Wow this was one fast week! Which leads up to a fabulous “simple beach chic” wedding that I have planned for Daniella and Daniel at the Sunset Restaurant this Sunday. Can’t wait to share their eye-candy with you!
I thought this photo from Meg Smith would be a beautiful closing image for the week! I just adore the ruffles detail on this bride’s gown and her flowers are so bright and summery! Just amazing! For more beautiful photos, you must check out Meg’s awe-inspiring portfolio!
This smoking hot couple will be having an equally spicy “spanish/travel influenced” wedding at Casa Romantica this September. I am talking black lace, flamenco dancing, lush red floral, and many more goodies that we have planned for their special day….you will just have to wait and see!!!
Since Aaron is a fabulous wedding photographer, of course he called on the super-duper Furious Photographers for their engagement session in San Francisco. Add a little bit of
Gene Higa, and Ann Hamilton to the mix and you have a fantastical team of photography and fun!
For more photos from their super crazy session, check out Furious Photographers blog!
**Barb & Aaron: James and I can’t wait for our “triple date” tomorrow – stuffing our faces at Boiling Crab and getting our butts kicked at bowling with Brian and Helen!** 
So after many months of putting it off, I finally signed up for Twitter!
I was very reluctant at first thinking, “who wants to read about what I am doing all day?” and GASP “what if I am not interesting enough?”! However, after much prodding from my fellow industry peeps…I finally made the dive headfirst in Twitterland. And you know what? I actually like it! So hop on over to my Twitter profile and follow me. I would love to hear from you!
Not really a Twitter person, and Facebook more your style? Then head over to the SMW Facebook page to become a fan!
The beautiful gowns below are from Jim Hjelm’s Spring 2009 collection.
I just adore the top right gown, which one do you love?
Today’s photo is from one of the most anticipated weddings in the wedding blog world. I happened across emilie inc. one Sunday afternoon…and spent the entire day relishing in her amazing work! I even featured her on Photo Friday!
After seeing her sweet proposal video, I became super excited to read more about her wedding plans. Since I also know what it’s like to be in this industry and be a bride at the same time, I love seeing how other wedding pros make their day unique. Her beautiful wedding photos were shot by SoCal’s own Jules Bianchi…whose work I also adore!
It was extremely difficult to choose just one photo to feature, but I ended up selecting this one because it was so bright and fun. I also LOVE her veil!
For more of her stunning photos click here!
Over the next few weeks, I plan on featuring some uber stylish wedding gowns. I absolutely love gowns with amazing fabric, details, and that embody my “fresh. chic. simple.” philosophy!
Today’s beautiful gowns are part of the 2010 Pronovias collection. I picked both of these because of their beautiful detailing. The ruffles and floral appliques on the Galaxia gown are so flirty and sweet, while the Chalet gown has very sexy, Grecian goddess details.
Oooh this makes me want to go gown shopping just to try these lovelies on!!!
We have an exciting weekend ahead of us! A little day of fun in the sun at dog beach tomorrow with Roma, then headed out to the Sunset Restaurant on Sunday to do our final meeting with my super cool couple for May 31st. Of course, I have to stop in Vanilla Bake Shop on the way home for a dozen cupcake babies and large jar of Banana Pudding! (yummy, let’s just skip ahead to that part of the weekend!)
For today’s Photo Friday feature, look at this image shot by the incredible Laura Novak! Doesn’t it just say “wooohoo…look at that bling!”?
One of the best things about any great wedding planner, is that we have a knowledge of “hidden gems” in the industry. Whether it’s a fabulous letterpress studio that is also budget friendly, who to call if you want “glam” mirrored tables for your reception, or where to find an amazing wedding location that is different from the typical hotel ballroom…we are sure to have something in our bag of tricks! Now I can’t go giving all my secrets away 
but I will share with you my all time favorite beachfront venue.
The Sunset Restaurant is a beautiful venue nestled on Zuma Beach in Malibu. It’s one of the very few locations where you can actually have your ceremony right on the sand! With their recent renovation, the restaurant has a very SMW look to it, lots of white and blues…very simple chic interior.
Rather than rambling on and on about how fab they are, I thought I would invite Kelly Ann, the Sunset’s event manager to chat a bit about their location. I have worked with her team for the past 3 years, and she is such a gem…I absolutely ADORE working with her!
SMW: Tell us something “simply modern” about having a wedding at The Sunset?
KA: That’s funny…that’s our slogan…”Simplicity is more at The Sunset!” The food and venue is modern, fresh, simple, affordable and is steps from the sand. The Sunsets are stunning and the ocean’s sound is enchanting. It is the Malibu’s “simply modern” restaurant and special event venue!
SMW: What size weddings is the Sunset best suited for?
KA: 100-120, Any larger requires a tent. 200 max for sit-down.
SMW: What cuisine is the specialty at the Sunset?
KA: Farmers Market driven produce with sustainable proteins are created into fresh and innovative dishes by Executive Chef Jake Rojas. An step towards the Slo Food Movement!
SMW: What advice/tips do you have for couples still looking for the perfect venue?
KA: 1. Know who you are together and apart.
2. Each of you write down on paper your top 5 wedding venues
3. Show each other
4. Factor in the x factor (the families suggestions/opinions )
5. Join together by choosing the top five and go and make an appointment.
6. Get as much info and then research the venue after you leave.
7. Make sure you’ve met the person you’ll be dealing with at the venue.
8 Finances together…do these places fit your entire budget?
9. All other items have been budgeted
10. If the guest count fits…..get your name on their books!! BOOK!
Kelly Ann…thank you so much for taking the time to share more about your beautiful property!
P.S. Not looking for a location? Stop by the Sunset for lunch or dinner…they have the YUMMIEST food!
(clockwise): my client’s beautiful wedding ceremony-Kim Fox Photography; bar/lounge area-Chris Schmitt Photography; ballroom reception-Chris Schmitt Photography; beach photo-Henshall Photography; cocktails on the patio-Chris Schmitt Photography; tented reception-Chris Schmitt Photography
A couple weeks ago, I attended Fusion Linens Grand Opening celebration of their LA showroom. Fusion has been one of my preferred linen companies for over 3 years. Not just because they have beautiful linens, but they also have the BEST customer service ever! If I ever run into a question, or problem…I know that they will take care of me and my clients. I have actually had to call on them to help out in a situation where my client’s original linen company failed to deliver. Angel, Danielle, and Veronica…you guys are true rockSTARS at what you do! 
So of course I wanted to be there to celebrate in their expansion, which was very exciting because I know they truly deserve all their success! There were also some fun pieces in their 2009 collection that I couldn’t wait to see.
Below are some photos captured by “the man” Jason Q Tran. See his blog for more photos and a list of the vendors who made this event a great success!
A few weeks ago, I attended YWD Magazine’s party at the Ebell Los Angeles. I absolutely loved the various transitions of the party: from cocktails in the garden, to the feast in Marie Antoinette Room, to the Disco Party, and ending the night in the Bollywood Lounge. The decor was magnificent, the food was heavenly, and the drinks were delish! It was definitely good times with great friends! Below are some photos courtesy of Ebell’s blog. Check out the list of contributing vendors on their blog as well!
(yes, that’s silly me rockin the blue wig and Kanye glasses in the LA Photo Party shot!)
