Category: Wedding Ideas

Even though I’m usually a total foodie, I have a not-so-secret addiction to doughnuts. I have doughnut magnets on my fridge. I call my cat “Alice Donut” as a nickname. I know every doughnut shop within a five mile radius of my apartment.

Did you know that before the 1880s, a couple was required by law to have a morning wedding ceremony? During Victorian times, the U.S. followed English custom with ceremonies between 10am and noon considered most fashionable.

My copy of Elle magazine with Jessica Simpson on the cover came in the mail last week. After flipping through page after page of fashion spreads, I noticed that black is huge and I for one am glad. You will see black minimalism, black lace accents, black biker chic, black vintage detailing.

The wedding team was wonderfully put together by the extraordinarily talented wedding coordinator, Jubilee Lau of Jubilee Lau Events. The lighting effects were customized to the client’s style by John Woods at Enhanced Lighting, who continues to amaze me with his ability to go the extra mile. Music was provided by the fabulous Carl Mindling of Reach Carl. Linens and Tabletop decor were provided by Classic Party Rentals, including the wonderful patterned dinner plates and the Black Chameleon chair with a rhinestone bucket. The Custom Thai silk runner was by yours truly. Cake and catering were provided by the Four Seasons Hotel. Furniture and props were courtesy of Blueprint. Last—and certainly the hit of the party—was the fantastic Candy Bar designed by Laura Isom for Nancy Liu Chin Designs!

This morning while I was getting my daily dose of sanity from Divine Caroline, I stumbled across a piece that took me by surprise. A bride auctioned off a space in her wedding party to help pay for her wedding. And it worked! I must give this woman credit for thinking way outside the wedding budget box.

I coordinated a wedding at Viansa Winery in May 2008 for my friends Lucy & Ross McClennan that turned out to be a really gorgeous event. I think the photos (by the super-talented Catherine Hall of Catherine Hall Studios) say it all. Click here to view their slideshow and be inspired.

When I was planning my sister’s bridal shower, I knew I wanted to make centerpieces that were more fun and unique than the obvious vases of flowers. My inspiration came when I went to pick up the dessert I had ordered for the shower. While I was at the shop, it dawned on me that those 3 dozen delicious cupcakes from Icing on the Cupcake in Rocklin would make whimsical centerpieces for the party. This was also a budget-friendly idea, since my dessert was going to double as décor!

With soaring fuel and food costs, reining in your wedding budget is becoming increasingly important. In today’s Los Angeles Times, there’s a great article featuring ways to cure your own case of wedding sticker shock (check out the quotes from our own creative wedding diva, Jolene Rae Harrington!). Read on for some expert wedding tips.