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A Soolip Wedding 2010

Posted by Jason on Monday, February 22, 2010

This past Sunday Feb. 21 I attended the upscale Southern California bridal fair A Soolip Wedding, held this year at the gorgeous Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles. As I mentioned last week, I’ve exhibited at and attended the event in the past and was a bit struck by how much lighter the traffic and overall size this year’s was, no doubt a testament to the economy. Soolip’s Wanda Wen and all the great wedding professionals still pulled off a classy and resource-packed event, though. If you are planning a SoCal wedding, hopefully you were able to make it.

The venue itself is truly grand, both in size and beauty. Vibiana is a restored former archdiocese cathedral, and any event held here is going to be breathtaking. I’d imagine that weddings with a smaller guest lists could easily find themselves overwhelmed by the scale of the space, but for a large event it would be amazing.

There was plenty of food and drinks available, along with some great panels on hand to field questions at the “Engaging the Experts” sessions. Lots of inspirational booths and exhibits, as well. All in all, a great event to attend for those planning a wedding in the area.

Inside the Vibiana, a former archdiocese cathedral

Wolfgang Puck chefs preparing some tasty samples

Wolfgang Puck chefs prepare some tasty samples

Beautiful (and delicious!) creations from Vanilla Bake Shop, whose Amy Berman was on hand to answer questions in the "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry" Engaging the Experts session

Chic booths aplenty, including this one by A Private Affair Events

Some of Soolip's paper creations

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International Wedding Festival Makes San Francisco Debut

Posted by Jason on Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Northern California’s International Wedding Festival is a wedding expo and bridal fair with the underlying theme of celebrating cultural diversity. The intention of the show is to highlight the colors, traditions, sounds, and tastes of different cultures in weddings today. Vendors and wedding professionals of different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to participate. The event’s fashion show features cultural dance as well as products by clothing designers of western (and not-so-western) styles.

Models show off Swati Couture's South-Asian-inspired fashion line at the International Wedding Festival in San Francisco this past Sunday.

Of course, culture is an important part of who you are, and it will influence the choices you make when planning your wedding. It can especially be interesting when you and your spouse-to-be are of different cultures, different faiths, or both. How you express yourselves with your wedding celebration will be the most important part of the end result. And, for me anyway, what makes memorable weddings stand out from all the rest is when a couple’s own unique personalities and styles are really well represented and thoughtfully expressed.

The International Wedding Festival has a track record in more inland areas of Northern California; locations like Modesto, Livermore and Stockton have been their bread and butter. This past Sunday was the show’s first foray into the city by the Bay, more our neck of the woods, so I dropped by to check it out.

The venue was the very impressive Westin St. Francis Hotel of San Francisco, which boasts quite a beautiful ballroom. It’s also conveniently located across the street from Union Square, a shopping and tourist hotspot, so there is plenty of local interest for out-of-town guests. Do pay a visit if you’re considering a wedding in San Francisco.

One of three main ballrooms of the International Wedding Fesitval in the Westin St. Francis this past Sunday

The International Wedding Fesitval was held in the Westin St. Francis of San Francisco this past Sunday. Forefront: cake by The Buttercream Studio (thebuttercreamstudio.com)

There were a number South Asian vendors and wedding professionals, and many western vendors as well, so the show’s signature line of “East Meets West” was fitting. The fashion show highlighted Swati Couture of Milpitas, with South-Asian inspired styles, colors, and fabrics, along with dance by Fashion Rhythm Dance Company and Leung’s White Crane Lion and Dance Association.

My favorite part of any wedding show is always chatting with the local wedding professionals, and hearing their entrepreneurial stories. Always so inspirational! As I mentioned in my last post, these hardworking folks really put their hearts and souls into what they do. Take Tracy Auseklis of The Buttercream Studio, who started her cake business a year ago with her husband right after their own wedding. In fact, they launched The Buttercream Studio with money that they saved by opting out of their original big-wedding plans in favor of something a lot more simple. After scouring the Bay Area for a location, they finally found a former Domino’s Pizza shop in South San Francisco and poured everything they had saved into the fledgling business. When Tracy recounted the endless scrubbing of “black grease” in the beginning, I was reminded of what makes the entrepreneurial spirit–and therefore the wedding industry–so special.

Tracy Auseklis, founder of The Buttercream Studio, at Sunday's International Wedding Festival

The International Wedding Festival will be appearing throughout the next few months in several northern California locations, including Modesto, Stockton, Livermore, and even a reprise of their San Francisco debut. Check their website for the latest schedule.

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Great Time At Wish Upon A Wedding Launch Party

Posted by Jason on Monday, February 1, 2010

Last week I introduced the launch of one-of-a-kind nonprofit organization Wish Upon a Wedding, and Crystal and I were lucky enough to attend the launch party Thursday evening. The setting was the beautiful Montalvo Arts Center, nestled in the Saratoga CA hills. It looked absolutely spectacular at night, with its Mediterranean-style architecture bathed in soft pastel lights.

Montalvo Arts Center at night for the Wish Upon a Wedding's launch party

Montalvo Arts Center at night for the Wish Upon a Wedding launch party

Montalvo Arts Center photos from Wish Upon a Wedding’s Facebook page via Danielle

It was also a heartwarming get-together, reminding me about how extraordinarily caring, thoughtful, and generous the good folks of the local wedding industry are. These entrepreneurs and business owners put their hearts and souls into their hard work year after year, creating wedding memories that will last a lifetime for each one of their clients.

Wish Upon a Wedding depends on these independent wedding professionals to donate their time and money to create a wedding for engaged couples facing life-threatening illnesses. Recipients may have been given literally months to live by their doctors, and so you can imagine the work involved in putting together a wedding that will need to take place mere weeks or even days from the recipient’s acceptance. All the details of a recipient’s wedding will come from these generous “wish granters” donating their resources.

It was nice to meet and congratulate the generous and thoughtful folks organizing this great cause, including Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, and Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events. Sasha’s blog, if you don’t already follow it, is a must read at sparkliatti.com.

While attending the launch party, we learned that Florence and Michael, the very first wish recipients, have just been selected! Florence was diagnosed with breast cancer, recently underwent surgery for a double mastectomy, and has been given one year to live by her doctors. But–dark prognosis notwithstanding–there is also a love story, and thanks to Wish Upon a Wedding, Florence will be able to enjoy a beautiful wedding on March 13, something she hadn’t dreamed possible financially or practically. Read more about Florence and Michael at the Wish Upon a Wedding blog.

Florence and Michael, Wish Upon a Wedding's very first recipients!

Truly inspiring! Have a fantastic week, everyone.

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Vintage Gowns Featured In Vegas Bridal Show This Month

Posted by Jason on Monday, January 4, 2010

Happy 2010 everyone! I hope you all ushered in the new year safely and memorably; I had a great time myself co-hosting a local get-together, and I’m really pleased with the way everything turned out. Lots of fun, friends, and good wishes all around.

This month always sees a sharp spike in traffic for WedShare and our online wedding planning resources in general; with such a large number of proposals taking place over the holidays, this is the first “let’s get started” month for many couples embarking on the planning journey.

One of the most common questions for new nearlyweds is: Where do we start? For all our new readers–especially those just engaged–wedding blogs like this one and other online planning resources are a great first step in gathering info and ideas. Another invaluable resource I recommend taking advantage of are local bridal shows, where you can meet several vendors and wedding professionals face-to-face, ask questions, and get inspired by all the showcased products and services.

Check for local shows and bridal fairs in your area and mark them on the calendar now. One such company is Bridal Spectacular in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is a popular wedding destination, and I’m not talking about the stereotypical spur-of-the-moment visit to a local wed-and-run chapel. The lights, shows, food, and excitement of Vegas makes it a real treat for you and your guests, and there are a number of fabulous venues and wedding professionals to choose from.

1940's WWII-Era Satin Wedding Dress

If you’re planning or considering a Vegas wedding, definitely check out Bridal Spectacular’s shows. Their first show of the year will be held Jan 29 and 30 at Cashman Convention Center and will not only feature the latest trends but also vintage wedding gowns, including hot items from the 40’s through 80’s. The idea came about during a trip to various antique shops by the show’s producer and her daughter, who fell in love with the aging vintage lace and satin gowns and had such a great time looking through them that they knew other brides would, too.

If you have a general idea as to the location of your wedding venue, start browsing online for local bridal shows like this one, and take an initial look over their 2010 schedule.

Visit our blog frequently over the year for great tips, resources, and inspiration posted every day. Happy planning!

Photo Credits: Logo and vintage dress image from Bridal Spectacular

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{Inspiration} A Colonial Mexican Wedding

Posted by Crystal on Monday, August 31, 2009

Growing up in a small colonial town in San Luis PotosÃ, Mexico, I have such fond memories of my fair share of “bodas a la Mexicana”. I love Mexican styled weddings as they are packed with tradition, delicious food, and festive music and decorations.

I wanted to make my first Mexico inspired wedding board very rustic and colonial, since that’s the way I remember them being in the area I grew up in. If your guy can pull off dressing up in a ”charro” suit, all the better!

The setting of your ceremony and reception is very important for a Mexican style wedding. Search for an old mission-style church in your area for the ceremony, and a hacienda or a Spanish-style home or hall for the reception. If you want the real deal, make it a destination wedding and go to a central Mexico spot like San Luis PotosÃ, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende or Zacatecas and experience your special day in a real hacienda!

The Mariachi or trio band should never be forgotten in a Mexican wedding celebration, as it is the moment everyone waits for. A burro in festive regalia is sometimes used to carry drinks for guests–such as tequila or champagne–as it leads the procession from the ceremony to the reception. What a way to start the fiesta!

{Photo Credits: Doily Wedding Cake from Marta’s Cakes in Manila, Philippines via SkysCraperCity.com, Singer Alejandro Fernandez in Charro Suit by Charros de Mexico Blog, San Miguel de Allende Hacienda “Las Trancas” by Elizabeth Medina Photography, Silk Folding Hand Fan by Wedding-Supplier.com,
Wedding Ring with Orange Tree Branch & Mexican Fire Opal by TheMuses at Flickr, All-Female “Mariachi Divas” from Malibu, CA by Elizabeth Messina Photography via Brides.com, Wedding Gown Collection Spring 2008 by Oscar de la Renta, Talavera Plate with Sunburst Orange Napkin by Mishka Designs’ Blog, Mexican Wedding Cookies by Oven Haven’s Blog, A Burro {Donkey} Carrying Tequila for Guests by Jim Bastardo via Brides.com, Traditional Mexican Folklore Dance via Hacienda Las Trancas, Tequila Bar via ProjectWedding.com Photo by Victor Sizemore Photography}

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Seattle-Area Reception Sites for 300 w/Free Parking

Posted by Marivic on Thursday, July 16, 2009

Finding a reception site can be daunting, but finding one that can accommodate 300 or more guests can be even tougher, especially on a budget.

After doing a lot of research online, in magazines and in local guide books, we ended up viewing 3 locations that fit our needs. Here’s a little info on the 2 runner-ups (you’ll see the winner in a post later) that were able to fit 300 banquet/standing reception-style, had free parking for guests and didn’t cost an arm and a leg to book:

The Spirit of Washington Event Center

Spirit of Washington Event Center - Ceremony

- Renton, WA

Accommodates: 450+
Parking: limited free parking available across the street, street parking is free for 2 hours before 6 p.m. or unlimited hours after 6 p.m. and Sundays. Parking garage available just a few feet away for a fee.
Catering: The Spirit of Washington Catering - the staff was professional and responded quickly to my emails. Pricing for both the venue and catering were very reasonable.

Spirit of Washington Evenet Center - Reception

Spirit of Washington Event Center - Reception

Site Notes:
This location is pretty easy to find from I-5 - a short 10 or 15 minute drive from downtown Seattle. Although it’s surrounded by one-way streets - if you miss it, you have to go all the way around the block. The event center itself looks fairly new and has a courtyard in front of it with a small fountain and a couple of benches. One thing that was a bit unappealing from the outside was that the event center is flanked on the North and East side of the building by the Renton Transit Center, though you wouldn’t really be able to see the bus riders waiting out there from inside the venue because the huge floor to ceiling windows face South and West (the East windows are or can be covered up) . Inside, you can tell that way more than 300 people can fit for a reception - there’s enough room for both a ceremony and reception! And with all that space and high ceilings, it could give you a lot of room to be creative.

University of Washington Horticulture Center

UW Horticulture Center Courtyard

- Seattle, WA

Accommodates: 200 (I know, way below 300, but this place can work if you’re doing a standing reception)
Parking: plenty of free parking available in their lot
Catering: provide your own - kitchen is available

UW Horticulture Center - NHS Hall

Site Notes: Only UW Alumni are able to book this venue. The difficulty in finding this place may vary, and depending on if there’s some kind of game, event or problems with the 520 bridge, there may be a lot of traffic you’ll have to fight through. Otherwise, the venue itself is cute. There is a courtyard with small trees and shrubbery, a glass room you can rent in addition to the hall to use as a bar or lounge area. I know two couples that had their reception here, one of them also had their ceremony here too - and as a guest of their weddings during the hot July and August months, the courtyard was a blessing for the guests!

These two sites were our high on our list of possible reception sites both because the venues had what we needed (accomodation of 300 people and free parking), and were spaces that we could be pretty creative with. With the exception of the catering being attached to the first venue, both places would be great for a do-it-yourself (DIY) or budget wedding, which were two more things that we were initially aiming for.

[images from Spirit of Washington Event Center and UW websites]

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Planning a SoCal wedding? Don't miss the debut of Unveiled, March 28 along Melrose Place http://bit.ly/bhPuVZ follow: @unveiledla

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RT @theknottybride: Happy #WeddingWednesday @BrideTide @bridalrehab @kiralaurenphoto @intimatewedding @wedshare @SacredUrban @elegantessence

10 hours ago
@theknottybride Thanks for the #WeddingWednesday mention! Half the week to go!

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A Soolip Wedding 2010

International Wedding Festival Makes San Francisco Debut

Great Time At Wish Upon A Wedding Launch Party

Vintage Gowns Featured In Vegas Bridal Show This Month

{Inspiration} A Colonial Mexican Wedding

Seattle-Area Reception Sites for 300 w/Free Parking

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A Soolip Wedding 2010

International Wedding Festival Makes San Francisco Debut

Great Time At Wish Upon A Wedding Launch Party

Vintage Gowns Featured In Vegas Bridal Show This Month

{Inspiration} A Colonial Mexican Wedding

Seattle-Area Reception Sites for 300 w/Free Parking

{ INTRODUCING... }

{ GET INSPIRED }

{ RECENT POSTS }

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