Thursday, May 14, 2015

WEDDING: Woodland Hills Country Club

Erin and Ranil's wedding was literally the FUNNEST (yes, I realized that is not a real word) wedding EVER! 

I worked with Erin and Ranil for several months to find the perfect location, find all their vendors and with their overall design. Over the course of those months, I really got to know and love them both individually and as a couple. I feel so fortunate to have had them as clients. It was an absolute pleasure to be with them on their wedding day and make sure that all the months of planning went smoothly! So happy that we had the lovely Courtney McManaway there to capture the day.

Overall their design style was a fun preppy chic sort of look. We incorporated a royal blue with a playful green and white stripe to add some fun. We opted for lots of lush white floral and eco-friendly succulents to get that pop of green. 

Erin and Ranil's number one concern was to make sure that their guests had a blast! The bar selection definitely helped get the crowd going, but - it was the talented guys at Special Occasions that truly set the party off! Guests were dying to get on the dance floor before dinner even ended. Special Occasions kept the dance floor packed all night and made me wish I was a guest. 

And the cherry on top for this one - it was featured by The Knot! woo hoo!







Click Here to check out the feature!

Here is the 411:


Monday, May 11, 2015

Grooming and the Groomsmen Gift

You want to show the people in your wedding party that you appreciate them in a thoughtful way. 

Groomsmen gifts can be especially tough. Many times, your groomsmen consist of a group of guys that are all totally different. You've got your soon to be brother in law that you are just sort of getting to know, your old college roommate that knows WAY too much, your brother who you can't image life without…. etc. They are all different ages, different stages of life, and all have different tastes and styles. It can be hard to purchase gifts that all fit a theme that everyone will enjoy.

One theme that works well for any dude is the gift of —grooming. 

Here are our top 3 gift ideas:


#1 Barber Shop: give your dudes the experience of a relaxing and manly trip to the barber for a good ol' shave, fresh cut or maybe just a beard trim. 

Cool spots like Razorbacks Barber Shop in Long Beach offer a variety of services. For $80 you can give your groomsmen the gift of a good haircut, shave and product. My recommendation - schedule appointments for all of you the morning of your wedding day, invite your photographer to come along and snap some shots while you all hang out. It's a great way to show your guys you appreciate them and also make sure they look extra sharp on the wedding day! (*don't forget to tip your barber*)



#2 Personalized Leather Travel Kit: time to throw out the zip-lock bag full of toiletries and grow up! This rugged and manly canvas travel bag has really nice leather trim and a stainless-steel medallion for monogram personalization. 
This is the gift that keeps on giving. Your groomsmen will never need to purchase another travel kit as long as they live. And - anytime they go on a trip they will think of you and your wedding. The monogram detail is a really nice touch and will be sure to make them feel special. Plus - this gift has the two things that men always love - practicality and convenience. For only $49 - you can fill it with soaps and lotions and look like you spent a million!

Price $49.99

Personalization with a 3 initial monogram (first name initial, last name initial, middle name initial)

Available on-line at The Groovy Groomsmen Gifts! Click here to purchase on-line. 
Also - be sure to search through their site for more great groomsmen gift ideas. They have tons of items and most can be personalized directly through them with the convince of on-line purchasing. They have great customer service and will make it super easy for you!


#3 Bath and hygiene products: This can be your most cost effective way to go if you shop wisely. 

Every time I go to check in on the groomsmen before the ceremony starts - it literally smells like an Axe  Body Spray fumigation experiment. YIKES! Companies like Bath and Body Works has some great spa quality options by C.O. Bigelow in-store and on-line. The packaging looks super fancy and nice, but the price tag is very reasonable.  You can get each guy an assortment of products and spend less than $50 each. 


Our Favorites are the Elixir Black line. The bottles look cool and they smell great!

(Left)
Elixir Black
Men's Deodorizing Body Spray
$12.00

(Middle)
Elixir Black
Men's Hair & Body Wash
$10.00

(Right)
Elixir Black
Men's Cologne
$19.50


Presentation is EVERYTHING!
Once you've selected your gift items - be sure to go the extra mile and put some thought into the presentation. You can pick up 6 of these really manly and rugged burlap bags on-line for only $19! 6 bags for $19! And the bag is reusable! Add tissue paper and you're done son! 


http://www.save-on-crafts.com/burlapbags12.html

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

WEDDING: Millennium Biltmore Hotel - Downtown Los Angeles


Is there anything more romantic than a grand and historic landmark? Allison and Matt got married at the iconic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. So many favorite moments from this wedding. By far - my personal favorite was Matt's reaction when he saw Allison for the first time. She literally took his breath away. He turned around, jaw dropped and had to step back just a bit to get it all in. She truly looked timeless. Very grateful that the talented Mark Martinez Photography was there to capture all the special moments and details!
Something Blue? Why not a classic and timeless pair of Badgley Mischka peep toe pumps?












I love when couples pay homage to their family. Allison and Matt chose to use an heirloom cake topper for this lovely wedding cake by Fantasy Frosting.
Here is a little behind the scenes footage that I took on my iPhone of their first look. Such a sweet moment.




Here is the 411:


  • Officiant/ Cantor: Lisa Klein


Tuesday, April 28, 2015

WEDDING: Queen Mary

Jenna and Chris got married aboard the iconic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Surrounded by 200 of their closest family and friend - this stunning wedding was one we'll never forget. Their design was inspired by their nautical venue and they incorporated a beautiful navy and coral color scheme.
Here are some of my favorite photos from the day by Andy Rodriguez Photography.
















 Here is the 411:


  • Event Planning & Coordination: At Your Door Events http://atyourdoorevents.com
  • Venue/Catering: Queen Mary http://www.queenmary.com
  • Florist: Elementals http://elementalsfinefloral.com
  • Photographer: Andy Rodriguez Photography http://www.andyrodriguezphoto.com
  • Make Up & Hair : Flawless Faces, Inc. http://www.flawlessfacesinc.com/home
  • Linen Rentals: Glow Concepts Fine Linens http://glowconcepts.com/about/
  • DJ & Lighting: Extreme DJ http://www.extremedjservice.com
  • Photo Booth: I Heart Mo Mo http://www.iheartmomo.com
  • Cake: Rossmoor Pastries http://www.rossmoorpastries.com/#about
  • Rentals: Bella Events Services http://www.chargerplatesrental.com
  • Linens: Ramon's Linen https://www.facebook.com/RamonsLinen





Tuesday, April 21, 2015

FABULOUS & FORTY!

We had the pleasure of working with Renae on the planning and design of her 40th birthday party in downtown Long Beach. She wanted a fun and flirty celebration with lots of sparkly pink details.

With the help from some of our very favorite event industry pros - we gave her the celebration she had always dreamed of! All photos by the talented Kristina Lee Photography.

Sparkly blush sequin linen from Luxe Linens and stunning floral by Pixies Petals.





The talented people at Ice Craving made this custom martini luge for us!

The one specific request that Renae made was that she HAD to have Sweet & Saucy Shop mini desserts! With some major styling by Two's A Party - Renae's dessert bar was a huge hit!






For us the perfect ending to any celebration is a happy client! 
Check out this super sweet and thoughtful YELP review of our services.



Here is the 411:
  • Event Planning & Design: At Your Door Events http://atyourdoorevents.com


Thursday, July 31, 2014

Our Two Cents on Wedding Party

The people that will stand next to you on your wedding day are a pretty big deal! Besides literally standing next to you at the alter, they represent the people that have your back! Your wedding party are the people that will support you not only through the wedding planning process but throughout your marriage.  As a wedding planner, I can appreciate a wedding planner that has their act together!  The wedding party helps set the tone for the day; If the wedding party is on time, celebrating, being helpful, making sure the couple is having fun, then it makes my job so much easier.
Here's my two cents on wedding party advice:

  • Choose wisely- Just because you've been a bridesmaid at 300 weddings does not mean you are obligated to ask all those friends to be in your bridal party. Choose extra close friends/family members that have patience, the finances to spend a few hundreds, won't ruin your festivities by getting too tipsy, are drama free, and will put your happiness first.
  • As soon as you decide who the dream team will be- let them know right away. Find a creative and sweet way to ask. You want to make sure that you give them plenty of time to prepare. 
  •  Be cautious on the size of your wedding party-the bigger the crew, the more potential for disagreements and the more costly it can become (transportation, bridal party gifts, rehearsal dinner, etc).
  • I strongly suggest that you consider the shapes and comfort level of each bride when selecting the style of dresses. Bridal party clothes are expensive! You want to make sure that they love what they're wearing. Opt for non traditional brides maid-dresses. Consider, choosing a color palette and let them choose the design.
  • Remind the guys to wear black socks.
  • Give them a heads up- they're going to be on their feet for most of the day. Bridesmaid should bring extra comfortable shoes (for down-time). Also let them know that taking pictures takes "for-ever" so patience and cooperation is required. 
  • Make sure that you have enough food/water and snacks available during the wedding day (while getting ready, taking pictures, etc.)
  • Acknowledging your appreciation for their participation on your ceremony program is a nice touch!
  • Make the Grand Entrance Fun- Give your DJ a brief description of how each attendant should be announced during the grand entrance (e.g. "Welcome Mary Smith, the bride's best friend since 2nd grade etc.). Choose a fun song for the grand entrance. Have a game plan of what you're going to want your bridal party to do when they enter the room (go straight to their seats, create a Soul Train Line on dance floor, etc.)
  • I' think it's more thoughtful when the bridal party sits with the guest they have brought to the wedding.
  • Make sure to pour tons and tons of LOVE on your bridal party! They've accepted your invitation to participate and spend money on your wedding, you should reciprocate with a thoughtful gift and lots of consideration to what makes them comfortable. 
  • Remember that this is the team you selected to have extra fun with on your wedding day! Make memories with them! Enjoy!

Just sayin',
Jenny Goodman

(Special thanks to the awesome bridal party at Natalie and Eddie's wedding for being everything a bridal party should be. Also Thanks to Pamela Marches Photography for the great pics. www.pamelamarches.com

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Home Sweet Home- Weddings!

This summer I've had the pleasure of planning a few weddings in my clients home. Although, a lot more work and logistical planning  for me, I've had a great time doing so! My clients chose to have their wedding at their home, not to save money, but for the opportunity to celebrate this momentous occasion in a place that already holds special memories! While ideal for some brides, there are a few things to consider. For example:

  • Let your neighbors know that you're hosting a party. Not only is it polite, but you will avoid grumpy neighbors complaining (to police, association, etc.)
  • Consider noise restrictions (most neighborhoods require for the noise to be turned down by 10 pm)
  • Will your caterers have access to your kitchen? If not, they will need to build a portable kitchen. They're going to need access to water and electricity.
  • Speaking of electricity, make sure to know ho many amps of electricity each outlet can handle. The last thing you want during your reception is for the lights or music to go off.
  • Consider the weather. Provide parasols if it's too sunny. Provide shawls and heaters for the chilly evenings. Also, have a plan B, in case Mother Nature turns on you.
  • What's the parking situation? Ideally, it's best to offer valet. 
  • Are there enough restroom available for guest? Normally you need 1 bathroom stall for every 40-50 guest.
  • Ask all your vendors to visit the site. Minimize any surprises.
  • Hire a cleaning crew for the aftermath! The last thing you want to do after your wedding is spend hours scrubbing! 
  • Obviously, hire a wedding planner that will handle the enormous amount of logistical planning on that day! 
If done correctly,  you won't regret saying your "I Do's" in a place that is unique and the most special to you, your home!

Toodles,
Jenny Goodman