• 2008-09-29T07:31:00Z Amber Events

    Weddings at private residences are really difficult. And I love them. I always jump at the chance to work a wedding at a private residence as I learn something new to be on the lookout for in the future (this past weekend I learned that the rental order really needs to be checked in). Saturday I assisted Carol Rosen of Party Designs by Carol at a lovely home in Beverly Hills. The bride was sweet, the family was hospitable, the catering divine, the guests kind, the weather perfect, and the garden gorgeous. A recipe for a perfect day! I especially loved the wildflower, garden, homey feeling th...

  • 2010-01-11T20:01:31Z Big Fat Cake Blog

    Source: Washington Post In an earlier post, I mentioned a trend of brides holding their wedding at their home or home of someone they know. The movitation is usually to save money but Washington Post writer Dina ElBoghdady shares the highs and lows of doing it at home. You could save money by having your wedding at home but there are many extra things you have to pay for, such as tents, power generators, parking valet, etc. In the end, you could spend more and you risk the negatives, like property damage. I’ve never attended a wedding at home, but in my opinion, I would recommend it only if...

  • 2011-08-02T08:01:00Z Amber Events

    After having a break from them over the past few years, in the past few months, I've done two weddings at homes. Not a private residence that is rented out for events: but the home of the bride or groom's family or a close friend. If rented venues are tough, home weddings are three times harder than a normal wedding. It takes a wedding ninja and a team of martial artist vendors to make it all come together smoothly. To pull off a home wedding properly, not only do all of the normal things (Music! Flowers! Invitation! Decor!) have to be dealt with, but all of the items listed below.Pre-Prep of ...

  • 2011-10-17T08:33:00Z Couture Celebrations -- A day in the life of a wedding planner diva.

    Happy Monday!We want to congratulate both our wonderful couples this weekend!Megan and Drew at a private residence in beautiful MontereyPicture taken by me on my phoneTim and Becca at a private home in Willow Glen.Picture taken by Heidi on her phoneWe love our clients, thank you for having us be a part of your special day!...

  • 2009-07-31T06:32:28Z Style Me Pretty

    Today’s first wedding is total charm. The bride’s big sister actually submitted it to Style Me Pretty, which is so super cute, as she was so blown away by the chic, DIY touches and charming home-grown feel that the gorgeous bride and groom infused.  Held in Spanish Oaks Ranch in Santa Margarita, CA, you guys are going to love this one! photography by Ellie Grover Photography From Emily, the brides sister… My sister, Aly, and her fiance are both teachers, so they wanted to use elements like apples and chalkboards in their decor.  Aly wanted the vibe to be casual yet elegant…it was a ...

  • 2012-02-12T22:01:05Z Elegant Weddings on a Budget

    These days in the tough economic times we’re facing, many people are not only realizing the advantages of planning a home wedding, but they’re also welcoming the whole process – especially after seeing how much money they can save! Couples are excited about decorating the home they choose for their venue, baking their own wedding cake, making their own bridal shower favors and reception favors, and planning their menus (or even cooking their own meals!). Not only does this significantly minimize the cost, but it also gives couples the opportunity to use their creativity when working on ...

  • 2009-07-31T08:00:26Z Style Me Pretty

    This is such a cute wedding. It’s one of those weddings that, if you are lucky enough to be a guest, you always remember. Details galore, charming handmade touches, a bride and groom that literally glow. photography by Ellie Grover Photography The chalkboard centerpieces, the flowers that were all crafted by family friends, the painted popsicle sticks that were used as place cards and tucked into a vintage milk crate container. Love it all. There is just so much more touching about a wedding that was crafted by friends and family and yet still looks incredible chic. It’s hard to put into ...

  • 2009-07-31T11:34:23Z Style Me Pretty

    I mentioned earlier that the person that actually sent us today’s wedding was the brides cute sister, Emily. Well, Emily also just happens to be the talent behind all of the paper goods that she sells through her super cute Etsy shop, Frenchie & Flea! So…thank you so very much to Emily for sharing her sister’s recent wedding with us. And to adding another brilliant etsy shop to our must have list! And of course, to the gorgeous bride and groom…thank you so much for giving us a window into your day. Style was literally bursting at the seams!! photographs by Ellie Grover © Style M...

  • 2009-07-31T10:00:14Z Style Me Pretty

    We are back with some seriously great details from today’s featured wedding. It’s home grown, with almost everything being crafted by the bride, friends and family. It’s chic, as she just happens to be a graphic designer so completely understands color, texture and design. It’s total charm. Total charm. Invitation photographs by Frenchi and Flea, Additional photographs by Ellie Grover From Emily, the brides adorable sister… She infused the naturally gorgeous setting with moss, gingham, polka dots, and apples….a black and white checkered dance floor topped it all off!  She also re...

  • 2009-07-22T06:00:00Z classic bride

    If you're a regular reader, you know I'm madly in love with the idea of an at-home wedding ... there is something so endearing and timeless about it! Which is why I had to share this gem with you ...Gorgeous, right? Imagine dancing on the lawn under the stars after your afternoon wedding ....Well, it gets better! This breathtaking inn + restaurant is giving one lucky couple an all-expense paid destination wedding! All you have to do is submit your story and then have your friends and family vote for you. So get that pen and paper out and start writing! ;o)Bonus! The fab estate has incredible v...