Big Changes are Happening!

Why have I not been blogging here on The Soup? Let' just say that some REALLY huge changes have been happening in my life, since I started Wish Upon a Wedding. It's funny how your career path follows a natural transgression.

I started my business 3 1/2 years ago, after a couple decades in various event planning roles. Over time, I've volunteered A LOT for various nonprofit organizations, and I fell in love with that type of work. My heart is in helping others.

When I saw the need to offer weddings for people facing life threatening illness, my path once again changed, and I decided it was time to start a nonprofit organization.

I have a few more clients I am currently working with in 2010, but I have stopped taking any new clients for future dates. I'm just too busy, setting up chapters of our nonprofit organization all across the country! So far, we have SIXTEEN chapters set up- most of which are ready to grant wishes to terminally ill individuals.

Check out some recent media about Wish Upon a Wedding http://wishuponawedding.org/media/ and don't forget to watch this video of Christian and Rehanna- It pretty much sums up why I am changing directions in my career path. I still LOVE weddings- don't get me wrong- I am just making sure that EVERYONE gets their dream wedding, regardless of their health.

WUW:: Rehanna + Christian from bliss productions on Vimeo.

Get Married Media selects Wish Upon a Wedding a Charity of Choice!

Announcing: Wish Upon a Wedding is Charity of Choice for Get Married Media!

We are so incredibly happy to announce our partnership with Get Married Media. It is an unparalleled union to support the mission of Wish Upon a Wedding, and starting today Wish Upon a Wedding will be the charity of choice & the National Media Partner for Get Married Media, Inc.

Get Married Media will increase the organization’s exposure both nationally and within local chapters on behalf of Wish Upon a Wedding by supporting the organization & the wish recipients! Get Married will provide ads in their quarterly magazine to raise awareness and we will be shooting PSAs for their weekly TV show on WE!

Wish Upon a Wedding and will also be featured on the Get Married Blog on Stacie’s page. And if that isn’t enough…they have agreed to consider features on our wedding wishes & videos shot by our wish granters including showcasing our wish recipients weddings on their TV show.
And there’s more!! Get Married will also provide products for our launch parties and printed products branded for WUW for our events.

This partnership is so amazing; we could never have imagined it. Stacie Francombe and the entire Get Married Media family have worked so hard on our behalf, and this just goes to show that they truly believe in our cause and mission. As America’s first non profit wedding wish granting organization, it’s important to us to have such great endorsements from the best of the best and Get Married does that for Wish Upon a Wedding.

Thank you so much to Get Married Media & Stacie Francombe for choosing Wish Upon a Wedding!

National Raise Awareness Week!

Spread The Good Word... Presidents Sasha Souza, NationalKevin Covey, LA/Orange CountyStella Inserra, New YorkIvy Robinson, The CarolinasEliana Baucicault, AtlantaMary Alice Sublett, TennesseeHeather Hamilton Sims, HoustonShelby Tuck Horton, DCElisa Delgardio, OrlandoAli Phillips, ChicagoDaniela Fageʹ́t, Seattle �

"J" is for J*Flops

J*Flops are fun and unique flip flop designs, owned and designed by Jennifer Bernel.

How Jennifer Got Started in the Business
Jennifer chose to create these flip flops because it is something fun, interesting, ever changing and she can make her own hours! "I have always wanted to have my own business and when this idea came to me I just ran with it." They are celebrating their five year anniversary this year!


J*Flops has been featured in several local magazines as well as the Sacramento Bee. J*Flops was also featured on Good Day Sacramento!

About Jennifer Bernel

Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in Communications/Public Relations and a certificate in meeting planning. Jennifer loves that her job doesn’t really get boring, and that there are always new creative ideas to explore. "I love working with brides and helping them to add a little something different and special to their big day."

Besides her job, Jennifer loves her family, "They make me smile and fill my heart with love." She has three kids, one was just born on February 12! (Congrats!) She also has a dog named Lily and a cat Noey(short for Noel).

Hottest Trends Right Now

Sparkle is in (when is it not, really!) and simplicity. Colors that seem to be popular are turquoise, brown, black and shades of pink. But that can all change with the seasons.

Favorite Type of Bride to Work With
and Most Unique and Unusual Experiences
Jennifer says her favorite type of bride is one that is creative and willing to think outside the box as far as colors or design – to make the flops something extra special for their bridesmaids. Also, brides that appreciate the work that goes into hand making the flops. "We carefully make each one to perfection and it is nice to work with brides that see that and are thankful for those special touches."


J*Flops has had many special requests, but one that stands out to Jennifer was one bride that wanted to truly create a pair of flops for each of her bridesmaids that said something about their personality. We ended up creating a horse themed pair for a girl that liked horses, a dog themed pair and several other distinct themed pairs including one that was for her friend that loved Miller Light beer – "Those turned out so cute!"

Several celebrities have J*Flops and wear them, hopefully we will see a famous bride walking down the aisle with a pair soon!

Pricing and Advice to Brides on How to Save Money!
J*Flops have affordable prices, so there is a pair to fit anyone’s budget! For styles on the website, prices range from $18 - $50. Custom orders start at about $20 and go up from there depending on what you want.


To save money Jennifer says, "Just think through reasons why you might want something that seems extravagant. Is it because it is something you really want to incorporate or is it a fad or new trend? Make sure it is something you really want."

In regard to flip flops, they make a great, inexpensive gift to bridesmaids, mother of the bride, flower girls etc., that can be worn the day of the wedding and then can become part of each person’s flip flop collection to wear all summer long, so you really get your money’s worth.

With weddings, since they are usually a one day affair, or maybe a weekend long event, ways in which to save money are finding ways to stretch your dollar, make it last longer, be more memorable and really say something about you as a couple – make it personal! That way the money you spend is well worth it.



www.jflops.com
Phone Number: 916-320-5137

"I" is for Ice Sculptures!

Ice Sculptures are a cool way to dress up any event.

Here are a few of the top Ice Sculpture Companies in the Bay Area:

Ice Illusions, San Francisco


Penguin Ice Company, San Jose

San Jose Ice Company, San Jose

"H" is for the Happy Couple!

The Winners of the 2010 San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway!

Congratulations Mike and Vanessa!

Valued at $100,000.00, this platinum style wedding is being donated to one lucky couple by the bay area’s top wedding vendors. After six weeks of public voting, the winning couple has been selected, and will be married on May 14, 2010 at Hotel Vitale in San Francisco. Over 350 couples entered the contest from all over the nation, and five of those made it to the finalists’ round.

Currently residing in Virginia, Vanessa Muza Teskey and Michael Hawkins were chosen by the public as America’s Sweethearts, and we are thrilled by this exciting news! Vicki Grafton of My Simple Details in Fairfax, VA surprised the couple with the news, and Silk and Silver Productions caught it all on video.

Vanessa and Mike met after graduating from the Air Force Academy, and fell in love after Michael’s friends encouraged him to ask her out. Mike deployed overseas and Vanessa was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. From 11,000 miles apart, their belief in God and the contest gave them hope for a brighter future. Throughout the course of the contest, Vanessa’s health has been improving.

Now they really have something to look forward to, as the prize they have won includes everything needed for a high-end, luxurious wedding, and all they have to do is show up!
Along with 75 of their closest friends and family, Vanessa and Mike will enjoy two separate catered parties: first a rehearsal dinner at 1 Fort Mason, and then the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing at Hotel Vitale. The wedding reception menu includes tray passed appetizers, and a three course Chef’s tasting plated dinner, followed by a custom-designed cake from Cake Coquette. Mike and Vanessa will dance to the sounds of The Misa Malone Project, enjoy wines from Robert Mondavi Winery, and have their images sketched by talented local caricature artist, Jon Casey.

Also included: Event designer, wedding planner, custom designed invitations, favors, three florists, classical guitarist for ceremony, jazz trio for cocktail hour, DJ/Emcee, specialty lighting, specialty linens, and all rentals. Wedding gown, bridesmaids’ dresses, mothers’ dresses, bridal party shoes, hair, makeup, spa treatments including manicures, pedicures and massages. A three night honeymoon to Napa at the Milliken Creek Inn & Spa tops off this dream destination wedding.

For a complete list of Dream Team Sponsors, please visit the website.
San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveway

All photos courtesy of Kate Triano
Bouquet from Holly Chapple

"G" is for Gordon Kelly Photography

Gordon Kelly Photography

Gordon Kelly is a photographer in San Jose, CA. He has been in the business for 21 years!

How Gordon Got Started in the Business

Gordon began photographing landscapes while working at the county. A few folks saw the images he was creating and asked if they were up for sale. "All of a sudden a light bulb went on- ‘making money, doing what I love?'” It was an easy answer. He started with family and children’s portraiture and then added weddings. Now weddings are his primary focus. Gordon talks about his inspiration, "I’m a people person and enjoy capturing all the emotion of a wedding day."

About Gordon Kelly

Gordon took a few dark room classes in college and lots of weeklong photography schools through professional associations. He was awarded Master of Photography through PPA in 1995. He has also won several awards through PPGBA and was named Photographer of the Year in consecutive years by PP of Santa Clara Valley.

Gordon loves when his clients look at their album for the first time. That is what he loves most about his job. Besides his job, Gordon loves his wife and five year-old son. "Trisha is the heartbeat of my soul and Evan is the light of my life." He also enjoys softball, gardening and cheering on the A’s, 49ers and Sharks!

Gordon's Wedding Experiences

Gordon and his assistant work about 22-25 weddings a year. Gordon jokes about his favorite type of bride to work with, "One whose check doesn’t bounce :0) Err, uh…I meant one who is on time and gives me the time to create."

After the wedding, the images are posted online about 10-14 days later. Couples have up to 6 months to place their album order. The hottest trend in photography right now is a modern look that is more lifestyle, and a lot of texture screens over the images.

Gordon's most unusual request was when a couple wanted to do an engagement session where they met IN A PARKING LOT! Gordon has photographed a few local professional athletes and also a few themed weddings (renaissance, 20’s, softball).

Pricing and Advice to Brides on How to Save Money

Gordon has a Commission that includes unlimited locations, myself and an associate photographer for up to 8 hours, online proofing for up to 6 months and a slideshow DVD of wedding images (up to 50 images). Everything else is Ala Carte.

Brides can save money by not bothering with the disposable cameras on the tables. "I have yet to find a bride who thought the money spent was worth it."

Gordon Kelly Photography
15132 Bel Escou Drive, San Jose
Office Hours: by Appointment only

Phone Number: 408-559-3144
www.gordonkellyphoto.com

"F" is for Felicia Events

Felicia Events, Lake Tahoe

Felicia Gantar is a wedding planner based in Lake Tahoe. She has been in business since 1999.

How Felicia Got Started in the Business

Felicia has been in the hospitality business since she was young. She went to Le Cordon Rouge (Culinary) in Sausalito, California. Once completed, a mentor advised her to go to the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program in San Francisco. "Great advice! I had a wonderful opportunity to work with the best in San Francisco and met my first wedding planner. I thought to myself, 'WOW I want to learn what he is doing!'"

About Felicia Gantar

Felicia had front and back of the house training. Then, she shadowed with wedding planners before starting her own business. "I still call other wedding planners to see if I can shadow them or work with them to continue to grow." Felicia also takes continued educational classes with ABC (Association Bridal Consultants) and attends seminars and conferences.

Felicia on top of being a member of ABC, she is also a member of NACE (National Association Catering Executives), and AWPI (Association for Wedding Professional International). Felicia has been featured in Wedding Affair Magizine, and received the NACE, 2008 Table Top Designer of the year, and NACE, 1st Place for Contemporary Table Design.

Felicia does about 16-20 weddings a year and loves bringing everything together, reminding the bride of details and assisting the bride with designing the wedding.

Besides her job, Felicia loves her family, "They are my strength and support team." She enjoys traveling, skiing, cooking with her husband and having friends over for a great dinner and wonderful wine. She has a Jack Russell dog named Dash, a cat named Buffy, and two birds named Rainbow and Snow.

Hottest Trends and Most Unusual and Unique Requests

Some of the hottest trends in the industry right now are LED lights, crystals, string curtains, and blue and teal colors.

In the Bay Area, Felicia loves the The City Club of San Francisco on Sansome Street. "I used to work there many years ago and it is a classy place."

Felicia's most unusual request was when she did a wedding in Virgina City, Nevada. The bride dressed up as a Spanish dancer and the groom was dressed completely in western wear! They had an acting team, “Pistol and the Petticoats,” act out a scene. The bride(Spanish dancer) acted like she just got off the train to marry the groom that had ordered her. (Yes, ordered her!) Then another woman(actress) comes running down the aisle screaming she was promised to the groom. Then there was a shoot out! "I would say that is the most interesting wedding I have done!"

Felicia had the pleasure of working for Ron Schwary, a movie producer from Hollywood (Tootsie, Batteries Not Included, Scent of a Women, Meet Joe Black, and the show “Medium”). He married Karen Feldman, a wonderful make-up artist out of New York. It was a private ceremony on a yacht at Lake Tahoe of only 40 people.

At a wedding that could have been a potential disaster, Felicia saved the day: A bride wanted to hire the local high school floral department to do the wedding flowers. Delivery time came and past and nobody was answering Felicia's calls. The wedding was in a back yard of the parents house, so Felicia cut flowers in neighboring yards and took ribbon from her emergency case and made a bouquet and a boutonniere for the groom. The high school showed with frozen flowers about 2 hours later!

Pricing and Advice to Brides on How to Save Money!

Every client is different, not one wedding is alike, so all weddings and prices are customized.

"On a very tight budget, I would suggest having a small ceremony around 10:30 a.m. and then serve brunch with light music in the back ground. Make it intimate."

Felicia Events, Lake Tahoe
http://www.feliciaevents.com/

Phone Number: (775) 783-1948
Office Hours: By Appointment

"E" is for Everything, by Ben Harper

"D" is for Diva Day

Bella Diva
Featuring Beauty Society Skincare Products

"Beauty Society Divas are women who know they can make a difference in their own lives, and in the lives of others." They are skincare consultants who understand the importance of giving back to those in need!

Liza Jensen, who is also known as "Bella Diva Liza" started her own business with Beauty Society about two years ago.

About Liza Jensen

After retiring from a stressful high tech executive position, Liza wanted to do something fun, leveraging her love of entertaining and theme-based events. She also wanted to work with women and give back to the community. She discovered a line of anti-aging skincare from Beauty Society that transformed her skin and also offered a fabulous business opportunity. She created Bella Diva to allow her to touch on all of these interests.

"I love being a Diva (skincare consultant) representing Beauty Society products! It is very rewarding when I can completely transform the skin of my clients (clearing blemishes, eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, reducing redness and dryness). I am also having the time of my life creating fabulous events for brides, mothers, girlfriends and divas at heart, while also raising funds for local charities."

Liza has twice received the honor of Beauty Society Diva of the Month (Dec 2008, July 2009)! This award is special recognition for outstanding achievement as a skincare consultant with Beauty Society. She loves being her own boss, transforming women’s complexions, creating fabulous events, giving back to the community, and offering this opportunity to other women to start their own business.

Besides her job, Liza loves her family! She has been married for 24 years to her Danish husband and has a 14 year-old son named Trevor who plays ice hockey for the San Jose Jr. Sharks Bantam AAA team! She admires her parents who have been married for 53 years!

She also loves to scrapbook. "You should see my Diva scrapbook! I display it at facial events. The founder and President of Beauty Society loved my Diva book so much that she commissioned me to make one for her which she proudly displays at her Corporate offices."

Hottest Trends and Memorable Experiences

Right now there is a lot of partnerships going on. Women and small businesses are working together. There is also a lot of pampering of women. "We do so much for others, it is my absolute pleasure to pamper women and help them relax and take care of themselves."

Liza loves to do bridal pamper parties! This is a great event to hold before the wedding week. It helps brides and members of the bridal party to bond with each other. It is also a fun thing to do as part of a girl’s night/bachelorette party.

She has done facial parties while her clients received pedicures, had afternoon tea, and enjoyed private shopping in clothing boutiques. Martini & Makeover parties are among her most popular events. Diva Day massage & facial events to benefit the fight against breast cancer have also been a big hit. These Diva Day facial events are open to the public, and I sponsor at least one per month.

One of her favorite products for brides is Liquid Luxury. It is a beautiful blue color that is often given to brides as “something blue”. Liquid Luxury is perfect for dry patches (cuticles, elbows) or as a bath treatment. George Clooney uses Liquid Luxury as a massage oil for his hands.

Another favorite is Photo Shoot, a facial primer worn under make-up. It diffuses and deflects light away from the skin, giving your skin a luminous smoothness, softening fine lines, shrinking pores and evening out discoloration. Celebrity make-up artists and photographers love Photo Shoot. This is a favorite of Kim Kardashian and she has blogged about it.

Celebrity make-up artist Nathan Johnson (clients include Alicia Keyes, Paul McCartney, Ice T, Annette Bening, and the cast of Project Runway) loves their make-up and skincare products. His favorites are Poker Face (topical muscle relaxant and wrinkle reducing cream), Photo Shoot, and Keep It Lite (oil free moisturizer). Nathan often includes Beauty Society products in his blogs.

Pricing and Advice to Brides on How to Save Money!

Facial parties are often complimentary if the host provides the refreshments. When Liza is providing a full service experience at a unique location, then the event price is negotiable. A Diva Day event is often done to benefit a charity (most often the fight against Breast Cancer).

Save Money by hosting a complimentary Bella Diva facial event for a unique treat for your bridal party!

Diva Day Benefit for the Fight Against Breast Cancer

February 20, 2010

It will be held at Simply Smashing boutique in Campbell, 241 E. Campbell Ave. #B, Campbell, CA 95008. Massages, facials, in-store specials and refreshments. No appointment necessary. Drop-ins welcome any time that day, noon - 4 pm, or RSVP with Liza at 408.821.8862.

www.lizajensen.societyskincare.com

www.facebook.com/belladivabeauty

Phone Number: (408) 821-8862

Office Hours: Flexible hours by appointment, evening & weekend facial events

"C" is for Cookies!

Parker's Crazy Cookies

Parker's Crazy Cookies LLC was created over three years ago by owner, David Parker. He makes people into vanilla cookies! David created a cookie of a professional football player and just made “Sully” the pilot into a cookie. He also made cookies of Ryan Seacrest and Ellen K from the radio station 101.3.

They are Kosher Certified, Licensed by the Collegiate Licensing Company and a member of the Fair Labor Association. They have been featured in Diablo Magazine Feb. 2010 issue, Daily Candy, Contra Costa Times, and now on The Soup!!

About David Parker

David started out by making cookies of his college water polo team to help out with fundraising. Later on, all of his buddies wanted him to make cookies of them for their weddings, so he started the business! David has always loved people and cookies, so his talent came naturally. His work style is lighthearted and fun. When asked what he loves most about his job David replied,"Making people into cookies!" Besides his job, David loves his friends, music, and UCLA sports...Go Bruins!

Artistic Influences and Product Uniqueness

David is influenced by his mom. He also notes that Parker's Crazy Cookies is the only company who is creating this type of product. Other cookie company's create pictures in frosting, not using the actual cookie itself.

Pricing and Advice to Brides on How to Save Money!

There is a 25 minimum per design, so for a wedding, cookies of the bride and groom would be a 50 bag minimum at $4.99 to $5.99 per bag(depending on the cookie size). There is also a $20.00 setup fee for the original artwork.

It is much cheaper to order in bulk!

Parker’s Crazy Cookies LLC, Crazy Cookie Factory 25447 Mission Blvd,Hayward,CA
Website: www.parkerscrazycookies.com

Phone Number:510-847-2634
Office Hours: 8-7

"B" is for Bella Bridesmaid

Bella Bridesmaid of Los Gatos, CA



Bella Bridesmaid was created in 2000 by Southern gal Bridget Brown in response to an overwhelming need for stylish, wearable, and modern bridesmaid dresses. The boutique was so well received that Bella Bridesmaid became a franchise in May 2006.

The Los Gatos Bella Bridesmaid owned and operated by Debra Chin opened in 2009 and is one of the newest of the nearly 40 Bella Bridesmaid locations across the country.

About Debra Chin

Debra was a VP of Marketing for a software company that was acquired by Dell, and wanted to do something entrepreneurial leveraging her passion for fashion. Her experience as a frustrated bridesmaid having to wear expensive, unbecoming, and poorly made dresses led to her interest in opening Bella Bridesmaid in Los Gatos. She says, “I lived ‘27 Dresses’!”



Bella Bridesmaid provides training for its owners before each location is launched. And she belongs to Bay Area Wedding Network.

Debra loves helping brides find dresses that they and their bridesmaids love to wear at and after the wedding!

Besides her job, Debra loves travelling to new and exotic places around the globe!



Debra’s Favorite Type of Bride to Work With and Most Unusual Request

Debra loves to work with brides who have an idea of what they are interested in, yet are open to options in terms of colors, fabrications, and styles.

Debra says her most unusual request was with a bride who was expecting and had only three weeks until the wedding to find a dress. Thankfully, they helped find her something that she loved and looked terrific in!

Hottest Trends Right Now



Designers are favoring softer fabrics over traditional taffeta and shantung, such as silk chiffon, organza, and silk charmeuse. The one shoulder dress is back and above the knee lengths are now an option.

Pricing at Bella Bridesmaid and Advice to Brides on How to Save Money!

Dresses range in price from $170 to $450. Some designers offer discounts based on the number of girls in the wedding party.

“We offer some simple, beautiful bridal gowns that are $1,000 or less. If a bride is looking for something chic and elegant, there are options out there that are well made and affordable.



Bella Bridesmaid, 465 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA
Website:www.bellabridesmaid.com

Phone Number: (408)399-4649
Office Hours By Appointment: Tues to Friday, 11am to 7pm, Sat/Sun 10am to 6pm

"A" is for Artisan Chocolates

DIANA PHILLIPS ARTISAN CHOCOLATES

Diana Philips is the Owner and Creative Director of Diana Phillips Artisan Chocolates.



About Diana Phillips

Diana attended Ecole LeNotre, just outside Paris. Other famous alums are Alice Medrich and Pierre Hermes of Paris. She also apprenticed with Christopher Elbow for a short stint. She belongs to ABC, SMARTY, and SOS. She has been featured in Riviera Magazine, Orange Coast Magazine, Coast Magazine, the LA Times, OC Register, Brides and Bloom, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.

How She Got Started

Diana was a Creative Director in advertising, working in Italy. One of their clients was Perugian. She was based in Milan, which is very close to Turin, home of some of Italy's great chocolate makers. She has had her own business for two and a half years now.



Diana loves everything about her job, "Since I come from a creative background, most everything I do has a custom quality to it. So I love concepting with my clients to create a product that’s completely theirs. Whether it’s the hand-painted finish, or the flavor infusion, or the packaging, or the presentation. When my team is at work, we crank up the music and put all our passion into our work, so all that joy comes through in our products. Just as in 'Like Water for Chocolate'."

Her partner is a sculptor, enabling her to do all the custom molds she does. Besides her studio team which varies in number, she also has a marketing guru, an accountant, a graphic designer and business mentor.

Her company's mission statment is the same as her personal philosophy:
"Our Mission is to Share-

Exquisite hand-made-from-the-heart chocolate and all the sustenance of life:
Joy, Creativity, Beauty, Prosperity, Food, Laughter, Ideas, and Gratitude.

To our customers, our collaborators, our vendors, our family, our friends, our world."

Artistic Vision and Influences



"I am an artisan. I take that word literally in each and every aspect of my work. We want to leave the world a happier and more beautiful place as a result of the experience of collaborating with us."

She is influenced by fashion, sculpture, architecture, nature, wallpaper, paper designs, graphics, color trends, floral trends, health and nutrition, organic farming, local growers' beautiful produce, FOOD FOOD FOOD, and artisanal craftspeople of all kinds.



Most Popular Flavors and Trends

Popular flavors are as varied as her clients. Her most popular is a collection of Sea Salt Caramels. She uses a salt from Bali that’s kind of floral, a red salt from Hawaii that has a completely different mineral content and then a salt from the Isle of Cypress that has a beautiful pyramid shaped crystal that manages to hold it’s shape once it’s incorporated into the caramel so there’s little crunch as the caramel melts.

"I have a local CSA, and one day I received a basketful of rosemary and grapefruit. I puzzled over what do with these ingredients and tried a granita – which was delicious. It was so fresh and alive that I wanted to take it into a chocolate format, so I ended up creating a rosemary spiked grapefruit caramel I pair with white chocolate. The sweetness of the chocolate is a perfect foil for the tart citrus, and woodsy herb. I also have a Meyer Lemon and Thyme white chocolate ganache that has some of those properties."

The trends in general that she's paying attention to are the attention to detail and the joy of celebrating the individual. Save the date and engagements are now being celebrated,"I’m such a fan of how these events are being expressed and adding more depth and insights into each union. Let the good times roll! Even though couples may have to be more cognizant of budgets, creativity is alive and healthy."



Diana's Favorite...and Most Unusual Experiences

"One of my favorites was for a fund-raising gala where a great performer was donating a performance. As a backdrop for the dessert bar, we designed a series of 3’ x 2’ chocolate base relief portraits of the guest performer that were broken with mallets at the post-party and eaten."

Diana says one of her most unusual experiences was when,"I had a gorgeous couple that were both graduating with PHD’s from Harvard. The bride wanted to represent her Persian heritage and palate while the groom was faithful to his Hispanic roots. We had tastings that ranged from rose, pomagranate, cardamom orange blossom and saffron to chili pineapple, mango, cinnamon dulce de leche and pumpkin seed."

Diana's Advice to Brides on How to Save Money!.
"Really think things through. And trust the professionals you hire."



dianaphillipschocolates.com
dianaphillipschocoaltes.com/blog

Phone Number:310-795-0447

A Modern Art Museum Wedding in Santa Clara

I love clients who know how to have FUN! Alice and Steve were some of the best clients I've ever had, and their wedding was a real party!

Instead of clanking glasses with a fork to get the bride and groom to kiss, their guests had to sing karaoke songs to get the bride and groom to kiss.




One part of my job that I really love is working on escort card displays. Here, the bride chose these cute champagne buckets and we filled them with yummy jelly beans that I purchased wholesale. Candy can be really expensive, especially when creating a candy display. Be sure you have a professional wedding consultant working for you, to ensure you get the best prices around. Another note about escort cards is that you need to allow plenty of time for your planner to get this organized in advance. Alphabetizing escort cards or place cards on the day of the wedding is not fun for anyone!!! Try to get the entire seating plan finalized AT LEAST a week in advance of your wedding, to save headache.






Instead of a traditional guest book, Alice and I came up with this fun idea. An interactive guest book, which is actually a blank canvas that an artistic friend drew the images of the happy couple onto. Guests then used the paint and brushes my team set out to fill in grids on the canvas. The end result was a piece of art the couple can hang on their wall at home!



All photos courtesy of Jerry Yoon

Love,
The Soup Maven