Best Wedding Music Video Ever - Save the Date

Last Sunday night, Joanne & Garret rocked it!

We had developed a solid time line that included some basic reception components - the first dance and the slide show. Little did I know how they would put their individual stamp on each. Their first dance was joyfully entertaining. Beginning traditionally and then transitioning into a fun hula routine they were then joined by the wedding party to finish with feisty Tahitian moves.

Then they topped that with their music video slide show.

The song was written for Joanne & Garret by the Groom's brother, Matt Wong. The vocals are Garret with his gorgeous wife, Joanne, coming in and out of the shots. What a voice! And the rest of the cast - well that is the wedding party!

This is a must see -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwn-nIdb_ww&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Wow!!!!

Seating Charts - Keeping it Simple

One of the last details for brides and grooms to manage before their wedding is the seating chart. With RSVP's typically arriving at one month prior to the wedding date, there is only a short window of time to arrange the guests and it is critical that it is done with care. Imagine having 78 guests and 8 tables of 10 persons per table to place them on. Now consider, who knows who? What will the table dynamic be with certain mixes of people. Some families want to stick together and there are 7 of them. Just those three questions help you to imagine how thoughtfully one must approach seating. If time is of the essence, consider keeping the communication of the arrangements simple as shown in the hand drawn seating chart. While there are many ways to communicate seating arrangements, if you are short on time it is unnecessary to worry about the presentation. Spend your time on the logistics vs. the fluff. In the end that is much more important.

Wedding Centerpieces - one vase - two looks!

While it is common for clients to consider many details about flowers the vase is often overlooked. See how using the very same vase but just flipping it gives it a whole new utility and look! Color is another under-employed option that can really impact a centerpiece design. I especially like to use colored vases to bring in a color that is not easy to find in flowers.

Rainbows & Hawaii

Photo: Emona Hennen Photography for Velvet Cream Bakery
"When moisture and sunshine combine in just the right combination, the magical phenomenon of a rainbow occurs. Hawaii is known as the Rainbow State because of the frequency with which brilliant rainbows appear, arching over her valleys, cliffs and beaches like welcoming beacons." *quoted from http://www.guidebookamerica.com/news/hawaii_rainbow/index.htm


What better playful theme for a Hawaii celebration then Rainbows. I found these fun desserts (oh excuse me - is my sweet tooth showing) while surfing the web and "Viola" a concept has begun to develop. Of course - the Brother Iz version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" would work. The trick to a successful execution of this would be to use either neutrals or a monochromatic color in all other areas(linens, attire, flowers, stationary, etc.) http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2010/11/rainbow-cake.html

Cake Stands - a memento from your wedding day

The wedding cake is the first important cake of your married life and being able to keep the cake stand that enhanced & supported your wedding cake is such a romantic concept that I just had to blog about it.

Designs can be funky, modern, vintage and are produced in endless mediums - Clear Glass, Colored Glass, Tin, - surf the web and prepare to be a bit overwhelmed at the sheer volume of options.
Think about it! A beautiful stand for the wedding cake and a cherished functional keepsake.

The Banzai Toast in Hawaii

I love the fun celebration items that couples include in their weddings. Nothing raises the energy more than the hearty, happy and bold wishes of "Banzai" which is roughly translated as "Hurrah" and "Ten Thousand Years!".

In Hawaii, the term has taken on new meaning amongst the Japanese American community. It is used as a toast at celebratory events, particularly weddings. In this context, the Banzai is given twice - the first, "Shinro shimpu, banzai!" means "long life and happiness to the bride and groom." The second banzai is: "Raihin shokun, banzai!" meaning "Long life and happiness to all the guests!" After each toast, participants shout the word "banzai" three times in unison, raising their glasses each time, and drinking after the third.*

The idea of providing sake favor cups on the table would be a neat way to add to the toast. The cups can provide color decor support, generate conversation, function as the sake toast vessel and then be taken home as an memento.





http://www.justforweddings.net/Blue-Bamboo-Sake-Cup-Favors-Set-of-12_i1180
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_thousand_years*
http://jcch.com/japanese-traditions.asp

Ceremony Song that Feels Right!

Inspiration for weddings can be found all around us. Last night, my husband was surfing random popular YOUTUBE videos and came across this gem.

It totally has the right celebratory feeling for a ceremony prelude or processional. While it would be wonderful to have Steven Sharp Nelson play (x's 8), it would also work successfully as a download on an IPOD. Check it out for yourself and see if it inspires......,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry4BzonlVlw