The Waterfront Hilton, Huntington Beach

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The Waterfront Hilton in Huntington Beach....where do I even begin??  It's the things that I love most that I have the hardest time articulating.  I just have so much excitement I know I'll never be able to do it justice in a single blog post!  But, what I can say is that this is where it all started!  I did my second wedding ever here, and was so fortunate to meet Danielle and Vanessa, the two most amazing catering managers ever!  Now, two years later I feel so lucky every day to be one of their preferred wedding coordinators!  Everyone that works at this property has unbelievable customer service and really makes it enjoyable for us as vendors to work there.  But even better, they make the bride and groom, as well as their family and guests feel extremely welcome and special.
Recently, they just opened the waterfront event boutique which really allows couples to come in and play with lighting, different linens, chairs, table settings and more.  It is honestly a planner and florist's dream when doing a mock tablescape for a bride!!  The entire boutique is so interactive and really let's brides get a feel for Waterfront Hilton wedding, rather than trying to picture it in an empty ballroom.
I could honestly sit and tell stories all day about past weddings, great stories about the valet, bellman, banquet staff, front desk, and every other department and how they have gone above and beyond at some point or another.  But you really just have to go experience it for yourself!! 
See more pictures and find more information on their FACEBOOK page!

  

Real Advice From a Real Bride: Include your Father!

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I am very excited to introduce a new segment I will be featuring on my blog called "Real Advice From a Real Bride."  Here, my past brides will share a short anecdote or piece of advice from their special day....something they didn't expect, something they really enjoyed, or anything they would love to pass along to you.  Our first post is from a gorgeous September bride, Lauren Moffat.  I hope you enjoy!

"It's easy to forget to include your dad in all of the getting ready madness.  You get it in your head that the hair/make-up area is just for you, your mom, and your bridesmaids... but your father is still your father, and he wants to spend time with you before the big moment of giving you away!  Someone gave me this tip, so before all the changing went on, I had my dad come into the bridal suite and thanked him not only for the wedding, but for everything he's done for me.  It was a really nice moment, and he really appreciated not being relegated to another area the whole morning.  And don't forget to have your photographer capture it on film.  Even if you're wearing a funny tank-top like I was!" -Lauren Moffat

Photo Credit: www.clickchicksphotography.com
Photo Credit: www.clickchicksphotography.com

How Do You Decide Whom to Marry? As Told by Children

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My friend Keely, from my sorority, always sends the best forwards!!  She sent me this one the other day and I had to post it because it is so gosh darn cute and funny!!  If only our lives were as simple and carefree as these children!

HOW TO DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY
AS TOLD BY CHILDREN
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY?

"You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff.  Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dips coming."
Alan, age 10

"No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry.  God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with."
Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
"Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then."
Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
"You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids."
Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
"Both don't want any more kids."
Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
"Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other.  Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough."
Lynette, age 8

"On a first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually get them interested enough to go for a second date."
Martin, age 8

WHEN IS IT OK TO KISS SOMEONE?
"When they're rich."
Pam, age 7

"The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that."
Curt, age 7

"The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them.  It's the right thing to do."
Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
"It's better for girls to be single but not for boys.  Boys need someone to clean up after them."
Anita, age 9

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
"There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
Kelvin, age 8

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
"Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck."
Ricky, age 10

Finding Your Perfect Dress: Part III

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Ok, here it is!  The final installment of Finding Your Perfect Dress!  Like everything else about your wedding, it's all about the timing!

Make sure to check out Part I and Part II if you haven't seen them yet!  Thank you so much to The Knot for having this wonderful article available online as a great resource!

When to Begin

Two words: Shop early. Nine to twelve months before the wedding is ideal, since it's best to have about six months to spare for fittings. Why? Unless you buy a ready-to-wear gown or a sample, wedding gowns are custom-made (and any beading are likely hand-sewn). Then, once the gown arrives, it must be altered -- usually several times -- to fit you perfectly. That said, many companies can turn a gown around quickly. If you have less than six months, it's not impossible, just get started pronto. One tip: Go simple. As a rule, the less complicated the gown, the less time it takes to make and fit.
If you have lots of time, you can hit every salon, shop 'til you drop, and agonize over your gown decision. Most important, be decisive!
9 to 12 Months Before
[ ] Start envisioning yourself in your wedding gown. Think about your everyday style. Now write down six adjectives that best describe how you want to look and feel (summery, sweet, elegant, royal, sexy, sophisticated, demure, over-the-top, to name a few).
[ ] Choose the time of day and formality of your wedding before you set foot in a store.
[ ] Start learning the ins and outs of wedding gowns. Get the lingo down and determine which design elements will complement your body.
[ ] Hone in on a specific style. Browse through the thousands of options on The Knot Wedding Dress Search to find designers and styles you like. Save some of your favorites and print them out. Jot down a few names and gown elements that you find especially appealing.
[ ] Now get some paper and a pencil and put into words what you absolutely do not want in a gown (for example, short sleeves, a full skirt, or beading).
[ ] Determine your gown budget -- a good guideline is to spend 10% of your overall wedding budget.
8 Months Before
[ ] Find two or three salons that suit you. Ask recently married friends where they bought their gowns and whether they had a good experience. Check to see which salons carry the designers you like. Call and make appointments, allowing at least one hour at each salon. Use a notebook to keep track of the salons, addresses, dates, and times.
[ ] Decide who to bring and invite them along. Limit your entourage to no more than three oglers at once.
[ ] Get your gear ready. Many salons provide some of the essentials listed below, but they may not fit properly:
             -A strapless bra or bustier
             -A slip if you plan to try on sheaths or slip dresses
             -Shoes with approximately the same heel height you plan to wear on your wedding day
             -Tissues for when your mom sees you in your first gown
[ ] As you shop take careful notes on the dresses and the designers you like and write down descriptions of the gowns with prices.
[ ] A few words on sizing: Wedding gowns can run small. The store will measure your bust, waist, and hips, consult the individual manufacturer's sizing chart, and order the size that matches your largest measurement (it's much easier and less expensive to take in a dress than to let it out).
7 Months Before
[ ] Narrow down your gown choices and go for a second (or third or fourth!) salon visit. You can return as many times as you like. No matter how indecisive you think you are, you probably won't come close to being the most neurotic bride they've ever helped. Also, make at least one trip on your own (so you can ponder your options without others' opinions coloring your thoughts).
[ ] At the salon, ask if the gown has coordinating accessories (veil or shawl) and try them on, too. Don't feel pressured to order anything: You still have time to look elsewhere for accessories.
6 Months Before
[ ] Order your gown. Make sure the following contract points are in writing on your receipt:
             -designer name
             -style number or name
             -size or measurements the salon is sending to the manufacturer
             -approximate delivery date
             -how many fittings are included in the price (if any)
             -how much money you still owe for the gown
             -amount of your deposit and that it's marked paid
5 Months Before
[ ] Call the salon to confirm the delivery date.
[ ] Decide what accessories -- shoes, lingerie, jewelry, headwear, wrap, gloves, outerwear, and bag -- you need (or want!) and shop for them. For ideas, check out The Knot Accessory Search.
[ ] If you plan to lose weight before your wedding, do so before your fittings begin. Once fittings are underway, try to maintain your weight. (Better yet, forget about the diet -- obviously he thinks you look great just the way you are.)
6 Weeks Before (or once your gown has arrived)
[ ] Have your first fitting. Invite an honest, sharp-eyed friend or family member to come along. Bring your accessories, too, so you can see the whole look.
4 to 5 Weeks Before
[ ] Have your second fitting. Make sure that:
             -The hem of a full-length gown skims the tops of the toes of your shoes
             -You can move comfortably
             -The gown stays in place as you move
             -There is no obvious wrinkling, bunching, or pulling
[ ] Continue to schedule fittings until you are completely satisfied.
[ ] Bring your maid of honor to your final fitting to learn about the gown. Does it need bustling? Ask the salesperson to teach her how to do it. Does it have complicated straps or buttons? Make sure she knows how to work them. Also, find out how to banish last-minute wrinkles. Should you use an iron? On what setting? Is steaming a better option? And what if you spill something on the gown? Are there certain products you should or shouldn't use?
3 Weeks Before
[ ] Schedule a day and time to pick up your gown from the salon. We suggest you try it on one last time, no matter what the salon says, especially if it's been a while since your last fitting. We all know stress affects our appetites, and if you suddenly don't fit into your gown you need time to adjust it, or your diet.
[ ] Pick up your gown!

Finding Your Perfect Dress: Part II

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Ok, now on to Part II of finding your perfect dress.  If you missed Part I, be sure to check it out!  This is going to remind you of those magazine articles that tell you about the perfect bathing suite or pair of jeans for you body type.  So here you have it.... advice based on body shape, and then on dress structure as well.  Enjoy!

Monique Lhullier

Hourglass: Two-piece and corset dresses enhance the hourglass figure. Beautiful ball gowns and corseted bodices normally work for the bust line as well. Bridal bouquets should not overwhelm. Bridal headpieces should not be overdone if the bridal ball gown is elaborate.


Pear shaped. A-line princess dresses disguise fuller hips and the pear shaped body types best.  This also balances torso to bust. Chapel length bridal veils add sleeker lines. For wedding hairstyles don’t have all your hair swept up to help emphasize balance.
Petite:  Clean, unbroken contours without too much fabric tend to elongate. Big Ball gowns and mermaid wedding dress shapes can overwhelm. Chapel or finger-tip bridal veils ensure that the petite bride is framed well. Keep bridal accessories and wedding accessories to a minimum.
Tall: From ball gowns, princess line and A- line wedding dresses, straight bridal dresses and mermaid dresses; all are great for the tall bride who can carry almost any dress style.  Avoid empire line dresses that can look almost “tent like”. Avoid wedding flowers or bouquets that are too small or large. Ensure they work proportionately with you and your body type.

Fuller waisted:  Princess-line and drop waist wedding dresses are most flattering. Draw the eye up with stunning bridal and wedding accessories. Bridal shoes with height may assist
Broader shoulder: Broader shouldered brides should veer from halter and off-the-shoulder necklines, which tend to accentuate the shoulders.  Try strapless and scoop necklines. For bridal accessories fine delicate jewelry works best with your body type.

Fuller busted:  Bridal corsets can work magic. Wedding dresses that are scoop and square necklines enhance bust lines. Widely set apart straps diminish fuller busted figures.

Fuller Arms:  Off the shoulder straps or sheer fabric is a great wedding dress tip. In solid fabric, usually three-quarter or long sleeve works best to elongate the line of the arm. Sleeves should not be cut tight.
Pronovias
Ball Gown/Full Skirt: Ball gown type dresses are recommended for the following body types: Full figured, pear shaped, and thin.  This style may also be considered for some people who are petite or have a hour glass figure.
Empire Waist: Empire waist gowns are recommended for women who are petite or do not have a defined waistline. They may also be considered for women with an inverted pear shaped body.
This style is not recommended for women with hour glass figures.
A-Line Princess: A-line gowns are recommended for the most body types except for women who do not have a defined waistline.  While neither the A-line nor Princess has a defined waistline, the Princess style does have noticeable vertical panels.
Sheath: Sheath style gown are recommended for thin figured or petit framed women. They may also be considered for some women with a hour glass figure shaped body.
This style is not recommended for women who are thick or short waisted, full figured, or have a pear shaped body type.
Mermaid: Mermaid style gowns are recommended for woman with a figure that they want to show off.
This style is not recommended for women who are petite, thick or short waisted, or have an inverted pear shaped body type.
Stay tuned for Part III....the timeline of dress shopping, fittings, pick up date and more.

Finding Your Perfect Dress: Part I

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So are you ready to take on one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning?  Finding the perfect dress can be filled with mixed emotions.  There can be tears of happiness, and then tears of frustration...  Hopefully you can find a few pointers in this first post about dress shopping helpful to keep you sane.
I'm sorry, but how can you resist Kate Hudson in this scene of Bride Wars!!
Found On: www.hollywoodchicago.com
Getting Started:

Spend some time looking through bridal magazines and blogs to get an idea of what you think you like.  Maybe you tend to be drawn to a certain style or designer.  Tear out pictures of things you like, and things you do NOT like...those are equally as helpful!

Also, consider the season, style, formality and setting of your wedding.  A black tie affair will certainly not have the same type of a dress as a beach wedding nor as a garden wedding.
Make sure to keep your personal style in mind.  Consider how you normally dress.  You may not feel comfortable in something completely out of the realm of the style you are used to.

Research:
Before you begin shopping make sure you know the basics about cost and design. Some designers have different names for wedding dress styles but here are the basic five: 
(Check back for Part II to learn more about dress styles!)
A-Line or Princess: Fitted in the body, then flows out toward the ground.
Ball Gown: Fitted in the body with a full skirt.
Mermaid: Contours the body from the chest to knee, then flows to hem.
Sheath or Column: Straight, form-fitted from the shoulders to the hem.
Empire: Raised waist line sits below the bust. Dress flows down to hem.

Budget
When calculating pricing, factor in tax, shipping and alteration expenses.
Don't forget to budget for shoes and accessories.
Before you step foot in the bridal shop make sure you’ve viewed wedding websites that offer online wedding dress galleries. This is a great way to get an idea of what designers fit your budget.
What to Bring to Your Fitting
-A trusted friend or relative
-Appropriate undergarments: underwear, strapless bra or bustier, pantyhose or a slip.
-Shoes similar in height to what you plan to wear at your wedding.
-A notebook to jot down details and ideas
-The designer and style numbers for the dresses that you like
-A camera to compare dresses and to see how the dress photographs. (Some salons will not allow you take pictures until you have purchased the dress)
Order and Purchase Your Dress:
When you request a contract make sure it includes:
-The name of the designer, style number, size, and any other measurements
-The date and time the dress will be ready
-The amount you have paid and the amount you owe.
-What fittings and accessories are included.

Stay tuned for Part II about dress styles and body types!