Coronado Island Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church ~ San Diego Wedding Coordinator

I’m a sucker for romance, stories of fairytale childhoods, and magical places. That’s why this weekend, I was really excited about the wedding I was coordinating.

The Bride, Katharine, grew up on Coronado Island in San Diego and told me that it was a truly magical childhood for her. She mentioned that her childhood friends might even show up to the wedding on their bicycles! How cute is that? Well, truth be told, all of her friends were dressed way too glamorously to show up on a bicycle, but I loved that they could if they wanted!

Source

The church, Graham Memorial Presbyterian, was also where Katharine and her friends grew up attending. The church is small, stunning, and the picture of perfection. It’s also very unique because you don’t see too many exquisitely renovated Victorian structures in Southern California.

The Minister’s wife, Jody told me that the church was built sometime in the 1800’s and you can tell that she and her husband have taken care of it with kid gloves during their years as caretakers. Next to the church are beautifully restored Victorian houses that serve as offices and residences to the Minister and his wife. They look like doll houses…..so pretty with so many lacy architectural details. The Minister even drives an old model T! The photo opps at this place is endless!

As pretty as this picture is, you really have to see it in person to get the feeling of the place. It’s really quite stunning and the attention to detail isn’t something you see as much in newer buildings. I’m a perfectionist and when I walked in I immediately noticed the attention to detail everywhere. The stained glass is awe inspiring, the wood podiums are carved, and even the seat cushions are custom fit to the pews with colors to match the stain glass.

One of the most special moments that made me smile was when Jody meticulously timed the ringing of the church bells to the end of the ceremony. It was just like in vintage movies where they pull the large knotted ropes up to the bell tower and the person sways up and down with the bells.

I hope to be able to share the pro photos soon. Almost all of the vendors including the photographer were friends who grew up on the island with the Bride.

If you are planning to get married in the San Diego area and will be having a Christian ceremony, this is definitely a place to consider!

Aloha Destination Brides!

If you’re a Bride dreaming of a tropical wedding in paradise with warm trade winds, turquoise blue waters, and fiery sunsets, here is an amazing offer from Alice Hu Photography and Serena Grace Photography for the island of Maui.

Package info:

• $4500 with no travel fee to Maui
• 2 Photographers
• Coverage by Alice Hu Photography & Serena Grace Photography
• 8 hours of wedding day coverage
• Trash the Dress session the day after the wedding
• 12 x 12 Album with 30 pages
• CD with the album
• Time frame: 2010

If you are interested or need more information, please send an email to either Alice or Serena directly. They will be more than happy to capture your tropical wedding day in style!

Obsessed Wedding Planner meets Pretty Obsessed Bride

One day I was making the bridal blog rounds and read a post by a newlywed bride, Therese from “Pretty Obsessed”. She mentioned that she was thinking about doing a post wedding photoshoot. Well, it just so happened that I was planning a photoshoot for a brand new wedding venue called PRES Gardens and looking for real bride models. I made a comment on her blog about how I would love to speak with her about the opportunity and voila! The rest is history. History recorded in beautiful photos below……..

What drew me to Therese was not only her sparkling beauty which I knew would transfer gorgeously into photos, but also the lovely heart warming story of her wedding gown. It’s actually her Mother’s wedding gown taken apart and reconstructed into this beautiful creation below. I mean, it just tugs at my heart strings!

Therese also did me the great favor of wearing a custom made headband I made which I’ll be posting on Etsy in late September under my sister company “Debbie Chang Bridal”. Thank you Therese! It was great fun meeting you and your new hubby Dee!

Alice asked her to twirl and it turned out so cute & fun!

Rockin' her dress!

Alice was on fire that day!

 

I posed them in this picture because they are too cute! Like a couple of kissing dolls!

All of her pictures, but especially this is to die for!

A very special thanks to:

Alice Hu Photography - Beautiful and thoughtful photography. Alice has been my partner in wedding obsessions. She’s a story teller, telling her story through photos. Thanks for capturing all the beauty and details of the day!

Everyday Flowers – Absolutely amazing flowers. Linh is so good that she only does weddings by word of mouth.

Irene Legaspi Hair - Fabulous hair styling. My first time meeting Irene. I hope to work with her again!

Jamie Michele Make-up - Gorgeous make-up that looks great in photos and in person. Jamie continues to wow me every time! Not only is she uber talented, but I love her super sweet and positive personality!

Rochelle Randall Hair - Beautiful hair styling. This is the second time we’ve met and Rochelle is so amazing and lovely to be around.

Photoshoot Contest Winner Jamie ~ Orange County Wedding Planner

Jamie was the contest winner for the “Real Bride Apres Wedding” photoshoot. She won an incredible package which included make-up, hair, florals, photo styling, photography, and set design.

When she arrived, I knew immediately that her pictures were going to be gorgeous because she had a bubbly personality and a killer smile. That combination translates great in photos!  Her hubby Dan showed up after her make-over and was such a good sport. He wanted to do the shoot to make Jamie happy. I love that! I think they had a ton of fun during this shoot. There was a lot of laughter and they were so natural in front of the camera.

Congratulations, Jamie & Dan! I hope you enjoy your beautiful photos!

 

A special thanks to:

Alice Hu Photography - Beautiful thoughtful photography. Alice brought her team so we had three photographers to capture every moment and detail of the day.

Everyday Flowers - Stunning, fresh, captivating florals. Linh is a floral goddess and really knows how to bring your vision to fruition. She’ so good that she does weddings only by word of mouth.

Rochelle Randall - Beautiful and detailed hair styling. Rochelle can give you the look you desire.

Jamie Michele Make-up - Fabulous and gorgeous make-up that looks great in person as well as on camera. Jamie is my amazingly talented.

Orange County Wedding Planner ~ PRES Gardens

The time as come to unveil part one of the photos from PRES Gardens, the new wedding and events venue in Newport Beach.

 I have to say that this was such and incredibly fun and creative project for me. As a Designer with a fashion and fine art background, themes tend to call out to me once I see the visual. The theme for this venue came to me instantaneously: 1920’s Paris Art Nouveau. 

My theme was based on this property marrying soft romantic details with modernism which is the basis for Art Nouveau. Because of this, I felt it was the perfect compliment to this venue: mirroring the upscale, modern, romantic feel with vintage elegance. The Parisian influence really emphasizes the romance which embodies weddings.

1920’s Paris Art Nouveau is elegant, romantic, soft and flowy. I took the Maxfield Parrish approach with soft dreamy colors, dripping florals, and delicate gold leaf. My colors of choice were a soft velvety celadon green, orchid green, antique gold, a bit of silver, white, a teensy touch of baby canary yellow, a surprising touch of turquoise blue. There were also peacock feathers and butterflies incorporated in the florals which is a must have for this era.

Dripping florals, peacock feathers, and bugle beads oh my!

Dreamy!

The florals are grandiose. The cake mimics art nouveau stain glass.

 

The brooch on the bouquet was given to me by a neighbor when I was a little girl. She gave me all of her jewelry from the 1920's - 1940's. I've treasured them ever since.

A very special thanks to:

Alice Hu Photography – Beautiful thoughtful photography. Alice brought her team so we had three photographers to cover every moment and detail of the day.

Candy Couture Pink Candy Buffets- Scrumptious candy buffet for any occasion. Everyone wanted to taste their treats!

Classic Party Rentals – Amazing selection of party rentals from table top to tenting in every theme imaginable. A nationwide company that is a one stop shop.

Erica O’Brien Cake Design – Unique and specialized cakes for every occasion. Your theme/design made to order.

Everyday Flowers- Stunning, fresh, captivating florals. Linh is a floral goddess and really knows how to bring your vision to fruition. She’ so good that she does weddings only by word of mouth.

A very special thanks to Alice Hu for featuring my designs in her blog along with a cute vignette of me and my new logo. You can visit her here.

“Real Bride” Photoshoot Contest Winner

It’s going to be a triple espresso kind of day for me today! I had to get up super early to walk my puppy before heading off to the travel clinic with the Fiance for our second round of (not-so-fun) shots for our engagement-moon in Peru! I guess the last part makes a-little-ouchie all worth while. Then I’m off to the photoshoot until about 8:00 pm. Anyway, I wanted to squeeze in this post before getting ready to leave for the photoshoot…..I’m super excited to meet these lovely Brides ~ and now Wives!  So without further ado:::

Congratulations to our “Real Bride” Photoshoot contest winner Jamie!

The photoshoot is scheduled for today with a full crew of nine vendors (yes, nine! we aim to spoil!) and two “real bride” model couples!  Jamie is our lucky contest winner and Reese is our lucky guest “real bride” model. I’m sure you’ve heard of this uber stylish fashionista from her blog “Pretty Obsessed”.

Our brides are going to be pampered with:

•  a fabulous make-up artist
• two amazing hair stylists
• three talented photographers
• uber elegant 1920’s Art Nouveau themed set design with tables, place settings, gold chivari chairs
• dramatic presentation of florals
• scrumptious three tiered cake
• fun candy buffet
• amazing venue

Pro photos to come in a few weeks! Here’s sneak peak at our winner Jamie and guest Reese!

photo

Michelle & Rob ~ June 20, 2009

I’m on cloud nine! Michelle sent me such an incredibly sweet email!!! She made my day all rainbows & unicorns when I read this .  If I could have, I would have done some somersaults . Here’s a tid bit:

***********

Hi Debbie!

Just wanted to say thank you again for the spectacular job you did at our wedding. Even my relatives, especially my Uncle and Mom noted how hard you worked. And my friends told me that this was the first wedding they’ve been to where it seemed really organized and well planned. If I know of anyone who needs a planner I’ll definitely recommend you.

Michelle via email

***********

From the moment we met, Michelle has been so incredibly kind and generous. I absolutely loved working with her on her wedding! I’m so lucky to have met such an amazing person!

Michelle & Rob were married at the beautiful Hacienda Golf Club. It’s a little hidden gem up in the hills through some private residences. I’m so delighted to share these teaser photos that Michelle sent. With the venue perched on top of a hill and the beautiful greens below there were so many amazing photo opps. I can’t wait to see the rest!

Michelle looks so elegant and beautiful!  She was just the epitome of style and grace on her big day! And Rob? He’s definitely her knight in shining armor! I love the way he adores her like a Princess! This couple definitely touched my heart with their hearts of gold!

Cheers to you Michelle & Rob! Wishing you (again & again) all the best life has to offer! XOXO

Michelle & Rob ~ Engagement Story & Photos

One morning I was in Tustin waiting to meet Michelle. We had been working mostly via email on her LA wedding since she was living out of state at the time. I was so excited to finally meet her! She is such a sweet and lovely person! I’m still tickled pink that her MOH found me for her special day.

We spent a couple of fun hours together going over all of the details of her gorgeous hill-top golf course wedding and she shared with me her engagement story. Right then and there, I almost swooned and told her that her Fiance was to be immediately Kinged…..or at the very least Knighted. Oooooh, how long I’ve been waiting to share this uber romantic story!

Well, Michelle is finally back from her honeymoon and and sent me a super sweet email! I had my opportunity to finally ask her permission to tell their story and she said yes!  So, I hope you enjoy this story of love and romance and don’t forget your smelling salts and fainting couches ladies!

**********

Here is their breathtaking story. Some in my words and some from her wedding website with some of the details x’d out:

When Michelle arrived home she found a picture on their front door of the place where they had met. As she walked in she noticed that Rob had rearranged all of the furniture to set the stage and posted over 60 large photos on the walls detailing their relationship. Lying on her chair was a red scarf she wore when she first met Rob.

He made a five course meal…..each inspired by a place they had visited. An appetizer from Hawaii, the first course from Thailand, the second course from Bali, the entree from Seattle, and a desert from Korea.  A gradual build up started…

Between the third and fourth course, Rob gave Michelle a list of quotes from emails they had sent back and forth early in their relationship.  Between the fourth and fifth course, he gave her a countdown of all their days together, including the following….

1028 days since my brother first emailed Amy

 674 days since we first met at X

 630 days since I finally mustered up the courage

 446 days since you left X -Country (boo)

 155 days since I moved back to the US (yea)

 47 days since I asked my parents for permission

 26 days since I flew to LA to ask permission

At this point, Rob used the red scarf to blindfold her, pulled out a bunch of roses, and got on this knee…

 630 days of dating…

 204 days of engagement..

 and from June 20th, a lifetime of happiness.

***********

It still gives me goosebumps…..(sigh)

Thanks Michelle for allowing me to tell your fairy tale story. I wish you both all the happiness and joy life has to offer!

XOXO

Free Photoshoot Update! Set Design Theme

As the Designer & Planner for this wedding photoshoot, I’d like to unveil the

THEME

Envision: Paris 1920’s Art Nouveau ~ Lalique & Erte-esque

Do you love? Oui?

Here is a possible hair option for the lucky Bride.

The “finger wave” curl is just devine!

 

It will go perfectly with the Paris vintage inspired 

wedding headband I’m designing for the Bride!

Photo

Photo

Photo

~Be a “Real Bride” Model & Win a Glamourous Photoshoot~

*Exciting news*

There is a new venue in Orange County for weddings & events and Circle Ten Events, Alice Hu Photography, and Larry Ander’s Catering will be on the preferred vendor list!

*More Exciting News*

The great news for one lucky bride is that I will also be the event planner & coordinator for the wedding photoshoot which will be used for marketing purposes for this beautiful venue in Newport Beach. If you would like to be our model, we would love to hear from you!

The details:

• Everything is complimentary!
• You get all of the photos for your own use. Our last photoshoot yielded over 1400 photos edited down to approximately 400 beautiful photos
• We are looking for Brides, recent B & G’s, or soon to be B & G’s

To qualify:

• Must be in Orange County, CA or very close proximity
• Must be available Wednesday, July 29  3:00 pm – 7:45 pm (make-up & hair starts at 3, photoshoot from 5)

To enter:

• Post a comment about what you like best about this new venue
• Send an email to: debbie@circletenevents.com 
  • Attach 1-2 pictures (in wedding gown)
  • Phone number

Deadline: July 22 at midnight

***Please note***

We greatly appreciate every entry, but only the winner will be contacted on July 23

For a July 29 Photoshoot

Here’s a sneak peak at the venue. I’ll unveil the name, location, and details when the pro photos are ready.