Friday, March 26, 2010

Bencotto ~ Little Italy


So I went to lunch today with my friend Gabriela. We drove to Little Italy and discovered a new place called Bencotto! Love, love, love! The food, prices and atmosphere are perfect. I'm very excited to take my husband there. We were greeted by Valentina as soon as we walked in the door. She was so charming! Her accent and the yummy food made me feel like I was back in Italy... I wish! Check out their website. Better yet - eat there! You won't be disappointed.

www.lovebencotto.com

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Buying a wedding gown...


I was recently talking to one of my brides about searching for her wedding gown. She had mentioned to me that she was going to wait another month before going on the hunt! I mentioned to her that she might want to start now since her wedding is in 7 months. It takes some time to actually find the right dress, then it takes even longer to receive it.... then there are the alterations. Phew! Of course you also have to option of buying a dress "off the rack." I always say, the earlier you look, the better. Below is an article I found on theknot.com in regards to buying a wedding gown.

You spent your lifetime dreaming about your wedding gown, so shopping for it is sure to be an exhilarating, exciting and yes, overwhelming experience. When should you start? Where should you go? What happens once you're there? Well, your worrying is over. From ordering to altering, here's everything you need to know.

When to Begin
Two words: Shop early. Nine to twelve months before the wedding is ideal, since it's best to have about six months to spare for fittings. Why? Unless you buy a ready-to-wear gown or a sample, wedding gowns are custom-made (and any beading are likely hand-sewn). Then, once the gown arrives, it must be altered -- usually several times -- to fit you perfectly. That said, many companies can turn a gown around quickly. If you have less than six months, it's not impossible, just get started pronto. One tip: Go simple. As a rule, the less complicated the gown, the less time it takes to make and fit.

If you have lots of time, you can hit every salon, shop 'til you drop, and agonize over your gown decision. Most important, be decisive!

9 to 12 Months Before
[ ] Start envisioning yourself in your wedding gown. Think about your everyday style. Now write down six adjectives that best describe how you want to look and feel (summery, sweet, elegant, royal, sexy, sophisticated, demure, over-the-top, to name a few).

[ ] Choose the time of day and formality of your wedding before you set foot in a store.

[ ] Start learning the ins and outs of wedding gowns. Get the lingo down and determine which design elements will complement your body.

[ ] Hone in on a specific style. Browse through the thousands of options on The Knot Wedding Dress Search to find designers and styles you like. Save some of your favorites and print them out. Jot down a few names and gown elements that you find especially appealing.

[ ] Now get some paper and a pencil and put into words what you absolutely do not want in a gown (for example, short sleeves, a full skirt, or beading).

[ ] Determine your gown budget -- a good guideline is to spend 10% of your overall wedding budget.


8 Months Before
[ ] Find two or three salons that suit you. Ask recently married friends where they bought their gowns and whether they had a good experience. Check to see which salons carry the designers you like. Call and make appointments, allowing at least one hour at each salon. Use a notebook to keep track of the salons, addresses, dates, and times.

[ ] Decide who to bring and invite them along. Limit your entourage to no more than three oglers at once.

[ ] Get your gear ready. Many salons provide some of the essentials listed below, but they may not fit properly:

A strapless bra or bustier
Control-top panty hose (gowns go on more smoothly, especially the often-too-small sample sizes)
A slip if you plan to try on sheaths or slip dresses
Shoes with approximately the same heel height you plan to wear on your wedding day
Tissues for when your mom sees you in your first gown

[ ] As you shop take careful notes on the dresses and the designers you like and write down descriptions of the gowns with prices.

[ ] A few words on sizing: Wedding gowns can run small. The store will measure your bust, waist, and hips, consult the individual manufacturer's sizing chart, and order the size that matches your largest measurement (it's much easier and less expensive to take in a dress than to let it out).

7 Months Before
[ ] Narrow down your gown choices and go for a second (or third or fourth!) salon visit. You can return as many times as you like. No matter how indecisive you think you are, you probably won't come close to being the most neurotic bride they've ever helped. Also, make at least one trip on your own (so you can ponder your options without others' opinions coloring your thoughts).

[ ] At the salon, ask if the gown has coordinating accessories (veil or shawl) and try them on, too. Don't feel pressured to order anything: You still have time to look elsewhere for accessories.

6 Months Before
[ ] Order your gown. Make sure the following contract points are in writing on your receipt:

designer name
style number or name
size or measurements the salon is sending to the manufacturer
approximate delivery date
how many fittings are included in the price (if any)
how much money you still owe for the gown
amount of your deposit and that it's marked paid

5 Months Before
[ ] Call the salon to confirm the delivery date.

[ ] Decide what accessories -- shoes, lingerie, jewelry, headwear, wrap, gloves, outerwear, and bag -- you need (or want!) and shop for them. For ideas, check out The Knot Accessory Search.

[ ] If you plan to lose weight before your wedding, do so before your fittings begin. Once fittings are underway, try to maintain your weight. (Better yet, forget about the diet -- obviously he thinks you look great just the way you are.)

6 Weeks Before (or once your gown has arrived)
[ ] Have your first fitting. Invite an honest, sharp-eyed friend or family member to come along. Bring your accessories, too, so you can see the whole look.

4 to 5 Weeks Before
[ ] Have your second fitting. Make sure that:

The hem of a full-length gown skims the tops of the toes of your shoes
You can move comfortably
The gown stays in place as you move
There is no obvious wrinkling, bunching, or pulling

[ ] Continue to schedule fittings until you are completely satisfied.

[ ] Bring your maid of honor to your final fitting to learn about the gown. Does it need bustling? Ask the salesperson to teach her how to do it. Does it have complicated straps or buttons? Make sure she knows how to work them. Also, find out how to banish last-minute wrinkles. Should you use an iron? On what setting? Is steaming a better option? And what if you spill something on the gown? Are there certain products you should or shouldn't use?

3 Weeks Before
[ ] Schedule a day and time to pick up your gown from the salon. We suggest you try it on one last time, no matter what the salon says, especially if it's been a while since your last fitting. We all know stress affects our appetites, and if you suddenly don't fit into your gown you need time to adjust it, or your diet.

[ ] Pick up your gown!

-- The Knot

www.theknot.com

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Mount Soledad


I'm meeting my July bride and groom today so that we can pay for their ceremony site and finally lock in that date! Mount Soledad is going to be beautiful. Million dollar views! July will be here before we know it. Now... off to find a photographer for my November wedding!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Paradise Point Resort


I met with Greg today at Paradise Point Resort with my bride, Amanda and her parents. They signed the contract. Very exciting. It's a beautiful place to have a wedding. I'm told Cameron Diaz was a bridesmaid at a wedding there. Interesting! The ballroom was recently re-done and the deck for the cocktail hour is amazing. Greg has been great to work with. It makes such a big difference when they're willing to be flexible. I have a couple of other events I'm planning there as well and I look forward to it.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Tiny Prints


I just received my new business cards from Tiny Prints! They look amazing. The quality and design are perfect. Hopefully I'll run out soon so I have to order more! ;-)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Meetings, meetings & more meetings!

Next week is booked already. I have several appointments to meet with new photographers. Amanda (my November bride) is very excited and can't wait to get her engagement shoot done so she can get those save-the-dates out! We're also starting to look at florists. So far Karen Tran is at the top of our list. She does amazing work. Friday we're all meeting at the venue to sign the contract and go over more details. Sunday I'm meeting the groom's parents.

Phew! Exciting stuff.

I love my job!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Something blue...


I was looking for cute ideas on how to incorporate "something blue" for my brides. I came across this and love it! It's by:

Friday, March 12, 2010

Congrats Amanda!

Today I'm meeting with a new bride! I'm very excited to hear about her upcoming wedding and to hear all about her ideas. We're going to tour one venue today. Thank goodness for nice weather. I'm so over the rain! Looks like she wants to have her ceremony outside with her wedding being in November. Luckily we're in San Diego but you never know how the weather will hold up. We'll see what will happen. I'm typing at rapid speed because I have to get ready! COFFEE please.... I'll let you know which site we toured and how it went. Ciao!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Wedding Paper Divas & Tiny Prints





One of my brides ordered her invitations from Wedding Paper Divas and they turned out beautifully. I need new business cards so I decided to go to them to see what they had to offer. Well, I just ordered my cards from Tiny Prints, WPD parent site. The designs that they offer for business needs... I loved and so BAM! Done and done. I can't wait to get them in the mail!


Bridal Show at the Hard Rock


March 7 I went to the Hard Rock hotel to check out The Wedding Party Bridal Show. It was amazing. I have been to many bridal shows and I have to say, this was my favorite. It was very well done. My good friend and Associate Coordinator, Sarah, came with me so we could meet new vendors. One of my faves was Cups La Jolla! I tried the Lemone Ricotta cupcake and it was to die for! I look forward to working with them in the future.


Cups La Jolla!

Sarah and Misty

Friday, March 5, 2010

As promised...



... pictures of my Sprinkles cupcakes! I made a sample plate to share with my husband. Our faves were the banana, pumpkin and peanut butter chocolate! The spice... not so much. There was a red velvet in there but for some reason the mix I use to make my own is better. The banana flavor was so yummy with my coffee this morning. Now I have to hit the gym! Only a few months to go before I have to get in a bathing suit for our vacation. Yikes!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sprinkles

When I was in Newport Beach, I couldn't help myself when I happened to have parked in front of a Sprinkles! I went in and spent $40 on cupcakes. Crazy right?! I brought one dozen home and they're still sitting in the box. I can't be rude. I have to share them with my husband and he's not home yet. ;-) I'll try and take a picture of them before I tear into them so I can post it.

A friend of mine and lovely Assistant Coordinator also dropped off some very delicious red velvet cupcakes that she made. Alba, owns her own company making the most delightful treats. You can check her out at http://www.sweetcreationsbyalba.com

Looks like I'll be eating cupcakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next few days!

First Birthday Party




I'm planning a girl's first birthday party (yes- I plan other parties as well!) I've never really been a big fan of pink but I'm leaning toward all shades of pink with splashes of lime green for color! Go figure. These pictures give me some cute ideas! There's one other element I'm throwing in there but I'm keeping it a surprise.

Parasol


So I'm trying to think of fun ways to add color to Noah & April's wedding. Their ceremony will be taking place outside in July so I thought of providing guests with paper umbrellas. Not only will it give the ceremony a pop of color but it will also help keep the guests cool.


Noah & April





Congrats to Noah & April on their engagement! I'm so excited to be helping them plan their July 2010 wedding. They both have such fun personalities... as you can see in their engagement shoot! April is a talented dancer and Noah is also artistic, working in the T.V. and film industry.

Photography by: Nick Duellman http://www.nbdphotography.com


Blake & Whitney






Blake & Whitney were married in Costa Rica in November 2009 surrounded by their closest friends and family. They also had a party in La Jolla to celebrate with those who were unable to make it to travel. I love the vibrant colors they used and the mix of different flowers. The sandals the bridesmaids wore gave it such a comfortable feel but keeping it elegant.



Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Back to Work

I'm back in town and so ready to get this blog going... finally! What took me so long! I spent the last few days in Newport/ Laguna Beach. It's so beautiful there. I wish I had more time to walk around Balboa Island. Maybe next time. I spotted a few bridal boutiques but didn't have time to go in. It's on my list for next time. Well, off to finish watching Wedded to Perfection and then off to catch up on some sleep! I have a ceremony/ reception schedule to revise tomorrow. Ciao...