Style Me Pretty Features Savadelis Films

We're so happy to be featured today in Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book blog! You may recall seeing our post about Emily and Danny's amazing wedding at the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay entitled Let's Make a Movie. They are so personable and we loved all the details they so carefully planned, so we sent Style Me Pretty the 3-minute movie trailer and an inspiration board of still images. 

We could not create beautiful movies without the participation and cooperation of our esteemed colleagues. Jubilee Lau did an outstanding job of designing and coordinating the wedding. The weather threatened rain until 12 noon. She was thoroughly prepared for an outdoor or an indoor wedding. That's the mark of a true professional - going beyond what is expected to what is required.

Tony White at the Ritz Carlton and his superb staff pulled out all the stops to give top notch service and create a smooth day despite the international women's golf tournament that was held that day on the golf links. Peculiar Pair's graphics were so luscious that we animated their logo to start the movie. Nancy Liu Chin did a great job with the flowers. John and Megan Woods at Enhanced Lighting are lighting geniuses, Classic Party Rentals' linens and tableware were unique and festive and Susan Morgan's Elegant Cheesecakes were beautifully styled and tasty. And so it went for every professional.

Here's the article.

Savadelis Films Presents...Tango at the Ritz

March 31st, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Chuck and Jewel Savadelis sent us such a FUN film clip from Emily and Danny’s October wedding. It’s just fascinating to see how they totally captured the essence of the day with their unique style of filming and production!

Here are a few quick screen shots from the film…

First, a little bit from Jewel Savadelis …

Emily and Danny, a well traveled couple that share a passion for great food and company, held their nuptuals at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay on October 7, 2008. Emily celebrated her independence by choosing to walk down the aisle by herself, before exchanging personalized vows with Danny on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Emily’s favorite uncle sketched the ceremony as it was happening and presented the newlyweds the finished drawing during the reception. Their wedding featured a modern Asian Zen garden theme with details such as Taiwanese mung beans creatively incorporated into the floral arrangements that represented their culture and heritage. The ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton was transformed into a warm and inviting setting, with champagne colored drapery, Asian lanterns hung above the dance floor, and a mixture of kings, queens, and round tables topped by orchids, hydrangeas, roses, and river rocks. The 260 guests were treated to an elaborate 4-course dinner consisting of unique choices like Lobster Salad, Crispy Suckling Pig with Cassoulet, Baby Lamb Chops and Seared Sea Bass. After dinner, the guests took to the dance floor, piled into the photo booth, and enjoyed the elaborate dessert buffet which featured 17 specialty items such as green tea panna cotta, coconut tapioca, and passion mango gel.

So now … be prepared to grin for three straight minutes as you watch their movie! {make sure the sound is on}

Tango at the Ritz from Savadelis Films on Vimeo.

How fantastic was that! SO fun.

If you go over to Savadelis Films’ website, you’ll see that one primary concern of Chuck and Jewel’s is that they want to get to know you before your wedding day. They’re not just there to take a video of the events … they’re there to capture the emotions, the expressions, the feelings … of the entire celebration! But that is a mere fraction of the art of their movie-making … after all is recorded on film, the real artistry begins. Putting it all together in a fashion that is unique and suited to each couple’s personalities is when the real skill comes in.  And that is where the Savadelis’ shine. A huge thanks to Chuck and Jewel for sharing Emily & Danny’s movie with us!

Vendor Credits: The Cheeseballs, Jubilee Lau Events, Taylor Pham, Enhanced Lighting, Classic Party Rentals, Heron Freed Toor, Lisa Leigh Photography

Little Black Book Members - Elegant Cheesecakes, Nancy Liu Chin Designs and Peculiar Pair Press.Fantastic Work!!

Blog Luv

Woohoo! We have been the recipient of the Blog Luv Award from friend Evonne Wong of Events by Evonne in Hawaii who writes the enchanting blog Away Soiree. We are deeply honored to be mentioned with these 9 great blogs, 5 of which have featured Savadelis Films (noted with an asterisk).

 

The Bride's Cafe - stylish, wide-ranging wedding-related topics

Chewing the Cud- incredibly talented graphic designer and stationer

Critsey Rowe - an awesome photographer who travels everywhere for her sweet brides

*DK Design - have you seen her flowers? Even when you are inches away, you won't believe they are made of clay. And they are light as a feather. I jumped up and down when I won a small arrangement by Diane in a raffle!

*The Flirty Guide - hands down one of the best wedding resource guides anywhere. Sharp, sassy, loaded with integrity.

*Melissa's Smitten - lovely invitations by a lovely lady

*One Lovely Day - lots of great inspirations for all aspects of your wedding

*Style Me Pretty - another lovely invitation lady who expanded to offer brides great ideas, real weddings, and a resource guide of the best of the best wedding professionals

Southern Weddings Magazine - new, but just look at their smashing inspiration boards! no wonder they've taken the blogging world by storm

We are now obligated to "pass it on" and award the Blog Luv Award to 10 other great blogs which have great attitude and/or gratitude. Here's how it works:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which should great attitude and/or gratitude

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog

5. Share the love and link of this post to the person from whom you received the award

There are so many great blogs so the choice was hard. But, here, in alphabetical order, are our choices:

ALLTOP - not a blog but a collection of over 100 wedding blogs; try them on and see which fits

BAY AREA WEDDING SOUP - Liz Guthrie's cleverly themed posts from "A' to "Z"

BESPOKE - lots and lots of practical wedding advice; never a list of just 5 ideas, but 30 ideas (!) in one post of how to entertain guests at a reception

CAT SETO - need inspiration from the retail world? This is the place to get it.

DIY BRIDE - from the lady who literally wrote the book on DIY wedding projects and is working on another

ELIZABETH ANNE DESIGNS - great ideas for wedding and living; and a comprehensive list of the best professionals in the world in 'The Library' (look for us!); message board and vendor reviews - the whole enchilada

FROM I WILL TO I DO - down-to-earth but stylish advice and ideas from the Senior Editor at Brides.com

HELLO! LUCKY - 2 ladies with a great sense of style and fun

ONE YEAR OF BEAUTY - it only takes a minute to look around and find beauty every day and it only takes a minute to read this delightful blog. 

WEDDED BITS - daily dose of wedding news and inspiration from Brides.com

My Long Lost Cousin

The internet is great. Facebook in particular. I've reconnected with a lot of people who have been a blessing and joy in my life. Most recently I reconnected with a dear cousin after...well you don't need to know how long it is, suffice to say it's been a looooong time. 

My cousin Milo Hess is and always has been a talented artist. When we were 6 years old I remember him sketching the faces of our family and it wasn't just kid's play. These were recognizable faces, each had character, and he even exaggerated key features to form the true personality of each person. It was remarkable. He was a prodigy.

I was so jealous that he knew at such an early age what his life's calling was. He's one of the lucky ones whose aspirations and talent coincidence. He knew what he wanted and he went after it. He attended Pratt in NYC on scholarship, served as art director at major broadcasting networks and is now a freelance artist and photographer in NY. I'm awfully proud of him. I always knew he would be a great success, no matter what the obstacles placed in his path, because of his remarkable talent.  

Above is a sample of what he does. I love how streamlined the image and message are. In this 100 mile per hour life we all live, all you get is a second to make an impression. And Cousin Milo makes a great first impression. Glad to know you again, Milo.

Earth Watch March 28, 2009, 8.30 - 9.30 PM

Don't forget, tonight, Saturday March 28 at 8.30 PM - 9.30 PM is Earth Hour. We're going to have a candlelight dinner, then watch the stars. Wink, wink.

Here's what the official Earth Hour website says:

"In 2009, Earth Hour has a goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you're from, but what planet you're from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries have pledged their support and the number is growing."

A Reason to Live: Signs

Imagine how this beautiful little movie would look as a series of still images, as a slide presentation. Since facial expressions are extremely subtle, you would miss a lot of the body language that makes this movie work.  

Why did I choose this as Video of the Week? Because you FEEL the boredom and ennui this man feels, slogging through the day until he finds a reason to wake up in the morning, look forward to the day ahead and bounce out of bed. You feel his dejection. You feel his elation. THAT is what a great movie does - allows you to FEEL what someone else is feeling.

50 Fabulous Babes on the Barbary Coast

When Linda Hylen issues an invitation to the 50 Most Fabulous Babes in the Wedding Industry in the San Francisco Bay Area, you better heed the call! And I'm so glad I did. To be considered one of the movers and shakers by THE wellspring of all knowledge in the wedding industry...well, that really made my day. We had an outrageously fabulous time at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. 

My favorite playmates came out to play:

Alicia Slater, Global Gourmet - diverse cuisine; can work with (almost) any budget

Anna Williams, McCall Catering - the most popular choice of scrumptious morsels for brides

Barbara Lewis, University Club - best kept secret for city views and incredible prices

Brooke Greene, Nestldown - enchanted, secluded wooded place for a wedding; magical

Dianne Devin, Kohl Mansion - gracious mansion in Burlingame

Karen Baba, Plan Decor - fresh, fun, creative, warm-hearted

Kathleen Deery, Kathleen Deery Designs - fantastic, over-the-top floral designs

Kathleen Kirkpatrick, Montalvo Arts Center - the most beautiful mansion in the Bay Area

Michelle Walker, Michelle Walker Photography - makes everyone feel comfortable in front of the lens; one of the nicest photographers in the Bay Area

Natasha Merritt, Paula Le Duc - finest cuisine and service in the Bay Area

Stacie Tamaki, The Flirty Guide - must-have resource guide for every bride in the Bay Area

Viola Sutanto, Chewing the Cud (invitations, not catering) - creative designs, incredible lady

And we were "served" by 13 gentlemen who are colleagues in the wedding industry. Of course Tom (a caterer) had an advantage over the others

Dennis Menendez, Dennis M Photography

Jim Avila, Jim Avila Image and Style Consultant

John Woods, Enhanced Lighting

Kevin Chin, Kevin Chin Photography

Michael Daigian, Michael Daigian Design (floral designer)

Ron Grandia, A Different Kind of DJ

Tom Henderson, Thomas John Events (caterer)

Linda Hylen is one of the most gracious people in the wedding industry and incredibly generous. She assembled us to celebrate three outstanding achievements.

Johanna Kaestner, Founder of By Recommendation Only is retiring after 20 years. She elevated the standard for products, services, ethics and integrity in the wedding industry and deserves a lot of praise and thanks. We have been a proud member of bRo for 5 years.

Joyce Scardina Becker founded the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) last year in order to raise the standards of the wedding industry nationwide.

It was my pleasure and privilege to present the third tribute to good friends Jubilee Lau of Jubilee Lau Events and Jean Marks of Jean Marks Weddings. These ladies were the founders of The Wedding University  held on February 8 at the Four Seasons in Palo Alto, which was an outrageous success. It benefitted brides who all said they learned something new and their time had been well-spent. It benefitted everyone in the wedding industry.

As we went our separate ways, we were all given our "correct color" boas by Jim Avila. turquoise seems to be my color!

What a great luncheon!

Are Wedding Gifts Optional?

Well, there seems to be a bit of a stir over the New York Times' March 14, 2009 article, Wedding Bells' Toll which stated, "...the only wedding event for which a present is absolutely required is the bridal shower." I always thought giving a wedding gift was definitely required unless explicitly told by the bride and groom "No gifts. I really mean it. Absolutely no gifts." What are your thoughts about this, gentle reader?

The gist of the article is that guests on a limited budget can give creative gifts such as concert tickets, a mixing bowl with a special recipe or even a dozen white kitchen towels from Ikea. Letitia Baldrige, the etiquette expert shares her money-saving secret. Go to an unknown antique shop, buy something inexpensive, and write a lovely note saying the item is very old and from Vienna. 

We've seen some creative ideas. Once, our services were the only item on the registry. As many guests as wished to chipped in and bought the couple their wedding movie. Or how about sending the newlyweds a bottle of wine or bubbly or dessert wine to celebrate their 1-month, 6-month and 1-year anniversary? One of our best wedding gifts was a cooler for all our picnics and outings. I think we use that more than any other gift we received. 

Northern CA Brides Mag: Jewel's Top Venue Picks

I was asked by the editor of Northern California Brides which venues make a great backdrop for producing a beautiful wedding movie. You can see the answers in the latest Spring/Summer 2009 issue on page 142. But let me not hold you in suspense.

Jewel's Pick for the Best Resort: 

Cordevalle, San Martin

This little-known gem is surrounded by picturesque meadowlands, tree-covered hills and a vineyard. The villas are spacious and the entire resort is luxuriously casual. Kristi Hogue is just so nice and she and her staff really know how to serve and pamper their brides. 

Can I let you in on a little secret?  The latest and a simply wonderful new property will be opening in April, 2009 on the Peninsula, the Rosewood Sand Hill. As part of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts which includes Cordevalle and The Carlyle in New York City, this property will place the emphasis on superb service.  Todd Outhouse is the Director of Catering and is one of the most gracious and courtly people in the wedding industry. If the name is familiar it is because he worked at the St Regis in San Francisco, which is also very well known for its superb service. 

Other great resorts in wine country: 

Meadowood, Lori Wickersham

The Carneros Inn, Brooke Baglietto

Calistoga Ranch, Jennifer Beranek

Solage Calistoga, 

Jewel's Pick for Best Mansion:

Ralston Hall Mansion

It's tough to choose among the Montalvo Arts Center, Kohl Mansion, Flood Mansion and other beautiful mansions in the Bay Area. 

We chose Ralston Hall Mansion because of its affordability. And because of Karen Boquist-Gelineau and Denise Winkelstein who are so gracious. They make you and your guests feel so welcome. They encourage you to put out framed family pictures on the several mantles and side tables throughout the lovely mansion.

Jewel's Pick for Best Hotel:

The Palace Hotel

San Francisco offers brides so many great options of luxury hotels. including the St. Regis, Ritz Carlton, the Westin St Francis, the new Intercontinental, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, and Mark Hopkins.  We chose the Palace for its opulent appointments such as the stained glass ceiling and beautiful crystal chandeliers. 

50% to 80% Off Wedding Gown Sale for a Good Cause

Riddle Me This: What do you get when you put two of my very good friends Amy Kuschel and Bridget Brown (the brilliant brain behind Bella Bridesmaid) in a room? You get a fantastic sale that also supports two great causes.

Sunday, March 29, 12 PM - 4 PM

Amy Kuschel Bridal Design Studio

23 Grant Avenue, 5th Floor

San Francisco

RSVP strongly recommended at 415.956.5657

Amy Kuschel and Bella Bridesmaid have joined together with a sample sale of 50% off - YES that's right! - 50% off to benefit The Breast Cancer Fund and Marriage Equality, two causes which we strongly support.

Enjoy 50% off Amy Kuschel wedding gowns in designer sizes 6 to 18. Take 10% more off your gown purchase when you donate $20 to either The Breast Cancer Fund or Marriage Equality. 

When was the last time you saw gorgeous wedding accessories on sale. NEVER~ until now. Veils, designer brooches, earrings, necklaces, appliqued ribbons and beaded sashes are also 50% off.

So now you're riding high - you've got an original Amy Kuschel gown. Now, pick up a darling little Bella Bridesmaid dress for your rehearsal dinner just for your next party. Originally priced at $250, these lovely creations are now offered at $50! (checks and cash only). If I'm doing the math correctly, that's 80% off! Choose from designers like Melissa Sweet, Amsale, Simple Silhouettes and Vera Wang. A sale like this makes me wish I was a bride again.

Bouquets to Art: Postscript

You never know what someone else has had to endure to create and present their art. 

I contacted my good friend Karen at Plan Decor to congratulate her on the floral art she created for Bouquets to Art. She told me her art was originally supposed to be in front of one of the Andy Warhol images that was currently on display at the DeYoung Museum.

Oooooh...so it was supposed to be standing up, not lying down and it was supposed to be in front of a Warhol image known for its repetition and color. Now it all makes sense. Context is everything! 

As fellow artists, we completely understand when art is taken out of context. It may be beautiful all by itself, but you miss a lot of the meaning, the whimsy, the intelligence, and the fun with which it was created. I'm glad that we could fully appreciate Karen's masterpiece  by viewing this photo which a friend of Karen's shot when her arrangement was correctly placed in the exhibit.

This slight change of location has elevated Karen's piece from just something lovely to being one of my favorites in the whole exhibit.  Bravo Karen!

Bouquets to Art Part III: Best of Show

Here is the most spectacular work of art in the Bouquets to Art 2009 flower show. In fact, it's the most incredible installation I've ever seen at a Bouquets to Art exhibit in the five years I've attended.

It was designed and created by Natasha Lisitsa of Waterlily Pond. Look at the scale of this piece! It was an interpretation of the smallest sub-atomic particles in the universe and the largest. Very thought provoking and beautiful from every angle.

 

Above is a side view and to the left is a view looking straight up from the bottom. It was spectacular! I'm sorry a photograph cannot do it justice. People definitely stood there for a long time, in awe.

Below is a close-up view of a few of the hundreds and humdreds of anthuriums Natasha used in the artwork.

Bouquets to Art Part II: Our Favorites

Here are our favorites at the Bouquets to Art 2009 show.

We found this pairing of painting and flowers in a quiet corner of the exhibit. This floral design brilliantly picked up the style and color of the maid's apron in the basket. With judicious restraint, the artist carefully selected just a few blossoms to represent the color of the maid's salmon shawl, and the items in her basket. Creating a simple work of art can be as difficult as or even more so than a large piece. Maybe the more personal scale that would fit into anyone's home touches us more deeply. It invites us to get up close and really observe every element the artist considered.

Neil Hunt of Hunt Littlefield took a whimsical approach to his art and cut out a door in the same shape and size as the goose in the painting that inspired his artwork. The white phaelanopsis orchids cascading downward represent the goose. Brilliant interpretation and one of the most creative in the entire show!

Phyllis Brady of Twig & Ivy took a big chance. This floral work of art on a dressmaker's form uses muted colors and is very subtle. In a roomful of arrangements that screamed "Look at me!", you would have to seek this one out. But if you did, you were in for a treat. 

In addition to bringing in the same colors as in the painting which inspired her, the texture and composition of the flowers perfectly represents the impressionist's way of using points of light and color to create a harmonious whole. It was not so obvious up close, but when you stood back, you could see you were in the presence of a brilliant piece of art.

Karen Baba of Plan Decor created a simple floral art design that 100% perfectly reflected Andy Warhol's style. Warhol was well known for his 1960's pop art style of repeating an image in bright colors. 

Brilliant interpretation, Karen!

Pico Design's Pico Soriano's hands must hurt. He pulled the soft buds off of countless pussy willow branches to create this cute 3-D dog which relates to the boy and dog in the painting. It was different. It was creative. It was charming.

These two colorful creations capture the spirit of the gumball dispensers and the abstract splatter of bright colors, respectively. They succeed by combining a minimum number of flowers with some wrapped wires or white-washed vases to make everything appear to be floating on air. 

Bouquets to Art 2009 Part I

Yesterday we had a marvelous time feeding our souls at the DeYoung Museum's Bouquets to Art. There's one day left to see the exhibit of floral designs which interpret works of art. Here are some photos of floral artwork of wedding professionals we know and admire.

Isabella Sikaffy, Florabella

Isabella used pastel colored flowers to respresent the airiness of the impressionistic painting, and topped it off with orange flowers to highlight the girl's red-hair.

Pat Gibbons of Pat Gibbons Florals created this refreshing arrangement of white phaelanopsis orchids with bleached white curly willow as both an element of the arrangement and an element of the container. It was one of the most restful works of art we saw.  You can definitely imagine this arrangement at a stylish wedding!

Here is the inspiration for Rhonda Stoffel of Grace Street Floral and Event Design. Now see how she interpreted the grace and cool elegance of the marble statue with white anthuriums and various greens. You can feel the same flowing texture in the skirt symbolized by the rings of bear grass.

Laurel Winzler, Laurel Designs

Laurel interpreted a Mayan rubbing, with her floral arrangement emphasizing the harshness of life where everytime you played a soccer game, you were playing for your life, with human sacrifices to follow. 

Mandy Scott, Mandy Scott Flowers

Mandy covered a picture frame in leaves to symbolize the bookstore window in the painting. Then, she used a variety of tulips to symbolize the books in the painting.

Paige Benjamin of Passiflora Designs is known for her use of color and fanciful balls of fresh flowers. Love what she's done with the curly willow to expand this creation's reach. Even the shadow it casts on the wall is artistic.

Men's Brains, Women's Brains

This is my husband Chuck's suggestion for Video of the Week. This week we're featuring a piece that is not lushly filmed, but it does have an ingredient that is possibly even more important: it has excellent "content". That is, what you see is worthy of your time. 

This little video has improved our communication and our marriage. That's one of the secrets of a long and happy marriage. You keep looking for ways to explain each other's behavior. So, when we don't understand each other, we just play this video and it all comes clear.

Your Wedding Day Spring 2009

We have been editing a project that is special and dear to us lately. But every now and again, I let myself out for networking that promises to be fun and fabulous.

Last night did not disappoint. I attended the launch party for Your Wedding Day Magazine's Spring, 2009 issue, hosted by ever-gracious editor-in-chief Thea Lignos-Hargrove at the Wildflower Linens Studio in San Francisco.

So what do we see? The magazine is gorgeous. Bridal fashions this year have a lot of ruffles; bridesmaids dresses have simple lines, luxurious fabrics and are cocktail length. I overheard a top florist saying that whereas in past years there were distinct colors that defined the season (remember lilac, then red, then celadon green?), this year there was no such defining color. Brides were confidently selecting personal palettes. 

And decor? Think ultra posh lounge, with great examples on page 155, designed by Michelle at MB Wedding Designs, and on page 167 designed by Cobalt Events. Sophisticated, inviting, colorful, FUN!

In addition to the 100's of beautiful pictures which show the latest trends, there are informative articles. Lisa Edd of Here Comes the Guide offered 12 tips for planning a multicultural wedding. And, how do you keep the marriage fresh? The Relationship Corner offers sound advice whether you're married 1 year or 100 years.

One of the real joys of attending an event like this is renewing friendships with old friends and discovering talented people. If you have a minute, check out these photographer's portfolios: Tinywater (distinctive use of color), Darcy Weddings (photographed Pres Obama's inauguration for a major photo agency), Adeline & Grace (a fresh point of view) as well as the superb event design of Sam Leftwich (think SF Ballet galas) and I Do! (Julie Nunn Martin, recently featured on WEtv's Platinum Weddings).

Alltop Introduces My Alltop

Blog. Blog. Blog. There are so many blogs in the blogosphere, but not many devices to organize and sort them out. And who better to do it than you? Now Guy Kawasaki's Alltop offers just that. You can create your own page, selecting just those blogs you enjoy. Then sort them to your heart's delight. 

Here's one of my new My.Alltop pages. I'd like to add more blogs, but am not sure I can if they are not "Alltop approved". So, if you have a great wedding-related blog, apply to Alltop to be added to their list so I can add you to mine.

The Cost of Being a Bridesmaid

The bride has honored you by asking you to be her bridesmaid. In the excitement of the moment you jump up and down together and you quickly accept with an exuberant "Absolutely!"  Now that you're driving home you're thinking of some more practical matters  like what are my duties and how much will this cost.

First, head over to Twirl Talk a blog devoted to bridesmaids - fashions, etiquette and other interesting things. They have a great list of bridesmaid duties such as

1. Respect your bride's taste and vision, even if they don't match your own.

[Sidenote: OK. So the dress is hideous. But here's a way you can still win. Enter a chance to win $5,000 in WETV's Ugliest Bridesmaid Dress Contest. Contest ends April 13.]

2. Be gracious at all times.

3. Be a friend first, a bridesmaid second.

4. Whether you are a size 2 or 20, buy Spanx.

5. Stay on top of things you are asked to do like ordering your dress, buying shoes and making your hair appointment.

6. On the wedding day ask what you can do to help your bride stay calm.

I would add to the list: 

7. Try on your complete ensemble before the wedding day to make sure it fits and looks right. At least one bridesmaid usually has a dress that is too small or too big or needs to hide bra straps or be sewn into her dress. 

So how much is this going to cost? The latest Wedding Report says the average cost to be a bridesmaid is $1009. I believe this covers the bridal shower, bachelorette party and wedding gifts; the bridesmaid dress, shoes, alterations, accessories, hair, mani-pedi, outfit for rehearsal dinner; plane fare, rental car, hotel; and bachelorette party expenses. 

When all is said and done, on the wedding day a bride and her true friends share an experience that is simply wonderful and which none would trade for all the world.

Talk About Viral!

My good friend Karen from Ralston Hall Mansion shared a You Tube video with me, so let me share it with you.

Just a question...how would you capture the wonder and wonderfulness of this flash mob if you didn't have a moving image?

Best Inspirational Blog in the World

Ever find yourself under a black cloud or in a negative state and you didn't know it until a good friend held up a mirror? Well, if it's ever happened to you, here's the absolutely best antidote. 

I went searching for the best inspirational blog I could find and found One Year of Beauty. On January 1, 2009 Liv committed to blogging every day about the simple beauty she saw around her. Whether it was an icicle or a tag sewn into a hand-stitched garment, a little white dog peering through a car window, blueberries or dead flowers, she posts a picture and a few sentences to remind you to find beauty in your own day.

I can reflect back on a few times that I took a long hike and saw something of great beauty - like a 14-point buck. There were many joggers and runners zipping past this magnificent creature. I saw him. He saw me. And yet he was invisible to those who moved too fast. That's how I feel about Liz's blog. She's slowed down just long enough to see a rainbow. I think she is right - you can CHOOSE to see beauty if you try.

New Feature: Video of the Week

Starting today and every Friday, Life Is Like a Movie will scour the globe to bring you a new feature - Video of the Week, or Movie Trailer of the Week, in whatever form, MOVING PICTURE OF THE WEEK. The criteria are: (1) It holds your interest, (2) the moving image is essential to the piece and still imagery would be inadequate. Your suggestions for next week's Moving Picture of the Week are welcome in the comments section. As video becomes more ubiquitous due to professional cameras with greater technical capabilities; the availability of cheaper and lighter consumer cameras, and better built-in cell phone video cameras, there's a glut of video. Good video, bad video.

It's like going to the supermarket and buying fruit. Sometimes it looks good but has no taste. You'd pay anything to get a fruit that not only looks good, but you can be sure it will taste good too. Well, visit Life Is Like a Movie on Friday and you can be assured you will see a GOOD VIDEO. Maybe even a great video.

So without any more words, here's the first MOVING PICTURE OF THE WEEK. A picture is worth 1000 words? Here's a video which animates words in a creative way.

Now I'm not saying there's no place for a still image. There is. And here's a good example, taken in 1918 of 18,000 men preparing for WWI at Camp Dodge, Iowa.

What I am suggesting is that each of us be a critical judge of when a moving image and when a still image is the best alternative to capture a moment, an event, a movement or an emotion.

I Just Love a Good Book

With the spotlight on recycle - reuse - restore these days, here are some innovative artists who have a use for books that have been read and enjoyed.  

I'm staying out of the controversy as to whether it's sacrilege to cut up a book or whether it's a blessing to donate it to be re-purposed. Just enjoy.

This piece of art is a first edition Essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson interlaced with plastic cord.

Art can also be functional. Here are some re-purposed books that are lamps!

For many more inspiring uses of books as art, click HERE.

DIY Your Own Wedding Faire

What are you doing today from 11 AM to 4 PM? The Hotel Cabana in Palo Alto is having a FREE wedding fair. But with a twist. 

Our good friend Stacie Tamaki of The Flirty Guide will be moderating a panel discussion of how to DIY four elements of your wedding at 1 PM. 

Joining her will be the fantastic Sabrina Moyel of Hello!Lucky who will talk about DIY invitations. Ron Grandia will talk about how to DJ your iPod wedding. Sachi Yamazaki of Fleurty will demonstrate how to DIY your flowers. And yours truly will be giving practical tips on how to DIY your wedding video so everyone will love it.

There will be food, displays and lots of good information and ideas. There will also be a fashion show at 2 PM.

Although it's free, your advance registration is appreciated. 

Register for a FREE VIP pass and FREE valet parking at...

Phone:  650.857.0787

Email:  sales.catering@cabanapaloalto.net