Celebrity Wedding: Trista & Ryan

It may have been a $4 Million Dollar wedding, but Trista & Ryan are still happily married, living in Colorado and have added to their family with 2 beautiful children, Max & Blakesly.

I know it's been a few years since the big day, but I just wanted to enjoy these amazing details again.

Trista wore an amazing Badgley Mischka gown, bridesmaids in Amsale and the groom & groomsmen in Kenneth Cole. And her AMAZING Diamond Studded shoes were created by Stuart Weitzman.

I love the gradual change of the chair covers from fuschia to pale pink. I will admit, I haven't seen this done since, but that would most likely be due to the fact that most people don't use chair covers much anymore, they use chiavari's or the fabulous chameleon chairs, or the traditional white wooden folding seats.

Invitations: Lehr & Black, Los Angeles

Location: The Lodge Rancho Mirage, CA now the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, CA

Wedding Planner: Mindy Weiss, Los Angeles

Cake: Cake Divas, Los Angeles

Florist: Mark's Garden, Los Angeles

Aisle Runner: The Original Runner Company

Officiant: Reverand Clint Hufft, Los Angeles

Diamonds: Tacori

Photography: Yitzhak Dalal, West Hollywood

For more details here is the magazine spread from People Magazine.

Real Wedding: Rachael & David

I met the bride Rachael at a wedding rehearsal when she was a bridesmaid in her friend Nicole's wedding that I planned last August (to see photos click here). Now it's Rachael's turn to be the blushing bride and of course Nicole was one of her supporting ladies. The photos began at the Emerald Iguana for the ladies and the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa for the guys. The ceremony was held at the beautiful San Buenaventura Mission. Then it was back to a private residence in Ojai for the reception. These amazing images were taken by photography team Heather & Grayson of Jagger Photography. And if you're looking for beautiful images for a reasonable and fair price these are the 2 to talk to.

The bouquets and other personal flowers were created by Floral Designs by Roni. To save money the bride bought all her own flowers directly from the flower mart and was able to find a florist who was willing to open her shop for Rachael to not only create the centerpieces but store them as well. Then on the day of the wedding they were delivered along with the personal flowers and 2 beautiful wreaths to the house.

Now, this private residence is the home of Rachael's late grandfather and is owned by her mother and aunts. They revamped the entire outdoors of the property just for this wedding. The transformation was amazing. The bride is an interior decorator and every detail was well thought out and beautifully executed. She bought almost everything including her linens, wine glasses, bambu plates, "silverware", napkins, candles, VOSS water, and the bride and her ladies created all of the centerpieces (stock, mums, and hydrangea).
The bride wanted to make sure her guests were comfortable and felt loved and you could tell. There were sandals in 3 different sizes to wear in the grass filled backyard, pashminas in case you got chilly, a candy bar for your sweet tooth, and even 2 kegs to make it feel like you're truly at someone's home and that this was a party.
For their guestbook they were a bit untraditional. I mean, who really takes out their guest book off the shelf to look at the signatures??? They gave blank postcards to each guest asking that they write a special note and the maid of honor had the duty to mail them to the bride and groom throughout their first year of marriage. I love this idea!!! And the postcards and other stationary were custom designed by another bride of mine Michelle.
The food was amazing and provided by Wood Ranch BBQ (their garlic rolls alone are worth it). The bartenders were fantastic from Beverlee's Bartending (805) 492-0385. Rentals from Ventura Rents. Gavin from Santa Barbara DJ's spun tunes. The party even went late and the cops were called to shut it down. Good times were definitely had by all.

The bride even bought her own lighting...so beautiful!

Inspiration: Twilight

So, I will admit openly that I did not read the Twilight series, but I did see the first movie. When I'm not planning weddings and other events I volunteer my time with jr. High and High School youth at a church where my husband is a youth pastor and for a while it seemed like Twilight is all they were talking about including many other friends and adults I knew. I thought it only fitting that I create an "inspiration" board just for Twilight, but I didn't do just 1 I did 2. I created a "Day" inspired look as well as a "Night" inspired look.

Twilight- Day

Twilight- Day by Events by Heather Ham on Polyvore.com

For the "Twilight-Day" inspiration board I was inspired by all of the beautiful scenery in the movie, particularly of the forests. I thought it would be fitting to place a ceremony or celebrating outdoors in a forest setting and make the decor very earthy and organic in feel yet still breathtaking and elegant.

Twilight- Night

Twilight- Night by Events by Heather Ham on Polyvore.com

For the "Twilight-Night" Inspiration Board I went a little darker and infused the crimson and blood red hues (like the apple or blood). And who can forget the amazing twinkling gazebo at the end of the movie? I was able to find an event that had a tent covered in white twinkle lights which is just breathtaking.

Inspiration: The New Carnation

Now, carnations are not my favorite flower in the world. They often have the conotation of "cheap" or "chincy" written all over them. However, when places together, side by side, in a grouping they can actually look quite fabulous. And because of the fact that they are a more inexpensive flower, you can still get that wow factor you're going for and stay under budget. Now that's some good news.

Here's a gorgeous centerpiece from Nancy Liu Chin.


Here are some great and bright ideas found on The Knot.

Here's a great idea from Martha Stewart...and I love the color combo of aqua and red. Stay tuned for an "Inspiration" blog post on this color combo coming soon...

Here's another spin on the pomander, found at Project Wedding.

These manzanita branches with pomanders could flank the ceremony altar or add a little focal interest to the escort card table. I wouldn't suggest these as centerpieces as they would block your view. This was found on Ashley's Bride Guide.

This amazing masterpiece was created by Beautiful Blooms and wow, what a showpiece!!!

This preppy number was found at DIY Bride.

These pomanders were created by Bouquets of Austin and found on Project Wedding.

These chic and DIY centerpieces are so basic, and there's numerous one's so your guests can take them home as gifts. Found on Brides.com, Photo by Anna Williams.

Here's a modern yet romantic take on carnations, as seen on DIY Bride.

These little gifts can be found in the pages of Brides Magazine.

Another great design from Brides Magazine. This would be great for a bridal shower, baby shower, or a little girls birthday party. So cute.

Now that's how you display escort cards. How simple and chic is this idea from The Knot?

And wow, what a cake. And who else but Martha Stewart would design such a simple and chic masterpiece?

And what a statement. This centerpiece was found at The Knot.

So next time you see carnations...don't just pass them by...get a whole bunch and see what chic ideas you can come up with.

Celebrity Wedding: Billy Martin & Linzi Williamson

I was blown away when I came across this wedding in InStyle Weddings Magazine and even more excited to see that my favorite florist, R Jack Balthazar did their floral decor. It took my breath away. I call it Gothic-Chic, R Jack calls it Victorian Vamp, but it truly is breathtaking no matter what you call it. This is the wedding of Good Charlotte's guitarist, Billy, to his longtime girlfriend, Linzi.


The bride wore a Kirstie Kelly Couture gown. Traditional in essence but given that glamourous rock edge with the hints of black.
All of the photos were taken by the husband and wife team, Miki & Sonja, who I've had the pleasure of working with before and they are great.
This amazing wedding was coordinated by the talented Kristin Banta.


The wedding was held at Stone Manor in Malibu, all outdoors for this blessed affair.
The couple named the tables after their beloved pets, like their dog Dracula.

This amazing cake was created by Cake Divas and wow does it look amazing. I've never seen a cake quite like it.