Couples planning to be married can bid for wedding-related auction items online starting in October or at a Blissful Wishes Balls Nationwide in November, with all proceeds benefiting  Wish Upon a Wedding .This new organization is the world’s first nonprofit that provides weddings for individuals facing life-threatening illness.

Wish Upon a Wedding is currently seeking donated products or services in 46 cities, ranging from wedding gowns to tuxedos, invitations to cakes, and limousine services to honeymoons. It only takes a moment to register and make a difference in someone’s life at  https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=115386483

Be sure to add your item to the correct category (city), and don’t forget to include your company logo and URL.  What a great advertising opportunity~ and you’ll be making a positive difference in someone’s life who truly deserves it!

Are you planning your honeymoon, while planning your wedding? There are so many choices for honeymoon destinations. We’ve found that the groom is usually in charge of this task. Grooms, Liberty Travel is here to make your life easy.

The experts at Liberty Travel are America’s Vacation Experts. With 59 years of experience, 800 vacation experts, 169 stores and growing, you’re sure to find the perfect destination and package of your dreams.

Choose from Hawaii, Europe and The Bahamas. Liberty Travel can even arrange a Sandal’s Resort Honeymoon for you. Your possibilities are endless. Their website highlights the widest range of destinations and travel industry news. You can even find your own local travel expert. With 169 locations, they are sure to have an agent near you. Why not browse their Honeymoon Brochure to learn more? Better yet, sign up for their Honeymoon Brochure for tips and news.

Why navigate the web and try to book your flights, hotels and excursions on your own? With Liberty Travel, you can do it all in one place. Grooms…..visit Liberty Travel today, and impress your bride with the most memorable honeymoon vacation. She’ll be very impressed.
*Sponsored Endorsement

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

Ending BREAST CANCER that is. In September I’ll be walking with thousands of other walkers in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer . We will walk from Santa Barbara to Carpinteria Beach. That’s 40 miles in two days. Not only am I required to walk, sleep in a tent and shower in a semi-truck, I must also raise $1800. That’s not a big sacrifice, compared to struggles that those who are suffering from this disease face every day.

We all have mothers, sisters, nieces and BFFs. I’M WALKING FOR ALL OF YOURS AND MINE. I’m committed to walk until a cure is found. Won’t you  join me in my journey by donating to the cause? You can make an easy online donation at my Donation Page.

Thank you to Avon for continuing to fight for all of us. I’m happy to participate and do my part. Got my walking shoes on! I’m hitting the pavement to train. Thanks for your support.

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.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CONFIDENT BRIDE? Join us for an intimate gathering of the best professionals in the industry, giving YOU the advice you need to plan your wedding with confidence.

Wedding Jeannie is proud to announce our first offical CONFIDENT BRIDE WORKSHOP. Visit the official blog to learn more about this One-Of-A-Kind FREE event.

Once a month our workshop will move to different cities, in order to give all BRIDES an opportunity to take part in this intimate and free workshop. This is not a Bridal Show. It’s a small and intimate workshop where YOU will interact with the best wedding professionals in Southern California. Each month three premiere vendors will share their knowledge with you, in an open forum where you ask the questions. Only 50 brides are allowed to attend each workshop. That means the workshops fill up fast. RSVP TODAY AT rsvp@weddingjeannie.com to reserve your seat.

Our first workshop takes place at Bella Collina in San Clemente, on January 12, 2010. Bella Collina is the newest and hottest venue in Orange County. This workshop brings together the experience and expertise of Wedding Jeannie, Jay’s Catering, Photojenic Photography and Music On The Move. 

Enjoy learning from qualified wedding vendors, meet other brides and share your experiences, receive a wedding planning packet and a generous goodie bag. We can’t wait to meet you and help you to be a CONFIDENT BRIDE.

Meet Shanelle Doughlin. She is not new to the Wedding Jeannie team. Shanelle has been with us for a year. She is so much more than an intern. Shanelle graduated from Biola University last year. One of her projects was to research a career. Wedding Planning was the choice and she researched it vigorously. She approached me and said she would love to be an intern. As a professional, whenever we get a request from a young lady to “help” we get a little twitchy! Well we were proved wrong. Shanelle is a hard worker, smart, resourceful and reliable. Wedding after wedding, she has been such a pro. Her professionalism and attitude are impressive for such a young woman.

Last Saturday’s wedding was the day we knew she was ready to handle all that came her way. We tested her again and again, and she has always risen to the occassion. Wedding planning is hard work. 12 hours on your feet be difficult. But Shanelle is there to make us smile and enjoy what we do even more than I thought we could. She is hilarious and her humor is contagious even to the guests at our weddings. We love that she brings a sense of youthfulness and fresh ideas to Wedding Jeannie.

Shanelle we love you. We’re so glad that you are part of our team. We can’t wait to turn you loose on your own events.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My life has never been personally touched by Breast Cancer, but by other forms of cancer. In the past I’ve done my part and walked 5 times in the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Over the last few years, wedding planning took all my time, and I feel badly that I’m not taking action. How could I “marry” giving of myself and weddings? BRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER.

What is Brides Against Breast Cancer? It’s a non-profit organization that provides women suffering the effects of breast cancer, precious time with their loved ones, when insurance is exhausted. How do they do this? Through the donation and sale of used wedding gowns. This amazing group of individuals, many volunteers, take this “show on the road” throught the country. Sales of gowns are held in major cities throught out the country. Want to know where you can buy a beautiful designer gown at a fraction of the cost of a salon? Visit their Gown Sale Calendar.

“But Jeannie”, you say, “I’ve already bought my gown, how can I help”. There are many ways. Once your wedding day has passed, you can donate your gown! Simply send it to the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. No only are you helping in the fight for breast cancer, you are being “green”. By recycling wedding gowns, instead of manufacturing new ones, we lesson our carbon footprint on the earth. Now that’s a cool thing to do. And…..it’s a tax deductable donation!!!!! You can also donate your time to a local event,  or have a Pink Envelope Bridal Shower.

Another way to make a difference, is at your reception. Instead of a favor, provide your guests with a donation on their behalf. After all, how many gel candles or soaps do people really need? Visit the Pink Envelope Project to learn more.

I’ve decided to make a vow right here on my blog (for all to see). I’m going to call Brides Against Breast Cancer today and donate my time to the next local gown sale. I hope to see you there. Stop by and say hi! Let’s do something together to make a difference.

I just received an email from The Langham in Pasadena. What an absolutely amazing hotel. This little tag was attached. I thought I would share it with all of you brides to be. I absolutely love having tea. Tea Parties with my sisters as little girls was one of my favorite past times. A pretty pink plastic tea set was heaven to me. It became my obsession as an adult woman. I began collecting tea pots as a young bride and never stopped. Last Valentine’s Day I hosted a tea party for my sisters and their daughters. We had such a fabulous time. Everyone left with their own tea cup and saucer.

There are two beautiful tea rooms in Pasadena that I frequent. One is The Chado Tea Room introduced to me by my lovely client Cindy Ayala, and the other is The Scarlet Tea Room. Now The Langham is offering Chocolate Afternoon Tea. Chocolate? Tea? Together? Be still my heart. I have a free day on Tuesday, if you need me…..you know where I’ll be. Who wants to come? Send me an email.

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.

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.