Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Real Wedding Wednesday

Sarah Farmer & Travon McRae
The Condor’s Nest Ranch


During a casual drive to dinner in Ocean Beach, Sarah Farmer received the surprise of her life. What she thought was a dinner with her boyfriend, turned out to be an elaborate proposal plan prepared by her beau Travon McRae. Heading towards Sunset Cliffs, Travon told Sarah that they’d be sharing a picnic by the ocean. Before she could sit down to enjoy the view, Travon proposed to Sarah and let her in on his secret.  They actually had reservations downtown to celebrate with both sets of their parents, best friends and old roommates that had flown into town from the East Coast. After this creative proposal, Sarah took the lead and planned their perfect vintage wedding keeping everyone in mind. They had a working barn with farm animals for the children and signature drinks to appeal to their adult guests.







Sarah’s Advice: 

“Write your own vows! 
It was the one thing that resonated 
with us the most when we 
look back on our day.”



Ingredients
Ceremony and Reception Venue The Condor’s Nest Ranch 
Photography Dapper Images
Boudoir Photography Dapper Images
Florist Rae Florae
Linens The Condor’s Nest Ranch 
Entertainment Music Phreek 
Catering 220 Catering 
Wedding Cake Baby Cakes 
Invitations/Stationery Etsy 
Make-up Makeup by Ady 
Hair Porter and Hudson Salon 
Dress D’Angelo Bridal Salon
Men’s Formalwear Calvin Klein, Macy’s 
Jewelry/Rings Tiffany and Co. 
Honeymoon and Travel Kauai

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

A great offer from Pala Mesa Resort


Honeymoon Ideas

Have you started planning your honeymoon yet? Here are Five great affordable locations we think you should definitely consider. 


5 Fabulous Honeymoons Under $5,000
By Becky Gillespie, Kahala Travel

Weddings are expensive enough, so you don’t want to break the bank for your honeymoon as well.  Enjoy a luxurious weeklong getaway at one of these five destinations.  At under $5,000 per person, your bank account will thank you!

Grand Velas Riviera Maya – 
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico


If a beautiful beach and short travel time are top priorities on your honeymoon list, then look no further than Grand Velas Riviera Maya.  This isn't your typical all-inclusive - it's absolutely heaven.   Rated 5 Diamonds by AAA, you will quickly find you have difficulty choosing whether to while away your day in your spacious oceanfront suite with Jacuzzi or relax on the immense white sand beach sipping margaritas by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.  With seven different restaurants, including Cocina de Autorwith – gourmet cuisine by world renowned chefs  Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso - this is also the perfect location for foodies.  Although you might find it difficult to leave your slice of heaven, you will find many enticing activities nearby, from swimming with dolphins to exploring the picturesque ruins of Tulum. 

Ka'ana Boutique Resort – 
San Ignacio, Belize


You don’t need to sacrifice luxury for location if you want to head off-the-beaten-path for your honeymoon.  Nestled outside the town of San Ignacio, Ka’ana Boutique Resort is a hidden gem in the jungles of Western Belize.  The honeymooner who desires to experience the culture, history, and geography of an unknown region without having to sacrifice the comforts and amenities will find this their ideal hideaway.  During the day, you can discover the rainforest canopy, discover numerous ancient Mayan archaeological sites, kayak down serene rivers or adventure out on horseback.  By night, enjoy a private dinner for two on the Stargazing Terrace, while listening to your own local musician.  Afterward, you will retire for the night in your private casita, where the sounds of the jungle will lull you to a blissful sleep.  A honeymoon at Ka’ana is truly an experience you can call your own.

Royal Plantation – 
Ocho Rios, Jamaica


The retreat of media and sports stars, Royal Plantation is known for catering to guests’ every whim.  Located just an hour and a half from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Royal Plantation offers secluded pampering to the most discerning of travellers.  All 74-ocean view suites include butler service to ensure your every need is anticipated.  As an all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy fare ranging from French to Northern Italian and beyond.  Also, experience C|Bar - the Caribbean’s first and only champagne and caviar bar where guests watch the sommelier sabre-off the top of the champagne bottle.  A unique treat, indeed!  Beyond the hotel, adventures will beckon you.  Discover the misty Blue Mountains by bicycle, home of the famous Blue Mountain coffee.  Walk-up the rushing Dunn’s River Falls.  Ride horseback through the ocean.  Even experience a bobsled ride – Jamaican style - at Mystic Mountain.  There’s no shortage of experiences available, but the best part of the adventure is returning back to Royal Plantation, your butler waiting to greet you with cold drinks in hand.

Sofitel Ia Ora – 
Moorea, French Polynesia


Time and again, French Polynesia tops the list of honeymoon destinations.  Azure waters, tropical breezes, and lazy days spent on the deck of an overwater bungalow epitomizes romance for many.  While most people look to Bora Bora for the typical French Polynesian honeymoon, an oft-overlooked romantic retreat is the Sofitel Ia Ora on Moorea.  Settled on the edge of a magnificent lagoon, with views over the island of Tahiti, Sofitel Ia Ora offers an assortment of bungalow accommodations – from the more private garden bungalows to the much desired overwater bungalows with direct access to the sea.  Laze away your days on Moorea’s best beach, enjoy a relaxing massage while listening to the gently lapping waves, watch a Polynesian dance show while eating a gourment dinner at K, then take a stroll on the beach where the only lights in the sky are the stars.  The ultimate laid-back destination, you will be able to unplug from daily life and take in the inspiring vistas from Belvedere Lookout, rent bicycles and discover your own private beach or live on the wild side and hand-feed sharks and rays on Hiro’s tour.  It’s all yours to experience during your time at the Sofitel Ia Ora on Moorea.

Le Meurice – 
Paris, France


For the urban-inclined, no place can top the City of Lights when it comes to romance.  Paris is a place of magic for those in love, and dreams do come true for those staying at Le Meurice.  Glamorous, luxurious and chic are all words used to describe this classic French palace.  The hotel has a history of housing the elite aristocracy, and the tradition continues, as you are treated like royalty when you honeymoon at Le Meurice.  Posh rooms, a concierge on call 24-hours, and a rendez-vous at Bar 228 await you at this urban retreat.  With an unrivalled hotel location opposite the Tuileries Gardens and a short stroll from Le Louvre in Central Paris, Le Meurice is the perfect base for discovering a Paris all your own.  Embrace for a kiss on a bridge across the Seine, stroll arm-in-arm in Ile Saint Louis, and dine at Michelin star Le Jules Vernes Restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower, the City of Lights your backdrop.  All Paris, all romance, all yours.

Byline:
Becky Gillespie, 12-year veteran of vacation planning at Kahala Travel, enjoys creating special getaways for the romantically inclined.  Passion is her passion! Whether in her hometown of San Diego or farther abroad, she’s always on the lookout for the next great romantic experience.  Follow her on Twitter - @ForLoveOfTravel

Friday, February 24, 2012

Fashion Friday



Here's a peek at Oscar de la Renta's new line.  
BEAUTIFUL!!!








Thursday, February 23, 2012

Thursday Wedding Inspiration

European Romance
Created by Aquilone Event Design and Coordination with flower design by Jolie Fleur

Giving a traditional, old-world spin on a charming European setting, the mixing of the tapestry runner with the Italian glassware, wrought iron and rustic wood are reminiscent of European romance in the countryside.




Photographer Creative Photography Inc.  
Location Del Mar Country Club  
Linens Concepts Event Design 
China & Glassware Aquilone Event Design and Coordination  
Chairs & Flatware Jolie Fleur  
Pillows
Aquilone Event Design and Coordination 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Real Wedding Wednesday

Jenna Bruning & Nick Motta
Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa

After meeting on a blind date wine tasting in Encinitas, this couple’s love of wine and each other continued to blossom. Nick Motta asked Jenna Bruning to be his wife with a picnic lunch at Demetria Estates Vineyard in Santa Barbara, sparking the planning process for this wine-inspired theme. Guests were wowed by the wine tasting area, pairing appetizers with wine from the various vineyards they visited while dating. Storyboards allowed the guests to discover more about their love and journey as a couple. The pair capped off their nuptials with a two week honeymoon in Italy
.



 Jenna’s Advice: 

“Your wedding happens once in a lifetime and it’s supposed to be fun! 
Include everyone who wants to help plan and be a part of it. 
It’s better to be inclusive than exclusive!”






Ingredients
Ceremony and Reception Venue Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa 
Coordinator Amorology Weddings 
Photography Llanes Photography 
Florist Twigg Botanicals 
Linens La Tavola Linens 
Entertainment Mike Moran and Baytown Band 
Catering Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa  

Wedding Cake Sweet Cheeks Baking Company 
Invitations/Stationery Brightly Designed 
Hair & Make-up Char Sanchez 
Dress M Bride,  Modern Trousso 
Men’s Formalwear Men’s Warehouse 
Jewelry/Rings Passion Fine Jewelry 
Honeymoon and Travel Italy

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Shoes for Tuesday

Okay gals...hold on to your ankle straps! We put together a fun inspiration board from photos of shoes submitted by some of our FAVE Sand Diego & Temecula photographers.  Who doesn't love a great pair of shoes?  We hope these inspire you to be sure to get some good photos of those FAB shoes you wear on your wedding day.  Frame it and hang it in your closet for a beautiful memory every day!



 

Monday, February 20, 2012

Wedding Inspiration

For some reason we are just loving the color combination of blush and gray. So today we put together an inspiration board with of a few blush and gray images we really, really love.

Hope you enjoy!  
XOXO

Left: (bouquet) Dapper Images  Right: (Badgely Mischka shoes)  White Haute Photography

 Left: (gown) "Candy" by Monique Lhuillier  Right: (shots from a local wedding) Tangerine Tree Photography

Left: Parade in Color from Parade Jewels In Design  Right:Amasale bridesmaid collection.

Another shot from a local wedding taken by White Haute Photography

Friday, February 17, 2012

Fashion Friday

Featured Designer: Junko Yoshioka 

Inspired by the cultural movement of the renaissance, Junko Yoshioka bridges the past and present with her fabrics, construction & detailing; masterfully utilizing dimensional laser cut silks, antiqued ombre matelasses and embroidered laces to create a collection of modern grace and timeless beauty.

Here's a peek at Junko Yoshioka's newest collection.

Junko Yoshioka's gowns are available at Bliss Bride and  The White Dress.