You chose Jayann and Perry as the winners of the KTLA, I Do Redo. Now, you get to choose the gown Jayann will wear. View today’s segment below to see the three stunning choices. Vote for your favorite at www.ktla.com/wedding I have a favorite, but I’m not telling. I’ll just wait and see what the public decides.

Wedding Jeannie was on hand to discuss the progress of the plans of this wedding so far. Jayann and Perry are making great progess toward their Friday wedding. Together we’ve helped them put together their wedding website, compile the guest list, work on their ceremony vows and choose their musical selections.

Watch tomorrow when we introduce Jacks and Bellas. They will present the floral arrangement you can vote for your favorite.

Thank you to Scott, Jennifer and Suzanne of Mon Amie Bridal Salon. You rolled out the red carpet for Jayann and made her feel like a princess. I’m so appreciative of everything you’ve done to make this contest so special for the winner. We can’t wait to see her walk down the aisle in a Mon Amie Gown.

Congratulations to Jayann and Perry Hampton. They are the lucky winners of the KTLA I Do ReDo Contest. The public heard all the wedding disaster stories and decided they were most deserving of a dream second wedding. Their wedding will be televised live on KTLA, Friday, June 26th at 9:00am. Stay tuned every morning to see the progress of the planning. Wedding Jeannie is proud to be the coordinator who will put this wedding together for this fabulous couple.

After the announcement, we whisked Jayann to Mon Amie Bridal Salon to try on gowns. She narrowed her choices down to three and the public will decide which she will win. If you want to vote, visit www.ktla.com/wedding

Congratulations to our friend Alina Pizzano. Her salon has grown and expanded into a larger, and may I say “stunning” new location. Yesterday we had the pleasure of being a sponsor for her Grand Opening. The photos of the salon should leave you wanting more. If you are looking for a custom made couture “one of a kind” bridal gown, visit Alina. She is extremely talented and takes the time to give you the ultimate in personal service. She’s located at 235 East Colorado Blvd., in Pasadena. Visit her website at www.AlinaPizzano.com

We’re so happy for you Alina. Much success in the new location.

I’m happy to share the pictures of our latest wedding at The Museum of Latin American Art, in Long Beach. They are provided courtesy of one of the most talented and creative photographers we’ve had the pleasure of working with, Natalie Moser of Natalie Moser Photograhy. Erin & Khaled brought together their Latin and Afghan cultures in one stunning wedding, that honored both of their families. The amazing florals were provided by the talented Chris at Paradise Delight. Just beautiful. Thanks also to TGIS Catering for the amazing meal. Not only was it delicious, it was gorgeous.

Khaled’s parents peformed a magnificent traditional Afghan henna ceremony. It’s a lovely way to end this post. Don’t you think?

Russell Fowler Studios was on hand to capture the memories of the Your Wedding Day Spring Launch Party. Wedding Jeannie worked so hard on creating the amazing Marie Antoinette Gone Moderne room, and now you can see how truly eye popping it was. Here is what Russell Fowler himself had to say about it:

Did I say “PARTY”??? YES, YWD put on a fun fest party for everyone involved with their magazine. Thea Lignos, Cathryn VanBreene, John Hargrove, Kate Bolson, and the core planning committee, Melissa Allen of The Ebell of Los Angeles, Nikki Khan of Exquisite Events, Jeannie Ward of Wedding Jeannie, Michael  Willms of Entertainment Design Events….thank you for treating us 820 plus in attendance including 401 plus wedding industry vendors to such a fantastic evening of “well needed” Good Times!

Visit Your Wedding Day Now!

Shot by: Russell Fowler and Ian McHenry

Edited by: Joey Sinko and Russell Fowler

Wedding Wire and KTLA5 are giving one lucky couple a free wedding. The contest is open to couples who had a wedding that turned into a disaster. Hence the “Redo”. When Wedding Wire needed an experienced Los Angeles planner to find the perfect venue and most talented vendors, they chose Wedding Jeannie. We are pleased to use our talents and experience to create a dream day for the lucky winner.

The contest will run through June 10th at 10am. You can view the contest rules at http://tv.trb.com/extras/ktla/wedding2009/index.html. The page also lists all of the vendors who have generously joined me as sponsors in this promotion. Mon Amie Bridal Salon will be providing the wedding gown, with choices from Ines di Santo, Stephen Yearick, YSA Makino, Liancarlo, and Amy Michelson, valued from $3,000 to $6,000. This alone should be reason enough to enter this contest now.

The historic Ebell of Los Angeles is the venue. It’s the perfect representation of Los Angeles. Photography will be provided by the amazing CherieFoto, florals by Jacks & Bellas, cake provided by Cake Divas, music by Music On The Move, and L.A.’s favorite officiant Clint Hufft will be performing the ceremony. Make sure you tune in to KTLA to see the ceremony and reception televised live on The KTLA5 Morning Show.

Be sure to watch The Morning Show on Friday, June 19th at 9am. That’s when the lucky couple will be chosen and Wedding Jeannie will be interviewed to discuss the details of what we have planned for them. Then we have four days to put it all together, from choosing a gown, to the menu, and design. What a thrill ride. I’ve been so blessed with amazing clients throughout the years, but the fact that we can simply give is even more rewarding.

Thank you Wedding Wire and KTLA for the faith you’ve put in me to plan this very important day.

I love when my clients infuse their personalities and originality into their wedding decor. Bridal magazines are filled with pictures of beautiful escort cards and tables. But they always look the same. Small cards with names and tables telling guests where to sit. Functional? Yes. Boring? Absolutely.

Wedding Jeannie says. Think outside the box. Come up with an original idea, that matches your decor. I try to get all of my clients to do this. If they are considering the same old white escort cards, I give then a few unique ideas. They may say yes, they may say no. Luckily, most say YES. Enjoy a few of my favorites from past weddings.

Weddings these days are all about originality and style. Are you trying to decide how to surprise your guests with an interesting cocktail? Wedding Jeannie suggests Ventura Limoncello. If you are having a summer wedding, and incorporating shades of yellow into your motif, this tangy liquor will be perfect for you.

Limoncello is a traditional Italian libation. Made right here in Southern California, it’s readily available to you. There are several ways to use it. Check out the recipe section of their website at www.venturalimoncello.com to discover your signature cocktail. My favorite is the simply elegant Limoncello Spritz. Give your favorite recipe to your caterer and watch the fun begin. Wouldn’t this be a great drink to serve as guests arrive on a hot sunny day. Nice and refreshing. Ahhhh!

Happy sipping!

 (c) 2009 YourWeddingDay.com, Cheriefoto

WEDDING JEANNIE PRESENTS “MARIE ANTOINETTE GONE MODERNE” 

On April 22nd, Wedding Jeannie was given the honor of being a part of planning the Your Wedding Day Magazine’s Spring 2009 Release Party, attended by over 600 of the best wedding and event professionals in Southern California. Editor, Thea Lignos and her amazing team chose the legendary Ebell Club of Los Angeles to host this spectacular event. The Ebell has many beautiful rooms to choose from, each one more glorious than the next. So what was Thea to do? Allow three designers to create the room of their dreams! Pinch me! I kept waiting to wake up from this dream.

These amazing photos were provided by Cherie Steinberg Cote’ of CherieFoto. She and her partner Hedley Jones lent their talents to photographing this entire event. Besides being colleagues in the industry, they are also my dear friends. I’m so happy they were there to represent each one of us and our visions.

(c) 2009 YourWeddingDay.com, Cheriefoto

The other two designers chosen were Michael Willms, of Entertainment Design Events, and Nikki Khan of Exquisite Events. The icing on the cake is that we all would have the pleasure of working at The Ebell with Melissa Allen, Director of Catering and Special Events. In the industry, she is by far the best venue manager this coordinator has ever known.

My room was to be a Marie Antoinette Gone Modern theme. No one can imagine my delight when I conjured up the idea and it was embraced and supported by the magazine. Some of the elements incorporated were modern yet nostalgic furnishings by Fete Accompli, visually stunning florals by Eddie of Tic-Tock Couture Florals, lighting by G2 Audio and Lighting, a Marie Antoinette inspired cake and scrumptious desserts by the “oh so talented” Cake Divas, and designer linens by Wildflower Linens. The experience was complete with the elegant sounds of piano, played by Fern Barishman and stunning models provided by The Studio Agency. They were draped in luxurious couture gowns by the one and only Monique Lhuillier. |
(c) 2009 YourWeddingDay.com, Cheriefoto 

Michael Willms created a Cuban Nostalgic Garden where guests entered this amazing party, as well as Le Discoteque, a 70’s inspired disco for everyone’s dancing pleasure. Nikki Khan created a Sensory Bollywood Lounge where guests could sip tea and partake in henna tatoos. She also had a beautiful Veranda with a sumptuous tented lounge where we all were able to try hookah. Please visit their websites http://www.entertainmentdesignevents.com/ and http://www.exquisevents.com for details about their amazing spaces. You can also visit Melissa Allen’s blog to see more at www.ebelllosangeles.wordpress.com

More pictures and details of this event will be featured in the Fall issue of Your Wedding Day Magazine. As soon as it hits the newsstands, I suggest you pick up a copy. Thank you to Melissa Allen of The Ebell and everyone at Your Wedding Day Magazine for this amazing opportunity. I was so proud to be a part of it.

When talking fashion with brides, I hear the same concern again and again. “So many wedding dresses, so little time”. Let me help you take the mystery out of which designer to choose. One of my favorite wedding gown designers is Priscilla of Boston. This 60 year old company consistently leads the industry with couture wedding dresses that embody a modern spirit. The Priscilla of Boston name is synonymous with quality throughout the country. Their flagship store is location in Boston, but their wedding dresses are carried at the finest salons throughout the country.

Priscilla of Boston offers something for every bride. Through their many brands such as Melissa Sweet, Platinum, Vineyard, and Reverie, their selection of wedding dresses is vast. My personal favorite is the short cocktail style gowns that are so popular today. They have listened to what today the modern bride is looking for and have answered the call.

When you begin the exciting task of shopping for your gown, you’ll find the pages of bridal magazines are filled with beautiful wedding dresses. But look closely, the most beautiful are usually a Priscilla of Boston design. Wedding Jeannie suggests that you find your local Priscilla of Boston retailer and try on their luxurious wedding dresses. I’m sure you’ll feel the craftsmanship, quality and beauty of these gowns to be unparalleled.

Your Wedding Day Magazine is one of my favorite Bridal Magazines. From the first time I held this publication in my hands and saw the beauty in it’s pages, I was smitten. The magazine only recognizes the finest of wedding professionals. 

Weddings are my passion. Over the years I’ve come to love helping couples make their wedding wishes come true at private venues. Your Wedding Day recognized my hard work and asked for my expertise. In their latest issue, they feature an article entitled “Planning An Estate Wedding”. I was chosen to give my experience, knowledge and advice to their readers like yourself.

Many couples love the idea of being wed in a private estate, museum, gallery, historic hotel or castle. Most think it’s unatainable. I hope reading this article will inform you and show you that it is possible for you. There are complexities involved. An experienced wedding coordinator can show you how to tackle the hurdles involved in this task. We can show you how to maximize your budget to make this wish come true.

I’ve been fortunate to work at many private venues such as The Museum of Latin American Art, The Kellogg House, Castle Green, The Oviatt Penthouse, Churon Winery, The Ebell Club of Long Beach and Ebell Club of Los Angeles and many more. Each venue has it’s own unique set of challenges. That is why the magazine chose Wedding Jeannie to advise and educate their readers. If you are dreaming of private venue for your day, don’t hesitate to call me. Together we can make this dream a reality. If you wish to read the entire article, please go to my press page. I hope you enjoy it and would love to hear your comments.

I’m proud to present my latest Venue Spotlight. It’s the Mediterranean Inspired “Grand Del Mar” in San Diego. You can’t truly appreciate the beauty and spawling expanse of this resort until you see it person.  Wedding Jeannie loves the fact that couples have several choices for ceremony and reception throughout the property. The Grand Del Mar is different than any other resort property in Southern California. The reason is “choice”.

I met Paige Levy, Catering Manager while at a networking event on the property. She is a delight. Her knowledge of the venue and willingness to work with you to create the perfect wedding and reception make The Grand Del Mar, the perfect choice for your San Diego wedding.

Enjoy Paige’s responses to my Venue Spotlight.

1.       What is the history of your venue?

Serenely nestled amidst Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, open a little over one year, The Grand Del Mar seamlessly combines the old-world charm of a Mediterranean estate with the modern luxury of an elegant resort. The result: a destination lauded by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “World’s Best Places To Stay”. Little wonder, given the sun-drenched climate, stunning natural beauty, championship golf course and irresistible dining – epitomized by Addison, Southern California’s only Five-Star and Five Diamond restaurant. And no visit would be complete without an afternoon of pampering at Spa magazine’s “Favorite New U.S. Spa.”

2.       How many guests can you accommodate?               Ceremony?                Reception?

Reminiscent of a Mediterranean estate, The Grand Del Mar is the perfect host for you and your guests on this special day.  We have several locations for wedding ceremonies and receptions at The Grand Del Mar.  Wedding Ceremony Locations:Reflection Lawn: Up to 250 GuestsAria Lawn: Up to 600 GuestsCapella: Up to 280 Guests Reception Locations:Elizabeth Ballroom: Up to 600 GuestsManchester Salon and Terrace: Up to 100 GuestsCapella: Up to 200 Guests

Wine Rooms: Up to 65 Guests

3.       Do you provide In-House Catering?

All catering is provided in-house at The Grand Del Mar, and our outstanding team of culinary professionals creates extravagant dining experiences to enhance your event.  These imaginative chefs embrace the intricate craftsmanship of the resort’s stunning architecture and exquisite details to create a fluid transition from place to place.

4.       Is parking provided on-site?
Yes, we have valet parking available which you can host for your guests.

5.       Do you book more than one event per day?                How will that affect my event?

We book only one wedding per day at The Grand Del Mar. Other types of events can be booked on any given day, however you will have the luxury of being The Grand Del Mar’s only bride for the day, so we may focus on providing personalized service to you and your guests. 

6.       What is your favorite feature of your venue?

My favorite feature of The Grand Del Mar is the Elizabeth Capella. Our onsite Wedding Chapel is a beautifully appointed venue evoking an intriguing mix of romance, whimsy and rich, detailed design.

Light floods the airy space through expansive tinted and stained glass windows with vibrant hues of amber, amethyst, rose and jewel tones.  The masterful architecture and interiors include an artful mix of Jerusalem gold-honed limestone, Italian Vicenza stone, Rossa Levanto polished marble accents, antiqued timber beams and limestone buttresses.

Anchoring the front of the room is a stunning proscenium supported by hand-carved polished marble columns and a dramatic stained glass quatrefoil window.  Featuring 28 hand-carved removable pews imported from Italy, the Capella accommodates up to 280 guests for a wedding ceremony or seated dinner and 350 guests for a cocktail reception.

7.       Give us the top three reasons why couples should book your venue for their wedding/reception.

1.       The Grand Del Mar’s Mediterranean-style setting draws inspiration from Spain’s palaces, France’s sun-washed coastal retreats, Florence’s decorate arts and Morocco’s exotic architecture.  A wedding here feels like a destination worlds’ away, yet conveniently located in northern San Diego. 2.       The Grand Del Mar hosts only one wedding per day, so our brides are treated with true hospitality as the sole focus on their special day. 3.       The Grand Del Mar is an ideal location for weddings as your guests can visit the resort for several days and never have to leave.   Lounge poolside. Take a scenic hike. Focus on your wellbeing. The Grand Del Mar is nestled in the heart of Southern California, drenched in year-round sunlight and surrounded by a wonderland of flora and fauna.  Endless options offer something for everyone – the active enthusiast, the spirited adventurer, the culinary connoisseur and the style seeker.  From pro-style tennis courts and an 18-hole championship golf course to seasonal cooking classes and an abundance of outdoor recreation in the 37 miles of canyon preserve trails, the vibrant activity of the resort will meet your every need for fun.  Should you venture beyond the luxurious retreat, you’ll find San Diego’s top attractions, art galleries and museums, lively shopping districts, and miles of coastal bliss, all minutes away. 

Wedding Jeannie would like to thank Paige Levy for sharing this magnificent venue with us. If you are planning a San Diego wedding, take the time to call Paige and tour The Grand Del Mar. Many Los Angeles and Orange County couples like the idea of a “destination wedding” close to home. This resort is all that you are wishing for. The resort has every amenity and activity you and your guests would ever need. The Grand Del Mar provides the backdrop for a perfect wedding and a relaxing vacation all in one place. I’m looking forward to working at this venue soon. Now….off to find the perfect client.

David’s Bridal is the leader in affordable fashion for wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. This montage of their new whimsical styles in beautiful. Wouldn’t this be perfect for a casual beach or garden wedding? I love how the bride’s gown is short and sassy.

Today’s economy is making it necessary to stretch your wedding dollar as much as possible. If you want to save money and still have a stylish wedding party, consider David’s Bridal. Not only do they have gowns in sizes everyone can wear, they have locations nationwide. If your maid of honor lives in Boston, one of your bridesmaids in Phoenix and one more in Kansas, no problem. Simply pick the gown they should wear, have them go to their local store to be fitted and everyone is taken care of. It’s the ultimate in ease and value.

Many of my clients have turned to David’s for their attire and accessories. You can find it all, from shoes to veils and handbags, as well as coordinating jewelry. Since each store carries the same stock, all of your maids can find everything they need to complete their ensemble.

If you are a smart savvy bride, you’ll visit David’s Bridal today and consider their amazing line of bridesmaid dresses. While you’re there, try on your dream gown. You’ll save money, look gorgeous and feel very smart indeed. Like the song says, “you’ll love David’s Bridal”.

My blog is a place where brides and grooms can come for good advice with a smile. Normally, I wouldn’t post anything with a negative tone, but I’m compelled to warn you about what can happen when you don’t hire an experienced wedding planner.

Recently a bride called me inquiring about hiring me. I was already booked for her day, but referred her to another planner that I know and trust. Her wedding was 45 days away and she still didn’t have a DJ. Even though I wasn’t her planner I referred a great DJ to her, and she hired him. 

Monday after the wedding, I heard from my valued DJ. The bride decided not to hire a planner because she didn’t want to pay the fee, and she was confident that her family members would take care of the details. Unfortunately they didn’t, and her wedding was not all she was wishing for. Here is a list of what went wrong, and how it could have been avoided.

• The bride was 30 minutes late for her own wedding. We make a detailed timeline of the entire day, from the time the make-up artist arrives, to the time the limo picks up the bridal party, etc. We even contact your hair and make-up artists to tell them what time they should start and finish, to keep the bride on time.

• The florist was late and didn’t have an assistant to help him. He was putting down the aisle runner and petals while the guests were seated and watched. A professional coordinator’s timeline is detailed. Each vendor (including the florist), is called two weeks before the event to discuss the duties and what time they need to start work and finish work. The florist is called again a few days before the wedding to confirm. I always have an assistant, and often times an intern. If a vendor is late and needs help to finish, we all jump in to get it done.

• Kneeling benches were to be used for the ceremony. The bride’s sister was to pick them up from the rental company and bring them. She didn’t do it! Her own sister didn’t do it. Prior to every wedding, I’m mentally prepared for every possible problem. I know what rental company is nearby, and could have had my assistant pick them up within ten minutes.

• Seating cards were to be placed outside of the ballroom. Assigned seating was the order of the day. The bride left this task to her beloved and responsible cousin. Guess what? She forgot them! It was a seating “free for all”. Important family members were relegated to the back of the room, because people who took the seats closest to the couple refused to move. We require that the seating cards are given to us the night of the rehearsal. We place them and assist guests in being seated.

• The ceremony was one hour late and the priest threatened to leave because he had another wedding to perform. He instructed the DJ to start the music and send the bride down the aisle immediately or he would leave. The bridal party was running around visiting with friends and would not stay lined up. The brides father couldn’t be found when it was time to start. The Bride had to walk down the aisle alone! This is absolutely heartbreaking. There are always two of us at every wedding. I stay with the bride and her maids, and my assistant stays with the groom and his men. We keep everyone in line. The latest I’ve ever started a wedding was 10 minutes.

• Photography is one of the most important aspects of your wedding. You get one opportunity to capture “moments” on film. The photographer at this wedding was eating hors’ doeuvres and sitting down. The DJ caught him sitting down on several occasions, not taking pictures. He had to continually hound him all night to do his job. It is not the job of the DJ to help with all of these problems. This couple was very lucky that this DJ is very caring and wanted the best for them. A coordinator would have made sure the photographer was doing his job. If necessary, my assistant would shadow him and keep him on his toes. It’s our job to oversee that the important shots are being captured.

• A video montage was to be played during the reception. The bride assured the DJ that there would be a projector and a screen provided. She forgot to inform the venue. No screen, no projector. Luckily the DJ had a backup projector in his vehicle. He convinced the venue manager to allow them to use their screen (additional fee for the couple). We do a final walkthrough with the venue to go over the timeline and flow for the day. The mistake would have been indentified and corrected at that time.

In the long run, the couple were married. Isn’t that what really matters? Of course it is. But the bride was especially distressed about everything that went wrong. Most brides are sure that their family will “take care of them that day”. I can attest to the fact that when a family member has been assigned a duty, 8 times out of 10, they don’t deliver. It’s not that they don’t love you, but your wedding is not their priority. We see it happen every day. That’s why I carry in the trunk of my car, an extra sign in book, toasting glasses, garters in every color, place cards and pens.

We are trained floral designers. If the florist forgets grandpa’s boutonniere, I can make one in one minute. My emergency kit contains, florist’s wire, tape and pins. We can put together an amazing cake topper from flowers from your centerpieces in five minutes.

Pardon the sound of anger in this post. I am so heartbroken for this couple. For the cost of hiring an experienced planner, these problems could have been avoided. Let me break it down this way.

Wedding Coordinator- Month Of Package…$1500
Walking down the aisle with your dad….PRICELESS!!!

A colleague of mine, Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Event Planning in Ohio brought up an interesting question. What do potential brides like yourself think about our websites? What are you looking for? What do you love? What do you hate about our websites?

Emilie created a quick little survey for you to take that could make our websites better for you and us. I’m a member of Coordinators Corner. This is how I know Emily. We are a group of wedding coordinators throughout the country. As a group, we learn from each other and work hard to bring the highest ethics and professionalism to our industry. We are all posting this survey to our blogs. Our hope is that we will learn from YOU. After all, it’s YOU who we are providing a service to. Help us to make it the best by taking this quick 9 question survey.

Posted from Emilie Duncan’s Blog:

I promise, this will only take a minute of your time!  If you wouldn’t mind, please click on the link below and answer 9 quick, easy questions about different design aspects of wedding vendor’s websites.

Wedding Vendor Website Survey

We won’t record anything about you other than what state or country you are from - we don’t even ask for your email address so no spam or anything like that.

You will likely see this link on lots of other blogs and sites - this survey is being shared all over the blog-o-sphere so please take the survey only once.

If you have additional comments on the subject, please feel free to email me with those and I will share them with the other wedding vendors who are participating!  We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

(If you are a wedding vendor and would like to participate, just copy this post to your blog and email the link to emilie {@} emilieduncan {.} com - I will send you the results once we have closed the survey in March)