Happy Holidays

It's official, after my 4:00 tasting today with the amazing Michael Compean from Michael C. Events I am on vacation! Everyone who knows me knows I am not "truly on vacation" the only way that will happen is if I am somewhere with no internet access because I love my work so much that I can never stay away! What this time means to me is spending more time with my kids, getting a little bit of rest and relaxation in, and revamping and preparing for the new year. I am very excited about all of the changes we will be experiencing in 2010.

I am forever grateful to those of you who have supported us throughout the year, for those clients that entrusted their special day to us, for those vendors who continue to offer our clients superior service, and for those of you who are constantly referring us to your engaged friends!

Thank you to you all, have a safe and Happy Holiday Season. 2010 is our year to shine! ;-)

Love Mexico Experience

Ok, I know I have been missing from the "blogging world" but life has been crazy, finishing up the end of the year weddings and prepping for wonderful new exciting things for 2010! At the beginning of December I had the opportunity to participate in the Love Mexico conference in the Mexico Riviera for wedding planners through the Association for Wedding Professionals international. What a fantastic opportunity that was. I reconnected with other fabulous planners I met in the Philippines as well as built new relationships with other amazing planners and had the opportunity to meet some of my facebook friends like Josefina Luna who is always posting gorgeous photos of the JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa which is what sparked my interest in Cancun. The venues in the Riviera Maya were awesome! The beautiful Barcelo Hotel and Resort was our host for the event. We were given the opportunity to tour other gorgeous locations, meet with talented suppliers, learn how to assist our destination brides, and experienced a Mayan Wedding. Such an unforgettable experience which has enabled me to better assist my clients looking for a destination wedding in Mexico. Here are a few shots from my Love Mexico experience!

Congratulations Steven and Amy

Everyone knows I appreciate being a part of my clients special day and love to get updates about their beautiful marriages. I am so proud to say congratulations to my previous clients Steven and Amy. Today they welcomed their new precious baby girl into the world! What an exciting day for the couple. I am sure this will be the one day Steven never forgets considering his new bundle of joy arrived on his birthday! Can you say "proud papa"?!?!? I know Steven must be all smiles! The gift that truly keeps giving every year...there's no way Amy can ever top this birthday present! Congratulations again Steven and Amy! Enjoy your newest blessing!

Photo courtesy of Janice Trowbridge Photography

www.JaniceTrowbridge.com

Beach Inspiration

The beach is such a tranquil and romantic place. I love beach weddings! They are soooooo romantic. With the ocean as a background, there is little need for decor, the cool breeze, the sound of the waves crashing what more could you possibly want?!?!?! Ahhhhhh....pure relaxation.

Happiness is the Ability to Help Others

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit the Philippines with the Association for Wedding Professionals international. We were treated with the greatest hospitality and met some of the nicest,humble and happiest people! This experience taught me to really appreciate everything I have and not to take my blessings for granted because everything we have can be quickly taken away.

The recent typhoon was definitely another reminder. It's easy for us to turn our heads the other way...but the truth is still there, there are families, fathers, mothers, children that are in need of assistance. Every little bit helps. Whether you contribute $20.00 or offer prayers for the people of Manila the most important thing is you tried to make a difference. By sacrificing a couple of Starbucks runs you can help to feed a family for two weeks. I encourage you to find out how you can help by visiting this site:
http://naffaar8.com/typhoon-ondoy-ketsana-disaster-relief-efforts-in-san-francisco-ca/

These beautiful images were taken by one of the talented photographers of AfWPi Jodi Halliday-Yorston http://www.byjyp.com/

Top 7 Ways To Create More Hours In Your Day

I know this is not "wedding related" but I think a lot of us can utilize this information since we are all trying to cram in so many things into our days. Thank you Linda Hollander from the Wealthy Bag Lady, (http://www.wealthybaglady.com/) I've already started incorporating some of these tips into my day! Hopefully you will find it helpful as well.

1. Use the 80/20 rule. We all know that 80 percent of our results come from 20 percent of our efforts. Figure out what the top 20 percent of your activities are and concentrate on them. Delegate the other tasks or put them off until later.

2. Reduce the Time You Spend on Email. Set up electronic file folders and flag messages from clients and other key contacts. Avoid the urge to check your email every few minutes.

3. Put Fun Names On Your Daily Activities. According to Lisa Nichols, one of the teachers in the Secret Movie, we need to put fun names on our tasks. Instead of checking email, she calls it "Finding money." Instead of working out, she calls it, "Bringing sexy back."

4. Work with a Timer. Buy a kitchen timer and turn it on when you start a task. When I'm editing corporate sponsor proposals for my clients, I put the timer on for 20 minute intervals. Just knowing the timer is on, makes me more productive.

5. Take Frequent Brakes. Avoid working for hours on the phone or your computer with no brakes. Get up, stretch and walk around every hour. If you're in a home office, you could take a walk around the block. If not, you can just go outside. Breathing in fresh air and looking at nature will re-charge your battery.

6. Strive For Completion, Not Perfection. This is a favorite mantra that I use with my clients. Too many of them are perfectionists and it blocks them from completing tasks and moving on to the most important cash flow activities in their businesses.

7. Reward Yourself For Completing Tasks. I love chocolate, so after completing a task, I eat a piece of chocolate and savor the flavor. I eat the good quality chocolate, so I my hips haven't gone condo yet.

Ever Thought About Getting Married During A Hockey Game?!?!?

Looking for a unique inexpensive wedding? If you Love Hockey and are looking to Get Married in search of something different! Check this out! Free Floral for Bridal Party up to 10 Wedding members, on Jumbo Tron for your family and friends and over 1000 Fans to cheer you on! Reception and Ceremony Fully Decorated including 10Ft Crystal Trees and Floral Treatment! Free Hair Stylist for Bride by Crowning Glory Hair Salon aka The Wedding Hairdresser voted #1 on the Knott. Free Day Of Wedding Coordination, free Wedding Cake by Levy's, free Limo by Eternity Limousine to Hotel for A Free Two Night Stay in a Honeymoon Suite! Free Gift Basket upon arrival, Music for your reception area in the Skybox! Free Tux from Allen's Tuxedo's and more!! You have use of the Skybox Room and can invite up to 150 guest including Bridal Party! Tickets for Guest to attend game and your wedding is $25 per person which includes ALL YOU CAN EAT HOCKEY MENU BUFFET! You are welcome to update your menu with Levy's Catering. Contact Kim_weddingsonice@yahoo.com for details!

West LA Bridal Show

Join More than Just Weddings at the West LA Bridal Show on Sunday, September 13, 2009 from 1-5pm. Free Parking and Free Admission. Indulge in wedding cake samples from our friends at Hansen's Cakes and learn how to create a fabulous looking wedding from our event designers Flowers on Mars. There will be a host of talented wedding vendors on hand to answer all of your wedding related questions. Don't forget to check out all of the amenities the newly remodeled Courtyard by Marriott has to offer for your next event! Bring your bridesmaids, mother, mother-in-law, make it a girls day!!!! See you then!

Money Saving Tip

Wow! I can't believe summer is almost over! What a busy summer this has been! Everyone knows I am always trying to help my clients save some money so this tip is specifically for all of my Budget Savvy Brides with a beach or summer theme. Since summer is almost over that means a lot of summer sales at your local stores! Now is the perfect time to stock up on those cute summer favors or accessories for your summer/beach themed rehearsal dinner, wedding, or bridesmaid luncheon at a discounted price! Why pay full price if you don't have to?!?!?! Be on the look out for everything from favors, escort card holders, gifts for out of town guests and accessories for centerpieces. Get creative, use your imagination and have fun saving money!!!! Happy shopping!!!

A Breath of Elegance

Be prepared to get inspired! Get new ideas from the highly talented event design company Flowers on Mars. Find out why Flowers on Mars has become a highly sought out design company for brides in Southern California. Meet some of their preferred vendors. All brides will have an opportunity to win a discounted lighting package. The first 5 brides will receive a free bridal bouquet. You will definitely leave feeling inspired. There is ample parking and admission is complimentary.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

11:00am-5:00pm

Del Rey Party Rental

4855 W. Rosecrans Ave

Hawthorne, CA

rsvp@flowersonmars.com

Cute and Yummy!!!!

Ladies...how cute is this?!?!?! Edible, glitter, chocolates that can be customized in your wedding or party theme colors!!! These bonbons are not only cute but they are fantastically delicious as well! So if you're looking for a "unique" wedding or party favor, searching for an addition to your candy station, or just something that gives that "cute" factor to your event....check out their site: www.bedazzlemybonbons.com

Wedding Day Music Help

I know a lot of brides struggle to find the perfect song for their first dance or bouquet toss. Here is an easy way to help you get ideas to personalize your music. Create a list of must have songs and pass it on to your DJ. He'll love you for it!!!!

http://www.1weddingsource.com/wedding-songs.html

Not Your Typical Bridal Show!

Weddings On Ice
Bridal Show Tour for a Cause
Sponsored by CCM http://www.ccmphotobooks.com/
Ceremony Magazine / OC Brides / GetMarried.com
Helping to support Second Harvest Food Bank
http://www.feedoc.org/

First 100 Couples/Brides receive a FREE gift!
Compliments Of http://www.getmarried.com/ and Weddings On Ice and Participating Vendors

July 25th, 2009 Saturday, 10am-3pm
OC ICE PALACE 23641 La Palma Avenue
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
Contact Kim Turcotte/ Event Coordinator 714/322-9445 for more information or go to http://www.weddingsonice.com/

Brides bring Your Wedding Party and Family Membersfor a really Unique and COOL EVENT! Brides who bring in the largest wedding party receive a Gift Basket Valued over $500.00
Make a Date stay and Skate OC Palace Public Session Starts following Fashion Show purchase tickets at Box Office 1:15-3PM Immediately following Fashion Show! Enjoy meeting with our Wedding Party and Event Specialist who are there to answer your questions about your wedding day or Upcoming Party! This is something you don't want to miss!

Some of the events scheduled are as listed: Fashion Show on Ice! Hawaiian Dancers and Performers! Great Door Prizes!!!Garter Belt Toss WE have collected signatures from some of your favorite players! Group Renewal of Vows Ceremony (Come in your favorite Hockey Jersey, Funny Tee Shirts! BE CREATIVEPrizes for the Best Dressed, Most Creative, and Craziest) Get ready to Hula with One Wild Wahine!

Blind Fold Cake Eating Contest!
So you think you know your cake? We are putting you to the test Cake lovers! Some of Fox of LA’s Hot List winners and Nominee’s in Orange County will be suppling GREAT Cake for you to taste! Now I have to admit THEY ARE ALL AMAZING…But WE can only pick one Winner! So, Come give it a go Engaged Couples, Brides, Grooms, Friends, Cake Lovers, JUST ANYONE who thinks they know their cake! We will post winners on our Website and Weddings On Ice Monthly Newsletter.
Susie’s Cakes, Rockwell’s Creative Cakes, French’s Bakery, Black Market Bakery, and many more!


ALSO DON’T FORGET A DRESS FOR CHARITY!!! All Dresses Donated proceeds go directly to Second Harvest Food Bank. Gently Worn or New anything that can be worn to a Wedding or Party or Event! Please include a Little Note with your Dress Enclosed for only the New Owner to read. Every Dress has a Story(: Remember you are helping the Environment and A Charity what a GREAT way to give back(“
Look for My Newsletter out this Fall and my Column “Every Dress Has a Story”
You can submit your stories to Weddings On Ice and a Photo of your dress.
Don’t forget a Canned Good for Second Harvest Food Bank Food Bins are located at OC Ice Palace and Anaheim Ice for Donations http://www.weddingsonice.com/

An Event Just For Women

Sculpted Silhouette presents Celebrating You! Enhancing The Woman Within. This event is dedicated to professional women gathering together for an afternoon of true relaxation, good food and great fun. The ultimate goal is to add vitality to the life of each woman who attends by offering unforgettable experiences in our vendor booths, bra fitting salon and relaxation lounge. Hang out for a few hours with your mother, sister, daughter or best friend while having a fun filled day.

Come and Discover:
· Your prefect lipstick shade
· How to best dress your body type
· The best poses to flatter you in any picture
· How you can transform a store bouquet into a stunning arrangement
· A nutritious way to manage your weight
· Techniques to stay fit at your desk
· Gift wrapping made simple and elegant
· How a bra can improve your figure, and much more...

Experience a day of fun, relaxation an sisterhood at The Belamar Hotel Celebrating You!

Register today at http://www.brapalooza.com/ or call 323.778.2109. Space is limited.
$30 a lady or $45 for you and a friend. A portion of proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure Los Angeles County Affiliate.

Complimentary Valet Parking
323.778.2109

A day at BizBash

Today I had the opportunity to go to BizBash with my friends from the James Irvine Garden. It was a day of networking with other wedding vendor friends, learning about new products and services for my clients, and meeting some really cool new vendors. One vendor I have to give a special shout out to is Rhonda from Lounge Appeal (http://www.loungeappeal.com/) First of all Rhonda is a Facebook friend so it was really nice to meet her in person! Rhonda has the cool, hip, furniture in various styles and colors that everyone wants for their event to create that chic, modern look for their event! Definitely the company to contact when you're looking for that wow factor for your event! Of course I can't forget about the ladies from Border Grill/Ciudad! (http://www.bordergrill.com/ and http://www.ciudad-la.com/) YUM! That's all I can say. Kudos to the onsite chef! And they cater!!! Sounds like party time to me!!!!

Wedding Day Casting Extended

Our friend Roberta from Wedding Day just informed me the deadline for Wedding Day casting has been extended! If you know a worthy couple or you yourself feel you deserve an amazing wedding but cannot afford it due to the economy, you must continue reading this. (Please feel free to pass on this information....you never know who may benefit from it!)

Do you know of a couple who are planning on getting married or would like to marry Summer or Fall of 2009, who really DESERVE an amazing wedding but cannot afford it in these tough economic times?
“Wedding Day”, a new prime-time series premiering Tuesday - June 16th @ 8pm/7pm CMT on TNT, is seeking to cast inspirational couples for our next amazing season!
You can view a promo of “Wedding Day” here: http://www.tnt.tv/dramavision/?oid=47477
Or log onto http://www.tnt.tv/ and look up “Wedding Day”
Real-life Heroes, Service men and women, Volunteers, Survivors, Teachers, Community Leaders, Charity Workers, Farmers etc. … we want to hear from you!
If you had to downgrade or delay your wedding plans due to job loss, injury, illness or deployment … we want to hear from you!
If you know of a couple who is so busy helping others they deserve someone to help them out … we want to hear from you!
NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!
Send a brief paragraph about your situation, or another couple's situation, the current wedding budget, a recent photo of the couple (in .jpg format), and your contact information to: WeddingDay@markburnettprod.com
SUBJECT LINE: Attn Roberta
Please respond by June 26th, 2009.
***Couples may be asked to make a casting video with friends and family. ***

Off The Rack Dress Sale

Our friends at The Image Bridal located in West LA are currently having an Off The Rack Sale!

We at The Image understand that shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most important part of planning your wedding. We want the experience to be pleasurable and memorable.
The Image carries elegant gowns and also beautiful informal ones. We have dresses that any other stores in the area do not have. You can be sure you won't waste your time when you visit our store. Our dresses start from $99 to $3500.
Store hours available for appointment:Monday-Friday 12:30-7:00pmCLOSE on TuesdaysSaturday 10:30am-6:00pm (by appointment only)Sunday by appointment only
Off The Rack Dresses on SALE !
Call for more information and make your appointment today!
We also offer custom made dress, alteration, and wedding gown preservation services, (regardless if you buy the dress from us or from other stores).

http://www.theimagebridal.com/

2130 Sawtelle Bl. #209

West LA 90025

310.312.5500

Beautiful Resort So Close To Home!

I know I am a little late with this post but with the crazy fun world of wedding and party planning I have been swamped! I just couldn't resist the need to get the word out about such a beautiful resort so close to home.

As many of you may know I am very active in the Association for Wedding Professionals international and we are very fortunate enough to have some of the most beautiful venues in Southern California host our mixers. In April we were honored to have our mixer hosted by The Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills. (I told you I was a little behind!) When I first heard about this location I immediately got online to check out their website, because after all I have never heard of a "resort" being located in Industry Hills! When I saw the site I was amazed by the beauty of the venue...but again I kept thinking maybe this is another Industry Hills we are going to! Of course my expectations of the resort were not the greatest because I was a tad bit leery about the location...but that all changed when I saw this beautiful venue sitting on top of a hill! That's when I knew this place was going to be as beautiful as the photos on the website! We were greeted by drivers escorting us to the gazebo area in golf carts and the view was breathtaking. For a minute I totally forgot where I was and kept thinking I was vacationing in Palm Springs! Once we reached the gazebo area and I saw the gorgeous view of the city...my mind was not on the mixer, vendors or work...I truly thought I was there to relax! The resort had a way of making you feel like you were somewhere totally far away from "the real world and all of your worries"! It was truly amazing! The view in the daytime was gorgeous, but at night it was PRICELESS!

The Pacific Palms Resort is a full service destination hotel and is perfect for a wedding, destination wedding, overnight trip or weekend getaway because they have everything you could possibly need and want. As I mentioned earlier there are golf carts...so yes there is a fantastic golf course. For us ladies of course there is a relaxing SPA...in other words heaven in Industry Hills! What more could we possibly want! :-)

I have included some photos from that amazing night taken by two of my photographer friends Eric Velado http://www.ericvelado.com/ and Lucy Manalo http://www.manaloempire.com/

Make sure you check out the Pacific Palms Resort http://www.pacificpalmsresort.com/ remember it's closer than Palm Springs so that means you might be able to have more frequent weekend getaways! Say hi if you see me there! ;-)

Thank you Pacific Palms Resort! I will see you soon!!! :-)

Best Investment for Your Next Event!!!!

Last weekend I celebrated my 35th birthday! Fortunately for me it helped me to realize something VERY IMPORTANT: I could have used a party planner! Before I started my business I always wondered why people hired party planners when in my eyes planning a party is probably one of the funnest things you can do! But since then I have come to realize that not everyone enjoys party planning as much as I do or they may not have the time! Since I was a little girl I had so much love for planning parties. I remember being in the second grade and writing my guest list, planning my menu with my mom, blowing up the balloons and strategically placing them all over the dining room. And whenever anyone touched my decor I was pretty upset because I wanted everything to be PERFECT for my guests arrival! Who would have known that my party planning love would continue to grow into an adulthood passion! As a coordinator I am use to planning any type of event for my clients. But I must say planning mine was definitely "different"! Why? Because I am a coordinator so everyone is expecting a certain "type of party" of course I have an image to uphold! What I can say is even with all of my planning, shopping, shopping, shopping, :-) and set up, I still needed someone the day of my party! Luckily I have some really good friends who stepped up and helped when it came to serving the food. But the downfall to this is they did not get to enjoy my party, actually my best friend never really made it out of the kitchen (and the party was catered) everyone was asking me a million questions, I had to do some work in the kitchen and for set up, and I didn't "really" get to enjoy myself because I was worrying about other details! Which made me think about my clients. My clients are SPOILED because they don't have to do anything on the day of their event. My goal is to handle EVERY DETAIL for my clients leaving them time to enjoy every aspect of their event. When you are hosting a large event the time goes by so fast because you are trying to squeeze in those few minutes to talk to all of your family and friends and by the end of the night you realize there just was not enough time! That night played over and over again in my head as I wondered did I spend enough time with everyone! There were some guests that I felt my time was way too short with and by the time the night was over I realized I only took two bites of my dinner and never even tasted my birthday cake! Over all, it was a successful event but I do wish I had someone who could have actually helped with running my last few errands and actually being there that day to make sure my family and friends had a chance to enjoy themselves instead of working. From my experience I do see that no matter what size party you are having it is a good idea to have someone who is a professional planner or
coordinator to be there to make sure you are able to enjoy your event. Trust me I am one who believes in helping clients save money but having someone there to oversee your event is a true investment. After all what is the point in spending hundreds or thousands of dollars, spending countless hours with the planning and decorating when you are too busy too actually enjoy all of your hard work!

Thank you to:



Decor and DJ Service:

Flowers on Mars


Videography Service:
Planet Zaya

Wedding Day looking for Couples

I had the pleasure of meeting the producers of a wonderful new wedding show, Wedding Day! Wedding Day is a show that is geared towards helping couples who deserve a dream wedding. They are specifically looking for couples in the following areas:

Boston, Mass
Atlanta, GA
Los Angeles, CA
New Orleans, LA
All of Missouri
All of Rhode Island
All of Connecticut
All of New Mexico
All of West Virginia


Do you know of a couple who are planning on getting married or would like to marry Summer or Fall of 2009 who really DESERVE an amazing wedding but cannot afford it in these tough economic times?
“Wedding Day”, a new prime-time series premiering Tuesday - June 16th @ 9pm on TNT, is seeking to cast inspirational couples for our next amazing season!
You can view a promo of “Wedding Day” here: http://www.tnt.tv/dramavision/?oid=47477
Teachers, real-life heroes, volunteers, social workers, charity workers, etc. … we want to hear from you!
If you had to downgrade or delay your wedding plans due to job loss, injury, illness or deployment … we want to hear from you!
If you know of a couple who is so busy helping others they deserve someone to help them out … we want to hear from you – Nominate someone today!
Send a brief paragraph about your situation, or another couple's situation, the current wedding budget, a recent photo of the couple (in .jpg format), and your contact information to:
WeddingDay@markburnettprod.comPlease respond by May 15th, 2009.***Couples may be asked to make a casting video with friends and family. ***

The Culver City Radisson Hotel

Are you looking for a location for your wedding ceremony and or reception that is affordable, close to the airport for your out of town guests, and in walking distance to local shopping malls? The Culver City Radisson Hotel is perfect for your next event. It has been recently remodeled and is a must see when searching for locations. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The catering manager Adrianne Ware won me over with her wonderful personality the first time we met when they hosted our AfWPi March mixer. Their wedding packages are surprisingly affordable which is very important in these tough economic times. Make it a date night, bring your fiance to check out the venue, then have dinner in their fantastic restaurant or have a glass of wine and listen to some relaxing jazz music while you discuss your wedding plans! :-) Happy Planning!!!


The Culver City Radisson

6161 West Centinela Ave Culver City, CA 90230

I Love My Clients

Last night I had the pleasure of hosting a celebration for one of my past client's one year anniversary. It seems like just yesterday we were tying up the loose ends of Jeannette and Scott's wedding, confirming all of the final details and making sure this day was everything the couple anticipated it to be.

The crew from Planet Zaya joined us for a night of laughter, marriage swapping stories, advice, and reminiscing about Scott and Jeannette's special day. One thing that I love about the wedding industry is the relationships I develop with the vendors and clients I work with. What a wonderful night!!!!

Congratulations Scott and Jeannette!!!! :-)

Wine Tasting at Home

This weekend I had the honor of hosting a wine party for my best friend's "Thirty Something Party!" It was nice to celebrate at home and have someone come in to educate us about the various wines. We learned some cool techniques that I am sure most of us will probably try, sampled wines, learned what we did and didn't like about the wines, I realized my best friend has a bionic nose that could actually smell the cherries in the wine! LOL! Overall it was a really fun night, that left us giggling, very happy ;-), but most importantly we were able to celebrate someone who is very
special to us all! :-)


The in home wine party is a really cool concept and is perfect for a birthday celebration, bridal shower, or for an intimate get together of friends. For our event I used Cindy from Tasty Vines to showcase a sample of their wine selection. If you are looking to host a wine party, you can contact Cindy at cindy@tastywines.com or 714.970.6380.


Thank you Cindy!!!! :-)