HalloWeddings!?

Today I decided to do a special Halloween post just because tomorrow is the first Halloween in a while that lands exactly on Saturday which means lots of weddings! Also, because have you noticed something strange? We got a blog re-vamp and it looks great thanks to Ellie of RainyDayDesigns!

Our website re-launch giveaways end tomorrow, but this re-vamp deserves a totally new giveaway huh? I'll see what I can set up!

In the spirit of Halloween, if I were to have my wedding tomorrow, October 31st and embrace the Halloween theme, which personally I don't think I would - these next couple of things would definitely have to be a part of it!

Have you guys seen my actual cake topper? This was it:


If I was really into this whole theme, I wouldn't say no to this awesome cake!


Via Janet Lackey Design

I like sugar skulls. The skulls and skeletons, makes it Halloween-themed but it's also decoration used for Dia de Los Muertos a.k.a. Day of the Dead or All Saints' Day. Wouldn't these go well with the cake?

Via Houston Banquet Planner

I'm not sure how I feel about these centerpieces but it would defintely work with a vintage masqueradee wedding!

Via The Haunted Yard

Besides the usual trick-or-treating, who wouldn't want more goodies with a candy/dessert buffet like this when it has been made by the most sweet Amy Atlas!

Have any out of town guests?

Via Zazzle

I think I'm starting to like this! From my romantic Halloween inspiration board yesterday to my full on Dia de los Muertos masquerade wedding, both can be rocked beautifully!

Inspiration: Halloween!

HalloWedding!

Items in this set:
Santa Barbara Wedding Chic Blog, $8,000
Real Weddings - Michigan - Amanda and Matthew in Detroit, MI | Brides.com, $5,000
Real Weddings - California - Shawn and Mike in Malibu, CA | Brides.com#_sli..., $5,000
Wedding Receptions Magazines: A Magic Garden | Brides.com, $18

Even if you're getting married on Halloween doesn't mean your colors have to be dark or the usual black and orange. How about just shades of orange? Halloween was my inspiration for this set. Soft and romantic.

Halloween Networking Bash

Last night we had the awesome privilege to attend the Halloween Networking Bash that was hosted by The Stylish Soiree, Sweet & Saucy Shop, Mint Photo Lounge, and many more! It was a lot of fun to see some new faces and meet a lot of the top Los Angeles wedding vendors.

I just had to share these photo strips with ya'll courtesy of the Mint Photo Lounge.

One of my lead planners, Ray. Born in the same time period.


I just had to take a pic with Dana, from Broke-Ass-Bride and Tami from Celebrate. Hope you a have a speedy recovery Dana! She dressed like a preggers, Tami was the one and only, Michael Jackson and I was a flappah'. The night was truly fun! I met so many people and even at that, I missed meeting a lot more!

More photos also on Meg Perotti's blog here. See ya'll tomorrow with our first inspiration board!

Real Wedding - Yesenia & Chris

Yesenia & Chris got married on August 9th, 2008. This wedding has such a classy feel! Take a look!


Even though you live in the city, doesn't mean you can't take a good nature shot.

I love the dress' cathedral train! Long and so princess-like! The dress was from Alfred Angelo.

Makes for the perfect shots! Look at the train! *drool*

Oh wait, and the yummmiest bow! Cake by Beverly's Best Bakery in Fullerton, Ca.

Thanks for sharing your wedding Yesenia!

All photos by Arcinio.

Etsy Wedding Dresses

I never gave Etsy enough credit!  You can definitely find a beautiful, customized wedding dress here. From a daytime, casual wedding dress like these:

How about this one with a chic birdcage veil?! Audrey & Grace

This one caught me breathless! Sarah Seven


Who doesn't love tiers? KT Jean Designs

Some of these Etsy sellers are pretty awesome don't you think? Just sayin'...

Lazy Sunday!

Drea and I were thinking up of names for this blog now that the Just Wenderful site is up with a blog of its own. We'll be updating that one with everything pertaining to JW and this will remain the same. From inspirational boards and stories to awesome vendors. I think most importantly I'll focus on photographers since that's part of my wedding obsession. No double posting here or there!

This is somewhat what our lineup will look like:

Monday - Etsy Mondays/ Eco Style
Tuesday - Engagement Series/ Real Weddings
Wednesday - Wedding Themes Wednesdays/ Vendor Spotlight
Thursday - Inspiration Boards/ DIYs
Friday - Happy Friday - Photographer ♥

So come check us out tomorrow! If a cute blog name happens to pop up in your head, do share!

To Tattoo or Not To

Is getting thee ring tattooed a trend? Is it just for broke people who can't afford some bling? Or is it just something people do because they feel like it's a sentimental gesture that will last forever?

Lately, I've been seeing more couples getting their rings tattooed. I have tats already so when my huz brought up this issue, I was more than happy to get it done! He got his before we got married just to show me he was serious. That was his first tat ever so it meant something! So yesterday I got this:

Yi-pee! JW...no, not for just Just Wenderful but for Jesse n' Wendy! When we got his tat we were a bit on buzzed side and as you can see his looks like a bunch of nonsense swirls. We made sure mine was legible! Now, when we go on vacation or what-not and I dont want to lug around this bling:

I can keep it at home and not worry about anything! Down side is if I get mad at the huz and want to take it off, I can't! Ok, JUST KIDDING!

BTW, if you loved Drea's post yesterday, please tweet @LaTwitt and send her some love and tell her to hurry up and get married already! We went to Europe in 2003 and she fell in love with Paris. I have a feeling she's subconsciously trying to tell us something. Do it girl! I'll be there in a heartbeat!

Wouldn't you just love to...

...have your wedding photos taken with this gorgeous backdrop?

You can't possibly get more romantic than Paris! The shot in the tunnel with the Notre Dame de Paris is just lovely.

Find your inspiration from an American wedding planner in Paris at Parisian Party and see more of these delicious pics from Studio Cabrelli.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Busy Bee

We've been busy making tags for an event we're going to on Tuesday. We offered to make to make favor bags and these are the tags we're placing on them.


We've also decided that we're changing the name of this blog soon and are scheduled to have some awesome upcoming posts including Real Weddings.

The contests we're holding on our site are here once again. The weekend is almost here! Hooo-ray!

Engagement Series - Brittany & Nestor

Here is one of the bestest engagement stories I've heard from Brittany of Britt Productions in a while not only because of their actual proposal story but also because they are literally high school sweethearts! They met when she was 14!!! Here's her story!

"Brittany, I need you to deliver this important package for me in the morning. It needs to be there by 6 a.m. sharp. If you do this for me I will let you take the rest of the day off.”

I remember my dad’s words like it was yesterday. Me being nineteen, responded with “SWEET! All I have to do is drive to Temecula and drop off a package early in the morning and then I am off for the rest of the day? YES!” I had just started working for my dad that August and wanted to make a good impression. You know, do what he asked of me without complaining. Doing my job with efficiency and dedication. He was my father after all. So waking up at 5 a.m. and driving to Temecula was a piece of cake.

Once I realized I would have the ENTIRE day off of work I called Nestor and asked if he would want to spend the day with me. I did my cute little baby pout thing that I do, which always suckers him in, and asked if he would be ever so kind as to wake up and drive me Temecula that next morning. As always, my wonderful boyfriend obliged and plans were set for our fun Friday together.

Note: Keep in mind that I ASKED HIM to come with me.

Upon waking up, I threw on my clothes, grabbed the “sealed” package, and headed out the door. Nestor was up and ready and we were on our way. As we exited the freeway we pulled through McDonald’s in the hopes of waking ourselves up with a fresh brewed cup of coffee. While sipping our coffee we talked, laughed, and enjoyed the adventure we were on. As we pulled up to what seemed like a Bed and Breakfast, I noticed there were absolutely no cars. Well, maybe one or two, but definitely not enough cars to suggest a Financial Service seminar was going on. I had no idea where we were and so Nestor offered to get out and ask for directions — or at least, ask if we were in the right location according to our “map” provided by the office assistant.

I sat in the car watching Nestor talk to this woman for a few minutes. As he climbed back into the car he told me we were in the wrong location but the “mysterious lady” would allow us to follow her down the hill to the correct location. “OK, as long as we get there soon. It’s almost six O’clock. I hope I make this drop off deadline in time.”

As we rounded the corner I began to see hot air balloons, hundreds of them! Some on the ground ready for lift off, some mid-way in the air, and others soaring through the sky. It was an amazing moment. Who ever knew there was this magical hot air balloon city just 45 minutes away? As the sun was just beginning to rise, the mysterious lady in the car in front of us pulled into a dirt lot where a hot air balloon was waiting patiently to soar through the sky. At that moment I knew. I whipped my head around and just stared at Nestor with this huge smile. I knew what he was doing. How could he have tricked me like this? How did this all work out so perfectly? I mean, come on! I thought I was dropping off important documents for a seminar? I had the documents right here. I ripped open the documents and to my surprise the only thing in that package was a stack of blank white paper.

Nestor had tricked me this entire time! I was really impressed. As I came to find out later in the day, Nestor and many others were in on this operation. He included my Dad, (the Boss), Maria (the secretary), my mom, and many others. He was a genius. He even got me to ask him to drive with me. It worked out better then he possibly could have hoped for.

With a smile on my face, the love of my life by my side, and a beautiful hot air balloon ready for lift off, we climbed in, and headed for sunrise. Our engagement day is a day that I will never forget. I remember how nervous I was as Nestor turned to face me and asked me to be his wife. He gave the most utterly romantic speech I have ever heard and then we kissed and held each other as the sun came up.

Aren't they cute? Nowadays you can find them here sharing their stories about becoming a family with a BABY BUMP! She's preggos! Follow them on their exciting journey! Thanks for sharing this awesome proposal story Brittany!

Tomorrow I have some fanta-bulous news!

SoCal Dream Wedding Giveaway!

Last night was the Southern California Wedding Giveaway in Rancho Las Palmas in Moorpark! It was awesome meeting new vendors. I also finally got to meet Dana from the Broke-Ass-Bride and her fresh hubby of LA! They are both so sweet and cute! They rode in style rockin' some bright colors! Dana: love those neon orange flats!

So, it was exciting to be part of the launch party as I'm a SoCal Dream Donor! I offered to do a candy buffet for the winning couple, but that was taken so Percy took a look at my tags and loved them! Look under Dream Donors, page three and you can find us there!

Vendors and sponsors got to set up around the venue...here was us.


Here's what the buzz is all about!



Thanks to the generous support of our Dream Sponsors™, Dream Crew™, and Dream Donors™. The Southern California Dream Wedding Giveaway is giving one lucky Dream Couple™ the wedding of a lifetime. This wedding will take place on Sunday, June 27, 2010 at the beautiful Rancho de Las Palmas in Moorpark, California with a wedding ceremony and reception for up to 100 of the winning Dream Couple's™ guests. Everything will be taken care of for the Dream Couple™! This wedding will be a "Platinum Affair," with an estimated cost of $100,000 provided by over 50 of the best wedding and event vendors (Dream Crew™) in the industry. The winning couple will be working with their own personal wedding planner and designer as well as the Dream Crew™ to customize and create the wedding of their dreams. The contest is open to all legal US resident that is 21 years old or older. The contest officially begins on October 18, 2009 at 12:00 p.m PSTand closes on January 31, 2010 at 11:59 pm PST. The winning couple will be chosen on Valentine's Day 2010 by our Dream Sponsors™ and publicly announced on Monday, February 15, 2010. Goodluck to all our Dream Couples™! We can't wait to hear and share you stories. Let the "Road to the Aisle" begin!

For all you ladies who want to enter, go here and wow us with your story!

MUZEO finds!

A quick recap of my fav. items from the Muzeo event this past Wednesday.

C. Salt Gourmet makes the most awesome brittle ever! If you're having a dessert bar, this is definitely a must! It's so delicious! I apologize I didn't get any pictures! I totally regret it! Especially because the way she had it set up was gorgeous! She had vintage books stacked all over. On top, there were cake stands with the brittle nicely laid out. There was also not just the regular plain ole' brittle. Can you imagine a a dark cherry peanut brittle! Yum! She had GOAT CHEESE truffles as well. You might think it sounds kind of weird but it's not! The goat cheese give is it a cheesecake flavor but moussier if you catch my drift. Yum is all I can say!

Now feast your eyes on this bouquet!


Amanda Heer of Fantasy Floral Designs makes them! Imagine a vintage-inspired wedding with the books and these brooch bouquets! I can see it come together perfectly!

As you can see these pictures have been taken by Alice Hu, who I met at the event as well! Check out her blog here!

Little Lovlies...

Happy Friday Everyone!

We have a busy weekend ahead of us, but I thought I would leave you with a little inspiration this weekend. I definitely think that greatness lies in the little, unexpected beauties that pack a big punch! Just take a look at these amazing handmade ringbearer pillows I found browsing ETSY!

This one from Hey Miemie has a great vintage feel...

Or this uber-romantic little pillow from EVIES

...how about this one from Flowers For Thought for a nature inspired wedding?

I think they're all lovely!

Engagement Series - Wendy & Jesse

The following post was written by the hubs himself! Take in mind, he HATES to write! Thank you lovah!

"It was a freakin' cold day! I couldn't believe I was really gonna do this thank when the weather was horrible! Wasn't that gonna ruin the memory and moment? Nah, because I had a plan. I decided to take my then girlfriend Wendy (from the now world-famous Just Wenderful) to the Santa Monica Pier. When we got there, not only was it freezing cold and windy, the skies were grey and the air was foggy. But, I thought to myself, "She'll never expect this...especially on a day like this!" We walked over to the very romantic Bubba Gump Restaurant and as usual we ordered a brew or two. We then ordered the worst salmon I had ever had. After our sub-par lunch, we galloped over to the shopping area of the pier. In my mind, I started wondering if I should relly go through with it now that I had the bad weather and bad food against me. I decided to tread on and suddenly it hit me...I'll do it on the ferris wheel! We had our first kiss on a ferris wheel years before that and the romantic story would potentially write itself! We walked over to the photobooth to buy some ride tickets and for some reason, Wendy doesn't wanna go on! I try to convince her but to no avail we walk away, We go over to the docks and I try to find a private place but the ocean breeze is so cold that all I could think about is how nice it would be under some warm covers. We walk back to the ferris wheel and amidst the resistance, I buy the tickets! I see that my love is cold so I give her my sweater.

Tun-tun-tun. <---- That's me!

While on the ferris wheel, my nervousness grows with each revolution. I've known that I always wanted to marry this beauty but at that moment it was like we were on that first ferris wheel all over again. We stop at the top. Perfect! Now everything got real slow and I thought "C'mon man! Don't laugh or say something dumb!" I pull out the box from my pocket, look her in the eyes and pop the question! Wait for it...what? No response, what's going on? Her face is saying yes but I don't hear anything! Suddenly, she answers yes and I swear those 4 seconds of nothingness felt like years. Needless to say, we got married this past July and I'm looking forward to spending my life with her...along...the coast!"
Note the sarcasm and the big-ups to The Coast radio station. This is why I love this man, his sense of humor! Well, one of the many things. I went back through this blog and I noticed I never shared any e-session pics with ya'll. Here are some of my favorite!






THE END!

*These pics were taken byRob from ZoArt! I post-edited some more because I was playing around in Lightroom and couldn't help myself!

Teaser!

I'm happy to tell you all that our website relaunch will be next Monday! I've waited some time because I wanted to get some nook and crannies smoothed out. So to celebrate this, I'm having a special blog series! You'll have to come back for more but for now, I was thinking about the beginings of these big bashes of love we have! What momentous begining precedes a wedding?

The Engagement!

For the sweet-toothed!

It was for a minimal number of guests, thus the small quantity! It was definitely an unexpected hit! We will be offering candy buffet services as well. The website launch has taken longer than expected...mostly because of moi! I know, I know. I can feel it in my blood that this week will be productive though! There are two events we're attending and a FOR SURE website launch! Proposal season is coming yo! Bring on the ♥! I'm ready to make your dreams come true!

Lazy Sundays!

This just in! My friend Rob over in Tampa sent me this link and I fell in love! Hurry and click!

HERE!

I'm still working on my TTD and this just started a whirlwind of ideas! PLUS, the camera used in the footage is a Canon 7D! Score! This is what I have to look forward when I get my 7D baby!

Friday Inspiration

Fridays are always a picker-upper! I've had so much to do, it's not even funny. What's really funny is that there's a lot MORE to do. It's always good though...especially on a Friday!

Here's some eye candy!


Via Atrero Photography

This bride is totally rockin' it! I was looking for photography inspiration and these guys are great! Go see for yourself!

Etsy Update

Here's what I packed up today!


I was featured in a treasury list and got a sale! There's also a pending transaction coming up too!

Tomorrow I'll be adding these babies on my Etsy shop!


For a beachy feel...I know summer is over, but doesn't mean you can't have a beach themed wedding right?


You've seen Mr. Lovebird before!


This one I like a lot. Fleur-esque, even damask-esque!


My ultimate favorite new tag thus far! Imagine having cupcake favors and sticking this pretty tag on it! Boom!

Giddy up and head to my shop!

Fabulous Flower Girls

For my first wedding related post, I’ve decided to tackle budget-friendly flower girl fashion. My inspiration for this post came when my daughter was asked to be a FG for a wedding that was a couple of weeks away. Once the bride chose the dress, I tried to find one in my daughter’s size and was told that it should have been ordered 12 weeks in advance…and I was sent away with my tail between my legs!!! I had to shop, and shop hard! The first place I looked was David’s Bridal, where I found a few cute dresses, but they were all too big for Chloe. At that point I was forced to draw upon my inner craftiness and decided to hit the streets of downtown LA’s fashion district – and BINGO, I hit the jackpot!!! I was pleasantly surprised to find TONS of stores with lots of formal & dressy children’s clothing. I was looking for something simple, flowy, and girly. I found a beautiful organza dress for only $25 bucks! Seriously! Next on the list were the shoes and again, I found lots to choose from. I ended up buying her a pair of adorable ivory ballet flats – super comfortable – for only $9!!!! Lastly, she wanted a fancy tiara for her hair. It took me a little longer to find this item at a good price and most of the ones that I found were too gaudy. But again, I succeeded in finding just the right one, for only $8!

Unfortunately, I didn’t get business cards for the exact stores that I shopped, but they are all bunched together around Pico & Maple in Downtown LA. Don’t be deterred by stores that are advertised as wholesale, just ask the salesperson if they do retail sales too. I haven’t found one in a while that is truly wholesale only. This a definitely a great resource for those of you in the LA area, right??? While you’re there, you should definitely make a day of it and check out the discount party décor – you can get great favor ideas, supplies and even find shops that will custom make them for you at a great price. I’ve seen lots of great deals on other hair goods and headpieces, costume jewelry, adorable beaded handbags…the selection is exhausting!

If going straight to the source isn't an option for you, I've found a site that also has adorable, inexpensive dresses. Pink Princess is an LA based store that offers free shipping, free returns, and same-day shipping on most orders PLUS a great selection of dresses...and even a pretty large sale item section! There's even a great printable checklist to help you organize your flower girl shopping and another page that teaches your how to tie the perfect bow!!!

I can't wait for the next wedding!

XOXO

Tags Everywhere!

So I have a couple more tags to add the Etsy store, but I wanted to give you all ideas on what to do with them!

Favors:

Via Destination Wedding Favors

From boxes to candy apples! Perfect for fall!


Via Dynamite Weddings

I know the flip flop season is over.


It's getting chilly so why not treat your guests to one of these if the venue is outside!


Via Not Quite a Bride

There are so many possibilities!!! And I can always customize anything for you! What would you do with them? I'll have a contest up once my website relaunches!!! It's getting close so stay tuned!