Life Is Like a Movie

Ted Kennedy

2009-08-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ted Kennedy. A man who was very human.

He made a lot of mistakes, including substance abuse, womanizing (there's an old-fashioned word), and the whole Chappaquiddick incident.

Even more remarkable than committing these errors, was his determination to do better, to rise above them. Perhaps it made him more forgiving of shortcomings in others. As he famously said,

"I recognize my own shortcomings -- the faults in the conduct of my private life. I realize that I alone am responsible for them, and I am the one who must confront them. I believe that each of us as individuals must not only struggle to make a better world, but to make ourselves better, too."

At yesterday's memorial service Vice President Joe Biden made some personal remarks about his friend of 36 years. In the early 1970's Joe's wife and daughter were killed in a car accident. Ted Kennedy hardly knew Joe Biden at that time. Nevertheless Ted called Joe to express his condolences. For months, Ted would drop by Joe's office once or twice a week to see how he was doing. Ted pulled him out of his grief, mentored him in the ways of Washington DC politics, and was as good a friend as a man could be. Sadly, we rarely heard about this side of Ted Kennedy.

But my husband Chuck saw this side. When Chuck was Director of Photography at Northeastern University in Boston, he had the opportunity to photograph Ted Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy was charismatic, warm and personable, energetic and passionate and above all, genuine. Even though Chuck was "just the photographer", Mr. Kennedy treated Chuck with dignity, respect and warmth.

Whether we personally met him or not, whether we agree with his politics or not, we are all touched by his efforts to secure equal rights for all people. Although he never became President, perhaps he had an even larger influence as a legislator respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Farewell, Ted Kennedy.

Smell the Roses

2009-08-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

We all rush, rush, rush through our lives. It's hard to take a minute to do the essential - eat, sleep, breathe. So it's not surprising that we hardly ever slow down to savor a sweet moment. Well, I'm doing that right now.

We received this note from a very sweet couple whose wedding movie we produced in September, 2005. They had a beautiful baby boy three years ago and had just brought home the newest addition to their family, a beautiful daughter. They took a moment to write a note to us. Here's an excerpt:

Hi Chuck and Jewel,

We recently showed Aidan [their 3-yr old son] our wedding video. He loved it! He shouted "mama and papa" and pointed at the TV. We have such fond memories of our experience with you and the making of the video was so much fun.

We sincerely hope that both of you are doing well! Please keep in touch.

Take good care,

Nancy and Eric

This letter reminds us of what we do and why we do it.

My Favorite Actors

2009-08-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

Here are my 17 favorite actors and some of the movies in which I've enjoyed seeing them.

I'll go to see any movie in which Johnny Depp, Viggo Mortenson, Guy Pearce, Sean Penn or Josh Brolin appear because each role is so unique, they inhabit each role so completely, and they play each role with great intelligence.

Then there's a consummate actor like David Straithairn who hardly seems to act at all and in

fact, usually blends right into the background. Denzel Washington also makes it look effortless. Who knew he would be a gifted Shakespearean actor in Much Ado About Nothing?

Who's your favorite?

Simon Baker - L.A. Confidential, Devil Wears Prada

Javier Bardem - Goya's Ghosts, No Country for Old Men, Love in the Time of Cholera

Josh Brolin - W, No Country for Old Men, Milk

Johnny Depp - Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Don Juan DeMarco, Nick of Time, Sleepy Hollow, Chocolat, Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Public Enemies

Philip Seymour Hoffman - Scent of a Woman, Talented Mr Ripley, State and Main, Cold Mountain, Capote, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Charlie Wilson's War

Damien Lewis - Band of Brothers, Forsyte Saga, Life (TV series)

Viggo Mortenson - Witness, Crimson Tide, G.I. Jane, Lord of the Rings, Eastern Promises, A History of Violence

Jeremy Northam - Emma, Happy TX, An Ideal Husband, The Winslow Boy, Golden Bowl, Gosford Park, Martin and Lewis

Clive Owen - Closer, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Duplicity, Geenfingers

Guy Pearce - Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dating the Enemy, L.A. Confidential, Memento, The Proposition, First Snow, Factory Girl, The Hurt Locker

Sean Penn - The Game, Mystic River, 21 Grams, The Interpreter, Milk

Joaquin Phoenix - Gladiator, To Die For, Walk the Line

Tim Roth - Braveheart, Vatel, Rob Roy, Pulp Fiction

Jonathan Rhys Meyers - The Tudors (TV series), Match Point, August Rush, Elvis, Alexander, The Governess, Bend It Like Beckham, Michael Collins

Kevin Spacey - Beyond the Sea, L.A. Confidential, Usual Suspects, Seven

David Strathairn - Eight Men Out, A League of Their Own, The Firm, River Wild, L.A. Confidential, Good Night and Good Luck, Notorious Bette Page, Bourne Ultimatum

Denzel Washington - Mo' Better Blues, Malcolm X, Much Ado About Nothing, Pelican Brief, Crimson Tide, Devil in a Blue Dress, Fallen, Bone Collector, Inside Man, Deja Vu, Great Debaters

Catherine Hall, Photographer Extraordinaire

2009-08-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Catherine Hall takes extraordinary photographs. We recently went to see the Robert Franks exhibit of 'The Americans' at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Catherine Hall's images of Appalachia are even more powerful. Yes, she's that good. Here's where you can see more of her editorial work and here is some of her wedding work.

Catherine and I have had an ongoing dialogue about the unique characteristics of the still and moving image.

A still image, which reflects a single moment, allows you to fill in the blanks and project your past experiences and future hopes onto the picture - when it is done well. As it always is when Catherine Hall is behind the lens.

The moving image which can include voice, ambient sound and music, is excellent for telling a complete story, and for showing motion and emotion. The movie is the narrator that explains what went on, who these people really are and what the times they lived in were like. For example, when your grandchildren see your wedding movie, they will come to know you exactly as you are today - vibrant, young, happy, in love.

They will see the full range of emotions as your husband jokes with the groomsmen and then nervously glances at his watch moments before the doors open and you appear. How he strains to catch the first glimpse of you. How he audibly catches his breath and utters "Wow!", then wipes a tear away as you and your father approach. How he accepts your hand and folds it into his own. How he whispers at the altar, "You are so beautiful".

Each medium provides a unique interpretation of an event or a person. They go hand-in-hand and together can provide the whole picture.

Wedding Seating Chart Tool

2009-08-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wished you had an EASY tool to draw a floor plan of your reception? Well, Wedding Mapper makes your wish come true. This is as easy as it gets. You can specify the size of the room, and click and drag round and oblong tables, a dance floor and other objects onto the floor plan to see how crowded or how luxurious the room feels.

As though that isn't enough, they also have a seating chart tool that allows you to seat guests at tables, move them around, or remove them if they misbehave.

Oh, and did I mention? It's F-R-E-E-!

Incredible Lighting for a Wedding

2009-08-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

OK so let's say you have rented a castle in England for your wedding and you're looking for a little something extra. Actually, something spectacular which your guests will not soon forget. May I present...a very special light show.

$100,000 Wedding Giveaway

2009-08-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

What are you doing on May 14, 2010? How would you like to get married at the very chic Hotel Vitale in San Francisco? Oh, and how would you like all of your $100,000 expenses to be totally covered? If so, then here's one contest you will want to ENTER:

I know what you are thinking. Too good to be true. But believe me! I know Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, the organizer of this extravaganza, and she is the real deal. Honest, thorough, fun, creative, down to earth, dedicated.

So what have you got to lose? Enter now. And, lots of good luck!

My Favorite Actresses

2009-07-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

I am awed by great acting. There are some actors who have wonderful insight into the varied characters they play. The first time you see a great performer, you recognize they are going to be great. Like Meryl Streep in a tiny role in the made for TV movie Holocaust. She was on screen for less than a minute, but we never forgot that performance.

And there are actors who change so completely for each role, you hardly recognize them. Take a look at Joan Allen in Peggy Sue Got Married behind those nerdy glasses vs her role in the Contender.

So here are a dozen of my favorite actresses and some of the roles in which I've enjoyed seeing them.

Amy Adams - Enchanted, Charlie Wilson's War, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, Doubt, Julie & Julia

Joan Allen - Peggy Sue Got Married, Tucker, Pleasantville, The Contender, The Notebook, Bourne Supremacy

Cate Blanchett - Elizabeth, An Ideal Husband, Talented Mr Ripley, Lord of Rings, The Aviator, Babel, Indiana Jones and Kingdom of Crystal Skull, Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Jennifer Connelly - Rocketeer, Pollock, A Beautiful Mind, House of Sand and Fog, Blood Diamond

Anne Hathaway - Princess Diaries, Brokeback Mountain, Devil Wears Prada, Becoming Jane

Frances McDormand - Fargo, Lone Star, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, Burn After Reading

Helen Mirren - Excalibur, White Nights, Calendar Girls, The Queen

Julianne Moore - An Ideal Husband, End of the Affair, Far From Heaven

Michelle Pfeiffer - Witches of Eastwick, Married to the Mob, Dangerous Liasons, Fabulous Baker Boys, Russia House, Batman Returns, Age of Innocence, Up Close and Personal, What Lies Beneath, Stardust

Meryl Streep - Julia, Holocaust, Deer Hunter, Kramer vs Kramer, French Lieutenant's Woman, Sophie's Choice, Out of Africa, River Wild, Bridges of Madison County, Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia

Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton, Burn After Reading, Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Naomi Watts - Dangerous Beauty, King Kong, Painted Veil, Eastern Promises

Best Movie Scenes in History

2009-07-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

If there was a contest for the best acted, most moving scene in a movie, what would it be? We've come up with a few, but feel free to suggest your own and why.

Meryl Streep, Sophie's Choice - explaining what is Sophie's Choice.

Damien Lewis, The Forsyte Saga - after his wife leaves him for another man, Soames Forsyte caresses his wife's empty dress and lets the dam break of decades-long pent up tears.

Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, Slumdog Millionaire - every scene in which he plays the young Jamal

Christian Bale, Empire of the Sun - showing the wonder of being a child, oblivious to the dangers of war

Johnny Depp, Nick of Time - reacting to the impossible choice of having to kill a highly placed public figure in order to save his kidnapped daughter's life

Toshiro Mifune, High and Low - the scene of panic he experiences on the train when he can't open the window to throw the ransom money to the kidnappers to retrieve his child

Guy Pierce, L.A. Confidential - walking the tightrope of extreme ambition vs integrity vs lust

Jake Gyllenhaal, October Sky - a convincing performance of a boy from a dingy little West Virginia coal town who looks at the sky and imagines a future as a rocket scientist. About as likely as a pig with wings. Or so says your father. But maybe your dream will come true with the guidance of a dedicated teacher and the support of everyone in town.

New Trend in Veils - the Bird Cage

2009-07-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Q: What's the latest in veils?

A: Bird cage veils are making a comeback. Not since the Hollywood glamour days of the 1940s have these veils, and the hair accessories, been so in vogue. Maybe it started when Drew Barrymore wore one on Grey Gardens. Maybe it is the compromise between having a traditional length veil and no veil at all.

Whatever is responsible for the trend, it is undoubtedly stylish and flattering to almost every bride.

Where can you get the components - feathers, combs, tulle? At your local fabric store, a phenomenal store such as Britex on Union Square in San Francisco, or at Unveiled Bridal Designs online.

Here are a few more examples.

I'm Horrified, But Can't Look Away

2009-07-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

I confess. I'm semi-hooked on watching the TV show Bridezilla. I'm not sure if it's that I feel like a voyeur watching the brides' vindictive rages that feed on themselves. Or whether it's watching the hapless victims take the abuse when all they have to do is walk away and it would be the bride who would suffer. Or whether it is the extreme self-centeredness and entirely frivolous and trivial issues the brides rant about to create the drama that fascinates me. Eventually I can't stand it anymore and turn it off...until the next time.

But here's what I do know. There's always a reaction for every action. Karmic retribution is real. Members of the wedding party start dropping out at the last minute when they've had enough of being treated like a slave, being humiliated, scolded and scorned. Family rifts are started that fester for decades. People start responding to the brides in-kind with the same level of meanness and disrespect.

But what is the opposite of a bridezilla? It is the thoughtful bride. How can you spot such a bride?

--Throughout the planning process, she solicited and incorporated her groom's preferences and suggestions, both large and small, whether they fit with her vision or not.

--She is genuinely thrilled that someone came to her wedding and doesn't care what present the guest brought, or even if they brought a gift at all.

--She privately and publicly thanks every person - parents, wedding party members, friends and wedding professionals - for contributing to making the day special with their love, their time and their talents.

--She is totally present when speaking to the grandest or the smallest guest. She is not offering a perfunctory "Thanks for coming." without even looking in their direction.

--She savors every moment. She takes time to whisper in her groom's ear how happy he has made her and that she will try to make him happy every day for the rest of their lives.

Of all the weddings we've witnessed, the thoughtful bride is what makes the most memorable wedding. And it doesn't cost a penny.

Promises and Pearls

2009-06-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Lovely Brides,

Would you like to be invited to an elegant evening at which you can learn more about services for your wedding? No hassles, no pressure, just pure enjoyment.

Well, let me invite you to register for Promises and Pearls, a complimentary evening on July 8, from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Payne Mansion in San Francisco. It will be hosted by Michelle at MB Wedding Design and Events, a lovely and dedicated event planner full of great design ideas.

Oh - and make sure you stop by The Flirty Guide booth and say "Hi!" to my good friend Stacie Tamaki. Her roster of event professionals is top notch. We are proud to be on her list.

Tell your friends! Go and have a good time! Enjoy!

Why I Love 'Don't Tell the Bride'

2009-06-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

OK I admit it. I've become hooked on that British TV show Don't Tell the Bride. The premise is that a groom gets $20,000 to plan the wedding. The catch is that he has to plan the wedding in 30 days and he can't talk with the bride or get her input. And $20,000 doesn't go any further in merry old England than it does in the States.

Why do I love it so? Because I've learned something and confirmed another.

First, almost all of the grooms hire the first venue they come across. Rookie mistake. Sometimes this takes up 50% or more of their budget! Those castles in England don't come cheap. But then the grooms are left with so little money, they can only cater a barbeque on the castle lawn (!), or go cap in hand to beg for additional funds from their parents. I suppose this is what makes for drama and humor. Often a level-headed friend will set it all to rights ("Are you crazy? You can't have a barbeque at a wedding!"). Or some considerate wedding professional will give good advice or a good deal to pull them out of the hole they've dug.

For once, a reality show reflects reality. Couples feel pressured to hire or buy elements of their wedding as quickly as they find them for fear they'll never find anything else that suits them. Don't do it! Do some research to see what prices are realistic IN EVERY CATEGORY in the city where your wedding will take place so you can set priorities and make good choices. Otherwise, will this really be the wedding of your dreams? Spending a little more time on research and setting priorities up front will save a lot of heartache later.

After making that initial mistake, the grooms go on to make an even bigger one. They ALWAYS pick a dress that their brides HATE. After many tears (hers) and gnashing of teeth (his), the groom manages to scrape up enough money to buy a second dress even though he couldn't get any money back for the first dress. He has made his bride happy about the one thing that mattered most to her. Then the bride is able to give the groom the one thing that matters most to him - appreciation for his efforts, no matter how things turned out. The bride maintains a regal bearing and a bemused look as she surveys the rest of the groom's odd decisions.

That brings me to what has been confirmed.

What it really comes down to is understanding what is important to each key participant - bride, groom, parents - before going on the first site visit. Then, it's a balancing act to make sure everyone is happy, while sticking to the budget. The extent to which the bride and groom understand, communicate and respect each other's wishes and feelings, and those of their families, gives a clue about how the rest of their married life will go.

It won't be long now before they come up with the American version. I can't wait.

Get Married

2009-06-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Do you know the fun Lifetime TV show Get Married hosted by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie? The show is best known for bringing the latest trends and inspirations to brides.

Well, in addition to their hit TV show and their great website, Get Married is launching a new national wedding magazine and the first issue will appear on newsstands in October, 2009. You can reserve your FREE copy now by sending Get Married an email.

More details to follow...

Life in Stop Motion

2009-06-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Want clever? Watch!

If you would like to see a behind-the-scenes "making of", check this out.

Mean Kitty Video of the Week

2009-06-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and you know what that means...time for Video of the Week.

So why does this piece deserve to be our Video of the Week?

1. Visual images, lyrics and music are complementary.

2. The order of the images tells an entertaining tale.

3. We like cats.

4. The guy is kinda cute.

This is a fun piece of fluff. It doesn't have to be lofty to merit 3 1/2 minutes of our time.

Yearbook Smiles Predict Marriage Success

2009-06-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Want to predict if you will stay married? Take out your high school yearbook. If you are smiling, you are more likely to have a long marriage. I did not make this up! A research study at DePauw University scored high school yearbook pictures based on a "smile intensity score". They found the top 10% of smilers had a 5% divorce rate, and the bottom 10% smilers (the non-smilers) had a 25% divorce rate. Their explanation? People with positive emotionality may attract happier people or interpret events more positively.

And keep smiling!

What a Girl Wants

2009-05-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Proof- once again - that what men want and what women want are two different things. Even though this Heineken ad is in Dutch, you will have no difficulty understanding what you are seeing.

The Immediate Experience

2009-05-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Movies. What are they all about? The best ones are about the human experience. The immediate experience. Relationships. Emotions. Feelings. Comfort. Inspiration. Misery. They shed light on our own experiences.

The best movies create the same feelings in you at the same point in the story every time you see them. So which are some of my favorites?

Field of Dreams - despair, then hope and the magic that can come from a child-like faith, when "Doc" saves the little girl who was choking on a hot dog

E.T. - again, despair then hope, as E.T. lifts Elliott heavenward across the sky just as the Feds are closing in - a magical moment in film history

Schindler's List - transformation from selfishness to selflessness and witnessing that one person can make a difference

Casablanca - sacrifice of personal happiness for the greater good; "Here's lookin' at you kid."

It's a Wonderful Life - a life full of deeds of quiet heroism and generosity add up to "Here's to my big brother George. The richest man in Bedford Falls."

The Color Purple - when Celie and her sister are reunited and Celie sees her children for the first time in 20 years, your heart soars. Even the improbable can come to pass.

Why does it matter? Because there are more great moments at weddings than in even the greatest movie. And, those moments should be preserved - exactly as you experienced them - with a cheeringfamily, live music, and just a tiny tear glistening at the corner of your eye. A great wedding movie delivers the immediate experience.

Don't Tell the Bride

2009-05-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the BBC television show, Don't Tell the Bride?

The premise is that a groom gets $20,000 and has a month to plan a dream wedding for his bride. The catch is that they can have no contact prior to the wedding and the bride can have no input. As with any (un)reality TV show, you have to suspend your disbelief. Who would risk everything going wrong on their wedding day? And, it's been rumored that the producers purposely undermine the wedding day just enough to (gasp!) create tension which can result in a happy ending.

I admit that I've seen parts of two episodes and there are some nuggets we can glean.

Lesson #1: The grooms do much better than you might imagine. Afterwards, they have a much greater appreciation of how much hard work goes into planning a wedding.

Lesson #2: The brides are more forgiving than you might imagine.

Lesson #3: The biggest sticking point seems to be selecting a wedding gown. Brides have definite ideas about what they want, and the grooms are usually clueless.

One groom designed the dress himself, complete with RED boning on the corset bodice and red lacing in the back. It had a slightly goth flavor. His mother counseled him that ivory would be more suitable, and to his credit, he wisely took her suggestion. His bride still hated the dress when she saw it the day before the wedding. So, he scrapped his plan and bought the dress of her dreams. Good man. This marriage might last.

Lesson #4: Weddings are as expensive in England as they are in San Francisco and the $20,000 budget doesn't go very far. If the groom rents the castle (literally) of his dreams, there is very little left to pay for everything else. The invitations are likely to be flyers printed at Kinko's (but sealed with red wax), the decor will be balloons not flowers, the linens will be paper tablecloths not linen, the cake will come from a supermarket and the meal may be a BBQ. But the castle, horse drawn carriage, elaborate lighting and belly dancers will be great. It's always a matter of priorities. And goofy priorities make for lively reality TV entertainment.

Lesson #5: In the end, it's all about how well the groom knows his bride's preferences and taste and how well both the bride and groom understand that starting with the wedding, marriage is all about compromise and pleasing the other person.

Lesson #6: Those British accents are so darned cute.

Worst Wedding Invitation

2009-05-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

The folks over at BrideTide posted the worst wedding invitation. Tragically funny.

If Today Was Your Last Day on Earth

2009-05-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

This is the season of graduations. We've all heard at least commencement speakers. Some boring, some inspirational. Sure, there was Ellen DeGeneres' Tulane speech last week, and President Obama's Notre Dame speech. But, we selected Steve Jobs' 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University.

Why?

We as a species are story tellers and Steve Jobs spins a wonderful tale. He's not eloquent. He reads from his notes. His presentation isn't stellar. But, his words and thoughts are powerful. This speech changed my opinion of Steve Jobs. That's powerful - changing minds.

At first I thought I'd watch this 15-minute piece for a few minutes, but gradually, I was drawn in and wanted to hear more. And I stayed until the very end.

Among other things, Steve said, "If you live every day as though it is your last, one day you will be right. If what you are about to do today is different than what you would do if this was your last day, then something has to change."

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

2009-05-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Brides are seeking creative ways to carry on through these troubled economic times and still have stylish weddings. So, in the spirit of having style on a budget, but still having the real deal, here's a suggestion.

Celebrities who walk the red carpet borrow real jewels to accessorize their fabulous gowns. Although you are not likely to be able to waltz into Chopard, Harry Winston, or Fred Leighton and borrow a bauble, you can rent real jewelry for your wedding.

The necklaces Adorn offers are worth from $1500 to $70,000; bracelets worth from $3000 to $20,000; and earrings are worth from $2000 to $20,000. You can rent these jewels for 3% to 5% of their retail value for a few days, from $90 each.

Just 'cause you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't be princess for a day.

Win an Alfred Angelo Wedding Gown

2009-05-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a contest to win a bride's heart. For brides getting married in September 2009 or later, you can play a video game on the Get Married website and if you are the high scorer, you could win an Alfred Angelo wedding gown valued at up to $1800.

Timeless Beauty

2009-05-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

Brides are more sophisticated and stylish than ever. They have the desire and, thanks to the internet, they have the ability to research every aspect of their wedding. So what did brides do before the 1990's?

Will You Be My Bridesmaid answers that question, at least in the realm of fashion. This unique blog showcases the fashions of the times in photos of bridesmaids from each decade starting in the 1940's. Many of the brides and their entourage were fashionable for the times. But in a few cases one wonders, what were they thinking?

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

Danny Macaskill, Video of the Week

2009-05-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Who inspires us? Sometimes it is someone you've never met. You feel as if, as with Michelangelo's painting, the Creation of Adam on the Sistine chapel, that man is touching perfection. When you witness someone doing what they love and what they are so good at, you feel a special sort of joy.

With a well-crafted movie, the content, the filming and the editing all help you feel the joy that the performer feels. So here is the Video of the Week of the amazing bicycle acrobatic skills of Danny MacAskill.

5 Whimsical Wedding Cakes

2009-05-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

We've seen our fair share of wedding cakes. They've ranged from very simple white fondant icing with a wide ribbon of the groom's family tartan at the base of each layer to Shinmin Li's I Dream of Cake and Sam Godfrey's Perfect Endings fantasy creations.

But honestly we haven't seen much whimsy or tasteful humor. So today...here come the whimsical cakes.

The first two create a fresh contemporary happy feeling. The last three take a turn for, well, for wedding hell.

For more unique cakes, visit the Austin Wedding Blog.

The Today Show Throws a Wedding

2009-05-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

How would you like to be wed on The Today Show?

Why would you do that? Because they would provide wedding attire for the couple and wedding party, the venue, the wedding cake, flowers, music, rings and honeymoon.

Why wouldn't you do that? Because you would have no input on all those items, nor on the wedding date (week of July 15). The TODAY show and viewers will decide for you. You would have to agree to public appearances before the wedding, during and after the honeymoon. And of course, your wedding would be broadcast live to the world.

If you are game, fill out the application, attach a photo of both of you, a 1-minute video and mail it by May 15 to TODAY Throws a Wedding at 30 Rockefeller Center in NYC.

Good luck!

Beauty in the Fog

2009-05-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

San Francisco is so beautiful in all kinds of weather. So, when we filmed a wedding at the Legion of Honor a few weeks ago with the amazingly talented Michelle Walker, we were delighted to see the fog waft past the stately columns.

On a wedding day, it's all about filming the action that's going on, so we had to let the fog keep rolling by. But, we wanted to capture some of that beauty so we returned to the Legion of Honor yesterday in the early morning hours to do just that. Here are a few still images. It was so quiet and serene.

Then, to our surprise, it was Free Tuesday. So we wandered the galleries of beautiful Rodin sculptures and were inspired by the special exhibition of Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Tiffany

and Lalique (through May 31). The Faberge eggs are justifiably famous. They are exquisite miniatures creatively designed with fabulous precious stones, gold and platinum, enamels and pearls. Among European royalty it was the tradition to give the gift of a decorated egg to commemorate events such as the birth of a child, a wedding anniversary or an Easter or Christmas holiday.

There was always a surprise inside such as a hand painted 10-panel picture frame of the royal palaces where the Empress spent her childhood.

Or a miniature gold coach to commemorate the coronation of Nicholas and Alexandra. The coach has an imperial crown of rose diamonds on the roof, platinum tires, rock crystal windows and an imperial eagle on either door.

They really knew how to give gifts in those days!

In the Wedding Soup

2009-05-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Liz Guthrie's Bay Area Wedding Soup? Liz, the creative mind behind San Jose Wedding Consultants, offers planning tips and introduces you to the San Francisco Bay Area's best wedding vendors week after week. And she does it so cleverly, by marching through the alphabet from A to Z. She never skips a letter - not even Q or Z!

Some of Liz' posts are informative:

"G" is for Gratuity: How Much to Tip your Wedding Vendors

"K" is for Kids at Weddings

"N" is for Name Change - a list of places you need to notify if you change your name

"Q" for Q&A - How much does a wedding cost in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Other posts help you find unusual services:

"B" is for Bagpiper

"C" is for Cigar Rollers

"F" is for Feng Shui

"T" is for Tarot Card Reader

Along the way, Liz dishes about behind-the-scenes in the Bay Area wedding industry. Thoroughly entertaining and informative.

Savadelis Films was lucky enough to be featured this week. Thanks Liz!

Tribeca Film Festival: The Confession

2009-05-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Tribeca Film Festival in lower Manhattan is just ending this weekend. It's one of the best-known film festivals which showcase independent films. Even if you can't get to NYC, you can view some short features online. One of the shorts is our Video of the Week.

Why does it deserve this distinction? It is a well-paced 3-minute story which ends with a great punchline. [Caution: content is somewhat racy and definitely sacrilegious.] We've often said that a great movie creates emotion whether happiness or sadness. In this case, it is most definitely laughter.

A Thoughtful Note

2009-04-29T06:43:00.001-07:00

We love what we do - every day! And some days, even more! Here's a note we received this morning. What a great way to start the day. If you're curious, here are the Quicktime and Windows Media versions of the movie trailer of Melissa and Paul's wedding.

We are still in touch with most of our precious brides and grooms for just this reason. As the years pass, the wedding movie we produced for them becomes more valuable. We remember and cherish each couple and are thrilled when they drop us a note about their lives. Thank YOU Melissa and Paul.

"Dear Chuck and Jewel,

Paul and I just celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. Time has flown and life has changed in many wonderful ways. We still treasure the wedding movie you made for us. Of all the many expenses of a wedding, asking you to make a wedding video for us has been the best investment. You've allowed us to experience that wonderful day over and over again.

We have moved to southern California and have 2 little girls. Catherine is 2.5 years old and Sarah Jane is 8 months. We couldn't be happier. Catherine just watched our video for the first time and she loved every moment of our fairytale, especially when Daddy puts his tie on!

With many thanks,

Melissa & Paul"

Jackson's Smile

2009-04-28T09:32:00.001-07:00

Why is it that the most successful people are often the most caring?

My friend, the talented photographer Lisa Lefkowitz, told me that she is participating in a wonderful online sale of some of her fine art photography. The proceeds benefit a precious little boy named Jackson who was born with a rare syndrome, Simpson Golabi Behmel, as well as cleft lip and palate. In his first year, he has had two surgeries and is facing more to address the various anomalies.

The medical expenses are steep, already totaling over one million dollars. But due to the generosity of many people, Jackson an now eat, drink and smile. Simple gifts we take for granted. Jackson's Smile is a coalition of photographic artists dedicating their time, money and talent to Jackson and others like him a helping hand.

At Jackson's Smile you can purchase fine art prints. Have a look. Buy a print or two. They start at a very reasonable $35. It will put a smile on your face.

Most Watched You Tube Video - Susan Boyle

2009-04-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the Video of the Week. It is one of the most inspiring performances I've ever seen. Over 70 million people have watched Susan Boyle's performance on You Tube. So, why is it our pick of the week?

1. The content. The performance itself was stunning. From the first note, this singer touched almost every person in the audience.

2. The song. I Dreamed a Dream. Who in this wide world hasn't had a big dream that everyone scoffed at? What would you give to have triumphed in such a public way?

3. The reactions. The video was edited beautifully. The change of heart by the audience and judges was captured very well. It enhanced the video. And our reactions to their reactions amplify the thrill of Susan's triumph.

4. The complete story. Ultimately, this is a story of a person who dreamed a dream, had confidence in herself, but LOOKED like the most unlikely person to pull it off. She LOOKED like she would sing off key or forget the lyrics or do something kooky. The judges and audience weren't just neutral about her. They had active contempt for Susan. They were laughing, hooting and jeering.

But then, a miracle happened. She sang the first note in a pure and truthful way. Instantly the audience and judges changed their minds about her. And when they did, her dream came true.

Only when you HEAR her performance, SEE her performance and witness the judges' and audience's change in attitude does the miracle occur. The video reveals the whole story. The difference is that in the photograph Susan Boyle is nothing extraordinary.

In the video she is the personification of all of our inner most dreams come true. She inspires us to find a deeper meaning. To endure harsh critics with dignity and grace. To be vulnerable despite the doubts we hold in our hearts. To challenge superficial biases, prejudice and stereotypes in favor of fairness, courage and humility. This is why Susan Boyle has captured our attention and our hearts. And that's why this is our Video of the Week.

Cute Overload

2009-04-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Every now and again you have to take a moment. I found these on cute overload. There are many more - all animal related.

San Francisco International Film Festival Rides Again!

2009-04-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Time for the 52nd annual San Francisco Film Festival, starting tonight, Thursday, April 23. Before the last reel is shown on Thursday, May 7, over 150 films from 50 countries will be shown, and Robert Redford and Francis Ford Coppola will receive awards and chat with the crowds.

Rumor has it that there are a lot of must-see films including:

Bluebeard - killing your wives is cheaper than a divorce

Adoration - a teenager blurs the line between fact and fiction when he writes an essay portraying his deceased father as a terrorist

Ferlinghetti - local filmmaker's documentary on San Francisco poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti including interview with Dennis Hopper, Alan Ginsberg and other bohemians

La Mission - filmed in San Francisco in just 26 days, the movie stars Benjamin Bratt of Law & Order fame, directed by his brother Peter Bratt. Both Bratts will be in attendance

The Lost World (hot ticket!) - A silent film accompanied by an original score performed live by Dengue Fever, a Cambodian/American rock, country and African fusion jazz band. Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's sci-fi novel, a group of explorers make the fatal mistake of bringing back a brontosaurus from an exotic locale.

See you at the movies!

Monterey Bay Otters and Sea Lions

2009-04-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

Monday was a record-setting scorcher in the Bay Area. You can't do anything about the weather except find a solution. So Chuck and I went kayaking on Monterey Bay. We traveled several miles along the coast to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was calm, a sunny sky, and just a hint of a cool breeze. Here are a few of our companions.

First, there was the "barbershop quartet of sea lions. Nicely lined up. Nice harmony. Hard to understand the lyrics.

Then, although it's hard to see, there was the mother otter (white) grooming her pup (brown). They looked a little scraggly and in need of a grooming. But they were adorable.

What's amazing is how close they will come to you. They are curious and playful creatures. What a joy to share the planet with them!

Frozen in Time

2009-04-17T12:13:00.001-07:00

Today's Video of the Week has been viewed over 16 million times on YouTube. On cue, dozens of people froze in place at Grand Central Station in NYC. It's fun to see and hear people's reactions to this unusual occurrence.

Daily Candy Weddings - New!

2009-04-16T09:16:00.001-07:00

What a delight! What a surprise! Daily Candy, one of my favorite blogs, has launched a whole new blog devoted to weddings: Daily Candy Weddings. In addition to offering a lot of great ideas to inspire you, they have a nice feature called Hitched which gives a few sentences about a real couple. At the end of each couple's story, they mention one piece of advice they learned while planning their wedding. Here are two examples:

"No matter how big or how small the event is, take the time to step outside of it and look in. One of our favorite wedding memories was going up to the balcony overlooking dinner and watching all of our friends and family having a great time together."

"Befriend your vendors. Set the tone of our wedding by being gracious and generous with those who are helping to make your day perfect."

Mini Portrait Session

2009-04-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

Riddle me this: What's beautiful, is great fun while you're doing it, lasts forever and is a great bargain?

Answer: A mini portrait session with the fantastic and lovely photographer Jessamyn Harris.

Details:

When:

Sat, April 25,

10AM - 6PM

Where:

Cast Away Yarn Shop

111 Fourth Street

Santa Rosa, CA 95401

707-546-9276

What:

--Mini Portrait Session (20 minutes), $40

--Includes a 5x7 print credit and online proofing

--Day-of 10% in-store credit at Cast Away Yarn

--Open to couples, families, children, pets, babies

--Fun backgrounds and knitting props (if you like)

Now What:

To book your session, contact the ever-lovely Jessamyn at

j@jessamynharris.com

707-235-8953

Sessions are available on the half-hour. Prefer a special time? Please book in advance.

For More Info: www.jessamynharris.blogspot.com

Oh and one more thing...we KNOW Jessamyn and she is a real pleasure and a very talented photographer (take a look at her portfolios online). If she wasn't your photographer, you'd want her as your friend.

Best Easter Ever!

2009-04-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! After you've found all your hidden Easter eggs, come on down to The Tech Museum in San Jose. Today, it's FREE!

The Tech

201 S. Market Street

San Jose

11 AM - 3 PM

We'll be in the lobby where you can win the "Grand Lottery"! What's the "Big Prize"? You can save a life! Here are the rules:

1. C'mon over to the HelpingTami.Org table set up in the lobby at The Tech.

2. Fill out a brief registration form to Enter you into the National Registry for Bone Marrow Donors. WAIT! I know what you're thinking! Please read the next two sentences before you stop reading.

a. In 70% of the cases, the donation of marrow comes from DONATING BLOOD, not marrow from your hip - no operation, no anaesthesia.

b. In 70% of the cases, the donor is NOT A FAMILY MEMBER!

OK, are you still with me?

3. Swab the inside of your cheek. The samples will be sent in for testing.

4. If you are a match for Tami or for one of the 6,000 others who are waiting, you will be notified and given the chance to "Win Big" and donate some of your precious blood to save a life.

Have a safe and peaceful Easter.

An Extraordinary Life

2009-04-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

What would happen if you lived the life you dream of? How do you get there from where you are? Today's Video of the Week may answer these quesetions.

Sex, Lies and Photoshop

2009-04-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

How many of the images we see in magazines and everyday life have been altered? Virtually all of them. Why does this matter? Because altered images effect our idea of beauty. It negatively impacts girls' and boys' self esteem because perfect beauty can only be achieved with an airbrush.

When viewing a work of art that is clearly labeled as art. We can separate fiction from reality. But advertisements with models that have been photo-shopped 20 to 30 times are presented as real. They are an impossible standard of beauty that prompts the filmmaker to ask, "If not even the models themselves can really measure up to their own images, what does it mean?"

What can be done about it? In France new laws are being proposed to make it illegal to promote negative body image and eating disorders. They propose to ban websites, censor media and force magazines to disclose the extent to which their images have been retouched. Watch this 4 1/2 minute piece which appeared in the New York Times on March 10. It is powerful.

Oh, and by the way, the photo of Chuck and me on the upper right of this page is retouched.

HelpingTami.Org

2009-04-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

I have a friend, Stacie.

Stacie has a cousin, Tami. That's Tami in the picture. Cute!

Tami is very sick with pre-leukemia and needs your help.

Let me just say, before Stacie told me about Tami I didn't know much about marrow donations. Here are two myths that I found weren't true:

MYTH 1: Donations come from family members.

TRUTH: 70% of donations come from unrelated people!

MYTH 2: You have to undergo surgery to harvest the marrow from your hip if you are a donor.

TRUTH: 70% of marrow donations are extracted from your blood. So, it's like donating blood. And when they take the parts of the blood they need, they return the rest to you!

This weekend there will be a marrow donor drive at the Tech Museum

Sunday, April 12

11 AM - 3 PM

201 S. Market St

San Jose, CA

And here's a bonus: the Tech has FREE ADMISSION on Sunday, April 12.

It only takes 10 minutes. All you have to do is:

1. Complete a brief health questionnaire

2. Sign a consent form to have your tissue type listed on the registry

3. Swab the inside of your mouth with a Q-tip, and the sample will be sent to the National Marrow Donor Program.

4. Tami's tissue type will be compared to yours. If your sample isn't a match, your information will remain in the registry until your 61st birthday with the hope you will be able to save the life of another person in need.

5. The test kits are free to anyone of any minority group or of mixed ethnicity. There is normally a cost of $52 for tissue typing of Caucasians. Thanks to a federal grant, the fee at the Tech on April 12 is reduced to just $25. And it's tax deductible!

So, c'mon out, bring your friends and if you want to volunteer, let Stacie know! For more information and 10 more ways to help, please visit www.HelpingTami.org.

Bridal Canvas

2009-04-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

You're smart, sophisticated, have good taste and know what you want. All you need is the tool to collect all those great ideas you've seen on Style Me Pretty, Snippet & Ink, Melissa's Smitten and other great wedding blogs and create your own inspiration board. Fast and easy. Now you've found it. Introducing Bridal Canvas.

This website steps you through how to save your favorite elements - decor, apparel, flowers, food, colors, and combine them into a pleasing whole on a "canvas". Hey arts & crafts hasn't been this fun since the 4th grade!

Stand By Me

2009-04-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

This little Video of the Week reminds us we are more alike than we are different and that we are all connected no matter where in the world we are.

Stand By Me from David Johnson on Vimeo.

Sonoma Film Festival

2009-04-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do this weekend that's fun and a little different? Go to the Sonoma International Film Festival known for the intimate and luxurious extended weekend of great food, fine wine, and film from around the world.

The Festival, acclaimed as a "sun-drenched, wine-soaked cinematic magic carpet ride!" (IFC News), invites guests to enjoy some of the year's best new independent films, specialty events, luxurious parties, wine and food pairings - and casual mingling with top filmmakers and celebrities from around the world. Who knows who you might run into? There are still tickets to the Bruce Willis Tribute Gala at the Jacuzzi Winery on Saturday.

Spring Colors 2009

2009-04-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

You're a trend setter, not a trend follower. So what colors do you choose for your bridesmaids' dresses? Here are a few of the 10 colors that Priscilla of Boston is featuring this year. Not coincidentally they showed up on the Spring 2009 Pantone palette, the world authority on all things to do with color.

Style Me Pretty Features Savadelis Films

2009-03-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-28T08:49:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-03-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-13T09:08:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

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.

Phone: 650.857.0787

Email: sales.catering@cabanapaloalto.net

When Love Is Not Enough

2009-02-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

I have a new plaything- Alltop! I go to the weddings page and randomly scroll over blog post titles. If the first paragraph is interesting, I'll read a little more. That is the way I found this incredibly brave and inspiring post from a woman in NYC who had love and a loving relationship, but not heat and passion. Just like Meg Ryan's character in Sleepless in Seattle. Is love enough? Click HERE to find out. Beautifully written and heart-wrenching.

Alltop and Savadelis Films Tie the Knot

2009-02-27T06:50:00.000-08:00

Wahoo! We've made it into the big time! We are now listed on the Weddings.Alltop page. What an honor! We join our faves:

The Flirty Guide

Away Soiree

Style Me Pretty

Here Comes the Guide Blog

DIY Bride

Wedding Wire

All The Best: Alltop

2009-02-26T12:50:00.001-08:00

Remember in the movie "The Graduate" when Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman) graduated from college and was uncertain of his future. At a backyard barbeque the neighborhood know-it-all friend of the family came over, put an arm around Ben's shoulder and said "I have just one word for you. Plastics."

Well, in the same vein, Pssst. Come over here. I have just one word for you. Alltop. If you haven't heard of it before now, let me tell you about it. Alltop is an outstanding website that stands for All The Top Stories = Alltop. The best blogs are neatly sorted by topic - any topic you can name. And that's what's so amazing and helpful! In a world glutted with data but no analysis, with information but no way to find or organize it, Alltop is your blog valet, butler and maid. As a professional researcher in a past life, I only wish Guy Kawasaki's amazing website had been born a long time ago. A little background info - Guy has the Midas Touch as a former Apple Fellow at Apple Computer, and now Managing Director of Garage Technology Ventures, a seed stage venture capital firm.

Think of Alltop like an e-magazine rack. But bigger than any Barnes & Noble or Borders you've ever been in. Take our category WEDDINGS, for example. At most, there are 25 wedding magazines at the local Borders. But Alltop sports 168 hand-selected wedding blogs for your reading pleasure, and more than 10,000 blogs on all topics combined. The titles of the latest 5 posts for each blog are listed on Alltop so you can go for what interests you. [Note to self: dream up better titles for blog posts.]

So these days, I've given up reading the morning newspaper and instead get my news from Alltop as I sip my first cup of coffee. Thank you Guy Kawasaki!

A Savvy Event

2009-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Savvy: [sav-ee] 1. to know; understand, 2. shrewdly informed; experienced, 3. common sense; practical understanding, 4. discerning.

Our friends at A Savvy Event have launched their fabulous new website.

If you are looking for a casually chic and elegant wedding in wine country, call A Savvy Event. These ladies have style, taste, pizzazz and an eye for just the right detail.

Although they serve many clients, each wedding LOOKS unique. Because, as they explain, every bride IS unique. They take the time to understand each couple's requirements and then, based on their experience, they combine practical choices with a discerning taste for a marvelous look and a smooth-running day. Call to visit their adorable studio in Sonoma. Then spend the day enjoying the beautiful countryside.

Blog in Paradise

2009-02-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

Do these pictures tempt you to run away to paradise? Well if you can't, the next best thing is to become a fan of our good friend Evonne Wong's new blog Away Soiree.

Evonne is an incredible wedding and event planner, based in Hawaii and San Francisco. She is the real deal. She is so energetic, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, fun, sassy, organized, dedicated, creative, generous, gracious...oh, I could go on.

She has had an interesting blog for quite awhile but just launched a new and improved (if that's possible) blog about destination weddings. Check it out!

2009 Oscars

2009-02-23T06:08:00.000-08:00

Is it my imagination or did some of the actresses on the red carpet look like they were going to their own weddings? Lots of white ball gowns at the Oscars last night.

Let's not forget the bridesmaids' dresses - how about red?

Ethics and Online Reviews

2009-02-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

A friend pointed out a recent article on CNN questioning the integrity of Yelp. Here's the gist. The East Bay Express claimed advertisers were being subjected to questionable tactics in order to get them to advertise on Yelp. The promise was that negative reviews would be taken down. The threat was that positive reviews would disappear or negative ones would appear if a business owner declined to advertise with Yelp. A dozen business owners said they experienced this form of blackmail. Some compare these tactics to the mafia demanding protection money. "The local neighborhood protection racket has just moved to the web," said one anonymous source.

Yelp admits that they pay "scouts" and "ambassadors" to write reviews. In some cases, businesses that received negative reviews from paid Yelpers were then asked to advertise.

This brings into question - how authentic and how accurate are the reviews on Yelp?

And it isn't just Yelp that can manipulate the ratings. One irate customer can post an unfair negative review and encourage friends to also post negative reviews. One restaurant owner related that a customer was angry that the business was closed for a private event and went on Yelp, accusing the employees of being unsanitary. There have also been cases of one competitor slamming another.

The biggest challenges faced by Yelp as well as JudysBook.com, Google Local and Yahoo Local is how to encourage ethical user behavior, high-quality reviews and still make money. Whether true or not, there is the appearance of a conflict of interest when the businesses being reviewed are the ones being solicited to advertise. But this is unlikely to change.

So, how can you tell when a review is legitimate? The simple answer is you can't. That's all part of web 2.0. Everyone is free to have an opinion, but you don't necessarily have to believe everything you read. Be a critical thinker.

So here's what I do:

1. Review the reviewer. I investigate the poster's other reviews to see if they are always positive, always negative, or if there seems to be a balance. If this is the only review from this poster and it's particularly negative, I weigh that information. If the poster has posted a good number of reviews about a variety of establishments, with well-reasoned criteria, I give their opinions more weight.

2. There's safety in numbers. It's not as easy to manipulate the results when an establishment has dozens of reviews.

3. Severity of the "infraction". Is the complaint that the waitstaff were surly or that there were multiple health code violations?

4. Compare reviews on several different websites.

And if all this seems too much trouble, then just throw a dart to decide where you will eat tonight.

Do you have a solution? Let us know.

Genealogy - It's in the Genes

2009-02-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

Genealogy used to be a hobby for the elderly. No more! Marriages are about two people and two families joining together. Here is a tangible symbol which reflects your personality by Melangerie in NYC.

Melangerie's modern memorabilia detail the relationships of the bride and groom to their various guests, whether immediate family or childhood friend.

Each chart is customized in style and color to match your decor. Just think of the fun when you discover that cute guy is your fourth cousin twice removed!

U @ 50

2009-02-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

The AARP (American Association of Retired People) showed a video at a recent meeting that was submitted by a 20-year old. It won 2nd place in their contest "U @ 50". It's been viewed over 2,700,000 times on YouTube and over 2200 comments have been left. Have a minute? Take a look.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Shhhh! Silent FIlms

2009-02-13T10:54:00.001-08:00

What should I do with my sweetheart on Valentine's Day, you might be asking. Here's the perfect answer - go to the San Francisco Silent Film Festival tomorrow night.

The featured films will be -

Our Hospitality (1923) a parody of Romeo and Juliet set in the Old South in 1830. Buster Keaton dodges his sweetheart's family's bullets. His daredevil rescue attempt above a waterfall is still one of the all-time great movie stunts. With live piano accompaniment

A Kiss from Mary Pickford (1927) starring Mary Pickford and her husband in real life, Douglas Fairbanks

Sunrise (1927), a compelling tale of love, desire, guilt and redemption. It received the first Academy Award for Unique and Artistic Picture.

The Cat and the Canary (1927) one of the first thriller comedies. It's a tale of a dark house, it involves reading a will, and an escaped lunatic running around. Live accompaniment on the Mighty Wurlitzer.

The art form of movie-making is barely 100 years old. In that time it has made an incredible impression on billions of people. It's been used to educate, to indoctrinate and to entertain. It reflects and maybe even defines a culture and the times we live in. A great movie portrays love and devotion, betrayal and greed, giving us a chance to observe and maybe to understand ourselves a little better. Bravo to the San Francisco Silent Film Festival for bringing us these classics.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Cards

2009-02-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

There are many legends about the origins of St Valentine's Day, all revolving around a good-hearted priest.

One thing we associate with Valentine's Day is a small token of affection between friends and lovers, often a card or hand written note. But why exchange love notes just on one day a year? Our favorite stationers, in additon to offering fabulously wonderful wedding invitations, have wonderful collections of notecards and greeting cards. This is the perfect time to send a little 'love note' to our favorite stationers on Valentine's Day.

Viola Sutanto,

Chewing the Cud

Sabrina and Eunice Moyel,

Melissa Bumstead,

Wedding Univ - The Videography Class Part III

2009-02-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

Wedding University has come and gone - for this year - and it went very well! The classes were quite well attended - lots of information and lots of laughs.

We were glad to participate because we met some very nice people and because we always learn a lot when we have an honest dialogue. From the questions we received, we realize a lot of brides and grooms want to know the difference between a photo album and a wedding movie.

Movies differ from photographs, paintings, theater and other visual art forms in this way: a movie assembles images in a certain order to evoke feelings. Here are two examples.

Here's an intimate photo of a quiet moment shared by a beautiful bride and handsome groom. But what's the story behind it? Here's a 30-second movie that explains the story leading up to their meeting in Quicktime and in Windows Media .

Movies capture a range of emotions, telling you WHAT happened and WHY people feel as they do. Often a movie can share with you more depth and emotion than a single photo. Photography and cinematography are two different art forms. So if you think you will enjoy emotional moments on your wedding day, you might want to consider getting a wedding movie.

Here's another example of a fun photo. The bride and groom are laughing heartily and so are their guests. That's what you hope - to delight your guests and see them enjoying themselves. But why are they all laughing? Sound informs you WHY. A movie enlightens you. Listen to the Quicktime or Windows Media version. So if you think someone at sometime on your wedding day will say something you wish to preserve, a wedding movie is the only medium that will capture the sound, the expressions, the emotion and the backdrop of those moments. Which would your children rather see - the photo or the movie of this toast?

Wedding Univ - Delicious Food Part II

2009-02-10T12:00:00.001-08:00

The food at Wedding University was excellent - just what you would expect from the Four Seasons. The presentation was artistic. And the level of service was superb. Every staff member was very willing to help - with a smile! Many thanks to Julie Kiendra, Kelly Nelson and Paul Kuhn.

There were four superb course served between class sessions. Even though everyone was so full from the previous three courses, everyone forced themselves to have "just a bite" of the fabulous dessert bar. There were perfect little creme brulees, fruit tarts, parfaits and chocolate mousses. Everything was tempting!

Wedding Univ - Big Success Part I

2009-02-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Wedding University took place on Sunday and was filled to capacity! Every bride, groom, mother of the bride and friend of the bride seemed to come away with a new piece of information which made the time spent at University worthwhile - and fun!

Here are some great photos taken by Stacie Tamaki of The Flirty Guide who was there as a member of the press corps covering the event.

There were spectacular "idea rooms" from the lovely gold room with flowering branches to the Asian-inspired red room symbolizing good fortune to the stylish, minimalist and sophisticated purple room (my favorite).

The design group, composed of Gloria Wong Tritasavit of Sash & Sugar, Viola Sutanto of Chewing the Cud, Nancy Liu Chin of Nancy Liu Chin Designs and John & Megan Woods of Enhanced Lighting all did a wonderful job.

Win a Free Engagement Ring

2009-02-03T14:40:00.001-08:00

As they say at the top of the show in ABC Sports programs..."Spanning the globe to bring you..." Well, we're spanning the internet to find you the best giveaways. And here's one worthy of your consideration.

How would you like to win a diamond ring worth $4000? All you have to do is enter here by midnight on February 13. If you live in the continental US, are over 18 years and know a man who is willing to propose on national TV on February 14, the ring could be yours. Second prize: diamond earrings.

Bella Bridesmaid, You're Beautiful

2009-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

If you asked a friend you REALLY liked to be your bridesmaid, where would you go to find her a beautiful dress? Bella Bridesmaid, of course! And what dress might you choose? One from Hannah Williams who just happens to have a trunk show of her Queue dress collection on February 14. Great fabrics. Great colors. And I love the little flower appliques the designer carefully places on the bodice, around the hem or even on the whole skirt, like the full length gown in the picture to the left.

Another adorable little detail you just have to see are the cocktail length dresses with a tiny bit of tulle peeking out. The designer created her collection so each dress worked well for weddings as well as for other events. Finally. It's no longer a lie - you CAN wear that beautiful dress again.

As I was looking at all the gorgeous bridesmaid's dresses at Bella Bridesmaid, it occurred to me that some of these bridesmaids dresses could be worn by a bride. Some of the designers such as Alix & Kelly and Jenny Yoo offer just that - simple silhouettes, in white or off-white, in sensational fabrics such as silk, chiffon or taffeta for as little as $650. For a non-traditional bride, imagine accessorizing with a metallic shoe or just a touch of feathers in the hair. For the groom? Maybe a '40's or '50's retro tuxedo or dark suit with tie to complement the bridal party.

The ladies at Bella Bridesmaid are just so nice and the store is airy and inviting. So before the big Valentine's Night celebration, take your bridesmaids to 2250 Union Street and have a bella, bella beautiful day.

New and Improved Elizabeth Anne Designs

2009-02-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

We've long been a fan of Elizabeth Anne Designs, one of the best wedding blogs we follow. Loved all the great ideas, the great list of talented wedding professionals, and the personal insights they share. Now...even better! A bright and fresh look for their blog and now - vendor reviews, message board and a bulletin board of all kinds of new products and good buys. Really, you must see for yourself. No wonder their readership has doubled in the last month!

Wedding Chic by Colin Cowie

2009-02-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

Colin Cowie's new book Wedding Chic has hit the stores! He offers expert advice, unique ideas and 1001 gorgeous details for which he has become famous.

If you go to Brooklyn Bride and leave a comment online by Friday, this book can be yours.

Changing the World One Step at a Time

2009-01-27T08:07:00.000-08:00

Quick -- what's the best way to leave a small carbon footprint and still be stylish? Eco Stiletto! Don't you just love their name? If you think green means having to wear birkenstocks, it's just not true.

They search the world to bring you items of interest in fashion, home, and health that let you shrink your own carbon footprint one tiny inch at a time. Here's a pair of $689 eco-licious vegan boots you can WIN by entering their contest.

They're made from organic hemp on the outside, metallic faux leather on the inside and all the packaging is recycled or sustainable. Sleek as these little puppies are, they don't use even one of the estimated 225 toxic chemicals used in the tanning process. But you've got to hurry The contest ends on January 31.

Obama's Inauguration in Incredible Detail

2009-01-25T19:18:00.000-08:00

Technology can be truly amazing. Take this image, for example. David Bergman, a professional photographer,while standing on the north press platform during President Obama's inaugural address on January 20 took 220 images which were knitted together for a final image size of almost 59,783 x 24,658 pixels, for a total of 1,474 megapixels.

You can zoom in and see the smallest detail in sharp focus such as Yo-Yo Ma photographing the scene with his iPhone.

Or you can see Justice Clarence Thomas catching a few zzzz's. It's the "Where's Waldo?" of Inaugurations.

Wedding Univ: Ron Grandia

2009-01-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

Ron Grandia

A Different Kind of DJ

A Different Kind of DJ? What makes you so different?

My approach to each wedding is very different from what I've seen others do. The best way to describe it is "Music Last." In other words, it's far more important for me to get familiar with each couple, find out what they are like, learn as much as I can about their tastes and sensibilities, so that I can help them reflect this back to their guests, who are friends and family. This helps me help them make their wedding celebration look and feel like a genuine expression of their personalities which ultimately makes the whole affair much warmer and and more personal. If I can find some deeper connection with the couple, then all kinds of interesting and fun things spill out during our planning sessions, and that helps me fold myself, a total stranger, into a very intimate group of friends and family at a very personal celebration. By the time we get around to discussing music, I have a much richer context in which to help me decide what will stoke the fire of their party.

What's your favorite kind of party?
Personally, I like the big ones because there is usually more built-in energy in a larger crowd, and they always seem to take off on their own. But strangely, some of my favorite weddings to date have mostly been smaller ones - It is a much greater challenge, and therefore a greater accomplishment to subtly help a more intimate group of people forget themselves and get lost in the "now" of a wedding celebration. In a crowd of 250 people, If I can't get 25 people up to help me prime the dance floor, there is something wrong, but getting a group of 40 going is much narrower path, and usually requires some finesse extra finesse.

So does it have to be a dance party to be successful party?
I'm a DJ, so If I had my way, every party would end up with bare feet, spilled drinks and open shirt collars, but somewhere along the way I realized that a full dance floor is not always the most accurate measure of success. I can think of a number of celebrations where best thing that I could do was stop pumping disco at a room full of people that would rather enjoy another glass of wine and some nice conversation with people they love. Playing to a crowd like this takes a whole different set of skills and a deep library, but when it's done right, people are just as appreciative as if you sent them home sweaty and sore. I count evenings like this as some of my best work.

What are some of your "tricks" to get people to dance?
People have been feasting and dancing at weddings for thousands of years, so I just try to maximize the elements that encourage that impulse rather than think some gimmick will help me get the boulder rolling. Believe it or not, a well-considered and expertly executed timeline is a most effective offensive tactic. The best thing I can do is try to set people on the right path early on in the evening and the rest sort of takes care of itself as long as I have the good sense to stay out of the way. But if I find the party needs a little extra push, I have found that personal information I have gleaned through my "Music Last" approach serves me very well - Perhaps I have knowledge of a favorite Aunt who loves to Cha Cha or family friend who knows all the words to some silly song is all it will take to tip the scales. Finding a way to give guests permission to rise to the occasion and put their energy to work always works better than anyhting I could ever do or say. It's their party after all.

What single piece of advice would you give couples trying to hire a DJ if they can't hire you?
Hire someone you'd want to invite to your wedding. Try to find someone that you feel really "gets" who you are as a couple, and is someone that you can imagine getting along with your college friends, Grandparents and new in-laws. This is the person who will likely seem less like a foriegn body, and more like a trusted friend - someone you feel comfortable putting in front of your friend and family with a loaded microphone and power over the playlist.

We've worked with Ron at a number of weddings. He unfailingly gets the party going and keeps it going, while doing it in a refined way. A nicer guy you'll never meet. Come see him in action at Wedding University!

Wedding University

Sunday, February 8, 11 AM - 5 PM

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley

2050 University Avenue

East Palo Alto

$25 for 1 | $40 for 2 guests

At Wedding University, well-respected professionals will guide you through the fundamentals of planning your wedding. Topics include floral and tabletop design, music and dance, catering and menu planning (and tasting!), wedding coordination,photography and videography.

Wedding Univ: Wildflower Linens

2009-01-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

Lily Yeung

Wildflower Linens

How important are linens and chair covers to the overall look of a wedding?

An event will come to its full potential when colors and textures are used appropriately… and linens and chair covers are the way to maximize this effect. Venues that have neutral backdrops are a blank canvas to accentuate linens and chair covers, setting the entire mood and style of the wedding. A ballroom can become a tropical oasis in vibrant tones of citron greens, fuchsia, and mandarin, or become an elegant affair with a subtle stardust toned bustled chair cover. Once you have the right linens, everything will follow accordingly.

Can a client really afford linens if they are on a tight budget?

Of course! It's all about distributing the budget for decor and flowers. We have a large inventory of many different linen options. We have no set packages; everything you order is a la carte. You can order a specialty overlay just for your sweetheart table or overlays for all of your tables. All the account managers at Wildflower Linen have a design background and can assist you in choosing your table décor. And, with price ranges starting from $15, you are sure to find something that will fit your taste and budget.

Where do you get all your inspiration from when creating unique linens?

We get our inspiration everywhere from as common as our surroundings to the extreme fashion runway. Youngsong Martin, a former fashion designer, gets new ideas constantly and has a visionary eye to forecast up and coming trends. Wildflower Linen is a trendsetter, not only in table top and chair covers, but also design in general. We are always up to date with current and future trends/colors and love sharing our fashion ideas and style with our vendors and clients.

What’s the difference between Wildflower Linens and other linen companies?

Wildflower Linen has exceptional customer service and is a fashion forward company. We are always adding to our linen collections and Young is always on the cutting edge of design. We also are known for customizing linens to match the client's taste. No other linen company can design custom linen just for you. This also shows how close and personal we get to know our clients.

What are today's trends of colors and tablescapes?

We are always coming up with new trends and colors. For this year, it's all about soft, bright colors and similar shades put together. For instance, a combination of tone on tone shades of pinks, from pale blush to hot pink, are very in right now! Other colors like champagne, mauve and blush rose are also making their way to table tops. Accents like ruffles, ruching and chiffon swirls play a large part in pulling this whole romantic look together.

Come see and feel wildflower Linen's luxurious table linens at Wedding University.

Wedding University

Sunday, February 8, 11 AM - 5 PM

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley

2050 University Avenue

East Palo Alto

$25 for 1 | $40 for 2 guests

Wedding Univ: Kevin Chin

2009-01-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

Kevin Chin, Kevin Chin Photography

Where do you derive your creative inspiration?

Life…living life to the fullest is what inspires me. Good, bad and everything in-between, I breathe it all in everyday and I am inspired by all of the joy, emotions of the day. I have always felt that I can’t take an honest picture until I can feel the emotion of the moment.

What makes you and your services different from other photographers?

beauty, art…film. My tagline emphasizes that I shoot real film. I also shoot digital but it’s my love and dedication to film that makes it my true passion. My clients come to me because they appreciate the fine-art look and quality of film. Film, especially b&w film has wonderful grain and texture that gives the photos a beautiful and organic quality.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a wedding photographer?

The most common problem I run into is not having enough time to get all of the photos that I want to tell your wedding day story. Hire a great wedding planner and work with your photographer to make sure they have enough time to get all the photos you want.

Why is there such a wide rang of pricing when it comes to photography?

Photographers offer anything from “a la carte” pricing to “all-inclusive” packages which range from inexpensive to very expensive. Usually the price a photographer charges will depend on their experience, reputation, creativity and quality of product and service. Because photography is an art form and art is subjective, it can sometimes be difficult to compare pricing. Just remember that you get what you pay for.

What is the best advice you can give to couple when planning their wedding?

Your wedding day will fly by before you know it and hopefully you have hired a good photographer to help you remember your day. Make a promise with your fiancée that you will take a few minutes out of the wedding day to step back and soak it all in. My fondest memory of our wedding day is when Nancy and I stepped away from our reception and snuck up to the balcony of the Great Room at Kohl Mansion. We spent a quit moment alone and observed all of our friends and family from afar.

Come hear more of Kevin's good advice at Wedding University.

Wedding University

Sunday, February 8, 11 AM - 5 PM

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley

2050 University Avenue

East Palo Alto

$25 for 1 | $40 for 2 guests

Wedding Univ: Jean Marks

2009-01-20T05:06:00.000-08:00

Jean Marks

Jean Marks Wedding

Do you always have assistants working with you at your weddings?

Yes! Having at least one assistant for every wedding I coordinate is an essential facet of providing the high quality of service, which is a hallmark of Jean Marks Weddings. By having one or more well-trained assistants who manage the set up for the ceremony and reception, make s

ure the limos are on eimt, etc., I can essentially be in "two place at once" by maintaining close phone or radio communication. This allows me to focus on the bride's and groom's needs as the day unfolds.

Providing the relaxed, yet well orchestrated day I promise my clients requires that I am also relaxed. And I am, knowing that my team and I have everything under control.

Do you have any tips for brides and grooms? Things that are often overlooked?

It is very important for the bride and groom, but particularly the bride, to make time to eat some simple protein and drink lots of water during the day. I always take a "lunch order" for my brides, and provide exactly what they would like to eat on their wedding d

ay, even though they will be excited, distracted and busy. I have provided everything from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to fresh sushi. If they neglect to eat and drink water, a massive headache may be awaiting them after the ceremony, just when they need to be flying high in the celebration.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

First, I have a leisurely cup of strong coffee, with a yummy walnut sticky bun, in my P.J.'s. Then I put on my old gardening clothes, gather my gardening tools and fertilizer and head out to my garden to pamper my roses and other perennials.

I take off my watch and leave my cell phone inside to create a "mini vacation". By dusk I am ready to come in, make a simple dinner of perhaps salmon, vegetables and salad, and enjoy it with my husband Jeff. After dinner, we take a walk in downtown Palo ALto, stopping for a decadent dessert or ice cream cone, depend

ing on the weather. I really like a simple, quiet day off! Sigh.

Do you keep in touch with your clients after the wedding day?

I try to reconnect with my couples a month or so after the wedding just to reminisce, look at photos and get any feedback they have for me about my service or the service of any of their professionals. It is heartwarming to see how we have developed strong friendships during the planning process and that we all want to stay connected.

What do you enjoy most about being a wedding planner?

I smile a lot at Christmas time when I receive the photos of all the babies who have come into the lives of my previous clients...somehow I feel like an Auntie, and that really makes me smile!

To meet Jean and hear more tips for planning your wedding, come to Wedding University!

Wedding University

Sunday, February 8, 11 AM - 5 PM

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley

2050 University AVenue

East Palo Alto

$25 for 1 | $40 for 2 guests

Project Wedding, Project Elegance

2009-01-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season to be jolly. Oh wait! Didn't that just pass? No! We woke up to another Christmas morning when we saw that Project Wedding had written a flattering blog post about us. Go here to see what they said. We're blushing!

This is one of our favorite wedding websites because it is the complete package.

1. The website is nicely designed, visually streamlined and easy to navigate.

2. Project Wedding has a very complete list of wedding professionals.

3. It has a lot of reviews of wedding professionals BY BRIDES! It's like Yelp for Weddings.

4. They present fresh, creative ideas in 'the Guide', 'What's New' and the 'photos' sections.

5. They offer free wedding websites to brides.

6. It has a chat room so you can discuss what's important to you.

7. It has a wholly calm and positive energy. Love it, love it, love it.

If we had just one word to describe Project Wedding it would be elegance, where elegance is the attribute of being unusually effective and simple; frequently used as a standard of tastefulness and refined grace.

Project Wedding = Project Elegance.

P.S. Thanks to Events by Evonne , our secret Santa who brought us to Project Wedding's attention.

Wedding Univ: Carl MIndling

2009-01-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

Carl Mindling

The Only DJ

What is your most recent favorite wedding moment?

When the little ring bearer snagged the garter away from all the big boys and then laid flat out on the dance floor like he had just scored a touchdown to bask in his glorious catch.

What is the best toast you've ever heard?

When the groom stood up and toasted the bride's parents. He simply said "I want to thank you for trusting me with Julie's future."

What have you seen that makes a wedding the most memorable?

Anything that is unique and creative. Many of my clients have been bold enough to REALLY personalize their event regardless of the rules or etiquette books.

How do you jump start a party that is stalled?

I focus attention on someone who I know will want to be the lampshade. It can be a bridesmaid, guest or certain table who will lead the pack. I make them the vehicle for putting the party in gear.

What's the best advice you can give a bride and groom?

NEVER leave your reception. You are the reason for the celebration, the common denominator and the catalyst for the event.

Want a chance to see Carl in action? Come to Wedding University!

Wedding University

Sunday, February 8, 11 AM - 5 PM

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley

2050 University Avenue

East Palo Alto

$25 for 1 | $40 for 2 guests

Wedding Univ: Gloria Wong Tritasavit

2009-01-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

Gloria Wong Tritasavit

Wedding Designer

Who is your ideal client?
I love working with couples who are eager to share their personalities with me. An important part of my job is to offer ideas on personalizing wedding details. The more I know about the couple, the better equipped I can be with ideas! My ideal clients are couples who want their guests to discover details throughout the wedding that

are reflective of their taste and personalities. For example, I once worked with a fun-loving bride with the last name Chao. Her groom's last name happened to be Fung. They had always had a good laugh with the combination of their names... Chao-Fung which sounds like the Chinese noodle dish "Chow Fun". So, we had a pyramid of Chinese takeout boxes filled with Beef Chow Fun for guests to take home at the end of the evening as a late night snack. We posted a sign and listed all the ingredients for "Beef Chao-Fung". At the end of the ingredients list was "and lots of love". Guests were endlessly amused.

Do you think you'll ever run out of creative ideas?
The answer is no. There are a ton of ways

one single theme can be carried out and executed. My primary source of inspiration is the couple. Since every couple has different tastes, different interests, different personalities, and different love stories that make them unique, I'd like to think that I will never run out of ideas!

What do you most enjoy about your work?
I see wedding design as a puzzle. There are so many pieces that need to come together seamlessly in order to make a design work. Not only does everything from the shape of a candle container to the gobo projection on a ceiling need to work harmoniously together, but they need to be reflective of the couple's style and taste.
I become really excited after I've established a design concept that represents the couple's vision for their wedding. I ca

n never wait to brief trusted vendors on a concept. I love brainstorming with the wonderful invitations designers, floral designers, lighting companies, and cake makers that I've been fortunate enough to partner with. We feed off of each other's creative energy. And the results are magical! I'm always blown away by their superb execution. It's very gratifying to see all the pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly together. It's even more gratifying to see the looks on the faces of couples on the day of their wedding as they marvel at how well the details have all come together and celebrate their union in an environment that completely represents them.

What style of weddings do you like to work on?I honestly do not have a favorite style! Whether it be a casual "Rustic Country Garden" wedding at a winery, a hip "Urban Modern" wedding in a museum, or a formal "Hollywood Glamour" wedding at San Francisco City Hall, I like them all. Carrying out any specific style with all the details is what is most exhilarating to me.

How do you know when you have succeeded on a project?
When a couple finds the time on their special day to pull me aside, give me a big bear hug, tell me that the wedding turned out better than they could have ever imagined and that I've made their dream come true.

Come hear Gloria tell you more about how to beautifully design your wedding at Wedding University.

Wedding University

Sunday, February 8, 11 AM - 5 PM

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley

2050 University Avenue

East Palo Alto

$25 for 1 | $40 for 2 guests

Wedding Univ: Cynthia Glinka

2009-01-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

Cynthia Glinka

Dance Instructor

Are ballroom and social dancing the same?

No. Ballroom dancing usually involves extensive training and competition. The goal of social dancing is proficiency and fun, which are quickly achieved.

photo credit: Herman Privette

How are you different from traditional dance studios?
I offer a less formalized approach to partner dancing than that offered in most traditional dance studios. My method focuses less on footwork, more on proper upper body posture, the closed position hold, and simple variations that can be easily led and comfortably followed. My goal is for you to feel confident and have fun, rather than memorize steps and patterns. After just one session, I guarantee you’ll be dancing out the door. If you can walk, you can dance.

What can we expect in a lesson?

I don’t clock the hour, so once we get together, we will accomplish a beginning, middle and end of a dance. The lesson usually lasts 90 minutes, but our session can be extended if needed. You’ll be provided with a personalized GLINKA GUIDE to recap your lesson, to help you retain the personal instruction and you will receive digital photos taken during our session. I find it is a helpful tool to enhance the opportunity of snapping that perfect shot on your wedding day.

How will we remember after only one lesson?
It only takes 24 hours for the instruction to get from your brain to your feet and for you to retain and recall what you’ve learned. Once you establish muscle memory with our simple tips and tricks, your subconscious will start blending the music with your body movements.

Why is it important to learn to dance?

You will become aware of opportunities to dance to the music as you journey through life now that you have my simple road map. Muscle memory will easily recall the variations we explore and those that you create on the spot. You’ll be amazed how your perception of music changes and instead of sitting and listening, you will get up and dance - together.

Can you help us find the perfect first dance tune?

Yes. I’ve collected an eclectic list of tunes available upon request. I suggest an upbeat tempo for your first dance; you’ll have more fun on the dance floor as your guests cheer you on.

Come see Cynthia burn up the dance floor. In fact, come dance with Cynthia!

Wedding University

Sunday, Feb 8, 1- 5 PM

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley

2050 University Avenue, East Palo Alto

$25 for 1 | $40 for 2 people

Look Who's Smitten

2009-01-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

smitten [smit-n] - adjective

1. very much in love

Smitten. That's how we feel about Smitten Invitations and Melissa's Smitten Blog. We've been fans for a long time of this very talented invitation designer who has a very stylish line of custom 'couture' letterpress invitations, STD cards, note cards, and all things to do with stationery and pretty paper.

She also has a big heart. She understands brides who crave style, but are on a budget. So, she has came up with an incredible idea. She created artwork which you can purchase to design your own invitation. You personalize the design (STD, note card, or program), send it in and it will be reviewed by a typographer. The final art will be mailed to you on a CD. Then you print the invitations. Mission accomplished! Style on a budget. What a thoughtful lady!

We were thrilled to be mentioned in Melissa's Smitten blog this morning and we thank Evonne of Events by Evonne in Hawaii for mentioning us to Melissa. Evonne's blog is also full of wonderful ideas that any bride could adapt to her own wedding. We are so lucky to know so many wonderful people in the wedding industry who understand brides and grooms and genuinely care about them.