Thank you Wedding Blogs!

See What the Blogs Have been Saying About The Wedding University!

Don't miss your opportunity to learn about planning your wedding, from the wedding experts in an elegant, relaxed setting...the Four Seasons, Silicon Valley!

The Flirty Guide was the first to post about The Wedding University back in November; watch for an exciting new installment on January 1st, 2010!

Thank you, Stacie!

http://theflirtyguide.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html

Now with The Wedding University only a Month Away...

Win 2 Free Tickets from Style Unveiled!

http://www.sanfranciscostyleunveiled.com/thelounge/

Thank you to Kimberly and Heather!

We are so excited to meet all the newly engaged couples at

The Wedding University, Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the Four Seasons, Silicon Valley. Sign up soon because we filled up last year!

You can click here to register!

Time for Tea!

Renewing Friendships over Tea

When Evonne Wong let us know she would be in San Francisco for a week in December, Jubilee and I were quick to book a reservation at our favorite SF tea spot, Crown and Crumpet, for the three of us to reconnect over tea.

We could not have chosen a more perfect afternoon for tea; the view from Ghiradelli Square, where Crown and Crumpet is located, was incredibly beautiful in the late afternoon, as we sat sipping our tea.

The table setting awaiting us at our table for 3!

Jubilee taking a picture to release on Twitter and Facebook of our sumptuous tea for three sweets and savories display...I have learned when I am out with Jubilee, NOT to take any food set before me, until she has posted the image on Facebook and Twitter...the wonder of social networking sometimes lets my tea get cold!

Evonne is the owner of a very successful wedding planning company on Maui, but her roots in the SF Bay Area are still very strong, so whenever she visits family here, she also makes time for her wedding industry friends; we learn so much from each other about the wedding trends in our very different locales for serving brides and grooms, while we enjoy the Holiday pause in our busy schedules. (For Evonne's amazing photos of Crown and Crumpet, please take a look at her new photography blog.)


After our tea, we were invited by the owners of the Crown and Crumpet to enjoy shopping downstairs in their brand new gift shop, applying the 10% discount offered to all tea customers to the purchases we might make.

Evonne is taking back to Hawaii several reminders of our time together, including the Peony Pen, used by the Trolly Dollies upstairs to take our order!

And Jubilee was happy to find a few gifts for her almost 3 year old Bridgette, and for her mom.

Before we left the shop, the owner Amy Bean, took this photo of us, and spent a good deal of time chatting with us, in the typical British way, about weddings, tea and other social matters.

Since Wedding 360 is never far from our minds, Jubilee and I asked if Amy would be interested in donating a gift to be offered to The Wedding University attendees on January 31st, at the Four Seasons, Silicon Valley. We were overjoyed with the offer of a tea for two gift certificate, and a discount for a Bridal Shower Tea, to the lucky engaged couple whose names are selected at the end of the event.

Thank you Amy and Chris Bean for creating such a warm and welcoming tea shoppe, and for your support of The Wedding University!

Wedding University, the movies!

During the last several months, Andrew Hsu, owner of Studio MSV, and a member of our Wedding University team, has been making short film clips of the many hours of planning which have already gone into preparing for

The 2010 Wedding University.

Episode 2 (Jean and Jubilee discuss TWU plans in general, meet with Armando Sarabia and Gabrielle Medrano, for a photo shoot with our TWU photographer, Janae Shields, and discuss the Beauty and Attire topic for The 2010 Wedding University)

Wedding 360 Webisode 2 from andrew msv on Vimeo.

Episode 3 (Behind the scenes with Jean and Jubilee at the Four Seasons, and with Gloria Wong and Nancy Liu Chin, as they plan the designs to be used in the Design Showcase, at The Wedding University)

Wedding 360 Webisode 3 from andrew msv on Vimeo.

Episode 4: ( November, 2009, Rehearsal for professors of The 2010 Wedding University, at the Four Seasons, Silicon Valley; professors practiced their presentations toh Jean, Jubilee, Janece and Amanda, the TWU Administrative team, who offered feedback. Professors pictured here include Kevin Chin,

Geoff and Lara White, Nancy Liu Chin and Gloria Wong.

Wedding 360 Webisode 4 from andrew msv on Vimeo.

Please plan to join us for The Wedding University, January 31, 2010, at the Four Seasons, Silicon Valley.

Tickets to The Wedding University are a wonderful gift to give engaged couples!

SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICING:

$55. per person, and $100. per couple!

Consider asking parents, aunts, uncles and good friends to treat you, or other engaged couples you know, to this full day of professional wedding planning classes, taught by some of the best vendors in the SF Bay area, interspersed with the excellent cuisine of the Four Seasons!

AND don't forget the chance to win a 3 day Honeymoon stay at one of the Four Seasons Resorts!

You may register by clicking here.

Design Challenge announces a Winner

Yelena Johnson, owner of The Stylish Soiree, in her office

Wedding 360 is excited to announce our Scholarship winner for the

Academy for Planners and Designers, March 14-16, 2010.

Congratulations to Yelena Johnson, of The Stylish Soiree!

You can see Gloria Wong's comments about Yelena's winning design entry on our Wedding 360 blog.

We are so grateful to all of our amazing Scholarship entrants, who made the time to create and submit a visual and written response to Gloria's "opposites attract" design challenge.

We hope to meet many of you in March; we feel like we know you already!

It takes a team....

I want to thank Janae Shields for taking head shots of all of the staff and professors for The Wedding University; I will be using her work to introduce several of our professors during the next few weeks, beginning with the Administrative Team!

Jubilee Lau and I are the partners who formed Wedding 360 LLC, the overarching business created to produce Educational Programs for Engaged Couples, and Wedding Professionals, including The Wedding University and The Academy for Planners + Designers....but..

...planning an event like The Wedding University takes a TEAM---I want to introduce our team!


Jubilee, Amanda Chan, our Logistical Lead; Janece Shellooe, our TWU Administrator, and me, peeking in...now we are busily preparing the outlines, binders, name tags, and surprises for our 2010 Wedding University students. We look forward to seeing you on January 31, 2010, at the

Four Seasons, Silicon Valley.

The Wedding University, A Sneak Peek!

An Afternoon of Elegance and Education

January 31, 2010 Four Seasons, Silicon Valley 11am - 5pm

We are really gearing up for Wedding University, 2010 now. I met with Armando Sarabia and Gabrielle Medrano today to go over their presentation for our students on Sunday, January 31, 2010. I don't want to give all the tips away, but here is a sample of what Armando and Gabrielle will be sharing:

Hair and Makeup--Armando

-What should I take to a Makeup and Hair Consultation?

-What happens at a consult?

-How soon should I book a consult and hire a hair/makeup artist?

-Will I need a stylist all day?

As a special bonus, Armando will be doing a live demonstration on one of The Wedding University attendees during his presentation!

Wedding Attire--Gabrielle

-What styles of gowns are best for each body type?

-How long before my wedding should I order my gown?

-How do we choose a tuxedo or suit that is a good match for the bridal gown.

-What do you need on your wedding day to best protect your gown?

Gabrielle will have models circulating throughout the day, modeling a wide range of designers, styles and price points. She and Armando will use the models as examples in their presentation, to point out how the hair style, and accessories, were chosen to create an elegant and unified look for the bride.

To give you a sample of how Armando and Gabby work together, I am including a few photos from a photo shoot we did with our TWU photographer,

Janae Shields, as a part of our preparation for The Wedding University 2010.

The model, the hair and makeup artist, the dress, and the preparation begins in one of the elegant suites at the Four Seasons...

..with hair styling completed, the gown on, and the final touches of makeup in place, it is time to go downstairs and outside for the photo shoot itself...

Armando is always close at hand with his touch up hair spray...

...as is Gabrielle, to do any necessary "fluffing" of the gown to assure the perfect shot for Janae.

The results, seen in these two pictures, show the elegance of a professionally styled, dressed, and photographed bride.

Please register for The Wedding University soon; our capacity is 150 students, and last year we did sell out. To register, click here.

All photos are by Janae Shields.

A colorful bride, and new friend!

WHY I LOVE MY JOB!

Wonderful brides like Monica who become my friends!

My last wedding of 2009 was a wonderful experience! Part of the joy was seeing the two cultures of Monica's parents come together to celebrate as one. Monica's mother is Japanese, so for after-ceremony photos, Monica put on an elegant white Kimono, sent by her grandmother who could not travel for the wedding; and after dinner, Monica changed from her wedding gown, into this incredible, hand-made Indian outfit to honor her Dad, who is from India. Truly an international celebration!

In the next few weeks, I will have more photos from the wedding and reception, at the Claremont Resort and Spa in Berkely, but this shot is one Monica just sent me and it means so much because of the note that went along with it:

"Dearest Jean, Our wedding was a dream come true for me...I really loved every minute of it, and I believe that God blessed me with such a warm and caring person who would just fit into our family dynamics and faith to bring this all to together.

I know you worked so hard and dedicated so much time and effort to make this perfect, and it was!

Most of all, Jean, I felt so secure and taken care of; I felt like you were my friend by my side and even during the down time...I just never felt alone since I knew you were right there.

Everyone thanks you for making this memorable!!

Love and Thanksgiving, Monica."

What can I say?? This is WHY I am a wedding planner; because of the way I can be a support during the fun, but often challenging months needed to plan a wedding, and then remain a caring and competent presence throughout the busy hours of the wedding day itself. As my tag line puts it, "..beside the bride to help as needed." Thank you, Monica, for allowing me to be there for you...it was a privilege!

The Wedding University, 2010

Please join us for an Afternoon of Elegance and Education, for Engaged Couples, at the Four Seasons Silicon Valley!

If you are planning a wedding,

you do not want to miss The Wedding University...a full day of education, interaction with other engaged couples, and great food, where you can learn directly from top Bay Area wedding professionals.

SAVE THE DATE:
Sunday, January 31, 2010!
Four Seasons, Silicon Valley
2050 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
11am-5pm
beginning with Mimosas and Brunch

Here are some comments from a few of last year's students:

"The dance instructor was great with her tips, and offered information that applies to every couple in an entertaining an engaging way."

Cynthia Clinka escorting a groom onto the dance floor for a practice spin!

"This was so much better than any wedding fair; I appreciated the demonstrations, tips and tricks, and that the focus was about my wedding day, not sales....I was able to convince my fiance to attend, and he loved it!"

Nancy Liu Chin teaching the students about the "Love Letters" design display she created with Gloria Wong, as an example for the TWU students.

"The Decor and Design session was straight to the point and used great examples of how this specific part of wedding planning can be personalized and elegant."

One of the 5 vignettes created for The Wedding University Design and Decor Class.

Since Wedding University has spaces for only 150 students, and last year we were full, with a waiting list, register now!

Emily and Michal, Nestldown

I love the photos Michelle Walker put into a slide show to preview her amazing work at Emily and Michal's recent Nestldown wedding; please take a look!

http://www.michellewalker.com/data/web/slideshows/LuthraDrewniak/index.html

Darren, Tiffany, and me..

Working with Tiffany and Darren during the last 8 months, has been a joy! And seeing so many of their wedding dreams and ideas come become reality on Saturday at Kohl Mansion was a gift! I don't think I have ever smiled so much as I did during this wedding reception...the love and happiness were infectious!

The photo Darren took at the beach after he had proposed to Tiffany, became the focal point for the guest sign-in matte.

The vine pattern in Tiffany's wedding band became the theme for the invitations, as well as the gobo design on the walls at Kohl, the cake, and the dining table linens.

The morning began with Nellie Muganda's personal makeup care in Tffany's lovely suite at Hotel Sofitel in Redwood Shores.

We gathered details as requested by our photographer, Catherine Hall, so they could be captured before the day got going. Included were the invitation, the hand bag Tiffany's mother made for her, the save the date, wedding bands, favor, program, and menu.

Kohl Mansion had never looked better, in my opinion, than it did for Tiffany and Darren's wedding; with rentals by Hartmann Studios, lighting by

Enhanced Lighting, and flowers by Church Street Flowers, the ambiance was rich and elegant, while remaining warm and welcoming.

The floral vine pattern motif was used effectively by John of Enhanced Lighting, to create a wash on the walls and ceiling which made Tiffany and Darren's theme design pattern wrap the room in light and warmth.

And even the cake, designed by Studio Cake, carried the scroll- like vine motif between each layer.

As tired as I was at the end of Tiffany and Darren's wedding day, I was sad to see it end...the wedding planning journey had brought us close in all the ups and downs of the real life that goes on in any 8 month period of time. We had laughed together, worked hard together, and prayed together. The bond we formed was very strong, and I was sad to see the day come to an end.

BUT, the very next day I got this email:

Jean

There aren't enough words to express our thankfulness for you. We felt that the wedding was truly magical and had the freedom to soak it all in thanks to your hard work behind the scenes. I'm sure we'll never know even half of what you've done and we want to make sure you know how indebted we are. I told several people just how wonderful it was to be able to pray with you and to know that you were praying for us.
Darren and I are sitting at SFO basking in the afterglow of last night. Thanks again for everything and we look forward to a full debrief when we get back.

:-)

Tiffany & Darren

Sent from my iPhone

Yea!! This is the best gift I could have received that day; the assurance that their wedding day was all they had hoped for, and that my service had been a part of that! I look forward to hearing about their time in Bora Bora when they return, and reminiscing about their magical Kohl wedding celebration!

These other fabulous vendors were part of the Darren/Tiffany team:

Ethan Mantle, of Componere Fine Catering

Matthew Cope, of Sound in Motion

Karen Nalvarian, of Shawn Cavlan Beauty Co

Ben Osgood, Pure Luxury Transportation

Kelly and Mark's green wedding

Pilar Zuniga, owner of Gorgeous and Green Events, was our amazing florist for Kelly and Mark's wedding at the University Club in September; Pilar is now one of the bloggers for The Knot's Green Wedding Blog, and just sent me the link to her post this week about Kelly and Mark's wedding..Enjoy!

http://green.weddings.com/blog.aspx

Fall inspired Nestldown wedding

October at Nestldown...what a perfect backdrop for Emily and Michal's wedding celebration! Fall leaves, apple pies, hot chocolate, s'mores and a crisp Fall evening...what could be better!?

The Fall leaf gobo served to create a warm dance floor feel in the Barn; this area was packed with dancers about 3 hours after I took this pre dinner photo!

Freshly baked apple pies were displayed on the hand-made cedar wood stands made by a member of Michal's family, just for Michal and Emily's wedding day.

The s'mores station was set up and ready to go as the sun was beginning to set.

Just before sunset, as Emily and Michal were exiting the Nestldown Taxi, to go into the barn for dinner, Michelle Walker captured some fantastic shots with Emily and Michal beside the pond at Nestldown

The faithful Nestldown taxi waits for the bride and groom..it is getting old, and only does short runs up and down the hills at Nestldown...here it seems to be right at home with the fall leaves and birch trees in the background

Since the Nestldown tree house was decorated for the wedding, Michelle took a sunset shot of Emily and Michal up there, as well.

Michal and Emily on their way to the Pie Cutting; I really liked the way the cafe lights added to the feeling of warmth, and a festive Fall ambiance in the barn.

Feeding the bride a bite of pie is even trickier than cake, but it looks like Emily was totally pleased with the result!

But during a break in the dancing, Emily had to have the second dessert for the evening...how many brides get to cook a s'more on their wedding day!?

The packages of cocoa and mini marshmallows were lovingly prepared by Emily months before the wedding; hot milk was available at the self serve hot chocolate bar...yummmm!

Emily and Michal thoroughly enjoyed their wedding day, as did the family and guests...I will always remember their happy smiles as they entered the reception in the Nestldown Taxi; what a privilege I have to be a part of special days like this.

I really enjoyed working with these excellent vendors; working together we were able to see all of Emily and Michal's wedding plans come into reality.
Le Papillon, Caterer
Michelle Walker, Photographer
Paul Burchfield, Big Fun DJ's
Stuart Party Rentals, lighting
Butter Love Bakeshop, pies
Sarah Hyde, Hair and Makeup

Marissa and Brandon!

I just received these great photos from Rhee Bevere of Brandon and Marissa's September wedding...what fun!

Memories of Engage 09, the Encore!

Jubilee and I made a quick trip to Las Vegas last week, for the Engage 09 Encore, held at the Wynn Encore. As we move forward in developing our plans for Wedding 360, Jubilee and I want to learn as much as possible from those who are experts in the wedding industry, and this 2 day event allowed us to meet and get to know some of the top wedding professionals in America as well as other parts of the world.

Gloria Wong Tritasavit, our design lead for the Academy for Planners and Designers attended with us; we took a walk the first night we were there, just to get the feel for our surroundings. The Wynn and the Wynn Encore are two of the newest hotel/casinos in Las Vegas, and are built on the same property, connected by a concourse of shops and restaurants.

As you can see here, Jubilee and I did get some work done between meetings...this was definitely a business trip!

This is the unique welcome bag we received when we arrived, which was full of cookies, candy, beautiful stationery, and lots of information about the event and all of the attendees...we even received a corsage to wear that night at the Welcome Party.

The standard rooms at the Wynn Encore are all exactly like this one; Jubilee, Gloria and I all had plenty of room to spread out; we were so busy once the event started, however, that we did not see much of our room!

Jubilee and I made some wonderful new friends at Engage 09, Encore, from across America, as well as Costa Rica and Canada. Two of the speakers, Sean Low, and Rebecca Grinnals, will be a part of Wedding 360's March 14-16th, 2010, Academy for Planners and Designers, to be held at The St. Regis San Francisco. After getting to know Rebecca and Sean more personally at Engage 09 Encore, we are even more excited to introduce them to the warmth and creativity of the SF Bay Area wedding community!