Have you heard about Wish Upon A Wedding? If you haven’t, allow me to introduce you. As the World’s first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, Wish Upon a Wedding provides weddings at destinations across the United States for individuals facing life-threatening illness.  It is a chance for couples to enjoy a very special day, without any thoughts of existing health issues, while surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Officially launched in January of 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding currently has 15 chapters to serve Wish Applicants. We service couples residing in or wishing to get married within 300 miles of any one of our chapter locations.

What a lucky life I lead. I’m blessed with an amazing family, a fulfilling career, happiness and great health. But there are many people who suffer life threatening illnesses. They should be able to enjoy the same life celebrations as everyone else. So, I’m happy when I can give of myself and my time to a great cause like this. I was asked to be on the “Event Planning Committee” for the Southern California Chapter of this great organization, along with four other incredible wedding planners. Our talents and vendor connections were brought together to create the Wish Upon A Wedding, Southern California Lauch Party in April.

The fabulous committe: Christina Wright, Gianna SanFilippo, Candice Bradley, Gloria McCune, and Me!

The goal of the launch party was to introduce the wedding and event industry in Southern California to the cause. Wish Upon A Weddings founder, Liz Guthrie and our So. Ca. Chapter President, Kevin Covey, spread the word about donating time and services to couples in need. 7 Degrees in Laguna Beach was the venue for this dazzling event. The party was a line-up of the best vendors Southern California has to offer. Each one generously donated their services.What a show of support. I’m happy to share photos of the hard work of each of the Committee Members, Board of Directors, and the individual vendors.

Many weddings have already been granted across the country, and we can’t wait for Southern California to grant one. Please visit the website at www.wishuponawedding.org to learn more about this great cause. Perhaps you know someone who is in need. Please share this information with everyone you know. Spread the word of this worthy cause. And, please consider the generosity of the vendors involved, when it’s time to hire the best of the best for your wedding. Here’s the list:

Venue: Seven Degrees, Laguna Beach, CA
Florist: Heavenly Blooms
Rentals: Designer Specialty Linens & Lounge Appeal
Photography: Brian Khang Photographer & Onelove Photography
Band: Blue Skies Events
DJ: Red Shoes Productions
Videographer: Imagique Cinema
Lighting: DPS
Catering: The Fry Girl
Caricaturist: Ron Rubin Events
Cake, Candy, Favors: Cake Coodness, Candee by Sandee, Raise the Cake {stand}, Balloon Divas, Sunshine Cakes & Catering
Hot Air Balloons: Balloon Divas
Stationery/Raffle: Studio EMP

Our fabulous couple Jayann and Perry were featured on the cover of Shutterbug Magazine. It was all thanks to the fabulous photography of Cherie Steinberg and Hedley Jones of CherieFoto. Last June, Cherie and Hedley captured our client’s wedding day beautifully. Little did we know then that Cherie’s artistry would be featured twice. The beauty of her images landed this wedding on the pages of Your Wedding Day Magazine, and now this. How amazing for Jayann and Perry. And….for WEDDING JEANNIE. Because of Cherie, our work is being seen by so many.

Congratulations go to CherieFoto for not only the cover, but their feature article in the magazine titled “The Art and Craft of Wedding Photography”. Cherie is a master in her field, and we couldn’t imagine anyone else speaking about the importance of getting it right.

Did you get the latest copy of Ceremony Magazine - Orange County? You must! Our friend Marianne Lozano Photography was featured for her photo shoot Glam Gowns. Marianne asked me for assistance in coordinating the shoot. We assisted with gowns and the timeline of the day. It was so much fun helping these beautiful models into these gowns. Jobyna’s Bridal provided these one of a kind pieces of art. They were all Ines Di Santo originals. I got goosebumps when I unwrapped the bags and saw each one. The fabric, the beading, the craftmanship. Ahhhh…heaven for a wedding planner.

These creative shots were taken at The Ebell Club of Los Angeles. Marianne chose the theatre to showcase her work. We think it was brilliant. Beautiful models, luscious gowns, amazing photographer…….well of course Ceremony Magazine had to feature it. Marianne..thanks for including us in this beautiful feature.

WeddingWire.com and 104.3 My FM are giving one lucky couple a free Wedding! The contest officially begins Monday, October 12. Would you like to win a free wedding? Maybe you know of a deserving couple. Visit the 104.3 My FM contest page for more details.

On the heels of the I DO ReDo Wedding of Jayann and Perry Hampton for WeddingWire and KTLA5 earlier this year, we’re ready to do it all over again. The Wedding Jeannie team together with Megan Hermeling of WeddngWire have assembled a dream team of vendors that will make this wedding a dream come true for the winning couple.

The Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach will be the venue for the nuptials and reception. It’s one of the hippest spots in the South Bay. What an amazing place for a wedding. It’s my first thought when the phrase “Retro-Chic” is used. I’ve been wanted to do a wedding here for a very long time, so you can be sure I’m am tickled pink.

This wedding package includes photography by Jen Bierman of Photojenic. Jen is one of the most sought after and talented photographers in Southern California. Not only does she shoot weddings in California, but has traveled the world for destination weddings. Lucky couple!

The rest of the dream team includes:

Thomas Buckley of Buckley Videography, Rebecca Salimpour of Natural Charms Florals, Dress My Party, Charles Kerr of Music On The Move, (He is SIMPLY THE BEST), Bridal Elegance Salon in Torrance, Rossmoor Pastries, Reverend Clint Hufft, Yana Beauty Studio, Friar Tux, Icing on The Ring,  and FINALLY…the honeymoon package is from The Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica.

If I wasn’t already happily married, I’d register for this contest today. Be listening Monday morning and hear all the details.

As a bride-to-be, you’ve seen Get Married online, and on Lifetime Television. Now they launch the all new Get Married Magazine. Want a free copy? Of course you do! I do! Simply click on http://www.getmarried.com/registration/ and wait for your copy.

Not only will the mag be gorgeous and glossy, it will be interactive. Yup, there’s an app for that! Why? Because let’s face it, we’re all on the go these days. Using Microsoft Tags, you’ll be able to read featured articles right on your Blackberry or IPhone.

Hosted by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie, Get Married’s TV show is a daily half-hour television series airing at 7:30 am ET/PT on Lifetime Television, the leader in women’s television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. Video segments from the show are available online 24/7 at GetMarried.com, along with articles, image galleries, bridal blogs and shop. For more information, please visit www.GetMarried.com, and to participate in online dialogues, visit www.BloggerBrides.com

Since we’re on the topic, tune into Get Married TV on September 3rd. Wedding Jeannie will be featured on “My Favorite Wedding”. It’s the wedding of Michelle and Jeremy. They had a vintage yet modern wedding at The Ebell of Long Beach almost one year ago. Tune in to find out why it was my favorite.

The wedding of Jayann and Perry Hampton took place on Friday, June 26th, at The Ebell Club of Los Angeles. The lucky couple won the KTLA I Do ReDo contest, sponsored by WeddingWire. Wedding Jeannie was honored to be the planner chosen to create a dream wedding for this lucky couple. Enjoy the amazing photography of Cherie Steinberg of CherieFoto.com









What a “once in a lifetime” experience this was for me and my entire team. We work for the best clients anyone could have. But this was special. Jayann and Perry’s first wedding was a real disaster. We were able to give them a dream wedding, in only one week! I couldn’t have done it without the support of every vendor involved. Their amazing talents and willingness to give of themselves and do it NOW, made this wedding perfect. Nathan Prince of Prince Weddings Video, gave us a sneek peek http://princeweddings.net/blog/ We hope you enjoy it.

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

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.

 (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.

Wedding Wire and Martha Stewart Weddings has awarded Wedding Jeannie with The 2009 Bride’s Choice Award!

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that Wedding Jeannie has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™!In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US. That means Wedding Jeannie is one of the very best Wedding Coordinators in Los Angeles.Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.“We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.” 

Wedding Jeannie would like to thank our past clients for speaking on our behalf and helping us win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award!

On June 21, 2008, Catherine and Salil celebrated their nuptuals in the backyard of Catherine’s family home in Thousand Oaks. It was a modern wedding with traditional touches. This wedding had many challenges for the couple and Wedding Jeannie. The couple resided in Boston, yet were marrying in California, they wanted to have a ceremony and reception for 80 people in a private home,  and everything had to be planned and executed in 6 months! With experience and talent, we pulled it all off with amazing results.

When Holli Ehrlich of Wedding Podcast Network decided to feature a Podcast on the complexities of planning a home wedding, she turned to the “home wedding expert”, Wedding Jeannie. She called me to discuss the possibility of interviewing one of my couples. I immediately thought of Catherine and Salil. This wedding contained all of the elements that Holli was looking for. After she spoke to Catherine, she realized this wedding was exactly what they needed for their programming.

Holli’s interview with Catherine was fantastic. Follow the link  http://weddingpodcastnetwork.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=406997 to hear it. Catherine was a natural. From discussing planning a long distance wedding, planning it quickly, incorporating two cultures into a ceremony and reception and the complexities of making it all happen in a private home, she articulated all of her thoughts, hopes and fears about the process, as well as her great joy at the result of all of our hard work.

The Podcast is enhanced with photos for ITunes users. All of the talented vendors who worked with us on this wedding are listed. Please visit their websites to learn more about them as well. I hope it inspires you to think outside of the box. This wedding was so unique in it’s touches. I don’t want to give it all away. I encourage you to listen to Catherine yourself. She will inspire you to do things “your way”.

Enjoy.

Photo District News Magazine is the top trade magazine for professional photographers. They are featuring an article in an upcoming issue about Wedding Photography. They are focusing on the trend of fashion/lifestyle photography in weddings. They spoke to my friend Cherie Steiberg of Cherie Photo and wanted my opinion as a wedding planner.

I love to talk about weddings and the interview was great. They asked me questions about the new trend of fashion style photography for weddings, as opposed to the photojournalistic style that has been popular recently.

They also wanted my point of view of the rising costs of wedding photography and if my clients are willing to pay for the more sophisticated modern look.

What a thrill to be asked my opinion. I’m looking forward to getting my copy.