Evelyn & Giuseppe’s Malibu Wedding

This gorgeous summer wedding took place at the beautiful SaddleRock Ranch in breathtaking Malibu, California. Evelyn & Giuseppe added so many personal touches and details to this wedding it truly made every guest feel welcome and set the tone for the celebration of their happy marriage! We especially love the “Olive you” Olive Oil favors!

Congratulations Evelyn & Giuseppe!

Venue: SaddleRock Ranch | Cake: Caprice Bakery| Coordination: Master Plans Events | DJ: DJ Omar Cash | Hair & Makeup: Lin Tran| Catering: Whoa Nelly Catering| Photography: Michael Segal Photography | Videography: Forrey Films

Annette & Ian’s Romantic Wine Cellar Wedding

The stage is set at the beautiful Ponte Winery in Temecula where Annette and Ian created a unique experience to take their vows in a stunning wine cellar. Dripping with lights and soft floral décor the romantic mood was set as Annette walked elegantly down the aisle to Ian. This couple was such a joy to work with as they wanted to ensure their bridal parties had a great time – (We LOVE these sports inspired Groomsmen socks!!) Their reception décor was lovely as well as this elegant 4 tier cake from Cakes to Celebrate – nothing says elegance like a little Wedding cake bling!!

Congratulations Annette & Ian!

Venue: Ponte Winery | Cake: Cakes to Celebrate  | Coordination & Flowers: Master Plans Events and Designs | DJ/Lighting: Mike Farmer  | Hair & Makeup: Tiffany Riebero  | Photography: Cean One Photography |

2011 Wedding Color Trends

Wedding trends follow in the same pattern as fashion trends.  Colors, textures, fabrics and designs all matter.   But since YOUR wedding is unique to you, you can design and create your wedding day however you desire. Below are some color palettes that we have seen at numerous weddings.  Remember, you’re not limited to these palettes and ideas.. this is just what’s currently most popular. And as we all know.. trends come and go.. be on the look out for the next one!

Images courtesy of Smithers Oasis Floral

We’re in Bride & Blooms So Cal Spring 2011 Magazine!

We’re so excited to be featured in 2 different sections of Bride and Bloom’s 2011 Spring Magazine! Check out our “Natrual Love” table top design and  “Sharon & Shane’s Real Wedding” article feature. Thanks Bride & Bloom!

Shelly & Dan’s Whimsical Wedding

Shelly and Dan go together like chocolate and smores, super fun, sweet and loving.  Their wedding was full of hand crafted and creative elements that showed off their whimsical and colorful side. Colors in orange and blue complemented the room. They both love cupcakes and shared that with their guests by displaying a cute 3 tier cupcake with the words “LOVE” situated below. Their fun filled wedding day took place at the gorgeous La Canada Flintridge Country Club. It was an honor to work with two fun loving individuals who knew how to share their joy. Thanks to Herman Au Photography for putting together a video slide show of the wedding day:  Shelly & Dan’s Wedding

Images courtesy of Herman Au Photography

Fabriannie & Jakub’s Regal Wedding

Fabriannie and Jakub are a striking and gorgeous couple which also describes their ceremony at Mission Inn in Riverside and reception at Richard Nixon Library. All the colors blended so beautifully that it reminded me of Cinderella‘s ball. Tables were draped in a teal blue tafetta linen and centerpieces added an accent of dark wood, cream roses and orchids and hanging votives creating an atmosphere of romance. Even their Tiffany’s favors and gems accented their color schemes. The food, prepared by Jason’s Catering, was delicious and allowed the guests to taste both the Bride and Groom’s favorite dishes: filet and salmon. The couple danced the night away with their guests until it was time to fly to the airport.

Images courtesy of Yoshi Ohara Photography

 

Nell & Ira’s Beach Paradise Wedding

Nell & Ira are a super sweet couple.  Both very laid back and casual, which isn’t a surprise that their wedding would take place at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. They both wanted to incorporate some Jewish traditions, so the awning looking out to the waters acted as their chuppah. Nell and Ira also enjoyed sitting atop large white arm chairs as they were lifted in celebration by their guests. Nell really loves purple so we incorporated plum table linens and flowers but also added hints of teal and yellow to keep it on the lighter beach feel side.  The staff at Terranea, as always, is amazing to work with and made Nell and Ira’s day seamless and beautiful. Thanks to Tara Rochelle Photography for capturing the special day. They couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day with the sun shining, the breeze at bay and excellent company and food.

Images courtesy of Tara Rochelle Photography

 

How to Find the Right Photographer

I am by no means an expert in photography.  But coming from someone who works very closely with a Photographer on your most important day, there are a few things I’ve learned and recommend you look out for when selecting someone:

– their portfolio reflects what you like and are looking for (ie: portraits or photo journalism)

– the time coverage is at least 6-7 hours.  I usually recommend 8 to make sure you have from “Getting Ready” until right after Cake cutting.

– Make sure you know what their over time rate is.  Some photographers don’t tell you until you realize you need it and it’s really expensive

– You get digital proofs of all the images included in the package

– They have an assistant included (unless the wedding is really really small, like under 50, then they may not need one) but it’s always recommended since 1 photographer can’t capture everything that’s going on

– They offer albums, but don’t require you to buy.  You can always decide to purchase an album later.  A lot of times, that will raise the prices

– Most importantly that their personality is to your liking.  Your photographer is the one person on the wedding day that will be in your face (literally), and directing and capturing the pictures as the moments happen.  There are no “re-do’s” once it’s passed, so if he/she doesn’t seem like their on top of their game, I would be concerned.

Here’s a document you can download to take with you when interviewing prospective photographers: Questions to ask photographers

We’re Chosen for 2011 Bride’s Choice Award!

Los Angeles, CA –{January 26, 2011– WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Master Plans Events & Designs has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Coordination and Floral Services!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Master Plans Events & Designs stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Master Plans Events & Designs for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Master Plans Events & Designs is among the very best Wedding Coordination and Floral Services within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at Master Plans Events & Designs.

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire.com, the nation’s leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), ProjectWedding.com and Weddingbee.com (both part of eHarmony), and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).

Sick Free Wedding Day

It’s currently flu season, and we all know how terrible it is. It’s even worse to have it the week before/week of the wedding! As a wedding planner, I understand the importance of my health being in tip top shape so I can make sure I’m at the top of my game on the wedding day.  But for the Bride and Groom, it’s even more so.  Some helpful reminders how to keep yourself healthy before you walk down the aisle:

– Drink lots of water

– take vitamins

– try not to party the night before until dawn

– SLEEP!

– most importantly, DON’T STRESS or do work the night before!!

I can’t emphasize the importance of the last 2 points.  I often have brides calling me after the wedding rehearsal (which is usually the day before the wedding) in a panic that they didn’t finish writing the escort cards or putting together the favors.

First, that’s where your bridal party was supposed to help you, and 2nd, that’s where the planner should help you if they don’t.

Your sleep and health already undergoes a lot of pressure on the event day, so don’t add more to it.

With that said, take that extra Vitamin C with a nice cup of Chamomile Tea and hit the sack dreaming of your happy day.