A New Twist on Bridal Registry

Janel Conlan, owner of Focus Photography Inc. has come up with such a great concept! For those of you who may not need Le Creuset Cookware and Pottery Barn bath towels, have your guests give you the gift of memories that will last forever! Janel's attention to detail and love for photography make for some amazing photos. Her photos speak for themselves www.focusphotoinc.com.

NEW YEARS SPECIAL!

WILDFLOWER Linens

Wildflower Linens was created by Youngsong Martin and is one of my favorite linen companies.
As a former fashion designer, Youngsong has infused her linen collections with rich colors, textures and patterns. She has been able to turn table linens into designer pieces. Their selection of linens is out of this world and they have something for every one and every budget.

Another Genius Product by C&M

You know that we love to entertain here at C&M...

If you are anything like us, then you'll love some flowers on the table to make an even prettier presentation. And whilst vases are a dime a dozen, this is quite the exception. A super slim aluminum vase held in place by a super thin magnet plate hidden under a table cloth, all you need to do is arrange them nicely, add some flowers and you are done. As you can see they make a stunning presentation and the best part, they come in a set of 5!

Check us out at out at http://www.charlesandmarie.com/

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2009 Bridal Collection

Denny White Music

Denny White has been bringing a classy vibe to weddings and events for the past several years with his jazz pop vocalist/pianist sound . With Influences from Michael Buble, the Beatles, to Coldplay he is the perfect addition to your wedding or event. Available for ceremonies, cocktail hour, or your reception, he will make any wedding a memorable experience at an affordable cost.

For more information regarding booking and pricing please contact Denny at: dennywhitemusic@yahoo.com or call 714. 625.6463

You can hear music at www.myspace.com/dennywhitemusic

Denny White Music 970 Valencia #1 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 P 714.625.6463 F 949-250-8555 www.myspace.com/dennywhitemusic

Bloomingdales Registry Rocks!

Bear Flag Fish Co. Now Catering!

If you are looking to lighten things up this holiday season try
Bear Flag, located in Newport Beach on the peninsula. Their
Poke, Ceviche and Fish Tacos are to die for! They also have a
great pastry chef on hand so make sure to see what kind of deserts
they can fish up for you.

The Dresser: Bridal Couture

The Dresser is located in the heart of Historic District in Fullerton. It is a quaint bridal boutique with tons of character and a great selection of couture bridal gowns. The Dresser stylists work individually with brides to help them choose the dress of their dreams with a personal touch! They have great customer service which is key for me!! You will definitely be in good hands.

The Dresser: Bridal Couture
112-A West Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton, CA
714.870.7101
info@thedresseronline.com
http://www.thedresseronline.com/

Perfect Pre Wedding Workout!

BIKRAM YOGA

BIKRAM YOGA also known as HOT YOGA is a great way to get your mind and body in shape before your big day.

Bikram yoga is a challenging series of 26 postures (asanas) and 2 breathing exercises practiced in a heated room, suitable for all ages and ability levels. The postures stretch and strengthen specific muscles, ligaments and joints needed for the next posture. Heat warms the muscles, prevents injuries, increases circulation to facilitate the body’s natural ability to heal and allows a deeper workout. Heat cleanses the body by flushing toxins.

It is personally one of my favorite workouts and it is definitely worth trying. Not everyone is a fan of the heat but trust me you get used to it! Just make sure you were light clothing and drink plenty of water before you go!

You can find bikram yoga studios in your area by visiting http://www.bikramyoga.com/.

Here are a few studios in the Orange County area:

Huntington Beach Hot Yoga: http://www.huntingtonbeachhotyoga.com/

Bikram Yoga Costa Mesa: http://www.bikramyoganewportmesa.com/

Bikram Yoga Laguna Beach: http://www.bikramyogalaguna.com/

Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 20th Anniversary at South Coast

Greer's SPECIAL DELIVERY:

This holiday season, wishing upon a star takes on new meaning at South Coast Plaza. The mecca of shopping is celebrating Tiffany & Co.’s 20th anniversary at South Coast Plaza with a special gift with purchase: a crystal Tiffany & Co. “Star Bowl” wrapped in that iconic Tiffany Blue Box®.

Present $800 or more in same-day receipts for purchases made December 5-13, 2008 at any South Coast Plaza boutique or restaurant and the gift is yours to keep or to gift for the holiday season. This is one time where re-gifting is allowed!

The Tiffany bowl is available at all South Coast Plaza concierge locations. Just remember: one gift per person, per day, while supplies last.

For more information, visit http://www.southcoastplaza.com/ or telephone (714) 435-8571. South Coast Plaza is located in Orange County, California in the city of Costa Mesa.

To subscribe to Greer's OC please visit http://greersoc.com/sign-up/. It is a great way to find out the lastest and greatest in the OC!

Giving Thanks

It is always good to reflect during this time of year what you are thankful for. Especially, if you are busy planning your wedding and stressing about your long list of to do's. This Thanksgiving make sure you take time to reflect on what is really important, which is your love and committment for one another.

I am thankful for many things but this year has been filled with change, challenge and success so I am thankful for the strength and support my friends and family have given me.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!

A Hidden Treasure

The Casa Pazamor is a perfect spot for an intimate wedding or event. Designed by Wallace Neff in 1928, this historic bayfront villa stands "head & shoulders" above its neighbors as the Peninsula Point's tallest home, commanding 360 degree views of Newport Harbor and the Pacific. Among California's most enchanting settings, Pazamor's location, design and craftsmanship evoke a bygone era of romance, glamour, and idyllic elegance.

You can contact Lisa Fehmer at www.occoncierge.net for more information.

Lounge Appeal

If you are looking for a more urban, chic, modern feel to your wedding or event try renting lounge furniture. Lounge Appeal rents high quality lounge furniture for weddings & special events. They are currently running a special in Orange County and LA. Recieve 15% discount off of their retail price rentals. Please refer to code LA15 when placing an order. So get ready to take your event to the next level. Give it some Lounge Appeal! 888-229 9990 http://www.loungeappeal.com/

The Wedding Trainer: Tip of The Month

The holiday season is here! The average American gains 10-15lbs. during this time of year (Nov-Jan). How are you going to prevent yourself from becoming part of this statistic? Come up with a plan and start implementing it now! For example, add an extra day or two of workouts to your week or do extra cardio for the next few months. You can also journal your food, writing down what you ate and the amount of calories it contained, this can help you become aware of exactly how much you are consuming. Before attending a holiday party, eat a health conscious meal so that when you arrive you can skip over the appetizers and just mingle with your friends. If you choose to partake in having appetizers or food at a holiday party, only make one trip to the appetizer table and just remember to use portion control!

Fruit of the month: Grapefruit
Vegetable of the month: Winter Squash

These fruits and vegetables are in season during November which means they have the best flavor and should be cheaper to buy. Using fruits and vegetables that are in season will keep you from getting bored with your food. Be creative with your cooking and try to use these fruits and vegetables in your meals in different ways.

Great Bridesmaids Gift Idea

Many brides struggle to find the right gift to give to their bridesmaids. I came across these modern, sophisticated beach style totes which are a great gift idea. Halsea also offers a wide selection of travel essentials from wallets to roller bags. These items are available in three coordinating prints, and a total of six color options. To view the collection please visit http://www.halsea.com/

You can visit the Halsea Shop at 409 31st Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660 or contact Sally at sally@halsea.com for more information.

Ashley and Robert's Wedding 10.4.08

Hands down Ashley and Robert were one of the best couples to work with. They are genuine, funny and not to mention FUN!! Ashley is a native of Orange County and Robert's roots lie in Kentucky so needless to say the wedding was an absolute blast! I wish them nothing but the best in their new life together. Enjoy the beautiful pictures by Cakes and Kisses.

The Who's Who:

Reception: Balboa Pavillion

Ceremony: Community Church Corona Del Mar

DJ & Lighting: Atmostphere Entertainment
Flowers: Flower Allie

Photographer: Cakes and Kisses

Cupcakes: Rockwells Creative Cakes

Invitations: Paper Monkey

Hair & Makeup: I Do! Hair & Makeup

Dress: Saks Fifth - Kenneth Pool

Transporation: Lake Forest Limo

Atmosphere Entertainment

Atmosphere Entertainment has been providing outstanding Entertainment since 1995. They specialize in making your event one to remember. From high impact lighting to subtle ambience, their staff has the experience to make your event a success. They offer DJ's to suit any style and keep the focus of the event where it should be; on you and your guests.

Here are some of my favorite first dance songs...

At Last - Eta James
Forever - Ben Harper
Song Bird - Eva Cassidy
This Years Love - David Grey
You Belong To Me - The Duprees
Always and Forever - Heatwave
You Are The Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
Someone Like You - Van Morrison
Faithfully - Journey
By Your Side - Sade

Great Gifts That Give Back

I can not think of a better gift than one that gives back, can you?

HOPE WINE was created to help raise money and spread awareness for numerous causes that affect millions of people around the world. They were hard pressed to find a product that warrants the HOPE brand more than wine because so often wine is shared with family and friends that we love and care about.

Although they donate 50% of their profits to great causes there is no drop off in the quality and value of our wine. Their wines have been appreciated by a wide range of drinkers; from novice drinkers to sommeliers. Each varietal was designed and blended to be easy drinking, and approachable with a clean finish.

Currently, Hope Wine is offering five Varietals:

Chardonnay - Breast Cancer

Merlot - Aids

Cabernet Sauvingon - Autism

Zinfandel - Support Our Troops

Sauvingon Blanc - Saving Our Planet

Check out http://www.hopewine.com/ to order your wine today!

Custom Couture Invitations

Rock Paper Scissor has come out with a new line of invitations which are custom and made with the finest papers, printing, and embellishments to create them. Rachel Baker's invitation gallery speaks for itself so please check it out at www.rockpaperscissorsdesign.com.

THE WEDDING TRAINER

Tip of the month from THE WEDDING TRAINER:

Set short term and long term nutrition and fitness goals to work towards living a healthier lifestyle. Each month set two measurable goals, one nutrition goal and one fitness goal. Here are some examples of a long term measurable goals: eat at least one more vegetable and one more fruit a day, record your calories each day to see how many calories you are consuming, add one more day of cardio and lifting each week, increase your cardio from 20 minutes to 30 minutes each workout. If setting a goal for one month is hard for you to follow, set a goal for each week so that at the end of four weeks you will meet your goal for the month! If you can set and meet your goals each month you will gradually work your way towards living a healthier lifestyle and not just making short term changes but changes that will last a lifetime.

Fruit of the month: Apple
Vegetable of the month: Pumpkin

These fruits and vegetables are in season during October which means they have the best flavor and should be cheaper to buy. Using fruits and vegetables that are in season will keep you from getting bored with your food. Be creative with your cooking and try to use these fruits and vegetables in your meals in different ways.

Chuao Chocolatier (pronounced chew-WOW) is the first Venezuelan Chocolatier based in the United States and Southern California’s premier artisan chocolatier.

Founded in 2002, Chuao Chocolatier is pioneering “fusion chocolate” through a commitment to creating unusual, unexpected and delicious flavors using their secret blend of premium chocolate and fresh natural ingredients.

I have to say the "firecracker" is one of my favorites. Just think of poprocks combined with the best chocolate ever! It has also been featured on The Food Network and Everyday with Rachael Ray. This would be a great favor for any wedding or event.

Favor Boxes

Paper Source is for the do it yourself bride! They have the best wedding stationary line I have ever seen. With so much variety you can not go wrong. These favor boxes in particular are fantastic and come in four different shapes; take-out, pillow, favor and pyramid boxes. Boxes are sold in packs of 5 and range from $4.00-$6.50 per set.

Spice it up with a Signature Drink!

I love the idea of a "Signature Drink" at a reception or event. It is a nice way to spice things up while adding to your theme or decor. Here are a few inpirational drinks featured in InStyle Weddings.

Kir Royale

½ oz. Chambord

4 ½ oz. brut champagne or sparkling wine, chilled

Pour Chambord into flute glass and top with champagne. For an optional garnish place partially split seedless red grape on rim.

Blood Orange Martini

3 oz. Charbay blood-orange vodka

1 oz. Cointreau 1 oz. blood-orange juice

Combine ingredients in shaker filled with ice; shake well. Strain into chilled martini glass. If desired, garnish with orange twist or blood-orange slice.

White Orchid

2 oz. vodka

2 tbsp white-cranberry juice

1 tbsp triple sec1 tbsp lime juice

Combine ingredients in shaker filled with ice; shake well. Strain into chilled martini glass. Place small orchid on rim as optional garnish.

A Bridesmaid Dress You Can Actually Wear Again!

I know it is a miracle...don't worry you can thank me later. I can not tell you how many of my bridesmaid dresses have gone in the dumpster. I know it is a hard decision for the bride to pick out a dress that looks good on everyone, so please know I am not blaming you but now you have no excuse! Ariane Goldman, owner and founder of Two Birds Bridesmaid came up with the most genius bridesmaid dress design of all times. It is one dress you can wear over ten different ways. The fabric is gorgeous and comes in 13 different colors, not to mention the price is right.

Talk about Eco Friendly!

There is no better way to start saving the earth then with your wedding invitations! I love Oslo Press's wood invitations. Very Eco-Chic!

What's in SEASON?

I found this article in the knot and thought it was a great break down of flowers for this fall wedding season!

September
Hydrangea: blue, green, white
Rose: white, red, pink, yellow
Dahlia: yellow, orange, red, brown
Sunflower: yellow and brown
Black-eyed Susan: yellow and brown
Coreopsis: yellow

October
Amaranthus: orange, brown, gold
Chrysanthemum: gold, orange, white, redAster: white, purple
Fall leaves: Poplar, Sycamore, Oak, Elm, Maple

November
Wheat Wax flower: white, pink, purple
Orchid (in Hawaii): yellow, white, green
Stephanotis: white Anthurium (in Hawaii): white, red, green, orange

Waxy, Waxy

RS. Wax Co. specializes in wax luminaries which can be used for all types of weddings and events. The luminaries come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and you can even customize your own logo on them. I also love the fact that the owner named the company after his wife (yes I am a sap but then again it serves me well in my profession).

Name Cards vs. Seating Chart

I came across this great idea through Paper Monkey Invites and I had to share it. I personally think Seating Charts win. What a great idea!!!

Get Your Dose of Daily Candy

This is possibly one of the best online newsletters around. I am a dedicated reader and wanted to share it with all of you. The thing I love about it, is no one can pay for a feature so it is totally unbiased. I have found some really great ideas from weddings to personal stylists to makeup secrets!

DailyCandy, a free daily e-mail newsletter and website, is the insider’s guide to what’s hot, new, and undiscovered — from fashion and style to gadgets and travel. As useful as it is entertaining, it’s like getting an e-mail from your clever, unpredictable, and totally in-the-know best friend. The one who knows about secret beauty treatments, must-have jeans, hot new restaurants — and always shares the scoop.

So what are you waiting for check them out and sign up today!

Happy 4th!

Celebrating Idependence Day is always a fun summer time event. I found some really cute decoration ideas you can make yourself from Martha Stewart. Here are just a few! My personal favorite are the cupcakes.

Wine Glasses Are Not Just For A Good Pinot

I came across this great versatile and inexpensive centerpiece idea which could accent any type of style. Use a wine glass as a tealight or LED tealight holder, place a mini lamp shade on top and voila you have a decoration piece for any wedding or event.

Check out Charles & Marie a great online store with tons of great ideas and really cool lampshades!

Welcome to LVL Events Wedding and Events Blog!

The reason I decided to pursue event planning is because assisting my clients plan on of the most memorable days of their lives brings me true happiness. I remember someone once telling me if you love what you do then you will never have to work a day in your life and that is how I feel! I wanted to be able to share my passion for events with you so I decided to start my own blog. From my favorite color palette to my favorite party favor, I will be sharing different facets of planning your dream wedding or event. I hope you enjoy and look forward to hearing your comments and feedback.

LVL Events Website is Live

LVL Events is now live! Thanks to Back Pocket Web Design my new and improved website now up and running. Amy Kenny, Owner of Back Pocket Design has been such a pleasure to work with. I wanted to make sure to share with you how amazing she is because it is really hard to find a good web designer who really listens to you. I hope you enjoy my webiste and look forward to hearing your comments.