Victoria's 15th Birthday Party

Victoria, as you can see from the photo below, is a beautiful young lady who was turning 15.  She called me and asked if I could help plan her birthday party.  There was so much excitement in her voice, I couldn't say, "No".  We scheduled a meeting with her mom and a couple of days later they called to say they wanted to hire me to help with the party planning.  We started looking for venues right away.  Victoria is definitely a young lady that knows what she wants, such elegance and class.  From the beginning she had her theme and colors chosen: Masquerade Ball - colors: Red, Black and White.  I truly enjoyed working with Victoria and her mom.  I hope I'm around to plan her wedding! 

Venue:  Verandas Manhattan Beach
Coordinator:  Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
Photographer:  Graham & Graham Photography
DJ:  Rory with You Should Be Dancing
Florist:
Videographer:
Red Carpet & Backdrop Setup:

Karina & Mario's Wedding

Karina and Mario were awesome clients. I had so much fun planning their wedding. Both Karina and Mario work for Lexus in a professional capacity. Their wedding was in October with a fall theme, colors: orange, brown, gold and white. Karina and Mario booked my "Month Of" wedding package. However, we spent time together picking out linen, looking for a harpist to play at the ceremony, deciding what kind of menzanite tree to use for the placecards and they even added my service to decorate their candy buffet using their theme colors. As usual, the wedding is over and my clients are living their lives as a married couple. I wish Karina and Mario all the happiness and blessings!

Ceremony:  St. Mary Magdalen Church

Venue: Sportsmen's Lodge - Studio City

Coordinator: Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

Photographer:  Glenn Currie Photography

Ceremony music: Pat Maki Players

Videographer:  Javier Cardenas

Table linen:  Imperial Party Rentals

Candy Buffet:  Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

Menzanite Tree:  Best Party Center

Flowers:  Lopez Flowers

DJ:  DJ Gonzo

Cake:  La Creme Bakery

Robyn & Jeremy's Wedding - Beachfront Wedding

Robyn's mom, Rhonda called me one day about helping with her daughter's wedding.  Rhonda lives in Las Vegas and found me by searching the Internet.  What a wonderful woman!  After speaking with me over the phone, she liked what she heard and scheduled a meeting with me and the lovely couple.  My assistant, Chalyse and I scheduled to meet them at a cafe' in Beverly Hills.  Not realizing the day we scheduled the meeting was a Jewish holiday and the cafe' would be closed.  I was so upset because I was concerned this would not look good, especially for a first time meeting.  I waited outside until they arrived and informed them that the cafe' was closed.  Thank goodness I'm familiar with Beverly Hills, they got into my car and we drove to a hotel in Beverly Hills and sat in a beautiful lobby discussing their wedding plans.  Happily they overlooked the closed cafe situation and realized I was the planner to help plan their wedding.  Yes, I was hired!  We were a year and a half away from the wedding date.  By the time Robyn and Jeremy's wedding day approached, I felt apart of the family. 

Robyn a lawyer and Jeremy a project manager, very busy people needed someone who was dependent, responsible and very well organized.  Their love for Mickey and Minnie Mouse was incorporated into their wedding theme.  Colors: purple, silver and white.  Rhonda, Robyn and Jeremy, you're the best!

Venue:  Balboa Bay Club - Newport Beach

Coordinator:  Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

Hair: Tiffany Monday

Make-up:  Berit Digerud

Table linens: Stephanie's Linens & More

Flowers:  Bella Fiore

Photographer:  Donald Norris Photography

Chairs:  Fusion Linens

Videographer:  A Timeless Memory

Officiant:  Sharone Rosen

Ceremony music:  Pat Maki Players

DJ  Charisma Entertainment

Lighting:  Atmosphere Entertainment

Cake:  Sweet Art

Dress: Brides by Liza

Audrey & Dave's Wedding Video

Audrey and Dave work in the entertainment industry which they incorporated into their wedding theme. I can't wait to get the photos to share.

Video created by: Perfect 10 Productions

Why is choosing a wedding a dress so special?

Ever since Britain’s Queen Victoria caused a stir by choosing to wear a spectacular white dress created especially for her wedding to Prince Albert—at a time when most women simply donned their best dress for the occasion—women have devoted weeks, months, even entire childhoods dreaming about this utterly romantic garment. Your wedding gown is the dress of a lifetime---and will set the style and tone for the entire wedding. Before you shop, have fun and explore your fantasies. Look through magazines with friends, and don’t forget to surf the Internet; mark the pages of anything that catches your eye, whether it’s a particular fabric, cut, trim, or the entire dress. You may fall in love with a specific dress then plan your wedding around it. However, it’s usually best to determine the day, time, and formality of your reception first, then shop for that special look.

Once you’ve found your dream dress, select bridesmaids’ and ushers’ attire that is complementary in formality and style. Mothers’ dresses should also complement the wedding colors scheme.

Photo #1: Jeffrey Neal Photography
Photo #2: Glenn Currie Photography

How do you choose an officiant when you're unaffiliated

Are you confused confused when it comes to choosing an officiant when you're unaffiliated? Because so many clients ask my advice about choosing an officiant, I've decided to provide a few suggestions.

• Ask friends, neighbors, and wedding professionals living or working in the area where you want to get married for recommendations.
• Check the yellow pages and the Internet under "churches" or "synagogues" for houses of worship to your area.
• Inquire with the ministry office at a local college; many have chaplains who can perform weddings.

Balboa Bay Club & Resort Newport Beach Wedding

Video by: Donald Norris Photography

Steel Magnolia - Vintage 1940's Spanish Theme

Color Palette: Peach, Tan, Celery Green and Brown
Photographer: Gloria Mesa Photography
Coordinator: Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

I thought since couples are beginning to plan their fall weddings, I'd provide you with a little inspiration. The theme was based on the movie Steel Magnolia with a Vintage 1940's Spanish ambiance.

Why do wedding attendants wear the same dresses?

It was stated that under the Roman law, 10 witnesses were required to make a wedding legal. To confuse the evil spirits that lurked at the altar, several witnesses dressed exactly like the bride and groom. Another reason: In Europe, it was common for the bride, groom and all their friends to walk together to the church. Afraid that someone would spot the happy couple and put a curse on them, the groom’s friends wore clothes almost identical to his, and the women dressed themselves like the bride, in an attempt to trick evil wishers

Is This You, The Busy Bride?

You go to work. You go home to have a life. Now you have a wedding to plan.

It’s 9:00 a.m. on a weekday morning and you are buried in paperwork on your desk, you need to return phone calls, reply to emails, schedule doctor appointments, etc. But now you have to add to your long list of tasks, wedding planning. You are beginning to feel overwhelmed and stressed. This should a very happy time in your life, but you’re beginning to hate it. WHO NEEDS THAT! STOP! Contact Beverly Harris Weddings & Events for a FREE consultation. Once you unload your wedding details on us, you will feel absolutely stress-free.

CAN’T make all your phone calls to vendors during the day! Beverly  Harris Weddings & Events can.

CAN’T figure out the next step! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events will provide you with a Wedding Planning To Do List.

CAN’T figure out how much to spend on each vendor! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events will create a customized wedding budget for you.

CAN’T get any vendor discounts! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events have vendor relationships so we are able to negotiate discounts for you.

CAN’T find anyone who will listen to your venting! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events will be there for you every step of the way.

CAN’T find time to make your fiance’ a romantic dinner! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events, well you are on your own on this one.

WHO NEEDS THAT! STOP AND CALL

Beverly Harris, President & Founder
Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
Tel: (310) 487-9698 Fax: (323) 936-0677
Website: http://bev-harris.com
Email: beverly@bev-harris.com

Why is it customary for the bride to wear something blue?

Brides in ancient Israel wore a blue ribbon on the border of their fringed robes to denote modesty, fidelity, and love - ideals still associated with that color. Blue is also the color that represents the purity and innocence of the Virgin Mary.

Photo by: Jonathan Rosen Photography

Why wear a wedding ring?

It was said that the circular shape of the wedding ring symbolizes never-ending love. According to folklore, the ring was to protect the bride against evil spirits; if the bride or groom dropped the ring during the ceremony, bad luck would be with them forever. In the beginning, rings were made of rushes, hemp, or braided grass, which has to be replaced every year. Early Romans chose more durable iron to symbolize the permanence of marriage.

Back then, gold was very popular, but more expensive, symbolizing lasting beauty, purity, and strength. In ancient Egypt, before coins were minted, gold rings were used as currency and as a symbol of the groom's wealth and his intention to wed. To show that he trusted his wife with his money, the Egyptian husband placed a gold ring on the third finger of her left hand.

Only one ring was worn, until the 13th century. The declaration of Pope Innocent III that a waiting period was to be observed between betrothal and marriage led to separate engagement and wedding rings. The first recorded account of a diamond engagement ring was in 1477, when Maximilian I, King of Germany, proposed to Mary of Burgundy and offered her a diamond ring to seal his vow.

Photographs by: Gloria Mesa Photography

Why is there a wedding cake?

A symbol of good luck and fertility, cake has been a part of wedding celebrations since Roman times, when a small bun was broken above the bride's head at the close of the ceremony. Wheat, the main ingredient, symbolized fertility: crumbs were eagerly sought by guests as good-luck charms.

During the Middle Ages, custom required the bride and groom to kiss over a pile of small cakes donated by wedding guests. In Elizabethan times, bridesmaids baked small, sweet buns with currants, which served as the centerpiece for the wedding feast. In the 17th century, it was an innovative visiting French baker who frosted the stack of buns so that they would stand upright--creating the first tiered and frosted wedding cake! The Chinese originated the custom of serving each guest a slice of cake to spread the good luck.

Why does the bride wear something old and something new?

The custom stems from an Old English rhyme, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe..." Brides throughout the decades have taken care to include these touches in their bridal outfit, a nod to tradition and superstition. The symbolism: continuity, optimism for the future, borrowed happiness, fidelity, and good fortune.

A Must Read Love Story

Ken’s Story:
 As I walked through the gym one morning, I saw the most incredible woman working out on a universal machine. My mouth fell open, my heart began pounding, and my forehead started to sweat. I knew at this point that this was someone that I needed to introduce myself to. I took a few seconds to compose myself then I introduced myself and made small talk. As I talked to her, I noticed her wonderful smile and dimples. Then I discovered that she wasn’t just gorgeous, but educated and very intelligent. It was at this moment, that I knew this was the woman for me. It was destiny! Love at first sight is not a myth. It truly does happen, which was my experience.

Lisa’s Story:
Ken came over one day to make small talk while I was working out. I’d recently moved back to L.A., and just thought he seemed like a nice guy to talk to. I think he asked me out a few times, without me actually realizing it since I was in no way thinking about any type of relationship. Eventually, I agreed to “hang out” with him just as friends. Ken agreed that we could “hang out” as “just friends”, but really had other intentions. Somehow, Ken still believes to this day, that it was I who asked HIM out. To this day, this part of the story is still debated. Eventually, the “friendship” became more serious, and I began to see Ken for the great guy that he is. I admired his drive and worth ethic. I loved his sense of humor, not to mention he was kind of cute and always smelled great. After all this time, we’re still together and now he’s stuck with me…..


The Proposal:
The night I proposed (June 1, 2009), I went to the store to get a piece of cake to symbolize Lisa’s sweetness. I went to her house, and told her I wanted her to taste the cake I brought her. Once I gave her the cake, I waited to see the look on her face because I’d placed the engagement ring visibly on top of the cake for her to see. I then got on my knee and told her that I’d brought this cake to symbolize how sweet she was. Then, I talked about how wonderful our relationship was, that she was the sweetest woman in the world, and asked her if she would be willing to be my wife and spend the rest of her life with me. She was stunned and shocked that she didn’t even say anything at first… Eventually she said jokingly, “hmmm, let me think about it”…. After a few minutes, she did say “yes”.

Why is it bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the ceremony?

Once, it was considered bad luck for the groom to see his bride and for the bride to see herself in a mirror in her wedding clothes before the wedding. Because the wedding ceremony marked a break between old and new, never to overlap, people thought that if the groom saw the bride before the ceremony, she would not be pure and new and if the bride saw herself in a mirror before the wedding she would leave some of herself behind in the reflection.

Brides stay away from those mirrors!

Ken and Lisa Wedding ~ USC Town & Gown

I have the nicest clients. Lisa and Ken got married May 29, 2010 at USC Town & Gown. I had so much fun working with them. I'll have more photos soon provided by Damien Smith Photography to post soon. They gave me the greatest review. Lisa and Ken may your marriage be filled with Love, Peace and Joy!

"Wow, where do I start? I hired Leave It To Me Events for my wedding coordinator. Beverly is the best! At first, my parents kept telling me that I could handle all the wedding details myself - that I didn't need a coordinator. With my non-flexible work schedule and a guest list of over 360 people who responded yes to the RSVP (several from out of town), I knew that would be a huge mistake. I could see foresee a disaster. I was so stressed out staying up late after work, trying to everything myself. I took matters into my own hands and found Beverly-an Angel! Thank goodness!

I talked to her on the phone first, then by email a few times before actually meeting her. The very first time I met her in person, I felt like I'd known her for a long time. I felt completely at ease - like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Beverly is so organized, has a great personality, is always on time, and has great ideas and solutions to problems. She always responds to emails promptly. She handled all the communications with my vendors, something I didn't have much time to do especially during the day while I was working. She kept all the vendors on track. She even went to my rehearsal dinner location to make sure everything was OK.

In the two weeks before the wedding, she gives you a detailed timeline of the schedule of events. She made sure all of the vendors were on the correct schedule for deliveries and payments. The day of my wedding was absolutely phenomenal. Everyone always talks about some disaster that happens that can't be foreseen and I was waiting for it. I can say that I had no problems whatsoever! Everyone in my bridal party and inner circle is still talking about how smooth everything went. Guests are still complimenting me on how organized my wedding was and how professional, efficient my coordinators were. My other vendors even commented on how organized she was and how much they liked working with her. Beverly and her team were really on top of everything. So many of my guests tell me it's one of the nicest weddings they've ever been to.

My parents admitted that I definitely did need a wedding coordinator and are now really happy that I hired Beverly. They, along with my husband and inner circle say she and her team were worth every cent! I feel so lucky to have met such a wonderful person whom I now consider a great friend."

First Female Photographer In The Cover of Bodas USA

Today I was informed that one of my weddings is featured in the Bodas USA Verano/Otoño issue of the magazine.

Gloria Mesa of Gloria Mesa Photographer, the photographer for Diana and Danny's wedding is the first female photographer to grace the covers with her photo of the bride, Diana. This Magazine is beautiful and full of information for brides to be. You can find Bodas USA in your local Bookstores and retail stores. The Wedding was held at Camarillo Ranch House Foundation in the City of Camarillo.

I would like to show my appreciation to all the people that worked on the magazine from start to finish, and to Diana and Danny for having such a fantastic wedding event, and of course for choosing me as their wedding coordinator. Also, a speical thank you to Gloria Mesa for making this happen. Congratulations, a job well done!

Also, thanks to...

Lillian De la Torre Director of publishing
Sandra Evans, Art Director
Angela Gomez-Holbrok, USA, (Consultant Graphic Designer)

Who Said Event Planners Can't Have Fun While Working An Event?

At Lisa and Ken's wedding this past weekend at USC Town & Gown, my team and I decided to have a little fun. After taking funny photos with Shutter Box Photo Booth and eating some veggies, we were recharged and ready to resume all duties.

Who pays for the pre-wedding parties?

The bride's family may host the first engagement party to announce the news. The bride hosts the bridesmaid's lunch.

The groom's family may host an engagement party. The groom and/or his family may host a bachelor dinner and rehearsal dinner.

The maid of honor and/or bridesmaids host a bridal shower and may host a "girls night out." The best man and/or ushers host a bachelor party. Friends may host an engagement party.

The bride's family may host the rehearsal dinner. Out-of-towner's brunch or pool party, barbecue, etc. may be co-hosted.

Ask me anything

Why is it traditional to have bridesmaids and ushers?

Long ago, marriage by capture was the norm. A groom's friend helped him kidnap his mate and defended him against anyone who might try to steal the bride--including her family. The best man and ushers represent the warriors. At the altar, the groom always stood on the bride's right side, leaving his right hand--his sword hand--free to defend her.

In later years, it was customary for the bride to travel to her groom's village accompanied by escorts, her "bridesmaids," who were dressed in similar bride-like gowns to confuse rival suitors and robbers. In England, the bride was escorted to the church by boys, or "bride knights," symbolizing her innocent status; on the way home, she was escorted by married men, or "bridegroom men."

What are some questions I should ask my florist?

First I'd like to congratulate you on your upcoming wedding. I would ask your florist the following questions:

1. What are some wedding-flower trends?
2. Can you create a sample bouquet?
3. How will my bouquet complement my dress?
4. How will the centerpieces coordinate with the bouquets? How can I sue flowers to enchance my wedding site?
5. Will the flowers I'm interested in be available at the time of my wedding?
6. Will the flowers I've chosen hold up throughout my wedding?

I hope this helps, if not please ask again.

Ask me anything

A Wedding Consultant's Duties

The person you hire should:

• Listen to your ideas, make suggestions, and research your options
• Come up with an overall wedding plan that meets your tastes and budget
• Make appointments with wedding-service providers
• Help handle the selection of invitations, flowers, and caterer
• Make sure that everything goes smoothly by staying in touch with vendors and service providers
• Be on hand on your wedding day to see that all services and details proceed as planned (e.g. the tent is set up correctly, the cake arrive, the flowers arrive, and the service personnel know what is expected)
• Deal with any emergencies that occur; an experienced a consultant is well versed in wedding etiquette and has directed many weddings

That is why you should hire Beverly Harris Weddings & Events to plan your wedding!

Publish Post

Adam's Bar Mitzvah

When Jewish boys and girls turn 13 (sometimes 12 for girls), this "coming of age" is marked with a celebration to observe the Bar Mitzvah ("son of the covenant") or Bat Mitzvah ("daughter of the covenant"). The religious commemoration is typically when the boy or girl reads from the Torah and leads the Shabat service. Most families continue the celebration with a party of some sort. The party may be anything from a casual luncheon with no theme at all to a novelty destination affair, such as a riverboat cruise or a hayride, to an all-out formal dinner dance with no expense spared.

In addition to the Saturday morning service and the party later that day, it is quite common to involve an entire weekend, from Friday evening through Sunday brunch.

Although it is not imperative to have a theme, it has become popular to honor the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child with a theme related to one of the child's interest or talents. As you can see Adam's theme was all about "The Arcade Games". I loved working with Adam and his mom. Not only did I learn a lot, but I really enjoyed the planning process. It brought back lots of memories of what it was like to be a kid again.

From the Friday evening service held at the Temple Sha'arei Am to the evening festivities thrown at the Skirball, the whole event was a blast. The games, videographer, dj, mc and dancers were all provided by You Should Be Dancing. And boy, did they rock! The wonderful decor that you see was provided by Grand Events. Luminary Photography was all over the place taking these wonderful photos.

Venue: Skirball Cultural Center
Coordinator: Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
Events & Entertainments Int'l (The Candyman)
Etch U Productions
Hillcrest Party Rentals
Crown Limo LA
Floral Arts
Junior's Restaurant
Chez Mimi Restaurant
The Luxe Hotel
The London Hotel

I Told You I Was Fabulous!

Outdoor-Wedding Tips

• Consult the local chamber of commerce, museums, historical associations, and travel guides - to find suitable outdoor locations in your area.
• Ask all attendants and immediate family members if they have any allergies relating to the outdoors, and the season. Select a site accordingly.
• Arrange for necessary permits and rentals. Check out parking availability. Notify local police about traffic increase, need for public parking. Arrange for transportation by bus or "shuttle cars" from the nearest large parking area.
• Create an aisle trimmed with garlands of greens. Consult your florist for more ideas. If your dress has a train, spread out a canvas to protect it.
• Send a map to the site with your invitations.
• Post signs to direct guests to the exact ceremony location.

What Everyone Should Know About DJ Lee Dyson AKA Hey Mister DJ

Q. Who are you and what makes you so Awesome to work with?

A. DJ Lee Dyson AKA Hey Mister DJ


Hey Mister DJ consists of a very talented group of Disc Jockeys and entertainers that have many years of experience with weddings, corporate events, private parties and nightclubs.


All of our DJs and entertainers are seasoned professionals and highly skilled in their craft. Their ability to adapt, read a crowd and respond accordingly with the correct music selection is second to none.


Q. How long have you been in business?


A. 15 years


Q. What are some of your unique qualities?


A. We provide a slightly more sophisticated and hip alternative to the stereotypical wedding or mobile DJ experience.


Q. What is it like working a wedding without a wedding coordinator?


A. Stressful. Clients don't always realize how many things can go wrong or need to be managed throughout the entire day. All the other vendors are usually focused on their own task so it's important to have a Captain of the ship keeping everyone working cohesively.


Q. What makes a coordinator good?


A. A high level of organizational skills, but also the ability to be flexible and throw the finely tuned timeline out the window if the room dictates that things need to be done differently.


A sense of calm and patience are also essential.


Q. Why should I hire you?


A. Because we are highly skilled in our craft and there is a big difference between a DJ who just shows up and plays songs vs. a DJ that is actually a music programmer who creates a custom playlist and vibe to perfectly match your taste & style.


We understand that hiring is a DJ is difficult because what we do isn't "tangible" until the big day and by then if you've chosen poorly then it's too late.


That's why we are always happy to meet with you in person to explain our style, philosophy on how to play a room and make sure you feel comfortable with all aspects of the entertainment and how it will affect your day.


Also, because…..WE ROCK! :o)

Lee Dyson

Hey Mister DJPublish Post
Web: http://www.heymisterdj.com
Blog: http://www.heymisterdjla.blogspot.com
Email: Lee@heymisterdj.com
Office: 310-591-0988
Cell: 818-415-7810
Fax: 818-788-8090

What You Need To Know About Amy Sparks - Hair & Make-up Artist?

Amy Sparks with Picture Perfect Makeup and Hair has an exceptional reputation in the wedding industry as being one of the best.  I had never met Amy, but heard a lot of good things about her and her work.  Taking a chance, but going with my gut feeling, I recommended Amy to my client.  I was very comfortable with the recommendation and now that the wedding is over, I know I made the right decision. My client was very happy with Amy, as I thought she would be.  Now I want to let you know about Amy Sparks.  You go Amy and keep up the good work!

Q. Who are you and what makes you so Awesome to work with?


A.  My name is Amy Sparks and I am the owner of Picture Perfect Makeup and Hair.


We are a traveling hair and makeup team that makes you feel and mostly look great on your wedding day.


Q. How long have you been in business?


A. I have been a makeup artist for 12 years and have been servicing brides for all of them.


Q. What are some of your unique qualities?


A. I have worked as a TV/Film makeup artist for years and have worked with 100's of faces and have the knowledge to know what works and what doesn't for all skin types/colors/etc.


I know what will make your makeup and hair last for your entire wedding and what will make you pop in your pictures (that will last forever).


Q. What is it like working a wedding without a wedding coordinator?


A. Working without a coordinator is a lot more work. There is not a go to person.


I rather email a coordinator 50 times then bother the bride.


Coordinators make my job and the other vendors jobs much easier and the day just flows by - and the bride is always happy.


Q. What makes a coordinator good?


A.  A good coordinator thinks of things that need to be done before you. A good coordinator never makes you wait for them to call or get back to you. And is kind and makes your vendors all feel informed.


Q. Why should I hire you?


A. You should hire me because I have the experience. I will make sure you feel fantastic.

Amy Sparks

http://www.amysparksmakeup.com/
picperfectmakeup@sbcglobal.net

Wedding Invitation Wording - Part 2 of 2

Traditionally, the bride's surname is not listed unless it is different from that of her parents.  Be consistent with the use of titles (Mr., Miss, Ms., Dr.) - particularly for parents.

Military titles are spelled out, with service designations on a separate line.  Those with rank captain and higher in the army, air force, and marines, and commander and higher in the navy, use their titles before their names, with their service designation listed on the next line.

The wedding date is written, Saturday, the sixth of July, with the year spelled out on the following line.  If the wedding will take place in the same calendar year that the invitations are being sent out, you may omit the year.  However, your invitation will be a more meaningful keepsake if the year is included.)

Indicate the correct time of the ceremony.  List it as four o'clock.  If the ceremony will start on the half hour, use the phrase half after (four o'clock).  The phrase in the afternoon or in the evening is optional.

Check the correct name of the ceremony site.  If there are churches with similar names in the same city, and most guests will be unfamiliar with the location, indicate the street address beneath the site.  Spell out Saint in church names, as well as numbers.  List the city or town; the state is optional depending on how familiar guests are with the area.

You may request a reply to the invitations with R.s.v.p., Please respond, Kindly respond or The favour of a reply is requested.  The most proper version of this ritual requires a handwritten response.  However, the more contemporary (and practical) approach is to request that the enclosed reply card be returned by a specific date, usually no less than three weeks prior to the wedding.

Wedding Invitation Wording - Part 1 of 2

I get asked this question a lot by brides, "What is the proper wording for wedding invitations". So listen up brides, I've decided to blog about it! The typical formal wedding invitation gives the following information. However, keep in mind that these are guidelines and may be changed to accommodate your family situation.

The hosts of the wedding--usually the bride's parents--issue the invitations and announcements, whether or not the bride still shares their home.  (The hosts do not necessarily pay for the wedding, so even if you and your fiance' are paying, the bride's parents can still be listed at the top of the invitation.)

If your parents are divorced, the person who raised you customarily issues the invitations and announcements.

If your parents are deceased, your guardian, closest relatives, or family friends may host the wedding and issue the invitations and announcements.

Spell out words in full.  This includes names (don't use nicknames) and numbers (ex.,the twelfth of May). Abbreviations are not used, with the exception of Mr. and Mrs., Doctor and junior can be spelled out if space permits, but are also commonly abbreviated.  If junior is spelled out, it always has a lowercase j and a comma before it.

Use the wording...request the honour of your presence for a religious service in a church or synagogue.  It is an honor to witness a religious service.  Use...request the pleasure of your company for civil ceremony or for the reception.  (Honour and favour ["the favour of a reply is requested"] are spelled with a u--the more formal British version.)

Here's What You Need To Know About Lok In The Moment Photography

One day I received a phone call from Mikal introducing himself and his business.  It was the first time a vendor invited me out to dinner and it was for barbecue.  Yum, yum, yum!  I love barbecue.  I knew then that Mikal and I were going to hit it off.  He was kind and very excited about his photography business.  We kept in touch and have built a wonderful working relationship.  Now I'll let Mikal tell you more about Lok In The Moment Photography. 

Q. Who are you and what makes you so Awesome to work with?

A.  My name is Mikal Lok with Lok In The Moment Photography. I am honored to work with different clients on their wedding day. I am a funny and positive person. I love bringing my positive attitude to all photo shoots.

Q. How long have you been in business?

A.  Lok In The Moment Photography has been in business for three years. We’ve been blessed to work with the best vendors in the industry. I’ve also been honored by many photography awards and feature in wedding magazines.


Q. What are some of your unique qualities?

A. Our style is catered to the modern bride and groom. Our style is fashion meets wedding. Our clients know how to rock the camera and that’s how we like it. We love to embrace our clients’ lifestyle.

Q. What is it like working a wedding WITHOUT a wedding coordinator?

A.  A coordinator is so important for any event. There time management and coordinating skills definitely go unnoticed. I recommend all brides get a coordinator to get them the best deals with vendors and keep the wedding smooth.

Q. Why should I hire you?

A. Lok In The Moment is all about creating the best experience for our clients. We want our clients to be excited about what we are able to offer. Every client that we’ve worked with will go away with an experience to last a lifetime. We are all about having fun and capturing life at its best.

Website: http://www.lokinthemoment.com/

Blog: http://lokinthemoment.wordpress.com/

Telephone: 562-673-5172