Simply Modern Weddings

I am still enjoying my week at The Special Event in San Diego. After another full day of classes, tonight we attended a cocktail party that Classic Party Rentals threw at the The New Children’s Museum. That venue had some fabulous architecture, and would make for a fun wedding site! Then, I headed back to the W where Cort Furniture Rentals had an amazing party going on. The adam and eve models were pretty fun, and all of us planners enjoyed the chair massages…the best part for me was the flow of the party throughout the pool area, beach and banquet space of the hotel. I just love a great flow, especially when there is something exciting in each space!

Okay, now onto the photo friday image! I ran across this image while cruising Jose Villa’s blog. Look how sweet this image is of the mother looking on during the father/daughter dance. It’s touching moments like this that make me love photography so much!

A couple exciting things begin tomorrow!

1st: Happy Lunar New Year! Tomorrow officially begins the year of the Ox. So be sure to wear red, pop a few firecrackers, and eat some yummy Chinese food! For design inspiration, I ran across this colorful table decor by Pier1 from the Lotus Haus blog.

2nd: I will be heading out to spend the week in San Diego for The Special Event conference and tradeshow. This will be an education packed week, as I have signed up for courses taught by the best of the best in the event industry. I also will be attending a fabulous wedding luncheon and presentation by Carley Roney, co-founder and Editor in Chief of the knot. I am looking forward to the inspiration and fresh ideas, seeing new products for the industry…as well as meeting up with my fellow wedding planner friends! Of course I will be staying at one of my favorite hotels…can you guess which one? (hint in previous blog post) Click here to find out!

How can I not love this photo shot by Luna Photo?! Maybe because it was taken at my favorite hotel chain in the whole world (W baby!) and maybe because I just adore how super chill they are.

Either way, it’s definitely “simply modern”!

Engagement photo season is here again! What better time for you and your honey to learn to warm up to the camera and “smile with your eyes” (as Tyra would say) before the big day? Not to mention it’s a great time to have fun and get to know your photographer. Not convinced? You can read my thoughts about engagement sessions here.

Once your session is booked (step 1) and location chosen (step 2, that’s a tricky one), there is another dilemma. Ahhh…what should I wear?! Gone are those days of doing the bland matching white collar button-up shirts with jeans (uh!). You want to select something that represents your personality and style. For my divas, do a cute black dress with some sassy heels. For my modern girls, rock it out with some fun colors and accessories.

Below are some affordable, stylish outfits for a “simply modern” engagement photo shoot!

(clockwise): lime cardigan-J.Crew; gray cropped pants-Express; eggplant dress-Victoria’s Secret; blue cami dress-Express

How adorable is this photo shot by Lisa and Jeff Photography? Don’t we all remember playing dress up in “big girl” shoes? Louboutins…this little girl has good taste!

Of all the colors in the Pantone planet, my absolute favorite colors are beautiful shades of blue…especially aqua blue. I am such a fanatic, that I actually have color codes of the best blues memorized.

With this new inspiration board, I just love how adding a touch of soft gray makes my typical modern blues so much more romantic. What do you think?

(clockwise) shoes-Kristi Klemens; reception-Liz Banfield Photography; bridesmaid-Belathée Photography;dessert-Brides.com; flowergirl-Liz Banfield Photography; gown-Melissa Sweet; (center) ring pillow-Martha Stewart

If you are a fashionista, you probably have ran across the I am Stylish blog. I absolutely adore Tiffany’s fun style, and her shoe collection….I would kill for!!!

Since she is on my daily blog stalking list, I have been waiting for her to post the photos from her recent destination wedding in Jamaica shot by Punam Bean. I knew the images would be beautiful, but let me just say…it was VERY hard to select a favorite, as they were all absolutely amazing.

Looking at the peacefulness in this photo, you would have never guessed that there was a hurricane on their wedding day! To read more about their day and for more photo eye-candy, check out Punam’s blog.

Make sure to go out tomorrow and pickup your copy of the new Southern Weddings magazine. If you are like me, and follow their fabulous blog…you probably already have the launch date calendared. Their website is just packed full of amazing weddings and ideas, and I anticipate the magazine will prove to be just as drool-worthy!

Here in OC, the magazine should be at your local Barnes and Noble and Target. If you cannot find it in your local stores, you can order online. Below is the cover photo which was shot by SoCal’s own Jose Villa. (how cute are the bride’s shoes!!!)

**to the SW team: many congrats on the launch!

Happy 2009 folks….I hope you all had a fabulous NYE!

For today’s featured photo, I thought it would be appropriate to share this amazing shot from a wedding Jessica Claire did on NYE 2007. I just love how it captures the emotion and excitement of everyone ringing in the New Year around the couple!