Ever want to be in a movie?
November 30, 2009 at 9:26 pm | Posted in video | 3 CommentsTags: cinema, stillmotion, video
photo StillMotion
Alan + Marianne’s highlights video // Vancouver BC stillmotion
Watch it. This video is AMAZING… I’ve probably watched this video about 15 million times and I about cry each time. We know that photography is very important on your wedding day. After all, when the day is done and over with you’ll only have your photos and memories to review. Am I right? WRONG! I think having a good video of your moments is just as important! And, if done right it can be just as magical as the day itself.
Stillmotion is a team based in Canada…and they are really THE BEST in wedding cinematography. Your wedding turns into a miniature movie itself…starring you! They get booked for only a handful of weddings every year and fly world wide to shoot them. They do videos, photos, and even teach workshops. Seriously they are SO talented. Can I worship them? If you watch the video I won’t have to explain any further. So watch it. watch it! Did I say watch it?!
They have various packages from the bare minimum to the full out shabaaang! I suggest if you’re going to spend the big bucks on Stillmotion at least get The Complete Package (which we opted for) with the highlights, main feature edit, and speeches included. You want them to work their magic all day long and present it to you in a wonderful package. 
I had to do quite a bit of convincing to Mr. M for us to book StillMotion. He was skeptical at first, but after me taping his eyelids open and putting him in front of the computer for about an hour.. he is now very pleased for them to be attending our wedding. *tee hee* All of our lucky guests will be able to share in the experience with us! Horraaay!
Feather Wraps: On my way to Old Hollywood!
November 13, 2009 at 5:56 pm | Posted in accessories | 4 CommentsTags: capelet, feather, wrap
So…I’ve seen some photos of ladies wearing feather wraps and I looove them. Seriously, I lurves them. *snuggles with bolero wrap* They really feel like old vintage glam. No explanation necessary. Just take a look.
inspiration
I know what you’re thinking. ”Of course it looks like vintage glam you idiot, the photo is taken in the 30′s or some ish.”
Ok ok, how about modern day boleros?
jenny packham
I love the grey; it’s very unexpected. I’ve even seen black capelets- very dramatic. But, I fear that it may be a tad difficult to pull off depending on what color your dress is. How about something a little more white.
white feather capelet
So in order to complete the look, ,let’s combine the ingredients. Jenny Packham slinky gown + Ostrich feather wrap = Ultra Old Hollywood Glam.
Won’t know the final outcome until I actually try all the pieces together…so fingers crossed! I’ll probably go with the more understated wrap…not trying to have PETA on me. :)
Venue stalking.. I mean hunting…I mean booking.
November 10, 2009 at 10:33 pm | Posted in reception, venue | 5 CommentsTags: dinner, mandarin, reception, venue
One of the first things a couple should reserve is the venue. Whether it be a restaurant, antique mansion, hotel, or banquet hall be sure to book your place a year in advance to ensure you get the date that you want. Now, if you are highly obsessive and anxiety-prone like I am you’ll reserve you’re venue within 57 seconds of being engaged. Not that I suggest that to anyone, but do research and grab up your places quickly!
There were a couple places that Mr. M and I considered for the venue. We narrowed it down to two choices. It was either going to be at the Ritz Carlton or Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC. After careful deliberation (two nights and a discussion after breakfast), we decided to go with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for a number of reasons. First being, Mr. M and I had a few romantic dinners in the Mandarin so it was nostalgic for us. We loved the Asian-inspired decor and the atmosphere was very warm and inviting. There are walkways out to the garden where the river can be seen- muy romantico. Secondly, The Ritz -although lavish and luxurious it may be, can be cold and unwelcoming at times. We wanted all of our guests to feel at home. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel combined five star service with a warm and romantic environment all of our guests could relate to.
photo courtesy of mandarin oriental
The hotel has a number of ballrooms. Our ballroom is the Oriental Ballroom (the name choice is shocking, I know) … which is beautiful as it is. But of course, it will still be redecorated. The wedding coordinator Michael showed me photos of previous weddings they hosted. After the walls were draped in ivory sheer silk (which we opted for as well)….this magical wonderland emerged:
oriental ballroom
I won’t spoil ALLLL of the surprises…but hopefully with our color and decor changes the wedding will be just as beautiful as their previous events. Lord knows it will be just as special with Mr. M by my side.
Ready.. Set… I’m READY!
November 8, 2009 at 6:55 pm | Posted in General, paper, planning | 2 CommentsTags: organize, paper, planning
You know, when soldiers go off to battle they have a backpack full of gadgets and things to keep them well prepared. They’ve got guns, mini-tents, water canteens, and tasers to attack the enemy. Well, in the bridal industry… we brides and bride-to-bes need to be well prepared too! We’ve got to be well armed with glitter pens, post-it stickies, and photo-clippings!
I have a few suggestions on how to keep yourself organized as you reach out to different vendors. Aside from the obvious giant wedding planning book you can get at your local book store, here are a couple extra items you can get.
1) A media storage box to hold clippings from favorite magazines, photos, and other memorabilia. I found this box at the Container Store. As you start hunting for ideas and themes you can throw them in the box to refer back to them later. It really does help solidify all the different inspirations you’ll encounter along the way. I’ve thrown fabric swatches, ribbons, photos, and clippings in here. And, given my goldfish-like memory it’s proven to be very useful!
2) A notebook journal that you can carry with you to vendors. It is helpful to jot down bits of information during the meetings. Here you can scribble down contact information, draw out plans for projects, and write down questions you’ll need to ask while you’re at your meetings.
3) A binder for a master list of vendor payment tracking. I created this Excel document for tracking payments and due dates with all vendors I am working with. The tabs are for the original contracts that were signed. This way you can easily go back and see where you’re at as far as bookings.
4) An organizing accordion that you can create your own tabbed dividers in. This is one of the most useful items to have while planning a wedding. Here you can toss in miscellaneous papers, contract copies, brochures, and photos into each specific category. Go to your local Michaels or Staples and pick up an accordion that suits your style. Then pick up about 20 colorful folders. You can use a label maker or print out labels from your computer. To help you get started, I’ve made a list of the tabs that I used in my accordion.
Overall Planning, Budget, Bridal Party, Musicians- Ceremony, Ceremony, Rehearsal Dinner, Reception, Music- Reception, Caterer, Florist, Decorations, Videographer, Photographer, Cake, Paper Needs, Invites, Bride Attire, Groom Attire, Favors, Gifts, Guest Hotel, Dance Lessons, Travel, Honeymoon
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- accordion
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- dividers
I know.. I’m a liiiiiitle OCD when it comes to being organized. But, it proves to be very helpful! I didn’t figure out these things when I first started planning and I could have made my life so much easier! Now you have the tools you need to get started! And, more importantly you won’t pull out as much of your hair as I did!
Bridal Gown.. Take two.
November 6, 2009 at 9:49 pm | Posted in dresses | 4 CommentsTags: belt, dresses
Ok, I know… I’m a little obsessed with dresses. But, what girl isn’t? The more gowns the merrier, right? Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for brides to change into reception dresses at the end of the night. Moreover, many cultural weddings have multiple dress changes throughout the evening. Given that Mr. Manolo is Chinese and I myself am Vietnamese, we have decided to honor our cultures by wearing their respective traditional outfits.
Let me break it down for ya’ll. Exhibit A: my bridal changing timeline (*avatars may vary to actual gowns and colors available, additional restrictions apply*)
exhibit A
We’ve already reviewed the reception dress- the lovely Jenny Packham Sabine. But there’s something a little more special…. something a little more important. I skipped over THE BIG kahuna. Ya’ll know what I’m talking about- the ceremony gown. The gown that I’ll be walking down the aisle in.
*DRUM ROLL PLEASE* duhn duhn duh duh DAAa.. *CYMBAL*
May I present the french tulle ballgown designed by Vera Wang.
vera
The entire gown is made of french tulle, which is a tad lighter and flowy-er (sp?) than regular tulle. The sash of course can be changed into any color…but I think I may forgo the sash altogether. The gown was ordered months ago and takes about 4-6 months to make. So, around February I’ll be expecting a large stork to bring my baby home to me.
As far as the sash goes, I am looking into Jennifer Behr. She makes gaa gaaa goOOORgeeeeous crystal encrusted belts. Although the sizes may be standard you may custom order their belts if need be.
encrusted crystal on satin belt
ten strand crystal belt
chunky crystal satin belt
Not sure which one I’m going to go with yet… they’re all so beautiful! But definitely will go for a black satin ribbon to tie in the old Hollywood Glam feel (again no pun intended). Will update on the belt later.
I know. Four dresses… times three fittings each.. times one psychotic crazy bride = one very stressed out Mr. M.
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