I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter! I wanted to share my Easter Pinterest Board titled, “Celebrate Easter” to bring a warm smile to your day!

Take a peak at my “Celebrate Easter” board on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kbradfordevents/celebrate-easter/

Photo courtesy of imgfave.com

In honor of upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day, I wanted to share one of my Pinterest boards with you titled, “Pretty Green Things”. Since one of my favorite colors is “Green”, this board was fun for me!

Take a peak at my “Pretty Green Things” board on Pinterest ! http://pinterest.com/kbradfordevents/pretty-green-things/

I am working with a sweet Bride who wants a Pink wedding! As I start to design the perfect wedding for her, I first am getting inspired by the color PINK, the coming of Spring and Pink Peonies (my favorite flower). Green and Yellow are my favorite colors, but I am feeling really into PINK at the moment.

Take a peak at my “Pretty in Pink” board on Pinterest.  http://pinterest.com/kbradfordevents/pretty-in-pink/

Special Thanks to:

Darya Sirosh/Organic Album

Heather glowed! She looked beautiful and had that timeless, glamourous, “old Hollywood” actress meets chic, stylish, modern day fashionista kind of look.

Heather and the girls looked great and thoroughly enjoyed their urban photo session out on the city streets and alleys.

The couple chose to see one another before their ceremony for a very special “first look” and the amazing photographer, Aaron Delesie, and equally amazing cinematographer, Curtis Heyne, from Living Cinema captured every single moment of the day. The only way I can describe the work of Aaron and Curtis is to simply say that Aaron Delesie and Curtis Heyne truly have been given special gifts! They both just have “IT”. They have talents that are over the moon! I appreciate very much the gorgeous images that Aaron captured and the beautiful film that Curtis created for my clients.

Heather and Chris exchanged their vows in a heartfelt, Jewish Ceremony under a beautifully decorated Huppah. As you can see by the photos, YES, the Wedding Ceremony was in the Crystal Ballroom and the Reception was in the Crystal Ballroom. Was it MAGIC? Well, sort of , but No! It was the hard work of an amazing team of vendors that strategically came together, working side side, in exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes to transform the room from a soft and romantic Wedding Ceremony to a glamourous Ballroom Reception, while the wedding guests enjoyed a fabulous cocktail reception. Oh, the magic that happens behind the scenes! Yep, in 1 hour and 15 minutes the Ballroom was tranformed, the dance floor was put into place, the King’s Table was set,  the guest tables were set, hanging candles were lit, the final checks and double checks were completed, the Band’s sound check was performed, the DJ was set up and ready to go.

I do not always recommend having the Ceremony and the Reception held in the same room if it can be avoided, but of course it can be done with good planing and the hard work of some pretty amazing people. We do whatever we have to do to make dreams come true. Square Root Designs hung elegant, champagne colored draping to make the Ceremony area more intimate and also to hide all the things that were preset and ready to go once the I do’s were completed!. Square Root Design’s team was set with the guest tables staged behind the beautiful draping on each side of the Cermeony area. The Band Stage was literally set behind the Ceremony Huppah. A huge team was assembled and ready to go. My amazing staff and I, the amazing Biltmore staff and the amazing Square Root staff were ready to go on the word “GO”! We were running, we were working, but I did take a moment to stop and stand still for one moment and watch as all these people concentrated, worked and ran and did their jobs and it all came together perfectly. The guests walked into the Ballroom and the Band was playing and the candles twinkled and they were amazed that the Wedding Ceremony was just held in this space only 1 hour and 15 inutes ago. We can do this, Sqaure Root Designs can do this and the staff at the Biltmore can do this. You want to make sure that the staff that is going to do this knows what they are doing as it has to be perfectly planned and executed.       The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is definitely on my top ten best classic venues list. I remember the first time I walked into the Crystal Ballroom, my heart skipped a beat, as I was overcome by the majesty of the Ballroom. It was like being transported back in time to that “Old Hollywood” era notorious for its gala parties . I love the enormous, breathtaking, crystal chandeliers and the balconies found in this Ballroom. I love this Ballroom. Then, years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Catering Manager, Valerie Lehman, and the banquet staff and I found them to be an amazing team of people. I love working at this venue and I love working along side this amazing group of people. I partnered with Square Root Designs to design beautiful decor for Heather and Chris. Square Root Design’s work is always beautiful and added a touch of chic style to the timeless and elegant Ballroom. We used both high and low table arrangements to create diversity and depth. With ceilings that high, you must have high table arrangements or else the arrangements will be dwarfed by the room, but low peices can be added to even out the room and the budget as most always the low centerpieces are more affordable than having all high peices. I like doing different arrangments on the tables and not all the same as that adds some character and unique design element to the overall design. Square Root Designs always literally brings to the table such beautiful accent pieces to add to the table arrangement to make the tables so special.

The gold trimmed menu cards were designed to reflect the “Old Hollywood Glamour” feel that Heather and Chris desired. They added a touch of class to the guest tables. As I always mention, I am a “foodie” and the food at this venue is incredible. From the Butternut Squash Soup, Lobster Bisque and Filet Mignon to the Kobe Beef Sliders-amazing. My clients have enjoyed elegant, Sit Down Dinners and Comfort Food Stations here and no matter what has been chosen for the menu selections, it have always been prepared to perfection and the presentation is always equally as superb as the cuisine itself. Heather and Chris had a great time with their guests dancing the evening away to a great Ratt Pack Era band from West Coast Music.
Heather and Chris cut their beautiful Wedding Cake made by the delicious and delectable, Vanilla Bake Shop, up on the North Balcony of the Ballroom with their wedding guests looking on from below. It made the Cake Cutting Ceremony a bit more dramatic by having the Wedding Cake showcased up in the balcony. This wedding was a perfect blend of classic, timeless elegance and chic, modern style. These elements were brought together to perfectly reflect Heather and Chris’ unique personalities. There is truly a lot of history and memories that have been made at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel and now Heather and Chris have left the presence of their love and laughter and have added more memories in this Ballroom which has been filled with love, laughter and merriment for many years and more and more will continue to be added for many years to come. Heather and Chris, thank you for allowing me to be part of your special day. I think of you both often and wish you a lifetime of happiness!Special Thanks to:

The Millenium Biltmore Hotel

Square Root Designs

Aaron Delesie Photographer

Living Cinema

West Coast Music

The Vanilla Bake Shop

Foto Cabina

…and, as always, to my Fabulous Team

I found these adorable burlap pillows on the Ballard Designs web-site and I thought that they are such cute gift ideas for Newlyweds for Valentine’s Day. I LOVE Ballard Designs!

I loved this pillow, too and so I got it, but I cannot decide whether to put it on the bench on my front porch or on my bed!!! SO cute! It says, “Bon Nuit” on the other side of the pillow.

Private Estates can be an ideal option for that unique couple searching for something a little extra special for their wedding venue. One of my favorite parts of my job besides the decor prototype is taking couples out on site searches to help them to find the perfect venue for their wedding. Whenever I take my clients out to site locations, it is always very exciting when I include Private Estates in our itinerary. I love to hear the history behind each Estate and it is such a treat to walk the grounds of such amazing and diverse properties. I love the look on my Bride’s and Groom’s faces when they find it, the one! There is such a look of excitement and relief when they finally find IT!

Or course, I always want to make sure that my clients know all the pros and cons to every situation. I want to make sure that my clients have all the information they need to make good, educated choices that suit them best. Some questions that one should always ask when choosing to have a wedding at a Private Estate are:

Does the rental fee differ depending on how many guests I have attend my wedding? Some Private Estates charge different price points according to total guest count. For example: under 100, over 100-150, over 150, etc. Be sure to ask for the pricing structure so that you are not surprised later when you are charged more because your guest count increased.

What time does the amplified music need to be turned off? At most Private Estates the amplified music needs to be turned off at 10:00PM. This is often the case for venues located in residential areas.

Is there an area to take the party “after hours” so that the celebration can continue? It is always fun to move the party to a late night location where the party can continue as long as the Bride and Groom want. Make sure you ask if there are additional costs to use these areas.

How many guests does the Estate accommodate comfortably? The key word here is comfortably! You do not want your guests to feel crowded and you want to make sure there is still room for a dance floor, lounge furniture and any other special things that you may wish to have at your wedding celebration.

Does the Estate offer a Ceremony Location on the grounds? You want to make sure you see this location, too as many people fall in love with the reception area, but forget to ask to see where the Ceremonies are held.

Where will my guests park? Is there a valet service? Most Private Estates require a valet service. Make sure to find out if you are allowed to bring in your own valet service or if it is mandatory to use theirs, how much it is going to cost. It is usually best to use a valet service that is already familiar with the property.

Are limos and shuttles allowed on the grounds? Some Private Estates do not allow large vehicles on the property or sometimes they just do not fit on the roads leading up to the properties. You need to make sure of this before you book that “party bus” for the Groom and the Groomsmen.

Are there hotels close by for out of town guests? You want to make sure that your out of town guests have options available to them. If the Private Estate is in a remote location then it may be best to encourage your guests to stay at a nearby hotel or provide shuttle service so that they can enjoy the celebration without having to worry about the drive home.

Can we bring in our own caterer? Some Private Estates only allow you to use their exclusive caterer or caterers. Make sure you are happy with the quality of the food and service and pricing before you book the venue. Ask if you may schedule a menu tasting prior to booking the venue. If you are allowed to bring in your own caterer, make sure to ask if there are any additional fees to do this. I always do a walk through with my caterer and floral designer at any property even if they have worked there before, but especially if they have not. You want everyone to know the lay of the land so that they will know what to expect and exactly what is needed to ensure flawless execution of the day.

Can we bring in our own beverages? You want to ask as most Private Estates have their own beverage service and their own bartenders to serve your guests.

Can we have a tent on the grounds? I love decorating a tent. There are so many amazing ways to decorate a tent and make it an enchanting environment. You need to ask if a tent is provided or if you are able to bring in your own tent. Of course you must ask what size tents the venue can accommodate.

Can we have candles? Most venues allow candles as long as the wick is enclosed deep in the glass. Most venues today so not allow open flame candles for good reason. It is always good to ask about candle restrictions and policies.

What is Plan B in the event of inclement weather? No one likes to think about the dreaded Plan B, but you have to. You need to ask if there is an indoor location available for the Ceremony in the event of inclement weather or if you are able to bring in a tent or canopy in this case.

What areas are off limits to my guests? You want to make sure that you know all the rules about what areas your guests are able to enjoy on your Wedding Day and those areas that are off limits to them.

How much is the security deposit? You can always plan on paying a security deposit of some sort. Make sure you ask how soon after the wedding it will be returned to you.

What is the restroom situation? Are there restroom attendants on site? You want to make sure that there are adequate restrooms for your guest count and it is a good idea to have an attendant maintain the restrooms throughout the evening. If a restroom attendant is not provided then you must make sure to allow for this additional cost.

Can we put a dance floor down on the grass? Some venues require a sub floor in addition to the dance floor. Make sure to allow for these costs.

When do the rentals have to be picked up? Most Private Estates will allow the rentals to be piked up the next day, but if not then you may have to pay additional costs for same day pick up from the rental company.

Like any venue, you want to make sure you ask all the right questions just so there are no surprises!

Many of my clients have always dreamed of having an Estate wedding! My friends at Estate Weddings and Events offer a diverse and beautiful selection of Private Estates located in Southern California and beyond. Jamie and their entire staff are always friendly and very informative whenever we partner together to find the perfect Private Estate venue option for my discerning clients. I would like to take the time to thank them for helping to make so many dreams come true!

Jill and Brad and I share a very common love-the great love we have for our familes. It was a sincere honor and priviledge to have been chosen to design and produce Jill and Brad’s wedding with them. I had been the wedding planner for Brad’s daughter, Brittney a few years before Jill and Brad’s wedding and having to have gotten to know this family, I found them all to be amazing. I was not only amazed by the love this couple displayed for one another so openly and deeply, but also for the love they showed for their families.

Jill and Brad wanted to celebrate their love with their families and friends and I was excited to help them with this very sophisticated, yet intimate celebration. Jill and Brad’s wedding was featured in The Bride and Bloom Magazine and the feature article was titled, “Sophisticated Simplicity”. The title chosen for the feature fit perfectly and I could have not have chosen better words to describe this wedding than that. Trumpets played as the Bride made her entrance and the entire family took part in the Unity Candle Ceremony. Even “Duke”, the couples’ Labrador Retriever, dressed for the occasion and looked very dapper in his collar which was custom made with roses.

We created a very regal, but natural and romantic look for Jill and Brad. Like many, The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of my most favorite venues and it is always a pleasure to work with Fran and Erin at the Resort. The Resort does not need to be touched. It has its own natural beauty and personality. However, when I partner with my friend and favorite floral designer, Nisie, from Nisie’s Enchanted Florist, to design a wedding together, we really get to know the couple and understand their vision. We always want to work with the location to enhance the environment and not work against it. Well, this was an easy task at The Resort at Pelican Hill. It was also an easy task working with an amazing floral designer like Nisie and her hard working and talented team.

We started with a palette of  timeless and classic colors of creams and champagnes and then introduced a soft, “butter” hue which really added a happy and uplifting mood to the overall design. I love this color. You certainly cannot get  a more classic and timeless feel by using creams and champagnes, but with the additon of the “butter” color, you get a welcome “pop” of color.

The grand, resort rotunda was covered with flowers and it appeared as if the flowers were growing naturally from its columns as flowers would be found growing in a garden in Italy. We used Tuscan urns and champagne-colored silk flower boxes to line the aisle which were filled with lush greenery and hedges adorned wtih roses to compliment all the beautiful hedges and iceberg roses that already exist at the Resort.

We continuned this romantic and enchanting mood into the Reception room with lush floral centerpieces with rustic, hanging candles. We added a touch of chocolate brown with the seamless, shiny, chocolate brown dance floor and golden, amber light gently kissed the entire room to give it a soft and romantic candlelit feel. It was a truly magical setting.

We added a touch of  sparkle to the table by adding oval “Bling” broaches to the napkins . Napkin Treatments are great and complete the look of the decor on the table. A simple sprig of rosemary, a ribbon, a small feather or a hand opened flower head placed on each napkin can really complete the decor on the table. It is all about the small details and these simple touches that can make a wedding unique and special.

The wedding cake was showcased on a gorgeous glass top table filled with floral and the cake itself sat atop a custom made fabric wrapped cake stand bordered with a touch of “Bling”. I love adding a little “Bling” here and there for a little sparkle. My Brides either like “Bling” or they do not, but like with anything , it is all about how it is presented.

An 11 peice Band from Wayne Foster serenaded the guests throughout dinner and then rocked the house later in the evening. The Reception Tables were named with words that define a Happy Marriage such as: “Love”, “Trust” and “Passion”. “Play” was one of the the Table names and “Play” is exactly what the Bride and Groom did with their guests throughout the day and into the evening. The guests enjoyed Signature Drinks of  Lemon Drop Martinis with Dry Ice (like the ones served at Mastros) and Margaritas.  An abundance of seafood was presented in several displays and delectable hors d’ oeuvres were butler passed such as Truffle Macaroni and Cheese Spoons. Okay, I just have to say that these are amazing. Of course I have tried them at the menu tastings with my clients as I have to make sure that everything is suitable for my clients Well, there is nothing better, trust me. The guests enjoyed late night snacks which included Truffle Fries, Mini Kobe Beef Sliders and Mini Milkshakes. While they ate their yummy snacks they enjoyed using the Photo Booth out on the Mar Vista Terrace provided by my favorite Photo Booth company, Foto Cabina. The Bride and Groom certainly “Played” and enjoyed the celebration.

Jill and Brad were a lovely couple to work with and they are the epitome of class and sophistication yet they possess so much flair and style and they really know how to celebrate with their family and friends. I had a great time watching the day unfold and felt nothing but love and laughter in the air at the Resort that day. This was a wedding and a couple that I will never forget. I wish Jill and Brad and their families a life filled wtih happiness. I know the celebration will live on for them every day of their lives.

Special Thanks to:

The Resort at Pelican Hill

Nisie’s Enchanted Florist

Aaron Delesie Photographer

Living Cinema

Foto Cabina 

Wayne Foster Entertainment 

…and as always, to my Fabulous Team!