We have the honor of once again participating in the annual Queen of Hearts fundraiser. This year it will be held in the evening on September 18, 2008 at Confidential in the Gaslamp in San Diego, CA. There will be wine tasting, live entertainment, a silent auction & raffle prizes. The proceeds of the fundraiser benefit pancreatic cancer research.

Erin and Bruce’s wedding and reception at The Thursday Club was wonderful. The decor and choice of vendors could not have been better. Adina of Simply Adina Floral Design created some of the most beautiful centerpieces using wrought iron candelabras, deep red florals and hanging candles. Mark and his team from TK&A Catering put together a delicious menu combined with some of the best service in catering. And Tim Altbaum read the crowd and kept people on the dance floor until the very end of the evening. Erin and Bruce incorporated their love for Johnny Cash and kicked the party off with a tribute band, Cash’d Out, during their cocktail hour.

Jenny and Mike experienced quite the whirlwind in the week leading up to their wedding. Several days before we received a call from the catering manager at their chosen venue with some bad news - he had gotten word of a union demonstration on the public walkway adjacent to the ceremony site. That catering manager professionally assisted us in finding an alternate location for Jenny and Mike’s ceremony and reception. So while things were a little rocky in the days leading up to their wedding day, the day itself was absolutely beautifil and amazing in every way! The ceremony and reception were held bayside at Paradise Point Resort, which seemlessly meshed with the hawaiian style chosen for the wedding. The ceremony began with the blowing of the Conch shell which was immediately followed by a live ukeleilei for the processional. The backdrop for the ceremony was the lush landscaping and waterfalls, as well as a fantastic bamboo arbor from Organic Arbors. As the sun set Jenny and Mike treated their guests to an amazing polynesian show by Harvey Mendiola Island Productions! The day will not soon be forgotten.

I recently learned of a way for brides to give back through the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation and Brides Against Breast Cancer. BABC hosts the Nationwide Tour of Gowns which affords brides-to-be the opportunity to find their wedding gown while helping make wishes come true for gals and guys who are loosing their battle with breast cancer. Additionally, brides who have already had their amazing day can donate their gown to BABC. If purchasing another bride’s used gown does not appeal to you (even if its for a good cause) keep in mind that many of the dresses available at each gown sale are NEW designer gowns that have been donated by designers, manufacturers and bridal retailers. All proceeds from the gown sales go to Making Memories. The best news is that the Nationwide Tour of Gowns is coming to San Diego in early March 2009!

Haley and Marcus were such a fun couple! The string quartet set a simple, yet elegant tone for the ceremony which was carried through to the reception in the use of golds and pinks. Their fun side definitely came out when taking photos with Justin and Tricia of Candids by Allie at Studio Duva and in their color coordinated candy bar!

Jamie and David were all about the details. The decor brought in to dress up an already wonderful location, Darlington House, was absolutely beautiful! Jamie chose a floral pallet of pinks, lime greens and oranges to offset lime green linens. Spanish guitarists played for the ceremony and cocktail hour and a 9 piece band rocked the house during the reception.

Congratulations Melissa and Corrie! This fun and very photogenic couple had their ceremony and reception at Admiral Kidd Club. From the table linens and chair sashes that complimented the blue ocean and perfectly matched the bridesmaid dresses to the personal touches that made the day unique to Melissa and Corrie - everything was absolutely fantastic! Guests danced until late in the evening before sending the bride and groom off from in a yacht.
 

Jenni and Mike got married at the Catamaran Resort on Mission Bay. The day was beautiful for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour. They incorporated tropical flowers and seashell details to tie in their waterfront location.

Nicole and Kevin are one of the sweetest couples I have had the pleasure of working with. Their ceremony and reception were held at the absolutely gorgeous Rancho Bernardo Inn. Everything about the resort from the staff to the meal was outstanding.

The Spring Bridal Bazaar was fantastic, despite the heat. Thanks to all of you who stopped by our booth to say “Hello!” Congrats to Kelly Murphy, winner of the emergency bridal kit.