Rick & Christopher

Rick is one of my closest friends. We met when we both worked for Student Housing at UC Irvine. We made an instant connection and became fast friends. He's been with me through thick and thin for almost 6 years.... Mostly thick & thin on my part through two pregnancies! :) We've seen lots of ups & downs with work, Rick going to law school, relationships and my health. Rick has always been a rock for me.

So, when Rick married Christopher last year (before the laws in California changed to take that right away from gay couples... that's a WHOLE other Oprah!!), I was itching to help them with their wedding reception. They postponed it for a full year and ended up having a wedding/anniversary reception on November 8th at a family member's beautiful back yard. I was so surprised when Rick asked me to Emcee the reception on top of coordinating. I knew coordinating the reception and helping out with stationary and whatnot was going to be a given. But, Uh... Hellooo! What were they thinking having me emcee?? I tried to stay on my best behavior! And, I think the emcee-ing went okay... I think? :)

There was a total of about 120 guests at the reception. The tables and chairs were black with white tableware. The centerpieces were done by a friend of Christopher's who owns a flower shop next to where he works in West Hollywood. The cake (which I don't have a picture of) was a gorgeous 2-tier black and white fondant covered cake. And, plum-colored accents were used throughout with ribbon and the stand for the cake. To make it more fun, we did famous couples' names for table numbers. It was a blast to call Brad & Angelina, Sonny & Cher, or Siegfried & Roy to the buffet line to get their food! The guests at each table seemed to "own" their famous couples by the end of the night.

Special thanks to my hostesses for the evening, Theresa, Patty & Anna who were o-so-great in getting everything done! Also, special thanks to Billy Le for providing the sound system, mic and helping out with everything else! You All Totally Rock!!

The grooms looked amazingly handsome and dapper in their suits. And, I have to say it was one of the most intimate and beautiful receptions I've ever had the pleasure of attending and being a part of. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day filled with love. I love the two of you so much & wish you all the joy, happiness and love in the world for the rest of your lives. You were made to be together! *BIG HUGS*

Inspiration Personified

I was so inspired by the flowers I did for Emily's wedding, I decided to use the black, purples and teals (from the peacock feathers) to create a table with black feathers, peacock feathers, orbs of crystal and sequins and pomanders in purple... I love the colors and had such a great time playing dress up with this table. Special thanks to Huey & my brother, Paul, for helping me with this photoshoot!

Emily & Aaron (Part 2)

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Stout! I was so honored to be a part of your wedding day in such a special way. The two of your are an amazing and beautiful couple. May love and happiness fill your life together always! *HUGS*

Emily & Aaron (Part 1)

I've known Emily for almost 6 years, working at UC Irvine. It was a total compliment for her to ask me to do the personal flowers for her & her wedding party on October 30th. The reception site included the centerpieces. So, Emily was left with trying to find a florist to do the personal flowers for her and the wedding party. The ceremony was at a very small church in Laguna Beach, so there was no need for church flowers. Emily wanted a very modern, yet classic look to her wedding with a bit of "Hollywood Glam" & flare with feathers for her bouquet. But, I ended up surprising her by using black feathers & peacock eyes for the bridesmaids bouquets & groomsmen boutonnieres, as well. Emily wanted a different flower for each bridesmaid since they were all wearing different black dresses. I loved how the bouquets & boutonnieres turned out!... And, the pomanders for the flower girls were unexpected, with dendrobium orchids, instead of the traditional roses or mums. I loved the "feathery" texture they gave without the use of feathers.

Diaconate Reception

I had the pleasure of working with my best friend of nearly 25 years, Lisi, on an event for her work a few weeks ago. Lisi is an official "church lady." I know it sounds a little funny for someone so young. But, she works for the Catholic Diocese of Orange for the Office of the Diaconate. Yea... I know some of you are like, "what??" LOL Anywho...

The reception her office wanted to host was for 250-275 people and they needed our help with getting food for the event as well as doing flowers, decorations, etc. It was our first catering gig, so I was a little hesitant to take on such a huge endeavor. 250 mouths is a lot to feed... especially on a budget. After all... it IS the Church so it's not like they're rolling in dough. But, how can I resist a friend in need, helping the Church... and advertisement? ;) The venue was at the future site of Christ Our Savior Cathedral. There were 10 cocktail tables, 2 beverage tables and 4 buffet tables. Luckily, Victor & I have our own chafing dishes and tons of platters, so we didn't have to rent or buy any of that stuff. The food selection encompassed a wide variety of foods to represent the diverse population we were trying to feed. Everyone enjoyed themselves and ate to their hearts' content. There was so much food left over that there was plenty to give to the nearby homeless shelter the following day. It felt so great to do something for the Church, and also having enough left over to give to those in need.

I asked my friend Huey (http://www.hueybui.com/) to come and take some pictures for me. So... Here's what the church people walked out to after their service... Enjoy!

Cocktail Tables

Buffet Table

Beverage Station Arrangement & Everybody enjoying themselves!