Southern California venue will be featured. The line-up of unique locations is already taking shape. An interview with the venue manager will be included telling us why their location is worthy of your special day.

I look forward to introducing you to such places as The Ebell Club of Los Angeles, Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, The Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, The Oviatt Penthouse in Downtown Los Angeles, Trump National Golf Club, The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, The Parker in Palm Springs, The Catalina Country Club in Avalon, Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and many, many more.

My goal is to introduce you to venues throughout the Southern California area, not just Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Maybe you would like to make a suggestion for a feature. Perhaps you are a venue manager that wants brag about your special location. Post a comment below or email me at j@weddingjeannie.com Each suggestion will be reviewed for consideration.

My first venue spolight will be coming within a week. Can’t wait to find out where it is? I’ll give you a hint…..it used to be a theatre back in Hollywood’s heyday! Hope that helps. Check back next week to find out who is first on my list.

Southern California is full of beautiful and interesting wedding venues. The possibilities for this post are endless and very exciting.

The Wedding Salon is returning to Los Angeles. New Yorkers know that this is an event not to be missed. This is no typical bridal show. It’s the finest in luxury services and products available to couples planning their wedding. Caroline of The Wedding Salon asked me to write about this event in my blog. Caroline ….. I’m happy to endorse your event.

Previous years have drawn guests such as Martha Steward and Darcy Miller, Sylvia Weinstock and Colin Cowie.

The most prestigious professionals, displaying their gowns, floral decor, cuisine and cocktails, linens, stationery products, honeymoon locations, accessories and so much more. Won’t you join me in attending?

It will be held on Monday, September 22nd, at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Visit their website www.weddingsalon.com for more information. Can’t wait to see you there.

Boy am I excited. It’s a little known fact that Wedding Jeannie does a whole lot more than weddings. When I have a friend in need, I am always happy to help. Cherie Steinberg Cote of CherieFoto was asked by Nikon to do a photo shoot to showcase their newest camera. They wanted a woman’s opinion for their latest brochures and website marketing.

Cherie was in Vegas working and had exactly seven days to line up a four day photo shoot. She asked for my help in arranging it. I as more than happy to work with The CherieFoto team. They are consumate and inventive professionals and I was honored to work with Cherie and Hedley again.

The executives from Nikon Japan and New York were coming with a film crew to video the entire shoot. Cherie got busy lining up models and the fabulous Rrivre Works prop house, make-up artists and hair stylists. I set about finding venues around Los Angeles for the shoot. Through diligence and hard work, I was able to secure Union Station and Disney Concert Hall. My team was in charge of arranging catering, floral designs, creating the four day timeline and securing all permits and releases.  It was an exciting whirlwind and a very rewarding experience.

I just received a link to the new website created by Nikon showcasing Cherie’s work. http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/d700/index.htm

Congratulations Cherie and Hedley on another successful job.

Veronica and I just returned from Las Vegas. We were there to assist our friend and fellow wedding coordinator Tracey Kumer-Moore of Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge, with one of her fabulous Vegas weddings. I loooove Vegas Weddings. Why? Well, I’m a Vegas bride myself. I married my handsome groom in Las Vegas back in 1989. I’m living proof that Vegas weddings are lucky. It holds another special place for me, as I helped my nephew and his lovely wife, plan their Las Vegas wedding at the Mandalay Bay three years ago.

Tracey planned a luxurious wedding for Kirsty and Bryan from England. The ceremony was a traditional Jewish celebration under the Chuppah at The Wynn. The reception was a romantic and glittering affair held at The Four Seasons Resort.

Veronica and I were in charge of the timing and set-up of the reception. We were honored that Tracey put her faith and reputation in our hands. Tracey worked with the fabulous design team at Destinations by Design. This talented team provided all the floral decor, linens and chivari chairs. But the highlight of the night was the ultra hip dance floor that they designed for this lucky couple. It was a black, high gloss dance floor, with the couples monogram in gold. Black and gold were the colors for the reception and it was amazing. The black linens were scrumptious. Before the guests arrived the room was aglow in candles. Tracey added special touches like Vegas themed candies in the shape of dice, casino chips and playing cards. We can’t wait to see all of the images on Tracey’s website soon.

The Wedding Jeannie team made some great connections in Las Vegas. We met a new design team, floral designers, photographers and videographers, as well as musicians and entertainers. We were most impressed by the Four Seasons staff. Their service was impeccable. Led by Dennis Silknitter, Catering Manager, this event was flawless. We have a trip planned next month to look at as many more venues as possible.

Thanks for including us in one of your events Tracey. It was great to work with you and your team again.

As you can see, the Wedding Jeannie has great contacts in Vegas. So if you’re a California coulpe that wishes to marry in the luckiest place on earth, call us today. We can’t wait to you plan your destination Las Vegas wedding.

On Saturday, June 21st we worked for a great couple. Catherine and Salil were married in the Catherine’s family home in Thousand Oaks. The setting was the backyard. It was transformed into a beautiful ceremony and reception location. View their gorgeous wedding slideshow at http://craigrucker.com/shows/salil-catherine/ I can’t thank Craig Rucker Photography enough for documenting this wedding to perfection. Catherine said when she saw this, she cried and got goosebumps. Now that’s the kind of reaction we love! It’s why I love this job.

Catherine was very good about sticking to the budget we lined out for her. Her big splurge was a photo booth. We hired the fantastic “Red Cheese”. Can you tell that she loved it?

The couple insisted that the Wedding Jeannie team jump in the booth with them. We were happy to oblige. It was sooo much fun. We got silly and let our hair down. We don’t get to do that very often, so we were thrilled to do it.

Red Cheese is the best photo booth company out there. They have the best booths available anywhere. Just look at the quality. This isn’t your typical black and white picture. The pictures are digital and can be downloaded straight from their website. The set-up of the booth was quick and easy. Jay was our onsite rep and he had just as much fun as the guests. We recommend you call them and say CHEEEEESE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This could be a model. Look at the designer gown and the amazing setting. It looks like a high fashion magazine spread. The gorgeous bride you see is my niece! That’s right, my niece Michelle was married last Saturday to her dream man Jeremy. There never was a couple more deserving. Both have worked so long and hard finishing school and acheiving their goals. To see them finally get married was a joyous event.

Imagine my delight when she called me a year ago to tell me she had become engaged and she wanted me to be her planner. I took care of her when she was a baby and now I am being asked to be a part of one of the most important days she will experience in her life. You can’t imagine the pride and joy I felt.

Michelle trusted me completely. I listened to all her dreams and vision for this day intently. She allowed me to be a part of the wedding in every way. She purchased her invitations from me, allowed me and my partner Veronica to design the floral decor and chose all the vendors I recommended. Michelle, Jeremy and I had so much fun going to see venues together, tasting cakes, and trying on wedding gowns. Michelle was the perfect client. She let go of all the stress and let us take it from her. As a result she was the most relaxed bride I’ve ever seen on her wedding day.

We don’t have any pro pics yet, but we managed to snap a few. When I get them, I’ll write more about this beautiful wedding.

I want to close this post by thanking my partner Veronica Medrano for working so hard on the wedding day. You gave me such an amazing gift by allowing me to be a guest and enjoy my family. Thank you my friend.

I had to share some pics from the fabulous wedding of Sandy and John last Saturday. This picture was taken as they were heading to their reception. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Our Lady Of The Angels in Los Angeles. This couple exchanged vows as part of a full Catholic mass. Their reception was held at the picturesque Friendly Hills Country Club.

A beautiful view of the lake and golf course as Yoshi Ohara photographed our happy couple.

Sandy and John celebrated their Mexican heritage by incorporating colorful place cards adorned with palomas. The perfect touch was the beautiful clay pot filled with mexican paper flowers that came straight from her parent’s home.

During one of our meetings, Sandy struggled with how to top her magnificent cake. I encouraged her to stay with her Mexican theme by using a Dia de Los Muertos (Day of The Dead) Bride and Groom. She loved the idea. She and John went to Downtown L.A. and bough this whimsical cake topper at Olvera Street. This was my favorite detail of the wedding. Aren’t they adorable?

What a gorgeous cake!

Pastries by Nancy in Alta Dena made this delectable creation. The cake stand was provided by Kerim Albanes of My Wedding Blooms. Kerim and his beautiful wife Sylvia created all the floral designs for this wedding. They took Sandy’s vision and turned it into far more than she expected. Not only did they provide the flowers, but the chairs, and linens as well.

The world famous Yari More and Orchestra performed for the guests and kept the dance floor filled to capacity.

A little quick instruction from Wedding Jeannie on how to cut a cake. Don’t worry I was out of the photographer’s shot long before they actually cut it.

Great memories of a traditional Mexican wedding. Thank you Sandy and John for sharing your celebration of love and family with me.

Looking for a fun and stylish wedding favor? Cocktails by Jen are a great idea for a favor, or in a goodie bag for your overnight guests. They come in several flavors/colors. You can even purchase four packs for your bridal shower or bachelorette party. You can learn more about these groovy drinks at www.cocktailsbyjenn.com

The site tells you exactly where to find them. I stumbled across them at my local Bevmo. If you get a free Club Bev card you can score the sweeties at an great discount.

Whatever your color scheme, you can incorporate these into your reception. The flavors are Appletini for a green motif, Blue Lagoon in a cool ice blue, Lemon Drop for yellow/orange combos and Cosmopolitan for you gals that love pink.

Double them up as a favor and seating assignment. As your guests arrive at the reception have them lined up in rows on a table. Around the neck place a tag with your guests name and table number. Stylish tags can be purchased at www.myweddinglabels.com

I can’t wait to use these at my next wedding. They would be awesome for a girls only soiree.

Enjoy and cheers to you!

 This is my new baby. Her name is Pinkie. I’ve been waiting for this arrival for a very long time. Since the day this phone came on the market, I’ve been waiting. But the powers that be said, “you’re not available for an upgrade”. Every time I was near the Verizon store I’d walk by and talk to her, adore her, and promise her a home soon.

Imagine my surprise when I received a letter from Verizon yesterday. The opening line of the letter stated “You’ve got an exclusive opportunity to upgrade early to one of today’s hottest PDAs-the sleek and stylish BlackBerry Pearl”. Just for me, I thought? Well I know that alot of people got this letter, but let me relish in the fact that I felt it was just for me. Oh rapture, joy, finally Pinkie would be coming home.

The rubber flew off my tires as I flew down to my local Verizon store. I swear they know me already, I’m always in there asking for an early upgrade. When I walked in they looked at me like “Oh Boy, here she is again”. Little did they know I had a letter! I showed my letter proudly to the manager and said “I want it and I want it now”. And guess what? They gave it to me!

I know Pinkie and I will be very happy together. Isn’t she sweet? She and I will be sleek and stylish together for a long time to come.