Thursday, June 19, 2008

A breezy day by the beach...

On Tuesday I headed over to Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach. My beautiful bride Elizabeth and her mom Vickie were not impressed with their tasting a few months ago. Side story ~ the hotel was trying something a little different ~ inviting all the couples and their family  for a group tasting. In a way it allowed the couples to see what can be achieve at the hotel (lighting, table set up, station displays, etc), but it was a little lacking on the one-on-one attention I think every couples need. I'm happy to say, Portofino will be offering something a little more intimate in the future.

During our meeting, the entree was prepare by the request of the catering manager to alleviate any concerns Elizabeth and Vickie might have. And it was delicious! Chicken linguine with shrimp, squash, mini cucumber, and asparagus. Perfect for a couple that didn't want different entree selections but do want variety in their dish.

Next up, Mary of Ava's Garden presented the sample centerpiece. It was gorgeous! Roses, hydrangea , Queen Ann's lace atop a rectangular vase with black ribbon and a shiny crystal buckle.  

Here's a close up of the flowers. Elizabeth decided to go more pink ~ shades of bubble gum pink and less white and green. I think it's going to be gorgeous with the amber lighting around the room.

And here's a close up of the black ribbons and damask votive Elizabeth and Vickie made. I think it's fabulous ~ modern elegant with a flirty twist. 


I can't wait to see everything come together on their big day! 

Friday, June 13, 2008

Wendy & Marshall's engagement session

Here they are...the long awaited epic session my beautiful friend Wendy had with MNorwood! And Michael did an amazing job! I LOVE LOVE the different backgrounds. It's just awe-inspiring what a talented photographer can do! Something so subtle...yet so beautiful! Please visit his blog for more photos. And...midnight tonight, Michael Norwood is unveiling his brand spanking NEW WEBSITE! :)






Christina & Rei's wedding!!!

Last weekend, I had the honor of coordinating Christina & Rei's wedding at The Athenaeum. The venue itself is a gorgeous testament to architecture. But fill it with love, laughter, friends, and family, the venue shined ever more brightly. Thank you Jay and Peggy from Jay Tsai Photography for capturing these shining moments. Christina and Rei are really a match made in heaven.



Beautiful shot of the rings in the folds of Christina's gorgeous Paloma Blanca wedding dress


Family and friends looked on as Christina finished her makeup


This is why I love this girl! As Christina's heading down the archway for their 'first look,' she throws out the 'piece sign.' I love how happy and excited she was!



One of my favorite shots from Christina's portrait session. It looks like a framed picture ready to go on the wall.



Another amazing shot from the couple's portrait session around the campus.



My FAVORITE picture of the day! This really captures the spunk and fun-loving nature of this wedding. Christina with her sister Amanda the MOH and Rei with his brother Joe who is the Best Man.



These beautiful manzanita trees were at the top of the steps creating a beautiful backdrop to the ceremony. Eddie really outdid himself this time!




The table were dressed in champagne linens and chocolate brown napkins. Each place setting adorn with menus made by the bride (on her Gocco no less!) and a cookie favor packaged in yellow with gold thread. The breathtaking centerpieces were the creation of Eddie from Commerce Flowers.



Christina and Rei practiced their first dance which was a fox trot to 'The way you look tonight' by Frank Sinatra.



The day was filled with touching moments. One that stood out especially in my mind was the BM and MOH toasts ~ funny but still brought tears to your eyes, the best kind!!



Jay captured this tender moment amiss the partying going around them.




I know Christina and Rei are going to have a wonderful life together. They just complement each other so well! They have the love and support of amazing family and friends and I feel so blessed to have been there to witness their love and happiness. They're currently on their FIVE week honeymoon in Italy and Greece! I know! FIVE WEEKS! I already asked if they could pack me in their bags...sadly, it was a no. :D For more pictures and an amazing slideshow, visit Jay's blog.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Christina & Rei's engagement session...

Christina and Rei will be getting married this weekend at The Athenaeum in Pasadena. With their wedding fast approaching, here's a look back at their e-session by San Francisco photographer Jay Tsai. I love how the "feel" of SF was captured in these images. You can see more from the session here

This picture is amazing ~ blur of color

This has to be my favorite picture. I love the black and white! I love the movement in this picture.  I love that Christina is laughing without holding back! 

So romantic!

I love the softness of the next two pictures...


If I was Christina, I would have a hard timing choosing one single shot for the enlargement. Stay tuned to see more of Jay's amazing work after the wedding!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Tasting at the Intercontinental Los Angeles

One word to describe the food at this hotel ~ SPECTACULAR! I had the pleasure of attending a food tasting at the Intercontinental Los Angeles - Century City. We had a variety of food choices and I came out of the meeting with a full tummy and a very satisfied palate.

First off the appetizers:
This is the vegetable strudel with baby spinach, ratatouille, chive, herb, ricotta in beef jus. Very delicate and flaky and perfect to start the evening with.


I'm not a big fan of ravioli, unless it's really good ravioli. This butternut squash fit that bill. The skin wasn't too thick and the sweetness of the butternut was a surprise. Included in the dish was toasted pine nut and fried sage. Such an aromatic dish...


We tried two salads but the dishes was devoured prior to me getting a chance to take a photo. The catering manager presented a second dish since the first dish was a little flat (still taste wonderful though). This is the arugula greens, feta cheese, pine nuts, and lemon vinaigrette (I think you can tell now I LOVE pine nuts).


Now on to the Entrees:
First up, brioche & cranberry stuffed chicken. This dish was amazing! The meat was moist and the cranberries were a burst of flavor with every bite.


Also very yummy, chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto.


Filet mignon with roasted beef state tomatoes.


Pan seared filet mignon with Japanese pumpkin ravioli. Nothing against the filet, but the other dishes out shined this wedding staple.


On to the fish...
White wine poached Chilean sea bass with braised artichoke.


Saving the best for last, herb crusted halibut with polenta cake. Hands down, no comparison. This was the BEST dish. And look at the display, doesn't it just make your tummy grumble?


I hope you enjoy this food post. I for one am sure looking forward to this wedding! :D

Sample centerpieces

I've been to a few sample centerpiece viewings of top LA florists recently and forgot to post about them (I know! How could I?) So here you go...three in a row. And once again I apologize for the 'non-sharp' image. I think I'll have to revert back to a camera instead of relying on the iPhone.

First up, I had the amazing pleasure of meeting one of TOP Hollywood florist Kevin Lee from LA Premier. He caterers to the Hollywood elite and I was so happy to be able to see his work. Here is what he created for a fall wedding...


The bride decided to add different shad of reds and maybe a bit green. The water in the vase will also be red. I can't wait ~ with the flowers and lighting, it's going to be so rich and romantic!


Next up, the super talented Michelle Brue of Floral by Fauna. Michelle is such a pleasure to work with. There is no bound to her creativity!

Close up of the rich jewel tones.

And finally, the ever so sweet Eddie of City of Commerce Flowers. This bride wanted soft and elegant floral arrangement with a slight edge. I think Eddie did wonderfully and the bride was very very happy. This wedding will be coming up this weekend ~ stay tuned and be WOW by Eddie's work.


Monday, June 2, 2008

Finising up the ribbon place card board

Here's the finish product! Sorry for the past few blurry pictures. It's just so easy to use the iPhone. :)


A close up...


So what do you think?