The couple lives in Los Angeles, but since Dawne is originally from Chicago, they decided to get hitched in her hometown. We kept a close eye on the weather all last week. Dawne told me that it had to be at least 60 degrees for the ceremony to be held outdoors on the Cheney patio. At the Halloween Costume Dress Rehearsal, the sun was shining and the weather was absolutely perfect so we planned for the outdoor ceremony. Unfortunately, you never know in Chicago, and Saturday arrived with temperatures in the low 50′s. We quickly went along with “Plan B,” and the ceremony unfolded beautifully indoors.

The Cheney Mansion was decorated with Autumn floral arrangements created by Ebony Lashay Smith. I loved the Renaissance music that was provided by harpist Annette Bjorling and clarinetist Kurt Bjorling during the ceremony. Pianist Kathie Nicolet played on the grand piano for the rest of the evening. Catered by Design provided guests with a delightful buffet meal, including festive orange and black pumpkin ravioli and a mini mashed potato/mashed sweet potato bar that was heavenly! Bonnie from Catered by Design was so kind and generous to surprise the couple with the Champagne Tree, something that I have never seen before! It was definitely impressive. The “Cupcake Wedding Cake” and the Red Velvet cutting cake were ordered from Swirlz Cupcakes and were a big hit among the guests.

Congratulations, Dawne & Mike! Have a fabulous time in Antigua!

The following photos have been provided by Mike & Dawne Withers; photographed by Bella Photography.

Unfortunately for me, I had to return home from Chicago on Monday night, and missed out on Obama’s victory celebration in Grant Park last night. I can only imagine how it must have felt to be there. My boyfriend was able to experience all of the excitement first-hand and shared some of his photographs with me…

Cheers to the 44th President of the United States of America! Yes We Can!

It’s hard to predict Southern California weather in October. During the days leading up to the wedding, we anxiously kept our eyes on the forecast. It was bright and sunny during the dress rehearsal, but rain was predicted for the big day. Since Wayde and Alison were planning for an outdoor wedding, everyone was definitely a bit apprehensive.  Luckily, there was no rain! It was a little overcast, but as long as the raindrops weren’t falling, we were happy!

The couple were wed at the Fullerton Arboretum in Fullerton, California. The ceremony music was beautifully performed by Batavia Strings. I absolutely loved the rose ball bouquets created by Flower Allie which hung right above the bride and groom as they recited their vows.  The reception was also held outdoors, with luminaries and candlelight creating a romantic atmosphere. Wayde and Alison began the festivities by presenting lei’s to their parents and the entire bridal party. Guests enjoyed their meals from Country Garden Caterers while live music was provided by a San Diego based band  The Mar Dels throughout the entire evening.

Congratulations, Wayde and Alison! I hope you had a wonderful time in Jamaica!

Photos provided by Wayde & Alison Masuko; photographs taken by Drew B Photography.

The wedding took place at the beautiful Redfield Estate at The Grove in Glenview, Illinois. The venue is perfect for a small, intimate wedding. Jessica’s fabulous girlfriends arrived early to assist me with the setup. As Jessica would say, they are truly “indispensable.” Guests followed a candlelit path to the enclosed grassy area for the ceremony. Excerpts from E.E. Cummings, I Carry Your Heart With Me and Carl Sagan’s, Pale Blue Dot were read by the couple’s close friends, Anna and Ryan. As the sun began to set, guests mingled on the patio during cocktail hour. Everyone was encouraged to try the couple’s specialty drinks, which were named after their cat and dog, Ned & Lindy, respectively. So adorable!

The wedding was catered by Hel’s Kitchen. Hydrangeas, candles, and lanterns filled the place and created a warm, cozy atmosphere. Since Jessica has a gluten-free diet, the party favors were gluten-free cookies made by Whole Bakers. The wedding cake was also a flourless chocolate cake from Trader Joe’s. For everyone with a regular sweet tooth (including me!), a delicious assortment of treats was set up at the fruit and dessert station.

The couple was so sweet to send me home with a beautiful hydrangea centerpiece… Thank you, Jessica and Jason! Congratulations to you both! I hope you had a wonderful time in Italy!

The following photos have been provided by Jason Davis & Jessica Manvell; photographs taken by Michael Rastall Photography.

The ceremony took place at St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California. The view of the Pacific Ocean was spectacular! The reception was held nearby at the Chart House Restaurant, which overlooks the Dana Point Harbor. The view here was even more amazing. The restaurant was closed for the private reception and it was quite nice to  have the place all to ourselves! During the reception, Kevin and Tina both changed into the Ao Dai, the traditional formal wear in Vietnamese culture.

Before the wedding, the couple collaborated with DJ Pete Carroll from Generation Entertainment to create a special First Dance song. They pre-recorded themselves sharing some of their most special and funniest moments. As they slow danced to John Legend’s “Stay With You,” their voices were heard throughout the song. My favorite was when Tina talked about how she found a big, value pack of dental floss at Kevin’s place when they first started dating. She was very impressed with his oral hygiene… only to find that same pack of floss months later, still unopened! Hilarious! As the song continued, more sentimental moments were shared, and it definitely brought tears to my eyes.

Congratulations, Tina and Kevin! I’m so excited for Baby Fruit Snack Mahoney!!!

The following photos have been provided by Kevin & Tina Mahoney; photographs taken by Shana Cassidy Photography.

John & Gina have been together for 9 years, so it was definitely time to tie the knot! The beautiful couple were wed at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley in Berkeley, California. During the unity candle lighting, we had the pleasure of watching young violinist Doori Na perform. I always enjoy listening to music produced from string instruments, and this was no exception. He was amazing!

The reception was also held in Berkeley at HS Lordships. With the sun shining through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Georgina Ballroom provided a spectacular view of the San Francisco bay. Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers as the bridal party congregated downstairs. Thank goodness the servers brought some food down for us, I was starving!

On every reception table, calla lilies were wrapped inside a large glass cylinder vase, with stones scattered along the bottom and two goldfish swimming around. A very creative twist for centerpieces! The couple had a fun giveaway for these centerpiece “fish bowls,” and even had a goldfish care package for all of the winners to take home. I absolutely loved the cake, which was created by The Cakemaker. Rose petals covered the entire cake table which added to the romantic ambience.

It was very special to watch the dancing… Gina and her father choreographed a Waltz dance, and her mother and grandfather also joined in. It was very sweet. Afterwards, John and his mother danced and grooved along to ”A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men. So old school! I loved it.

Congratulations, Gina & John! Love you both dearly!

The wedding took place at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa. Being an Orange County resident, I have always passed this hotel driving along PCH or walking around bustling Main Street in Huntington Beach. But, I never realized just how gorgeous this venue is! Everyone from the Hyatt, including the Banquet Captain, the Catering Manager, the bartenders, and the bellman were so helpful and definitely made my job easier!

The couple integrated tons of creative ideas for their special day. Instead of a traditional guestbook, they used Yong’s guitar that guests were welcomed to sign, and would be later displayed in their home. Of course, this meant that Yong was able to buy a brand new guitar for himself, which he was very happy about! The party favors were California Lottery Scratchers sealed in gold envelopes with engraved guitar pics. The pics were used to scratch the ticket. There was even a $5.00 winner among the guests! How exciting!

Music was provided by DJ Mark from Epic Entertainment. Although it was an early afternoon wedding, he was great at encouraging the guests to get down on the dance floor. The wedding cake was created by Rockwell’s Creative Cakes and was decorated with fresh flowers by Florist Won Kim. You can reach her for more information at flortistwon@hanmail.net.

Photos provided by Yong & Hee Sun Yoon; photographs taken by Brandon Park from Kappa Photo Studio. You can contact Brandon for more information at youngleephoto@yahoo.com.

Here are some photos that I took myself…

And here is a photo of me and the lovely bride Hee Sun…

I met Kerry exactly two weeks before her big day. We immediately clicked and I was able to help her crank out the final details leading up to the wedding…

Kerry and Dan’s wedding took place at the Levy Land in Carlsbad, California. The ceremony was first held on the beach, with the Pacific Ocean providing a beautiful back drop for the intimate gathering as guests stood barefoot in the sand and Dan’s father officiated.

The reception had a casual beach theme with sand dollar place cards and seashells adorning the reception tables. The party favors were margarita glasses that guests used to toast the bride and groom. The margarita added a nice touch to the delicious and authentic Mexican food catered by El Indio Catering. The cupcakes were baked by Kerry’s dear friend Emily who worked arduously in the Levy Land kitchen for the three days leading up to the wedding… now that is what you call a fabulous friend!

Music was provided throughout the evening by musician Trent Hancock. His voice was absolutely amazing! Feel free to contact him at trenthancock@gmail.com. At one point during the night, a swarm of mosquitoes came from out of nowhere… Poor Trent stayed outside and finished his performance and got bit everywhere! As for me, I got bit about five times, including two bites on my face! Ouch!

Congratulations, Kerry and Dan!

Photos provided by Kerry & Dan Zisook; photographed by Aaron Thompson at AS Photography.

And a photo of me with the newlyweds!

Her bridal shower took place on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at her home in Redwood City, California. I arrived the night before (at midnight!) and the bridesmaids and I worked all night and early the next morning to prepare.

Guests munched on light finger foods and Sunday brunch items including egg quiche, banana nut bread, and refreshing strawberry mimosas. The ladies played a few games, one we called, “Pin the Lips on John!” We blew up a photo of her fiancee, John, and Photo shopped it onto Steve Carrell’s body from The 40-Year Old Virgin movie poster. Hilarious!

Before the bridal shower, I worked on preparing a Recipe Journal for Gina, contacting all of her guests and asking them to contribute their favorite recipes. We filled the William Sonoma Recipe Journal  with a fantastic variety of recipes, and the cover was even personalized with her soon-to-be name, Gina Kim!