Recovered Dreams

Renae and Gene – October 15, 2011

Renae and Gene are my last couple that we assisted from the Old Richland Schoolhouse closure.   This couple was so devastated by the closure that they took their story to the media.  Opal Martin, with Allies Party Rental, was working with them as their coordinator and together, we knew that we’d be able to give them something even more special.  During our meetings, we sat out on the Stixx patio, drank wine, and enjoyed the ambiance while we thought up ways to recover their dreams.  When the day finally arrived, the weather could not have been more perfect; clear skies and warm sun.  With record breaking temps just days before, the high of 77 was more than welcome.  However, nothing was more radiant than the bride’s smile.  Simply stunning!  The bridesmaids wore royal blue satin dresses that were punctuated by beautiful burgundy bouquets created by Spendid Sentiments: (mysplendidsentiments.com).  Allies party rental outdid themselves with the market lights and lanterns hung over the patio (www.alliesparty.com).  The interesting color scheme of khaki, burgundy and royal blue really came together through the floral centerpieces and well placed accents.  Check out the candy table!  The groom made the sign, “Love is Sweet”.  The yummy cake was provided by Edelweiss (http://www.edelweissbakerysandiego.com/). With the work of amazing wedding vendors, and the warmth of family and friends by their side, Renae and Gene ultimately received the wedding of their dreams.  Congratulations to you both.

Navy Nights

Veronica and Jose – September 24, 2011

Veronica and Jose came to every meeting with some kind of family in tow so I knew this would be a very special wedding.  I’ve seen a big trend this year, and I’m sure you’ve noticed it in my posts, but as funds have become tighter, more and more couples are relying on family and friends to help make their wedding day happen and Veronica and Jose were no different.  The family did the decorations , her maid of honor did the hair and makeup and another friend was the DJ.  The VERY yummy and beautiful cake was by BC Cakes in Vista.  The red velvet cake was extremely moist.  On the eve of the rehearsal, there were thunderstorms rolling in the background and Veronica was nervous that they’d stick around the following day, but she had nothing to fear as she was greeted with nothing short of a perfect fall day.  Congratulations to Veronica and Jose.

Victorian Drama

Michele and Mike – 9/18/11

Michele is a woman with a distinct style and flair all her own.  She and Mike are fans of Steampunk.  That is a term new to this wedding planner.  Michele also has a place in my ten year wedding history as the very first bride of mine to wear a black dress.  I’ve had a lot of color accents to wedding dresses, including black accents, but never all black.  Her dress was Victorian in style with a fringe bustle and fit her style perfectly.  The choker she wore was amazing! The other stand out was her cake by Cute Cakes in Escondido.  Not only was it a showstopper but the layers of red velvet and strawberry shortcake with cream cheese fillings were to die for.  Michele and Mike’s family and friends were an integral part in pulling everything together.  Grandma did the decorations, a friend of theirs was the photographer, a long time family friend performed the wedding, and the groom’s family put together the candy table. This fun and warm couple were another victim of the Old Richland Schoolhouse closure, but again, the entire team pulled together to create a new dream for their special wedding day.  Special thanks to Paul Peterson of High Energy DJ Service for keeping the party going.

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Champagne Dreams

Davina and Paul (8/13/11)

When the Old Richland Schoolhouse decided to close its doors again to weddings at the end of July, no one was more affected than Davina and Paul who’s wedding was less than a month away.  Invitations were already out, decor was set, her vision was clear.  Then, her dreams were shattered and she was left stunned.  When I first met Davina and Paul, the look on their faces said it all, “Just make it happen.”  So that’s exactly what we did.  With the help of amazing vendors we turned this ship around and took action.  Her florist, Kim, put an amazing amount of personal energy into thoughtful, beautiful touches that didn’t break the bank.  Chris from Solid Gold DJ had the party hopping and kept the day in motion.  Crimson Cake delivered a decadent cake of layers of red velvet and another layer of chocolate cake with chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries (oh my gawd!!!)  So far, Davina and Paul have not received their money back from the Old Richland Schoolhouse, but on this beautiful, amazing wedding day, that was all forgotten.

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She’ll Need Botox

Dan and Danielle 7/23/11

Relax… I’m not saying she has wrinkles. I’m only saying she WILL have wrinkles.  In fact, Danielle looks young enough to be one of the students that she teaches.  Her new husband, Dan, is the problem.  He’s CONSTANTLY cracking jokes. Not like, “two guys walk into a bar” jokes.  But just points out the funny in EVERYTHING! My face hurt whenever they left my office (I know… it hurt them more to look at it…ba dum)  So I turned to Danielle and said, “Just invest in botox now because you’re going to have seriously laugh lines.”  Their reception matched their personalities as well.  Her favorite color of teal and his favorite color of black.  The centerpieces were GORGEOUS!  I loved the dramatic feel.  The cake was made by a young friend of hers (only 18 years old).  I think someone has a bright future ahead of her!!  When we went down to the golf course to take photos, Danielle suggested that they lie down in the grass on their stomachs with the pond in the background. That’s just who they are! Looking to find the fun in everything! Congratulations Dan and Danielle.

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Sunflower Fun

Lauren and Rob July 22, 2011

Lauren and Rob are a joyous couple, looking to relax and have a good time.  Their family and friends all came together to ensure that this wedding was a success.  In fact, I can’t recall a wedding with more family involvement.  Her mom was involved in the planning, the food and the decor from day one.  The bride’s dad actually delivered the cake himself.  The groom’s dad wanted to make sure the DVD slideshow was prefect.  The bride’s brother was the DJ.  The band were friends of the groom. Aunt Donna was out there taking pictures. The matriarch of the family shared with me that she had thirteen of her great-grandchildren at the wedding.  I’m sure I forgot someone.  Everyone was kind and enjoyed their time.  The day could not have been more beautiful.  Congratulations Lauren and Rob.

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Smiles for Miles

Melanie and Roger – July 16, 2011

How would I describe Melanie? Smiles for a mile…. and maybe a bit bubbly as well.  And Roger? Well boy does he have moves…dance moves that is.  Their first dance started out to be a normal choreographed waltz but then the CD kept skipping.  I gave the DJ a stern look and he just smiled back. Yup… they got me.  The music turned into “Party Rock” and they started shuffling, popping, locking, breaking. AWESOMENESS!!! During dinner, they kept the entertainment going with a couple girls giving a hula performance.  The Garden Room was a awash in pink uplighting with ivory tables and chair covers accented with magenta.  The centerpieces were simple orchids (one of which now adorns my office).  Big hugs to Melanie and Roger.  Congratulations! (Cake by Edelweiss Bakery) My photos below…

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