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Happy new year, everyone! I love the freshness that comes with a brand new year. Although every day holds the same opportunities and possibilities that you find with a new year, I find that somehow I am especially optimistic around January 1st. i am looking forward to a spectacular 2009 filled with amazing times shared with people I love. Here's a look back to a very special wedding of two people I love… Heijin + Dean.

When I met Heijin for our consultation, it was a match made in heaven. We were instant friends, chatting about ideas and inspiration for her wedding to Dean. She hired me to help with every aspect of the wedding planning and I relished and enjoyed each part of the process! From addressing envelopes to collecting responses, to folding origami cranes and making menus… it was a true labor of love working on this wedding.

Enjoy the color, creativity and love bursting from the seams of this wedding via images courtesy of rockin' photographers The Image is Found. Nate + Jac knocked my socks off (per usual!) with these pics and i hope you enjoy!

Meet the fabulous Heijin + Dean… always SO much fun.

Heijin and Dean were wed under a dark-stained bamboo arch built by Kristin of The Treasured Petal. Delicate strands of orchids along with hand-strung origami cranes (folded by yours truly) made for a lovely backdrop. The cranes were a special project of mine for the couple, as a nod to Dean's Japanese heritage. It is believed that one who folds 1001 cranes is granted one wish.

Is this the most joyful recession ever or what?? Check out the bridesmaids in their vibrant turquoise and purple dresses. They were some of my favorite BM dresses ever.

I love, love, love this portrait of Heijin. It completely captures her playful spirit.

There is serious magic when these two get together. I was continually blessed and inspired as I witnessed their love during the planning process. They both have the utmost respect, consideration and adoration for one another.

Now off to the party!

Behold one of my favorite details of the day! Guests were greeted in the lobby by this striking display: a blooming family tree! Kristin brought in a fantastically large manzanita branch adorned with various floral accents. I brought in over 70 antique brass lockets filled with photos of the couple's family members. It was a wonderful way to honor their deep commitments to their families.

Tables were draped in chocolate satin pintuck linens accented by bright chartreuse satin napkins. We used half tall centerpieces, half low centerpieces. Each contained a lavish assortment of tropical-feeling florals including orchids, coxcomb and bells of ireland.

Tables were named after significant spots in the couple's history. Each place setting include a fragrant tuberose blossom (a favorite of the groom's) and a box of traditional Korean dduk (rice cakes).

Here's a closer look at the tall centerpiece. I love the dramatic sprays of James Storei orchids at the top, as well as the orchids that were whimsical additions to the outside of the vases.

After a morning ceremony + luncheon reception, the party reconvened at sunset at the bride's parents' home for a rousing after party. More lush florals took centerstage, along with an incredible spread of authentic pan-Asian cuisine. Late night karaoke also was a hit for these songbirds. I may or may not have been coerced into participating as well…

This darling arrangement graced one of the cocktail tables at the afterparty. The red bromeliad is one of my favorites.

We rented low wooden coffee tables for our lounge vignettes. This one had a lovely re-purposed centerpiece from earlier in the day, along with green pillar candles and votives.

I'll end with this super sweet portrait of the couple.

I had SO much fun working with Heijin + Dean on this unique and joyous day. I hope to keep in touch with them for years to come. I also have to throw in a shout out to Heijin's amazing family. I felt like an adopted daughter thanks to the graciousness of her parents. <3

vendor roundup!

• photography by the image is found
• videography by luvbug films
• floral decor by the treasured petal
• ceremony + reception at los coyotes country club
• lighting by rainbow sound
• draping by pipe dream
• after party catering from the golden truffle (INCREDIBLY creative and delicious)
• linens and chiavaris from elegant designs
• afterparty rentals from town & country
• dj + karaoke by carcano dj

Press Announcement!!

On a totally unrelated note, I was featured in an editorial piece in the latest issue of Brides Southern California MAGAZINE!! To say I'm excited is a gigantic understatement. Check out the spring/summer issue and turn to page 130 to check out “the other parties”. It's a piece that focuses on some great spots for showers, parties and rehearsal dinners. I was honored to be asked to contribute and am also delighted to be highlighted with industry star Jeannie Savage (of Details Details). What fun! Much love to Heather & Jacqueline over at Brides!

*You can also see something else me-related on page 54 (”Detail Oriented”). See that woodland Twigs & Honey headband?? That EXACT headband was given to me by the lovely Myra herself! I wore it in the photo from my Christmas card, too. Congrats to Myra for the featured piece!

Have a fabulous day, everyone~ xoxo, angel