Let's Help Tami

I overheard an interesting conversation one day. I was sitting next to two women in a coffee shop, and noticed they were reading a magazine on the top philanthropists in the world. They didn't seem very impressed as they shared the list of names out loud, and their consensus was:

"If I had as much money as them, I'd be very generous too, and would use a big portion of it helping people!"

I wasn't entirely surprised. I am sure many of us think that way.

If only I was rich, I would devote my life helping people!

Well, the reality is that for most of us, we'll never have the wealth of Bill Gates, or even Brad Pitt. But that should not stop us from taking action to help others. Even a simple gesture of helping an elderly person cross the street is nice. Let's all try to be a little more selfless, so we can make this world a better place to live in!

How would you feel if you saved the life of someone? This 'someone' that I want to refer to today, is a beloved mother, wife, daughter and a dear friend to many. Her name is Tami and I don't know her personally, but I have the greatest compassion for what she is going through.

I really urge you to read about Tami on her website, created by her dear cousin Stacie Tamaki. I hope you will consider taking action after reading it, like I did, by requesting a home test kit to be a marrow/stem cell donor. It is such a small act of kindness, that will make a world of difference to Tami and her family....especially her two young children who needs their mother very much!

Thank you!!

Stinkerpants Designs

As a wedding planner, my mailboxes are often flooded with introductions of new vendors who would like me to see their portfolios and consider recommending them to my clients. I think it's great to see all that talent that is out there, but I admit it does get overwhelming sometimes because there is just not enough time to meet everyone as much as I would love to!

Today was my 'office day' and the first thing I made myself do was to clear my desk. That often is the best way to keep me focus, because who likes working under piles and piles of 'stuff'!? During this process, I see a big stack of mailing from these very talented vendors. Some sent me samples of their work, and others anything from brochures to notepads with their logos to mini albums. I realize how much time and money people spend on mailings like this, so I really try to take the time to go through them.

An idea sparked in my head as I was trying to figure out what to do with all these mailings today. I decided to pick the ones that really stood out to me, and blog about them! If I cannot meet with each of these talented people, I can at least share their wonderful products and services with my readers! So, here is my very first attempt today...

Stinkerpants Designs--I actually got their business card from my good friend John Woods of Enhanced Lighting. I personally love illustrations so the card caught my eye and I went to their website to see what they're about. I love that they do custom drawings! From Save the Date cards to invitations to menu cards, you can have them illustrate a completely custom design for you. It's such a fun way to add a personal element to your wedding details.

We're Featured: Katie and Eric's Wedding

It's always a delight and honor when one of our couple's wedding gets featured in a magazine. This time, it is Katie and Eric's wedding, from 2007, that made it to the current issue of The Knot magazine. Angie Silvy was the very talented photographer that captured the beauty of that vintage inspired day.

Fluffy Carnation

I love this photo, because it shows how beautiful carnations can be when used tastefully. So many couples tell me that they do not want carnations at their wedding, but are very surprised when they see how beautiful a large cluster of carnations can be on its own. This is one of my favorite cake tables--so sweet and romantic, and it reminds me of cotton candy!

Special Memories

It's amazing how refreshed I am feeling after being gone for just four days. Where did I go?

IDAHO!!

'What's in Idaho?' my friends ask curiously.

Well, for many people, they think of potatoes when they think of Idaho. But for my family and I, we relate this special state to a lot of fine memories. I spent three years there as a child, and they were the three most memorable years of my life.

After being away for 21 years, we finally decided to go back, to take a walk down memory lane.

The most special part for me, was being able to show my husband and daughter all the different places that were meaningful to me as a small child--the library that I spent many afternoons at, the elementary school that I attended, the home that I lived in, the restaurant that my parents owned, the ski resort where I learned to ski for the first time.....the list goes on and on. It almost felt surreal when I stood on the playground of my elementary school, watching my 2 year old daughter play.

We met up with friends whom we have not seen for years, and that was also wonderful. It made me recognize that I need to do a better job staying in touch with people that are special and meaningful to me. Kudos to facebook for helping me reconnect with many long lost friends!

Tweet, tweet

I signed up for a twitter account a few months ago, but have not gotten the chance to really use it. After seeing my good friend Armando of Get Your Do Up getting all excited over it today (he was twittering as we were walking to our cars) I decided to start taking this twitter-talk more seriously. I am excited! If you want to follow me on twitter, look me up as jubileelau!

Marry Me Macaroons

Who would have thought that the marriage of flowers and macaroons could be so blissfully beautiful? It's perfect for a cheery, whimsical wedding!

Lovely Things: Beautiful China

I have decided to start a new label of 'lovely things' on my blog, because I come across so many great things on a daily basis, so I want to share it with all my readers as eye candy and inspiration. Here's my first one!

There's nothing more I love than to be seated at a table with lovely place settings. Don't wait for special occasions to bring out your special china. Treat yourself well in your everyday life.

I found this photograph in one of my many Japanese magazines (which I love to pour over even though I don't understand a single text) and it reminded me of a really beautiful tea house that I once visited in Tokyo. It's so delicate, and girly--I love it!

My mom once gave me a set of really beautiful teacups when I first moved out, and I was shocked to know it was her wedding present from many, many years ago--still unused!! So, I vowed to make good use of it, and I have! I can't wait to pass it on to Bridgette, perhaps when she gets married?!

New Kid on the Block

One of the things that excites me most as a planner is discovering fantastic locations for my clients to hold their weddings at. Needless to say, I was ecstatic when I found out that a new resort will be opening up in Menlo Park this April!

Rosewood Sand Hill is going to be the newest luxury resort in Silicon Valley, debuting on April 2, 2009! With 16 acres of immaculate land surrounded by views of the Santa Cruz mountains, this beautiful resort will offer 132 urban cottages, a spa boutique, infinity pool, and an extraordinary restaurant featuring california cuisine.

Last week, my good friend Jean Marks and I were invited to take a hard hat tour of the resort with Todd Outhouse, the Director of Catering there. Todd brings to this resort many years of experience at luxury properties, such as the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and the St. Regis in San Francisco. With him behind the reins for weddings and special events, and a highly competent staff, there is no doubt that Rosewood will become a much sought after venue for brides and grooms. It was fun to see the resort in this final stage, where furniture and artwork were being placed and final details were being perfected.

When we first arrived, I was quite surprised. I guess I may have expected to see at least one very tall building...after all this is a hotel, right? But instead, I felt like I had escaped to the wine country!

This photo on the left shows you the entrance to the hotel lobby, anchored by two lovely palm trees and centered with a quaint fountain. Seeing 'orange cones' is a part of the fun in a hard hat tour, but it promises to vanish by April 2nd!

The interior decor is what Todd calls 'California Casual', with cedar wood, walnut, and slate floors. It's very understated, and extremely charming--certainly a 'home away from home'.

The restaurant, Madera, offers not only excellent culinary creations from their open kitchen, but a panoramic view of the mountains for your visual enjoyment. On those comfortable, breezy nights, you can choose to dine on their outdoor balcony but when it's rainy and cold like today, you may want to be closer to the fireplace inside the restaurant.

The incredible open kitchen inside Madera

A view of the infinity pool surrounded by the cottages

This will become the 'library', for guests to enjoy some quiet time with a nice book and view

Here is their main ballroom, with luxurious, custom made satin panels

One of their 'standard' guest cottages

Each room has its own walk-in closet, with enough storage space for even the extended stay guests

The living room side of one of their many suites

One of the couple's massage room at their spa

I thought this was a beautiful view of the main building--it almost reminds me of the comfort of Lake Tahoe luxury lodges

I always think that the size of the Concierge desk reveals the importance of customer service to the hotel!

Lastly, here is a photo of Todd and I taken by Jean Marks

Rosewood Sand Hill really offers a one-of-a-kind experience for its guests, and any couple that is lucky enough to get married there will surely get the royal treatment. Even though their grand opening is not until April 2, 2009, they already have weddings booked for this year! 'New' is definitely not a bad thing when it comes to the wedding world, and it appears that being the new kid on the block has a lot more positive connotation to it today!