Bella Weddings & Events: April 2010

Friday, April 30, 2010

~ Frosting Friday ~

Following-up on last week's post on Victoria & Brian's wedding cake, I am so excited to share the details of Brian's Basketball Grooms Cake! Brian was very involved with the wedding plans, but this was one thing we managed to keep as a surprise. The cake was a 3D basketball and it incorporated the team logo for all of the teams he played on and all of his numbers on each team, and of course it was chocolate!

A lovely group photo of all the basketball players at the wedding, including best man Luke Walton and groomsmen Richard Jefferson and Kareem Rush.

All of the guys helped Brian cut the cake...and then Brian had cake smashed all over his face.

photos courtesy of Jasmine Star

Monday, April 26, 2010

Bella Blooms

Seems that here in Los Angeles the weather keeps trying to fool us about Spring and the upcoming summer wedding season. Last night as we left the birthday celebration of one of our amazing assistants we were blasted with an unseasonably cool night. As I start doing prayers and chants to improve the weather for our upcoming weddings, thought nothing could get me more in the mood than with another iconic Spring flower. Lilac, how I love thee! I just wish I had a great place to plant you so that I could enjoy you in my own personal floral haven, and wish you lasted longer than a few short weeks!

Lilac bouquet courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Lilac images courtesy of Hidden Gardens

Bouquet image courtesy of Brenda's Wedding Planning Blog

Be sure to check out some great tips on enjoying lilac to it's fullest from Tik Tock Couture Flower blog here.

Check out Amy from the Hidden Garden's behind the scenes visit to a local lilac farm on her blog here.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Happy First Anniversary ~ Rachel & Jim

Happy First Anniversary to Rachel & Jim! See all the beautiful details from this wedding here.

photo courtesy of Christine Marie Photography

Happy First Anniversary ~ Gilda & Mike

Happy first anniversary to Gilda & Mike. Be sure to check out all the amazing blog posts here.

photo courtesy of MiBelle Inc

Friday, April 23, 2010

~ Frosting Friday ~

Last week we were excited to share Victoria & Brian's celebrity feature in Bride & Bloom and now we are excited to share all of the fabulous details of their gorgeous wedding cake! From the deep plum satin ribbon bands to the couples' monogram on the top layer, this cake incorporated many of the special details used throughout the day.

The detailed piping design on the cake was inspired by the intricate bead work on Victoria's Priscilla of Boston gown and was carried throughout the wedding on the invitation, programs, dance floor, and other printed elements.

The cake pedestal, designed by Carissa from JL Designs, was essential in making the cake high enough for Brian (who is 6'10" tall) to cut.

photos courtesy of Jasmine Star

Be sure to come back next Friday to see the sporty groom's cake!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Bella Blooms

Last week we were excited to share the Bride & Bloom celebrity feature for Victoria & Brian Cook's wedding...this week we are going to be blogging more of the amazing details that Jasmine Star captured.

For today's Bella Blooms there was no doubt that it would be an opportunity to showcase the amazing talent of floral designer Carissa of JL Designs. We were so excited when Vicki fell in love with Carissa's enthusiasm and design ideas, and so thankful to have collaborated with her to bring to life Brian & Vicki's vision for their perfect wedding.

Stay tuned for additional blog posts throughout the week.

Friday, April 16, 2010

~ Frosting Friday ~

Today's Frosting Friday cake has been an inspiration for Kathy and I as we are preparing for an upcoming photo shoot. Think apple green, clean white, and a mix of modern and classic style in an amazingly gorgeous venue. It's going to be fabulous and we can't wait to share it with you very soon! Happy Friday!

photo courtesy of Jose Villa via 100 Layer Cake

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Featured in Bride & Bloom Magazine ~ Celebrity Feature

When I say we have been dying to share this wedding, that could be the biggest understatement of the year. Susan and I over the moon with the Celebrity Feature in the newest Bride & Bloom magazine. We had such an amazing journey working with Victoria and Brian to plan their wedding! Please be sure to go pick up the magazine and read about all the amazing details and the team that brought Vicki & Brian's dream wedding a reality.

Stay tuned for next week's blog posts, we are going to be showcasing more of the amazing images captured by Jasmine throughout the week.

We couldn't have done this without the amazing team! We thank you all again and again~

Wedding Planner ~ Bella Weddings & Events

Ceremony & Reception Location ~ Trump National Golf Club

Photography ~ Jasmine Star Photography

Floral Designer ~ Carissa with JL Designs

DJ ~ Patrick with 123 DJ's

Lighting ~ LightenUp Inc

Rentals ~ Chameleon Chairs

Linens ~ Wildflower Linens & Designer Specialty Linens

Dance Floor ~ Hayden Dance Floors

Videography ~ Reel Life Pictures

Specialty Food ~ The Fry Girl

Photo Booth ~ Foto Cabina

Printed Materials ~ Custom Letterpress from LaBonne Vie

Bride's Attire ~ Platinum for Priscilla of Boston from Mon Amie

Bridesmaids & Flower Girl Dresses ~ Bella Bridesmaid

Wedding Jewelry ~ Adorn

Groom's Attire ~ Custom made by Elevee

Groomsmen & Ring Bearer Attire ~ Ralph Lauren with custom made shirts by Elevee

Huge thanks to Leila and the Be Inspired PR team for making the feature a reality

Monday, April 12, 2010

Bella Blooms

Susan and I spend a lot of our time working with our clients on creating a budget for their weddings...and we spend even more time helping clients stay within their budget. I thought today's Bella Blooms would be a good opportunity to discuss setting your floral budget.

You should expect to spend on average 10% of your overall wedding budget on flowers, however the sky is really the limit when it comes to flowers and overall decor. And I really mean the sky is the limit!! This budget amount should include your personal flowers, which are your bride and bridesmaids bouquets, groom and groomsmen boutonniere, as well as flowers for mom, dad, grandparents, and other honored guests. Ceremony decor would include arrangements at the altar, pieces on your aisle and an aisle treatment such as rose petals. Reception decor could include your table centerpieces, napkin treatments for each place setting, and cake table flowers. There are endless possibilities when thinking about ways to incorporate flowers in to your wedding.

As a huge fan of all things floral, it is really easy for me to get lost in the beauty of the flowers and really want to have flowers at each and every turn. I always try to work with our couples to get the most bang for your buck, given the budget I always suggest using a larger percentage of the money available on the reception decor, as this is where guests will spend up to 4 or 5 hours, rather than just an hour at the ceremony.

I leave you with one of my favorite photos, hope you love it as much as I do.

Photo courtesy of Evoke Photography, Floral designed by Carissa of JL Designs

There are a number of ways that you can watch your budget while still maintaining the elegance and beauty of your wedding. We will discuss ways that you can save money on flowers in a future Bella Blooms post.

Happy Planning

Friday, April 9, 2010

Cindy & Anthony ~ Holy Family Catholic Church & Pasadena Convention Center

Cindy and Anthony are such a great couple and their wedding was truly a reflection of their personalities! From the double-decker bus to donuts at the end of the night, this day was all about fun for their family and friends! Here are some of our favorites images of the day courtesy of Josef Isayo.