I have to blog this wedding.  Jennifer Bowen just did a fabulous job shooting it, Suzanne is simply a doll face, and since we got this published in Phoenix Bride and Groom Magazine I have had three brides bring these pictures to our design meetings.  So obviously people like it!  Gretchen did a great job and I am kind of jealous that her and Suzanne now “lunch” when she is in town.  So here we go.  Thank you to the following vendors:  Jennifer Bowen Photography, SKM Entertainment, Suzanne Taussig floral design and Classic Party Rentals.  You all are great!

Happily Ever After you two!!

I know it have been FOREVER since I last blogged.  Fall season has just been BA-NA-NAS!  But, I was reminiscing about some of my all time favorite fall weddings, and I thought of Lisa and Jasen.  Maybe it is because Lisa is one of the coolest chicks I know (and we have so much in common)?  Maybe is is because Jasen affectionately called my Jen Thigh the whole time?  Or maybe it is because I just sigh when I think of their beautiful wedding?  I don’t know?  I just know this is one for the blog.  One I will always remember.  Love you guys!

Lisa is so beautiful naturally, but I love that she did smokey eyes.  They were gorgeous!

I had to post a shot of Lisa’s mom too.  She is just too darn cute!  Lisa is one lucky gal!

The flowers were all done by Table Tops Etc. I loved the muted colors combined with such deep plum tones.

Lisa’s dad.  Just as adorable as her mom.  Love this family!!

Jasen had the best looks.  I had a hard time not posting every picture of him not smiling.  He was so good at it!

Lisa’s friend Jessie is a super talented graphic designer.  Jessie B Creative was responsible for all the great paper stuff.  You should check her out.  She has a very cool take on wedding stationery.

The ceremony is always my favorite part.  It is the actual getting married that makes my heart melt.  And their ceremony was super sweet.  Yep, I cried…

And the tables…

Candy buffets have been popular for years, but Lisa liked the idea of doing gourmet popcorn.  Her guests did too!  They devoured almost everything!  Very yummy!

She also had pictures of each of their parents cutting their wedding cake.  Very cool touch!

Each table was named after one of Lisa and Jasen’s favorite restaurants.  Then La Dolce Pesca made miniature desserts inspired by the ones they eat when they go tot heir restaurants.  That is what is in the boxes.

My favorite detail of the night was the legend of the paper cranes.  This is a Japanese tradition that comes from Lisa’s dad’s side of the family.   Her mom folded all these gold paper cranes and we hung them with crystals on a huge manzanita tree provided by Petal Pusher.  It was gorgeous!

I liked this pictures because it pretty much was how happy Lisa and Jasen looked all night.

These are my other favorite moments of the night.  Have to post them…

I wish you both the best life has to offer.  Mu-ah!

A lot of couples opt away from traditional gifts at their reception, and donate to a charity instead.  A lot of couples really like wine.  How can you combine both of these ideas into one amazing wedding gift?  Purchase a bottle, or wine membership from One Hope, and give the gift to both the couple and to a great charity! 

The goal of One Hope is to do their part in saving the planet, and they do this buy donating 50% of their profits to a charity, depending on which wine you purchase.  Their company is contributing in such a creative way, and Imoni Events loves their idea and efforts.  Here is how your gift donates:

One Hope Carneros Reserve Pinot Noir- 50% goes to charities supporting the fight against cancer

One Hope California Cabernet Sauvignon- 50% goes to charities supporting the fight against autism

One Hope California Chardonnay- 50% goes to charities supporting the fight against breast cancer

One Hope California Merlot- 50% goes to charities supporting the fight against AIDS

One Hope California Sauvignon Blanc- 50% goes to charities supporting the planet

One Hope California White Zinfandel- 50% goes to charities supporting our troops

If you purchase a wine club membership, the gift you’re giving is a bottle of wine every other month, from the list above, and donating to the corresponding charity each time. 

By purchasing this wine, you can contribute to the wedding couple’s favorite charity, or your own, and give a gift that is giving in more than one way.  What a great concept! Imagine if all companies did this!  Hats off to you, One Hope!

A super cute, super fun way to add a little flair and a little personality has been showing up by way of footwear at 2010 weddings.  More and more brides are ditching the traditional ivory slippers and heels for funky, goofy, comfy, and adorable accented shoes.  Not only does it make for a more fun outfit, it also makes great pictures!  There are a few ways to go fun with your shoes, and for every bride it’s different.

Bright Accents

What shows off a beautiful ivory/white gown than a bright heel underneath it?  If you’re a girl that loves her red high heels, or pink peep-toes, this is definitely a style for you.  Adding this punch of color is flirty and cute and very photogenic!

Comfy Choices

Many brides on beaches have been rocking flip-flops with their dresses for years, and now it’s showing up in land-locked affairs too!  If your wedding is in warm weather months, and you don’t want to hobble through your reception, a cutie pair of flip-flops or flats is a great choice!

Funky Footwear

Are you a girl that has worn Doc Martens your whole life?  Did you meet your husband in your favorite Chuck Taylor Cons?  Do you own ten pairs of vintage Vans?  Wear them with your gown!  They won’t show unless you want them to, and it’s such a cool way to keep your event real.  You wear them, you love them, they are an expression of you-of course you should bring them to your most special day!