I first met Carrie and her mother Judy sometime in October of 2007. I knew immediately that I wanted to work with them. Judy, is one of those remarkable women who personifies to me the perfect wife, mother, woman. She is gracious, she is educated, and she loves her family.

Carrie, is from the same core but she is her own woman, with a beautiful warm glowing smile, and enthusiasm that actually matched mine. ( I love enthusiasm)

If memory serves me correctly, they hired me after just a few moments of being together and we were on our way,beginning the journey from engagement to that big day where they exchange their vows to love and each other all the days of their lives, in front of their family and friends.  

I think I first met Colin, the groom to be, and the impeccable Henry father of the bride, at our tasting together. At this tasting, I was able to understand the complete, unquestioned, unconditional love that lived in this very beautiful family. Before we all ate, Colin lead in grace and blessed us all with the love or a power greater then ourselves. That grace, that blessing, and that family dynamic became the foundation for everything else that happened from that point forward. Understanding where both Carrie and Colin came from with regard to their beliefs, and seeing with my own eyes the true love they had for each other, and how that true love became manifest, and how they shared it with their family and now with me, well this was just overwhelming. (In a good way)

I have never seen anybody look at each other with such a totally glow as Carrie and Colin, and also with Henry and Judy. ( Henry gave the most moving toast I ever heard before, and it gave reference to that love he saw in his kids eyes, and how it was the same for him and Judy...."even after all these years"

So, August 2, 2008, at 4:00 pm........family and friends gathered at the home of Henry and Judy, to watch a little miracle, and to share a lot of love.

i love my new ad in LA WEDDINGS MAGAZINE...........let me know what you think ok?

I have had the great good fortune to have been asked by the likes of YWD magazine to "style" there new look and cover of their fall issue as well as the upcoming winter issue. The shoot took place at Camarillo Ranch and included the fabulous make up artist and fashion stylist, Cathryn Van Breene (who is also the creative director to YWD) as well as the beautiful May Lindstrom from NEXT modeling agency.

Elizabeth Messina shot the film and I will tell you that the woman is not only a genius, she was one of the most polished, and gracious photographers that I have ever worked with. The synergy was like a well rehearsed ballet for me. I loved every moment.

A huge thank you to the editor  and chief of YWD, Thea Lignos-Hardgrove for asking me to contribute as well as her husband John, the amazing art director of this very polished and beautiful magazine!

It was my great good fortune last week end to work with a wonderful family who decided to have their daughter get married in the "back yard". To me it was a labor of love ( more about this soon) as I feel that getting married at home can be the ultimate wedding experience. How personal, how perfect then to exchange your vows in front of family and friends in a place where you grew up.

For those who do not want to get caught in all the trappings of a formal wedding in a hotel, you may want to consider a wedding at home, or in the home you may be about to by together.

Your wedding can be still very elegant, very town and country while maintaining the dignity of the importance of the day, yet it can be casual and warm and welcoming. You will need to figure out how many guests your home can accommodate as well as researching local sound and assembly ordinances. Then of course, you must find the person who can transform your backyard into a dream come true.

They say location is everything and who ever "they " are...well. they are right. The location of your wedding ceremony and reception is the "frame" for many pictures that will be your wedding day. The location is also a suggestion of personal style, an idea for a theme, a favorite romantic fantasy or a place that is intimate and welcoming for you, your family and friends.

Choosing the location to me is always the first priority. Ok, well not the first, the first is choosing me, then the location. so many locations get booked years in advance, while others will offer you a discount if they are booked for you if you would consider having your wedding on a Friday or a Sunday.

Whatever you decide there are so many considerations and things to think about with a litany of questions that you must ask before you get yourself committed. Remember this is your day. You should be able to ask for and get what your want and any good venue should be able to provide you with the customer service that will make your wedding, your wedding.

City parks, botanical gardens and museums often offer beautiful out door settings for ceremony and receptions and in some cases are very economical.   

Grand hotel ballrooms are as popular as ever, Some offer special discounts and room blocks that will really entice you!

Would it be California if we didn't at least think about a beach wedding. As romantic and ideal as this sounds, this can be a difficult thing to plan with all of California many regulations and p[permits needed, but it is possible and well worth it.