Congratulations William & Kate

Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I watched The Royal Wedding with giddy delight. Prince William and Kate Middleton looked so in love. I'm thrilled that they shared their joy with the world today. It was a royal wedding filled with pomp and circumstance. But what I found most refreshing was the modern touches and the geniune love they showed for each other today.

Instead of an elaborate affair, I felt that they both showed great respect and grace. With every luxury at her disposal, Kate chose to do her own make-up and hair. I love that about her. She's was a beautiful bride, but stayed true to herself. Her gown was designed by Sarah Burton, for Alexander McQueen. The gown was modern and modest for a princess bride. It also had a timeless quality to it. It's a gown that could be worn throughout the ages.

There are a few things about the wedding that caught my attention. I hope they will become trends for modern brides in the near future. Here they are:

• She only had one bridesmaid, and William only had one Groomsman. They chose the two people who are closest to them and attended to them with great care. I love that they didn't feel the need to choose a huge entourage. American couples worry about this aspect of their weddings. Don't choose a cousin, or a childhood friend out of obligation. Those who attend to you on your wedding day, should be chosen because of their love and dedication to you.
• Kate didn't choose a formal updo for her hair style. She looked fresh and natural. More than anything, she looked like Kate. The photos will live on forever, and show that she looked like herself, just more radiant.
• Kate wore the Queen's Elizabeth's tiara. It was given to Elizabeth by her mother, on her 18th birthday. This is a display of respect for William's family, and a nod to the importance of TRADITION. Of course we don't all have a tiara that is passed down through generations. However if you ask any of the women in your families, to lend you something, they would be thrilled. Perhaps it's a bracelet you can wear, a broach you can attach to your bouquet, or a garter. Not only does it fulfull the something borrowed TRADITION, it's a lovely token of affection to show. Maybe you have a traditional item in your family already. Maybe not. How about starting one of your own? After all, every TRADITION started somewhere.
• William drove Kate to their reception in his car. Sure William has an Aston Martin. The car isn't what's important. The gesture is. What a great way to spend some time alone before the reception and all the formalities begin. It's hard to find any time alone on your wedding day...this is the perfect way to do it. Allow your new husband to drive you to the party. It's the perfect time to reflect on your new union. Let the bridal party follow you. This day is about the two of you. Relish in the moment and enjoy.

From the fashion, to the cake....The Royal Weddings will affect weddings throughout the world. I hope you will consider some of the trends created by William and Kate. Every bride and groom are a Prince and Princess....we hope your wedding is Royal and filled with every bit of love we saw today at The Royal Wedding.

Unique Bouquets

Brides have started to add funness and unique'ness to their bouquets, we love this! Here are some funky alternative to artificial flowers—ribbon flowers! Made with ribbon and rickrack in various widths and sizes.







(Picture 1:marthastewart.com) (Picture 2: poptasticbride.com)

 Seashell Bouquets make for a perfectly beachy wedding!





Picture  Left: Bloomsday Flowers) Picture Right: Bellabeachweddings.com

 Brooch bouquets! Made from brooches, jewelry, and hair accessories!





Picture Left theknot.com Pictures Middle and Right: theweddingchicks.com



Ties.com Giveaway!

It's our sweetest thing giveaway! So, I am secret-sucker for a cool, schweet tie! I just think they are uber fun! So, my gift to you is a super sssscccchhhhaaa-weeeeet tie from Ties.com!



Think about a tie for your groom to wear at the rehearsal, a special tie for him to wear on your wedding day, a gift for your father, for your someone special... something fun, nice, or plain romantic! And I bet you could find it at Ties.com!



They have Skinny Ties:

Novelty Ties:

Bow Ties:

And much, much more!



And my gift to you, because I love you all so much - is the tie of your choice from Ties.com! Perfect, Right!



So your rules are:



1. Leave a comment in this post, by 4/25/2011 at midnight.

2. The comment must include your favorite tie from Ties.com

3. You must be a US resident (sorry, International Friends)

4. Tell me who will get this uberly cool tie.

5. That's it... 5 rules just makes it sound for official.



Can't wait to hear your fav!

Photojournalism - What Does It Really Mean?

The current "buzzword" in wedding photography is PHOTOJOURNALISM. Every photographer you meet says they shoot in a "photojournalistic style". But what does it mean? Most couples I meet say it means the photographer won't pose them, but instead shoot "real moments". Many of the photographers I work with strive to do this very thing. And I applaud them for it. I love seeing my couples represented as their true selves. Laughing, crying, smiling...that's the real deal.

Get ready for the real definition of PHOTOJOURALISM. When broken it's two words together. PHOTO...well that's pretty self explanatory. It's a photograph right? Now let's look at JOURNALISM...Wikipedia defines it as "the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues, and trends to a broad audience." When we put these words together, they are a "reporting" of events through photography. I've recently met an amazing duo who embodies both words, and has taken wedding photojournalism, and elevated it to it's truest form.

WriteShot Photography is a husband and wife duo, that is passionate about photographing your wedding, and writing your story. Natasha Chornesky and Chris Cozzone, have 20 years of combined experience in journalism, photojournalism, and graphic design. They aren't only photographers, they are writers. They shoot your wedding, interview you, your family members, and your friends. Using all of their talents, they document how you met, fell in love, grew as a couple, and came to be married. When they finish weaving their magic, you receive the most amazing bound book. It's a photo album, it's a novel....I don't know what to call it, except PURE GENIUS.

If you want PHOTOJOURNALISM in it's truest form...look no further than Write Shot. They are avalailable for weddings throughout the United States, and WorldWide.

Venue Spotlight - Ebell Club of Long Beach

Situated in the Art District of Long Beach, sits a historical venue. It's one of Southern California's premiere wedding venues. The Ebell Club of Long Beach, is a venue that is dear to my heart. Recently I asked Liz Palmer, the venue manager to tell me what makes The Ebell so special. Not only does Liz manage the venue, she was married there herself. That should tell you alot. Here is what Liz told me about this very special property.

What is the history of your venue?

The Clubhouse, built in 1924 is the largest example of Spanish Renaissance architecture in the City, a style that was popular among the period revival styles of the 1920’s. The cast stone decoration around the doorways is spectacular, very rich and ornamental. Filled with figurative, imaginary and foliate ornament, the doorways extend up the wall from the door entrances. Most of the Spanish Renaissance Revival buildings in the City have been demolished over time, making the Ebell club the best example of this style now remaining in Long Beach.

The building was severely damaged in an earthquake that ravaged the City of Long Beach on March 10, 1933. The rededication on December 4, 1933 found the Courtyard covered with skylights where it had been previously open air. A center fountain was not replaced.

Renovated in 2003, a beautiful fountain that mimics the one previously destroyed in the 1933 earthquake was recreated to create a beautiful focal point to its interior Courtyard. To date, the Ebell Club women still operate inside the club and the club has been commemorated with a Historic Landmark Designation.

 How many guests can you accommodate? We can accommodate up to 200 for buffet meal, 158 if a sit-down.

The Clubhouse, built in 1924 is the largest example of Spanish Renaissance architecture in the City, a style that was popular among the period revival styles of the 1920’s. The cast stone decoration around the doorways is spectacular, very rich and ornamental. Filled with figurative, imaginary and foliate ornament, the doorways extend up the wall from the door entrances. Most of the Spanish Renaissance Revival buildings in the City have been demolished over time, making the Ebell club the best example of this style now remaining in Long Beach.

The building was severely damaged in an earthquake that ravaged the City of Long Beach on March 10, 1933. The rededication on December 4, 1933 found the Courtyard covered with skylights where it had been previously open air. A center fountain was not replaced.

Renovated in 2003, a beautiful fountain that mimics the one previously destroyed in the 1933 earthquake was recreated to create a beautiful focal point to its interior Courtyard. To date, the Ebell Club women still operate inside the club and the club has been commemorated with a Historic Landmark Designation.

How many guests can you accommodate? We can accommodate up to 200 for buffet meal, 158 if a sit-down.




Do you provide In-House Catering?
Our exclusive caterer, Jay’s A Fine Cuisine and Special Event Company and their award winning staff will create a menu that is a reflection of your event’s style and theme. As one of the largest and most established full-service catering and special event companies in Southern California, you will be amazed with their culinary creations.

Is parking provided on-site?
We use an off-site parking lot to shuttle guests to and from the venue. The parking lot is nearby, well-lit and secure. It’s proximity to the freeway is ideal.

Do you book more than one event per day? How will that affect my event?
No, we only hold one event at a time.

What is your favorite feature of your venue? Our favorite feature is hard to narrow to just one. If we must, then it would be the overall architecture of the building. The Spanish style columns and courtyard create an outdoor feel with old-world charm.

What is your favorite feature of your venue? Our favorite feature is hard to narrow to just one. If we must, then it would be the overall architecture of the building. The Spanish style columns and courtyard create an outdoor feel with old-world charm.

Give us the top three reasons why couples should book your venue for their wedding/reception.
1. We are a hidden Gem-We are am amazing venue that is tucked away on a quiet street. When people find us they feel that they have discovered something different and unique. Guests are awe-inspired by the building and the romantic atmosphere.


2. Service. Service. Service.-At The Ebell Club, we pride ourselves on our service. Our Event Director’s goal is to ensure that every guests walks away from an event stating that it is the best wedding they have been too and that is a lot to live up to. Our staff work to ensure that your event is just as you imagined and then some!

3. We are a Historic Southern California Landmark. We are a building rich in history for both women and our great city, Long Beach.

Interns Need Apply

I am in the process of interviewing for our Intern Positions - so if you are looking for a Summer Part Time or Full Time Internship, possibly some of the Fall, let us know!

If you are full of energy, love weddings, are good with details and muli-tasking, don't mind giving up your weekends, have a great personality... inquire within.

I thought that starting with a testimonial from one of our current interns would be a good place to start, see Melanie's experience below:

PS - I didn't even have to pay her to write this! Unless Fro Yo counts?

My first encounter with Melissa was love at first sight. She came into my class and spoke about volunteer opportunities with Masterpiece Weddings. Being a sport management major I wasn’t interested at first, but as I started listening to Melissa speak, I not only loved her personality and her passion for what she does, but right then I had set my goal to get an interview with her. I knew working with Masterpiece Weddings was just what I needed to do to give me that ‘extra edge.’ I had continued to hear the wonderful and irreplaceable opportunities Melissa had given her volunteers/interns throughout their time working with Masterpiece Weddings, which then made me even more determined to work with her. After getting an interview and being offered to work for Masterpiece Weddings, I can say working for Melissa and Masterpiece Weddings has been a rewarding and continuous learning experience each and everyday. There is not one that is the same, Melissa has confidence in all her volunteers and interns and gives us the opportunity to expand our creative wings.  Working with Masterpiece Weddings pulls all different aspects of business together into one, from leadership, managing, communicating, networking, team work, to creative thinking – all levels of business is applied when working for an event company such as Masterpiece Weddings,  and Melissa lets you par-take in each one!

April Fools!

It was One-Year ago that I pulled this prank off. And since then, Amy and I have become great friends! And honestly, I am a little nervous as to what today may bring, to get me back!



Ya know what, don't remind Amy that today is April 1st!



So, a look back at One Year ago, today!

Happy April Fools!







Masterpiece April Fools Prank from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.