{Weddings} DIY Videographer: Can’t Afford A Videographer at Your Wedding? Read on…

Fab Finds - $ Saving Tips, General Tips, Fab Products, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings 2 Responses »
Mar 242010

Our friends at Ashley Video Productions are announcing a great new solution for the DIY couple who can’t afford a professional videographer at their wedding, but still want the professional edited DVD. 

Marc at Ashley Video Productions is a great person to work with and his heart has always been in the right place.  This year, they donated a camera to a family whose son was terminally ill and they wanted to capture family moments.  I called Marc to see if Ashley Video Productions could help in any way and he sent over a camera and will be professionally editing it for the family. 

These are the types of businesses that we want to see thrive – they are heart-centered, professional, caring and fun on your wedding day.  But, if you can’t afford to have them at your wedding, please take a look below at their new iDoCam to get the best of both worlds.

Ashley Video Productions Announces
The Do-It-Yourself Wedding Videography Solution

California – March 21st, 2010 -
We have been busy here at the Emotion Picture Studios cooking up something new that we think many of your clients will be excited about.
As you know, for over 20 years we have been providing videography for families celebrating a wedding and having a blast doing it.  The only negative has been that only about 1 in 4 couples invest in professional videography which means we don’t get to do what we do best, as much as we would like.  Technology has finally made it possible for us to extend our talent and services to every couple getting married, even those who thought they couldn’t afford professional videography!

Our new service is called “iDOcam ” and is a Do-It-Yourself Wedding Videography solution with Professional results.
Essentially, we rent couples HD quality, pocket-size video cameras that their friends and family use to record the wedding day’s memorable moments.  (These days at every wedding I cover guests and family are already grabbing clips with their own cameras and cellphones.  Unfortunately, the couple seldom see them.)  Then we get the cameras back and edit the footage producing a video that the couple will receive on DVD.  We also give the couple all of the raw footage, as well as the options for the HD video files on memory stick and the video streamed online for them to share with family and friends.  They can even take the camera on the honeymoon with them!  Your client can get all of this starting at just $299.

In addition to offering your clients a fabulous solution they will be excited about, and thank you for, you will benefit too. 
Couples are shopping for your services on the internet and they are no longer impressed by the nice, professional site that used to do the trick.  For better or worse, we all have nice websites.  Now brides are looking for “real wedding” details to help them make their decision.  When we produce an iDOcam video for one of your clients we will provide you with a link or copy of the video for you to use on your site, blog or social media page.  This video streaming on your facebook page or blog will give brides what they are looking for.  They will see the unique, fun and creative experience you bring to the weddings you do.  And better yet, video on your blog will set you apart from your competition that is still just writing about their events.

I have included more information for you here, but I encourage you to check out the iDOcam.com site for all of the details.
I also have a promotional packet with business cards, postcards and more to help you share iDOcam with your clientele, just ask and I will send you a packet in the mail right away.

Please become a fan of iDOcam on facebook and help us get the word out. 

As always, we look forward to partnering with you on another win-win-win offering for you and our shared clients.
Please let me know what you think of all of this. I look forward to your reaction and hopefully your support.
Warm Regards,
Marc Lehman
President
www.ashleyweddingvideography.com
www.idocam.com
858-376-0130

Posted by lifevents at 9:26 am

Lifestyle/Wedding Blog Launches Free Advertising Campaign

Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Where's Shauna, YLE Product of the Day 2 Responses »
Mar 222010

YourLifEvents.com is creating a buzz.  We’re launching our advertising pages and with them, we’re offering FREE advertising for a limited time to a limited number of wedding & event industry vendors.

Weddings, Nesting, Coupling & Kids:  Your LifEvents is your one-stop daily destination for celebrating and navigating all of your life’s events.  Your LifEvents’ provides engaged couples, newlyweds and couples with kids everything they need to know to live a full and satisfying event filled life. 

The blog’s purpose is to provide engaged couples, newlywed couples, not-so-newlywed couples, and parents a resource for celebrating and navigating all of their Life Events.  From their wedding to their first dinner party, from navigating married life to navigating life with children, YourLifEvents.com provides its readers the tools, tips and fun tricks to celebrate their lives in style. 

Free Advertising Guidelines:

In order to be considered for the free limited time advertising, we are asking for your application to be submitted no later than midnight April 30, 2010.  We will only be selecting a limited number of vendors in each category after we’ve gone through the vetting process.  In order to be considered, we also will require each accepted vendor to post a link on their own website or blog back to our home page within 10 days of acceptance into our free advertising program.

At this time, we do not have an expiration for the free advertising program, however, after 30 days we will re-evaluate your standing and offer you right of first refusal if vendors of equal caliber are interested in paid advertising on our site.

If you have any additional questions, please direct them to advertise@yourlifevents.com and we will get in touch with you in a timely manner.

If you’re a wedding or event vendor that is ready to submit your application for FREE advertising, please click here to learn how to submit your application.

Posted by lifevents at 4:30 pm

{Weddings/Parties} Vendor Shout Out: Invite With Style – Pink Star Design

Fab Finds - $ Saving Tips, General Tips, Fab Products, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends No Responses »
Jan 192010

Pink Star Invitations; Wedding Invitations; Party InvitationsInvite With Style:
PINK STAR DESIGN
Pink Star Design Invitations offers unique and beautiful designs to set the mood for your event. After all, the invitation is the first and only item that your guests will see before the big day! Every piece is hand crafted for you and custom designed to match the theme, colors and mood of your event. Pink Star Design will collaborate with you to make sure that your invitation is a perfect match to your vision. All designs are printed on the highest quality paper and professionally designed and printed. Featured in magazines such as The Special Event, Ceremony and San Diego Style Weddings, the aim is to create couture invitations at a reasonable price.

Pink Star Design has created thousands of custom invitations for brides across America and as far away as Scotland, England and Australia! Pink Star Design has been honored with winning the Etsy Wedding Challenge 2008, 10 News A-list 2009 Top 3 Invitation Designers in San Diego and featured on the Martha Stewart Wedding website.

Along with custom and couture wedding invitations, Pink Star Design specializes in calligraphy, computer addressed envelopes, wedding “day of” items and seating charts.
 
619.251.9394
www.PinkStarDesign.com

Posted by lifevents at 11:34 am

{Weddings} Do DIY Brides Need a Wedding Planner? The Answer is a Resounding Yes

Fab Finds - $ Saving Tips, General Tips, Fab Products, Free Wedding Tips/Free Wedding Advice, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Jan 192010

I was reading a great forum today on BridalTweet.com.  The question posed is, “Do you think wedding planners are useful?”  I am all for DIY weddings, but there is a limit to how much the bride, groom, friends and family can pull off, but don’t take my word for it, here is one great answer from the BridalTweet forum and the link to read more:

Depending on what functions the coordinator or planner does, they are absolutely beneficial. I planned my own wedding, detail for detail. The coordinator/planner I hired may not have contributed creatively, but certainly facilitated my plans and saved my family and me hours and hours of extra legwork and phone calls. The coordinator can also be the ‘bad guy’ in contract negotiations and be the stern one to keep things on schedule.
Financially, a vendor may have worked with the planner before, and has a long-standing relationship to give better quality work or discounts. (It also works the other way, the planner may or may not push their own vendor). Reputable planners don’t take kickbacks from vendors though. If you source a vendor that gives you a certain price for things you are not comfortable with, the planner could tell you if it is reasonable or not. The planner could also help you figure out different solutions that reduce your cost you wouldn’t think of.
My planner, and every planner my friends/family have worked with, worked their A**es off! Each and every one of them said they were well worth the money, no matter what budget they had. Most also went above and beyond as far as service, and they do it out of love for the job for the most part, not profits.
Weddings I have been to that didn’t have a coordinator on the day of at least, have always been a disorganized mess. Lots of people running around crazed, not knowing where people are, where transportation is, losing things. The guests standing around annoyed and waiting for some direction or information.

http://www.bridaltweet.com/forum/topics/do-you-think-wedding-planners

Posted by lifevents at 10:07 am

Coupling: Jazz of the Mediterranean at Tango Del Rey with Allegato Quintet

Coupling/Nesting, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends No Responses »
Jan 142010

Jazz of the Mediterranean at Tango Del Rey with Allegato Quintet

Sunday, January 17th ~ $10 / $5
7:30pm – 8:45pm / Jam Session 9pm

3567 Del Rey Street, San Diego, CA 858-794-9044  |  Hosted by SDJMG Jazz ‘n Art Series

Allison Adams Tucker’s Allegato Quintet performs Jazz of the Mediterranean:
Latin rhythms, gypsy jazz, swing, and ballads of France, Italy, and Spain~

Allison, voice
Danny Green, piano
Evona Wascinski, bass
Mark Lamson, drums
Dusty Brough, guitar
Jam Session Starts @ 9:00PM
$10.00 / $5.00 Students
A portion of proceeds support San Diego Jazz Musicians Guild

Tango Del Rey Directions: I-5 South to Garnet exit, straight and left (east) at Bunker Hill St.
OR I-5 North to Grand Ave/Garnet exit, straight and right (east) at Bunker Hill St.

Allegato

Bridging sounds of the East & West -

wrapped with a ribbon of jazz. Allegato performs a collage of melodies and lyrics of music from around the globe, including songs from Japan, Brazil, France, Italy, Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, and the US – A truly international music experience.

The core Quartet includes: vocalist, piano, contrabass, and drums. Allegato ensembles are available from 4-9 piece, and can be mixed and matched depending on the theme and budget of the event. Regular musicians also available on Latin guitar, Japanese koto harp, flute, violin, accordion, trumpet, and percussion.

Allison Adams Tucker:  Nominated Best Jazz Album 2009 (San Diego Music Awards)  http://www.allisonadamstucker.com/buy.htm

Posted by lifevents at 4:11 pm

Vendor Shout Out: A Beautiful Bride – Hair & Make-up to the Rescue

Fashion Fun, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends No Responses »
Jan 122010

Sure you do it yourself everyday, but unless you’re an actual model, there will never be a day when you’re photographed as much as your wedding day.  Make it special and let someone who knows how to make you look amazingly beautiful for every picture help you with your hair and make-up – you’ll be glad you did.

Hairstylist/Make-up Artist Shelisa Burke consulted with several hundred brides in her 20 years plus experience as an “updo Queen.”

Every piece of hair she expertly expresses such creativity that her brides are in awe of her expertise. She artistically applies make-up to enhance your natural beauty with Mac make-up and other leading cosmetics.

Shelisa worked in Beverly Hills at Umberto Salon, has worked her magic on leading ladies in major television shows, videos and photo shoots. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Coiffure Q, Teen Beat, Gentleman’s Quarterly, and Femina India in addition to styling Frank Sinatra’s wife Barbara’s hair/make-up for Palm Springs Magazine.

She is currently owner of Celebrity Salon in Rancho Penasquitos and says, “Loving what you do makes such a difference to how you effect the lives you touch.”

A Beautiful Bride - Shelisa Burke - 858-336-3410

 

A Beautiful Bride - Shelisa Burke - 858-336-3410

Posted by lifevents at 3:14 pm

Extra Vendor Shout Out: Anthony Garcia Performing this Weekend

Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends No Responses »
Jan 072010

ooh ooh ooh:  Anthony Garcia, our favorite flamenco guitarist will be be performing solo for the Ordover Gallery at the 4th floor of the Natural History Museum this Saturday, 1 – 3pm.  If you’re a bride, groom or just someone needing to hire a fantastic musician for a wedding or event, head on over to hear him play!

Posted by lifevents at 5:34 pm

Inexpensive Outdoor Ceremony Locations

Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends No Responses »
Jan 072010

If you’d like to have your wedding in a lovely outdoor setting and don’t want to have to pay a lot, you should definitely look into the many parks owned by the City of San Diego.  The following is information on how to reserve a spot at one of the many lovely beaches, parks & more:

Events at Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Presidio Park and Shoreline Parks

If you are interested in having a wedding, large picnic or special event in Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Presidio Park, or one of our Shoreline Parks, you will need to obtain a permit from our permit center located in the Balboa Park Administration Building at 2125 Park Boulevard. The permit center is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Recorded information is available at (619) 235-1169 or email My Park. Applications for wedding ceremonies are available at  http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/pdf/parkweddingapp.pdf in PDF format which you can fill out in advance and bring with you to the permit center.

Note:  No where in the instructions does it say this, but we suggest calling ahead to find out exactly how it’s done for your location.  The reservation process is generally done on a lottery system, often up to 6 months from the date of your wedding or event;  meaning, you show up 6 months prior to your wedding date (on the specified date given in their instructions) as early as you can, you get a number and you wait for the clerk to call your number.  The clerk will ask you what site you want, if it hasn’t already been taken by someone before you – it’s yours.  So, have a couple of spots in mind that you really like.  Obviously, the number you want is the number 1 in order to be assured you get the site you want.  The most popular site is Cuvier Park, aka The Wedding Bowl because of its cliff views of the ocean, so if that’s the site you want, you better wake up early and be prepared.

You can visit the San Diego Park’s and Recreation Department’s website to learn more:  http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/general-info/bestsites.shtml#weddings

Posted by lifevents at 2:53 pm

Vendor Shout Out! Truso-Invitations & Event Gallery

Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends No Responses »
Jan 052010

Truso is a lovely little invitation and event gallery located in Del Mar’s Flower Hill Mall.  As Wedding Planners this was one of our favorite stores to peruse for lovely wedding invitation options for our clients.
 
Invitations – The Scoop:
A charming boutique in Del Mar’s Flower Hill Mall, TruSo offers custom invitation designs for weddings, showers and soirées.

Work one-on-one with our in-house designers to create a custom piece that reflects everything about your wedding day … or browse through several collection portfolios from today’s most sought-after invitation companies.

TruSo is also proud to carry fresh and new invitation collections from up-and-coming designers.

Sweet and simple, or trendy and fun … you will find invitations, papers, favors and details that reflect your personal style.

Swing by TruSo seven days a week at your convenience, or give us a ring to make a consultation appointment.  Appointments are not necessary though.

Entertainment Gallery:  The Scoop

it’s a bridal show every day at TruSo in Del Mar … and it’s FREE!

we serve you tea & treats while you sit back in a slipcovered chair, browse through vendor portfolios, and plan the details of your special event.

the event gallery is more than an on-line wedding service … it is all of your wedding needs (from cakes to photographers) in one charming place.

review the list of our favorite event professionals … and come into the shop to see complete portfolios of their work (take a peek at our vendors here).

we have fun (and free) soirées, like cake-tasting teas and tiara designer trunk shows … (check out our upcoming events here).

swing by TruSo and plan the details of your party … or your children’s party.

No Longer by Appointment Only

Posted by lifevents at 1:54 pm

Vendor Shout Out – Anthony Garcia Flamenco Guitarist

Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends No Responses »
Jan 042010

Are you looking for something a little different from the classical strings at your ceremony?  Look no further.  Beautiful and romantic, flamenco guitar is your answer. 

We’ve loved to work with Anthony and his team and are so happy to give him a BIG 2010 VENDOR SHOUT OUT!  Here’s more about Anthony, you can visit his website at http://www.agarciaguitar.net/home.html and he can also be found at the website  www.sandiegoweddingsofdistinction.com/ where many great San Diego Wedding Vendors have come together:

Anthony Garcia
 Biography
Flamenco Guitarist 
Anthony GarciaMy interest in flamenco began when I was in high school. I had the fortune of taking classes with a guitar teacher who made studying basic music theory palatable to a 15 year old, a true gift for any teacher. As I expanded my listening from rock to jazz, Latin, classical, and flamenco, there was one style that really left me moved: flamenco.Around 1989 I took some classes with local guitarists Paco Sevilla and Rodrigo Flores, then spent a year in Spain in 1991 – 1992 taking classes with Iñaki Alberro, a student of Andres Batista. Upon returning, I took classes with classical guitarist Robert Wetzel, then with flamenco guitarist John Moore (aka Juan Moro).

Artistically, I have been far more influenced by Vicente Amigo, ,José Jiménez – El Viejín Rafael Riqueni, Ramón Jiménez, Gerardo Núñez, Manolo Sanlúcar, Paco de Lucía, Manolo Franco and Paco Peña than anyone else, and it is much of their music I perform for events.

I graduated from USD in 1995 with a degree in International Relations.
Posted by lifevents at 3:27 pm

{Weddings/Charity} I have such wonderfully giving vendors

Family & Kids, Fantabulous Charities, Parties, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Dec 242009

So, my son goes to a wonderful daycare here in San Diego.  They are very involved with the community and many children’s lives.  Here is an email I was sent on Monday, Dec. 22nd:

I know I posted this around and you have probably seen Brandon on the news. He will be on the news again tomorrow right before chemo.

I have known Brandon since he was 2 years old. He is now 7. Brandon is this kid that has had so much energy and a crazy cool personality.He was diagnosed with cancer in the stem of his brain (look up DIPG). He is on tons of steroids and other meds with crazy side affects.

In a short time Brandon will become paralyzed right before he goes blind as it is with this type of cancer.

There have been other fund raisers for Brandon that have helped Brandon pack a lot into a small amount of time. We are now trying to raise funds as quickly as possible to hire a professional videographer and photographer that is least invasive to this family so that the best memories from this time are captured. We also want to allow a fund that will help many more family members to be able to afford more time from work as most of them are saving time off for the end. We hope they can afford some time now as well.

The other day Brandon was acting out a little and was put in a time out (trying to keep as much normalcy as possible). Then it was thought, Brandon doesn’t have enough time for a time out.

9 months is the average time this diagnoses allows.

If your even thinking about adding Brandon to your gift list, please don’t wait. We would like to do as much as possible as soon as possible. Look up DIGP and then please write any amount ( I mean any amount, I know times are hard for us all… no amount is too small, I really mean that).

Make the check payable to BRANDON SHIVELY BENEFIT FUND and send it to 1787 Pentuckett Ave San Diego, Ca. 92104. We will give any notes wishes prayers and money to the family.

Being a wedding planner and designer, I was in the unique position to have many wonderful vendor contacts, so I contacted two of my favorites:  Tim Otto of Tim Otto Photography and Marc Lehman of Ashley Video Productions.  These two wonderfully, giving vendors have offered to help this family obtain some very wonderful memories of their time together.  The details are still being worked out, but I do hope to post any updates that may come about.  Thank you, thank you to our wonderful vendors, Tim and Marc.  I hope that any of you out there who are looking for a photographer or videographer, give these two a little love back;)

Posted by lifevents at 1:48 pm

{Weddings/Coupling} Candelas on the Bay – Coronado

Coupling/Nesting, Fab Finds - $ Saving Tips, General Tips, Fab Products, Feast & Sip, Parties, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Sep 222009

This past Friday we were fortunate enough to be hosted by Kim, the wonderful Special Events coordinator at Candelas on the Bay in Coronado.  Not only does this restaurant have great food and superb service, it has an amazing view of the bay and downtown skyline.  And, as a bonus, they have live music on Friday evenings.  We had dinner on the patio deck which has large umbrellas with heaters built into them, but the evening was so pleasant they weren’t even needed.  The patio is protected with clear glass panels so the wind is kept out, but not the scenery.

What some people might not know is that Candelas can be used very successfully for a wedding reception.  Whether you just want to rent out a portion or the entire place, they are very accomodating.  As an added bonus, you can even get married on the sand with the lovely bay and downtown skyline as your backdrop.  Candelas will take care of all the permit paperwork for you so all you have to do is pay for the nominal permit fee.  After your ceremony on the beach, your guests can mingle and have cocktails while the sun sets and then make the quick walk (literally across the sidewalk) into Candelas for a scrumptious meal.

Candelas would be perfect for an engagement party, rehearsal dinner or full reception.  One more thing you should know that is so cool – they are right by the ferry landing.  This would be such a fun couple’s evening out – dinner at Candelas, ferry to downtown where you can walk around Seaport Village and then ferry back to Coronado.  Call Kim at 619.435.4900 to set-up an appointment at Candelas.  You can visit Candelas’ website at www.candelas-coronado.com.

I’ve attached some pictures of our evening – even the food is beautiful.  For an appetizer we enjoyed Estructura de Aquacate:  Haas avocado stuffed with scallops, shrimp and crab, marinated in lime juice and tossed with parsley, tomato and onion served with basil and mango vinaigrette.  For entrees we enjoyed the following:  Camarones Cabo de Puertas - jumbo prawn flamed with tequila and served over a raw sashimi grade of ahi tuna.  Served over rice and topped with avocado, tamarindo sauce and a balsamic vinaigrette demiglace; and Placer Plablano – Beef filet grilled and served over a green tomatillo sauce with mashed potatoes, mozzarella stuffed jalapenos, julienne poblano chiles and tlacoyos. 

For all you vino-philes out there, you will be thrilled to know that Candelas on the Bay has an amazing wine list.  Wines from the usual haunts like Napa and Italy, but also wines from France, Chile, Argentina and of course, Spain.  There are a range of prices to satisfy everyone’s palate and pocketbook.

Check out some pictures of our evening at this romantic restaurant.

Posted by lifevents at 1:52 pm

{Weddings/Parties} Shout Out to Ashley Video Productions

Fab Finds - $ Saving Tips, General Tips, Fab Products, Parties, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Sep 162009

This week’s vendor shout out goes to Ashley Video Productions – Marc you rock!  We love this videographer, they are invisibly efficient, fun to work with and highly professional.  You can visit their website to learn more about them at:  ashleyweddingvideography.com

And, here’s a little blurb we copied from their website so you can get a taste:

If you desire wedding videography that is rich with detail, beauty and romance…if you want a wedding video that will help you relive all of the fun and excitement of your wedding day.

Ashley Video Productions is the company you have been looking for!

We produce wedding videography with a sensitivity for style and romance that make our wedding videos special. We have honed our talents to provide brides and grooms with the finest wedding videography available anywhere, at any price. Each wedding we do is a new and wonderful experience that receives our complete attention, energy and enthusiasm. From our first meeting until our work is complete we will combine our talent and technique with your wants and desires to ensure your wedding videography expectations are fulfilled.

We are anxious to meet the brides and grooms we will be working with in the future. We want couples who admire classic style, appreciate quality and love romance as we do. If this is you, then we want to meet you. We may just be what each other has been looking for. Call or e-mail today for a sample of our wedding videography.

If you have any doubt that what we have detailed about our approach to producing wedding videography is not exactly what you are looking for, then we encourage you to consider other wedding video companies. It is paramount that you see a videographer’s work before making a decision but it is also important to listen to what a company emphasizes. Not just what they say they may do for you but how they will do it. Listen to what they emphasize as important to them.

If the videographer’s priorities match yours, then your decision will be an easy one. If you feel good about what we have said we will do for you, then call or e-mail today and we will send you a sample of our work for your consideration.

Posted by lifevents at 11:26 am

{Weddings} Fantabulous Photos of the Week – Studio Paris

Fab Finds - $ Saving Tips, General Tips, Fab Products, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Sep 112009

We love Joseph at Studio Paris!  He has a fantastic dry sense of humor evidenced in his content on his website (http://www.studioparis.com/), but what really stands out when you meet him or read about him or view his amazing portfolio is that he is very passionate about photography.  Take a little peek at the pictures here and then visit his website for more wedding candy.

Posted by lifevents at 4:40 pm

{Weddings} Beautiful Santa Barbara Garden Venue – Montecito Farms

Fab Finds - $ Saving Tips, General Tips, Fab Products, Parties, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Sep 112009

 

Montecito Farmhouse

We recently were lucky enough to be introduced this beautiful venue for a wedding, event or just a relaxing getaway.  Please read all about Montecito Farms and view their website for more information.  If you decide to stay there, please let them know where you found them.
Wedding Venue & Vacation Rental

Immaculate white gates swing open, welcoming you in to be swept away by the intoxicating allure of this romantic garden estate.  In the glow of the Santa Barbara sun, it is one of those “pinch yourself” moments where reality blurs and the dream begins to unfold.  The breathtaking beauty of this picture perfect garden takes hold and you begin to feel as if you could celebrate not just your wedding day, but an entire lifetime in this magical setting.

Nestled at the end of a quiet lane in one of the most exclusive enclaves in America, the gardens of the Montecito Farmhouse look like pages torn from a storybook.  The mild Santa Barbara climate makes this garden a year round venue for a fairy tale wedding in any season.  Giant trees canopy the entrance to the romantic estate and give way to a tapestry of sweeping lawns, intimate theme gardens, and a babbling brook that runs year round.
  
Near the entrance sits the charming Dower Cottage, which is the perfect place for the bride and her maids to dress for the ceremony.  Recently used for a magazine photo shoot, its elegant country interiors are ideal for pre-ceremony photos.  Lofty ceilings, antique chandeliers, a natural stone fireplace, a country kitchen and stunning bath could tempt the newly weds to spend the first night of their honeymoon here.

Slowly and seductively, the gardens of the Montecito Farmhouse are revealed in one delicious layer after another.  The first theme garden that unfolds near the entrance is the Tuscan Garden.  A perfect place to receive guests, this garden reads like a huge outdoor living and dining room. Glistening chandeliers hang from a stately oak that canopies the outdoor room, which is beautifully appointed with elegant yet casual furnishings.  Adding to its charm, most of the year this garden is ringed with a wall of enormous pots brimming with hydrangeas.

Leaving the Tuscan Garden via stone lined paths that cross lush lawns punctuated with sparkling fountains and whimsical swings, the most expansive vista of the estate comes into view.  And what a view it is.  Pristine mountains against a cerulean sky create a breathtaking silhouette.  There is an abundance of space here to erect pavilions, tents, dance floors or whatever else you envision for your special day.

Wander the paths amid billowy clouds of hydrangeas and a profusion of camellia blossoms as gentle sea breezes stir the fragrance of the 150-bush Rose Garden.  Discover intimate outdoor rooms designed to encourage guests to relax and reflect as they soak in the dramatic ambiance of the Four Seasons Garden as well as the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden.  Continue the stroll past a myriad of sun kissed fruit and citrus trees that complete this botanical wonderland.
  
The magnificent gardens of the Montecito Farmhouse can easily accommodate a ceremony or reception of 300 or more guests, yet it is intimate enough to wrap a warm welcome around a much smaller gathering.   There is ample room for catering logistics, and the property has been designed to supply power for additional lighting and equipment.
  
Cradled between the majestic mountains of Santa Barbara and the crystal blue Pacific, the gardens of the Montecito Farmhouse celebrate the gift of this venue’s amazing location to the fullest.  For those fortunate enough to stroll its paths, the alluring powers of these romantic gardens are felt as well as seen.  The timeless appeal of this remarkable setting is sure to captivate, leaving an impression to last a lifetime.

Posted by lifevents at 12:17 am

Fantabulous Photo of the Week

Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Sep 042009

This week’s beautiful photo is from one of our absolutely favorite photographers, Tim Otto.  You can view more of his amazing work at www.timotto.com.  Here’s an example of his discerning eye and ability to capture the romance of your wedding day.

Tim Otto Photography

Tim Otto Photography

Posted by lifevents at 11:19 pm

{Weddings/Parties} Vendor Shout Out: U.S. Grant

Fab Finds - $ Saving Tips, General Tips, Fab Products, Parties, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Sep 022009
U.S. Grant

U.S. Grant

This week’s vendor shout out goes to the luxury U.S. Grant Hotel.  This downtown, historic hotel is absolutely stunning.  Contemporary yet holding onto its rich history, it evokes luxury at every corner.  The rooms are amazingly comfortable and decorated with customized artwork in each room. 

The U.S. Grant is one of our favorite venues to work.  The staff is impeccable and incredibly helpful.  If you’re looking for an amazing downtown vibe with historical significance and a contemporary feel, you MUST check out the U.S. Grant.  From friendly valet to the professional event coordinators, you will be treated with the utmost respect.

Visit:  http://www.usgrant.net/weddings.html to view more information.

Posted by lifevents at 2:20 am

{Weddings/Parties} This Week’s Shout Out – Kathy Wright & Co.

Fab Finds - $ Saving Tips, General Tips, Fab Products, Fab Flowers, Free Wedding Tips/Free Wedding Advice, Parties, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Aug 262009
Kathy Wright & Co. - Ambiance

Kathy Wright & Co. - Ambiance

This week, we give a warm vendor shout out to Kathy Wright & Co.  KW&Co. provide amazing floral design for weddings & events.  Kathy and her team of creative minds work together to bring the most unique and innovative ideas to their clients.

Posted by lifevents at 2:08 am

New Member of the LifEvents Team!

Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends No Responses »
Aug 252009

We are so excited to introduce our newest member of the team.

Sarah Fierro is an Associate Planner and our Military Specialist. As a Marine daughter and wife, she has spent many years planning and attending military weddings, birthday balls, retirement ceremonies, going away parties, deployment events, and homecoming celebrations. Every military event includes time honored customs Sarah understands and can incorporate for you! She specializes in identifying qualified officiants, vendors who offer government rates, and venues capable of accommodating military traditions.

Sarah holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences and is now earning her Bachelor Degree in Literature and Writing Studies. She is a published journalist and has worked in entertainment news and public relations. As a military child, her family traveled around the US and to Japan. Now she lives on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton with her husband Luis. Sarah recently received a Meeting & Event Planning Certificate from Cal State University. Using her diverse background, she can help you plan an event that mixes your cultural, religious, and family traditions. She believes every day is a new adventure, and your wedding should be one too!

Posted by lifevents at 2:31 am

{Weddings/Parties} Fantabulous Edgy & Talented Photographer

Parties, Shout Out to our Fantabulous Friends, Weddings No Responses »
Aug 182009

We love to use photographers who are not only talented, but fun to work with and who have an eye for edgy details.

Here’s this week’s Shout Out to Brett Rose Photography.  Visit them at http://www.ultimateweddingphotography.com/ to view the portfolio and learn more.

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