Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Wedding from Perfectly Made Weddings

It is an extra special feature today because this real wedding was planned and coordinated by  Perfectly Made Weddings. As you may know, besides blogging about pretty and lovely wedding things, I am also the owner and wedding planner of Perfectly Made Weddings. So when I get to share a wedding that I was honored to be part of, I am over the moon.  Fall is here, but I bringing a bit of summer back with this gorgeous summer garden wedding located in Newport Beach, California. I absolutely loved Meaghan and Justin, who were a dream to plan with. This amazing couple incorporated the prettiest DIY details, that really made this wedding even more personal and unique.  This wedding was truly a wedding made for these two love birds. I can go on and on about this wedding, but instead I think its best you take a look at the fabulous images from Henry Chen Photography. Enjoy!

Congratulations to Meaghan and Justin!

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From the bride…

Our wedding day was everything I could have ever imagined. It was really the best day ever for us. I can not say enough how perfect our vendors were, and how special they made our day. When picking a venue we knew that our family and friends were coming in from out of town so we knew it had to be at a hotel where everyone could stay and enjoy themselves. We found the Hyatt in Newport Beach and knew it was perfect for what we wanted. Justin and I wanted our entire evening to be held outdoors which lead me to our garden theme. I loved searching for garden decor items that could be added to the already beautiful venue.  When picking out my dress I wanted it to align with our outdoor wedding style. I picked out a lace dress that was comfortable and flowed, especially since I knew I would be on the dance floor all night. We lucked out that our MC was as awesome as he was because were got everyone dancing all night long. As for the food, we didn’t go into it thinking we would love the food because it was “hotel” food. When we went for the food tasting we were shocked at how wrong we were. The food was so delicious that I didn’t need to be forced to eat dinner that evening. We had such a memorable day that we were able to share with our family and friends. Everything was amazing, and people are still talking about how much fun they had.  

Vendors:

Venue: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

Wedding & Event Coordination: Perfectly Made Weddings

Photography: Henry Chen Photography

Videography: Piece By Piece Films

Officiant: Jacob Marries

Hair & Makeup: Pure Beauty by Danielle

Florals: Le Petite Jardin

Wedding Cake and Cupcakes: Tom Girl Baking Company

DJ: Invisible Touch Events

 

Top Five Wedding Planning Ideas

At BHL, we love weddings, and we really love the planning of them too! Yes, they can be stressful, but with the right tools and your wedding coordinator by your side, it can be a seamless and lovely day! Today, we are giving you five tips on some of the important elements of the wedding day to consider when planning your big day.

  1. Giving gifts to your bridesmaids and groomsmen is a nice way of saying thank you for being there for you on your special day. Best time to do this? You can present the gift at the rehearsal dinner, or the morning off while you are getting ready. Take a moment to thank your girls, and grooms, to thank your groomsmen. It is also a great way to start the wedding day and have cheers and a toast to follow!
  2. Make sure that everyone in your wedding party knows how they’re getting to the wedding site and back home from your wedding! This is especially important if you’re going to be serving alcohol, and essential if it’s an open bar. If you’re worried about anyone getting too inebriated, offer free cab rides to anyone who doesn’t bring a car, or drive them home in your limo.
  3. Wedding bands are a vital part of the wedding, as they help to signify the joining of two parties. Make sure that on the days leading up to the wedding and on the wedding itself to have someone who you can count on keep track of your wedding bands to ensure security.
  4. Make sure to include healthy food options for your reception. You might have a vegetarian in attendance or someone who’s just trying to lose weight. Be sure to supply them with options they can enjoy. Vegetables, cooked or raw, and fruit for dessert, will go a long way for anyone who wants to eat something that won’t pack on the pounds.
  5. One of the most awkward moments at a wedding can be the bouquet toss. If women don’t want to get involved they shouldn’t be pressured to, so let the DJ know not to say anything to upset the guests. Take a poll before the wedding to see if anyone is really interested in participating and if not, skip it!

 

Five Wedding Organizing Tools You Didn’t Know You’d Need

Bridal binder? Check. Magazines? Check. Address book? Check. You may have the basic wedding organization tools, but we’ve got five awesome items that you won’t realize you’ll need until it’s too late.

Arsenal of Color

Color coding makes EVERYTHING better. If you have a weekly planner, put all your food appointments in green, all your dress appointments in red, your venue appointments in blue, etc. It’ll make your at-a-glance planning that much easier to process. You’ll be able to tell what you have lined up for the week and instantly make it easier to focus on your upcoming tasks. Whatever your color key is, stick to it and you’ll be better prepared for everything.OrgItems.jpg.jpg

Tabs

A step up from post its, hard plastic tabs are a lifesaver. Use them as placemarks in magazines for items you’re eyeing, or in your address book to know how many outstanding R.S.V.P.’s you have. Best of all, you can write on these with markers for notes. They don’t rip or fall apart like post its do and look much more sleek and organized.

Card Case

While you’re shopping vendors, you’ll be getting a lot of business cards. Pick up a card case (cigarette cases are the same size and can do the trick) and have it strictly dedicated to wedding vendors. That way, the cards don’t end up crushed at the bottom of your purse or car.  Write notes on the vendors on the backs of their cards to help you remember which vendors were which.

Wifi Shooter

If you can afford it (or already have it!), hang on to a small point and shoot camera with wifi. While phones are great, you don’t want to lose vendor photos in your camera roll along side selfies and pet pictures. You’ll also be able to adjust your camera’s functions and have more control of how your photos look versus using your phone. Once you get all the shots you need on your flowers, dresses, linens, anything, just email them to yourself (or your designated wedding email address) so you know exactly where they are. While phones are handy, an actual small camera can be more handy. If this seems like it could be pricey, look for a refurbished model. Some decent point and shoot wifi cameras can be as low as $30 refurbished.

Memo Apps

Download a note app like Evernote to hang on to any and all notes that are wedding related. Make sure that the app is dedicated to wedding notes so you don’t lose anything in the midst of other topics. You can create folders dedicated to songlists, food ideas, color schemes, and anything else! Having one app dedicated to all your notes, ideas, and anything wedding related will help you be that much more organized.

 

A Wedding Book. Shaadi: A Journey into Desi Weddings

I am really excited about today’s post. I can not help it! It is all about a cover to cover spread of jaw-dropping gorgeous images of weddings! Do I need to say more?  Fabulous wedding coordinator, Therese Cole-Hubbs of The Electric Karma, shares a journey into some of the most lavish, beautiful, and awe-inspiring weddings, and all the amazing details they each have to offer. I am truly “wowed”, and I think you will to once you see these images.

First, a little about the book…

SHAADI : A Journey Into Desi Weddings

by Therese Cole Hubbs

Exquisite style, world-class service, and flawless execution.
These are the hallmarks of Electric Karma, a leading
coordinator of Desi weddings in Texas and around the globe.
The Electric Karma experience is one where cultures blend
and no wish is impossible. From festive sangeets and garbas
to ceremonies steeped in tradition to modern, on-trend
receptions, Electric Karma president and creative director
Therese Cole-Hubbs knows how to make any dream a reality.
Thirty magnificent weddings are showcased within this
book’s pages, taking you on a journey through time-honored
rituals and exciting new design ideas. As the variety of styles
demonstrates, there are countless ways to rejoice during a
South Asian wedding. Inside, you’ll find examples of some of
the most gorgeous and innovative ways to welcome family
and friends for the most important celebration of your life.
Whether you plan to take your vows on the sandy beaches
of Mexico, with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop,
or in your family’s backyard, Therese and her team can

coordinate it all, down to the tiniest detail. Let Electric Karma inspire your dream wedding.

Are you amazed yet? So as promised, here is a sneak peek of some of the breathtaking images from this book. Enjoy!!

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Are you hooked now and want to see more?  You can order the book here

About the Author, Therese Cole-Hubbs…

As the President and Creative Director of Houston-based Electric Karma International, Therese Cole-Hubbs is considered one of the nation’s leading event planning and coordinating experts for multi-cultural weddings. Therese has an amazing ability to merge cultural traditions with contemporary wedding elements. Her sense of fashion and design has catapulted her to the top of her field. Ms. Cole-Hubbs realizes the impact of fashion on today’s trends and expands it into the entire design of the wedding.

BHL Vendor Hot Pick: My Simply Perfect Events

On this lovelyWedding Wednesday, I’m going to start by telling you one fabulous fact: I love a very talented, gorgeous, and amazing wedding planner all the way across the states in Atlanta, Georgia. This wedding planner has it all.  Summer Mclane of My Simply Perfect Events. Yep, and the name of her company is on the dot correct. All the weddings she plans are hands down perfect. Perfect with each and every detail from choosing a venue, to how to walk down the aisle with 17 bridesmaids and groomsmen in tow.  It is this type of amazing talent and details that has me falling more in love with the weddings that My Simply Perfect Events creates for each couple. These weddings are drop dead gorgeous! So, it is no surprise why we have added My Simply Perfect Events  to our “Vendor Hot Picks”.  Here is a peek of some of the beautiful weddings which this wedding planning company has created for couples. It is okay, you can say “WOW”, a few times when you browse. I know I did! Enjoy!image

 

 

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About My Simply Perfect Events …

 I offer a sense of peace and calm on the wedding day.  You’ve put all of this money, time and effort into this incredible day so of course you want to be able to enjoy the day, not worry about details.

The thing that stands out about My Simply Perfect Events is the fact that I truly care about my clients.  Most of my brides end up being friends who keep in touch with me and we’re able to continue the friendship after they walk down the aisle.
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A Gorgeous Football Themed Wedding From Expressionary Events

As much as I am obsessed with all things wedding, I am a HUGE NFL football fan!  With football season coming to an end with the big game of the year, (The Super Bowl), we wanted to take a look at what a wedding would look like when it combines a couple’s love for football and their love for each other. Oh my goodness, it looks pretty darn good! I love it! A football themed  wedding may seem very tacky, but when  it is done right and you have the very talented Carmen Fuentes from Expressionary Events planning it, then you have yourself a fabulous wedding. This is why I am so in love with this wedding. It has the perfect amount of football details added to a gorgeously decorated wedding day. This wedding ticks all the boxes of what it means to have a couple of die hard football fans getting married in the most lovely of ways.

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audra + danny | hotel maya wedding | miminguyen.com

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From Carmen at Expressionary Events

Audra and Danny got married at the beautiful Hotel Maya in Long Beach, CA and when planning their wedding, they wanted to somehow incorporate their love of football into the details.  The bride was a huge Redskins fan and the groom was a diehard Patriots fan. Although they rooted for opposite teams, they decided to add subtle details into their wedding and combine their love of football together.  The card-box was beautifully decorated with mini football helmets of their favorite team.  Each of the table numbers had alternating football jerseys of their favorite players as well as the bride and groom with their respective team.  The bride loved the team so much, her primary wedding colors was red and white as seen in her florals,  bouquet, and bridesmaids dresses. The color scheme was perfect for the venue because the hotel is known for its bold and bright hues and the wedding color made the perfect statement.

Vendor Information:

Venue: Hotel Maya

Wedding Planner and Designer: Expressionary Events

Flowers: White Sakura

Cake: Rossmoor Pastries

 

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Wedding Island” Episode 5: August 8th

TLC Thursday is here. Yep, TLC’s wedding reality show, “Wedding Island” is here for another fabulous episode. It has been a great week here at BHL with all things wedding, but it is nice to take a moment to put up my feet, grab my favorite snack (popcorn!), and travel to an island where wedding magic happens!  If you missed any of the episodes of this show, do not worry, I will catch you up and tell you a bit about this fun wedding reality show.

This show features wedding planner extraordinaire, Sandy Malone and her team as they go through the logistical challenges of coordinating nuptials on Vieques Island, a tiny rock in the Caribbean. Vieques Island is known for its beautiful beaches, incredible and stunning views, and unfortunately, limited resources and supplies.  This island is a perfect destination for any couple who is in love and wants to share their love in the “island” way.  For wedding planner, Sandy who is the only wedding planner on this remote island seven miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, it’s all business. She organizes and coordinates strict schedules, large crews, and endlessly complex details.   Sandy is a wedding planner with determination and wants to just “get it done”. She is the only one who can deliver the most perfect wedding day for her  bride and her groom.  With the current obstacles that exist with this tropical paradise, Sandy and her small team, including her husband,  Bill, must rely on vendors who set their watches to the unpredictable and usually lackadaisical “Island Time”. At the same time,  they have to pray for the weather to be cooperative on wedding day. Then there are the demanding brides-to-be, who will keep pushing until they have the wedding of their dreams.

TLCOn tonight’s episode:

It is time for two fabulous weddings in Vieques Island. Sandy and her amazing team have two weddings to plan for two completely opposite couples.

The first couple is Stephanie and Jared. Their dream wedding? A Mardi Gras themed wedding! They want it all, from beads,  masks, to a motorized parade float.  A total party vibe with high energy and fun. How will Sandy and her team create a Mardi Gras float to “wow” the couple and their guests? You must tune in to find out how this amazing themed wedding turns out!

The second couple is Constance and Elliot and they want a very intimate beach wedding.  The colors are blue and white and that includes blue hydrangeas. The problem? Hydrangeas do not do well in the tropical climate as they need a cool space to survive and be wedding ready. Will these blue hydrangeas make it to the wedding in gorgeous shape? Besides the wedding decor, this wedding is super intimate (less than ten guests!) and loving, and you will really not want to miss this sweet moment.

TLCTune in tonight to find out how Sandy and her incredible team plan and create two totally opposite weddings!

“WEDDING ISLAND” is on tonight at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight! You will not want to miss this episode.

 

 

 

Video Preview

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Wedding Island” Episode 2

I really loved the premiere of TLC’s new reality wedding show, “Wedding Island” which aired last night.  What did you think about the show? Crazy fun right? I loved watching wedding planner, Sandy Malone pull off the impossible and create a perfect wedding day for couples.   If you missed the episode last night, don’t worry because there is another new episode on tonight. Yep, one more episode of following Sandy Malone and her team run around throughout Vieques Island as they put together a dream wedding for two couples. Sandy is the only wedding planner on the tiny island, and that means, she has to work even harder in making sure all wedding planning is on track and executed beautifully.

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 On tonight’s episode: Sandy Malone has booked two weddings on the same day, (12.12.12.), and that means her team must work extra hard to make this happen!  Sandy faces a demanding bride on one side, and on the other side,  a couple who relies on Sandy to be their planner and their minister.
Bride Jessica and her groom want to have their wedding set at a venue with an ocean-view,  details of lace and turquoise colors, and a sunset ceremony. However, Jessica is one demanding bride, and Sandy wants to make this bride happy. Oh, and did I mention there is some major drama like losing the wedding rings? Will they find it, or will Sandy come to the rescue?
The second wedding, the couple wants to get married at 12:12pm, with a hand fasting ritual at the ceremony, and then a romantic lunch following.  They want a simple and elegant wedding to share their love with each other. This couple is also asking Sandy to officiate their wedding.
 So how will Sandy and her team pull off two weddings in one day? Keep in mind there are limited supplies and resources on the island, so how will this all come together smoothly for both weddings? You will have to tune in tonight and find out.
“WEDDING ISLAND” premieres tonight at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight! You will not want to miss this episode.

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Wedding Island” Season Premiere

I can not believe it is Wedding Wednesday already! How the week flies. I guess when you get to browse through the lovely of lovelies each and every day, the time sure goes by fast. Today on this gorgeous Wedding Wednesday, I have some amazing news! As you know by now, I have a huge crush on TLC and their wedding shows. So much so, that with all the fun we have had with TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New”, “Four Weddings”,  and  “I Found the Gown”, another gorgeous show to TLC Thursdays on Bridal Hot List has landed in our laps. Yep, Thursdays just got better here at BHL. The new reality show making its debut is …drumroll please….”Wedding Island”! What is “Wedding Island”?  Why don’t we take a look at what this show is all about!

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This show features wedding planner extraordinaire, Sandy Malone and her team as they go through the logistical challenges of coordinating nuptials on Vieques Island, a tiny rock in the Caribbean. Vieques Island is known for its beautiful beaches, incredible and stunning views, and unfortunately, limited resources and supplies.  This island is a perfect destination for any couple who is in love and wants to share their love in the “island” way.  For wedding planner, Sandy who is the only wedding planner on this remote island seven miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, it’s all business. She organizes and coordinates strict schedules, large crews, and endlessly complex details.   Sandy is a wedding planner with determination and wants to just “get it done”. She is the only one who can deliver the most perfect wedding day for her  bride and her groom.  With the current obstacles that exist with this tropical paradise, Sandy and her small team, including her husband,  Bill, must rely on vendors who set their watches to the unpredictable and usually lackadaisical “Island Time”. At the same time,  they have to pray for the weather to be cooperative on wedding day. Then there are the demanding brides-to-be, who will keep pushing until they have the wedding of their dreams.

Oh my, sounds like an amazing show, right?  I know I am super excited to see how this incredible wedding planner can pull off the impossible, and create a beautiful and lovely Island wedding for couples.

On tonight’s premiere episode:TLC

Sandy Malone has to work extra hard to make sure wedding dreams come true for couples, Wes & Laura and Franco & Tere. However there are some challenges along the way like storms and flower mishaps. Will Sandy be able to create the perfect wedding day for these couples? Or will “Island Time” get in the way of this gorgeous day? What will these weddings look like after all the obstacles that come Sandy’s way? Make sure to tune in tonight and find out.

“WEDDING ISLAND” premieres with a full episode sneak peek tonight at 10/9c, and the second episode airing tomorrow evening in its regularly scheduled time-slot of Thursdays at 10/9c. So make sure to visit BHL tomorrow for another sneak peek.

So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

Palm Springs Wedding from Perfectly Made Weddings

Palm Springs will forever be a favorite destination of mine. Being as I am a total Cali girl, growing up with the beach, the mountains, the dessert, and all the fabulous weather all year round, this wedding is a total love. It’s that magical combo of sunshine and glamour which really brings me to this fabulous destination. That is why today I am overjoyed with this gorgeous Palm Springs wedding.  It has all the details that has my heart in total overdrive.  I say all of this because their heartfelt, desert nuptials have me trying to dig up adjectives worthy of their sweet ceremony and cozy reception – but I keep falling short of words that will really do it all justice. Thankfully, the images from Jennifer Yount Photography can express it all.

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This couple has seriously stolen my heart. I’m in love with them for so many different reasons, but mainly because they seem to be the type of people you want to be around all the time. I have been part of the planning of weddings for many couples, but I have to admit, I have never seen a kind of love like this one. Not just love between the two love birds, (oh THAT is just a bucket full of unconditional love), but the love that is between the couple and their guests. That love is out of this world.  I have never seen such love and joy shared with all that were present. I myself felt like I was part of the family as everyone was so open with their love. It was wonderful! I had the pleasure to help plan and coordinate this lovely wedding.  Perfectly Made Weddings, together with the sweet and fun loving couple, created a unforgettable day. Working with some incredible vendors, this gorgeous wedding had it all. Set at the beautiful Le Vallauris Restaurant  located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, California, this wedding brought together traditions with a touch of  simple chic.  The couple really wanted to incorporate Jewish traditions into their wedding.  From the Tisch, to the challah blessing, the traditions were done so beautifully. The bride wanted something simple yet elegant for her wedding day. A  beautiful chuppah with stunning drapery and white florals was the center of it all at their ceremony. White flowers, candles, and twinkle lights decorated the reception.   Besides all the amazing ambiance set for this lovely couple and their wedding, the whole day was full of energy. From the moment the guests arrived, to the last guest leaving, there was constant joy, laughter, and energy. My favorite part? In all honesty, I really enjoyed each and every moment of this wedding. Each element brought it’s own unique and special detail, which was simply amazing. I have to say that this has been one of the best weddings I have been part of. Judy and Rob together with their guests really made it effortless. The location, the food, the decor, and all the gorgeous details were just made for these two.
Congratulations to Judy and Rob!
Vendor Information:
Wedding Planner and Designer:  Perfectly Made Weddings
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Le Vallauris Restaurant 
Entertainment:  NeFesh Music