A Way to Personalize Your Wedding...

I was browsing the web for some information for one of my clients and came across a really beneficial website I thought I would share. Today's brides are always looking for something to personalize their weddings and to make them unique. Wonderful Graffiti has customized monograms or quotes that you can use to add that personalization to your special day.

The possibilities are endless! You can add your monogram to your wedding day limo to make it "yours" for the day. Or add your monogram to the front door of your reception venue which will truly impress your guests! You can choose to have your favorite quote placed as a focal point to your wedding ceremony or even as a backdrop to your sweetheart table at the reception. There are so many possibilities to truly personalize your wedding, make sure you visit their site. I am sure you will get inspired for your wedding day!http://www.wonderfulgraffitiwedding.com/ Another thing I thought was pretty cool about their services is you can also choose to personalize your new home with catchy quotes to include in any room of your house! :-)

I am finally back!

Wow! Time has really flown by! I can't believe my last post was in August and next week is already Thanksgiving! We've been finishing up our weddings for 2008 and working on our 2009 brides! The Southern California Chapter of Association for Wedding Professionals International celebrated our one year anniversary in October at the beautiful Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach.

Since I haven't posted in a while I haven't been able to share my featured vendor of the month! The holidays are coming up and everyone is always looking for that "universal" gift for coworkers, friends and family members so I thought the Pasadena Winery at the Paseo Colorado in Pasadena would be perfect to showcase as the vendor of the month. Not only can you host a private event at their location but you can also make your own wine! You can have personalized labels made for your wine bottles to give to clients, friends, or even your bridal party! They offer wine tasting...a definite must! I have a few favorites...but I must say one I really like is the Blueberry Shiraz! Wine is always a wonderful choice when attending the numerous upcoming holiday parties! Make sure you stop by, enjoy some wine, enjoy the hospitable staff, and purchase some of your holiday gifts all in one place!


Pasadena Winery

260 E. Colorado Blvd. Suite 221

Pasadena CA

626.793.8898

http://www.pasadenawinery.com/

AfWPi Sacramento Mixer

Nancy(Flowers on Mars) and I should receive the award for traveling the furthest to a networking mixer! Earlier this month we drove out to Sacramento for an AfWPi mixer. We wanted to get new ideas and suggestions to see how to enhance the So. Ca. mixers.

This was my first opportunity to be a "guest" at one of our association's mixers. It was weird for me because I am use to making sure everything is running smoothly and trying to network with everyone who walks in! I am usually busy from the moment the first vendor walks in until the very end. In Sacramento, I actually had a chance to sample the foods, take a picture in their photo booth provided by one of AfWPi's members, and meet some really good contacts. I was very impressed, I met another coordinator who specializes in "bridezillas"! I take my hat off to her!

I had the opportunity to meet members who have been members for years and hear some of the stories first hand about how the association has made a big impact in their lives and their businesses. It's wonderful to hear how so many people who love the wedding industry will turn around and help one another when help is needed. I left Sacramento feeling proud of being a member of an association that treats it's members like family! What a wonderful experience!

August Vendor of the Month

Wow...I can't believe it's August already! Soon we'll all be preparing for the holidays again!

Well, it's that time of month to recognize another amazing wedding vendor. For August I've chosen Demetra from SBD Events. Demetra definitely gives every bride that finishing touch that's needed for her fantasy wedding day!

Words can't describe the beauty that can be created by Demetra and her staff. From fantasy tableskirts for your cake table, headtable, or sweetheart table, candy bars, beautiful linens, chair covers, table runners...the list goes on and on. Demetra has what it takes to make your event gorgeous and truly unforgettable!

Contact Demetra today and let her help to make your dream wedding a reality!

http://www.sbdevents.com/

Congratulations Demetra!

AfWPi Mixer at The City Club on Bunker Hill

Our AfWPi July mixer was hosted by the City Club on Bunker Hill. What an amazing facility. The romantic view of the city is truly priceless. The staff was beyond professional, helpful and extremely courteous. Maria Schmidt, the private events director went beyond her duty to assist our vendors with a welcoming attitude. The City Club on Bunker Hill is a definite must see when planning your next event.

We had an amazing turnout. Our vendors came from San Diego, Orange County, Riverside and of course L.A. It's wonderful to see so many vendors who are passionate about their businesses.

We did a lot of networking. Some vendors gained new clients. We welcomed new menbers to AfWPi. The food was wonderful. NancyKay from NancyKays' confections spoiled us with samples of her delicious cakes. Demetra from SBD Events impressed our guests with her beautiful fantasy sign in table skirt. Flowers on Mars amazed everyone with their gorgeous crystal tree. DJ Keith from Totally Entertainment had AfWPi members doing the Cupid Shuffel! What an amazing night. To top it off, we were fortunate enough to have our president Richard Markel and Vice president Julia Markel present for this event. When an event lasts 2 hours longer than anticipated...you know it was AMAZING!

If you are a wedding vendor and have not had the opportunity to come to an AfWPi mixer, make sure you plan on attending one soon! For additional information about upcoming mixers, visit the AfWPi website at http://www.afwpi.com/ Next month's location is the Pasadena Winery and in September, AfWPi will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary in Southern California! This will be a "must attend" mixer for all wedding professionals!

July Vendor of the Month

Being a wedding coordinator I have the opportunity to meet and work with some very talented wedding vendors. I have decided to choose one vendor per month to rave about so that brides or anyone planning an event can be aware of this vendors services.

For the month of July, I have selected Michael C. Events as our vendor of the month. Michael C. Events is a full service catering company. Chef Michael has the most charming personality and his food is beyond amazing! He is very passionate about his work and his passion is displayed in his food. I had the opportunity to work with him last month and from my first interaction with him until the end of the event....nothing but total satisfaction. His prices are affordable and presentation is beautiful. A definite must if you are looking for an amazing caterer who can definitely "wow" your guests! Visit his website at http://www.michaelcevents.com/ or contact him at 877.625.6453

Congratulations Michael and thank you for being a "true professional"

Remembering True Love...

I love what I do. I love planning weddings, I love meeting new couples and developing friendships and I love seeing all of their dreams come true on their wedding day. A little insight about me, I get very attached to my couples because I work so closely with them. Everytime I see my brides in their dresses I get emotional. I've been known to shed a few tears because I feel like my "babies" are growing up!

The first time I spoke to Shana (recent bride) I could tell she was truly in love with Matt. When I met them I could tell they were deeply in love with each other. Wow, if you could only see the way Matt looks at Shana! L-O-V-E!!!! Ladies, I know you understand what I am talking about. When your mate stares into your eyes with the look of: you are the most beautiful woman in the world and no one else matters! When all he cares about is satisfying your needs and making sure you are always happy! Yes ladies, that is the "look of love"! Matt and Shana are too cute together!!!

Ladies, while you are making all of the plans for your wedding and the stress begins to build up. Remember the most important thing is you are marrying the one you are deeply in love with.
Love is a beautiful thing. Consider yourself lucky that you've found your "true love". Remembering this will make your whole wedding planning experience a lot less stressful!