Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Introducing Pae Baek Ceremony

I get asked all the time what goes on during the pae baek ceremony and finally... my awesome husband finished making an informative website that introduces what Paebaek ceremony is about. Not only you're paying respect to your parents and in-laws, it's so much fun getting dressed and getting amazing photos out of the ceremony. Besides, when will you ever do this again? For those who are interested in renting pae baek clothes & set up, just shoot me an email and I'll be more than happy to refer you to Korean catering/rental companies I've worked with before.

You must check out http://www.mybridestory.com/paebaek for full descriptions & order of the ceremony. It also includes a video demonstration from the Asian Bridal show back in November.

















Huge thanks to all my former clients & photographers for letting me use the photos.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

KCCC Family/Supporter's Banquet

As some of you know, I've was on staff with KCCC (Korea Campus Crusade for Christ), a non profit missions organization for over 6 years. Although my husband and I resigned this summer to pursue our careers, we still love the KCCC ministry's vision & goal and we absolutely cherish the much prayer and support we have received from our fellow staff & directors. Being involved with this organization since freshman year in college has made a huge impact in my life. Throughout the years of discipleship, I learned what it means to live out a life of faith & the joy of sharing the gospel, realizing how much of a great sinner I am before the Lord, yet how thankful I am for His grace.

This Sunday was their family/supporter's banquet where they gathered staff's family and supporters to once again share their vision and let them know how each staff is living the life of grace. They asked me to coordinate this event, because they have anonther major annual Christmas conference called Vision Conference where they gather over 1000 students from all over California. I instantly knew that they needed some major transformations and what's a better way to transform a room than renting linens and lighting! I had Luna Party Rentals donate some of their items such as round tables, chiavari chairs, linens and napkins, chargers, and some amber up lights. Huge thanks to Luis who gladly donated his rentals! And Fiore Flower for also donating seven beautiful arrangements! Without them, the magic would not have happened!
{BEFORE} ROOM #1 notice the Ikea clock :)

{AFTER}
I also hung some Christmas ornaments from the ceiling- purchased from Target
collage

Small pears that were placed on each napkin along with a welcome greeting were also from Target. They were $5.99 for a dozen!
collage 1

{BEFORE} ROOM #2

{AFTER}
collage 2
Small centerpieces were purchased from Michael's for $8 dollars! They're having over 50% off sale on all Christmas items!! I also had some extra votive candles left from a previous wedding.
collage 3
I also arranged Onami Catering to provide us with the food and I'm seriously recommending this catering for future weddings! We only had a certain budget to work with and they outdid themselves with so much food & each dish was so delicious!
These pictures were all taken from my camera so they didn't come out as good as it should have been.
I still have two wedding posts back in November, Asian Bridal Show photos, and one more December wedding I am currently working on. These images will be absolutely fabulous!!
Just a quick reminder, I am currently at 30 weeks of pregnancy!! I still have two months (give or take) before I give birth. So after my December wedding, I will be taking a maternity break. I'm quickly getting booked for 2009 weddings so shoot me an email to receive a 2008 rate.

Monday, December 1, 2008

What you need to know about Chiavari chairs...

Chiavari chairs (pronounced shih-vahr-ee) are a popular option for wedding reception seating. It's important to remember that Chiavari chairs are an upgrade and are not typically included with your venue's wedding package although some venues carry them in house. Mohagani and gold ones seem to be the most popular color to be rented out through rental companies and chiavaris run about $7-$12 a piece and they may charge $1 dollar extra for a cushion. If you have your heart set on this pretty and classic option, be sure to budget at least an extra $800-$1200 per 100 guests.
Before you do any research, here are some questions you will need to ask to the rental company to compare their prices.

I recommend visiting their wearhouse before making any deposits to see their quality, (trust me!! some chiavari chairs do look cheap), color and cushion options. I hope within five years, these chairs' prices will go down a bit, making them more accessible for economical weddings. But until then, keep doing your research!
1) How much do you charge for delivery & set up fee?
2) When can you drop off and pick up the chairs? Will there be an extra fee if it's same day pick up? Ask your venue if they allow the next day pick up. How about Sunday weddings?

3) If we wanted to use the chiavari chairs during the ceremony and move them them to the reception, will there be extra charge for reception set up?
If you want to find out which companies I use for renting out these chairs, shoot me an email!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Vendor Spotlight: Jennifer Skog Photography

You know how much I'm into photography. When it comes to choosing vendors, I am very selective with florist, rentals, and most importantly, photographers. There are so many great photographers out there and there's no way I can get to know them all, but I can tell you right off the bat top 10 photographers I love... Email me if you're interested in finding out who is under Esther's black list. :)
Jennifer Skog, based in Northern California is a true artist. You gotta visit her BLOG to see her latest work! She just launched a new site for brides who are interested in boudoir sessions.










P.S I also have some important announcements to share with you about the upcoming year so please check back soon for more details!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Organic & Natural Wedding

I'm currently in love with natural, antique, rustic outdoor weddings. If you're dreaming about having one of these weddings, I would love to dream with you! :)

Rebecca Stone of Duet Weddings does a fabulous job styling such a wedding and really helps her couples make the wedding of their own. You gotta check out her blog to see more of her real weddings. Very inspirational yet down to earth..





Photo Credit: Leigh Miller

Photo Credit: Jose Villa
kelle3
kelle2
I absolutely love love this look! Kelle & Nick's wedding was featured at Wedding Chicks, photographed by fabulous Laura Bruen

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

2008 Largest Asian Bridal Show (Nov. 16th)

Katie Lee of Bella Destinee who is the main coordinator for this event have asked me for some extra help in planning this event and I'm incredibly honored to join her team to help her coordinate. I'm currently in charge of putting together different types of cultural ceremonies before the fashion show. It's going to be an awesome event and I can't wait to see everything come together!! You don't want to miss this opportunity so please please spread the news and let's celebrate our heritage & meet your local vendors. I promise you there will be tons of food, drinks, entertainment & great resources for you to take home and not to mention designers gowns for fraction of the price.
"The event is sponsored and promoted by Harry Winston, Wildflower Linen, Omega watch, Junko Yoshioka Haute couture, Sephora, Sue Wong, Mika Inatome Couture, Martell Cognac, Amaya Bridal of Beverly Hills, Leading Hotels of the world, Korea Daily, Wedding Wire, China Daily, Gonpachi Sushi, Elixir Tonic & Teas, Mywedding.com, Wedding Solutions, FIDM, JBC Radio, DHC Cosmetics, Manille Bakery, Miss Asia USA, DSC Laser Center, Ra Beauty Core, H2O Cosmetics and more.

It will be our honor to have over 1000 Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino and other Asian Brides to experience and interact with over 70 top wedding experts. Watch a phenomenal fashion show like no others featuring Couture dresses, bridesmaids dresses and traditional Asian Ceremonial costumes. See the latest trends that are new in the wedding industry. Taste the gourmet wedding cake and sushi, sip and relax with tea tasting, endless sweet treats, enjoy the champagne and complimentary cocktail, view the latest floral designs and buy sample designer gowns for fraction of the price. Fall in love with a live jazz music and variety entertainments. Participate in ultimate wedding cake dive and raffle drawing for luxury prizes. The most sought after wedding professionals will assist you with questions, planning, and suggestions. The $20 ticket includes a complimentary cocktail and parking."
Sunday November 16th, 2008 @ Hilton San Gabriel Ballroom (10am-5pm)