Fun Features!

It’s been a little over a year and a half now since I moved down from Nor-Cal to sunny Southern California. Not only did my family decide to move but I also made a personal career decision and decided to transition into being a full time wedding planner. I definitely had and still have doubts about my abilities and realized relocating to a different area was just as difficult as starting up a new business, I had no idea where to start. As I was making this transition in life I realized that there are two things that don’t come to me naturally: moving to a new area and settling down in a new environment and networking. I think many wedding professionals would agree that this industry is all about networking. You may have the experience and talent but you still need to network and meet the right people who you can trust and collaborate ideas with.

Let’s fast forward to now; being in LA/OC this past year has been amazing- the opportunities, the support, the encouragements, and the friendships. I met some amazing brides and wedding professionals who helped me build up this small home based event planning company. I really don’t and can’t take any credit because it was my clients who reached out to me first. My clients are the ones who took a chance with me and make “My Bride Story” become a real story. I couldn't be thankful for their genuine kindness and support because without them I would not have gotten this far.

I recently found out that our work has been featured in some awesome blogs! I post these type of features not to show off, but it is such a great encouragement and it means so much to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

First,

Our son's birthday party was featured on Hostess with the Mostess today! This is one of my favorite blogs and I am incredibly honored to be featured! Head over to the Hostess with the Mostess blog now and send me some love! Huge thanks to Angela for submitting the photos and Don for taking the awesome pictures!

Do you recognize this fashionable MyBrideStory bride? It is SYLVIA!?! Well, she now lives in China but when I found was featured on the Knot magazine under the trendsetter’s page I was so happy for her! Sylvia’s wedding photos were also featured on Wedding Chicks and Sienna Wedding. I’m sending her a copy of the magazine this week! I know she’s going to frame it and put it up in her bathroom, closet, or somewhere. LOL

Sharon and Jim’s wedding was also featured on Green Wedding Shoes, another one of my favorite wedding blogs next to Style Me Pretty! When I heard that Sharon’s favorite part of the wedding was the pae bek ceremony my heart fluttered. Not only do I get to help my brides with the celebration but I also get to help them incorporate their culture and tradition.

Our Pae bek site has also been featured at The Relentless Bride as well.

Finally, I was beyond thrilled when the editors at Serendipity Magazine contacted me wanting me to design a tablescape for their upcoming Spring/Summer issue. For those who are not familiar with the magazine, it is a premier Asian wedding magazine and is published twice a year for Southern California brides. Can’t let you in on all the details yet, but we are getting inspiration from the popular movie “500 days of Summer”and guess who's joining to style the shoot? Jen from Green Wedding Shoes!! Enough said, right?

inspiration board made by Jen of Green Wedding Shoes

Make sure to pick up a copy of the magazine when it hits the stands!

I now leave you with a picture of my lovely assistants and other wedding professionals I dearly love and admire.

(Photo: The editors of the Utterly Engaged, Lucia, Henny and Eva from Red Velvet Occasions, Katie from Bella Destinee, Ken from Adagio Weddings, Nancy from So Happy Together and yours truly)
Be sure to check out Utterly Engaged, issue #8- there's so much eye candy, inspirations, and different tablescape designs that took my breath away. Huge props to Nancy from So Happi Together for rocking the photoshoot!

Thank you Elisa, Angela and Christine (who wasn't able to attend the party) for your continuous support and ideas when I'm busy running around taking care of my little one & upcoming weddings. It has been an incredible journey for us and I cannot begin to tell you how amazing 2010 will be as well! Thank you to all my wonderful brides and wedding professionals who I can now call my FRIENDS!

Venue Spotlight- Huron Substation

I'm always on the look out for unconventional venues and when I stumbled upon this talented photographer, Shannon Renee's blog, my heart dropped. Simple, sweet, totally approachable pretty. The incredibly talented, Shannon did an amazing job capturing this insanely gorgeous couple and the space. I'm sure it made her job so much easier because they're both so gorgeous!

To see more of the photos of this wedding, please visit Shannon's blog and if you're ever thinking about getting married at the Huron Substation, please contact me! like NOW! :)

The Huron SubStation is an intimate and fully unique setting located just north of downtown Los Angeles (where the 110 meets the 5 freeway). The interior boasts vintage brick (circa 1906), arched windows, 45’ high ceiling with skylights, 12’ high arched doors opening onto a granite courtyard (which features a modern concrete and steel fountain).
We are a boutique, European style business that believes small is beautiful.

Featuring:
-8’ long diorama style bar (customizable).
-Ceiling mounted digital surround sound system.
-Projection system with 14’ wide screen.
-Access to kitchen with dual ovens, 4 burners, a salamander grill and a griddle (access to caterers only).
-Wireless internet.
-Access to over 3500 square feet of space via the main room, courtyard,kitchen, bath and east mezzanine.
-Drive in load capabilities.

Fees:
-Friday or Saturday (noon - midnight) $3500.00

Requirements/Additional Fees:
-Site rep and valet service required (via TACT Management).
-24 hour $1,000,000 liability insurance policy to be provided by client.
-$1500.00 deposit required (counted towards total).

The Huron SubStation is primarily a home and then a film and event location, therefore we book a limited number of events a year. We open the building to viewings via an open house once or twice a month.

Church Reception gets a Make Over

I posted a few posts (here and here) on why lighting & draping make a world of difference.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Can I get an Amen? :)
Here's a before & after shot of the church reception hall.
BEFORE (FRONT VIEW)

AFTER (FRONT VIEW)

BEFORE (BACK VIEW)

AFTER (BACK VIEW)

Major thanks to Luna Party Rentals for their draping & G2 lighting for their awesome lighting.
About 7-8 crew members (including myself) stayed until 10pm the night before the wedding to set it all up. Talk about dedication & commitment to completely transform the space!
More photos will be up soon..