Cross Cultural Weddings

Today, I want to celebrate the increase of cross cultural weddings! One of our favorite things to do is to help clients infuse different elements of their cultures to bring personalization and meaning to their wedding celebration. It is a wonderful, beautiful thing!

Thank you to our delightful clients who gave us the opportunity to help them create meaningful weddings that combined their cultures into one, through subtle and edited details....

Photography by Gertrude and Mabel

Photography by Gene Higa

Photography by Tara Arrowood

Photography by The Image Is Found

Photography by Kevin Chin

Cover Shoot for Today's Bride

Last October, I had the privilege of being a part of an A-team for the cover shoot of Today's Bride magazine. I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the industry's best of the best, where artistry and creativity led the way to this very successful shoot. Here are a few of the extraordinary photographs from Jennifer Skog...

It has been quite some time since I've participated in a photoshoot, mainly because we've been so busy with our clients' fabulous events for the past several years. However, this shoot was a great reminder as to why I like creating photoshoots. It is an opportunity to collaborate with people that I admire and respect, whom I may not always have the opportunity to work with on a client's wedding. When there is a remarkable team working together, sparks ignite in a phenomenal way. The passion and love that each of us bring to the shoot is amazing. We are also able to have the luxury of time on our hands, to style everything perfectly, without the concern of being up against the clock all the time. In other words, it's a terrific outlet for us to do what we love in a more flexible environment.

When I help clients pull together a team of event professionals for their event, I always factor in everyone's personalities and working styles to ensure that we have the best possible team working for the clients. I am sure we can all relate to the importance of working with people who share the same team-playing mentality, work ethics, and professionalism. After being in this industry for 9 years now, I cannot emphasize enough how powerful it is to have a good team of vendors working together. It's the best 'insurance' the clients can invest in towards the success of their event. I love seeing the chemistry and dynamics of a good team on an event day, where the best definition of "team work" is demonstrated, and everyone works extra hard to make sure the clients are happy. There is no micromanaging needed on my part as the planner, and the harmonious spirit is evident to everyone, including the guests!

Thank you to the fabulous team of event professionals for this cover shoot, which is the current issue of Today's Bride in newstands and venues!

Venue: Julia Morgan Ballroom
Design + Styling: Gloria Wong Design
Photography: Jennifer Skog 
Makeup + Hair: Maria Chang of Professional Makeup Artistry
Flowers: Birch
Cake: Cake Coquette
Gown: Nouvelle Vogue
Accessories: Haute Bride
Cinematography: Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV
Lighting: Enhanced Lighting
Furniture Rentals: Blueprint Studio

Honeymoon Destination

We're really enjoying the summer rays here in Northern California. I suppose there's no excuse then, to jet off to an exotic island, except if I'm planning a honeymoon!

Last year right around this time, I was basking in the sun with a Mojito in my hand at the remarkable Viceroy Anguilla. For any couple that envisions their honeymoon being on a remote island surrounded by turquoise water, infinity pools, and pure serenity 24/7, you've got to consider the Viceroy Anguilla. It really is a 'heaven on earth' destination. No touristy gimmicks, no abundance of honeymooners at your resort, no loud water sports around you. Just bliss, tranquility, and luxury. Ahhhhh, what I wouldn't do to be there again right now!

View more pictures of the Viceroy Anguilla from my previous blog post here.

Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner

Don't let your rehearsal dinner be an afterthought! Kathy Goodman of Well Rehearsed is a seasoned expert in planning and designing rehearsal dinners. She is offering a fun and informative workshop next month to provide advice and guidance in this arena. Be sure to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to learn from Kathy!

De Young Museum Wedding

A big heartfelt thank you to Abby and her team over at Style Me Pretty for featuring Carolyn and David's wedding on their blog. This was one of our favorites!

Weddings at Pebble Beach Resort

Last month, I joined 10 of my peers for an amazing 2 days at the world renown Pebble Beach Resorts. It was an honor to be invited, and the extraordinary executive team there pampered us like there was no tomorrow. Every detail was incredibly well thought-out and beautifully executed, from the menus to the design to the lovely quotes and gifts that were left in our suites throughout the day. Let me start from the beginning...

We arrived individually to Casa Palmero, one of the three beautiful properties at Pebble Beach Resorts, to check into our suites. I especially loved the fact that there was no 'front desk' at this Mediterranean-styled estate. I was greeted by one of their staff, who checked me in right when I stepped out of my car. No lines, no hassle. Within a few minutes, I was settling into my spacious suite, and my luggages were brought to me. I love efficiency without the loss of personal touch and superior service. Casa Palmero definitely mastered this skill! 

A very thoughtful gift planted in each of our suites upon arrival

After settling into my suite a bit, I joined the other planners in the bar area, before we were escorted off to The Lodge at Pebble Beach for a decadent hour of cocktail and hors d'oeurves. It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and to be acquainted with new ones!

When the doors to the Library were opened, it revealed a stunning room designed by Shannon Gurley, Floral and Event Design Manager at Pebble Beach. Together with the talented crew over at Blueprint Studios (we love them!), Shannon used a variety of uniquely designed furniture and elements to create a warm, inviting, and posh environment for our dinner.

Absolutely adored how the menu was carved onto the pebble rocks

Our sumptuous dinner included Seared Scallop with Salsify Mousseline & Watercress Sauce, Grilled Asparagus, Pink Grapefruit, Mache, Candied Almonds and Citrus Vinaigrette, and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Sauteed Root Vegetables and Roasted Garlic Potato Puree. It was an indulging feast, paired with amazing wine! 

After dinner, we lounged around a bit while indulging in a wide array of mouth-watering desserts. We even got to release some of our creative juices by decorating our own mini wedding cakes! 

Needless to say, I slept pretty well that night! The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we boarded a shuttle that took us on a guided tour of 17 mile drive. The best part of the drive? We had an impromptu whale watch and were delighted to spot an actual whale diving in and out of the water! 


Next, we got a detailed tour of the other 2 Pebble Beach Resort properties--The Lodge at Pebble Beach and The Inn at Spanish Bay. Being there really helped me to visualize how an event would flow there, with lots of wonderful options. There are so many spectacular views all around the properties! 


We were treated to a decadent 7 course lunch at the Beach Club, with an 'Oat to Sea' theme. I loved how Shannon decked out one long table with beautiful flowers, seashells, and ghost chairs that had a subtle seashell decal on them. She placed a special request for the chef to create a menu that wouldn't require her to set the table with any flatware, in order to minimize clutter on the tables. I thought that was incredibly clever! 

The menu included:


Mango and Foie Gras "Creme Brulee" with Passion Fruit
"New Style" Sashimi Sizzling Soy-Curry Vinaigrette, Ginger, Chive, Hawaiian Sea Salt
Roasted Heirloom Baby Beets, "Warm" Goat Cheese, Fig Essense
Demitasse of Tomato, Artichoke and Mushroom Soup
Salmon Burger Slider Brioche Tarter Sauce and Cole Slaw
Prime Rib Eye Steak "Tartine" Aioli and Balsamic Onion Ring
Assortment of Petit Fours and Petite Pastries


It was seriously one of the BEST meals I've ever had! 


Let the pampering continue! Following the lunch, each of us was treated to a spa treatment of our choice, at the world class Spa at Pebble Beach. It didn't surprise me to find that nearly all of us chose to have a massage. Who can resist? 


My massage was absolutely incredible, and my troubled spots were addressed wonderfully. I felt so renewed and refreshed after the spa experience! With the sun ready to set, we were scooted off to enjoy drinks and apps by the outdoor fire pits at The Inn at Spanish Bay. I couldn't think of a more perfect arrangement, as we listened to the bagpiper perform underneath the sunset.

After that 7 course lunch, I thought I would never be hungry again, but how could I resist a lavish family-style Italian dinner at Peppoli? 

This honestly was one of the best FAM (familiarization) trip I've been invited to. Every detail was meticulously thought out, and the whole experience was phenomenal. The entire team at Pebble Beach Resorts were down-to-earth and fun, yet also very professional, knowledgable, and passionate about what they do. They are there to provide the best possible experience for their clients, and they have mastered the true definition of the word hospitality. 


Photo credit: Scott Campbell Photography (except the photos of the suite and slippers)